Antitumor compound identification from Zanthoxylum bungeanum essential oil based on composition-activity relationship

Multiplicative Effects of Essential Oils and Other Active Components on Skin Tissue and Skin Cancers

Naturally derived essential oils and their active components are known to possess various properties, ranging from anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-cancer activities. Numerous types of essential oils and active components have been discovered, and their permissive roles have been addressed in various fields. In this comprehensive review, we focused on the roles of essential oils and active components in skin diseases and cancers as discovered over the past three decades. In particular, we opted to highlight the effectiveness of essential oils and their active components in developing strategies against various skin diseases and skin cancers and to describe the effects of the identified essential-oil-derived major components from physiological and pathological perspectives. Overall, this review provides a basis for the development of novel therapies for skin diseases and cancers, especially melanoma.

Monoterpenoids: An upcoming class of therapeutic agents for modulating cancer metastasis

Monoterpenoids, a sub-class of terpenoids, are secondary metabolites frequently extracted from the essential oils of aromatic plants. Their antitumor properties including antiproliferative, apoptotic, antiangiogenic, and antimetastatic effects along with other biological activities have been the subject of extensive study due to their diverse characteristics. In recent years, numerous investigations have been conducted to understand its potential anticancer impacts, specifically focusing on antiproliferative and apoptotic mechanisms. Metastasis, a malignancy hallmark, can exert either protective or destructive influences on tumor cells. Despite this, the potential antimetastatic and antiangiogenic attributes of monoterpenoids need further exploration. This review focuses on specific monoterpenoids, examining their effects on metastasis and relevant signaling pathways. The monoterpenoids exhibit a high level of complexity as natural products that regulate metastatic proteins through various signaling pathways, including phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin, mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase/jun N-terminal kinase, nuclear factor kappa B, vascular endothelial growth factor, and epithelial mesenchymal transition process. Additionally, this review delves into the biosynthesis and classification of monoterpenoids, their potential antitumor impacts on cell lines, the plant sources of monoterpenoids, and the current status of limited clinical trials investigating their efficacy against cancer. Moreover, monoterpenoids depict promising potential in preventing cancer metastasis, however, inadequate clinical trials limit their drug usage. State-of-the-art techniques and technologies are being employed to overcome the challenges of utilizing monoterpenoids as an anticancer agent.

Protective mechanisms of Zanthoxylum bungeanum essential oil on DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice based on a colonic mucosal transcriptomic approach

The ameliorative effects on ulcerative colitis (UC) as well as the related mechanisms of the essential oil derived from the edible herb Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim (ZBEO) have been demonstrated herein. Based on GC-MS analysis, 45 volatile compounds in ZBEO were determined for its quality control. In vitro studies showed that after pretreatment with ZBEO, the disordered expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) and an anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) on colon epithelial NCM460 cells induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) could be reversed. Additionally, oral administration of ZBEO significantly alleviated colitis in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC mice, including body weight loss, colon length shortening, disease activity index and colonic pathological damage. Furthermore, to uncover the anti-UC mechanisms of ZBEO, analysis of transcriptomes by next-generation sequencing technology was performed to explore the RNA genetic variation on colon tissues. Based on GO analysis and KEGG pathway analysis, a series of genetic pathways involved in the protective role of ZBEO against UC were determined. As a result, ZBEO treatment could decrease the expression of VCAM-1, TLR8, IL-1β and IL-11 mRNA as verified by qRT-PCR, which are involved in these potential genetic pathways. In conclusion, ZBEO administration would be a medicinal or dietary supplementation strategy for ulcerative colitis treatment.

Development and in vivo Evaluation of Hydroxy-α-Sanshool Intranasal Liposomes as a Potential Remedial Treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease

Purpose

Hydroxy-α-sanshool (HAS) improves cognitive dysfunction, but its structural instability has limited its clinical application. The present study was conducted to investigate the optimal formulation of hydroxy-α-sanshool liposomes (HAS-LPs) and its effect on ameliorating learning and memory disorders in an Alzheimer’s disease (AD) model.

Methods

In this study, HAS was prepared as HAS-LP using a thin film dispersion method. After selecting the optimal preparation conditions, HAS-LP was characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and by measuring the zeta potential, particle size, and in vitro drug release. Next, evaluated the effect of HAS-LP on the rat nasal mucosa and then applied it to AD mice. By performing behaviour experiments, pathological test and related pharmacokinetic parameters, we explored its effect on attenuating learning and memory impairment in mice.

Results

When the mass ratio of HAS:cholesterol:soybean lecithin was 1:4:16 and 15 mL of ultrapure water were added, the highest encapsulation efficiency and drug loading were obtained. HAS-LP had a particle size of 181.77 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.207 and a zeta potential of −53.8 mV, and it remained stable at 25 °C for 1 week and 4 °C for 8 weeks. Moreover, HAS-LP exhibited slow drug release and was highly consistent with the Higuchi release model. HAS-LP was not significantly toxic to the nasal mucosa and effectively alleviated D-galactose-induced learning memory deficits and protected mouse hippocampal neuronal cells. HAS-LP was highly enriched in plasma and brain tissue after administration via the nasal route and obtained some ability to target the brain.

Conclusion

HAS encapsulated in soybean lecithin and cholesterol was successfully developed, suggesting that treatment with the nanoparticles might reverse some AD symptoms. Therefore, these nanoparticles might be used as promising new candidates for the delivery of HAS to treat AD.

Hydroxy-α-sanshool Possesses Protective Potentials on H2O2-Stimulated PC12 Cells by Suppression of Oxidative Stress-Induced Apoptosis through Regulation of PI3K/Akt Signal Pathway

Zanthoxylum bungeanum pericarp is a commonly used herbal medicine in China with effects of anti-inflammatory and analgesic, improving learning and memory ability, while hydroxy-α-sanshool (HAS) is the most important active ingredient of Z. bungeanum pericarps. The purpose of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective effect of HAS and its related possible mechanisms using a H₂O₂-stimulated PC12 cell model. CCK-8 assay results showed that HAS had a significant protective effect on H₂O₂-stimulated PC12 cells without obvious cytotoxicity on normal PC12 cells. Flow cytometry and fluorescence microscope (DAPI staining and DCFH-DA staining) indicated that HAS could reduce the H₂O₂-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells via reduction of intracellular ROS and increase of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Subsequently, results of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) determination suggested that HAS could increase the enzyme activities of SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px whereas it could decrease the MDA contents in H₂O₂-stimulated PC12 cells. Furthermore, the western blotting assays showed that HAS could upregulate the expressions of p-PI3k, Akt, p-Akt, and Bcl-2, while it could downregulate the expressions of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax in H₂O₂-stimulated PC12 cells. Collectively, it could be concluded according to our results that HAS possesses protective potentials on H₂O₂-stimulated PC12 cells through suppression of oxidative stress-induced apoptosis via regulation of PI3K/Akt signal pathway.

Rapid Determination of the Geographical Origin of Chinese Red Peppers (Zanthoxylum Bungeanum Maxim.) Based on Sensory Characteristics and Chemometric Techniques

In this paper, principal component analysis (PCA), linear discriminant analysis (LDAp, artificial neural networks (ANN), and support vector machine (SVM) were applied to discriminate the geographical origin of Chinese red peppers (Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim.). The models based on color, smell and taste may discriminate quickly and effectively the geographical origin of Chinese red peppers from different regions, but the successful identification rates may vary with different kinds of parameters and chemometric methods. Among them, all models based on taste indexes showed an excellent ability to discriminate the geographical origin of Chinese red peppers with correct classifications of 100% for the training set and the 100% for test set. The present study provided a simple, efficient, inexpensive, practical and fast method to discriminate the geographical origin of Chinese red peppers from different regions, which was of great importance for both consumers and producers.

Characteristic differences in essential oil composition of six Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim. (Rutaceae) cultivars and their biological significance

Great variations have been found in composition and content of the essential oil of Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim. (Rutaceae), resulting from various factors such as harvest time, drying and extraction methods (Huang et al., 2006; Shao et al., 2013), solvent and herbal parts used (Zhang, 1996; Cao and Zhang, 2010; Wang et al., 2011). However, in terms of artificial introduction and cultivation, there is little research on the chemical composition of essential oil extracted from Z. bungeanum Maxim. cultivars, which have been introduced from different origins. In this study, the composition and content of essential oil from six cultivars (I-VI) have been investigated. They were introduced and cultivated for 11 years in the same cultivation conditions. Cultivars were as followings: Qin'an (I) cultivar originally introduced from Qin'an City in Gansu Province; Dahongpao A (II) from She County in Hebei Province; Dahongpao B (III) from Fuping County; Dahongpao C (IV) from Tongchuan City; Meifengjiao (V) from Feng County; and, Shizitou (VI) from Hancheng City, in Shaanxi Province, China. This research is expected to provide a theoretical basis for further introduction, cultivation, and commercial development of Z. bungeanum Maxim.

Chemical Composition of Essential Oils from Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim. and Their Bioactivities against Lasioderma serricorne

Two essential oil samples were obtained from the pericarp of Zanthoxylum bungeanum with the methods of hydrodistillation (HD) and supercritical fluid CO₂ extraction (SFE), their chemical components were identified, and their bioactivities against Lasioderma serricorne adults were evaluated. In the process of testing, the two samples showed significant bioactivities against Lasioderma serricorne adults. For an example, the SFE-sample expressed relatively stronger fumigant toxicity on Lasioderma serricorne adults (LC₅₀ = 3.99 μg/mL air) than that of the HD-sample (LC₅₀ = 12.54 μg/mL air). According to GC-MS analysis, the chemical components between two samples were different. The major chemical components for HD included linalool (25.99%), limonene (19.34%), linalyl anthranilate (12.22%), 4-terpinenol (10.49%), eucalyptol (6.53%) and α-terpineol (5.02%), while for SFE included nonanoic acid (21.43%), γ-terpinene (14.51%), eucalyptol (13.45%), α-terpineol (5.83%) and caryophyllene oxide (5.48%). The results showed that different chemical components result in different bioactivities. This work provides theoretical basis for traditional Chinese concept of antagonistic storage, and it also provides important information for the development and comprehensive utilization of Zanthoxylum bungeanum.

Zanthoxylum bungeanum essential oil induces apoptosis of HaCaT human keratinocytes

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Zanthoxylum bungeanum (ZB), a Chinese herb medicine, has been shown to possess a wide range of biological activities including anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial activity and has long been used to treat a variety of skin diseases including psoriasis. However, the underlying mechanism of action has not been systematically elucidated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

to analyze the chemical composition of the hydro-distilled Zanthoxylum bungeanum essential oil (ZBEO), and to investigate its anti-proliferative activity on HaCaT cells as well as the underlying anti-psoriasis mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The chemical composition of ZBEO was analyzed with gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). HaCaT cells was exposed to different dose of ZBEO added in medium prior to morphologic features analysis as well as cell cycle arrest examination with Flow cytometry. Western blot analysis was employed to estimate the expression level of proteins including caspase-8/9/3, PARP, Bax and Bcl-2.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine compounds of the ZBEO were identified GC-MS. ZBEO-treated HaCaT cells showed typical apoptotic morphologic features by DAPI staining assay. The ZBEO significantly inhibited proliferation of HaCaT cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner and induced S phase arrest apoptosis in HaCaT cells. Furthermore, western blot analysis revealed that the ZBEO increased expression of cleaved caspase-8/9/3, PARP, and Bax, decreased Bcl-2 levels.

CONCLUSION

ZBEO inhibits the proliferation of HaCaT cells, resulting from the induction of cellular apoptosis through both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. ZBEO is a potential candidate that may be considered for development into an anti-psoriasis drug.

Characterization and determination of antioxidant components in the leaves of Camellia chrysantha (Hu) Tuyama based on composition-activity relationship approach

Camellia chrysantha (Hu) Tuyama (CCT), an ornamental plant possessing antioxidant activity, has been infused as tea and drank for its health benefits. The antioxidant components in CCT, however, had not been clearly characterized. To quickly identify the antioxidant constituents of CCT, a composition–activity relationship strategy based on ultra high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled with linear ion trap hybrid orbitrap mass spectrometry and orthogonal partial least-squares method has been applied. As a result, 16 variables were found to make significant contributions to the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity. Six of them were identified as catechin (1), epicatechin (5), vitexin (8), isovitexin (10), quercetin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (12) and kaempferol (16). The strength of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity was found to be 12 > 1 > 5 > 16 > 8 > 10 by validation test. Meanwhile, a liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry method was established for quantitative determination of six marker compounds in CCT samples from different preparations. The validation of the method, including linearity, sensitivity (limitation of detection and limitation of quantification), repeatability, precision, stability, and recoveries, was carried out and demonstrated to meet the requirements of quantitative analysis. This is the first report on the comprehensive characterization and determination of chemical constituents in CCT by ultra high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled with linear ion trap hybrid orbitrap mass spectrometry. The results indicate that the composition–activity relationship approach may be a useful method for the discovery of active constituents in natural plants and the quality control of medicinal herbs.