Phytochemistry and cardiovascular protective effects of Huang-Qi (Astragali Radix)

Astragalus mongholicus Bunge extract improves ulcerative colitis by promoting PLCB2 to inhibit colonic epithelial cell pyroptosis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Astragalus mongholicus Bunge (AM) and its active ingredients are mainly used for anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant, immune regulation, cardiovascular and nervous system protection, anti-cancer, anti-tumor and so on.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To explore the Astragalus mongholicus Bunge extract pharmacological mechanisms and biology processes which improves ulcerative colitis (UC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC models in C57BL/6 mice were established, and the mice were treated with Astragalus mongholicus Bunge extract or salazosulfapyridine (SASP). DSS-induced mice- and human-derived colonic epithelial cell lines were used to reveal the inflammatory environment of UC. After treatment with Astragalus mongholicus Bunge extract, the expression of phospholipase C-β 2 (PLCB2) in the cells was detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and cell proliferative activity was detected by cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) assay. Finally, the levels of pyroptosis-related inflammatory factors in cell culture supernatants was detected by ELISA.

RESULTS

Treatment of UC mice with Astragalus mongholicus Bunge extract do significantly improved DAI scores and histopathological damage scores, and decreased the levels of Eotaxin, GCSF, KC, MCP-1, TNF-α, and IL-6. Besides, Astragalus mongholicus Bunge extract inhibited the expression of nucleotide-binding oligomerization segment-like receptor family 3 (NLRP3), cleaved Caspase-1, and GSDMD-N in the colonic tissues, and reduced the levels of inflammation-related factors IL-1β and IL-18 in serum and tissues. In vitro, Astragalus mongholicus Bunge extract partially reversed the DSS-induced reduction of PLCB2 expression in CP-M030 and NCM460, promoted cell proliferative activity, and reduced the levels of IL-1β and IL-18.

CONCLUSIONS

In DDS-induced UC mice, Astragalus mongholicus Bunge extract improves ulcerative colitis by inhibiting colonic epithelial cell pyroptosis through PLCB2 promotion.

DDX5 promotes esophageal squamous cell carcinoma growth through sustaining VAV3 mRNA stability

Novel therapeutic targets and their inhibitors for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) prevention and therapy are urgently needed. This study aimed to investigate the function of DEAD-box helicase 5 (DDX5) in ESCC progression and to identify a promising inhibitor of DDX5. We verified that DDX5 was highly expressed in ESCC and played an oncogenic role, binding with vav guanine nucleotide exchange factor 3 (VAV3) mRNA and facilitating VAV3 mRNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification by interacting with the m6A methyltransferase 3 (METTL3). M6A-modified VAV3 mRNA was identified by insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF2BP1), increasing mRNA stability. Methylnissolin-3-β-D-O-glucoside (MD) inhibited ESCC progression through the DDX5-VAV3 axis. Our findings suggest that DDX5 promotes ESCC progression. MD inhibits ESCC progression by targeting DDX5.

Exploring the mechanism of luteolin improving immune and inflammatory responses in systemic sclerosis based on systems biology and cell experiments

There is a growing trend of applying traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat immune diseases. This study reveals the possible mechanism of luteolin, an active ingredient in the core prescription of TCM, in alleviating systemic sclerosis (SSc) inflammation. Bibliometrics was performed to retrieve the core keywords of SSc inflammation. The key inflammatory indicators in the serum samples of 50 SSc patients were detected by ELISA. Data mining was applied for correlation analysis, association rule analysis, and binary logistic regression analysis on the clinical indicators and medication of 50 SSc patients before and after treatment to determine the core prescription. Network pharmacology was used for identifying candidate genes and pathways; molecular docking was conducted to determine the core monomer components of the prescription, providing a basis for subsequent in vitro molecular mechanism research. The effect of luteolin on SSc-human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) viability and inflammatory factors was evaluated by means of ELISA, RT-PCR, and Western blot. The role of TNF in inflammation was explored by using a TNF overexpression vector, NF-κB inhibitor (PKM2), and SSc-HDF. The involvement of TNF/NF-κB pathway was validated by RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence. TCM treatment partially corrected the inflammatory changes in SSc patients, indicating its anti-inflammatory effects in the body. Atractylodes, Yam, Astragalus root, Poria cocos, Pinellia ternata, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Safflower, Cassia twig, and Angelica were identified as the core prescriptions for improving inflammatory indicators. Luteolin was the main active ingredient in the prescription and showed a strong binding energy with TNF and NF-κB. Luteolin exerted anti-inflammatory effects in vitro by reducing inflammatory cytokines in SSc-HDF and inhibiting the activation of TNF/NF-κB. Mechanistically, luteolin inhibited the activation of the TNF/NF-κB pathway in SSc-HDF, as manifested by an increase in extranuclear p-P65 and TNF but a decrease in intranuclear p-P65. Interestingly, the addition of PKM2 augmented the therapeutic function of luteolin against inflammation in SSc-HDF. Our study showed the TCM alleviates the inflammatory response of SSc by inhibiting the activation of the TNF/NF-κB pathway and is an effective therapeutic agent for the treatment of SSc.

Efficacy and safety of Tongxin formula after stent implantation for acute coronary syndrome: A multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to comprehensively evaluate both the efficacy and safety profile of integrating the Tongxin formula with optimal medical therapy (OMT) for patients experiencing acute coronary syndromes subsequent to coronary stenting, over the course of one year.

METHODS

We enrolled 150 patients diagnosed with acute coronary syndromes who had received stent placement within one month and exhibited a TCM syndrome characterized by Qi deficiency and blood stasis. This group comprised patients with unstable angina, non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. The participants were divided equally, allocating 75 to the Tongxin formula group and 75 to a placebo-controlled group. After undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) surgery, both groups received conventional Western medical care, including dual antiplatelet therapy and lipid-lowering medications. The placebo-controlled group received a placebo, while the Tongxin formula group were administered Tongxin formula granules orally. Both study cohorts were monitored for a duration of 6 months. The primary endpoints included the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events and the rate of lumen diameter reduction post-treatment in both groups, with the Seattle Angina Scale serving as a secondary assessment tool. Safety evaluations encompassed the measurement of liver and kidney function, coagulation parameters, and other relevant indicators.

RESULTS

The rate of adverse cardiovascular events in the placebo-controlled group was 42.46 % within a year of surgery, whereas it was 16.90 % in the Tongxin formula group (P < 0.05). Comparing the Tongxin formula group to the placebo-controlled group, there was a decrease in the frequency of unstable angina and readmission due to cardiovascular events (P < 0.05). Coronary angiography performed 6 months after surgery revealed that the Tongxin formula group had considerably less lumen loss than the placebo-controlled group in a number of segments, including the entire segment, within the stent, at the proximal end, and at the distal end (P < 0.05). Six months after surgery, the Seattle angina score was higher in the Tongxin formula group than in the placebo-controlled group (P < 0.05). There were no significant changes in indicators such as liver and renal function as well as coagulation indexes in both groups within the first 12 months after surgery (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Tongxin formula has been shown to lower the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events, minimize narrowing of blood vessel lumen, enhance clinical symptoms, and enhance the quality of life of patients following PCI surgery, all while maintaining a good safety profile.

Generation of a medicine food homology formula and its likely mechanism in treatment of microvascular angina

Microvascular angina (MVA) is the most common cause of cardiac ischemic chest pain in patients without obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) and lacks of effective treatment means. Medicine food homology (MFH) involves substances with both nutritional and medicinal qualities that have the potential to improve MVA symptoms as medicines, dietary supplements. However, research on MFH formula (MFHF) for MVA is not available. The study aims to generate a core MFHF for MVA through data mining and offer scientific backing for the utilization of edible medications in the prevention and alleviation of MVA. 11 databases were utilized to construct a database of MFH drugs, and the MFHF was generated through frequency analysis, association rule analysis, and clustering analysis. The composition of the formula is Codonopsis Radix, Astragali Radix, Platycodonis Radix, Persicae Semen, Glycyrrhizae Radix Et Rhizoma, Angelicae Sinensis Radix, and Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus. Through network pharmacology and molecular docking, we identified five major active components of MFHF: Adenosine, Nonanoic Acid, Lauric Acid, Caprylic Acid, and Enanthic Acid, along with nine core targets (NFKB1, ALB, AKT1, ACTB, TNF, IL6, ESR1, CASP3, and PTGS) for the improvement of MVA. These 5 active components have various biological activities, such as reducing oxidative stress, anti-inflammation, analgesia effect, inhibiting platelet aggregation, vasodilatation, vascular endothelial protection, and cardio-protection. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that MFHF mainly acted on the response to xenobiotic stimulus, integrative component of the plasma membrane, RNA polymerase II transcription factor activity, ligand-activated sequence-specific DNA binding, pathways in cancer, lipid and atherosclerosis, human cytomegalovirus infection, and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, which are the main pathogenesis of MVA.

A four-step biosynthetic pathway involving C-3 oxidation-reduction reactions from cycloastragenol to astragaloside IV in Astragalus membranaceus

Astragaloside IV is a significant chemical component derived from the medicinal plant Astragalus membranaceus. Despite the characterization of several glycosyltransferases from A. membranaceus, the complete biosynthetic pathway of astragaloside IV has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we propose a biosynthetic pathway for astragaloside IV that involves a sequence of oxidation-reduction reactions. The biosynthesis pathway from cycloastragenol to astragaloside IV encompasses four key steps: C-3 oxidation, 6-O-glucosylation, C-3 reduction, and 3-O-xylosylation. We identified a hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase AmHSD1 from A. membranaceus. AmHSD1 catalyzes the C-3 oxidation of cycloastragenol, yielding cycloastragenol-3-one, and the C-3 reduction of cycloastragenol-3-one-6-O-glucoside, resulting in cycloastragenol-6-O-glucoside. Additionally, the glycosyltransferases AmGT8 and AmGT1, previously reported by our groups, were identified as catalyzing the 6-O-glucosylation and 3-O-xylosylation steps, respectively. Astragaloside IV was successfully synthesized in transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana using the combination of AmHSD1, AmGT8 and AmGT1. These results support the proposed four-step biosynthetic pathway and suggest that AmHSD1 probably plays a crucial role in the biosynthesis of astragaloside IV within A. membranaceus.

Jianpi Qingre Tongluo Decoction exerted an anti-inflammatory effect on AS by inhibiting the NONHSAT227927.1/JAK2/STAT3 axis

Purpose

This study aims to determine whether Jianpi Qingre Tongluo Decoction (JQP) alleviates ankylosing spondylitis (AS) inflammation via the NONHSAT227927.1/JAK2/STAT3 axis.

Methods

The effect of JQP on immune-inflammatory indicators in AS patients was explored through a combination of data mining, association rule analysis, and random walk model evaluation. Subsequently, network pharmacology and molecular docking were performed to screen out the potential signaling pathway. ELISA, PCR and wb were used to evaluate the effect of JQP on AS-FLS activity and inflammatory factors. The role of NONHSAT227927.1/JAK2/STAT3 combination in inflammation was studied by editing NONHSAT227927.1 and adding the JAK2/STAT3 inhibitor AG490. Involvement of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway was detected by PCR, WB, or immunofluorescence analysis.

Results

Retrospective data mining results show that JQP can effectively reduce the immune inflammatory response in AS patients. Through network pharmacology and molecular docking, it is speculated that JQP exerts its effect on AS through the JAK2/STAT3 pathway. Overexpression of NONHSAT227927.1 activated the JAK2/STAT3 pathway and promoted the expression of inflammatory factors, while serum containing JQP reversed the effects of NONHSAT227927.1 overexpression. NONHSAT227927.1 silencing inhibits the proliferation of AS-FLSs, inhibits the levels of inflammatory factors, and reduces the expression of JAK2/STAT3 protein. After adding the pathway blocker AG490, it was observed that the cell viability of AS-FLSs was reduced by inflammatory factors and the levels of JAK2/STAT3 were inhibited. , and overexpression of NONHSAT227927.1 can reverse this trend.

Conclusions

JQP exerted an anti-inflammatory effect on AS by inhibiting the NONHSAT227927.1/JAK2/STAT3 axis.

Research Progress on the Anti-Cancer Effects of Astragalus membranaceus Saponins and Their Mechanisms of Action

Astragalus membranaceus saponins are the main components of A. membranaceus, a plant widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. Recently, research on the anti-cancer effects of A. membranaceus saponins has received increasing attention. Numerous in vitro and in vivo experimental data indicate that A. membranaceus saponins exhibit significant anti-cancer effects through multiple mechanisms, especially in inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and induction of apoptosis, etc. This review compiles relevant studies on the anti-cancer properties of A. membranaceus saponins from various databases over the past two decades. It introduces the mechanism of action of astragalosides, highlighting their therapeutic benefits in the management of cancer. Finally, the urgent problems in the research process are highlighted to promote A. membranaceus saponins as an effective drug against cancer.

Mechanism of Astragalus mongholicus Bunge ameliorating cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury: Based on network pharmacology analysis and experimental verification

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Astragalus mongholicus Bunge (AMB) is a herb with wide application in traditional Chinese medicine, exerting a wealth of pharmacological effects. AMB has been proven to have an evident therapeutic effect on ischemic cerebrovascular diseases, including cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI). However, the specific mechanism underlying AMB in CIRI remains unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to investigate the potential role of AMB in CIRI through a comprehensive approach of network pharmacology and in vivo experimental research.

METHODS

The intersection genes of drugs and diseases were obtained through analysis of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was created through the string website. Meanwhile, the gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis was carried out using R studio, and thereafter the key genes were screened. Then, the molecular docking prediction was made between the main active ingredients and target genes, and hub genes with high binding energy were obtained. In addition, molecular dynamic (MD) simulation was used to validate the result of molecular docking. Based on the results of network pharmacology, we used animal experiments to verify the predicted hub genes. First, the rat middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion (MACO/R) model was established and the effective dose of AMB in CIRI was determined by behavioral detection and 2,3,5-Triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Then the target proteins corresponding to the hub genes were measured by Western blot. Moreover, the level of neuronal death was measured using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Nissl staining.

RESULTS

Based on the analysis of the TCMSP database and GEO database, a total of 62 intersection target genes of diseases and drugs were obtained. The KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the therapeutic effect of AMB on CIRI might be realized through the advanced glycation endproduct-the receptor of advanced glycation endproduct (AGE-RAGE) signaling pathway in diabetic complications, nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and other pathways. Molecular docking results showed that the active ingredients of AMB had good binding potential with hub genes that included Prkcb, Ikbkb, Gsk3b, Fos and Rela. Animal experiments showed that AWE (60 g/kg) could alleviate CIRI by regulating the phosphorylation of PKCβ, IKKβ, GSK3β, c-Fos and NF-κB p65 proteins.

CONCLUSION

AMB exerts multi-target and multi-pathway effects against CIRI, and the underlying mechanism may be related to anti-apoptosis, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidative stress and inhibiting calcium overload.

New flavonoid and their anti-A549 cell activity from the bi-directional solid fermentation products of Astragalus membranaceus and Cordyceps kyushuensis

Astragalus membranaceus and Cordyceps kyushuensis were used to obtain Astragalus membranaceus-Cordyceps kyushuensis bi-directional solid fermentation products using the bi-directional solid fermentation technique. The fermentation products were isolated and purified to obtain 20 individual compounds, of which compound 1 was a novel isoflavane, and compounds 2, 3, and 4 were novel isoflavones, along with 16 known compounds. In vitro experiments demonstrated that compounds 4, 5, 8, 10, and 20 exhibited significant inhibitory activity against A549 lung cancer cells. Specifically, the IC50 value of the novel compound 4 was 53.4 μM, while the IC50 value of cordycepin was 9.0 μM.

Research status of pathogenesis of anxiety or depression after percutaneous coronary intervention and Traditional Chinese Medicine intervention

ETHNIC PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Anxiety or depression after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a common clinical disease. Currently, conventional pharmacotherapy primarily involves the administration of anxiolytic or antidepressant medications in conjunction with anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, and other cardiovascular drugs. However, challenges such as drug dependence, adverse reactions and related concerns persist in the treatment of this disease. Numerous pertinent studies have demonstrated that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) exhibits significant therapeutic efficacy and distinctive advantages in managing post-PCI anxiety or depression.

AIM OF THIS REVIEW

This review attempted to summarize the characteristics of TCM for treating anxiety or depression after PCI, including single Chinese herbs, Chinese medicine monomers, compound TCM prescriptions, TCM patented drugs, and other TCM-related treatment methods, focusing on the analysis of the relevant mechanism of TCM treatment of this disease.

METHODS

By searching the literature on treating anxiety or depression after PCI with TCM in PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, and other relevant databases, this review focuses on the latest research progress of TCM treatment of this disease.

RESULTS

In the treatment of anxiety or depression after PCI, TCM exerts significant pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-anxiety or anti-depression, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular protection, and neuroprotection, mainly by regulating the levels of related inflammatory factors, oxidative stress markers, neurotransmitter levels, and related signaling pathways. TCM has a good clinical effect in treating anxiety or depression after PCI with individualized treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

TCM has terrific potential and good prospects in the treatment of anxiety or depression after PCI. The main direction of future exploration is the study of the mechanism related to Chinese medicine monomers and the large sample clinical study related to compound TCM prescriptions.

Possible mechanism for the protective effect of active ingredients of astragalus membranaceus on diabetes nephropathy

Astragali Radix (AR), a common traditional Chinese medicinal herb, exhibits protective effects on diabetic nephropathy (DN) in extensive researches. Aticles focusing on AR in PubMed were collected and reviewed in order to summarize the latest pharmacological effects on DN. The action mechanisms for protectiving effects of AR were associated with regulation of anti-fibrosis, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidative stress, anti-podocyte apoptosis, restoration of mitochondrial function, restoration of endothelial function in diabetes nephropathy experimental models. Consequently, AR hold promise as potential novel therapeutics for the treatment of DN.

Potential therapeutic effects of traditional Chinese medicine in acute mountain sickness: pathogenesis, mechanisms and future directions

Background and objectives

Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a pathology with different symptoms in which the organism is not adapted to the environment that occurs under the special environment of high altitude. Its main mechanism is the organism's tissue damage caused by acute hypobaric hypoxia. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory focuses on the holistic concept. TCM has made remarkable achievements in the treatment of many mountain sicknesses. This review outlines the pathogenesis of AMS in modern and traditional medicine, the progress of animal models of AMS, and summarizes the therapeutic effects of TCM on AMS.

Methods

Using the keywords "traditional Chinese medicine," "herbal medicine," "acute mountain sickness," "high-altitude pulmonary edema," "high-altitude cerebral edema," "acute hypobaric hypoxia," and "high-altitude," all relevant TCM literature published up to November 2023 were collected from Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases, and the key information was analyzed.

Results

We systematically summarised the effects of acute hypobaric hypoxia on the tissues of the organism, the study of the methodology for the establishment of an animal model of AMS, and retrieved 18 proprietary Chinese medicines for the clinical treatment of AMS. The therapeutic principle of medicines is mainly invigorating qi, activating blood and removing stasis. The components of botanical drugs mainly include salidroside, ginsenoside Rg1, and tetrahydrocurcumin. The mechanism of action of TCM in the treatment of AMS is mainly through the regulation of HIF-1α/NF-κB signaling pathway, inhibition of inflammatory response and oxidative stress, and enhancement of energy metabolism.

Conclusion

The main pathogenesis of AMS is unclear. Still, TCM formulas and components have been used to treat AMS through multifaceted interventions, such as compound danshen drip pills, Huangqi Baihe granules, salidroside, and ginsenoside Rg1. These components generally exert anti-AMS pharmacological effects by inhibiting the expression of VEGF, concentration of MDA and pro-inflammatory factors, down-regulating NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway, and promoting SOD and Na + -K + -ATPase activities, which attenuates acute hypobaric hypoxia-induced tissue injury. This review comprehensively analyses the application of TCM in AMS and makes suggestions for more in-depth studies in the future, aiming to provide some ideas and insights for subsequent studies.

MaiJiTong granule attenuates atherosclerosis by reducing ferroptosis via activating STAT6-mediated inhibition of DMT1 and SOCS1/p53 pathways in LDLR-/- mice

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Atherosclerosis is the primary pathological basis of cardiovascular disease. Ferroptosis is a regulated form of cell death, a process of lipid peroxidation driven by iron, which can initiate and promote atherosclerosis. STAT6 is a signal transducer that shows a potential role in regulating ferroptosis, but, the exact role in ferroptosis during atherogenesis remains unclear. The Traditional Chinese Medicine Maijitong granule (MJT) is used for treating cardiovascular disease and shows a potential inhibitory effect on ferroptosis. However, the antiatherogenic effect and the underlying mechanism remain unclear. In this study, we determined the role of STAT6 in ferroptosis during atherogenesis, investigated the antiatherogenic effect of MJT, and determined whether its antiatherogenic effect was dependent on the inhibition of ferroptosis.

METHODS

8-week-old male LDLR-/- mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) at 1st and 10th week, respectively, to assess the preventive and therapeutic effects of MJT on atherosclerosis and ferroptosis. Simultaneously, the anti-ferroptotic effects and mechanism of MJT were determined by evaluating the expression of genes responsible for lipid peroxidation and iron metabolism. Subsequently, we reanalyzed microarray data in the GSE28117 obtained from cells after STAT6 knockdown or overexpression and analyzed the correlation between STAT6 and ferroptosis. Finally, the STAT6-/- mice were fed HFD and injected with AAV-PCSK9 to validate the role of STAT6 in ferroptosis during atherogenesis and revealed the antiatherogenic and anti-ferroptotic effect of MJT.

RESULTS

MJT attenuated atherosclerosis by reducing plaque lesion area and enhancing plaque stability in both preventive and therapeutic groups. MJT reduced inflammation via suppressing inflammatory cytokines and inhibited foam cell formation by lowering the LDL level and promoting ABCA1/G1-mediated lipid efflux. MJT ameliorated the ferroptosis by reducing lipid peroxidation and iron dysregulation during atherogenesis. Mechanistically, STAT6 negatively regulated ferroptosis by transcriptionally suppressing SOCS1/p53 and DMT1 pathways. MJT suppressed the DMT1 and SOCS1/p53 via stimulating STAT6 phosphorylation. In addition, STAT6 knockout exacerbated atherosclerosis and ferroptosis, which abolished the antiatherogenic and anti-ferroptotic effects of MJT.

CONCLUSION

STAT6 acts as a negative regulator of ferroptosis and atherosclerosis via transcriptionally suppressing DMT1 and SOCS1 expression and MJT attenuates atherosclerosis and ferroptosis by activating the STAT6-mediated inhibition of DMT1 and SOCS1/p53 pathways, which indicated that STAT6 acts a novel promising therapeutic target to ameliorate atherosclerosis by inhibiting ferroptosis and MJT can serve as a new therapy for atherosclerosis treatment.

Traditional Chinese medicine for gastric cancer: An evidence mapping

As a complementary and alternative therapy, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been playing a significant role in gastric cancer treatment. Data from individual systematic reviews have not been comprehensively summarized, and the relationship between certain interventions and outcomes are ill-defined. This study aimed to analyze the advantages of TCM interventions for gastric cancer by the method of evidence mapping. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Scientific Journals Database, and Wanfang Database for systematic reviews of TCM treating gastric cancer up to December 31, 2023. We used Excel, Endnote 20, and Python software for the analysis of incorporated studies. We assessed the quality of included SRs by AMSTAR-2 and performed evidence mapping including 89 SRs, 1648 RCTs and 122,902 patients, identifying 47 types of interventions and 39 types of outcomes. From a visual overview, we displayed that most SRs reported beneficial effects in improving short- and long-term survival, myelosuppression, and immune function, even though the quality of evidence was generally low. The benefits of Brucea javanica Oil Emulsion Injection, ShenQiFuZheng Injection, XiaoAiPing, Astragalus-Containing TCM and Guben Xiaoji Therapy were found the most solid in corresponding aspects. Our findings suggest that although more rigorous clinical trials and SRs are needed to identify the precise effectiveness, integrating such evidence into clinical care of gastric cancer is expected to be beneficial.

Treatment of peritoneal fibrosis: Therapeutic prospects of bioactive Agents from Astragalus membranaceus

Peritoneal dialysis is one of the renal replacement treatments for patients with end-stage renal disease. Peritoneal dialysis-related peritoneal fibrosis is a pathological change in peritoneal tissue of peritoneal dialysis patients with progressive, non-suppurative inflammation accompanied by fibrous tissue hyperplasia, resulting in damage to the original structure and function, leading to peritoneal function failure. Currently, there is no specific drug in the clinic. Therefore, it is necessary to find a drug with good effects and few adverse reactions. Astragalus membranaceus (AMS) is the dried root of the Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. AMS and its active ingredients play a significant role in anti-inflammation, anti-fibrosis, regulation of immune function and regulation of blood pressure. Studies have shown that it can alleviate peritoneal fibrosis by reducing inflammatory response, inhibiting oxidative stress, degrading extracellular matrix deposition, regulating apoptosis, and regulating Transforming Growth Factor-β. The author summarized the relationship between AMS and its active ingredients by referring to relevant literature at home and abroad, in order to provide some theoretical basis for further clinical research.

Exploring the Efficacy Enhancement Mechanism of Qixue Shuangbu prescription after TCM processing for treating chronic heart failure by regulating ERK/Bcl-2/Bax/Caspases-3 signaling pathway

Qixue Shuangbu prescription (QSP) has been used for the treatment of chronic heart failure (CHF) with remarkable curative effect. Processed QSP (PQSP) could significantly improve the treatment of CHF after traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) processing. This study elucidated the underlying efficacy enhancement mechanism of QSP after TCM processing for treating CHF in vitro and in vivo. The injury of rat cardiomyoblast H9c2 cells was induced by anoxia/reoxygenation to mimic CHF state in vitro. Sixty Sprague-Dawley rats were used to established CHF model by intraperitoneally injecting doxorubicin (the accumulative dose 15 mg/kg). Biochemical examinations were performed in serum and cellular supernatant, respectively. Cardiac functions and histopathological changes were evaluated in CHF model rats. The protein and mRNA levels of ERK1/2, Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase-3 were evaluated by Western blot and RT-PCR, respectively. All above results of low dose crude QSP-treated group (L-CQSP), high dose CQSP-treated group (H-CQSP), low dose PQSP-treated group (L-PQSP), high dose PQSP-treated group (H-PQSP) were compared to systematically explore correlations between TCM processing and the efficacy enhancement for treating CHF of PQSP. Compared with the model group, the L-CQSP group showed significant improvement in cardiac function at 8th weeks, while no significant improvement in cardiomyocyte apoptosis and fibrosis. Both H-CQSP, L-PQSP and H-PQSP exerted beneficial therapeutic effects in injured H9c2 cardiomyocytes and CHF model rats. L-PQSP and H-PQSP significantly increased cell viability and the activity of SOD, decreased the activities of LDH, MDA and NO, up-regulated the expression of ERK1/2 and Bcl-2, down-regulated the expression of Bax and Caspase-3 compared to the same dosage of CQSP. The efficacy enhancement mechanism of PQSP after TCM processing for treating CHF was directly related to the regulation of ERK/Bcl-2/Bax/Caspases-3 signaling pathway.

Integrated phenotypic, transcriptomics and metabolomics: growth status and metabolite accumulation pattern of medicinal materials at different harvest periods of Astragalus Membranaceus Mongholicus

BACKGROUND

Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus (Astragalus), acknowledged as a pivotal "One Root of Medicine and Food", boasts dual applications in both culinary and medicinal domains. The growth and metabolite accumulation of medicinal roots during the harvest period is intricately regulated by a transcriptional regulatory network. One key challenge is to accurately pinpoint the harvest date during the transition from conventional yield content of medicinal materials to high and to identify the core regulators governing such a critical transition. To solve this problem, we performed a correlation analysis of phenotypic, transcriptome, and metabolome dynamics during the harvesting of Astragalus roots.

RESULTS

First, our analysis identified stage-specific expression patterns for a significant proportion of the Astragalus root genes and unraveled the chronology of events that happen at the early and later stages of root harvest. Then, the results showed that different root developmental stages can be depicted by co-expressed genes of Astragalus. Moreover, we identified the key components and transcriptional regulation processes that determine root development during harvest. Furthermore, through correlating phenotypes, transcriptomes, and metabolomes at different harvesting periods, period D (Nov.6) was identified as the critical period of yield and flavonoid content increase, which is consistent with morphological and metabolic changes. In particular, we identified a flavonoid biosynthesis metabolite, isoliquiritigenin, as a core regulator of the synthesis of associated secondary metabolites in Astragalus. Further analyses and experiments showed that HMGCR, 4CL, CHS, and SQLE, along with its associated differentially expressed genes, induced conversion of metabolism processes, including the biosynthesis of isoflavones and triterpenoid saponins substances, thus leading to the transition to higher medicinal materials yield and active ingredient content.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this work will clarify the differences in the biosynthetic mechanism of astragaloside IV and calycosin 7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside accumulation between the four harvesting periods, which will guide the harvesting and production of Astragalus.

Exploring the effective compounds and potential mechanisms of Shengxian Decoction against coronary heart disease by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS and network pharmacology analysis

As a well-known classical Chinese medicine prescription, Shengxian Decoction (SXD) has been applied for a century to treat cardiovascular diseases, especially coronary heart disease (CHD), but the potentially effective compounds and underlying mechanisms remain unclear. With ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) and network pharmacology analysis, the potential effective compounds of SXD and their pharmacological mechanisms against CHD were identified and revealed. 57 effective compounds with favorable pharmacokinetic characteristics and biological activities were screened through UPLC-Q-TOF/MS analysis, database and literature mining, interacting with 96 CHD-related targets to support potential synergistic therapeutic actions. Systematic analysis of the PPI network and microarray data further revealed six core targets, including TNF, IL-1β, IL-6, TP53, VEGFA and PTGS2, which were mainly involved in fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, lipid and atherosclerosis, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway et al. Moreover, the proposed contribution indexes of effective compounds indicated these compounds, including isoferulic acid, quercetin, calycosin, ferulic acid, kaempferol, calycosin 7-O-glycoside, formononetin, astragaloside IV and saikosaponin D, as the core compounds of SXD. The molecular docking results confirmed that those core compound-target pairs exhibited strong binding energy. Furthermore, we validated that SXD significantly alleviated myocardial tissue injury in CHD rats and reversed H/R-induced decreases in H9c2 cell viability by attenuating the production of TNF, IL-6 and IL-1β, and reducing cardiomyocyte apoptosis via down-regulating the TP53, caspase3 and cytochrome C mRNA expression levels as well as caspase3, caspase9 and cytochrome C protein expression levels according to RT-qPCR and Western blot results. Our findings explained the pharmacological mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of SXD in the treatment of CHD, and laid a foundation for future basic and clinical research of SXD.

The potential of astragalus polysaccharide for treating diabetes and its action mechanism

Type 2 diabetes presents a significant global health burden and is frequently linked to serious clinical complications, including diabetic cardiomyopathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy. Astragalus polysaccharide (APS), extracted from Astragalus membranaceus, exhibits various biochemical and physiological effects. In recent years, a growing number of researchers have investigated the role of APS in glucose control and the treatment of diabetes and its complications in various diabetes models, positioning APS as a promising candidate for diabetes therapy. This review surveys the literature on APS from several databases over the past 20 years, detailing its mechanisms of action in preventing and treating diabetes mellitus. The findings indicate that APS can address diabetes by enhancing insulin resistance, modulating the immune system, protecting islet cells, and improving the intestinal microbiota. APS demonstrates positive pharmacological value and clinical potential in managing diabetic complications, including diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, cardiomyopathy, cognitive dysfunction, wound healing, and more. However, further research is necessary to explore APS's bioavailability, optimal dosage, and additional clinical evidence.

Ferroptosis Mediates Pulmonary Fibrosis: Implications for the Effect of Astragalus and Panax notoginseng Decoction

Objective

To investigate the mechanism through which Astragalus and Panax notoginseng decoction (APD) facilitates the treatment of ferroptosis-mediated pulmonary fibrosis.

Materials and Methods

First, the electromedical measurement systems were used to measure respiratory function in mice; the lungs were then collected for histological staining. Potential pharmacologic targets were predicted via network pharmacology. Finally, tests including immunohistochemistry, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and western blotting were used to evaluate the relative expression levels of collagen, transforming growth factor β, α-smooth muscle actin, hydroxyproline, and ferroptosis-related genes (GPX4, SLC7A11, ACSL4, and PTGS2) and candidates involved in the mediation of pathways associated with ferroptosis (Hif-1α and EGFR).

Results

APD prevented the occurrence of restrictive ventilation dysfunction induced by ferroptosis. Extracellular matrix and collagen fiber deposition were significantly reduced when the APD group compared with the model group; furthermore, ferroptosis was attenuated, expression of PTGS2 and ACSL4 increased, and expression of GPX4 and SLC7A11 decreased. In the APD group, the candidates related to the mediation of ferroptosis (Hif-1α and EGFR) decreased compared with the model group. Discussion and Conclusions. APD may ameliorate restrictive ventilatory dysfunction through the inhibition of ferroptosis. This was achieved through the attenuation of collagen deposition and inflammatory recruitment in pulmonary fibrosis. The underlying mechanisms might involve Hif-1α and EGFR.

Advances in research on the anti-tumor mechanism of Astragalus polysaccharides

The dry root of the soybean plant Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch) Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge) Hsiao or A. membranaceus (Fisch) Bge, Astragali Radix (AR) has a long medicinal history. Astragalus polysaccharide (APS), the natural macromolecule that exhibits immune regulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and other pharmacological activities, is an important active ingredient extracted from AR. Recently, APS has been increasingly used in cancer therapy owing to its anti-tumor ability as it prevents the progression of prostate, liver, cervical, ovarian, and non-small-cell lung cancer by suppressing tumor cell growth and invasion and enhancing apoptosis. In addition, APS enhances the sensitivity of tumors to antineoplastic agents and improves the body's immunity. This macromolecule has prospects for broad application in tumor therapy through various pathways. In this article, we present the latest progress in the research on the anti-tumor effects of APS and its underlying mechanisms, aiming to provide novel theoretical support and reference for its use in cancer therapy.

A review of using Traditional Chinese Medicine in the management of glaucoma and cataract

Traditional Chinese Medicine has a long history in ophthalmology in China. Over 250 kinds of Traditional Chinese Medicine have been recorded in ancient books for the management of eye diseases, which may provide an alternative or supplement to current ocular therapies. However, the core holistic philosophy of Traditional Chinese Medicine that makes it attractive can also hinder its understanding from a scientific perspective - in particular, determining true cause and effect. This review focused on how Traditional Chinese Medicine could be applied to two prevalent ocular diseases, glaucoma, and cataract. The literature on preclinical and clinical studies in both English and Chinese on the use of Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat these two diseases was reviewed. The pharmacological effects, safety profile, and drug-herb interaction of selected herbal formulas were also investigated. Finally, key considerations for conducting future Traditional Chinese Medicine studies are discussed.

Astragaloside IV inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition and pulmonary fibrosis via lncRNA-ATB/miR-200c/ZEB1 signaling pathway

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive lung disease involving multiple factors and genes. Astragaloside IV (ASV) is one of the main bioactive ingredients extracted from the root of Astragalus membranaceus, which plays an important role in anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and improve cardiopulmonary function. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key driver of the process of pulmonary fibrosis, and Zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) can promote pulmonary fibrosis in an EMT-dependent manner. Here, we found that ASV effectively inhibited the ZEB1 and EMT in both bleomycin (BLM)-induced rat pulmonary fibrosis and TGF-β1-treated A549 cells. To further elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying effects of ASV in IPF, we explored the truth using bioinformatics, plasmid construction, immunofluorescence staining, western blotting and other experiments. Dual luciferase reporter assay and bioinformatics proved that miR-200c not only acts as an upstream regulatory miRNA of ZEB1 but also has binding sites for the lncRNA-ATB. In A549 cell-based EMT models, ASV reduced the expression of lncRNA-ATB and upregulated miR-200c. Furthermore, overexpression of lncRNA-ATB and silencing of miR-200c reversed the down-regulation of ZEB1 and the inhibition of EMT processes by ASV. In addition, the intervention of ASV prevented lncRNA-ATB as a ceRNA from regulating the expression of ZEB1 through sponging miR-200c. Taken together, the results showed that ASV inhibited the EMT process through the lncRNA-ATB/miR-200c/ZEB1 signaling pathway, which provides a novel approach to the treatment of IPF.

Astragalus polysaccharide improves diabetic ulcers by promoting M2-polarization of macrophages to reduce excessive inflammation via the β-catenin/ NF-κB axis at the late phase of wound-healing

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Astragalus polysaccharide (APS), the most biologically active ingredient of Astragali Radix, is used to treat diabetes mellitus (DM)-related chronic wounds in traditional Chinese medicine for several decades. This herb possesses an anti-inflammatory effect. Our study proved that APS can reduce excessive inflammation at the late phase of wound-healing in diabetic ulcers.

Aim of the study

To clarify the molecular mechanism of APS in promoting wound-healing via reducing excessive inflammation in diabetic ulcers during the late stages of wound-healing.

Methods and materials

The rat model of the diabetic ulcers was established via intraperitoneal injection of streptozocin (60 mg/kg). We detected the regulation of APS on diabetic ulcers by measuring wound-healing rates. Bioinformatics was used to predict the target genes of APS, and autodocking was used to predict the combination of APS and target genes. Immunohistochemistry, Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blot, immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometry, and flow cytometric sorting were investigated.

Results

The results demonstrated that APS promoted wound-healing and inhibited excessive inflammation at the late phase of wound-healing in diabetic rats. Mechanistic findings showed that APS promoted the expression of β-catenin and Rspo3 while inhibiting the expression of NF-KB and GSK-3β, which leads to the transformation of M1-type macrophages into M2-type macrophages and thus reducing excessive inflammation at the late phase of wound-healing in diabetic ulcers.

Conclusion

We found an interesting finding that APS promoted the polarization of macrophages towards M2-type through the β-catenin/NF-κB axis to reduce excessive inflammation at the late phase of wound-healing. Therefore, APS may be a promising drug for treating diabetic ulcers in clinic.

Composition analysis of Compound Shenhua Tablet, a seven-herb Chinese medicine for IgA nephropathy: evaluation of analyte-capacity of the assays

Compound Shenhua Tablet, a medicine comprising seven herbs, is employed in treating IgA nephropathy. This study aimed to meticulously analyze its chemical composition. Based on a list of candidate compounds, identified through extensive literature review pertinent to the tablet's herbal components, the composition analysis entailed the systematic identification, characterization, and quantification of the constituents. The analyte-capacity of LC/ESI-MS-based and GC/EI-MS-based assays was evaluated. The identified and characterized constituents were quantified to determine their content levels and were ranked based on the constituents' daily doses. A total of 283 constituents, classified into 12 distinct categories, were identified and characterized in the Compound Shenhua Tablet. These constituents exhibited content levels of 1-10 982 μg·g-1, with daily doses of 0.01-395 μmol·d-1. The predominant constituents, with daily doses of ≥ 10 μmol·d-1, include nine organic acids (citric acid, quinic acid, chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, gallic acid, neochlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acid C, isochlorogenic acid B, and linoleic acid), five iridoids (specnuezhenide, nuezhenoside G13, nuezhenidic acid, secoxyloganin, and secologanoside), two monoterpene glycosides (paeoniflorin and albiflorin), a sesquiterpenoid (curzerenone), a triterpenoid (oleanolic acid), and a phenylethanoid (salidroside). Additionally, there were 83, 126, and 55 constituents detected in the medicine with daily doses of 1-10, 0.1-1, and 0.01-0.1 μmol·d-1, respectively. The combination of the LC/ESI-MS-based and GC/EI-MS-based assays demonstrated a complementary relationship in their analyte-capacity for detecting the constituents present in the medicine. This comprehensive composition analysis establishes a solid foundation for further pharmacological research on Compound Shenhua Tablet and facilitates the quality evaluation of this complex herbal medicine.

A network pharmacology approach and experimental validation to investigate the anticancer mechanism of Qi-Qin-Hu-Chang formula against colitis-associated colorectal cancer through induction of apoptosis via JNK/p38 MAPK signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The Qi-Qin-Hu-Chang Formula (QQHCF) is a traditional Chinese medicine prescription that is clinically used at the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine for the treatment of colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC).

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the potential therapeutic effects of QQHCF on a CAC mouse model and investigate its underlying mechanisms using network pharmacology and experimental validation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The active components and potential targets of QQHCF were obtained from Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) and herb-ingredient-targets gene network were constructed by Cytoscape 3.9.2. Target genes of CAC were obtained from GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man, and DrugBank database. The drug disease target protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed and the core targets were visualized and identified using Cytoscape. The Metascape database was used for GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. UHPLC-MS/MS was used to further identify the active compounds in QQHCF. Subsequently, the therapeutic effects and potential mechanism of QQHCF against CAC were investigated in AOM/DSS-induced CAC mouse in vivo, and HT-29 and HCT116 cells in vitro. Finally, interactions between JNK, p38, and active ingredients were assessed by molecular docking.

RESULTS

A total of 176 active compounds, 273 potential therapeutic targets, and 2460 CAC-related target genes were obtained. The number of common targets between QQHCF and CAC were 165. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that the MAPK signaling pathway was closely associated with CAC, which may be the potential mechanism of QQHCF against CAC. Network pharmacology and UHPLC-MS/MS analyses showed that the active compounds of QQHCF included quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, wogonin, oxymatrine, lupanine, and baicalin. Animal experiments demonstrated that QQHCF reduced tumor load, number, and size in AOM/DSS-treated mice, and induced apoptosis in colon tissue. In vitro experiments further showed that QQHCF induced apoptosis and inhibited cell viability, migration, and invasion in HCT116 and HT-29 cells. Notably, QQHCF activated the JNK/p38 MAPK signaling pathway both in vivo and in vitro. Molecular docking analysis revealed an ability for the main components of QQHCF and JNK/p38 to bind.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrated that QQHCF could ameliorate AOM/DSS-induced CAC in mice by activating the JNK/p38 MAPK signaling pathway. These results have important implications for the development of effective treatment strategies for CAC.

Extract of Astragali Radix and Solanum nigrum Linne regulates microglia and macrophage polarization and inhibits the growth and infiltration of C6 glioblastoma

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The polarization of glioma-associated microglia/macrophages (GAMs) affects the growth and infiltration of glioma. Astragali Radix (AR) and Solanum nigrum L. (SN) are traditional antitumor combinations in Chinese herbal medicine, but their roles and mechanisms against glioma are not yet clear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The effects of AR and SN compound (ARSN) on the polarization of GAMs and glioma cells in vitro and in vivo were studied, providing new ideas for the treatment of glioma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The UPLC-QTOF-MS method was used to examine the quality of ARSN extracts. The effects of ARSN on proliferation, migration and apoptosis of C6 cells were investigated using CCK-8 assay, colony-forming assay, wound healing assay and flow cytometry. The impact of ARSN on the polarization of GAMs was verified by PCR, ELISA, and flow cytometry. In addition, a rat glioma model was established to assess the effects of ARSN on glioma growth, infiltration, and polarization of GAMs.

RESULTS

In vitro experiments, ARSN can effectively inhibit the proliferation and migration of C6 cells and promote apoptosis. In the rat orthotopic tumor model, ARSN also effectively inhibited tumor growth and infiltration. The SN part of ARSN has strong cytotoxicity. Meanwhile the AR part can effectively inhibit the M2 polarization of GAMs and chemokine production induced by tumor, promote the M1 phenotype of GAMs, and regulate the tumor immune microenvironment to indirectly kill glioma.

CONCLUSIONS

ARSN inhibited glioma growth both in vitro and in vivo. SN takes effect through direct cytotoxicity, while AR works by regulating GAMs polarization. ARSN extracts can be used as a potential agent for glioma treatment.

Network pharmacology, molecular docking and experimental verification of the mechanism of huangqi-jixuecao herb pair in treatment of peritoneal fibrosis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The Huangqi-Jixuecao herb pair (HQJXCHP) is a traditional herbal formula composed of two widely applied TCM prescriptions, Huangqi (Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge) and Jixuecao (Centella asiatica (L.) Urb.), used for hundreds of years to replenish qi and clear away heat. However, the therapeutic effects of HQJXCHP against peritoneal fibrosis (PF) and potential targets are currently unclear.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

The main objective of this study was preliminary prediction and validation of the effects and molecular mechanisms of action of HQJXCHP against PF based on network pharmacology analysis and experimental verification.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The ingredients of HQJXCHP were analyzed via HPLC-Q-TOF/MS. Bioactive compounds of HQJXCHP used for network pharmacology analysis were obtained from the TCMSP database. HQJXCHP-related therapeutic targets in PF were obtained from the GeneCards, OMIM, Therapeutic Targets and PharmGkb databases. Therapeutic target-related signaling pathways were predicted via GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses. The targets of HQJXCHO were further validated in a PDS-induced PF mouse model in vivo and PMCs MMT model in vitro.

RESULTS

A total of 23 bioactive compounds of HQJXCHP related 188 target genes were retrieved. The HQJXCHP compound-target and PF-related target networks identified 131 common target genes. Subsequent protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis results disclosed Akt1, TP53, TNF, VEGFA and CASP3 as the top five key targets of HQJXCHP. Further molecular docking data revealed strong affinity of the two key compounds of HQJXCHP, quercetin and kaempferol, for these key targets. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses further showed that PI3K/Akt, IL-17, TNF and TLR pathways contribute to the therapeutic effects of HQJXCHP on PF. An in vivo PDS-induced PF mouse model and in vitro PMCs mesothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (MMT) model with or without HQJXCHP intervention were used to confirm the effects and mechanisms of action of HQJXCHP. Western blot and qRT-PCR results showed that HQ, JXC and HQJXCHP reduced PDS-induced inflammatory cell aggregation and peritoneal thickening through suppressing the MMT process, among which HQJXCHP exerted the greatest therapeutic effect. Moreover, HQJXCHP inhibited activation of the PI3K/Akt, IL-17, TNF and TLR signaling pathways induced by PDS.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to employ network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses to predict the targets of HQJXCHP with therapeutic effects on PDS-related PF. Data from in vivo and in vitro validation experiments collectively showed that HQJXCHP delays the PF process through inhibiting PI3K/Akt, IL-17, TNF and TLR signaling pathways. Overall, our findings highlight the successful application of network pharmacology theory to provide a scientific basis for clinical utility of HQJXCHP against PF.

Identify production area, growth mode, species, and grade of Astragali Radix using metabolomics "big data" and machine learning

BACKGROUND

Astragali Radix (AR) is a widely used herbal medicine. The quality of AR is influenced by several key factors, including the production area, growth mode, species, and grade. However, the markers currently used to distinguish these factors primarily focus on secondary metabolites, and their validation on large-scale samples is lacking.

PURPOSE

This study aims to discover reliable markers and develop classification models for identifying the production area, growth mode, species, and grade of AR.

METHODS

A total of 366 batches of AR crude slices were collected from six provinces in China and divided into learning (n = 191) and validation (n = 175) sets. Three ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) methods were developed and validated for determining 22 primary and 10 secondary metabolites in AR methanol extract. Based on the quantification data, seven machine learning algorithms, such as Nearest Neighbors and Gradient Boosted Trees, were applied to screen the potential markers and build the classification models for identifying the four factors associated with AR quality.

RESULTS

Our analysis revealed that secondary metabolites (e.g., astragaloside IV, calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, and ononin) played a crucial role in evaluating AR quality, particularly in identifying the production area and species. Additionally, fatty acids (e.g., behenic acid and lignoceric acid) were vital in determining the growth mode of AR, while amino acids (e.g., alanine and phenylalanine) were helpful in distinguishing different grades. With both primary and secondary metabolites, the Nearest Neighbors algorithm-based model was constructed for identifying each factor of AR, achieving good classification accuracy (>70%) on the validation set. Furthermore, a panel of four metabolites including ononin, astragaloside II, pentadecanoic acid, and alanine, allowed for simultaneous identification of all four factors of AR, offering an accuracy of 86.9%.

CONCLUSION

Our findings highlight the potential of integrating large-scale targeted metabolomics and machine learning approaches to accurately identify the quality-associated factors of AR. This study opens up possibilities for enhancing the evaluation of other herbal medicines through similar methodologies, and further exploration in this area is warranted.

Comparative pharmacokinetics of 11 major bioactive components between two dosage forms of Qixue Shuangbu Prescription in rats by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Although Qixue Shuangbu Prescription (QSP) is a classic Chinese medicine prescription for treating chronic heart failure. Low bioavailability due to the insolubility and poor biofilm permeability of the main bioactive ingredients of QSP is still a key factor limiting its efficacy. In this study, a novel self-microemulsifying drug delivery system was proposed to effectively improve the bioavailability of QSP. The qualified ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry methodology was established to investigate the pharmacokinetics characteristics of the QSP self-microemulsifying drug delivery system. Our results showed that 11 components in the self-microemulsifying drug delivery system group had prolonged T1/2 and MRT0-t values compared with QSP extract. The Cmax of calycosin-7-glucoside (CG), vanillic acid and paeoniflorin increased 2.5 times, 2.4 times and 2.3 times, respectively. The relative bioavailability values of CG, paeoniflorin and ononin were most significantly affected, increasing by 383.2%, 336.5% and 307.1%, respectively. This study promoted the development of new dosage forms of QSP and provided a useful reference for improving dosage forms to solve the problem of low bioavailability of traditional Chinese medicine.

Solid-phase extraction with the functionalization of calcium-sensing receptors onto magnetic microspheres as an affinity probe can capture ligands selectively from herbal extract

Magnetic solid phase extraction with the functionalization of protein onto micro- or nano-particles as a probe is favorable for the discovery of new drugs from complicated natural products. Herein, we aimed to develop a rapid method by immobilizing halogenated alkane dehalogenase (Halo)-tagged calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) directly out of crude cell lysates onto the surface of magnetic microspheres (MM) with no need to purify protein. Thereby we achieved CaSR-functionalized MM for revealing adsorption characteristics of agonist neomycin and screening ligands from herbal medicine Radix Astragali (RA). About 43.87 mg CaSR could be immobilized per 1 g MM within 30 min, and the acquired CaSR-functionalized MM showed good stability and activity for 4 weeks. The maximum adsorption capacity of neomycin on CaSR-functionalized MM was determined as 4.70 × 10-4 ~ 3.96 × 10-4 mol/g within 277 ~ 310 K, and its adsorption isotherm characteristics described best by the Temkin model were further validated using isothermal titration calorimetry. It was inferred that CaSR's affinity for neomycin was driven by electrostatic forces in a spontaneous process when the system reached an equilibrium state. Moreover, the ligands from the RA extract were screened, three of which were assigned as astragaloside IV, ononin, and calycosin based on HPLC-MS. Our findings demonstrated that the functionalization of a receptor onto magnetic materials designed as an affinity probe has the capability to recognize its agonist and capture the ligands selectively from complex matrices like herbs.

Study on the Biotransformation and Activities of Astragalosides from Astragali Radix In Vitro and In Vivo

Astragalosides (AGs), as one of the main active ingredients in Astragali Radix (AR), have a series of biological activities. Previous studies have only qualitatively identified the metabolites of AGs in AR, resulting in a lack of quantification. In the present study, the original material was selected from 12 origins based on the levels of 4 AGs by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The prototype components and metabolites of total AGs (TAGs) in feces, urine, and plasma samples of rats were thoroughly screened and characterized by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS). The fermentation reaction and metabolites were verified by human fecal TAG fermentation in vitro. The metabolites of AG I, II, and IV transformed by human feces at different times were identified using UHPLC-HRMS, and the partial metabolites were quantified by HPLC. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of the metabolites were evaluated based on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells in vitro. In total, 13 AGs and 170 metabolites were identified in TAGs as well as in the plasma, urine, and feces of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats by UHPLC-HRMS, including 28, 36, and 170 metabolites in the plasma, urine, and feces, respectively. The metabolites included the products of deglycosylation, demethylation, hydroxylation, glucuronidation, sulfation, and cysteine-binding reactions. Moreover, the TAG fermentation results in vitro showed great similarity. The human fecal incubation experiments for AG I, II, and IV demonstrated that the metabolic reaction of TAGs mainly occurred in intestinal feces and that deglycosylation, demethylation, and hydroxylation were the main pathways of their metabolism. HPLC quantitative analysis of the transformation solution at different time points showed that AGs were transformed into secondary glycosides [cycloastragenol-6-glucoside (CAG-6-glucoside)] and aglycones [cycloastragenol (CAG)] through a deglycosylation reaction. Analysis of the pharmacological activity showed that the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of the metabolites were associated with the levels of the corresponding aglycones. Further, metabolic profiles of the TAGs were constructed. Overall, this study revealed the metabolic process of AGs in the intestine, providing guidance for the metabolism and pharmacological effects of other saponins.

A Multi-Component Nano-Co-Delivery System Utilizing Astragalus Polysaccharides as Carriers for Improving Biopharmaceutical Properties of Astragalus Flavonoids

Purpose

Enhancing the dissolution, permeation and absorption of active components with low solubility and poor permeability is crucial for maximizing therapeutic efficacy and optimizing functionality. The objective of this study is to investigate the potential of natural polysaccharides as carriers to improve the biopharmaceutical properties of active components.

Methods

In this study, we employed four representative flavonoids in Astragali Radix, namely Calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside (CAG), Ononin (ON), Calycosin (CA) and Formononetin (FMN), as a demonstration to evaluate the potential of Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) as carriers to improve the biopharmaceutical properties, sush as solubility, permeability, and absorption in vivo. In addition, the microstructure of the flavonoids-APS complexes was characterized, and the interaction mechanism between APS and flavonoids was investigated using multispectral technique and molecular dynamics simulation.

Results

The results showed that APS can self-assemble into aggregates with a porous structure and large surface area in aqueous solutions. These aggregates can be loaded with flavonoids through weak intermolecular interactions, such as hydrogen bonding, thereby improving their gastrointestinal stability, solubility, permeability and absorption in vivo.

Conclusion

We discovered the self-assembly properties of APS and its potential as carriers. Compared with introducing external excipients, the utilization of natural polysaccharides in plants as carriers may have a unique advantage in enhancing dissolution, permeation and absorption.

A molecular networking-assisted automatic database screening strategy for comprehensive annotation of small molecules in complex matrices

Liquid chromatography-tandem with high-resolution mass spectrometry (LCHRMS) has proven challenging for annotating multiple small molecules within complex matrices due to the complexities of chemical structure and raw LCHRMS data, as well as limitations in previous literatures and reference spectra related to those molecules. In this study, we developed a molecular networking assisted automatic database screening (MN/auto-DBS) strategy to examine the combined effect of MS1 exact mass screening and MS2 similarity analysis. We compiled all previously reported compounds from the relevant literatures. With the development of a Python software, the in-house database (DB) was created by automatically calculating the m/z and data from experimental MS1 hits were rapid screened with DB. We then performed a feature-based molecular network analysis on the auto-MS2 data for supplementary identification of unreported compounds, including clustered FBMN and annotated GNPS compounds. Finally, the results from both strategies were merged and manually curated for correct structural assignment. To demonstrate the applicability of MN/auto-DBS, we selected the Huangqi-Danshen herb pair (HD), commonly used in prescriptions or patent medicines to treat diabetic nephropathy and cerebrovascular disease. A total of 223 compounds were annotated, including 65 molecules not previously reported in HD, such as aromatic polyketides, coumarins, and diarylheptanoids. Using MN/auto-DBS, we can profile and mine a wide range of complex matrices for potentially new compounds.

A global profiling strategy for identification of the total constituents in Chinese herbal medicine based on online comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry combined with intelligentized chemical classification guidance

A comprehensive strategy for effective identification of total constituents in Chinese patent medicine has been advanced applying full scan-preferred parent ions capture-static and active exclusion (FS-PIC-SAE) acquisition coupled with intelligent deep-learning supported mass defect filter (MDF) process, with Naoxintong capsule (NXT) as a case. Online comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2DLC) coupled with Q-TOF-MS/MS system was established for obtaining the excellent separation and detection performance of total components, which could exhibit excellent peak capacity with 1052 and orthogonality with 0.69. In addition, a total of 901 unknown compounds could be classified into nine chemical classes rapidly and effectively, based on the intelligent deep-learning algorithm supported MDF model with 96.4% accuracy. Consequently, 276 compounds were successfully identified from NXT, especially including 44 flavonoids, 27 phenolic acids, 25 fatty acids, 17 saponins, 21 phthalocyanines, 20 triterpenes, 10 monoterpenes, 13 diterpenoid ketones, 14 amino acids, and others. It is concluded that the proposed program is an effective and practical strategy enabling the in-depth chemical profiling of complex herbal and biological samples.

Astragaloside IV derivative HHQ16 ameliorates infarction-induced hypertrophy and heart failure through degradation of lncRNA4012/9456

Reversing ventricular remodeling represents a promising treatment for the post-myocardial infarction (MI) heart failure (HF). Here, we report a novel small molecule HHQ16, an optimized derivative of astragaloside IV, which effectively reversed infarction-induced myocardial remodeling and improved cardiac function by directly acting on the cardiomyocyte to reverse hypertrophy. The effect of HHQ16 was associated with a strong inhibition of a newly discovered Egr2-affiliated transcript lnc9456 in the heart. While minimally expressed in normal mouse heart, lnc9456 was dramatically upregulated in the heart subjected to left anterior descending coronary artery ligation (LADL) and in cardiomyocytes subjected to hypertrophic stimulation. The critical role of lnc9456 in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy was confirmed by specific overexpression and knockout in vitro. A physical interaction between lnc9456 and G3BP2 increased NF-κB nuclear translocation, triggering hypertrophy-related cascades. HHQ16 physically bound to lnc9456 with a high-affinity and induced its degradation. Cardiomyocyte-specific lnc9456 overexpression induced, but knockout prevented LADL-induced, cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction. HHQ16 reversed the effect of lnc9456 overexpression while lost its protective role when lnc9456 was deleted, further confirming lnc9456 as the bona fide target of HHQ16. We further identified the human ortholog of lnc9456, also an Egr2-affiliated transcript, lnc4012. Similarly, lnc4012 was significantly upregulated in hypertrophied failing hearts of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. HHQ16 also specifically bound to lnc4012 and caused its degradation and antagonized its hypertrophic effects. Targeted degradation of pathological increased lnc4012/lnc9456 by small molecules might serve as a novel promising strategy to regress infarction-induced cardiac hypertrophy and HF.

Qi-Po-Sheng-Mai granule ameliorates Ach-CaCl2 -induced atrial fibrillation by regulating calcium homeostasis in cardiomyocytes

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common arrhythmias encountered in clinical settings. Currently, the pathophysiology of AF remains unclear, which severely limits the effectiveness and safety of medical therapies. The Chinese herbal formula Qi-Po-Sheng-Mai Granule (QPSM) has been widely used in China to treat AF. However, its pharmacological and molecular mechanisms remain unknown.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanisms and potential targets of QPSM for AF.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The AF model was induced by Ach (66 μg/ml) and CaCl2 (10 mg/kg), and the dose of 0.1 ml/100 g was injected into the tail vein for 5 weeks. QPSM was administered daily at doses of 4.42 and 8.84 g/kg, and amiodarone (0.18 g/kg) was used as the positive control. The effect of QPSM on AF was assessed by electrocardiogram, echocardiography, and histopathological analysis. Then, we employed network pharmacology with single nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-Seq) to investigate the molecular mechanisms and potential targets of QPSM for AF. Furthermore, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was used for component analysis of QPSM, and molecular docking was used to verify the potential targets. Using the IonOptix single cell contraction and ion synchronization test equipment, single myocyte length and calcium ion variations were observed in real time. The expression levels of calcium Transporter-related proteins were detected by western blot and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Based on an Ach-CaCl2-induced AF model, we found that QPSM treatment significantly reduced atrial electrical remodeling-related markers, such as AF inducibility and duration, and attenuated atrial dilation and fibrosis. Network pharmacology identified 52 active ingredients and 119 potential targets for QPSM in the treatment of AF, and 45 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were enriched, among which calcium pathway had the greatest impact. Using single nucleus sequencing (snRNA-seq), we identified cardiomyocytes as the most differentially expressed in response to drug treatment, with nine differentially expressed genes enriched in calcium signaling pathways. High performance liquid chromatography and molecular docking confirmed that the core components of QPSM strongly bind to the key factors in the calcium signaling pathway. Additional experiments have shown that QPSM increases calcium transients (CaT) and contractility in the individual cardiomyocyte. This was accomplished by increasing the expression of CACNA1C and SERCA2a and decreasing the expression of CAMK2B and NCX1.

CONCLUSION

The present study has systematically elucidated the role of QPSM in maintaining calcium homeostasis in cardiomyocytes through the regulation of calcium transporters, which could lead to new drug development ideas for AF.

Characterization and structure-based protein engineering of a regiospecific saponin acetyltransferase from Astragalus membranaceus

Acetylation contributes to the bioactivity of numerous medicinally important natural products. However, little is known about the acetylation on sugar moieties. Here we report a saponin acetyltransferase from Astragalus membranaceus. AmAT7-3 is discovered through a stepwise gene mining approach and characterized as the xylose C3'/C4'-O-acetyltransferse of astragaloside IV (1). To elucidate its catalytic mechanism, complex crystal structures of AmAT7-3/1 and AmAT7-3A310G/1 are obtained, which reveal a large active pocket decided by a specific sequence AADAG. Combining with QM/MM computation, the regiospecificity of AmAT7-3 is determined by sugar positioning modulated by surrounding amino acids including #A310 and #L290. Furthermore, a small mutant library is built using semi-rational design, where variants A310G and A310W are found to catalyze specific C3'-O and C4'-O acetylation, respectively. AmAT7-3 and its variants are also employed to acetylate other bioactive saponins. This work expands the understanding of saponin acetyltransferases, and provide efficient catalytic tools for saponin acetylation.

Residue of Chlormequat and Regulatory Effects on the Specialized Metabolites of Astragali Radix

Presently, the utilization of chlormequat in Astragalus mongholicus Bunge (Leguminosae) cultivation is prevalent for augmenting rhizome (Astragali Radix) yield. However, indiscriminate and excessive chlormequat employment can detrimentally influence Astragali Radix quality and safety. This research aimed to comprehensively comprehend chlormequat risks and its influence on Astragali Radix metabolites. Diverse chlormequat concentrations were employed in Astragalus mongholicus cultivation, with subsequent analysis of residual chlormequat levels in Astragali Radix across treatment groups. Astragali Radix metabolic profiling was conducted through UPLC-QTOF-MS, and thirteen principal active components were quantified via UFLC-MS/MS. Findings revealed a direct correlation between chlormequat residue levels in Astragali Radix and application concentration, with high-dose residue surpassing 5.0 mg/kg. Metabolomics analysis identified twenty-six distinct saponin and flavonoid metabolites. Notably, the application of chlormequat led to the upregulation of seven saponins (e.g., astragaloside I and II) and downregulation of six flavonoids (e.g., methylnissolin-3-O-glucoside and astraisoflavan-7-O-β-d-glucoside). Quantitative analysis demonstrated variable contents of active ingredients due to differing chlormequat concentrations, leading to astragaloside I increase (14.59-62.55%) and isoastragaloside II increase (4.8-55.63%), while methylnissolin-3-O-glucoside decreased (22.18-41.69%), as did astraisoflavan-7-O-β-d-glucoside (21.09-47.78%). In conclusion, chlormequat application influenced multiple active components in Astragali Radix, causing constituent proportion variations. Elevated chlormequat concentrations led to increased active components alongside heightened chlormequat residues in Astragali Radix. Consequently, prudent chlormequat application during Astragali Radix production is imperative to avert potential detriments to its quality and safety.

The therapeutic effect of Shenhua tablet against mesangial cell proliferation and renal inflammation in mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis

Shenhua tablet (SH), a formulation of traditional Chinese medicine, exerts renoprotective effect on chronic kidney diseases, and it has been found to restrain inflammation, but the mechanism is still unclear. Here, we explored the potential renoprotection of SH in mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (MsPGN) rat model induced by anti-Thy1 antibody. Administration of SH reduced urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR) and significantly attenuated mesangial cell proliferation and renal inflammation. Notably, SH protected rats against renal inflammation, which was associated with decreasing macrophage infiltration and promoting macrophage anti-inflammatory activity. Network analysis combined with arrays identified the Janus kinase signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) signaling pathway as the main pathways of SH could target inflammation. Furthermore, it was confirmed that mesangial cell proliferation, which response to inflammation, were alleviated by ASS1 expression enhanced after SH administration both in vivo and in vitro. Collectively, SH has the beneficial on relieving the progression of MsPGN to alleviate inflammation and mesangial proliferation by inhibiting STAT3 phosphorylation and maintains the expression level of ASS1, might be an effective strategy for treating MsPGN.

Identification and Functional Characterization of UDP-Glycosyltransferases Involved in Isoflavone Biosynthesis in Astragalus membranaceus

Isoflavones are rich natural compounds present in legumes and are essential for plant growth and development. Moreover, they are beneficial for animals and humans. Isoflavones are primarily found as glycoconjugates, including calycosin-7-O-β-d-glucoside (CG) in Astragalus membranaceus, a legume. However, the glycosylation mechanism of isoflavones in A. membranaceus remains unclear. In the present study, three uridine diphosphate (UDP)-glycosyltransferases (UGTs) that may be involved in the biosynthesis of isoflavone were identified in the transcriptome of A. membranaceus. Enzymatic analysis revealed that AmUGT88E29 and AmUGT88E30 had high catalytic activity toward isoflavones in vitro. In addition, AmUGT88E29 and AmUGT88E30 could accept various flavones, flavanones, flavonols, dihydroflavonols, and dihydrochalcones as substrates. AmUGT71G10 was only active against phloretin and dihydroresveratrol. Overexpression of AmUGT88E29 significantly increased the contents of CG, an isoflavone glucoside, in the hairy roots of A. membranaceus. This study provided candidate AmUGT genes for the potential metabolic engineering of flavonoid compounds in plants and a valuable resource for studying the calycosin glycosides biosynthesis pathway.

Network pharmacology and molecular docking-based investigation on traditional Chinese medicine Astragalus membranaceus in oral ulcer treatment

To analyze the mechanism of Astragalus membranaceus (AM) in molecular level in the oral ulcer (OU) treatment with reference to network pharmacology. Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform database was used in screening the AM active components and AM action targets; GeneCards database was used to screen OU targets; the common target were screened by Venny online tool; Cytoscape software was applied to construct the target gene regulation map of AM active components; STRING database was used to construct the protein-protein interaction network and the key targets were screened as per degree value; gene ontology enrichment and KEGG pathway enrichment of interactive genes were calculated through David database. There were 17 active ingredients and 429 target spots in Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform database. There are 606 target genes for OU in GeneCards database. There are 67 common targets, including 10 key targets: IL10, IL6, TNF, IL1B, CXCL8, CCL2, TLR4, IL4, ICAM1, and IFNG. It involves 30 gene ontology terms and 20 KEGG signal channels. The molecular docking results showed that quercetin and kaempferol had a good binding activity with IL6, IL1B, TNF, and CCL2. Network pharmacological analysis shows that AM can regulate multiple signal pathways through multiple targets to treat OU.

A review of the botany, phytochemistry, traditional uses, pharmacology, toxicology, and quality control of the Astragalus memeranaceus

Astragali Radix (Huangqi) is mainly distributed in the Northern Hemisphere, South America, and Africa and rarely in North America and Oceania. It has long been used as an ethnomedicine in the Russian Federation, Mongolia, Korea, Kazakhstan, and China. It was first recorded in the Shennong Ben Cao Jing and includes the effects of reinforcing healthy qi, dispelling pathogenic factors, promoting diuresis, reducing swelling, activating blood circulation, and dredging collaterals. This review systematically summarizes the botanical characteristics, phytochemistry, traditional uses, pharmacology, and toxicology of Astragalus to explore the potential of Huangqi and expand its applications. Data were obtained from databases such as PubMed, CNKI, Wan Fang Data, Baidu Scholar, and Google Scholar. The collected material also includes classic works of Chinese herbal medicine, Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Chinese Medicine Dictionary, and PhD and Master's theses. The pharmacological effects of the isoflavone fraction in Huangqi have been studied extensively; The pharmacological effects of Huangqi isoflavone are mainly reflected in its anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-oxidant, anti-allergic, and anti-diabetic properties and its ability to treat several related diseases. Additionally, the medicinal uses, chemical composition, pharmacological activity, toxicology, and quality control of Huangqi require further elucidation. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the botany, phytochemistry, traditional uses, pharmacology, toxicology, and quality control of Astragalus to assist future innovative research and to identify and develop new drugs involving Huangqi.

Astragalus membranaceus as a Drug Candidate for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: The Preclinical Evidence

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic inflammatory disorders that include Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Today, IBD has no successful treatment. As a result, it is of paramount importance to develop novel therapeutic agents for IBD prevention and treatment. Astragalus membranaceus (AMS) is a traditional Chinese medicine found in the AMS root. Modern pharmacological studies indicate that AMS and its constituents exhibit multiple bioactivities, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, immune regulatory, anticancer, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective, expectorant, and diuretic effects. AMS and its active constituents, which have been reported to be effective in IBD treatment, are believed to be viable candidate drugs for IBD treatment. These underlying mechanisms are associated with anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, immunomodulation, intestinal epithelial repair, gut microbiota homeostasis, and improved energy metabolism. In this review, we summarize the efficacy and underlying mechanisms involved in IBD treatment with AMS and its active constituents in preclinical studies.

Characterization of a Malabaricane-Type Triterpene Synthase from Astragalus membranaceus and Enzymatic Synthesis of Astramalabaricosides

Triterpenoids are a large and medicinally important group of natural products with a wide range of biological and pharmacological effects. Among them, malabaricane-type triterpenoids are a rare group of terpenoids with a 6,6,5-tricyclic ring system, and a few malabaricane triterpene synthases have been characterized to date. Here, an arabidiol synthase AmAS for the formation of the malabaricane-type 6,6,5-tricyclic triterpenoid skeleton in astramalabaricosides biosynthesis was characterized from Astragalus membranaceus. Multiple sequence alignment, site-directed mutagenesis, and molecular docking of AmAS reveal that residues Q256 and Y258 are essential for AmAS activity, and the triad motif IIH725-727 was the critical residue necessary for its product specificity. Mutation of IIH725-727 with VFN led to the formation of seven tricyclic, tetracyclic, and pentacyclic triterpenoids (1-7). Glycosylation of malabaricane-type triterpenoids in the biosynthesis of astramalabaricosides was also explored. Three triterpenoids (1, 5, and 6) displayed potent inhibitory effects against influenza A virus in vitro. These findings provide insights into malabaricane-type triterpenoids biosynthesis in A. membranaceus and access to diverse bioactive triterpenoids for drug discovery.

Cardiovascular disease treatment using traditional Chinese medicine：Mitochondria as the Achilles' heel

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), involving the pathological alteration of the heart or blood vessels, is one of the main causes of disability and death worldwide, with an estimated 18.6 million deaths per year. CVDs are caused by a variety of risk factors, including inflammation, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and increased oxidative stress. Mitochondria, the hub of ATP production and the main generator of reactive oxygen species (ROS), are linked to multiple cellular signaling pathways that regulate the progression of CVD and therefore are recognized as an essential target for CVD management. Initial treatment of CVD generally focuses on diet and lifestyle interventions; proper drugs or surgery can prolong or save the patient's life. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), a holistic medical care system with an over 2500-year history, has been proven to be efficient in curing CVD and other illnesses, with a strengthening effect on the body. However, the mechanisms underlying TCM alleviation of CVD remain elusive. Recent studies have recognized that TCM can alleviate cardiovascular disease by manipulating the quality and function of mitochondria. This review systematically summarizes the association of mitochondria with cardiovascular risk factors, and the relationships between mitochondrial dysfunction and CVD progression. We will investigate the research progress of managing cardiovascular disease by TCM and cover widely used TCMs that target mitochondria for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Pseudotargeted metabolomics-based random forest model for tracking plant species from herbal products

BACKGROUND

The "one-to-multiple" phenomenon is prevalent in medicinal herbs. Accurate species identification is critical to ensure the safety and efficacy of herbal products but is extremely challenging due to their complex matrices and diverse compositions.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to identify the determinable chemicalome of herbs and develop a reasonable strategy to track their relevant species from herbal products.

METHODS

Take Astragali Radix-the typical "one to multiple" herb, as a case. An in-house database-driven identification of the potentially bioactive chemicalome (saponins and flavonoids) in AR was performed. Furthermore, a pseudotargeted metabolomics method was first developed and validated to obtain high-quality semi-quantitative data. Then based on the data matrix, the random forest algorithm was trained to predict Astragali Radix species from commercial products.

RESULTS

The pseudotargeted metabolomics method was first developed and validated to obtain high-quality semi-quantitative data (including 56 saponins and 49 flavonoids) from 26 batches of AR. Then the random forest algorithm was well-trained by importing the valid data matrix and showed high performance in predicting Astragalus species from ten commercial products.

CONCLUSION

This strategy could learn species-special combination features for accurate herbal species tracing and could be expected to promote the traceability of herbal materials in herbal products, contributing to manufacturing standardization.

QiShenYiQi dripping pill alleviates myocardial ischemia-induced ferroptosis via improving mitochondrial dynamical homeostasis and biogenesis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

QiShenYiQi is a Chinese herbal formula composed of Astragalus membranaceus Fisch. ex Bunge, root; Slauia miltiorrhiza Bunge, root and rhizome; Panax notoginseng (Burkill) F.H.Chen, root; and Dalbergia odorifera T.C.Chen, heartwood of trunk and root with a proportion of 10:5:1:0.067. Its dripping pills were approved by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in 2003 and could be used in the clinical treatment of ischemic heart diseases. Ferroptosis is an important pathological mechanism in the process of myocardial ischemia (MI). Whether QSYQ can improve ferroptosis induced by myocardial ischemia is still unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In this study, the potential mechanisms of QSYQ against ferroptosis in MI-induced injury were investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The main components of QSYQ were analyzed by HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. MI model was established by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery and then treated with QSYQ dropping pills for 14 days. The cardiac function of mice was evaluated by echocardiography. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and Masson's trichrome staining were used to detect the pathological changes in heart tissue. Serum biochemical indexes were analyzed by biochemical kit. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) was used to observe the mitochondria ultrastructure and mitochondrial ROS was detected by immunofluorescence. Then, photoacoustic imaging was used to observe the redox status of the mice' hearts. Finally, the mitochondrial dynamics and biogenesis related proteins and the proteins of ferroptosis were analyzed by western blotting. RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression changes of ferroptosis.

RESULTS

A total of 20 principal components of QSYQ were characterized by HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. QSYQ significantly improved cardiac function and myocardial injury in MI mice. Furthermore, the lipid peroxidation change levels (MDA, 4-HNE, and GSH) in serum were attenuated and myocardial iron content was reduced after QSYQ treatment. On this basis, QSYQ also improved the expression changes of ferroptosis related mRNA and proteins. In addition, QSYQ promoted mitochondrial biogenesis (PGC-1α, Nrf1, and TFAM) and mitochondrial fusion (MFN-2 and OPA1) and inhibited mitochondrial excessive fission (Phosphorylation of Drp1 at ser616) in vitro and in vivo, indicating that the cardioprotection of QSYQ might be related to promoting mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamic homeostasis.

CONCLUSION

In summary, QSYQ could alleviate MI-induced ferroptosis by improving mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamic homeostasis.

A compounds annotation strategy using targeted molecular networking for offline two-dimensional liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis: Yupingfeng as a case study

Component overlapping and long-time consumption hinder the data processing of offline two-dimensional liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (offline 2D-LC MS) system. Although molecular networking has been commonly employed in data processing of liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS), its application in offline 2D-LC MS is challenged by voluminous and redundant data. In light of this, for the first time, a data deduplication and visualization strategy combining hand-in-hand alignment with targeted molecular networking (TMN) for compounds annotation of offline 2D-LC MS data was developed and applied to the chemical profile of Yupingfeng (YPF), a classical traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription, as a case study. Firstly, an offline 2D-LC MS system was constructed for the separation and data acquisition of YPF extract. Then the data of 12 fractions derived from YPF were deconvoluted and aligned as a whole data file by hand-in-hand alignment, resulting in a 49.2% reduction in component overlapping (from 17951 to 9112 ions) and an improvement in the MS² spectrum quality of precursor ions. Subsequently, the MS²-similarity adjacency matrix of focused parent ions was computed by a self-building Python script, which realized the construction of an innovative TMN. Interestingly, the TMN was found to be able to efficiently distinguish and visualize the co-elution, in-source fragmentations and multi-type adduct ions in a clustering network. Consequently, a total of 497 compounds were successfully identified depending on only seven TMN analysis guided by product ions filtering (PIF) and neutral loss filtering (NLF) for the targeted compounds in YPF. This integrated strategy improved the efficiency of targeted compound discovery in offline 2D-LC MS data, also shown a huge scalability in accurate compound annotation of complex samples. In conclusion, our study developed available concepts and tools while providing a research paradigm for efficient and rapid compound annotation in complex samples such as TCM prescriptions, with YPF as an example.