A comprehensive chemical and pharmacological review of three confusable Chinese herbal medicine-Aucklandiae radix, Vladimiriae radix, and Inulae radix

Selection and evaluation of quality markers (Q-markers) of vladimiriae radix extract for cholestatic liver injury based on spectrum-effect relationship, pharmacokinetics, and molecular docking

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

As a representative local medicinal herb produced in China, Vladimiriae Radix (VR) has been proven to exert hepatoprotective and choleretic effects, with particular therapeutic efficacy in cholestatic liver injury (CLI), as demonstrated by the VR extract (VRE). However, the quality markers (Q-markers) of VRE for the treatment of CLI remain unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

A new strategy based on the core element of "efficacy" was proposed, using a combination of spectrum-effect relationship, pharmacokinetics, and molecular docking methods to select and confirm Q-markers of VRE.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

First, the HPLC fingerprinting of 10 batches of VRE was studied, and the in vivo pharmacological index of anti-CLI in rats was determined. The spectrum-effect relationship was utilized as a screening method to identify the Q-markers of VRE. Secondly, Q-markers were used as VRE pharmacokinetic markers to measure their concentrations in normal and CLI rat plasma, and to analyze their disposition. Finally, molecular docking was utilized to predict the potential interaction between the identified Q-markers and crucial targets of CLI.

RESULTS

The fingerprints of 10 batches of VRE was established. The in vivo pharmacological evaluation of rats showed that VRE had a significant therapeutic effect on CLI. The spectrum-effect correlation analysis showed that costunolide (COS) and dehydrocostus lactone (DEH) were the Q-markers of VRE anti-CLI. The pharmacokinetic results showed that AUC(0-t), Cmax, CLZ/F, and VZ/F of COS and DEH in CLI rats had significant differences (P < 0.01). They were effectively absorbed into the blood plasma of CLI rats, ensuring ideal bioavailability, and confirming their role as Q-markers. Molecular docking results showed that COS, DEH had good affinity with key targets (FXR, CAR, PXR, MAPK, TGR5, NRF2) for CLI treatment (Binding energy < -4.52 kcal mol-1), further verifying the correctness of Q-marker selection.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, through the combination of experimental and theoretical approaches from the aspects of pharmacodynamic expression, in vivo process rules, and interaction force prediction, the therapeutic effect of VRE and Q-markers (COS、DEH) were elucidated. Furthermore, a new idea based on the principle of "efficacy" was successfully proposed for screening and evaluating Q-markers.

Several major herb pairs containing Coptidis rhizoma: a review of key traditional uses, constituents and compatibility effects

Herb compatibility is the soul of traditional Chinese Medicine prescriptions. Coptidis rhizoma (CR) (Coptis chinensis Franch., Coptis deltoidea C.Y.Cheng et Hsiao, or Coptis teeta Wall.; family Ranunculaceae), is a well-known herb. The bitter and cold nature of CR can irritate the spleen and stomach, and certain ingredients in CR may trigger allergic reactions. Herb combinations can help alleviate the side effects caused by CR. Through data analysis and literature research, there are many herbs combined with CR have a high frequency, but only a few are currently used as formulae in clinical practice. The results showed that these six herb pairs are usually widely studied or used as prescriptions in the clinic. This paper describes the six herb pairs from the key traditional uses, changes in bioactive constituents, and compatibility effects, especially with Euodiae fructus (family Rutaceae), Scutellariae radix (family Lamiaceae), Magnoliae Officinalis cortex (family Magnoliaceae), Glycyrrhizae radix et rhizoma (family Fabaceae), Ginseng radix et rhizoma (family Araliaceae), and Aucklandiae radix (family Asteraceae), and found that herbs are more effective when used in combination. Therefore, it is feasible to establish some methods to study herb pairs comprehensively from different perspectives. This paper aims to provide the latest and most comprehensive information on the six herb pairs and summarize the pattern of CR compatibility effects. It aims to attract more attention, and further experimental studies will be conducted to investigate and evaluate the effects of herb pairs containing CR. These data can also provide valuable references for researchers and also provide more possibilities for future applications in clinical practice and new drug development.

Dehydrocostus lactone alleviates irinotecan-induced intestinal mucositis by blocking TLR4/MD2 complex formation

BACKGROUND

Irinotecan (CPT-11) is used as chemotherapeutic drug for treatment of colorectal cancer. However, without satisfactory treatments, its gastrointestinal toxicities such as diarrhea and intestinal inflammation severely restrained its clinical application. Roots of Aucklandia lappa Decne. are used as traditional Chinese medicine to relieve gastrointestinal dysfunction and dehydrocostus lactone (DHL) is one of its main active components. Nevertheless, the efficacy and mechanism of DHL against intestinal mucositis remains unclear.

PURPOSE

The present study aimed to investigate the protective effects of DHL on CPT-11-induced intestinal mucositis and its underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

The protective effect of DHL was investigated in CPT-11-induced mice and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)+CPT-11 induced THP-1 macrophages. Body weight, diarrhea score, survival rate, colon length, and histopathological changes in mice colon and jejunum were analyzed to evaluate the protective effect of DHL in vivo. And DHL on reducing inflammatory response and regulating TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway in vivo and in vitro were explored. Moreover, DHL on the interaction between TLR4 and MD2 was investigated. And silencing TLR4 targeted by siRNA was performed to validate the mechanisms of DHL on regulating the inflammation.

RESULTS

DHL prevented CPT-11-induced intestinal damage, represented by reducing weight loss, diarrhea score, mortality rate and the shortening of the colon. Histological analysis confirmed that DHL prevented intestinal epithelial injury and improved the intestinal barrier function in CPT-11 induced mice. Besides, DHL significantly downregulated the level of inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway in CPT-11-induced mice and LPS+CPT-11-induced THP-1 macrophages. In addition, DHL blocked TLR4/MD2 complex formation. Molecular docking combined with SIP and DARTS assay showed that DHL could bind to TLR4/MD2 and occludes the hydrophobic pocket of MD2. Furthermore, Silencing TLR4 abrogated the effect of DHL on LPS+CPT-11 induced inflammatory response in THP-1 macrophages. Additionally, DHL ameliorate the CPT-11-induced intestinal mucositis without affecting the anti-tumor efficacy of CPT-11 in the tumor xenograft mice.

CONCLUSION

This study found that DHL exhibited the anti-inflammatory effects in CPT-11-induced intestinal mucositis by inhibiting the formation of TLR4/MD2 complex and then regulation of NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway. DHL is potentially served as a novel strategy of combined medication with CPT-11.

Inhibiting AGS Cancer Cell Proliferation through the Combined Application of Aucklandiae Radix and Hyperthermia: Investigating the Roles of Heat Shock Proteins and Reactive Oxygen Species

Cancer is a major global health concern. To address this, the combination of traditional medicine and newly appreciated therapeutic modalities has been gaining considerable attention. This study explores the combined effects of Aucklandiae Radix (AR) and 43 °C hyperthermia (HT) on human gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS) cell proliferation and apoptosis. We investigated the synergistic effects of AR and HT on cell viability, apoptosis, cell cycle progression, and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent mechanisms. Our findings suggest that the combined treatment led to a notable decrease in AGS cell viability and increased apoptosis. Furthermore, cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase contributed to the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation. Notably, the roles of heat shock proteins (HSPs) were highlighted, particularly in the context of ROS regulation and the induction of apoptosis. Overexpression of HSPs was observed in cells subjected to HT, whereas their levels were markedly reduced following AR treatment. The suppression of HSPs and the subsequent increase in ROS levels appeared to contribute to the activation of apoptosis, suggesting a potential role for HSPs in the combined therapy's anti-cancer mechanisms. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential of integrating AR and HT in cancer and HSPs.

The synergistic effect of herbal medicine and probiotics in pediatric functional constipation: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Pediatric functional constipation (PFC) is a prevalent and persistent gastrointestinal disorder, that requires various treatments, including alternative approaches. This review assessed the synergistic efficacy of herbal medicine (HM) and probiotics for PFC.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive search of 11 databases, including English, Chinese, and Korean databases, until June 29, 2023. The inclusion criteria were randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing the intervention of HM with probiotics to that of the same probiotics. Statistical analyses included calculation of the mean difference (MD), standardized MD, risk ratio (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI), and assessment of risk of bias using Review Manager Version 5.4 software. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation rating system was used to evaluate evidence quality. Potential publication bias was assessed using funnel plots, Egger test, the fail-safe N test, and Duval and Tweedie trim and fill method.

RESULTS

A total of 22 RCTs involving 2228 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The HM and probiotics group exhibited superior outcomes compared to the probiotics alone group in various parameters: total effective rate (RR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.19-1.29, P < .001), Bristol fecal Score (MD: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.71-0.89, P < .001), gastrointestinal peptide hormone (motilin) (MD: 35.37, 95% CI: 24.64-64.10, P < .001), inflammation indicator (nitrous oxide) (MD: -12.45, 95% CI: -15.12 to -9.77, P < .001), minimal sensitive volume of the rectum (MD: -8.7, 95% CI: -10.91 to -6.49, P < .001), and recurrence rate (RR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.21-0.43, P < .001).

CONCLUSION

The combination of HM and probiotics may exhibit a synergistic effect on PFC. Nevertheless, it is imperative to undertake rigorously planned RCTs to comprehensively evaluate the synergistic efficacy of HM and probiotics.

An integrating strategy for systematic profiling of Chinese patent drug's chemicalome and associated metabolome: Huanghou antidiarrhea dropping pills as a case study

Huanghou antidiarrhea dropping pills (HADP) is an efficient Chinese patent drug that is clinically used to treat diarrhea. However, its functional materials remain unclear due to the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine, which is a multi-component and multi-target complex system. In this study, we investigated the intrinsic chemical components and combined with in vivo metabolism to reveal the functional material basis of HADP. Spectral behavior (accurate molecular weight and secondary fragmentation) and chromatographic behavior (retention time) were key criterions that throughout the whole research of components identification, prototypes screening, and tissue distribution. Mass defect filter (MDF), characteristic product ion filter (PIF), and neutral loss filter (NLF) were other three criterions for metabolites searching. Consequently, a total of 102 components in HADP, including alkaloids, lignans, lactones, gingerols, and alkaloid complexes were identified or tentatively characterized. About 39 metabolites that related to 37 prototypes were calculated and matched in bio-samples. Among them, 14 prototypes and 18 metabolites were detected distribution in colon, liver, heart, spleen, lung or kidney. This study provides a systematic investigation into the metabolism of HADP and offers effective analytical strategies for the characterization of compounds and metabolites in Chinese patent drugs.

Three sesquiterpene lactones suppress lung adenocarcinoma by blocking TMEM16A-mediated Ca2+-activated Cl- channels

Transmembrane protein TMEM16A, which encodes calcium-activated chloride channel has been implicated in tumorigenesis. Overexpression of TMEM16A is associated with poor prognosis and low overall survival in multiple cancers including lung adenocarcinoma, making it a promising biomarker and therapeutic target. In this study, three structure-related sesquiterpene lactones (mecheliolide, costunolide and dehydrocostus lactone) were extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine Aucklandiae Radix and identified as novel TMEM16A inhibitors with comparable inhibitory effects. Their effects on the proliferation and migration of lung adenocarcinoma cells were examined. Whole-cell patch clamp experiments showed that these sesquiterpene lactones potently inhibited recombinant TMEM16A currents in a concentration-dependent manner. The half-maximal concentration (IC50) values for three tested sesquiterpene lactones were 29.9 ± 1.1 μM, 19.7 ± 0.4 μM, and 24.5 ± 2.1 μM, while the maximal effect (Emax) values were 100.0% ± 2.8%, 85.8% ± 0.9%, and 88.3% ± 4.6%, respectively. These sesquiterpene lactones also significantly inhibited the endogenous TMEM16A currents and proliferation, and migration of LA795 lung cancer cells. These results demonstrate that mecheliolide, costunolide and dehydrocostus lactone are novel TMEM16A inhibitors and potential candidates for lung adenocarcinoma therapy.

Isoalantolactone protects against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer via alleviating inflammation through regulation of PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and Th17 cell differentiation

Gastric ulcer (GU) is one of the most prevalent digestive system diseases in humans, and it has been linked to inflammation. Previous studies have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory potential of isoalantolactone (IAL), a sesquiterpene lactone isolated from Radix Inulae. However, the pharmacological effects of IAL on GU and its mechanism of action are still unclear. Hence, the present study is aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory potential of IAL on GU. Firstly, we assessed the effect of IAL on ethanol-induced injury of human gastric epithelial cells and the levels of inflammatory cytokines in cell culture supernatants. Then, the anti-inflammatory effects of IAL were confirmed in vivo using zebrafish inflammation models. Furthermore, the mechanism of IAL against GU was preliminarily discussed through network pharmacology and molecular docking studies. Quantitative real-time PCR assays were also used to confirm the mechanism of IAL action. ALB, EGFR, SRC, HSP90AA1, and CASP3 were found for the first time as the key targets of the IAL anti-GU. PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and Th17 cell differentiation were identified to play a crucial role in the anti-GU effects of IAL. In conclusion, we found that IAL has anti-inflammatory effects both in vitro and in vivo, and showed potential protective effects against ethanol-induced GU.

Targeted isolation of sesquiterpene lactone dimers from Aucklandia lappa guided by LC-HRMS/MS-based molecular networking

An LC-HRMS/MS-based molecular networking strategy was applied to investigate the potential sesquiterpene dimers of Aucklandia lappa, leading to the isolation of three undescribed guaiane-guaiane dimers and one guaiane-eudesmane dimer together with six known sesquiterpenes. The structures were determined by analyzing their 1D, 2D NMR, and HRESIMS data as well as ECD calculations. The biogenetic pathway of the sesquiterpene dimers was postulated to involve the Diels-Alder cycloaddition as the key step. All compounds exhibited their inhibitory effects on LPS-induced nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 macrophages with IC₅₀ values ranging from 0.3 to 25.1 μM.

Formulation of Aucklandiae Radix Extract-Loaded Nanoemulsions and Its Characterization and Evaluations In Vitro and In Vivo

This study aimed to screen, design, and evaluate an optimal nanoemulsion formulation for Aucklandiae Radix extraction (ARE). A simple lattice design (SLD) method was used to determine the preparation process of Aucklandiae Radix extract-nanoemulsions (ARE-NEs). After optimization, the average particle size of ARE-NEs was 14.1 ± 1.1 nm, polydispersity index was 0.2376, and pH was 6.92. In vitro penetration tests verified that the permeability ratios of costunolide (CE), dehydrocostus lactone (DE), and ARE-NEs were approximately 6.33 times and 8.20 times higher, respectively, than those of the control group. The results of the pharmacokinetic study indicated that after topical administration, the content of the index components of ARE-NEs increased in vivo, with a longer release time and higher bioavailability in vivo than in vitro. The index components were CE and DE, respectively. In addition, a skin irritation test was conducted on normal and skin-damaged rabbits, aided by HE staining and scanning electron microscopy, to reveal the transdermal mechanism of ARE-NEs and proved that NEs are safe for topical application. ARE-NEs energetically developed the properties of skin and penetration through the transdermal route, which were secure when applied via the transdermal delivery system .

Advances in extraction methods, chemical constituents, pharmacological activities, molecular targets and toxicology of volatile oil from Acorus calamus var. angustatus Besser

Acorus calamus var. angustatus Besser (ATT) is a traditional herb with a long medicinal history. The volatile oil of ATT (VOA) does possess many pharmacological activities. It can restore the vitality of the brain, nervous system and myocardial cells. It is used to treat various central system, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. It also showed antibacterial and antioxidant activity. Many studies have explored the benefits of VOA scientifically. This paper reviews the extraction methods, chemical components, pharmacological activities and toxicology of VOA. The molecular mechanism of VOA was elucidated. This paper will serve as a comprehensive resource for further carrying the VOA on improving its medicinal value and clinical use.

Sesquiterpene lactones-rich fraction from Aucklandia lappa Decne. alleviates dextran sulfate sodium induced ulcerative colitis through co-regulating MAPK and Nrf2/Hmox-1 signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Aucklandia lappa Decne. (ALDE) is the general name for Asteraceae plants Yunmuxiang, which has traditionally been proven to have the efficacy in relieving depression by regulating qi, alleviating cold by warming, attenuating pain in stomach and relieving diarrhea in intestines. Therefore, ALDE is always recommended as an herbal remedy for gastrointestinal dysfunction.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this study was to explore the therapeutic potential and mechanism of action of the sesquiterpene lactone-rich fraction (SLRF) of ALDE extracts in vivo and in vitro.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An aqueous extract (AE) and SLRF of ALDE were prepared and the contents of the main components were quantified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The therapeutic effects of the extracts were evaluated in C57BL/6 mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC). Body weight, disease activity index (DAI), and colon length were recorded, and histopathological changes in the colon were characterized using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity and possible mechanisms of the two main sesquiterpene lactones in ALDE (costunolide and dehydrocostus lactone) were studied by quantitative proteomic analysis. Finally, based on bioinformatic analysis, we used polymerase chain reaction (PCR), immunofluorescence, and western blot experiments to verify the anti-inflammatory mechanism of the extracts in C57BL/6 mice.

RESULTS

The SLRF of ALDE significantly improved the pathological symptoms and inflammatory pathology of UC, whereas the AE had a weak protective effect. In RAW264.7 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), costunolide and dehydrocostus lactone significantly reduced the mRNA levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, suggesting that these two sesquiterpene lactones had strong anti-inflammatory activity. Quantitative proteomics results indicated that the anti-inflammatory mechanism of these lactones was associated with the NF-κB/MAPK and Nrf2-Hmox-1 pathways. These results were further validated in SLRF-treated mice.

CONCLUSION

This study confirmed that the SLRF of ALDE exerted protective activity against UC by regulating the Nrf2-Hmox-1, NF-κB, and MAPK pathways.

Dehydrocostus Lactone Suppresses Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis by Targeting the IKKα/β-NF-κB and Keap1-Nrf2 Signalling Pathways

Dehydrocostus lactone (DCL) is a major sesquiterpene lactone isolated from Aucklandia lappa Decne, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine that used to treat gastrointestinal diseases. This study aimed to examine the therapeutic effects of DCL on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis with a focus on identifying the molecular mechanisms involved in DCL-mediated anti-inflammatory activity in macrophages. First, oral administration of DCL (5–15 mg/kg) not only ameliorated symptoms of colitis and colonic barrier injury, but also inhibited the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and myeloperoxidase in colon tissues in DSS-challenged mice. Furthermore, DCL also exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity in LPS/IFNγ-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Importantly, DCL significantly suppressed the phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα and subsequent NF-κB nuclear translocation, and enhanced the nuclear accumulation of Nrf2 in LPS/IFNγ-treated RAW264.7 cells. Mechanistically, DCL could directly interact with IKKα/β and Keap1, thereby leading to the inhibition of NF-κB signalling and the activation of Nrf2 pathway. Furthermore, DCL-mediated actions were abolished by dithiothreitol, suggesting a thiol-mediated covalent linkage between DCL and IKKα/β or Keap1. These findings demonstrated that DCL ameliorates colitis by targeting NF-κB and Nrf2 signalling, suggesting that DCL may be a promising candidate in the clinical treatment of colitis.