The Hypoglycemic and Synergistic Effect of Loganin, Morroniside, and Ursolic Acid Isolated from the Fruits of Cornus officinalis

Biochemical and In Silico Aspects of Active Compounds From Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Flower As Antidiabetic Agent

Targeting alpha-glucosidase (maltase-glucoamylase [MGAM] and sucrase-isomaltase [SI]) under diabetes conditions is important to overcome hyperglycemia. Moreover, it is necessary to mitigate hyperglycemia-mediated oxidative stress to evade the progression of diabetes-associated secondary complications. Hence, in the present study, under-explored Nyctanthes arbor-tristis flowers (NAFs) were studied for inhibition of alpha-glucosidase activities. The NAF methanolic extract (NAFME) was prepared. Through liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI/MS/MS) analysis, various phytocompounds belonging to different classes-flavonoids, iridoid glycosides, proanthocyanidin, anthocyanin, polyphenol, phenolic acid, fatty acid ester, and carotenoid-were identified. NAFME showed in vitro antioxidant activity. NAFME inhibited maltase, sucrase, glucoamylase, and isomaltase in mixed mode with Ki values of 179.93, 176.38, 126.03, and 201.56 µg/mL, respectively. In silico screening of phytocompounds identified in NAFME indicated that hinokiflavone (HKF), pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside (PG), isorhamnetin-3-glucoside-7-rhamnoside (IGR), and petunidin-3-rutinoside (PR) showed better interactions with different subunits of human alpha-glucosidase, namely, N-terminal (Nt-MGAM and Nt-SI) and C-terminal (Ct-MGAM and Ct-SI). Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, binding free energy study (molecular mechanics-generalized Born surface area [MM/GBSA]), and post-MD simulation studies (principal component analysis [PCA] and dynamic cross-correlation matrix [DCCM]) provided an in-depth understanding of these ligands' interactions with proteins. The overall efficacy of NAFME against oxidative stress and alpha-glucosidase in vitro is understood. Moreover, in silico analysis has shown the possible potential of HKF, PG, IGR, and PR to act as alpha-glucosidase inhibitors. Further studies on the antidiabetic potential of NAFME, HKF, PG, IGR, and PR in in vivo conditions are required to fully unveil the applicability of NAFME in the management of T2DM as a complementary medicine.

Effects of undescribed iridoids in Patrinia punctiflora on insulin resistance in HepG2 cells

Patrinia punctiflora is a medical and edible Chinese herb with high nutritional and medicinal value. The continuing study of its chemical constituents led to the isolation of six iridoids, which were previously unreported compounds, patriscabioins PU (1-6). Their structures were characterized and confirmed with NMR (1D & 2D), HRMS, IR and UV. Among them, compound 5 was screened to evaluate its insulin resistance activity on an IR-HepG-2 cell model. Compound 5 had no cytotoxicity compared with the control group and could promote glucose uptake in IR-HepG-2 cells. Through further mechanism studies, the undescribed compound 5 could increase the expression levels of PI-3 K, p-AKT, GLUT4 and p-GSK3β proteins. Moreover, the expression of PEPCK and G6Pase proteins, which are key gluconeogenic enzymes, was also inhibited. Thus, compound 5 promotes the transfer of GLUT4 to the plasma membrane by activating the PI-3 K/AKT signaling pathway, at the same time, promotes glycogen synthesis and inhibits the onset of gluconeogenesis, which in turn ameliorates insulin resistance.

Therapeutic Potential of Cornus Genus: Navigating Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Clinical Studies, and Advanced Delivery Approaches

The genus Cornus (Cornaceae) plants are widely distributed in Europe, southwest Asia, North America, and the mountains of Central America, South America, and East Africa. Cornus plants exhibit antimicrobial, antioxidative, antiproliferative, cytotoxic, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and immunomodulatory activities. These plants are exploited to possess various phytoconstituents such as triterpenoids, iridoids, anthocyanins, tannins and flavonoids. Pharmacological research and clinical investigations on various Cornus species have advanced significantly in recent years. Over the past few decades, a significant amount of focus has also been made into developing new delivery systems for Cornus mas and Cornus officinalis. This review focuses on the morphological traits, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities and clinical studies on extracts and active constituents from plants of Cornus genus. The review also highlights recent novel delivery systems for Cornus mas and Cornus officinalis extracts to promote sustained and targeted delivery in diverse disorders. The overwhelming body of research supports the idea that plants from the genus Cornus have therapeutic potential and can be investigated in the future for treatingseveral ailments.

Investigating the mechanism of cornel iridoid glycosides on type 2 diabetes mellitus using serum and urine metabolites in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cornel iridoid glycosides (CIG) are extracted from Corni fructus, a herbal medicine used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat diabetes. However, the antidiabetic effects of CIG and the underlying metabolic mechanisms require further exploration.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to assess the antidiabetic effects and metabolic mechanism of CIG by performing metabolomic analyses of serum and urine samples of rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was established by administering a low dose of streptozotocin (30 mg/kg) intraperitoneally after 4 weeks of feeding a high-fat diet. The model was evaluated based on several parameters, including fasting blood glucose (FBG), random blood glucose (RBG), urine volume, liver index, body weight, histopathological sections, and serum biochemical parameters. Subsequently, serum and urine metabolomics were analyzed using ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled with linear ion trap-Orbitrap tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS). Data were analyzed using unsupervised principal component analysis (PCA) and supervised orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). Differential metabolites were examined by the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) metabolic pathways to explore the underlying mechanisms.

RESULTS

After 4 weeks of treatment with different doses of CIG, varying degrees of antidiabetic effects were observed, along with reduced liver and pancreatic injury, and improved oxidative stress levels. Compared with the T2DM group, 19 and 23 differential metabolites were detected in the serum and urine of the CIG treatment group, respectively. The key metabolites involved in pathway regulation include taurine, chenodeoxycholic acid, glycocholic acid, and L-tyrosine in the serum and glycine, hippuric acid, phenylacetylglycine, citric acid, and D-glucuronic acid in the urine, which are related to lipid, amino acid, energy, and carbohydrate metabolism.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirmed the antidiabetic effects of CIG and revealed that CIG effectively controlled metabolic disorders in T2DM rats. This seems to be meaningful for the clinical application of CIG, and can benefit further studies on CIG mechanism.

Treatment of diabetic retinopathy with herbs for tonifying kidney and activating blood circulation: A review of pharmacological studies

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a prevalent microvascular complication of diabetes. Chinese medicine believes that kidney deficiency and blood stasis are significant pathogenesis of DR. A characteristic therapeutic approach for this pathogenesis is the kidney-tonifying and blood-activating method. By literature retrieval from several databases, we methodically summarized the commonly used kidney-tonifying and blood-activating herbs for treating DR, including Lycii Fructus, Rehmanniane Radix Praeparata, and Corni Fructus with the function of nourishing kidney; Salvia Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma with the function of enhancing blood circulation; Rehmanniae Radix with the function of nourishing kidney yin; and Astragali Radix with the function of tonifying qi. It has been demonstrated that these Chinese herbs described above, by tonifying the kidney and activating blood circulation, significantly improve the course of DR.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Through literature research, to gain a thorough comprehension of the pathogenesis of DR. Simultaneously, through the traditional application analysis, modern pharmacology research and network pharmacology analysis of kidney-tonifying and blood-activating herbs, to review the effectiveness and advantages of kidney-tonifying and blood-activating herbs in treating DR comprehensively.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PubMed, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang Data were used to filter the most popular herbs for tonifying kidney and activating blood in the treatment of DR. The search terms were "diabetic retinopathy" and "tonifying kidney and activating blood". Mostly from 2000 to 2023. Network pharmacology was applied to examine the key active components and forecast the mechanisms of kidney-tonifying and blood-activating herbs in the treatment of DR.

RESULTS

Kidney deficiency and blood stasis are the pathogenesis of DR, and the pathogenesis is linked to oxidative stress, inflammation, hypoxia, and hyperglycemia. Scientific data and network pharmacology analysis have demonstrated the benefit of tonifying kidney and activating blood herbs in treating DR through several channels, multiple components, and multiple targets.

CONCLUSIONS

This review first presents useful information for subsequent research into the material foundation and pharmacodynamics of herbs for tonifying kidney and activating blood, and offers fresh insights into the treatment of DR.

Bioactivities of morroniside: A comprehensive review of pharmacological properties and molecular mechanisms

Morroniside (MOR) is an iridoid glycoside and the main active principle of the medicinal plant, Cornus officinalis Sieb. This phytochemical is associated with numerous health benefits due to its antioxidant properties. The primary objective of the present study was to assess the pharmacological effects and underlying mechanisms of MOR, utilizing published data obtained from literature databases. Data collection involved accessing various sources, including PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and SpringerLink. Our findings demonstrate that MOR can be utilized for the treatment of several diseases and disorders, as numerous studies have revealed its significant therapeutic activities. These activities encompass anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, lipid-lowering capability, anticancer, trichogenic, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective, osteoprotective, renoprotective, and cardioprotective effects. MOR has also shown promising benefits against various neurological ailments, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injury, cerebral ischemia, and neuropathic pain. Considering these therapeutic features, MOR holds promise as a lead compound for the treatment of various ailments and disorders. However, further comprehensive preclinical and clinical trials are required to establish MOR as an effective and reliable therapeutic agent.

Multiple nanotechnological approaches using natural compounds for diabetes management

Objectives

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a long-standing and non-transmissible endocrine disease that generates significant clinical issues and currently affects approximately 400 million people worldwide. The aim of the present review was to analyze the most relevant and recent studies that focused on the potential application of plant extracts and phytocompounds in nanotechnology for the treatment of T2DM.

Methods

Various databases were examined, including Springer Link, Google Scholar, PubMed, Wiley Online Library, and Science Direct. The search focused on discovering the potential application of nanoparticulate technologies in enhancing drug delivery of phytocompounds for the mentioned condition.

Results

Several drug delivery systems have been considered, that aimed to reduce adverse effects, while enhancing the efficiency of oral antidiabetic medications. Plant-based nanoformulations have been highlighted as an innovative approach for DM treatment due to their eco-friendly and cost-effective synthesis methods. Their benefits include targeted action, enhanced availability, stability, and reduced dosage frequency.

Conclusions

Nanomedicine has opened new opportunities for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of DM. The use of nanomaterials has demonstrated improved outcomes for both T1DM and T2DM. Notably, flavonoids, including substances such as quercetin, naringenin and myricitrin, have been recognized for their enhanced efficacy when delivered through novel nanotechnologies in preventing T2DM onset and associated complications. The perspectives on the addressed subject point to the development of more nanostructured phytocompounds with improved bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy.

Oral gavage delivery of Cornus officinalis extract delays type 1 diabetes onset and hyperglycemia in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease initiated by genetic predisposition and environmental influences, which result in the specific destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic β-cells. Currently, there are over 1.6 million cases of T1D in the United States with a worldwide incidence rate that has been increasing since 1990. Here, we examined the effect of Cornus officinalis (CO), a well-known ethnopharmacological agent, on a T1D model of the non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse. A measured dose of CO extract was delivered into 10-week-old NOD mice by oral gavage for 15 weeks. T1D incidence and hyperglycemia were significantly lower in the CO-treated group as compared to the water gavage (WT) and a no handling or treatment control group (NHT) following treatment. T1D onset per group was 30%, 60% and 86% for the CO, WT and NHT groups, respectively. Circulating C-peptide was higher, and pancreatic insulitis was decreased in non-T1D CO-treated mice. Our findings suggest that CO may have therapeutic potential as both a safe and effective interventional agent to slow early stage T1D progression.

A comprehensive review of Cornus officinalis: health benefits, phytochemistry, and pharmacological effects for functional drug and food development

Introduction

Cornus officinalis sieb. et zucc, a deciduous tree or shrub, is renowned for its "Cornus flesh" fruit, which is widely acknowledged for its medicinal value when matured and dried. Leveraging C. officinalis as a foundational ingredient opens avenues for the development of environmentally friendly health foods, ranging from beverages and jams to preserves and canned products. Packed with diverse bioactive compounds, this species manifests a spectrum of pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, and cardiovascular protective properties.

Methods

This study employs CiteSpace visual analysis software and a bibliometric analysis platform, drawing upon the Web of Science (WOS) database for literature spanning the last decade. Through a comprehensive analysis of available literature from WOS and Google Scholar, we present a thorough summary of the health benefits, phytochemistry, active compounds, and pharmacological effects of C. officinalis. Particular emphasis is placed on its potential in developing functional drugs and foods.

Results and Discussion

While this review enhances our understanding of C. officinalis as a prospective therapeutic agent, its clinical applicability underscores the need for further research and clinical studies to validate findings and establish safe and effective clinical applications.

Traditional Herbal Medications Utilized in the Indian Medical System forthe Management of Diabetes: An Updated Review and Clinical Implications

Phytomedicine, also called botanical medicine, is the practice of using plants to treat disease. Diabetes, for example, has been treated and prevented with herbal medication for a lot longer than Western medicine. Worldwide, diabetes has become a major health concern. The management of diabetes and hyperglycemia, two of the most common public health threats, is far from ideal. When hyperglycemia persists or is not under control, diabetes-related complications, like blindness, lower limb amputations, renal disease, and cardiovascular disease, play a significant role in the morbidity and mortality of the disease. Although chemicals and biochemical agents can assist in managing diabetes, there is currently no complete cure for the disease. Herbal remedies are one of many methods that can be used to treat and prevent diabetes and its subsequent problems. Numerous traditional treatments have been discovered for diabetes as a result of extensive research efforts. However, there are many factors to consider when deciding which herbs to use, such as the patient's financial status, the presence or absence of co-morbidities, and the accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and safety profile of the herbs. This article focuses on the use of herbal and natural remedies in the treatment and prevention of diabetes, the mechanisms by which these remedies lower blood glucose levels, and the specific herbal items now utilized in the management of diabetes.

Controlling diabetes with the aid of medicinal herbs: a critical compilation of a decade of research

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder owing to the insulin faulty production or the resistance to the action mechanism where the accumulation of glucose is the major side effect in the body in the case of diabetes. Numerous herbs with the potential of reducing glucose production along with combating the secondary ailments associated with it but >1% out of 250,000 have been pharmacologically validated. Affordability and historical usage of these herbal remedies often result in patients' preference as primary or as adjunctive to conventional therapies. Clinical trials conducted with herbs are necessary for determining the efficacy of the herbs against diabetes. Additional benefits of herbal employment include the treatment of secondary ailments in patients along with diabetes including triglyceride reduction, cholesterol level management, body mass index, and cardiovascular disease control. Any individual extract marketed as antidiabetic formulations requires clinical validation before adoption but with ongoing disease status, quick validation in protocols and testing is needed to understand, isolate and cross-verify the status of the bioactive ingredient in individual herb and the polyherb extract formulations. Standardization, characterization, long-term role and impact on the human body, efficacy status, and toxicity profile need to be addressed fully for each active ingredient before it is advanced for production. Therefore, after trials, the related regulatory bodies will be approached to confirm the safety status and efficacy of the prepared concoction.

Effects of nitrogen reduction combined with bio-organic fertilizer on soil bacterial community diversity of red raspberry orchard

Understanding soil bacterial diversity under nitrogen reduction is necessary for the crucial role in soil nitrogen cycling. However, the effects of combined fertilization on soil chemical properties, microbial community structure, and yield are unknown. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of nitrogen fertilizer reduction with bio-organic fertilizer on soil bacterial community diversity of red raspberry orchard. Six treatments were set in this study: NF-100%, NF-75%, NF-50%, NF-25% and CF, no nitrogen fertilizer and bio-organic fertilizer for CK. The bacterial community structures of soil were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene amplification high-throughput sequencing technology. Nitrogen fertilizer reduction with bio-organic fertilizer increased soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN), alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen (AN), available phosphorus (AP), available potassium (AK), and reduced soil pH. NF-50% and NF-25% treatments increased the yield of red raspberry. Nitrogen reduction combined with bio-organic fertilizer increased the relative abundance of copiotrophic bacteria and decreased the relative abundance of oligotrophic bacteria. The increase in copiotrophic bacteria in the soil of red raspberry orchard could indicate an increase in soil nutrient availability, which have positive implications for soil fertility and production. However, nitrogen fertilizer reduction with bio-organic fertilizer altered the abundance and diversity of soil bacteria, which was reduced compared to CF treatments. The PCoA analysis of the soil bacterial community showed that the community structure of NF-25% treatment was more different from other treatments, indicating that the fertilization method changed the community structure of soil bacteria. The results of a redundancy analysis showed that SOM, pH, AN, TN, and AP were the main factors affecting the microbial community structure. Overall, the reduction of nitrogen fertilizer with bio-organic fertilizer significantly increased the soil nutrient content, reduced the relative abundance and diversity of soil bacteria, increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria in the soil, changed the bacterial community structure of soil, increased production and created suitable soil conditions for the red raspberry growth.

Iridoids and active ones in patrinia: A review

Iridoid is a special class of monoterpenoids, whose basic skeleton is the acetal derivative of antinodilaldehyde with a bicyclic H-5/H-9β, β-cisfused cyclopentan pyran ring. They were often existed in Valerianaceae, Rubiaceae, Scrophulariaceae and Labiaceae family, and has various biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, neuroprotection, and soon. In this review, iridoids from Patrinia (Valerianaceae family), and the active ones as well as their mechanisms in recent 20 years were summarized. Up to now, a total of 115 iridoids had been identified in Patrinia, among which 48 had extensive biological activities mainly presented in anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and neuroprotective. And the mechanisms involved in MAPK, NF-κB and JNK signal pathways. The summary for iridoids and their activities will provide the evidence to exploit the iridoids in Patrinia.

New Type of Tannins Identified from the Seeds of Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc. by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS

There is a lack of information on the compound profile of Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc. seeds. This greatly affects their optimal utilization. In our preliminary study, we found that the extract of the seeds displayed a strong positive reaction to the FeCl₃ solution, indicating the presence of polyphenols. However, to date, only nine polyphenols have been isolated. In this study, HPLC-ESI-MS/MS was employed to fully reveal the polyphenol profile of the seed extracts. A total of 90 polyphenols were identified. They were classified into nine brevifolincarboxyl tannins and their derivatives, 34 ellagitannins, 21 gallotannins, and 26 phenolic acids and their derivatives. Most of these were first identified from the seeds of C. officinalis. More importantly, five new types of tannins were reported for the first time: brevifolincarboxyl-trigalloyl-hexoside, digalloyl-dehydrohexahydroxydiphenoyl (DHHDP)-hexdside, galloyl-DHHDP-hexoside, DHHDP-hexahydroxydiphenoyl(HHDP)-galloyl-gluconic acid, and peroxide product of DHHDP-trigalloylhexoside. Moreover, the total phenolic content was as high as 79,157 ± 563 mg gallic acid equivalent per 100 g in the seeds extract. The results of this study not only enrich the structure database of tannins, but also provide invaluable aid to its further utilization in industries.

Minor iridoid glycosides from the fruits of Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc. and their anti-diabetic bioactivities

Fifteen previously undescribed minor iridoid glycosides, including four monomers and eleven dimers, were isolated from the fruits of Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc. Their chemical structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic data and chemical evidence. All of the isolated compounds were evaluated for their effects of the glucose consumption on the insulin resistant HepG2 cells, and four compounds, named cornuofficinalisides F, H, L, and O, increased the glucose consumption significantly at 10 μM, the EC₅₀ values of them were determined to be 0.898, 1.625, 0.923, and 8.589 μM, respectively. Moreover, the four compounds could improve the ability of glucose uptake significantly in insulin resistant HepG2 cells.

Efficacy and safety of traditional chinese medicine treatment for overweight and obese individuals: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: The prevalence of obesity is increasing worldwide, causing a global health issue. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) used in treating overweight/obesity has been widely implemented in clinical practice, but its overall efficacy and safety remain unclear. This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of TCM based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods: A systematic review was conducted by searching PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, and Clinical Trails from their inception to March 2021. Two reviewers screened studies, extracted the data, and assessed the risk of bias independently. The data were pooled for meta-analysis or presented narratively. Results: Twenty-five RCTs involving 1,947 participants were included. Compared with placebo or blank control, TCM preparations reduced Body Mass Index (BMI) [MD = -1.16; 95% confidence interval (CI) = -1.44, -0.89; I2 = 34%], reduced weight (MD = -2.53; 95% CI = -3.08, -1.99; I2 = 34%), reduced waist circumference (MD = -2.64; 95% CI = -3.42, -1.87; I2 = 0%), reduced hip circumference (MD = -3.48; 95% CI = -4.13, -2.83; I2 = 0%), reduced total cholesterol (TCHO) (MD = -10.45; 95% CI = -18.92, -1.98; I2 = 63%), reduced triglycerides (TG) (MD = -4.19; 95% CI = -6.35, -2.03; I2 = 25%), increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (MD = -3.60; 95% CI = -6.73, -0.47; I2 = 81%), reduced fasting blood glucose (FBG) (MD = -0.77; 95% CI = -1.24, -0.29; I2 = 91%). Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c)、body fat rate、low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were not statistically significant. For people with hypertension, decreased systolic blood pressure (SBP) (MD = -5.27; 95% CI = -8.35, -2.19; I2 = 58%), decreased diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (MD = -4.30; 95% CI = -5.90, -2.69; I2 = 0%). For people with normal blood pressure, there was no significant change. There was no significant difference in liver function. Conclusion: It has been demonstrated that TCM preparations have good clinical efficacy and safety for overweight/obesity. TCM may be suitable for overweight/obesity in adult populations for its efficacy and safety of long-term treatment.

Quality evaluation of raw and processed Corni Fructus by UHPLC-QTOF-MS and HPLC coupled with color determination

Corni Fructus (CF), used for thousands of years in Asia as food and medicine, has different therapeutic effects before and after processing. In the past work, the quality assessment of Corni Fructus focused on the limited chemical compounds and rarely correlated external properties, such as color. The traditional sensory assessment relies partly on human eyes, which is quick but lacks objectivity. On a Shimadzu LC-20AD liquid chromatograph system equipped with a diode-array detector (DAD), we determined six major compounds (gallic acid, 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furaldehyde, morroniside, loganin, sweroside, and cornuside I). The extract was analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS) after the solid-phase extraction (SPE) step. Totally 58 compounds in raw and processed Corni Fructus were identified in negative and positive ion modes according to tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) fragments. Iridoids, carboxylic acids, tannins, flavonoids, triterpenes, fatty acids, saccharides, phospholipids, polysaccharide, amino acid, amide, furan, catechol, aldehyde, fatty alcohol and vitamin were included. A multivariate statistical analysis based on UHPLC-QTOF-MS filtered 17 differential compounds between raw and processed products. The CM-5 colorimeter was applied for digitizing surface and powder color. The contents of gallic acid, morroniside, loganin, cornuside I, and sweroside significantly correlated with color parameters in raw Corni Fructus, particularly adp* and bdp* , but not in processed products, according to Spearman correlation analysis. MS peak area of four compounds in raw products correlated significantly with color parameters Ldp* , adp* , bdp* , Lpd* , apd* , bpd* , respectively, while three compounds in processed products with Lpd* , apd* , bpd* . It revealed the relationship between compounds and color of Corni Fructus and the crucial compounds to color. In this study, we successfully developed a method for comprehensive quality evaluation of Corni Fructus that combines HPLC, UHPLC-QTOF-MS, and color determination.

Neocornuside A–D, Four Novel Iridoid Glycosides from Fruits of Cornus officinalis and Their Antidiabetic Activity

Four previously undescribed iridoid glycosides neocornuside A–D (1–4), along with six known ones (5–10), were isolated from Cornus officinalis fruit. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic (NMR, UV, IR, and MS) analysis and comparison with data reported in the literature. All isolates were assessed for their antidiabetic activity on the relative glucose consumption in insulin-induced insulin-resistant HepG2 cells. The results showed that compounds 1, 3, and 7 exhibited significant antidiabetic activities with EC50 values of 0.582, 1.275, and 0.742μM, respectively. Moreover, compounds 1, 3, and 7 could improve the ability of 2-NBDG uptake of insulin-induced HepG2 cells.

Pharmacologically Active Phytomolecules Isolated from Traditional Antidiabetic Plants and Their Therapeutic Role for the Management of Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic complication that affects people of all ages. The increased prevalence of diabetes worldwide has led to the development of several synthetic drugs to tackle this health problem. Such drugs, although effective as antihyperglycemic agents, are accompanied by various side effects, costly, and inaccessible to the majority of people living in underdeveloped countries. Medicinal plants have been used traditionally throughout the ages to treat various ailments due to their availability and safe nature. Medicinal plants are a rich source of phytochemicals that possess several health benefits. As diabetes continues to become prevalent, health care practitioners are considering plant-based medicines as a potential source of antidiabetic drugs due to their high potency and fewer side effects. To better understand the mechanism of action of medicinal plants, their active phytoconstituents are being isolated and investigated thoroughly. In this review article, we have focused on pharmacologically active phytomolecules isolated from medicinal plants presenting antidiabetic activity and the role they play in the treatment and management of diabetes. These natural compounds may represent as good candidates for a novel therapeutic approach and/or effective and alternative therapies for diabetes.

Cornus officinalis vinegar reduces body weight and attenuates hepatic steatosis in mouse model of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

This study aimed to determine the main bioactive components of Cornus officinalis vinegar (COV) and assess the effects of COV on the body weight (BW) and hepatic steatosis in a nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) mouse model. Seven-week-old KM female mice were divided into five treatment groups: (1) Normal control (NC) group, (2) high fat diet (HFD) group, (3) low concentration treatment group (3.5% COV), (4) medium concentration treatment group (5.0% COV), and (5) high concentration treatment group (6.5% COV). Mice in the NC group were fed with a normal chow diet, and those in the other four groups were fed with a HFD known for causing obesity for 10 weeks. Then, mice in the three COV treatment groups were orally administered with COV once a day for 6 weeks. Results showed that the contents of loganin and morroniside in COV reached 16.82 and 51.17 µg/ml, respectively, and COV also contained multiple organic acids. COV significantly reduced BW, abdominal fat weight, liver weight, and the levels of glucose, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol of serum and increased the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol of serum (p < 0.05). COV also improved the liver function and anti-oxidant activity of liver (p < 0.05). COV treatments increased the interleukin-10 expression and reduced the tumor necrosis factor-α expression in the liver tissue of NAFLD mice (p < 0.05). Histopathological observation revealed that COV suppressed hepatic lipid accumulation and steatosis. The results suggest that COV may contribute to the alleviation of NAFLD and obesity.

Phytochemistry, synthesis, analytical methods, pharmacological activity, and pharmacokinetics of loganin: A comprehensive review

Iridoid glycosides (IGs) are found in many medicinal and edible plants, such as Gardenia jasminoides, Cistanche tubulosa, Eucommia ulmoides, Rehmanniae Radix, Lonicera japonica, and Cornus officinalis. Loganin, an IG, is one of the main active ingredient of Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc., which approved as a medicinal and edible plant in China. Loganin has been widely concerned due to its extensive pharmacological effects, including anti-diabetic, antiinflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-tumor activities, etc. Studies have shown that these underlying mechanisms include anti-oxidation, antiinflammation and anti-apoptosis by regulating a variety of signaling pathways, such as STAT3/NF-κB, JAK/STAT3, TLR4/NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, MCP-1/CCR2, and RAGE/Nox4/p65 NF-κB signaling pathways. In order to better understand the research status of loganin and promote its application in human health, this paper systematically summarized the phytochemistry, analysis methods, synthesis, pharmacological properties and related mechanisms, and pharmacokinetics based on the research in the past decades.

Protective effect and mechanism of loganin and morroniside on acute lung injury and pulmonary fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Loganin and morroniside are two iridoid glycosides with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-tumor effects. Whether they have effect on acute lung injury and pulmonary fibrosis are still unknown.

PURPOSE

To explore the potential effects of loganin and morroniside against acute lung cancer and pulmonary fibrosis, and the underlying molecular mechanism.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Cell and animal models of acute lung injury were established by the induction of LPS. After intervention with loganin and morroniside, the pathological symptom of lung tissue was assessed, pro-inflammatory factors in cells and lung tissues were detected, NF- κB/STAT3 signaling pathway related proteins were detected by western blotting. Mice pulmonary fibrosis model was induced by bleomycin, pathological symptom was assessed by HE and Masson staining. Fibrosis related indicators were detected by qPCR or western blot. CD4+/CD8+ was detected by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Loganin and morroniside relieved the pathological symptom of lung tissue in acute lung injury, pro-inflammatory factors such as IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α mRNA were inhibited. Expression of p-p65 and STAT3 in lung tissues were also downregulated. In addition, loganin and morroniside downregulated the expression of collagen fiber, hydroxyproline and TGF-β1, collagen I and α-SMA mRNA in lung tissues of pulmonary fibrosis model. This study proved that loganin and morroniside have protective effect on acute lung injury and pulmonary fibrosis, and may provide theoretical basis for the development of new clinical drugs.

An Overview of Traditional Uses, Phytochemical Compositions and Biological Activities of Edible Fruits of European and Asian Cornus Species

Cornus species are widely distributed in central and southern Europe, east Africa, southwest Asia, and America. Several species are known for edible fruits, especially Cornus mas and Cornus officinalis. These delicious fruits, characterized by their remarkable nutritional and biological values, are widely used in traditional medicine. In contrast to the other edible Cornus species, C. mas and C. officinalis are the most studied for which little information is available on the main phytochemicals and their biological activities. Fruits are characterised by several classes of secondary metabolites, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, anthocyanins, tannins, triterpenoids, and iridoids. The available phytochemical data show that the different classes of metabolites have not been systematically studied. However, these edible species are all worthy of interest because similarities have been found. Thus, this review describes the traditional uses of Cornus species common in Europe and Asia, a detailed classification of the bioactive compounds that characterize the fruits, and their beneficial health effects. Cornus species are a rich source of phytochemicals with nutritional and functional properties that justify the growing interest in these berries, not only for applications in the food industry but also useful for their medicinal properties.

Preparation and Evaluation of Antioxidant Activities of Bioactive Peptides Obtained from Cornus officinalis

The present study is a preparation of bioactive peptides from Cornus officinalis proteins by the compound enzymatic hydrolysis method. Response surface methodology (RSM) coupled with Box–Behnken design (BBD) is used to optimize the preparation process of Cornus officinalis peptides. The effects of independent variables, such as the amount of enzyme, pH value, time, extraction times and the ratio of material to liquid on the yield of peptides, are also investigated. The analysis results of the RSM model show that the optimum conditions for the extraction of Cornus officinalis peptides were a pH value of 6.76, temperature of 48.84 °C and the amount of enzyme of 0.19%. Under optimal conditions, the yield of peptides was 36.18 ± 0.26 %, which was close to the predicted yield by the RSM model. Additionally, the prepared Cornus officinalis peptides showed significant antioxidant activity; the scavenging rates of the peptides for DPPH and ·OH were 48.47% and 29.41%, respectively. The results of the cell proliferation assay revealed that the prepared Cornus officinalis peptides could promote embryo fibroblast cells proliferation and repair oxidative damage cells. These results have a practical application value in the design of novel functional food formulations by using Cornus officinalis.

Cornus mas and Cornus officinalis-A Comparison of Antioxidant and Immunomodulatory Activities of Standardized Fruit Extracts in Human Neutrophils and Caco-2 Models

Fruits of Cornus mas and Cornus officinalis are representative plant materials traditionally used in Europe and Asia, respectively, in the treatment of diabetes and diabetes-related complications, which are often mediated by pathogenic inflammatory agents. Additionally, due to the fact of mutual infiltration of Asian and European medicines, the differentiation as well as standardization of traditional prescriptions seem to be crucial for ensuring the quality of traditional products. The objective of this study was a comparison of biological activity of extracts from fruits of C. mas and C. officinalis by an assessment of their effect on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in human neutrophils as well as cytokines secretion both in neutrophils (tumor necrosis factor α, TNF- α; interleukin 8, IL-8; interleukin 1β, IL-1β) and in human colon adenocarcinoma cell line Caco-2 (IL-8). To evaluate the phytochemical differences between the studied extracts as well as to provide a method for standardization procedures, a quantitative analysis of iridoids, such as loganin, sweroside, and loganic acid, found in extracts of Cornus fruits was performed with HPLC-DAD. All standardized extracts significantly inhibited ROS production, whereas the aqueous-alcoholic extracts were particularly active inhibitors of IL-8 secretion by neutrophils. The aqueous-methanolic extract of C. officinalis fruit, decreased IL-8 secretion by neutrophils to 54.64 ± 7.67%, 49.68 ± 6.55%, 50.29 ± 5.87% at concentrations of 5, 50, and 100 µg/mL, respectively, compared to LPS-stimulated control (100%). The aqueous extract of C. officinalis fruit significantly inhibited TNF-α release by neutrophils at concentrations of 50 and 100 µg/mL. On the other hand, the aqueous-ethanolic extract of C. mas fruit showed the propensity to increase TNF-α and IL-1β secretion. The modulatory activity of the Cornus extracts was noted in the case of secretion of IL-8 in Caco-2 cells. The effect was comparable with dexamethasone. The content of loganin in aqueous and aqueous-methanolic extract of C. officinalis fruit was higher than in the aqueous-ethanolic extract of C. mas fruit, which was characterized by a significant quantity of loganic acid. In conclusion, the immunomodulatory effect observed in vitro may partially confirm the traditional use of Cornus fruits through alleviation of the development of diabetes-derived inflammatory complications. Loganin and loganic acid are significant markers for standardization of C. mas and C. officinalis fruit extracts, respectively.

Ultrasound-assisted enzymatic extraction of Corni Fructus alpha-glucosidase inhibitors improves insulin resistance in HepG2 cells

Corni Fructus (CF) is a traditional medicine and beneficial food with multifaceted protective effects against diabetes and its complications. Since alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (GIs) are promising first-choice oral antihyperglycemic drugs for diabetes, we examined whether GIs from CF (GICF) are useful for diabetes treatment. Therefore, GICF was extracted by ultrasound-assisted enzymatic extraction (UAEE) that is optimized by a three-level, four-factor Box-Behnken design and determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography. Compared to 36.31 mg g^-1 without enzyme treatment, the GICF yield increased to 70.44 mg g^-1via UAEE under optimum conditions (0.5% compound enzyme extracted in 23 min at 46 °C and pH 4.8). The activity (91.99%) of GICF was as predicted (93.28%). When GICF was used in an insulin-resistant HepG2 cell model, it significantly ameliorated the glucose metabolism in a dose-dependent manner. Our findings indicate that UAEE may be an innovative method for functional food extraction and a potential strategy for high-quality food ingredient (such as GI) production with high efficiency and productivity.

Effects of Different Drying Methods on the Characterization, Dissolution Rate and Antioxidant Activity of Ursolic Acid-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles

To improve the water solubility of ursolic acid (UA), UA-loaded chitosan nanoparticles were firstly prepared by the ionotropic gelation method and dried by freeze drying (FD), microwave freeze drying (MFD) and spray drying (SD). The characterization of UA-loaded chitosan nanoparticles was performed with particle size, drug loading (DL), scanning electron microscope (SEM), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dissolution studies and antioxidant activity. The results demonstrated that UA was successfully encapsulated into chitosan nanoparticles using sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) as a cross-linker, with a 79% encapsulation efficiency. The spray-dried, UA-loaded chitosan nanoparticles had the lowest drug loading (11.8%) and the highest particle size (496.9 ± 11.20 nm). The particle size of UA-loaded chitosan nanoparticles dried by MFD and FD was lower, at 240.8 ± 12.10 nm and 184.4 ± 10.62 nm, respectively, and their antioxidant activity was higher than those nanoparticles dried by SD. Moreover, the drying time and energy consumption of UA-loaded chitosan nanoparticles dried by MFD and SD were lower than that of FD. The dissolution rates of UA-loaded chitosan nanoparticles prepared by FD and MFD were 60.6% and 57.1%, respectively, in a simulated gastric fluid, which was a greater value than SD (55.9%). Therefore, the UA-loaded chitosan nanoparticles encapsulation method, combined with MFD technology, showed a promising potential to improve the water solubility of UA.

Major triterpenoids from Eucalyptus tereticornis have enhanced beneficial effects in cellular models when mixed with minor compounds present in raw extract

Obesity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus development and is characterized by an abnormal expansion of adipose tissue and low-grade chronic inflammation that contribute to insulin resistance. Although there are multiple treatments, most therapies can produce undesirable side effects and therefore, new and effective treatments with fewer side effects are necessary. Previously, we demonstrated that a natural extract from the leaves of Eucalyptus tereticornis (OBE100) has anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities. The major compounds identified in OBE100 were three pentacyclic triterpenoids, ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, and ursolic acid lactone. Triterpenoids have shown multiples biological activities. This current study compared the biological effect produced by OBE100 with five different reconstituted mixtures of these triterpenoids. Different cell lines were used to evaluate cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species production, inflammatory cytokine expression, glucose uptake induction, leptin and adiponectin expression, and lipid accumulation. OBE100 treatment was the most efficacious and none of the formulated triterpenoid mixtures significantly improved on this. Moreover, OBE100 was less toxic and reduced reactive oxygen species production. Our study showed that the proven beneficial properties of triterpenoids may be enhanced due to the interaction with minor secondary metabolites present in the natural extract improving their anti-inflammatory properties.

Traditionally Used Plants in the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus: Screening for Uptake Inhibition of Glucose and Fructose in the Caco2-Cell Model

The traditional use of plants and their preparations in the treatment of diseases as a first medication in the past centuries indicates the presence of active components for specific targets in the natural material. Many of the tested plants in this study have been traditionally used in the treatment of Diabetes mellitus type 2 and associated symptoms in different cultural areas. Additionally, hypoglycemic effects, such as a decrease in blood glucose concentration, have been demonstrated in vivo for these plants. In order to determine the mode of action, the plants were prepared as methanolic and aqueous extracts and tested for their effects on intestinal glucose and fructose absorption in Caco2 cells. The results of this screening showed significant and reproducible inhibition of glucose uptake between 40 and 80% by methanolic extracts made from the fruits of Aronia melanocarpa, Cornus officinalis, Crataegus pinnatifida, Lycium chinense, and Vaccinium myrtillus; the leaves of Brassica oleracea, Juglans regia, and Peumus boldus; and the roots of Adenophora triphylla. Furthermore, glucose uptake was inhibited between 50 and 70% by aqueous extracts made from the bark of Eucommia ulmoides and the fruit skin of Malus domestica. The methanolic extracts of Juglans regia and Peumus boldus inhibited the fructose transport between 30 and 40% in Caco2 cells as well. These findings can be considered as fundamental work for further research regarding the treatment of obesity-correlated diseases, such as Diabetes mellitus type 2.

Pharmacoinformatics and UPLC-QTOF/ESI-MS-Based Phytochemical Screening of Combretum indicum against Oxidative Stress and Alloxan-Induced Diabetes in Long-Evans Rats

This research investigated a UPLC-QTOF/ESI-MS-based phytochemical profiling of Combretum indicum leaf extract (CILEx), and explored its in vitro antioxidant and in vivo antidiabetic effects in a Long-Evans rat model. After a one-week intervention, the animals' blood glucose, lipid profile, and pancreatic architectures were evaluated. UPLC-QTOF/ESI-MS fragmentation of CILEx and its eight docking-guided compounds were further dissected to evaluate their roles using bioinformatics-based network pharmacological tools. Results showed a very promising antioxidative effect of CILEx. Both doses of CILEx were found to significantly (p < 0.05) reduce blood glucose, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and total cholesterol (TC), and increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Pancreatic tissue architectures were much improved compared to the diabetic control group. A computational approach revealed that schizonepetoside E, melianol, leucodelphinidin, and arbutin were highly suitable for further therapeutic assessment. Arbutin, in a Gene Ontology and PPI network study, evolved as the most prospective constituent for 203 target proteins of 48 KEGG pathways regulating immune modulation and insulin secretion to control diabetes. The fragmentation mechanisms of the compounds are consistent with the obtained effects for CILEx. Results show that the natural compounds from CILEx could exert potential antidiabetic effects through in vivo and computational study.

Multiomics-based characterization of specialized metabolites biosynthesis in Cornus Officinalis

Cornus officinalis, an important traditional medicinal plant, is used as major constituents of tonics, analgesics, and diuretics. While several studies have focused on its characteristic bioactive compounds, little is known on their biosynthesis. In this study, we performed LC-QTOF-MS-based metabolome and RNA-seq-based transcriptome profiling for seven tissues of C. officinalis. Untargeted metabolome analysis assigned chemical identities to 1,215 metabolites and showed tissue-specific accumulation for specialized metabolites with medicinal properties. De novo transcriptome assembly established for C. officinalis showed 96% of transcriptome completeness. Co-expression analysis identified candidate genes involved in the biosynthesis of iridoids, triterpenoids, and gallotannins, the major group of bioactive metabolites identified in C. officinalis. Integrative omics analysis identified 45 cytochrome P450s genes correlated with iridoids accumulation in C. officinalis. Network-based integration of genes assigned to iridoids biosynthesis pathways with these candidate CYPs further identified seven promising CYPs associated with iridoids’ metabolism. This study provides a valuable resource for further investigation of specialized metabolites’ biosynthesis in C. officinalis.

Active Components and Pharmacological Effects of Cornus officinalis: Literature Review

Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc. (Shanzhuyu), a herb and food plant in east Asia, has the properties of tonifying the liver and kidney, and nourishing the essence according to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine. C. officinalis has been commonly used to treat asthenia diseases, liver, and kidney diseases, and reproductive system diseases since ancient times. The objectives of this article were to review the pharmacological effects and phytochemistry of C. officinalis. We conducted a literature review of the pharmacological effects of C. officinalis by different systems and compared the effects with the traditional usages, discussed the research status and potential blanks to be filled. The experimental studies showed that C. officinalis extract and its active components had various pharmacological effects such as anti-oxidation, anti-apoptosis, anti-inflammation, anti-diabetes, anti-osteoporosis, immunoregulation, neuroprotection, and cardiovascular protection, but clinical studies are still needed to assess whether the reported pharmacological activities have confirmed efficacy.

Triterpene-enriched fractions from Eucalyptus tereticornis ameliorate metabolic alterations in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity

ETNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Eucalyptus tereticornis Sm. (Eu) is a plant species used in traditional medicine to treat diabetes mellitus. Eu leaf extracts have been shown to regulate immuno-metabolic activities that are associated with obesity and insulin resistance. OBE100 and OBE104 are two natural Eu extracts that are rich in pentacyclic triterpenes. The major compounds identified in OBE100 are ursolic acid (UA), oleanolic acid (OA), and ursolic acid lactone (UAL), and the major compounds identified in OBE104 are UA and OA.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to investigate the effects of two extracts from Eu leaves with different triterpene composition in a nutritional animal model of prediabetes.

METHODS

A mouse model of diet-induced obesity was used to analyze the effects of the OBE100 and OBE104 treatments on metabolic markers and gene expression in liver and visceral adipose tissue.

RESULTS

Treating the prediabetic mouse model with OBE100 and OBE104 increased glucose tolerance. However, only the Eu extract that contained three triterpenes reduced mouse body weight, hepatic and adipose fat content, and plasma lipid levels. OBE100 treatment also led to decreased hepatic mRNA levels of PPARA, CPT1A, and SERBP1. In visceral adipose tissue, OBE100 treatment reduced expression of PPARA and ACACA and increased UCP1 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that developing a new multitargeting bioactive compound from the natural extract from Eu may help combat obesity and diabetes. Treatment with OBE100 had better effects than OBE104 in a diet-induced obesity mouse model, suggesting that the OBE100 extract, which contains three triterpenes, may be beneficial in combating obesity.

Protective Effects of Iridoid Glycoside from Corni Fructus on Type 2 Diabetes with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver in Mice

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a common chronic metabolic disease. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) shares common typical features with T2DM, and they affect each other extensively. Thus, NAFLD has emerged as a novel target for T2DM prevention and care. Although Corni Fructus (CF) and its extracts have a therapeutic effect on T2DM, its effects and mechanisms on T2DM with NAFLD are far from elucidated. In this study, a mouse model of T2DM with NAFLD complication was established in ICR mice by feeding a high-fat, high-sugar (HFHS) diet and intraperitoneally injecting with a low dose of streptozotocin (STZ). Then, the effects of iridoid glycosides (IG) extracted from CF on this mouse model were investigated. We found that 4-week IG administration remarkably alleviated hyperglycemia and insulin resistance and significantly reduced inflammation, oxidative stress, and fat accumulation in the liver of T2DM with NAFLD mice. Further studies showed that IG inhibited the NF-κB but enhanced the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. In summary, these results indicated that the IG from CF has potential therapeutic effects on T2DM with NAFLD.

Aqueous Extracts of Morus alba Root Bark and Cornus officinalis Fruit Protect against Osteoarthritis Symptoms in Testosterone-Deficient and Osteoarthritis-Induced Rats

Water extracts of both Morus alba L. root bark (MBW) and Cornus officinalis Siebold and Zucc fruit (CFW) have traditionally been used to promote men's health in the elderly in Asia. We determined that the 12-week consumption of MBW and CFW could alleviate testosterone-deficiency syndrome and osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms in testosterone-deficient rats, and the action mechanisms were explored. Rats with bilateral orchiectomy (ORX) were fed a 45% fat diet containing either 0.5% MBW (ORX-MBW), 0.5% CFW(ORX-CFW), or 0.5% dextrin (ORX-CON). Sham-operated rats also received 0.5% dextrin (Non-ORX-CON). After 8 weeks of treatment, all rats had an injection of monoiodoacetate (MIA) into the left knee, and they continued the same diet for the additional 4 weeks. ORX-CFW and ORX-MBW partially prevented the reduction of serum testosterone concentrations and decreased insulin resistance, compared to the ORX-CON. ORX-CFW and ORX-MBW protected against the reduction of bone mineral density (BMD) and lean body mass (LBM) compared to the ORX-CON. The limping and edema scores were lower in the order of the ORX-CON, ORX-CRF = ORX-MBW, and Non-ORX-CON (p < 0.05). The scores for pain behaviors, measured by weight-distribution on the OA leg and maximum running velocity on a treadmill, significantly decreased in the same order as limping scores. ORX-MBW protected against the increased expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 and MMP-13 and reduced the production of inflammatory markers such as TNF-α and IL-1β, by MIA in the articular cartilage, compared to the ORX-CON (p < 0.05). The cartilage damage near the tidemark of the knee and proteoglycan loss was significantly less in ORX-MBW than ORX-CON. In conclusion, MBW, possibly CFW, could be effective alternative therapeutic agents for preventing osteoarthritis in testosterone-deficient elderly men.

Bu-Shen-Huo-Xue Decoction Ameliorates Diabetic Nephropathy by Inhibiting Rac1/PAK1/p38MAPK Signaling Pathway in High-Fat Diet/Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice

Diabetic nephropathy (DN), a leading cause of end-stage renal disease, is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide and the development of new drugs to treat DN is urgently required. Bu-Shen-Huo-Xue (BSHX) decoction is a traditional Chinese herbal formula, made according to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, and has been used clinically to treat DN. In the present study, we established a high-fat diet/streptozotocin-induced diabetic mouse model and treated the mice with BSHX decoction to verify its therapeutic effects in vivo. Ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) was applied to analyze the chemical composition and active compounds of BSHX decoction. Markers of podocyte epithelial-mesenchymal transition and the Rac1/PAK1/p38MAPK signaling pathway were evaluated to investigate the mechanism underlying function of BSHX decoction. BSHX decoction effectively alleviated diabetic symptoms, according to analysis of the renal function indicators, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, serum uric acid, and urinary albumin excretion rate, as well as renal histopathology and ultrastructural pathology of DN mice. We identified 67 compounds, including 20 likely active compounds, in BSHX decoction. The podocyte markers, nephrin and podocin, were down-regulated, while the mesenchymal markers, α-SMA and FSP-1, were up-regulated in DN mouse kidney; however, the changes in these markers were reversed on treatment with BSHX decoction. GTP-Rac1 was markedly overexpressed in DN mice and its levels were significantly decreased in response to BSHX decoction. Similarly, levels of p-PAK1 and p-p38MAPK which indicate Rac1 activation, were reduced on treatment with BSHX decoction. Together, our data demonstrated that BSHX decoction ameliorated renal function and podocyte epithelial-mesenchymal transition via inhibiting Rac1/PAK1/p38MAPK signaling pathway in high-fat diet/streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Further, we generated a quality control standard and numerous potential active compounds from BSHX decoction for DN.

The extraordinary transformation of traditional Chinese medicine: processing with liquid excipients

Context: The Chinese medicinal materials originate from animals, plants, or minerals must undergo appropriate treatment before use as decoction pieces. Processing of Chinese medicines with liquid excipients is a pharmaceutical technique that transforms medicinal raw materials into decoction pieces which are significantly different from the original form. During processing, significant changes occur in chemical constituents, which inevitably affects clinical efficacy. At present, the liquid materials in processing mainly involve wine, vinegar, honey, saline water, ginger juice, herbal juice, etc.Objective: This review introduces the typical methods of liquid excipients processing, summarizes the influence on chemical composition, pharmacological efficacy, and expounds the ways and mechanisms of liquid excipients to change the properties of drugs, enhance the efficacy, eliminate or reduce toxicity and adverse reaction.Methods: English and Chinese literature from 1986 to 2020 was collected from databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Elsevier, Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2015, and CNKI (Chinese). Liquid excipients, processing, pharmacological effects, synergism, chemical constitution, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) were used as the key words.Results: Liquid excipients play a key role in the application of TCM. Processing with proper liquid excipients can change the content of toxic or active components by physical or chemical transformation, decrease or increase drug dissolution, alter drug pharmacokinetics, or exert their own pharmacological effects. Thus, processing with liquid excipients is essential to ensure the safety and efficacy of TCM in clinic.Conclusion: This article could be helpful for researchers who are interested in traditional Chinese herbs processed with liquid excipients.

Loganetin and 5-fluorouracil synergistically inhibit the carcinogenesis of gastric cancer cells via down-regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway

Although most gastrointestinal tumours are sensitive to 5-fluorouracil (5FU), drug resistance is commonly occurred after 5FU therapy in gastric cancer (GC). Loganetin is the primary active compound in Cornus officinali. However, the synergetic effects of loganetin and 5FU on GC remain unknown. Here, we investigated the synergetic effects and the underlying mechanism of loganetin and 5FU on proliferation, stem-like properties, migration, and invasion of GC both in vitro and in vivo. We found that loganetin alone inhibited the proliferation, stem-like properties, migration and invasion of GC cells in vitro. Importantly, the loganetin remarkably enhanced the anti-cancer effect of 5FU on GC cells and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway might be involved in this process. Animal experiments further confirmed the synergistic effects of 5FU and loganetin on inhibiting cell growth and metastasis of GC. These results suggested that loganetin could synergistically increase the effect of 5FU against GC, which sheds light on effective combinational drug strategies for GC treatment.

Undescribed morroniside-like secoiridoid diglycosides with α-glucosidase inhibitory activity from Corni Fructus

Corni Fructus, also known as the fruit of Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc., has long been used as a traditional Chinese medicine and is widely consumed as a nutritional food in the form of function drink and wine. Recently, Corni Fructus has attracted considerable interest because of its anti-diabetic effects. A systematic phytochemical investigation of Corni Fructus was performed to find anti-diabetic components, which led to the isolation of 10 unreported iridoid glycosides, cornusdiglycosides A-J (1-8, 9a/9b and 10a/10b). Their chemical structures were determined through spectroscopic analysis (ultraviolet [UV], infrared [IR], high-resolution electrospray ionisation mass spectroscopy [HRESIMS], one-dimensional [1D] and two-dimensional [2D] nuclear magnetic resonance [NMR]). Such morroniside-type diglycosides were first reported from natural sources, and all isolates were evaluated for α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. The results showed that all compounds (1-10) exhibited α-glucosidase (from Saccharomyces cerevisiae) inhibitory activities with IC₅₀ values ranging from 78.9 ± 4.09 to 162.2 ± 9.17 μM, whereas acarbose, the positive control, displayed α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ value of 118.9 ± 7.89 μM.

Natural and synthetic drugs used for the treatment of the dementia

This review is devoted to comparative pharmacological analysis of synthetic drugs such as memantine and its isomers, as well as tacrine, velnacrine, rivastigmine, and donepezil, with natural alkaloids, terpenoids, and triterpenoid peroxides, which are used to treat dementia, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, myasthenia gravis and other neurodegenerative diseases. Recently discovered by French scientists from Marseille triterpenoid hydroperoxides demonstrate high activity as potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of dementia. The information presented in this review is of great interest to pharmacologists, medical chemists, physiologists, neurologists and doctors, as well as for the pharmaceutical industry.

Protective effects of iridoid glycosides on acute colitis via inhibition of the inflammatory response mediated by the STAT3/NF-кB pathway

Morroniside and loganin are iridoid glycosides extracted from Cornus officinalis, a plant species widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. However, the anti-inflammatory effects of morroniside and loganin in colitis are barely understood. The aim of the present study was to explore the effects of morroniside and loganin on the dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced murine model of colitis and an LPS-induced colorectal cancer (CRC) cell inflammation model, and to clarify the underlying mechanisms. We found that morroniside and loganin were able to ameliorate clinical features, including disease activity index (DAI), histological inflammation score and periodic acid-Schiff staining (PAS). In the mouse model, morroniside and loganin treatment increased expression of tight junction proteins (TJs) and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Moreover, our findings showed that the expression of p-STAT3 and p-p65 were suppressed compared to the disease group. In in vitro experiments, treatment with morroniside and loganin had no obvious effects on proliferative activity in HCT116 cells and HIEC-6 cells. Expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines was inhibited by morroniside and loganin treatment in comparison with the LPS-treated group. Taken together, morroniside and loganin have beneficial effects on colitis in vivo and are anti-inflammatory in vitro. Possible mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory response may include blockade of the STAT3/NF-κB pathway.

Alpha-Amylase and Alpha-Glucosidase Enzyme Inhibition and Antioxidant Potential of 3-Oxolupenal and Katononic Acid Isolated from Nuxia oppositifolia

Nuxia oppositifolia is traditionally used in diabetes treatment in many Arabian countries; however, scientific evidence is lacking. Hence, the present study explored the antidiabetic and antioxidant activities of the plant extracts and their purified compounds. The methanolic crude extract of N. oppositifolia was partitioned using a two-solvent system. The n-hexane fraction was purified by silica gel column chromatography to yield several compounds including katononic acid and 3-oxolupenal. Antidiabetic activities were assessed by α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition. Antioxidant capacities were examined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) scavenging assays. Further, the interaction between enzymes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase) and ligands (3-oxolupenal and katononic acid) was followed by fluorescence quenching and molecular docking studies. 3-oxolupenal and katononic acid showed IC₅₀ values of 46.2 μg/mL (101.6 µM) and 52.4 μg/mL (119.3 µM), respectively against the amylase inhibition. 3-oxolupenal (62.3 µg/mL or 141.9 μM) exhibited more potent inhibition against α-glucosidases compared to katononic acid (88.6 µg/mL or 194.8 μM). In terms of antioxidant activity, the relatively polar crude extract and n-butanol fraction showed the greatest DPPH and ABTS scavenging activity. However, the antioxidant activities of the purified compounds were in the low to moderate range. Molecular docking studies confirmed that 3-oxolupenal and katononic acid interacted strongly with the active site residues of both α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Fluorescence quenching results also suggest that 3-oxolupenal and katononic acid have a good affinity towards both α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. This study provides preliminary data for the plant's use in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Comparative Study of Crude and Wine-Processing Corni Fructus on Chemical Composition and Antidiabetic Effects

Wine processing is a specialized technology which involves sautéing crude herbal medicine using Chinese rice wine. Herein, we identified the changes in chemical profiles and antidiabetic effects of Corni Fructus (CF) after wine processing in high-fat diet (HFD) streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced diabetic mice. A novel high-efficiency method for simultaneously quantifying gallic acid, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, morroniside, loganin, sweroside, and cornuside by UPLC was developed, and validating crude and wine-processing CF was done for the first time. Mice were randomly divided into the following groups and orally given different solutions for 4 weeks: normal group (NC, 0.4% (w/v) CMC-Na), model group (DM, 0.4% (w/v) CMC-Na), crude CF group (CP, 3.87 g/kg), and wine-processing CF group (PP, 3.87 g/kg) followed by HFD and multiple subcutaneous injection of STZ (40 mg/kg) to induce the diabetes model except the NC group. Biochemical indexes (body weight, fasting blood glucose level, lipid level, insulin, and free fatty acid) and other parameters involving liver toxicity were measured with commercial kits and immunohistochemical method. Comparative studies on pharmacology showed that the crude extracts possess higher efficacy on hypoglycemia and hypolipidemia, while wine-processing products exhibit better effects on liver preservation. Our data suggested that wine processing was recommended when CF was used for protecting the liver; however, crude products should be used as antidiabetic drugs.