Natural products: A lead for drug discovery and development

A multidisciplinary approach to the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of Arbutus pavarii Pampan fruit; in vitro and in Vivo biological evaluations, and in silico investigations

The Libyan Strawberry, Arbutus pavarii Pampan (ARB), is an endemic Jebel Akhdar plant used for traditional medicine. This study presents the antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties of ARB fruit-extract. ARB phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of 354.54 GAE and 36.2 RE of the phenolics and flavonoids. LC-MS analysis identified 35 compounds belonging to phenolic acids, procyanidins, and flavonoid glycosides. Gallic acid, procyanidin dimer B3, β-type procyanidin trimer C, and quercetin-3-O-glucoside were the major constituents of the plant extract. ARB administration to paracetamol (PAR)-intoxicated rats reduced serum ALT, AST, bilirubin, hepatic tissue MDA and proinflammatory markers; TNF-α and IL-6 with an increase in tissue GSH level and SOD activity. Histological and immunohistochemical studies revealed that ARB restored the liver histology and significantly reduced the tissue expression of caspase 3, IL-1B, and NF-KB in PAR-induced liver damage. Docking analysis disclosed good binding affinities of some compounds with XO, COX-1, 5-LOX, and PI3K.

Natural products act as game-changer potentially in treatment and management of sepsis-mediated inflammation: A clinical perspective

BACKGROUND

Sepsis, a life-threatening condition resulting from uncontrolled host responses to infection, poses a global health challenge with limited therapeutic options. Due to high heterogeneity, sepsis lacks specific therapeutic drugs. Additionally, there remains a significant gap in the clinical management of sepsis regarding personalized and precise medicine.

PURPOSE

This review critically examines the scientific landscape surrounding natural products in sepsis and sepsis-mediated inflammation, highlighting their clinical potential.

METHODS

Following the PRISMA guidelines, we retrieved articles from PubMed to explore potential natural products with therapeutic effects in sepsis-mediated inflammation.

RESULTS

434 relevant in vitro and in vivo studies were identified and screened. Ultimately, 55 studies were obtained as the supporting resources for the present review. We divided the 55 natural products into three categories: those influencing the synthesis of inflammatory factors, those affecting surface receptors and modulatory factors, and those influencing signaling pathways and the inflammatory cascade.

CONCLUSION

Natural products' potential as game-changers in sepsis-mediated inflammation management lies in their ability to modulate hallmarks in sepsis, including inflammation, immunity, and coagulopathy, which provides new therapeutic avenues that are readily accessible and capable of undergoing rapid clinical validation and deployment, offering a gift from nature to humanity. Innovative techniques like bioinformatics, metabolomics, and systems biology offer promising solutions to overcome these obstacles and facilitate the development of natural product-based therapeutics, holding promise for personalized and precise sepsis management and improving patient outcomes. However, standardization, bioavailability, and safety challenges arise during experimental validation and clinical trials of natural products.

Peptides for microbe-induced cancers: latest therapeutic strategies and their advanced technologies

Cancer is a significant global health concern associated with multiple distinct factors, including microbial and viral infections. Numerous studies have elucidated the role of microorganisms, such as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), as well as viruses for example human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV), in the development of human malignancies. Substantial attention has been focused on the treatment of these microorganism- and virus-associated cancers, with promising outcomes observed in studies employing peptide-based therapies. The current paper provides an overview of microbe- and virus-induced cancers and their underlying molecular mechanisms. We discuss an assortment of peptide-based therapies which are currently being developed, including tumor-targeting peptides and microbial/viral peptide-based vaccines. We describe the major technological advancements that have been made in the design, screening, and delivery of peptides as anticancer agents. The primary focus of the current review is to provide insight into the latest research and development in this field and to provide a realistic glimpse into the future of peptide-based therapies for microbe- and virus-induced neoplasms.

Research trends in functionalized Fe3O4 composites based on affinity recognition systems for targeted extraction of natural products

In recent years, target-specific affinity recognition systems based on Fe3O4-based composites have proven to be an effective method for screening natural products. Herbal medicines contain a wide range of natural products and are considered to be a major source for the development of novel drugs. However, the process of isolating and obtaining these bioactive components for the production of novel drugs is complex. Meanwhile, the complexity and diversity of herbal constituents have posed a great challenge to the screening studies of herbal active ingredients. Currently, traditional extraction and screening studies of active ingredients in herbal medicine include extraction and chromatographic separation technology development, serum medicinal chemistry, metabolomics and computerized virtual screening. In order to achieve integrated targeting of Fe3O4 for extraction and separation of natural products from herbs, various Fe3O4-based composites need to be synthesized so that the composites can be further functionalized and modified. Composites such as Fe3O4@SiO2, Fe3O4-based magnetic graphene oxide and Fe3O4-based magnetic carbon nanotubes were used to achieve targeted extraction and isolation of natural products from herbal medicines. The main extraction techniques involved based on these Fe3O4-based composites are molecularly imprinted techniques, immobilized ligand fishing techniques, and cell membrane-coated bionanotechnology methods. This article will present recent advances in the synthesis and modification of Fe3O4 composites and their applications for the extraction of natural products in conjunction with molecular imprinting, immobilization-targeted fishing, and cell-membrane-coated biomimetic techniques, as well as the future goals and challenges of functionalized modification of Fe3O4 composites for the targeted extraction of natural products, like protein overexpression modification, doping of fluorescent substances and genetic engineering development. A deeper understanding of the multi-level, multidisciplinary, and applied studies in materials science and phytochemistry will be provided by this article.

Bioactive constituents from Tinospora cordifolia (willd.): Isolation, synthesis and their immunomodulatory activity

Traditional medicinal plants have been used for centuries for their immunomodulatory properties and therapeutic potentials. The present study aims to investigate the immunomodulatory constituents from traditional medicinal plant, Tinospora cordifolia (willd.). Our study resulted in the isolation of new compound, 27-hydroxy octacosyl ferulate (1) along with eleven known compounds (2-12). The structures of the isolated compounds were characterized by combination of NMR (1D and 2D) and Mass spectroscopic methods. The hemisynthesis of compound 12 (ferulic acid) yielded (12a-12d and 12e-12 m) derivatives. Further, the isolated compounds and synthesized derivatives were assessed for their immunomodulatory potentials by evaluating their cytotoxicity and pro-inflammatory effects against macrophage cells (IL-6) and DC activation markers (CD 11c and 86). The biological results indicated that crude extract displayed potent immunomodulatory activity while isolated compounds and synthetic analogues showed moderate activity. Among the tested compounds, new compound (1), quercetin (10) and derivatives 12b, 12c found to be non-cytotoxic and displayed immunomodulatory potentials. Therefore, these compounds can be studied for autoimmunity and other immune suppressing conditions.

Recognition on pharmacodynamic ingredients of natural products

Natural products (NPs) play an irreplaceable role in the intervention of various diseases and have been considered a critical source of drug development. Many new pharmacodynamic compounds with potential clinical applications have recently been derived from NPs. These compounds range from small molecules to polysaccharides, polypeptides, proteins, self-assembled nanoparticles, and extracellular vesicles. This review summarizes various active substances found in NPs. The investigation of active substances in NPs can potentiate new drug development and promote the in-depth comprehension of the mechanism of action of NPs that can be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of human diseases.

Discovery of dibenzylbutane lignan LCA derivatives as potent anti-inflammatory agents

Inflammation is the body's response to defence against infection or injury, and is associated with the progression of many diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). LCA, a dibenzylbutane lignan extracted from the roots of traditional medicinal plant Litsea cubeba (Lour.) Pers., has demonstrated promising anti-inflammatory activity. In this study, a series of novel LCA derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cell model experiments showed that compound 10h (at 20 μM of concentration) had the strongest inhibitory effect on NO release, and inhibited the secretion and gene expression levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in vitro. In addition, western blot, immunofluorescence, and molecular docking showed that the anti-inflammatory mechanism of compound 10h may be related to the nuclear factor (NF)-κB signalling pathway. In vivo studies based on a carrageenan-induced mouse paw edema model have shown significant anti-inflammatory activity of compound 10h at 20 mg kg-1. Preliminary in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that compound 10h has the potential to be developed as a novel anti-inflammatory agent.

Anti-obesity effects of a standardized ethanol extract of Eisenia bicyclis by regulating the AMPK signaling pathway in 3T3-L1 cells and HFD-induced mice

Obesity requires treatment to mitigate the potential development of further metabolic disorders, including diabetes, hyperlipidemia, tumor growth, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. We investigated the anti-obesity effect of a 30% ethanol extract of Eisenia bicyclis (Kjellman) Setchell (EEB) on 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese C57BL/6 mice. Adipogenesis transcription factors including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-alpha (C/EBPα), and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) were ameliorated through the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway by EEB treatment in differentiated 3T3-L1 cells. EEB attenuated mitotic clonal expansion by upregulating cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CDKIs) while downregulating cyclins and CDKs. In HFD-fed mice, EEB significantly decreased the total body weight, fat tissue weight, and fat in the tissue. The protein expression of PPARγ, C/EBPα, and SREBP-1 was increased in the subcutaneous fat and liver tissues, while EEB decreased the expression levels of these transcription factors. EEB also inhibited lipogenesis by downregulating acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and fatty acid synthase (FAS) expression in the subcutaneous fat and liver tissues. Moreover, the phosphorylation of AMPK and ACC was downregulated in the HFD-induced mouse group, whereas the administration of EEB improved AMPK and ACC phosphorylation; thus, EEB treatment may be related to the AMPK pathway. Histological analysis showed that EEB reduced the adipocyte size and fat accumulation in subcutaneous fat and liver tissues, respectively. EEB promotes thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue and improves insulin and leptin levels and blood lipid profiles. Our results suggest that EEB could be used as a potential agent to prevent obesity.

Osthole accelerates osteoporotic fracture healing by inducing the osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling of BMSCs via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway

Osthole, a natural coumarin derivative, has been shown to have multiple pharmacological activities. However, its effect on osteoporotic fracture has not yet been examined. This research was designed to explore the unknown role and potential mechanism of osthole on osteoporotic fracture healing. We first evaluated the osteogenic and angiogenic abilities of osthole. Then angiogenesis-related assays were conducted to investigate the relationship between osteogenesis and angiogenesis, and further explore its molecular mechanism. After that, we established osteoporotic fracture model in ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis rats and treated the rats with osthole or placebo. Radiography, histomorphometry, histology, and sequential fluorescent labeling were used to evaluate the effect of osthole on osteoporotic fracture healing. In vitro research revealed that osthole promoted osteogenesis and up-regulated the expression of angiogenic-related markers. Further research found that osthole couldn't facilitate the angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells in a direct manner, but it possessed the ability to induce the osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Mechanistically, this was conducted through activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Subsequently, using ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis tibia fracture rat model, we observed that osthole facilitated bone formation and CD31hiEMCNhi type H-positive capillary formation. Sequential fluorescent labeling confirmed that osthole could effectively accelerate bone formation in the fractured region. The data above indicated that osthole could accelerate osteoporotic fracture healing by inducing the osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling of BMSCs via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which implied that osthole may be a potential drug for treating osteoporosis fracture.

Recent Advances in the Discovery of Novel Drugs on Natural Molecules

Natural products (NPs) are always a promising source of novel drugs for tackling unsolved diseases [...].

Therapeutic potential of natural flavonoids in pulmonary arterial hypertension: A review

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a fatal disease caused by pulmonary vascular remodeling, with a high incidence and mortality. At present, many clinical drugs for treating PAH mainly exert effects by relaxing the pulmonary artery, with limited therapeutic effects, so the search for viable therapeutic agents continues uninterrupted. In recent years, natural flavonoids have shown promising potential in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. It is necessary to comprehensively elucidate the potential of natural flavonoids to combat PAH.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the potential of natural flavonoids to hinder or slow down the occurrence and development of PAH, and to identify promising drug discovery candidates.

METHODS

Literature was collected from PubMed, Science Direct, Web of science, CNKI databases and Google scholar. The search terms used included "pulmonary arterial hypertension", "pulmonary hypertension", "natural products", "natural flavonoids", "traditional chinese medicine", etc., and several combinations of these keywords.

RESULTS

The resources, structural characteristics, mechanisms, potential and prospect strategies of natural flavonoids for treating PAH were summarized. Natural flavonoids offer different solutions as possible treatments for PAH. These mechanisms may involve various pathways and molecular targets related to the pathogenesis of PAH, such as inflammation, oxidative stress, vascular remodeling, genetic, ion channels, cell proliferation and autophagy. In addition, prospect strategies of natural flavonoids for anti-PAH including structural modification and nanomaterial delivery systems have been explored. This review suggests that the potential of natural flavonoids as alternative therapeutic agents in the prevention and treatment of PAH holds promise for future research and clinical applications.

CONCLUSION

Despite displaying the enormous potential of flavonoids in PAH, some limitations need to be further explored. Firstly, using advanced drug discovery tools, including computer-aided design and high-throughput screening, to further investigate the safety, biological activity, and precise mechanism of action of flavonoids. Secondly, exploring the structural modifications of these compounds is expected to optimize their efficacy. Lastly, it is necessary to conduct well controlled clinical trials and a comprehensive evaluation of potential side effects to determine their effectiveness and safety.

The protective effect of natural medicines in rheumatoid arthritis via inhibit angiogenesis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic immunological disease leading to the progressive bone and joint destruction. Angiogenesis, accompanied by synovial hyperplasia and inflammation underlies joint destruction. Delaying or even blocking synovial angiogenesis has emerged as an important target of RA treatment. Natural medicines has a long history of treating RA, and numerous reports have suggested that natural medicines have a strong inhibitory activity on synovial angiogenesis, thereby improving the progression of RA. Natural medicines could regulate the following signaling pathways: HIF/VEGF/ANG, PI3K/Akt pathway, MAPKs pathway, NF-κB pathway, PPARγ pathway, JAK2/STAT3 pathway, etc., thereby inhibiting angiogenesis. Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. (TwHF), sinomenine, and total glucoside of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. Are currently the most representative of all natural products worthy of development and utilization. In this paper, the main factors affecting angiogenesis were discussed and different types of natural medicines that inhibit angiogenesis were systematically summarized. Their specific anti-angiogenesis mechanisms are also reviewed which aiming to provide new perspective and options for the management of RA by targeting angiogenesis.

Network pharmacology, molecular docking, and dynamics analyses to predict the antiviral activity of ginger constituents against coronavirus infection

COVID-19 is a global pandemic that caused a dramatic loss of human life worldwide, leading to accelerated research for antiviral drug discovery. Herbal medicine is one of the most commonly used alternative medicine for the prevention and treatment of many conditions including respiratory system diseases. In this study, a computational pipeline was employed, including network pharmacology, molecular docking simulations, and molecular dynamics simulations, to analyze the common phytochemicals of ginger rhizomes and identify candidate constituents as viral inhibitors. Furthermore, experimental assays were performed to analyze the volatile and non-volatile compounds of ginger and to assess the antiviral activity of ginger oil and hydroalcoholic extract. Network pharmacology analysis showed that ginger compounds target human genes that are involved in related cellular processes to the viral infection. Docking analysis highlighted five pungent compounds and zingiberenol as potential inhibitors for the main protease (Mpro), spike receptor-binding domain (RBD), and human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Then, (6)-gingerdiacetate was selected for molecular dynamics (MD) simulations as it exhibited the best binding interactions and free energies over the three target proteins. Trajectories analysis of the three complexes showed that RBD and ACE2 complexes with the ligand preserved similar patterns of root mean square deviation (RMSD) and radius of gyration (Rg) values to their respective native structures. Finally, experimental validation of the ginger hydroalcoholic extract confirmed the existence of (6)-gingerdiacetate and revealed the strong antiviral activity of the hydroalcoholic extract with IC50 of 2.727 μ g / ml . Our study provides insights into the potential antiviral activity of (6)-gingerdiacetate that may enhance the host immune response and block RBD binding to ACE2, thereby, inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Molecular Pathways of Genistein Activity in Breast Cancer Cells

The most common malignancy in women is breast cancer. During the development of cancer, oncogenic transcription factors facilitate the overproduction of inflammatory cytokines and cell adhesion molecules. Antiapoptotic proteins are markedly upregulated in cancer cells, which promotes tumor development, metastasis, and cell survival. Promising findings have been found in studies on the cell cycle-mediated apoptosis pathway for medication development and treatment. Dietary phytoconstituents have been studied in great detail for their potential to prevent cancer by triggering the body's defense mechanisms. The underlying mechanisms of action may be clarified by considering the role of polyphenols in important cancer signaling pathways. Phenolic acids, flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, lignans, lignins, naphthoquinones, anthraquinones, xanthones, and stilbenes are examples of natural chemicals that are being studied for potential anticancer drugs. These substances are also vital for signaling pathways. This review focuses on innovations in the study of polyphenol genistein's effects on breast cancer cells and presents integrated chemical biology methods to harness mechanisms of action for important therapeutic advances.

Investigating the antiviral therapeutic potentialities of marine polycyclic lamellarin pyrrole alkaloids as promising inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2 and Zika main proteases (Mpro)

The new coronavirus variant (SARS-CoV-2) and Zika virus are two world-wide health pandemics. Along history, natural products-based drugs have always crucially recognized as a main source of valuable medications. Considering the SARS-CoV-2 and Zika main proteases (Mpro) as the re-production key element of the viral cycle and its main target, herein we report an intensive computer-aided virtual screening for a focused list of 39 marine lamellarins pyrrole alkaloids, against SARS-CoV-2 and Zika main proteases (Mpro) using a set of combined modern computational methodologies including molecular docking (MDock), molecule dynamic simulations (MDS) and structure-activity relationships (SARs) as well. Indeed, the molecular docking studies had revealed four promising marine alkaloids including [lamellarin H (14)/K (17)] and [lamellarin S (26)/Z (39)], according to their notable ligand-protein energy scores and relevant binding affinities with the SARS-CoV-2 and Zika (Mpro) pocket residues, respectively. Consequentially, these four chemical hits were further examined thermodynamically though investigating their MD simulations at 100 ns, where they showed prominent stability within the accommodated (Mpro) pockets. Moreover, in-deep SARs studies suggested the crucial roles of the rigid fused polycyclic ring system, particularly aromatic A- and F- rings, position of the phenolic -OH and δ-lactone functionalities as essential structural and pharmacophoric features. Finally, these four promising lamellarins alkaloids were investigated for their in-silico ADME using the SWISS ADME platform, where they displayed appropriated drug-likeness properties. Such motivating outcomes are greatly recommending further in vitro/vivo examinations regarding those lamellarins pyrrole alkaloids (LPAs).Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Skeletal Transformations of Terpenoid Forskolin Employing an Oxidative Rearrangement Strategy

The skeletal transformations of diterpenoid forskolin were achieved by employing an oxidative rearrangement strategy. A library of 36 forskolin analogues with structural diversity was effectively generated. Computational analysis shows that 12 CTD compounds with unique scaffolds and ring systems were produced during the course of this work.

Aptamers for the Delivery of Plant-Based Compounds: A Review

Natural compounds have a high potential for the treatment of various conditions, including infections, inflammatory diseases, and cancer. However, they usually present poor pharmacokinetics, low specificity, and even toxicity, which limits their use. Therefore, targeted drug delivery systems, typically composed of a carrier and a targeting ligand, can enhance natural product selectivity and effectiveness. Notably, aptamers-short RNA or single-stranded DNA molecules-have gained attention as promising ligands in targeted drug delivery since they are simple to synthesize and modify, and they present high tissue permeability, stability, and a wide array of available targets. The combination of natural products, namely plant-based compounds, with a drug delivery system utilizing aptamers as targeting agents represents an emerging strategy that has the potential to broaden its applications. This review discusses the potential of aptamers as targeting agents in the delivery of natural compounds, as well as new trends and developments in their utilization in the field of medicine.

Identification of fangchinoline as a broad-spectrum enterovirus inhibitor through reporter virus based high-content screening

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common pediatric illness mainly caused by enteroviruses, which are important human pathogens. Currently, there are no available antiviral agents for the therapy of enterovirus infection. In this study, an excellent high-content antiviral screening system utilizing the EV-A71-eGFP reporter virus was developed. Using this screening system, we screened a drug library containing 1042 natural compounds to identify potential EV-A71 inhibitors. Fangchinoline (FAN), a bis-benzylisoquinoline alkaloid, exhibits potential inhibitory effects against various enteroviruses that cause HFMD, such as EV-A71, CV-A10, CV-B3 and CV-A16. Further investigations revealed that FAN targets the early stage of the enterovirus life cycle. Through the selection of FAN-resistant EV-A71 viruses, we demonstrated that the VP1 protein could be a potential target of FAN, as two mutations in VP1 (E145G and V258I) resulted in viral resistance to FAN. Our research suggests that FAN is an efficient inhibitor of EV-A71 and has the potential to be a broad-spectrum antiviral drug against human enteroviruses.

Natural Product Chemistry and Biological Research

Natural products are substances found in nature that have not been significantly modified by humans [...].

Flavokawain C inhibits proliferation and migration of liver cancer cells through FAK/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

PURPOSE

This study investigated the potential applicability and the underlying mechanisms of flavokawain C, a natural compound derived from kava extracts, in liver cancer treatment.

METHODS

Drug distribution experiment used to demonstrate the preferential tissues enrichment of flavokawain C. Cell proliferation, apoptosis and migration effect of flavokawain C were determined by MTT, colony formation, EdU staining, cell adhesion, transwell, flow cytometry and western blot assay. The mechanism was explored by comet assay, immunofluorescence assay, RNA-seq-based Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes analysis, molecular dynamics, bioinformatics analysis and western blot assay. The anticancer effect of flavokawain C was further confirmed by xenograft tumor model.

RESULTS

The studies first demonstrated the preferential enrichment of flavokawain C within liver tissues in vivo. The findings demonstrated that flavokawain C significantly inhibited proliferation and migration of liver cancer cells, induced cellular apoptosis, and triggered intense DNA damage along with strong DNA damage response. The findings from RNA-seq-based KEGG analysis, molecular dynamics, bioinformatics analysis, and western blot assay mechanistically indicated that treatment with flavokawain C notably suppressed the FAK/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in liver cancer cells. This effect was attributed to the induction of gene changes and the binding of flavokawain C to the ATP sites of FAK and PI3K, resulting in the inhibition of their phosphorylation. Additionally, flavokawain C also displayed the strong capacity to inhibit Huh-7-derived xenograft tumor growth in mice with minimal adverse effects.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings identified that flavokawain C is a promising anticancer agent for liver cancer treatment.

Progress in approved drugs from natural product resources

Natural products (NPs) have consistently played a pivotal role in pharmaceutical research, exerting profound impacts on the treatment of human diseases. A significant proportion of approved molecular entity drugs are either directly derived from NPs or indirectly through modifications of NPs. This review presents an overview of NP drugs recently approved in China, the United States, and other countries, spanning various disease categories, including cancers, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, central nervous system disorders, and infectious diseases. The article provides a succinct introduction to the origin, activity, development process, approval details, and mechanism of action of these NP drugs.

Decoding active compounds and molecular targets of herbal medicine by high-throughput metabolomics technology: A systematic review

Clinical experiences of herbal medicine (HM) have been used to treat a variety of human intractable diseases. As the treatment of diseases using HM is characterized by multi-components and multi-targets, it is difficult to determine the bio-active components, explore the molecular targets and reveal the mechanisms of action. Metabolomics is frequently used to characterize the effect of external disturbances on organisms because of its unique advantages on detecting changes in endogenous small-molecule metabolites. Its systematicity and integrity are consistent with the effective characteristics of HM. After HM intervention, metabolomics can accurately capture and describe the behavior of endogenous metabolites under the disturbance of functional compounds, which will be used to decode the bioactive ingredients of HM and expound the molecular targets. Metabolomics can provide an approach for explaining HM, addressing unclear clinical efficacy and undefined mechanisms of action. In this review, the metabolomics strategy and its applications in HM are systematically introduced, which offers valuable insights for metabolomics methods to characterizing the pharmacological effects and molecular targets of HM.

The effect and mechanism of novel methoxy curcumin analogs based on network pharmacology

In this study, a series of novel compounds were synthesized by introducing the 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl and isatin groups into the monocarbonyl skeleton of curcumin. The possible biological activities and potential targets for these compounds were explored through network pharmacology. The results revealed that these compounds could significantly inhibit production of the inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α, and suppress phosphorylation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) protein. Moreover, molecular docking experiments showed that the ERK protein was the potential target for these compounds. In summary, this study, through network pharmacology, presents a novel series of methoxy curcumin analogs as potent anti-inflammatory drugs.

Evaluation of phytochemical, antibacterial, thrombolytic, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxicity profile of Achyranthes aspera aerial part extracts

This investigation was designed and performed to compare the phytochemical profiling, activities of antibacterial, thrombolytic, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxicity of methanol extract (ME-E) and aqueous extract (AQ-E) of aerial parts of Achyranthes aspera through in-vitro approach. Also characterize the functional groups of bioactive compounds in the ME-E through Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis. Interestingly, qualitative phytochemical screening proved that the ME-E contain more number of vital phytochemicals such as phenolics. saponins, tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, steroids, and phlobatannins than AQ-E. Similarly, the ME-E showed notable antibacterial activity as dose dependent manner against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at 1000 μg mL-1 concentration. ME-E also showed 75.2 ± 2% of clot lysis (thrombolytic activity) at 1000 μg mL-1 dosage and it followed by AQ-E 51.24 ± 3%. The ME-E showed moderate and AQ-E demonstrate poor anti-inflammatory activity evidenced by albumin denaturation inhibition and anti-lipoxygenase assays. Furthermore, the ME-E demonstrated a dose dependent cytotoxicity was noted against brine shrimp larvae. In support of this ME-E considerable activities, the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis confirmed that this extract contain more number peaks attributed to the stretch of various essential functional groups belongs to different bioactive compounds. Hence this ME-E of A. aspera can be considered for further in depth scientific investigations to validate their maximum biomedical potential.

From Plant to Chemistry: Sources of Antinociceptive Non-Opioid Active Principles for Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design

Pain is associated with many health problems and a reduced quality of life and has been a common reason for seeking medical attention. Several therapeutics are available on the market, although side effects, physical dependence, and abuse limit their use. As the process of pain transmission and modulation is regulated by different peripheral and central mechanisms and neurotransmitters, medicinal chemistry continues to study novel ligands and innovative approaches. Among them, natural products are known to be a rich source of lead compounds for drug discovery due to their chemical structural variety and different analgesic mechanisms. Numerous studies suggested that some chemicals from medicinal plants could be alternative options for pain relief and management. Previously, we conducted a literature search aimed at identifying natural products interacting either directly or indirectly with opioid receptors. In this review, instead, we have made an excursus including active ingredients derived from plants whose mechanism of action appears from the literature to be other than the modulation of the opioid system. These substances could, either by themselves or through synthetic and/or semi-synthetic derivatives, be investigated in order to improve their pharmacokinetic characteristics and could represent a valid alternative to the opioid approach to pain therapy. They could also be the basis for the study of new mechanisms of action in the approach to this complex and disabling pathology.

Identification of selective plant-derived natural carotenoid and flavonoids as the potential inhibitors of DHHC-mediated protein S-palmitoylation: an in silico study

Protein S-palmitoylation mediated by DHHCs is recognized as a distinct and reversible form of lipid modification connected with several health perturbations, including neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, and autoimmune conditions. However, the pharmacological characteristics of current pan-DHHC inhibitors, particularly their toxicity and off-target effects, have hindered their in-depth cellular investigations. The therapeutic properties of the natural compounds, with minimal side effects, allowed us to evaluate them as DHHC-targeting inhibitors. Here, we performed an insilico screening of 115 phytochemicals to assess their interactions with the DHHC20 binding site. Among these compounds, lutein, 5-hydroxyflavone, and 6-hydroxyflavone exhibited higher binding energy (-9.2, -8.5, and -8.5 kcal/mol) in the DHHC20 groove compared to pan-DHHC inhibitor 2-BP (-7.0 kcal/mol). Furthermore, we conducted a 100 ns MD simulation to evaluate the stability of these complexes under physiological conditions. The MDsimulation results indicated that DHHC20 formed a more stable conformation with lutein compared to 5-hydroxyflavone and 6-hyroxyflavone via hydrophobic and H-bond interactions. Conclusively, these results could serve as a promising starting point for exploring the use of these natural molecules as DHHC20 inhibitors.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Fisetin suppresses ferroptosis through Nrf2 and attenuates intervertebral disc degeneration in rats

Low back pain, primarily caused by intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD), lacks effective pharmacological treatments. Oxidative stress has been identified as a significant contributor to IVDD. This study aims to establish an in vitro model of IVDD induced by oxidative stress and identify potential therapeutic agents and their underlying mechanisms. By screening the natural product library, fisetin emerged as the most promising compound in suppressing cell death induced by oxidative stress in nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs). Furthermore, our investigation revealed that the cell death induced by oxidative stress was predominantly associated with ferroptosis, and fisetin demonstrated the ability to inhibit ferroptosis in NPCs. Mechanistic exploration suggested that the impact of fisetin on ferroptosis may be mediated through the Nrf2/HO-1 (Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1) axis. Notably, the in vivo study demonstrated that fisetin could alleviate IVDD in rats. These findings highlight fisetin as a potential therapeutic option for IVDD and implicate the involvement of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in its mechanism of action.

Recent advancements in the discovery of small-molecule non-nucleoside inhibitors targeting SARS-CoV-2 RdRp

The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of SARS-CoV-2 plays a pivotal role in the life cycle of the novel coronavirus and stands as a significant and promising target for anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs. Non-nucleoside inhibitors (NNIs), as a category of compounds directed against SARS-CoV-2 RdRp, exhibit a unique and highly effective mechanism, effectively overcoming various factors contributing to drug resistance against nucleoside inhibitors (NIs). This review investigates various NNIs, including both natural and synthetic inhibitors, that closely interacting with the SARS-CoV-2 RdRp with valid evidences from in vitro and in silico studies.

Regulatory effects of natural products on N6-methyladenosine modification: A novel therapeutic strategy for cancer

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is considered to be the most common and abundant epigenetics modification in messenger RNA (mRNA) and noncoding RNA. Abnormal modification of m6A is closely related to the occurrence, development, progression, and prognosis of cancer. m6A regulators have been identified as novel targets for anticancer drugs. Natural products, a rich source of traditional anticancer drugs, have been utilized for the development of m6A-targeting drugs. Here, we review the key role of m6A modification in cancer progression and explore the prospects and structural modification mechanisms of natural products as potential drugs targeting m6A modification for cancer treatment.

Discovery and characterization of natural product luteolin as an effective inhibitor of human pyridoxal kinase

Pyridoxal kinase (PDXK) is an essential enzyme in the synthesis of pyridoxal 5-phosphate (PLP), the active form of vitamin B6, which plays a pivotal role in maintaining the enzyme activity necessary for cell metabolism. Thus, PDXK has garnered attention as a potential target for metabolism regulation and tumor therapy. Despite this interest, existing PDXK inhibitors have faced limitations, including weak suppressive activity, unclear mechanisms of action, and associated toxic side effects. In this study, we present the discovery of a novel PDXK inhibitor, luteolin, through a high-throughput screening approach based on enzyme activity. Luteolin, a natural product, exhibits micromolar-level affinity for PDXK and effectively inhibits the enzyme's activity in vitro. Our crystal structures reveal that luteolin occupies the ATP binding pocket through hydrophobic interactions and a weak hydrogen bonding pattern, displaying reversible characteristics as confirmed by biochemical assays. Moreover, luteolin disrupts vitamin B6 metabolism by targeting PDXK, thereby inhibiting the proliferation of leukemia cells. This research introduces a novel screening method for identifying high-affinity and potent PDXK inhibitors and sheds light on clarification of the structural mechanism of PDXK-luteolin for subsequent structure optimization of inhibitors.

Enhancing Commercial Antibiotics with Trans-Cinnamaldehyde in Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Bacteria: An In Vitro Approach

One strategy to mitigate the emergence of bacterial resistance involves reducing antibiotic doses by combining them with natural products, such as trans-cinnamaldehyde (CIN). The objective of this research was to identify in vitro combinations (CIN + commercial antibiotic (ABX)) that decrease the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of seven antibiotics against 14 different Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria, most of them classified as ESKAPE. MIC values were measured for all compounds using the broth microdilution method. The effect of the combinations on these microorganisms was analyzed through the checkboard assay to determine the type of activity (synergy, antagonism, or addition). This analysis was complemented with a kinetic study of the synergistic combinations. Fifteen synergistic combinations were characterized for nine of the tested bacteria. CIN demonstrated effectiveness in reducing the MIC of chloramphenicol, streptomycin, amoxicillin, and erythromycin (94-98%) when tested on Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus, Pasteurella aerogenes, and Salmonella enterica, respectively. The kinetic study revealed that when the substances were tested alone at the MIC concentration observed in the synergistic combination, bacterial growth was not inhibited. However, when CIN and the ABX, for which synergy was observed, were tested simultaneously in combination at these same concentrations, the bacterial growth inhibition was complete. This demonstrates the highly potent in vitro synergistic activity of CIN when combined with commercial ABXs. This finding could be particularly beneficial in livestock farming, as this sector witnesses the highest quantities of antimicrobial usage, contributing significantly to antimicrobial resistance issues. Further research focused on this natural compound is thus warranted for this reason.

Quality control assessment, toxicity profiling, and experimental validation of network pharmacology-predicted anti-inflammatory potential of Natsiatum herpeticum Buch.-Ham. Ex Arn

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Natsiatum herpticum Buch.-Ham. Ex Arn., a least-explored plant, is being considered a wild edible plant by the Bankariya community of Nepal and the Mishing, Sonowal Kachari, and several ethnic groups in the north-east region of India. It is also used as a traditional remedy for the treatment of pain and inflammation-associated conditions like cuts and wounds, stomach ache, backache, and headache as a practice of a folkloristic system of medicine. In spite of several previous publications suggesting its use by different tribes, no documentation or scientific approaches have been made hitherto to validate its ethnopharmacological claims.

AIM OF STUDY

The study aimed at the botanical quality control assessment, toxicity profiling, and network pharmacology-assisted experimental validation of the anti-inflammatory potential of the aqueous extract of N. herpeticum to fill the lacunae in the current knowledge.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Plant material was authenticated using a classical taxonomical approach and DNA barcoding. The quality control methods, acute toxicity study, and repeated dose 28-day oral toxicity study were performed as per standard guidelines. QToF-MS analysis, drug-likeness properties, network pharmacology-based anti-inflammatory prediction, and in vitro assays were carried out.

RESULTS

Quality control assessment was done for the plant. Toxicity studies revealed the aqueous extract to be non-toxic when consumed for short periods at low doses. Alterations in food and water intake, biochemical parameters, and alterations in liver histology (n = 2 female rats) implicate repeated exposure to high doses (2000 mg/kg) that may possess deleterious effects, particularly in hepatic tissues. 21 representative compounds (14 drug-like molecules) were detected by QToF-MS analysis and then subjected to network pharmacology to predict anti-inflammatory effects. It was found that an anti-inflammatory effect may be exerted by modulating inflammatory pathways involving genes such as TNF, PTGS2, EGFR, STAT3, PPARG, PTGER4, PPARA, NOS2, TRPV1, and JAK2. Further, in vitro studies demonstrated plant extract to possess a good anti-inflammatory effect with IC50 values of 98.76, 85.73, and 96.16 μg/ml in protein denaturation, proteinase inhibition, and haemolysis inhibition assays, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The plant extract was found to be safer at acute dose but may cause potential liver toxicity on prolonged use. The anti-inflammatory property predicted by network pharmacology was further supported by the positive results of in vitro experiments. In summary, to further establish the toxicity profile of this edible plant and its anti-inflammatory properties, chronic toxicity study and in vivo experiments are required.

Paradigms and Success Stories of Natural Products in Drug Discovery Against Neurodegenerative Disorders (NDDs)

Neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs) are multifaceted complex disorders that have put a great health and economic burden around the globe nowadays. The multi-factorial nature of NDDs has presented a great challenge in drug discovery and continuous efforts are in progress in search of suitable therapeutic candidates. Nature has a great wealth of active principles in its lap that has cured the human population since ancient times. Natural products have revealed several benefits over conventional synthetic medications and scientists have shifted their vision towards exploring the therapeutic potentials of natural products in the past few years. The structural mimicking of natural compounds to endogenous ligands has presented them as a potential therapeutic candidate to prevent the development of NDDs. In the presented review, authors have summarized demographical facts about various NDDs including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD) and various types of sclerosis in the brain. The significant findings of new active principles of natural origin along with their therapeutic potentials on NDDs have been included. Also, a description of clinical trials and patents on natural products has been enlisted in this compilation. Although natural products have shown promising success in drug discovery against NDDs, still their use is associated with several ethical issues which need to be solved in the upcoming time.

Functional Properties and Acceptability of Potentially Medicinal Tea Infusions Based on Equisetum arvense, Desmodium molliculum, and Mentha piperita

Natural herbal teas are one of the three most consumed beverages in the world, and despite their frequent use in the cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical industries, there is still much to about them. This study aimed to determine the functional properties of tea infusions made from dried Equisetum arvense (EA), Desmodium molliculum (DM), and Mentha piperita (M) grown in the Peruvian Andes. Next, using a simplex design with unrestricted centroid amplified centroid, 12 combinations were obtained for the combination of dried leaves with EA: 0∼100%, DM: 0∼100%, and M: 0∼100% optimal combination of EA: 6.59%, DM: 84.62%, and M: 8.79% maximizes functional components for total polyphenols (2,831.18 mg EAG/100 g), flavonoids (37.73 mg CAT/g), and antioxidant capacity (145.99 μmol Trolox/g). It can be confirmed that dried mixtures of these plants made into tea are a significant source of bioactive molecules, have a tolerable flavor, and can be used for therapeutic purposes when consumed.

Polyphenol Fingerprint, Biological Activities, and In Silico Studies of the Medicinal Plant Cistus parviflorus L. Extract

Cistus parviflorus L. (Cistaceae) is a medicinal plant with several folkloric applications, including being used for urinary tract infections and as a food additive. In this study, the polyphenolic diversity and the antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial activities of the C. parviflorus methanolic extract were evaluated. Spectrophotometric and HPLC-based analyses using standard polyphenolic compounds were conducted to measure the phenolics and flavonoids in the plant extract. The in vitro DPPH, ORAC, FRAP, and α-glucosidase assays were used to evaluate the plant's antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. Furthermore, disc diffusion and MIC-based microdilution tests were applied to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the plant against broad-spectrum microorganisms. The analysis revealed the existence of high phenolic and flavonoid quantities that were measured at 302.59 ± 0.6 μg GAE and 134.3 ± 0.5 μg RE, respectively. The HPLC-based analysis revealed the existence of 18 phenolic acids and 8 flavonoids. The major phenolic acid was ellagic acid (169.03 ppm), while catechin was the major flavonoid (91.80 ppm). Remarkable antioxidant activity was measured using three different assays: DPPH, ORAC, and FRAP. Furthermore, strong inhibition of α-glucosidase compared to acarbose was recorded for the plant extract (IC50 0.924 ± 0.6). The results showed that C. parviflorus's extract had a strong anti-Escherichia coli effect with MIC value of 0.98 μg\mL and IZD value of 32.2 ± 0.58 mm compared to 25.3 ± 0.18 mm for gentamycin, the positive control. Moreover, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Salmonella typhimurium all showed significant growth inhibition in response to the extract, a result that may be related to the use of the plant in traditional medicine to treat urinary tract infections. The docking study indicated the higher binding affinity of the major identified compounds, i.e., ellagic acid, rutin, naringin, catechin, and punicalagin, to the S. aureus gyrase-DNA complex, which might suggest the possible mechanisms of the plant as antimicrobial agents.

Molecular Pathways of Rosmarinic Acid Anticancer Activity in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells: A Literature Review

Breast cancer is the most frequent type of cancer in women. Oncogenic transcription factors promote the overproduction of cellular adhesion molecules and inflammatory cytokines during cancer development. Cancer cells exhibit significant upregulation of antiapoptotic proteins, resulting in increased cell survival, tumor growth, and metastasis. Research on the cell cycle-mediated apoptosis pathway for drug discovery and therapy has shown promising results. In fact, dietary phytoconstituents have been extensively researched for anticancer activity, providing indirect protection by activating endogenous defense systems. The role of polyphenols in key cancer signaling pathways could shed light on the underlying mechanisms of action. For instance, Rosmarinic Acid, a polyphenol constituent of many culinary herbs, has shown potent chemoprotective properties. In this review, we present recent progress in the investigation of natural products as potent anticancer agents, with a focus on the effect of Rosmarinic Acid on triple-negative BC cell lines resistant to hormone therapy. We highlight a variety of integrated chemical biology approaches aimed at utilizing relevant mechanisms of action that could lead to significant clinical advances in BC treatment.

Comprehensive Study on Solomonamides: Total Synthesis, Stereochemical Revision, and SAR Studies toward Identification of Simplified Lead

Solomonamides, a pair of macrocyclic peptide natural products originating from marine sources, have garnered significant attention within the synthetic community owing to their marked anti-inflammatory efficacy and intricate molecular architectures. In this paper, we present a very detailed investigation into solomonamides, including the challenges associated with the total synthesis, the evolution of our synthetic strategies, structural reassignment, synthesis of all possible stereoisomeric macrocycles, biological assessment, structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies, etc. Within the ambit of this total synthesis, diverse strategies for macrocyclization were rigorously explored, encompassing the Friedel-Crafts acylation, cyclization involving the aniline NH2 moiety, macrolactamization utilizing Gly-NH2, and Heck macrocyclization methodologies. In addition, an array of intriguing chemical transformations were devised, including but not limited to photo-Fries rearrangement, Wacker oxidation, ligand-free Heck macrocyclization, oxidative cleavage of indole, synthesis of contiguous stereocenters via substrate/reagent-controlled protocols, and simultaneous making and breaking of olefinic moieties. The findings of this investigation revealed a structurally simplified lead compound. Remarkably, the lead compound, while possessing structural simplification in comparison to the intricate solomonamide counterparts, demonstrates equipotent in vivo anti-inflammatory efficacy.

Research status of indole-modified natural products

Indole is a heterocyclic compound formed by the fusion of a benzene ring and pyrrole ring, which has rich biological activity. Many indole-containing compounds have been sold on the market due to their excellent pharmacological activity. For example, vincristine and reserpine have been widely used in clinical practice. The diverse structures and biological activities of natural products provide abundant resources for the development of new drugs. Therefore, this review classifies natural products by structure, and summarizes the research progress of indole-containing natural product derivatives, their biological activities, structure-activity relationship and research mechanism which has been studied in the past 13 years, so as to provide a basis for the development of new drug development.

Conjoint research of WGCNA, single-cell transcriptome and structural biology reveals the potential targets of IDD development and treatment and JAK3 involvement

OBJECTIVES

This study conducted integrated analysis of bulk RNA sequencing, single-cell RNA sequencing and Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA), to comprehensively decode the most essential genes of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD); then mainly focused on the JAK3 macromolecule to identify natural compounds to provide more candidate drug options in alleviating IDD.

METHODS

In the first part, we performed single-cell transcriptome analysis and WGCNA workflow to delineate the most pivotal genes of IDD. Then series of structural biology approaches and high-throughput virtual screening techniques were performed to discover potential compounds targeting JAK-STAT signaling pathway, such as Libdock, ADMET, precise molecular docking algorithm and in-vivo drug stability assessment.

RESULTS

Totally 4 hub genes were determined in the development of IDD, namely VEGFA, MMP3, TNFSF11, and TIMP3, respectively. Then, 3 novel natural materials, ZINC000014952116, ZINC000003938642 and ZINC000072131515, were determined as potential compounds, with less toxicities and moderate ADME characteristics. In-vivo drug stability assessment suggested that these drugs could interact with JAK3, and their ligand-JAK3 complexes maintained the homeostasis in-vivo, which acted as regulatory role to JAK3 protein. Among them, ZINC000072131515, also known as Menaquinone, demonstrated significant protective roles to alleviate the progression of IDD in vitro, which proved the nutritional therapy in alleviating IDD.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reported the essential genes in the development of IDD, and also the roles of Menaquinone to ameliorate IDD through inhibiting JAK3 protein. This study also provided more options and resources on JAK3 targeted screening, which may further expand the drug resources in the pharmaceutical market.

SIRT1-dependent mitochondrial biogenesis supports therapeutic effects of 4-butyl-polyhydroxybenzophenone compounds against NAFLD

The mitochondria have been identified as key targets in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), one of the most prevalent chronic liver damage diseases globally. Meanwhile, the biological information analysis in this study revealed that SIRT1, PPARG, PPARA, and PPARGC1A (mitochondrial biogenesis-related proteins) were NAFLD therapeutic targets. Therefore, the design and synthesis of targeted drugs that promote mitochondrial biogenesis and improve mitochondrial function are particularly important for NAFLD treatment. Recently, we introduced butyls, hydroxyls, and halogens to benzophenone and synthesized a series of NAFLD-related 4-butylpolyhydroxybenzophenone compounds, aiming at investigating the hepatoprotective activity from the aspect of mitochondrial biogenesis. The structure-activity relationship demonstrated that hydroxyl and ketone groups were active groups interacting with mitochondrial biogenesis proteins (SIRT1 and PGC1α), and the activity was stronger when the o-hydroxyl group was present on the benzene ring. In contrast, the activity was little affected by the presence of the p-hydroxyl group, m-hydroxyl group, butyl group type, or halogen. In addition, in vitro studies confirmed that these compounds could directly bind to SIRT1 and PGC1α, markedly promote their interaction, significantly increase the expression of proteins and genes related to mitochondrial biogenesis (SIRT1, PGC1α, NRF1, TFAM, COX1, and ND6) and subsequently ameliorate mitochondria dysfunction, which was evidenced by the decreased ROS, upregulated ATP production, increased MMP, and enhanced mitochondrial number. According to the outcomes of our in vitro and in vivo experiments, 4-butyl-polyhydroxybenzophenone compounds could also effectively reduce the formation of lipid droplets and liver injury index (ALT, AST, LDH, AKP, γ-GT, and GDH) and improve the level of antioxidant enzymes (GSH and SOD). Particularly, the treatment of these compounds after a high-fat diet could significantly reduce body weight, decrease liver coefficient, attenuate liver damage, and ameliorate lipid accumulation in rat liver, demonstrating their therapeutic effects on NAFLD. Mechanistically, 4-butyl-polyhydroxybenzophenone compounds promoted mitochondrial biogenesis and eventually prevented NAFLD liver injury by activating the PGC1α signaling pathway in a SIRT1-dependent manner, which was strongly supported by SIRT1 inhibitor EX527.

Molecular mechanism overview of metabolite biosynthesis in medicinal plants

Medicinal plants are essential and rich resources for plant-based medicines and new drugs. Increasing attentions are paid to the secondary metabolites of medicinal plants due to their unique biological activity, pharmacological action, and high utilization value. However, the development of medicinal plants is constrained by limited natural resources and an unclear understanding of the mechanisms underlying active medicinal ingredients, thereby rendering the utilization and exploration of secondary metabolites more challenging. Besides, with the advancement of research on biosynthesis and molecular metabolism of natural products from medicinal plants, the methods for studying the biological activity and pharmacological effects of these products are constantly evolving. In recent years, significant progress has been made in the biosynthetic pathways and related regulatory genes of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants, which has greatly advanced both basic research and the development of clinical applications for medicinal plants. In this review, we discuss the past two decades of international research on the development of medicinal plant resources, mainly focusing on the biosynthetic pathway of secondary metabolites, intracellular signal transduction processes, multi-omics applications, and the application of gene editing technology in related research progress. We also discuss future development trends to promote the deep mining and development of natural products from medicinal plants, providing a useful reference.

A natural sesquiterpene lactone isolinderalactone attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response and acute lung injury through inhibition of NF-κB pathway and activation Nrf2 pathway in macrophages

Isolinderalactone is the main sesquiterpene lactone isolated from Lindera aggregata, a traditional Chinese medicine widely used to treat pain and inflammation. Although isolinderalactone has been demonstrated to possess anti-cancer effect, its anti-inflammatory activity and underlying mechanism has not been well characterized. Herein, isolinderalactone was able to significantly inhibit the production of NO and PGE2 by reducing the expressions of iNOS and COX2 in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages and BMDMs, and decreased the mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. In vivo, isolinderalactone effectively alleviated LPS-induced acute lung injury (ALI), which manifested as reduction in pulmonary inflammatory infiltration, myeloperoxidase activity, and production of PGE2, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and malondialdehyde. Furthermore, isolinderalactone inhibited phosphorylation of IKKα/β, phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα, and nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65, thereby blocking NF-κB pro-inflammatory pathway. Meanwhile, isolinderalactone reduced the intracellular ROS through promoting the activation of Nrf2-HMOX1 antioxidant axis. By using drug affinity responsive target stability assay and molecular docking, isolinderalactone was found to covalently interact with IKKα/β and Keap1, which may contribute to its anti-inflammatory action. Additionally, a thiol donor β-mercaptoethanol significantly abolished isolinderalactone-mediated anti-inflammatory action in vitro, indicating the crucial role of the unsaturated lactone of isolinderalactone on its anti-inflammatory effects. Taken together, isolinderalactone protected against LPS-induced ALI in mice, which may be associated with its inhibition of NF-κB pathway and activation of Nrf2 signaling in macrophages.

Rosa Roxburghii Tratt Fruit Extract Prevents Dss-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Mice by Modulating the Gut Microbiota and the IL-17 Signaling Pathway

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a non-specific inflammatory bowel illness characterized by intestinal mucosal barrier degradation, inflammation, oxidative damage, and gut microbiota imbalances. Rosa roxburghii Tratt Fruit extract (RRTE) was extracted from Rosa roxburghii Tratt fruit, exhibiting an excellent prevention effect against UC; RRTE could prevent the damage of DSS-induced human normal colonic epithelial (NCM 460) cells, especially in cell viability and morphology, and oxidative damage. Additionally, in UC mice, RRTE could limit the intestinal mucosal barrier by increasing the expression of intestinal tight junction proteins and mucin, reducing inflammation and oxidative damage in colon tissue. More importantly, RRTE can increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria to regulate gut microbiota such as Ruminococcus, Turicibacter, and Parabacteroides, and reduce the abundance of harmful bacteria such as Staphylococcus and Shigella. Furthermore, transcriptomics of colonic mucosal findings point out that the beneficial effect of RRTE on UC could be attributed to the modulation of inflammatory responses such as the IL-17 and TNF signaling pathways. The qPCR results confirm that RRTE did involve the regulation of several genes in the IL-17 signaling pathway. In conclusion, RRTE could prevent DSS-induced damage both in vitro and in vivo.

Investigation of the Membrane Localization and Interaction of Selected Flavonoids by NMR and FTIR Spectroscopy

In this report, we discuss the effects of undescribed flavone derivatives, HZ4 and SP9, newly isolated from the aerial parts of Hottonia palustris L. and Scleranthus perennis L. on membranes. Interaction of flavonoids with lipid bilayers is important for medicinal applications. The experiments were performed with FTIR and NMR techniques on liposomes prepared from DPPC (dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine) and EYPC (egg yolk phosphatidylcholine). The data showed that the examined polyphenols incorporate into the polar head group region of DPPC phospholipids at both 25 °C and 45 °C. At the lower temperature, a slight effect in the spectral region of the ester carbonyl group is observed. In contrast, at 45 °C, both compounds bring about the changes in the spectral regions attributed to antisymmetric and symmetric stretching vibrations of CH2 and CH3 moieties. Similarly, as in DPPC lipids, the tested compounds interact with the fingerprint region of the polar head groups of the EYPC lipids and cause its reorganization. The outcomes obtained by NMR analyses confirmed the localization of both flavonoids in the polar heads zone. Unraveled effects of HZ4 and SP9 in respect to lipid bilayers can partly determine their biological activities and are crucial for their usability in medicine as disease-preventing phytochemicals.

From Plant to Chemistry: Sources of Active Opioid Antinociceptive Principles for Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design

Pain continues to be an enormous global health challenge, with millions of new untreated or inadequately treated patients reported annually. With respect to current clinical applications, opioids remain the mainstay for the treatment of pain, although they are often associated with serious side effects. To optimize their tolerability profiles, medicinal chemistry continues to study novel ligands and innovative approaches. Among them, natural products are known to be a rich source of lead compounds for drug discovery, and they hold potential for pain management. Traditional medicine has had a long history in clinical practice due to the fact that nature provides a rich source of active principles. For instance, opium had been used for pain management until the 19th century when its individual components, such as morphine, were purified and identified. In this review article, we conducted a literature survey aimed at identifying natural products interacting either directly with opioid receptors or indirectly through other mechanisms controlling opioid receptor signaling, whose structures could be interesting from a drug design perspective.

Synthesis of phenylethanoid glycosides from acrylic esters of glucose and aryldiazonium salts via palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions and evaluation of their anti-Alzheimer activity

Cinnamic acid-containing sugar compounds such as phenylethanoid glycosides are widely present in nature and display various biological activities. In this work, the synthesis of trans-cinnamic acid containing phenylethanoid glycosides was achieved via palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions between glycosyl acrylic esters and aryldiazonium salts. A wide range of functionalized aryldiazonium salts were successfully coupled with 6-O- and 4-O-acrylic esters of glucose under optimized conditions. The reactions proceeded at room temperature in the absence of additives and base. The desired products were obtained in good to excellent yields. Selected compounds from the library were screened for anti-Alzheimer activity, while compound 16 displayed significant inhibitory activities against butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzymes.

Discovery and biological evaluation of a new type of dual inhibitors of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase from ethnomedicinal plant Dactylicapnos scandens

The root of Dactylicapnos scandens (D.Don.) Hutch (Papaveraceae), one of the most famous ethno-medicinal plants from the Bai communities in P. R. China, is used to treat various inflammations and tumours. Bioassay-guided phytochemical research on D. scandens followed by semi-synthesis led to a series of undescribed tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloids with dual inhibitory activities against indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO). The previously undescribed dark-green alkaloid dactycapnine A exhibited the best dual inhibitor effects among the identified compounds. Structure-activity relationship analysis revealed the importance of the base skeleton with a hyperconjugation system. The performed semi-synthesis further yielded bioactive dimeric and trimeric compounds with hyperconjugated systems. Performed STD NMR experiments disclosed direct interactions between dactycapnine A and IDO1/TDO. Inhibition kinetics indicated dactycapnine A as a mixed-type dual inhibitor. These findings provided a possible explanation for the anticancer properties of the ethno-medicinal plant species D. scandens.

Naturally Derived Malabaricone B as a Promising Bactericidal Candidate Targeting Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus also Possess Synergistic Interactions with Clinical Antibiotics

The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) superbugs underlines the urgent need for innovative treatment options to tackle resistant bacterial infections. The clinical efficacy of natural products directed our efforts towards developing new antibacterial leads from naturally abundant known chemical structures. The present study aimed to explore an unusual class of phenylacylphenols (malabaricones) from Myristicamalabarica as antibacterial agents. In vitro antibacterial activity was determined via broth microdilution, cell viability, time-kill kinetics, biofilm eradication, intracellular killing, and checkerboard assays. The efficacy was evaluated in vivo in murine neutropenic thigh and skin infection models. Confocal and SEM analyses were used for mechanistic studies. Among the tested isolates, malabaricone B (NS-7) demonstrated the best activity against S. aureus with a favorable selectivity index and concentration-dependent, rapid bactericidal killing kinetics. It displayed equal efficacy against MDR clinical isolates of S. aureus and Enterococci, efficiently clearing S. aureus in intracellular and biofilm tests, with no detectable resistance. In addition, NS-7 synergized with daptomycin and gentamicin. In vivo, NS-7 exhibited significant efficacy against S. aureus infection. Mechanistically, NS-7 damaged S. aureus membrane integrity, resulting in the release of extracellular ATP. The results indicated that NS-7 can act as a naturally derived bactericidal drug lead for anti-staphylococcal therapy.

Separation and purification of glycosides from medicinal plants based on strong polar separation medium with online closed-loop mode

Natural glycosides widely distributed in medicinal plants are valuable sources of therapeutic agents, showing various pharmacological effects. The separation and purification of natural glycosides are meaningful for their pharmacological research, which face with great challenges due to the complex of medicinal plants samples. In this work, two kinds of functional monolithic separation mediums A and S were fabricated and fully applied in the online extraction, separation and purification of active glycoside components from medicinal plants with a simple-procedure closed-loop mode. Chrysophanol glucoside and physcion glucoside were detected and separated from Rhei Radix et Rhizoma using separation medium A as a solid-phase extraction adsorbent. Rhapontin was isolated and purified from Rheum hotaoense C. Y. Cheng et Kao using separation medium S as the stationary phase of high-performance liquid chromatography. Compared to the reported literatures, high yield of 5.68, 1.20 and 4.76 mg g-1 of these three products were obtained with high purity. These two online closed-loop mode methods were carried out using high-performance liquid chromatography system, in which the sample injection, isolation and purification procedures are all online mode, and reduced loss compared to offline extraction and purification procedures, thus achieving high recovery and high purity.