Malva species: Insights on its chemical composition towards pharmacological applications

Neuroprotective Effect of Marrubium vulgare Extract in Scopolamine-Induced Cognitive Impairment in Rats: Behavioral and Biochemical Approaches

The potential of Marrubium vulgare to alleviate scopolamine (Sco)-induced deficits in spatial working memory has drawn considerable scientific interest. This effect is partly attributed to its potent antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory (AChEI) activities. This study examined the effects of M. vulgare extract, standardized to marrubiin content, on recognition memory in healthy and Sco-treated rats. Male Wistar rats (200-250 g) were divided into four groups. The extract was orally administered for 21 days and Sco (2 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected for 11 consecutive days. Memory performance was assessed using the novel object recognition test. Levels of acetylcholine (ACh), noradrenaline (NA), serotonin (Sero), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the phosphorylation of cAMP response element-binding protein (p-CREB) were evaluated in the cortex and hippocampus via ELISA. BDNF and CREB expression levels were assessed using RT-PCR. The results showed that M. vulgare significantly alleviated Sco-induced memory impairment, preserved cholinergic function in the hippocampus, increased NA levels in the brain, and restored pCREB expression in the cortex following Sco-induced reduction. In healthy rats, the extract upregulated BDNF, pCREB, and Bcl2 expression. Our findings indicate that the neuroprotective effects of M. vulgare may be linked to the modulation of cholinergic function, regulation of NA neurotransmission, and influence on key memory-related molecules.

Gibberellin-Producing Bacteria Isolated from Coastal Soil Enhance Seed Germination of Mallow and Broccoli Plants under Saline Conditions

Salinity hinders plant growth, posing a substantial challenge to sustainable agricultural yield maintenance. The application of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) offers an emerging strategy to mitigate the detrimental effects of high salinity levels. This study aimed to isolate and identify gibberellin-producing bacteria and their impact on the seed germination of Malva verticillata (mallow) and Brassica oleracea var. italica (broccoli) under salt stress. In this study, seven bacterial isolates (KW01, KW02, KW03, KW04, KW05, KW06, and KW07) were used to assess their capacity for producing various growth-promoting traits and their tolerance to varying amounts of salinity (100 mM and 150 Mm NaCl). The findings revealed that KW05 and KW07 isolates outperformed other isolates in synthesizing indole-3-acetic acid, siderophores, and exopolysaccharides and in solubilizing phosphates. These isolates also enhanced phosphatase activity and antioxidant levels, including superoxide dismutase and catalase. Both KW05 and KW07 isolate highlight the growth-promoting effects of gibberellin by enhancing of growth parameters of Waito-C rice. Further, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry validation confirmed the ability of KW05 and KW07 to produce gibberellins (GAs), including GA1, GA3, GA4, and GA7. Seed germination metrics were enhanced due to the inoculation of KW05 and KW07. Moreover, inoculation with KW05 increased the fresh weight (FW) (7.82%) and total length (38.61%) of mallow under salt stress. Inoculation with KW07 increased the FW (32.04%) and shoot length of mallow under salt stress. A single inoculation of these two isolates increased broccoli plants' FW and shoot length under salt stress. Gibberellin-producing bacteria helps in plant growth promotion by improving salt tolerance by stimulating root elongation and facilitating enhanced absorption of water and nutrient uptake in salty environments. Based on these findings, they can play a role in boosting agricultural yield in salt-affected areas, which would help to ensure the long-term viability of agriculture in coastal regions.

Potential benefits of Malva sylvestris in dry-eye disease pathology in vitro based on antioxidant, wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties

Dry eye disease (DED) is a common chronic ocular surface disease. Available therapies are effective but often associated with side effects. This study investigates the potential of a Malva sylvestris L. flower extract and two defined preparations, a mucilage and a polyphenol rich fraction, on cells that are essential for the DED pathology. Furthermore, single compounds were isolated and characterised out of the polyphenol fraction. The M. sylvestris extract and its two fractions reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) in an ultraviolet-induced model and promoted wound healing capacity of HCE-T cells, but only the polyphenol fraction and the flower extract exhibited significant radical scavenging activity. The flower extract and the polyphenol fraction inhibited cytokine secretion (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-8) from HCE-T cells and THP-1 cells. In contrast, the mucilage fraction led to an increase in mediator secretion. The NF-κB activity and calcium influx in THP-1 and Jurkat cells, respectively was decreased by treatment with the flower extract and the polyphenol fraction, whereas the mucilage fraction had no influence on these parameters. Moreover, the flower extract and the mucilage fraction at low concentration could stimulate meibomian gland cells' lipid accumulation. The isolated single compounds showed no effect on analysed parameters, except a coumarin derivative and malvin which showed ROS inhibition effects.

Antibacterial Activity of Essential Oils Combinations based on Thymus broussonnetii, and Their Synergism with some Antibiotics

The present study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the essential oil (EO) of Moroccan endemic Thymus broussonnetii alone, and in combination with EOs obtained from selected medicinal plants, namely Myrtus communis, Artemisia herba alba, Thymus pallidus, Thymus satureioides, Teucrium polium, and Rosmarinus officinalis. The synergistic interactions between the most effective combinations based on T. broussonnetii EO with two conventional antibiotics (streptomycin and ciprofloxacin) were also investigated. T. broussonnetii EO possessed a higher inhibitory activity against tested pathogenic bacteria with inhibition zone diameter (IZ) ranging from 21.61 ± 0.03 to 40.09 ± 0.02 mm, and MIC values between 0.140 mg/mL and 0.280 mg/mL. M. communis, A. herba alba, T. pallidus, T. satureioides, T. polium, and R. officinalis EOs showed moderate to weak antibacterial activity. Among tested EO mixtures, the highest synergistic antibacterial effect was recorded with the EO combination of T. broussonnetii and T. pallidus against S. aureus, E. coli, and S. enterica (FICI = 0.258). This EO combination was also the most effective mixture to synergistically enhance the antibacterial activity of the two antibiotics with up to a 128-fold increase, particularly against the gram-negative E. coli. These findings suggest that T. broussonnetii EO may be an interesting source of natural antimicrobials, for use in combination therapies with other plant EOs, and with conventional antimicrobial drugs to tackle the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Current and Potential Applications of Monoterpenes and Their Derivatives in Oral Health Care

Plant products have been employed in medicine for centuries. As the world becomes more health-conscious, there is a growing interest in natural and minimally processed products for oral health care. This has led to an increase in research into the bioactive compounds found in plant products, particularly monoterpenes. Monoterpenes are known to have beneficial biological properties, but the specific mechanisms by which they exert their effects are not yet fully understood. Despite this, some monoterpenes are already being used in oral health care. For example, thymol, which has antibacterial properties, is an ingredient in varnish used for caries prevention. In addition to this, monoterpenes have also demonstrated antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, making them versatile for various applications. As research continues, there is potential for even more discoveries regarding the benefits of monoterpenes in oral health care. This narrative literature review gives an overview of the biological properties and current and potential applications of selected monoterpenes and their derivatives in oral health care. These compounds demonstrate promising potential for future medical development, and their applications in future research are expected to expand.

A review of the bioactive properties of Mongolian plants, with a focus on their potential as natural food preservatives

Consumers have recently preferred food that is easy to make and of excellent quality, as well as food that is safe, natural, and minimally processed, but has a longer shelf life. Food deteriorates over time as a result of microbiological, chemical, or physical changes. Phytochemicals derived from medicinal and food plants have long been recognized for their biological activity to protect plants. These bioactivities are designed to increase the shelf life of food while inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. The use of natural plant food preservatives containing bioactive compounds as health-promoting agents is particularly intriguing. Furthermore, due to their effectiveness against food spoilage and foodborne pathogens, natural plant-origin antimicrobial compounds have been investigated as alternatives to synthetic antimicrobial compounds for preserving food quality. This review focused on the plant composition and properties that can be utilized as a natural food preservative, as well as the possibilities of using Mongolian medicinal plants.

Cell wall composition and biomass saccharification potential of Sida hermaphrodita differ between genetically distant accessions

Due to its ample production of lignocellulosic biomass, Sida hermaphrodita (Sida), a perennial forb, is considered a valuable raw material for biorefinery processes. The recalcitrant nature of Sida lignocellulosic biomass towards pretreatment and fractionation processes has previously been studied. However, Sida is a non-domesticated species and here we aimed at expanding the potential of such plants in terms of their processability for downstream processes by making use of the natural variety of Sida. To achieve this goal, we established a collection comprising 16 different Sida accessions obtained from North America and Europe. First, we asked whether their cell wall characteristics are reflected in genetic distance or geographical distribution, respectively. A genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) analysis resulting in a phylogenic tree based on 751 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), revealed a high genetic diversity and a clear separation between accessions collected in North America and Europe. Further, all three North American accessions were separated from each other. Of the eleven European accessions, five form individual groups and six others belong to a single group. Clonal plants of seven selected accessions of American and European origin were produced and cultivated under greenhouse conditions and the resulting plant material was used for in-depth wet-chemical and spectroscopic cell wall characterization. Two accessions with contrasting cell wall characteristics were then selected and processed using the OrganoCat technology. Results of the different product yields and chemical compositions are reported. Overall, cell wall analyses revealed contrasting clusters regarding these main components between the accessions that can be related to genetic and, partly, geographical distance. Phenotypically, the accessions clustered into two groups that are not entirely overlapping with geographical origin. These results can be the basis for a targeted selection or cultivation of Sida accessions for biorefinery approaches.

Development and Application of Edible Coatings with Malva sylvestris L. Extract to Extend Shelf-Life of Small Loaf

Edible coatings that have a recognized ecological effect are an alternative to retard the processes of moisture evaporation and mold growth in bakery products. The aim of the present research was to study the influence of Malva sylvestris L. (mallow) flowers' extract on the antimicrobial activity of edible coatings of three types of polysaccharides, pectin/P/, xanthan/X/ and carboxymethylcellulose/C/, as well as to analyze their effect on the freshness and microbiological status of coated small loaves during storage. It was found that the presence of a mallow extract had a positive effect on the fungicidal and yeasticidal activities of the X and C coatings. The loaves were evaluated for their physical (moisture, color), textural (firmness and crumb firming kinetics) and microbiological characteristics. The coatings (P, X and C) with mallow extract had the strongest moisture-retaining effect on the loaves' crumb. The coatings with X and with P (with/without mallow extract) significantly slowed down the crumb firming process, and the value of the rate constant for the crumb firming (k) is the lowest for the X coating-0.1815 day^-1. The smallest changes in the crust color were reported when mallow-based coatings were used. They have also been proven to have the lowest microbial load when they are stored for up to three days. This study shows that polysaccharide edible coatings with an active mallow component have significant potential to extend the shelf life of bakery products.

Bioclimatic projection of the ecological niche of curly mallow (Malva verticillata) based on the forecast of the dynamics of the geographical range in the context of global climate change

Curly mallow (Malva verticillata L.) is a promising species for cultivation to obtain valuable compounds for the application in medicine, and this species can be used in the bioenergy system to provide industry with alternative energy sources. For the highest economic efficiency, the practical use of this species requires the development of complex measures related to both agrotechnologies and selective breeding. Such measures require resources and there is an urgent problem of assessing the prospects of such investments taking into account the global climate change. Therefore, the problem that we aimed to solve was the assessment of how the global climate change would impact the curly mallow in general in the global context, as well as in the conditions of Ukraine in the next 50–70 years. The database of the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) contains 2,104 records of curly-leaved mallow. This species is found on all the continents except Antarctica. Asia accounts for 39.1% of the species’ range, Europe – 53.3%, Africa – 3.6%, North America – 3.2%, South America – 0.1%, Australia – 0.8%. The modelling of M. verticillata response to the climatic factors showed that the best response models were V (in 31.6% of cases) and VII (in 36.8% of cases). Model V characterizes unimodal bell-shaped asymmetric response, and model VII – bimodal asymmetric response. The species response to the mean annual temperature is asymmetric bell-shaped with a shift to the right. The optimal average annual temperature for this species is 9.1 °C. Comparing the distribution of available resources and their use is the basis for identifying the features of the ecological niche of the species. The MaxEnt approach indicates that Southeast Asia and Europe have the most favourable conditions for the existence of this species. Changes in the climatic conditions over the next 50–70 years will make the conditions for the life of M. verticillata in the southern hemisphere unfavourable, and the favourable conditions for it in the northern hemisphere will shift significantly to the north. At the same time, conditions in the autochthonous range of the species will become unfavourable. Obviously, if not for the significant potential of the species to disperse, it would have died out as a result of the significant climate change. The area where favourable conditions for the species will remain unchanged is Central Europe. Conditions in Eastern Europe, including Ukraine, will moderately improve. The results indicate the perspective of the cultivation of curly mallow in Ukraine in the future.

Natural Compounds Such as Hericium erinaceus and Coriolus versicolor Modulate Neuroinflammation, Oxidative Stress and Lipoxin A4 Expression in Rotenone-Induced Parkinson's Disease in Mice

BACKGROUND

A growing body of research suggests that oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are early pathogenic features of neurodegenerative disorders. In recent years, the vitagene system has emerged as a potential target, as it has been shown to have a high neuroprotective power. Therefore, the discovery of molecules capable of activating this system may represent a new therapeutic target to limit the deleterious consequences induced by oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, such as neurodegeneration. Lipoxins are derived from arachidonic acid, and their role in the resolution of systemic inflammation is well established; however, they have become increasingly involved in the regulation of neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative processes. Our study aimed at activating the NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) redox system and increasing lipoxin A4 for the modulation of antioxidant stress and neuroinflammation through the action of two fungi in a rotenone-induced Parkinson's model.

METHODS

During the experiment, mice received Hericium erinaceus, Coriolus versicolor or a combination of the two (200 mg/kg, orally) concomitantly with rotenone (5 mg/kg, orally) for 28 days.

RESULTS

The results obtained highlighted the ability of these two fungi and, in particular, their ability through their association to act on neuroinflammation through the nuclear factor-kB pathway and on oxidative stress through the Nrf2 pathway. This prevented dopaminergic neurons from undergoing apoptosis and prevented the alteration of typical Parkinson's disease (PD) markers and α-synuclein accumulation. The action of Hericium erinaceus and Coriolus versicolor was also able to limit the motor and non-motor alterations characteristic of PD.

CONCLUSIONS

Since these two mushrooms are subject to fewer regulations than traditional drugs, they could represent a promising nutraceutical choice for preventing PD.

Phytotherapeutic Approaches to the Prevention of Age-Related Changes and the Extension of Active Longevity

Maintaining quality of life with an increase in life expectancy is considered one of the global problems of our time. This review explores the possibility of using natural plant compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-glycation, and anti-neurodegenerative properties to slow down the onset of age-related changes. Age-related changes such as a decrease in mental abilities, the development of inflammatory processes, and increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes have a significant impact on maintaining quality of life. Herbal preparations can play an essential role in preventing and treating neurodegenerative diseases that accompany age-related changes, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Medicinal plants have known sedative, muscle relaxant, neuroprotective, nootropic, and antiparkinsonian properties. The secondary metabolites, mainly polyphenolic compounds, are valuable substances for the development of new anti-inflammatory and hypoglycemic agents. Understanding how mixtures of plants and their biologically active substances work together to achieve a specific biological effect can help develop targeted drugs to prevent diseases associated with aging and age-related changes. Understanding the mechanisms of the biological activity of plant complexes and mixtures determines the prospects for using metabolomic and biochemical methods to prolong active longevity.

Synergistic potential of essential oils with antibiotics to combat fungal pathogens: Present status and future perspectives

The steady rise in the emergence of antibiotic-resistant fungal pathogens has rendered most of the clinical antibiotics available in the market to be ineffective. Therefore, alternative strategies are required to tackle drug-resistant fungal infections. An effective solution is to combine the available antibiotics with adjuvants such as phytochemicals or essential oils to enhance the efficacy and activity of antibiotics. The present review aims to summarize the studies on synergistic combinations of essential oils and anti-fungal antibiotics. The current findings, methods used for measuring synergistic effects, possible mechanisms of synergism, and future perspectives for developing synergistic EO-antibiotic therapeutic formulations are discussed in this study. Several essential oils exhibit synergistic effect in combination with antibiotics against human fungal pathogens such as Candida albicans. The possible mechanisms of synergy exhibited by essential oil- antibiotic combinations in fungi include disruption of cell wall structure/ ergosterol biosynthesis pathway, enhanced transdermal penetration of antibiotics, alterations in membrane permeability, intracellular leakage of cellular contents, inhibition of germ tube formation or fungal biofilm formation, and competition for a primary target. Synergistic combination of essential oils and antibiotics can prove to be a valid and pragmatic alternative to develop drugs with increased drug-efficacy, and low toxicity.

Understanding the phytochemistry and molecular insights to the pharmacology of Angelica archangelica L. (garden angelica) and its bioactive components

Plant-derived molecules have enduring usefulness in treating diseases, and herbal drugs have emerged as a vital component of global therapeutic demand. Angelica archangelica L. (A. archangelica), commonly known as garden angelica, is an aromatic food plant used in culinary procedures as a flavoring agent. In the traditional medicine system, it is regarded as an "Angel plant" due to its miraculous curative power. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the plant's taxonomic profile, ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities. Various in vivo and in vitro experiments have validated that the plant possesses broad pharmacological potential. The biological activities attributed to the plant include anti-anxiety activity, anti-convulsant activity, cognition enhancer, antiviral activity, cholinesterase inhibitory potential, antiinflammatory activity, gastroprotective activity, and radioprotective activity. The beneficial effects of the plant are credited to its bioactive components, that is, coumarins and volatile oils. The review summarizes the pharmacological activities of crude extract and its bioactive fractions and has also explored their target-oriented effects. This review will be of value in undertaking further investigations on the plant with regard to exploring mechanism-based pharmacological approaches on A. archangelica.

Traditional foods with their constituent's antiviral and immune system modulating properties

Background

Viruses are responsible for several diseases, including severe acute respiratory syndrome, a condition caused by today's pandemic coronavirus disease (COVID-19). A negotiated immune system is a common risk factor for all viral infections, including COVID-19. To date, no specific therapies or vaccines have been approved for coronavirus. In these circumstances, antiviral and immune boosting foods may ensure protection against viral infections, especially SARS-CoV-2 by reducing risk and ensuring fast healing of SARS-CoV-2 illness.

Scope and approach

In this review, we have conducted an online search using several search engines (Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science and Science Direct) to find out some traditional foods (plant, animal and fungi species), which have antiviral and immune-boosting properties against numerous viral infections, particularly coronaviruses (CoVs) and others RNA-virus infections. Our review indicated some foods to be considered as potential immune enhancers, which may help individuals to overcome viral infections like COVID-19 by modulating immune systems and reducing respiratory problems. Furthermore, this review will provide information regarding biological properties of conventional foods and their ingredients to uphold general health.

Key Findings and Conclusions

We observed some foods with antiviral and immune-boosting properties, which possess bioactive compounds that showed significant antiviral properties against different viruses, particularly RNA viruses such as CoVs. Interestingly, some antiviral and immune-boosting mechanisms were very much similar to the antiviral drug of COVID-19 homologous SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus) and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus). The transient nature and the devastating spreading capability of COVID-19 lead to ineffectiveness of many curative therapies. Therefore, body shielding and immune-modulating foods, which have previous scientific recognition, have been discussed in this review to discern the efficacy of these foods against viral infections, especially SARS-CoV-2.

Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Antiviral Properties of Herbal Materials

Recently, increasing public concern about hygiene has been driving many studies to investigate antimicrobial and antiviral agents. However, the use of any antimicrobial agents must be limited due to their possible toxic or harmful effects. In recent years, due to previous antibiotics' lesser side effects, the use of herbal materials instead of synthetic or chemical drugs is increasing. Herbal materials are found in medicines. Herbs can be used in the form of plant extracts or as their active components. Furthermore, most of the world's populations used herbal materials due to their strong antimicrobial properties and primary healthcare benefits. For example, herbs are an excellent material to replace nanosilver as an antibiotic and antiviral agent. The use of nanosilver involves an ROS-mediated mechanism that might lead to oxidative stress-related cancer, cytotoxicity, and heart diseases. Oxidative stress further leads to increased ROS production and also delays the cellular processes involved in wound healing. Therefore, existing antibiotic drugs can be replaced with biomaterials such as herbal medicine with high antimicrobial, antiviral, and antioxidant activity. This review paper highlights the antibacterial, antiviral, and radical scavenger (antioxidant) properties of herbal materials. Antimicrobial activity, radical scavenger ability, the potential for antimicrobial, antiviral, and anticancer agents, and efficacy in eliminating bacteria and viruses and scavenging free radicals in herbal materials are discussed in this review. The presented herbal antimicrobial agents in this review include clove, portulaca, tribulus, eryngium, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, thyme, pennyroyal, mint, fennel, chamomile, burdock, eucalyptus, primrose, lemon balm, mallow, and garlic, which are all summarized.

Resveratrol, curcumin, paclitaxel and miRNAs mediated regulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway: go four better to treat bladder cancer

Bladder cancer (BC) is a leading cause of death among urothelial malignancies that more commonly affect male population. Poor prognosis and resistance to chemotherapy are the two most important characteristics of this disease. PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway has been considered pivotal in the regulation of proliferation, migration, invasiveness, and metastasis. Deregulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling has been found in 40% of bladder cancers. Several microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to interact with the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway with a different possible role in proliferation and apoptosis in bladder cancer. Thus, miRNAs can be used as potential biomarkers for BC. Natural compounds have been in the spotlight for the past decade due to their effective anti-proliferative capabilities. However, little is known of its possible effects in bladder cancer. The aim of this review is to discuss the interplay between PI3K/Akt/mTOR, miRNAs, and natural compounds and emphasize the importance of miRNAs as biomarkers and resveratrol, curcumin and paclitaxel as a possible therapeutic approach against bladder cancer.

Impact of Natural Compounds on Neurodegenerative Disorders: From Preclinical to Pharmacotherapeutics

Among the major neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs), Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD), are a huge socioeconomic burden. Over many centuries, people have sought a cure for NDDs from the natural herbals. Many medicinal plants and their secondary metabolites are reported with the ability to alleviate the symptoms of NDDs. The major mechanisms identified, through which phytochemicals exert their neuroprotective effects and potential maintenance of neurological health in ageing, include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, antiapoptotic, acetylcholinesterase and monoamine oxidase inhibition and neurotrophic activities. This article reviews the mechanisms of action of some of the major herbal products with potential in the treatment of NDDs according to their molecular targets, as well as their regional sources (Asia, America and Africa). A number of studies demonstrated the beneficial properties of plant extracts or their bioactive compounds against NDDs. Herbal products may potentially offer new treatment options for patients with NDDs, which is a cheaper and culturally suitable alternative to conventional therapies for millions of people in the world with age-related NDDs.

Laxative Effects of Yangyin Tongmi Capsule on a Model of Diphenoxylate-Induced Constipation in Mice

Constipation is characterized by reduced number of bowel movements, dry stools, and difficult defecation. Yangyin Tongmi capsule (YTC), a traditional Chinese formula, is used in the treatment of constipation, while the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Herein, this work attempted to prove the effects of YTC on constipation treatment and its possible mechanisms. KM mice were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10/group) and treated with double distilled water (Control), diphenoxylate (Model: 10 mg/kg), or diphenoxylate plus low-dose YTC (L-YTC: 0.6 g/kg) or high-dose YTC (H-YTC: 1.2 g/kg). The data indicated that YTC can significantly shorten the discharge time of the first black stool, improve intestinal propulsion rate, and increase the water content and quantity of feces in mice. ELISA suggested that YTC regulate the content of intestinal hormones and neurotransmitters, such as motilin (MTL), gastrin (GT), somatostatin (SST), substance P (SP), acetylcholine (Ach), and nitric oxide (NO). The expression levels of aquaporin 3 (AQP3) and aquaporin 8 (AQP8) in the colon were examined by immunohistochemistry. In the meantime, the expression levels of P2X2, C-kit, and stem cell factor (SCF) in the colon were examined by western blot analysis. The results of this study suggest that YTC has mitigative effects on diphenoxylate-induced constipation by regulating the content of intestinal hormones and neurotransmitters and regulating the expression of related proteins in the colon.