Nepetin, a natural compound from Inulae flos, suppresses degranulation and eicosanoid generation through PLCγ1 and Akt signaling pathways in mast cells

Elucidation of Anti-Obesity Mechanisms of Phenolics in Artemisiae argyi Folium (Aiye) by Integrating LC-MS, Network Pharmacology, and Molecular Docking

The global prevalence of obesity is a pressing health issue, increasing the medical burden and posing significant health risks to humans. The side effects and complications associated with conventional medication and surgery have spurred the search for anti-obesity drugs from plant resources. Previous studies have suggested that Artemisiae argyi Folium (Aiye) water extracts could inhibit pancreatic lipase activities, control body weight increase, and improve the plasma lipids profile. However, the exact components and mechanisms were not precisely understood. Therefore, this research aims to identify the chemical profile of Aiye and provide a comprehensive prediction of its anti-obesity mechanisms. The water extract of Aiye was subjected to LC-MS analysis, which identified 30 phenolics. The anti-obesity mechanisms of these phenolics were then predicted, employing network pharmacology and molecular docking. Among the 30 phenolics, 21 passed the drug-likeness screening and exhibited 486 anti-obesity targets. The enrichment analysis revealed that these phenolics may combat obesity through PI3K-Akt signaling and MAPK, prolactin, and cAMP signaling pathways. Eight phenolics and seven central targets were selected for molecular docking, and 45 out of 56 docking had a binding affinity of less than -5 kcal/mol. This research has indicated the potential therapy targets and signaling pathways of Aiye in combating obesity.

Polyphenols of the Inuleae-Inulinae and Their Biological Activities: A Review

Polyphenols are ubiquitous plant metabolites that demonstrate biological activities essential to plant-environment interactions. They are of interest to plant food consumers, as well as to the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry. The class of the plant metabolites comprises both widespread (chlorogenic acids, luteolin, quercetin) and unique compounds of diverse chemical structures but of the common biosynthetic origin. Polyphenols next to sesquiterpenoids are regarded as the major class of the Inuleae-Inulinae metabolites responsible for the pharmacological activity of medicinal plants from the subtribe (Blumea spp., Dittrichia spp., Inula spp., Pulicaria spp. and others). Recent decades have brought a rapid development of molecular and analytical techniques which resulted in better understanding of the taxonomic relationships within the Inuleae tribe and in a plethora of data concerning the chemical constituents of the Inuleae-Inulinae. The current taxonomical classification has introduced changes in the well-established botanical names and rearranged the genera based on molecular plant genetic studies. The newly created chemical data together with the earlier phytochemical studies may provide some complementary information on biochemical relationships within the subtribe. Moreover, they may at least partly explain pharmacological activities of the plant preparations traditionally used in therapy. The current review aimed to systematize the knowledge on the polyphenols of the Inulae-Inulinae.

Unlocking the Potential: Quercetin and Its Natural Derivatives as Promising Therapeutics for Sepsis

Sepsis is a syndrome of organ dysfunction caused by an uncontrolled inflammatory response, which can seriously endanger life. Currently, there is still a shortage of specific therapeutic drugs. Quercetin and its natural derivatives have received a lot of attention recently for their potential in treating sepsis. Here, we provide a comprehensive summary of the recent research progress on quercetin and its derivatives, with a focus on their specific mechanisms of antioxidation and anti-inflammation. To obtain the necessary information, we conducted a search in the PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases using the keywords sepsis, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-infection, quercetin, and its natural derivatives to identify relevant research from 6315 articles published in the last five years. At present, quercetin and its 11 derivatives have been intensively studied. They primarily exert their antioxidation and anti-inflammation effects through the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB, Nrf2/ARE, and MAPK pathways. The feasibility of these compounds in experimental models and clinical application were also discussed. In conclusion, quercetin and its natural derivatives have good application potential in the treatment of sepsis.

Exploration of natural flavones' bioactivity and bioavailability in chronic inflammation induced-type-2 diabetes mellitus

Diabetes, being the most widespread illness, poses a serious threat to global public health. It seems that inflammation plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of diabetes. This review aims to demonstrate a probable link between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic inflammation during its development. Additionally, the current review examined the bioactivity of natural flavones and the possible molecular mechanisms by which they influence diabetes and inflammation. While natural flavones possess remarkable anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory bioactivities, their therapeutic use is limited by the low oral bioavailability. Several factors contribute to the low bioavailability, including poor water solubility, food interaction, and unsatisfied metabolic behaviors, while the diseases (diabetes, inflammation, etc.) causing even less bioavailability. Throughout the years, different strategies have been developed to boost flavones' bioavailability, including structural alteration, biological transformation, and innovative drug delivery system design. This review addresses current advancements in improving the bioavailability of flavonoids in general, and flavones in particular. Clinical trials were also analyzed to provide insight into the potential application of flavonoids in diabetes and inflammatory therapies.

Antagonism of m3 Alleviates Type 2 Inflammation in Allergic Rhinitis Mice

Background

Type 2 immune cells play a pivotal role in allergic rhinitis (AR). Increasing evidence shows that inhibition of cholinergic nerve activity decreases the severity of airway diseases including asthma and AR. However, the role of the cholinergic receptor muscarinic 3 (m3) in type 2 inflammation in AR is unknown.

Objective

We aimed to investigate the effect of m3 on the type 2 immune response, including both T helper 2 (Th2)-mediated and type 2 innate lymphocyte (ILC2)-mediated inflammation, in AR.

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from human were cultured in vitro. Treatment with the m3 antagonist 1,1-dimethyl-4-diphenylacetoxypiperidinium iodide (4-DAMP) was used. The percentages of Th2 and ILC2 cells in PBMCs were evaluated by flow cytometry. AR mouse models were established by house dust mite (HDM) sensitization, and treated with tiotropium intranasally. The expression of Th2 cytokines, ILC2 cytokines and related factors in the nasal mucosa was assessed by immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Serum HDM-specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) level was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Both Th2 and ILC2 percentages in PBMCs were decreased after 4-DAMP treatment. Similarly, the levels of Th2 cytokines (interleukin 4 [IL-4] and IL-13) and ILC2 cytokines and related factors (IL-25, IL-33, GATA3 and RORα) were significantly decreased in the nasal mucosa of AR mice after tiotropium treatment. Furthermore, tiotropium treatment decreased the nasal symptom score, the serum sIgE level and eosinophil infiltration in AR mice. In addition, tiotropium decreased phospholipase Cγ1 (PLCγ1), PLCγ2, nuclear factor of activated T cell 1 (NFATc1), and NFATc2 mRNA levels in AR mice.

Conclusion

Antagonism of m3 alleviated type 2 inflammation in the nasal mucosa of AR mice.

Nepetin Acts as a Multi-Targeting Inhibitor of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases Relevant to Insulin Resistance

Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) are essential modulators of signal transduction pathways and has been implicated in many human diseases such as cancer, diabetes, obesity, autoimmune disorders, and neurological diseases, indicating that PTPs are next-generation drug targets. Since PTPN1, PTPN2, and PTPN11 have been reported to be negative regulators of insulin action, the identification of PTP inhibitors may be an effective strategy to develop therapeutic agents for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. In this study, we observed for the first time that nepetin inhibits the catalytic activity of PTPN1, PTPN2, and PTPN11 in vitro, indicating that nepetin acts as a multi-targeting inhibitor of PTPN1, PTPN2, and PTPN11. Furthermore, treatment of mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes with 20 μM nepetin stimulates glucose uptake through AMPK activation. Taken together, our findings provide evidence that nepetin, a multi-targeting inhibitor of PTPN1, PTPN2, and PTPN11, could be a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

A review of the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of the Flos Inulae

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Plants of the genus Inula have long been used as an ethnomedicine in Asia, Europe, and North America for its high medicinal value and health benefits. Inula japonica Thunb. (I. japonica) and Inula britanica L. (I. britanica) are included in Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 edition) as the traditional Chinese medicine Flos inulae (FI). In TCM, FI tastes bitter, pungent, and salt, with warm nature and has the functions of water removal, reduction in nausea, and prevention of vomiting and is often used for cold-related coughs, sputum, wheezing coughs, vomiting, belching and other related diseases. In addition, Inula japonica Thunb is used as a botanical medicine in Korea and Inula britannica L. is also used as a traditional plant medicine in Iran.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This paper collects the relevant research literature (1970-2021) and provides a systematic summary of the botany, ethnopharmacology, processing, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity, analytical methods and quality control of FI to explore its potential and expand its scope for better clinical application.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Information on Inula japonica Thunb. and Inula britanica L. was collected from scientific databases (1970-2021), including Google Scholar, Baidu Scholar, Springer, PubMed, CNKI and Wan Fang DATA. Information was also collected from classic books of Chinese herbal medicine and Ph.D. and M.Sc. theses.

RESULTS

More than 200 chemical compounds have been isolated from Inula japonica Thunb. and Inula britanica L., including sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, volatile oils, triterpenoids, diterpenoid glycosides, monoterpenoids, polysaccharides, steroid and small molecule acids. Based on a wide variety of chemically active ingredients, FI has a wide range of pharmacological effects. Modern pharmacological research has proven that the pharmacological effects of FI include anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antioxidant, antiallergy, antidiabetic, blood lipid reduction, skin whitening, liver protection, anticonstipation, and antinociceptive effects.

CONCLUSIONS

FI is a very important traditional Chinese herbal medicine with anti-inflammatory antitumor, antioxidant, antiallergy, antidiabetic and other pharmacological effects that can treat a variety of related diseases. This paper summarizes the botany, ethnopharmacology, processing, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity, analytical methods, and quality control of FI. However, the research on the processing, toxicity and quality control of FI is currently too shallow, especially concerning the relationship between the changes in active components before and after processing and the changes in its pharmacological action, which remains unclear. There are few toxicity experiments conducted with FI, so it is impossible to evaluate the safety of FI objectively and impartially. There are also few studies on the material basis and doses of FI causing toxicity and side effects, and more in-depth and concrete researches should be carried out in the future regarding these aspects. Furthermore, to ensure effective and safe clinical medication, we should also pay attention to the mixed use of FI in various regions of China to control the quality of the FI plant.