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Wu GX, Zhao HY, Peng C, Liu F, Xiong L. Eudesmane-type sesquiterpenoids: Structural diversity and biological activity. Heliyon 2024; 10:e35270. [PMID: 39170406 PMCID: PMC11336486 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Sesquiterpenoids are integral constituents of terpenoid-bearing plants, comprising a diverse and abundant class of natural compounds, among which eudesmane-type sesquiterpenoids have bicyclic structures that feature the fusion of two six-membered carbon rings, thereby attracting considerable attention. They are widespread in nature, with multifaceted biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, antimalarial, and insecticidal activities, thus gaining focus in life science research. The discovery and identification of these active compounds have laid a foundation for unraveling their potential medicinal value. In this review, we comprehensively explore the natural eudesmane-type sesquiterpenoids isolated (totaling 391 compounds) between 2016 and 2022, elucidating their chemical structures, plant distribution patterns, and pertinent biological properties. Accordingly, the study serves not only as a framework for researchers to thoroughly comprehend these compounds but also as a robust reference for future endeavors aimed at exploring the pharmaceutical potential and prospective applications of these molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang-Xu Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
- Institute of Innovative Medicine Ingredients of Southwest Specialty Medicinal Materials, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Hao-Yu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
- Institute of Innovative Medicine Ingredients of Southwest Specialty Medicinal Materials, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Fei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
- Institute of Innovative Medicine Ingredients of Southwest Specialty Medicinal Materials, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Liang Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
- School of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
- Institute of Innovative Medicine Ingredients of Southwest Specialty Medicinal Materials, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
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Chroho M, Bailly C, Bouissane L. Ethnobotanical Uses and Pharmacological Activities of Moroccan Ephedra Species. PLANTA MEDICA 2024; 90:336-352. [PMID: 38423032 DOI: 10.1055/a-2269-2113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Ephedra species are among the most popular herbs used in traditional medicine for a long time. The ancient Chinese medical book "Treatise on Febrile Diseases" refers to the classic traditional Chinese medicine prescription Ge Gen decoction, which consists of seven herbs, including an Ephedra species. Ephedra species are utilized all over the world to treat symptoms of the common cold and coughs, and to combat major human diseases, such as asthma, cancers, diabetes, cardiovascular and digestive disorders, and microbial infections. This study aimed at identifying specific Ephedra species used traditionally in Morocco for therapeutic purposes. The plant parts, their preparation process, and the treated pathologies were identified and analyzed. The results revealed five ethnobotanically important species of Ephedra: Ephedra alata Decne, Ephedra altissima Desf., Ephedra distachya L., Ephedra fragilis Desf., and Ephedra nebrodensis Tineo. These species are used traditionally in Morocco for treating people with diabetes, cancer, rheumatism, cold and asthma, hypertension, influenza virus infection, and respiratory ailments. In addition, they are occasionally used as calefacient agents, to regulate weight, or for capillary care. Few studies have underlined the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of some of these Moroccan Ephedra species, but little information is available regarding the natural products at the origin of the bioactivities. Further phytochemical investigations and clinical data are encouraged to better support the use of these plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mounia Chroho
- Molecular Chemistry, Materials and Catalysis Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences and Technologies, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Beni-Mellal, Morocco
| | - Christian Bailly
- OncoWitan, Scientific Consulting Office, Lille, France
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry Albert Lespagnol, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lille, France
| | - Latifa Bouissane
- Molecular Chemistry, Materials and Catalysis Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences and Technologies, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Beni-Mellal, Morocco
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Zhang H, Xia Y, Cui JL, Ji X, Miao SM, Zhang G, Li YM. The composition characteristics of endophytic communities and their relationship with metabolites profile in Ephedra sinica under wild and cultivated conditions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:95648-95659. [PMID: 37556062 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29145-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Ephedra sinica is one of the most famous Chinese medicinal plants. The insufficient supply of wild resources has led to the increased use of cultivated products. However, the related medicinal quality differs significantly. Although the influence of external environment on the quality of E. sinica has been studied, the impact of endophytic microbes on it remains vague. This study characterized differential metabolites and microbial community compositions in wild and cultivated E. sinica by combining metabolomics with microbiomics, and explored the effect of endophytes on the formation of differential metabolites further. The results showed that the difference in quality between wild and cultivated E. sinica was mainly in the productions of alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids. The associated endophytes had special compositional characteristics. For instance, the distribution and abundance of dominant endophytes varied between wild and cultivated E. sinica. Several endophytes had significant or highly significant correlations with the formations of ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, D-cathinone, methcathinone, coumarin, kaempferol, rhamnetin, or phenylacetic acid. This study will deepen our understanding of the plant-endophyte interactions and provide a strategy for the quality control of E. sinica products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhang
- Institute of Applied Chemistry, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, Shanxi, China
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, Shanxi, China
| | - Ye Xia
- Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Jin-Long Cui
- Institute of Applied Chemistry, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, Shanxi, China.
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Xin Ji
- Institute of Applied Chemistry, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, Shanxi, China
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, Shanxi, China
| | - Shuang-Man Miao
- Institute of Applied Chemistry, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, Shanxi, China
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, Shanxi, China
| | - Gang Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, China
| | - Yi-Min Li
- College of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, China
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Wang C, Tian S, Tang Q, Zhou Z, Peng X, Cai X, Xu Y. Systematic Quality Evaluation of Epimedium wushanense T. S. Ying Based on Two Quality Control Standards: Total Flavonoid Glycosides and Epimedin C. Chem Biodivers 2023; 20:e202200579. [PMID: 36740574 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202200579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Two quality control standards, total flavonoid glycosides of Epimedii Folium and epimedin C of Epimedii Wushanensis Folium, were used to systematically evaluate the quality of Epimedium wushanense T. S. Ying, so as to provide reference for its germplasm screening and resource utilization. Seven representative populations of E. wushanense covering its main distribution areas were uniformly sampled during the flowering period. There were significant quality differences among the populations of E. wushanense. According to the quality standard of total flavonoid glycosides, all populations were superior to the quality standard of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia for Epimedii Folium, with more than 1.5 % total flavonoid glycosides. The variation ranges of epimedin A, epimedin B, epimedin C, icariin and total flavonoid glycosides were 0.40-0.76 %, 0.51-0.83 %, 1.70-9.31 %, 0.40-1.23 % and 3.05-10.61 %, respectively. According to the quality standard of epimedin C, all populations were better than the quality standard of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia for Epimedii Wushanensis Folium, with more than 1.0 % epimedin C. The variation range of epimedin C was 2.22-10.06 %. When comparing the results of the two methods, a trend of slightly lower mean values was found for total flavonoid glycosides, except for the HBXW population. The quality of E. wushanense was superior to both the quality standard of Epimedii Folium and Epimedii Wushanense Folium in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Epimedin C was the most abundant component. Among the investigated populations, HBXW and HBGK exhibited the highest quality, and may provide excellent genetic resources for standardized cultivation. In addition, the habitat of these populations can also serve a reference for cultivation conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congying Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, China
| | - Shuyun Tian
- College of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, China
| | - Qin Tang
- College of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, China
| | - Ziwei Zhou
- College of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, China
| | - Xinheng Peng
- College of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, China
| | - Xiaoxue Cai
- College of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, China
| | - Yanqin Xu
- College of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, China
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Kudo Y, Umemoto K, Obata T, Kaneda A, Ni SR, Mikage M, Sasaki Y, Ando H. Seasonal variation of alkaloids and polyphenol in Ephedra sinica cultivated in Japan and controlling factors. J Nat Med 2023; 77:137-151. [PMID: 36282406 DOI: 10.1007/s11418-022-01656-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the seasonal variation of alkaloids (ephedrine and pseudoephedrine), total polyphenol, and sugar contents in Ephedra sinica cultivated in Japan and elucidated the controlling factors for the variation. In 2018, alkaloids and polyphenol contents increased dramatically from May to July, decreased to their lowest in October, and slightly increased again in November. The reduction of alkaloids and polyphenol contents in the autumn may be affected by precipitation in summer. In 2020, alkaloids and polyphenol contents started to decrease in late July when rainfall was abundant from July to August. In contrast, sucrose and starch contents continued to increase until September and remained high until October. Vascular bundles and fiber developed, and herbal stem weight increased from August to October. Alkaloids and total polyphenol contents tended to increase in November. At the same time, starch and sucrose contents decreased dramatically, whereas glucose and fructose contents increased. Sugar content decreased from October and was lowest in November. The seasonal variation of alkaloids and total polyphenol contents exhibited a contrasting tendency to the seasonal variation of sugar content and tissue development. The seasonal variation of alkaloids and total polyphenol contents was caused by the seasonal variation of sugar content and tissue development. In addition, it is suggested that anatomy may be used for alkaloids content estimation in Ephedra plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitomi Kudo
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacognosy, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Kazuki Umemoto
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacognosy, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Obata
- Department of Biochemistry and Center for Plant Science Innovation, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Ai Kaneda
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacognosy, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Si-Ran Ni
- Laboratory of Medicinal Plant Resources, Department of Bio-Resource Development, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 1737 Funako, Atsugi, Kanagawa, 243-0034, Japan
| | - Masayuki Mikage
- Laboratory of Medicinal Plant Resources, Department of Bio-Resource Development, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 1737 Funako, Atsugi, Kanagawa, 243-0034, Japan
| | - Yohei Sasaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacognosy, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Ando
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacognosy, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-1192, Japan.
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Guo L, He P, He Y, Gao Y, Zhang X, Huo T, Peng C, Meng F. Predicting the comprehensive geospatial pattern of two ephedrine-type alkaloids for Ephedra sinica in Inner Mongolia. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0283967. [PMID: 37083689 PMCID: PMC10121062 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Ephedra sinica Stapf. is a shrubby plant widely used in traditional Chinese medicine due to its high level of medicinal value, thus, it is in high demand. Ephedrine (E) and pseudoephedrine (PE) are key medicinal components and quality indicators for E. sinica. These two ephedrine-type alkaloids are basic elements that exert the medicinal effect of E. sinica. Recently, indiscriminate destruction and grassland desertification have caused the quantity and quality of these pharmacological plants to degenerate. Predicting potentially suitable habitat for high-quality E. sinica is essential for its future conservation and domestication. In this study, MaxEnt software was utilized to map suitable habitats for E. sinica in Inner Mongolia based on occurrence data and a set of variables related to climate, soil, topography and human impact. The model parametrization was optimized by evaluating alternative combinations of feature classes and values of the regularization multiplier. Second, a geospatial quality model was fitted to relate E and PE contents to the same environmental variables and to predict their spatial patterns across the study area. Outputs from the two models were finally coupled to map areas predicted to have both suitable conditions for E. sinica and high alkaloid content. Our results indicate that E. sinica with high-quality E content was mainly distributed in the Horqin, Ulan Butong and Wulanchabu grasslands. E. sinica with high-quality PE content was primarily found in the Ordos, Wulanchabu and Ulan Butong grasslands. This study provides scientific information for the protection and sustainable utilization of E. sinica. It can also help to control and prevent desertification in Inner Mongolia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longfei Guo
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Protection and Utilization, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Ping He
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Protection and Utilization, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan He
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Gao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Protection and Utilization, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoting Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Protection and Utilization, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Tongtong Huo
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Protection and Utilization, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Fanyun Meng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Protection and Utilization, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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Potential Molecular Mechanisms of Ephedra Herb in the Treatment of Nephrotic Syndrome Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:9214589. [PMID: 35837376 PMCID: PMC9276517 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9214589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Objective To explore the possible mechanisms of Ephedra herb (EH) in the treatment of nephrotic syndrome (NS) by using network pharmacology and molecular docking in this study. Methods Active ingredients and related targets of EH were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database, and the gene names corresponding to the proteins were found through the UniProt database. Then, target genes related to NS were screened out from GeneCards, PharmGKB, and OMIM databases. Next, the intersection targets were obtained successfully through Venn diagram, which were also seen as key target genes of EH and NS. Cytoscape 3.9.0 software was used to construct the effective “active ingredient-target” network diagram, and “drug-ingredient-target-disease (D-I-T-D)” network diagram. After that, the STRING database was used to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Furthermore, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment involved in the targets were performed by the DAVID database and ClueGO plugin in Cytoscape. Finally, AutoDockTools software was used for molecular docking to verify the binding strength between main active ingredients and key target proteins. Results A total of 22 main active ingredients such as quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, and naringenin were obtained, which could act on 105 targets related to NS. Through PPI network, 53 core targets such as AKT1, TNF, IL6, VEGFA, and IL1B were found, which might play a crucial role in the treatment of NS. Meanwhile, these targets were significantly involved in PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, hepatitis B, and pathways in cancer through GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. The docking results indicated that active ingredients such as kaempferol, luteolin, quercetin, and naringenin all had good binding to the target protein AKT1 or TNF. Among them, luteolin and naringenin binding with AKT1 showed the best binding energy (-6.2 kcal/mol). Conclusion This study indicated that the potential mechanism of EH in treating NS may be related to PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, and AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, which provided better approaches for exploring the mechanism in treating NS and new ideas for further in vivo and in vitro experimental verifications.
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Miao SM, Zhang Q, Bi XB, Cui JL, Wang ML. A review of the phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of Ephedra herb. Chin J Nat Med 2020; 18:321-344. [PMID: 32451091 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(20)30040-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Ephedra herb is a traditional Chinese medicine with a long history. Conventionally, it was used as a folk phytomedicine in many ancient medical books and traditional prescriptions. Up to date, a variety of specific ingredients have been found in Ephedra herb, mainly including alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, polysaccharides, organic acids, volatile oils, and many other active compounds. These components from Ephedra herb account for its use as the accurate treatment of cold, cough, cardiovascular and immune system disease, cancer, microbial infection, and other diseases. Moreover, with the fast development of novel chemistry and medicine technology, new chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Ephedra herb are increasingly identified, demonstrating their great potential for various diseases treatment. Therefore, further detailed understanding and investigation of this ancient herb will offer new opportunities to develop novel therapeutics. This study systematically reviews its progress of phytochemistry, traditional and modern pharmacology based on research data that have been reported, aiming at providing useful insight for commercial exploitation, further study and precision medication of Ephedra herb in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang-Man Miao
- Institute of Applied Chemistry, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China; Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Institute of Applied Chemistry, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China; Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Xiao-Bao Bi
- Centre for Biomimetic Sensor Science (CBSS), School of Materials Science & Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637553, Singapore
| | - Jin-Long Cui
- Institute of Applied Chemistry, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China.
| | - Meng-Liang Wang
- Institute of Applied Chemistry, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
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