Anti-atherosclerotic and anti-inflammatory activities of catecholic xanthones and flavonoids isolated from Cudrania tricuspidata

Prenylated Flavonoids of the Moraceae Family: A Comprehensive Review of Their Biological Activities

Prenylated flavonoids (PFs) are natural flavonoids with a prenylated side chain attached to the flavonoid skeleton. They have great potential for biological activities such as anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, enzyme inhibition, and anti-Alzheimer's effects. Medicinal chemists have recently paid increasing attention to PFs, which have become vital for developing new therapeutic agents. PFs have quickly developed through isolation and semi- or full synthesis, proving their high value in medicinal chemistry research. This review comprehensively summarizes the research progress of PFs, including natural PFs from the Moraceae family and their pharmacological activities. This information provides a basis for the selective design and optimization of multifunctional PF derivatives to treat multifactorial diseases.

Anti-atherosclerosis mechanisms associated with regulation of non-coding RNAs by active monomers of traditional Chinese medicine

Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of numerous cardiovascular diseases with a high mortality rate. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), RNA molecules that do not encode proteins in human genome transcripts, are known to play crucial roles in various physiological and pathological processes. Recently, researches on the regulation of atherosclerosis by ncRNAs, mainly including microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs, have gradually become a hot topic. Traditional Chinese medicine has been proved to be effective in treating cardiovascular diseases in China for a long time, and its active monomers have been found to target a variety of atherosclerosis-related ncRNAs. These active monomers of traditional Chinese medicine hold great potential as drugs for the treatment of atherosclerosis. Here, we summarized current advancement of the molecular pathways by which ncRNAs regulate atherosclerosis and mainly highlighted the mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine monomers in regulating atherosclerosis through targeting ncRNAs.

Optimizing the Fermentation Conditions of Cudrania tricuspidata Fruit Using Bacillus amyloliquefaciens for Anti-Inflammatory Activity and GC-MS-Based Volatile Component Characteristics

The aim of this study is to optimize the performance conditions used for maximum anti-inflammatory activity and to clarify in vitroanti-inflammatory properties of fermented C. tricuspidata fruit. Based on the single-factor experiment and Box-Behnken design, the optimized fermentation conditions of C. tricuspidata fruit for maximum anti-inflammatory activity were 3.8 d fermentation period, 8.4% (v/w) inoculation concentration, and 29.2°C fermentation temperature. Under optimal conditions, anti-inflammatory activity-based nitric oxide of fermented C. tricuspidata fruit reached 93.9%. Moreover, this study provides a theoretical basis and experimental data containing β-hexosaminidase and reactive oxygen species for the medical use and industrialization of C. tricuspidata fruit fermentation. Interestingly, the results of GC-MS analysis confirmed that fermented C. tricuspidata fruits detect volatile components different from unfermented C. tricuspidata fruits. We suggested that this volatile component may have been involved in the anti-inflammatory reaction, but scientific verification of this is needed later. Therefore, an in-depth study of volatile components detected from fermented C. tricuspidata fruits will need to be conducted later.

Synergistic Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Ethanol Extracts from Chrysanthemum zawadskii Flower and Cudrania tricuspidata Fruit Occur via Inhibition of the NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Chrysanthemum zawadskii (CZ) and Cudrania tricuspidata (CT) are both traditional Korea herbal medicines, which is widely used to treat fever, cough, gastritis, and women's diseases that may be linked to inflammatory response. Although it has been used to treat diseases related to inflammation, there has been no case of the synergistic anti-inflammatory properties of both extracts. Our data revealed that ethanol extracts of dried whole CZ exhibited free radical-scavenging capacity in vitro, reduced LPS-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species, and decreased the LPS-induced upregulations of the mRNAs encoding iNOS, COX-2, and IL-6 in RAW 264.7 cells, without significant cytotoxicity. This anti-inflammatory effect was most evident from flower extracts: ethanol extracts from flowers significantly reduced the LPS-induced upregulations of iNOS and COX-2 at a concentration of 100 μg/ml. An ethanol extract of the fruit from CT also exerted a radical scavenging capacity and suppressed LPS-induced proinflammatory gene expression: 5.5 μg/ml of the ethanol extract significantly reduced the ability of LPS to induce the mRNA expression levels of iNOS and IL-6 without apparent cytotoxicity. Furthermore, as little as 1.0 μg/ml of the combined ethanol extracts of CZ flower and CT fruit reduced the LPS-induced changes monitored herein, decreasing the upregulations of iNOS and IL-6, and decreasing the nuclear localization of NF-κB p65. These results suggest that the observed synergistic anti-inflammatory effects may be mediated via inhibition of NF-κB signaling. Taken together, these data suggest that ethanol extracts from CZ flowers and CT fruits have synergistic anti-inflammatory effects and that a combination of the two extracts could prove useful for the treatment of inflammation-related diseases.

Design and Synthesis of Xanthone Analogues Conjugated with Aza-aromatic Substituents as Promising G-Quadruplex Stabilizing Ligands and their Selective Cancer Cell Cytotoxic Action

We have examined the stabilization of higher-order noncanonical G-quadruplex (G4) DNA structures formed by the G-rich sequences in the promoter region of oncogenes such as c-MYC, c-KIT, VEGF and BCl2 by newly synthesized, novel nitrogen-containing aromatics conjugated to xanthone moiety. Compounds with N-heterocyclic substituents such as pyridine (XNiso), benzimidazole (XBIm), quinoxaline (XQX) and fluorophore dansyl (XDan) showed greater effectiveness in stabilizing the G4 DNA as well as selective cytotoxicity for cancer cells (mainly A549) over normal cells both in terms of UV-Vis spectral titrations and cytotoxicity assay. Both fluorescence spectral titrimetric measurements and circular dichroism (CD) melting experiments further substantiated the G4 stabilization phenomenon by these small-molecular ligands. In addition, these compounds could induce the formation of parallel G4 structures in the absence of any added salt condition in Tris⋅HCl buffer at 25 °C. In a polymerase stop assay, the formation of stable G4 structures in the promoter of oncogenes and halting of DNA synthesis in the presence of the above-mentioned compounds was demonstrated by using oncogene promoter as the DNA synthesis template. Apoptosis-mediated cell death of the cancer cells was proved by Annexin V-PI dual staining assay and cell-cycle arrest occurred in the S phase of the cell cycles. The plausible mode of binding involves the stacking of the xanthone core on the G4 DNA plane with the possibility of interaction with the 5'-overhang as indicated by molecular dynamics simulation studies.

Cudraxanthone D Ameliorates Psoriasis-like Skin Inflammation in an Imiquimod-Induced Mouse Model via Inhibiting the Inflammatory Signaling Pathways

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease accompanied by excessive keratinocyte proliferation. Corticosteroids, vitamin D3 analogs, and calcineurin inhibitors, which are used to treat psoriasis, have diverse adverse effects, whereas natural products are popular due to their high efficiency and relatively low toxicity. The roots of the Cudrania tricuspidata (C. tricuspidata) are known to have diverse pharmacological effects, among which the anti-inflammatory effect is reported as a potential therapeutic agent in skin cells. Nevertheless, its effectiveness against skin diseases, especially psoriasis, is not fully elucidated. Here, we investigated the effect of cudraxanthone D (CD), extracted from the roots the C. tricuspidata Bureau, on psoriasis using an imiquimod (IMQ)-induced mouse model and the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α/interferon (IFN)-γ-activated keratinocytes. IMQ was topically applied to the back skin of C57BL/6 mice for seven consecutive days, and the mice were orally administered with CD. This resulted in reduced psoriatic characteristics, such as the skin thickness and Psoriasis Area Severity Index score, and the infiltration of neutrophils in IMQ-induced skin. CD inhibited the serum levels of TNF-α, immunoglobulin G2a, and myeloperoxidase, and the expression of Th1/Th17 cells in splenocytes. In TNF-α/IFN-γ-activated keratinocytes, CD reduced the expressions of CCL17, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 by inhibiting the phosphorylation of STAT1 and the nuclear translocation of NF-kB. Taken together, these results suggest that CD could be a potential drug candidate for the treatment of psoriasis.

Dietary polyphenols suppress chronic inflammation by modulation of multiple inflammation-associated cell signaling pathways

The high failure rate of the reductionist approach to discover effective and safe drugs to treat chronic inflammatory diseases has led scientists to seek alternative ways. Recently, targeting cell signaling pathways has been utilized as an innovative approach to discover drug leads from natural products. Cell signaling mechanisms have been identified playing key role in diverse diseases by inducing proliferation, cell survival and apoptosis. Phytochemicals are known to be able to modulate the cellular and molecular networks which are associated to chronic diseases including cancer-associated inflammation. In this review, the roles of dietary polyphenols (apigenin, kaempferol, quercetin, curcumin, genistein, isoliquiritigenin, resveratrol and gallic acid) in modulating multiple inflammation-associated cell signaling networks are deliberated. Scientific databases on suppressive effects of the polyphenols on chronic inflammation via modulation of the pathways especially in the recent five years are gathered and critically analyzed. The polyphenols are able to modulate several inflammation-associated cell signaling pathways, namely nuclear factor-kappa β, mitogen activated protein kinases, Wnt/β-catenin and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and protein kinase B via selective actions on various components of the networks. The suppressive effects of the polyphenols on the multiple cell signaling pathways reveal their potential use in prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory disorders. Understanding the mechanistic effects involved in modulation of the signaling pathways by the polyphenols is necessary for lead identification and development of future functional foods for prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases.

Effects of Cudrania tricuspidata on anti-senescence in high glucose-treated endothelial cells via the Akt/p53/p21 pathway

The roles of Cudrania tricuspidata (CT) in the prevention of senescence and the underlying mechanisms have not been elucidated. In a high glucose (HG)-induced senescent endothelial cell (EC) culture, CT (20 µg/ml) reduced the number of senescence-associated β-galactosidase-positive cells by 8.3% compared with the control group and increased the expression of p-Sirt1 by more than twofold compared with the control group. Moreover, 20 μg/ml CT treatment doubled the activity of p-Akt, which was inhibited by HG, compared with the control group. In addition, CT treatment decreased the expression of p53, p21, and Rb, which was increased by HG. Overall, CT delays HG-induced senescence via the Akt/p53/p21 pathway, suggesting its potential as a functional agent for the protection of ECs.

Physicochemical characteristics and consumer acceptance of puddings fortified with Cudrania tricuspidata and Aronia melanocarpa extracts

The objectives of the study were to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics of puddings fortified with 0.01% mandarin melon berry (Cudrania tricuspidata) and 0%-1.0% aronia (Aronia melanocarpa) extracts and to assess the effects of the fortification on consumer acceptance. The soluble solid content of pudding significantly increased as aronia concentration increased, whereas pH levels significantly decreased in a similar concentration-dependent manner. The texture profiles of hardness, cohesiveness, and chewiness increased significantly in the pudding fortified with 0.01% mandarin melon berry extract compared to those of the control pudding, and these profiles decreased with increasing aronia concentration. One hundred consumers evaluated ten puddings, both with and without acid treatments, in two sessions. Overall acceptance, taste acceptance, and texture acceptance showed no significant differences until 0.1% aronia concentration was reached. However, these differences decreased significantly in the pudding fortified with 0.5% and 1.0% aronia extract. The results demonstrate that the potential application of mandarin melon berry and aronia extract fortification in pudding products should be limited to 0.01% mandarin melon berry and 0.1% aronia concentrations.

Gastroprotective Effects of Cudrania tricuspidata Leaf Extracts by Suppressing Gastric cAMP and Increasing Gastric Mucins

Cudrania tricuspidata has been used as an East Asian folk remedy to treat various symptoms. Recently, scientific evidence of the efficacy of C. tricuspidata has emerged. The objective of this study was to elucidate protective role of C. tricuspidata in the gastric mucosa using pylorus-ligated Sprague-Dawley rats and primary parietal cells. C. tricuspidata ethanol extracts attenuated gastric mucosal damage, secretion, and juice acidity in pylorus-ligated rats; however, it did not affect expression of gastric acid-related genes [muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M3 receptor (M3R), histamine H2-receptors (H2R), and cholecystokinin-2/gastrin receptors (CCK2R)] or serum gastrin concentrations. Furthermore, extracts greatly reduced levels of gastric cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and significantly increased mRNA levels of gastric-type mucins (MUC5AC and MUC6). To identify the mode of action of C. tricuspidata extract in regulating gastric acid secretion, intracellular cAMP and mRNA for H2R, M3R, and CCK2R were measured in primary parietal cells. mRNA levels of H2R, M3R, and CCK2R did not significantly differ following treatment with C. tricuspidata extract, whereas cAMP induced by the H2R-specific agonist was significantly decreased. C. tricuspidata may therefore reduce gastric acid secretion by inhibiting H2R activity rather than regulating mRNA expression. These finding suggest that ethanol extracts of C. tricuspidata inhibit H2R-related gastric acid secretion and increase gastric mucus to help prevent gastric mucosal damage. Therefore, C. tricuspidata extract has potential to be used in foods and medicines to prevent diseases related to gastric mucosal damage, such as gastritis and functional dyspepsia.

Natural products targeting FcεRI receptor for anti-allergic therapeutics

Mast cells and basophils are important contributors for development of allergic reactions. The activation of these cells via cross-linking of IgE bound to FcεRI by allergen causes the generation of allergic mediators and the reaction of immediate hypersensitivity. Obviously, FcεRI is considered as a key trigger of acute allergic responses. Consequently, FcεRI is regarded as a potential target for downregulation of allergic diseases. So far, numerous synthetic agents have been reported for inhibition of FcεRI expression and FcεRI-IgE interaction. Meanwhile, natural products have received much attention due to their efficacy and safety. Recently, numerous anti-allergic agents from natural products have been revealed as promising inhibitors of allergic reactions via inhibiting the expression of FcεRI subunits as well as blocking FcεRI activation. Thus, the present contribution is mainly focused to describe natural products targeting FcεRI receptor and to emphasize their applicable potential as anti-allergic foods. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Phlorotannins, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, peptides, chitooligosaccharides, and other natural products have been revealed as potential inhibitors of allergic responses. These bioactive agents target to FcεRI receptor by inhibiting expression of FcεRI and blocking interaction of FcεRI-IgE. Hence, these compounds could be applied as functional ingredients of anti-allergic foods.

The Antioxidant Activity of Prenylflavonoids

Prenylated flavonoids combine the flavonoid moiety and the lipophilic prenyl side-chain. A great number of derivatives belonging to the class of chalcones, flavones, flavanones, isoflavones and other complex structures possessing different prenylation patterns have been studied in the past two decades for their potential as antioxidant agents. In this review, current knowledge on the natural occurrence and structural characteristics of both natural and synthetic derivatives was compiled. An exhaustive survey on the methods used to evaluate the antioxidant potential of these prenylflavonoids and the main results obtained were also presented and discussed. Whenever possible, structure-activity relationships were explored.

Cudraxanthone D Regulates Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition by Autophagy Inhibition in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cell Lines

Cudraxanthone D (CD), derived from the root bark of Cudrania tricuspidata, is a natural xanthone compound. However, the biological activity of CD in terms of human metabolism has been barely reported to date. Autophagy is known as a self-degradation process related to cancer cell viability and metastasis. Herein, we investigated the effects of CD on human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) metastatic related cell phenotype. We confirmed that CD effectively decreased proliferation and viability in a time- and dose-dependent manner in human OSCC cells. In addition, OSCC cell migration, invasion, and EMT were inhibited by CD. To further determine the underlying mechanism of CD's inhibition of cell metastatic potential, we established the relationship between EMT and autophagy in OSCC cells. Thus, our findings indicated that CD inhibited the potential metastatic abilities of OSCC cells by attenuating autophagy.

Cudrania tricuspidata Extract Protects against Reflux Esophagitis by Blocking H2 Histamine Receptors

Cudrania tricuspidata has been used in East Asia as a folk medicine for symptoms such as inflammation, allergy, and gastritis. Administration of C. tricuspidata extract to pylori-ligated rat stomachs reduces gastric acid secretion and alleviates esophagus damage caused by gastric reflux. Therefore, in this study we aimed to investigate whether C. tricuspidata extracts inhibit reflux esophagitis by blocking H₂ histamine receptor (H₂R). Dimaprit, a H₂R specific agonist, induced intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production in U937 cells. Pretreatment with C. tricuspidata extracts significantly blocked dimaprit-induced cAMP production in a concentration-dependent manner. To extracted C. tricuspidata with different ethanol concentrations to determine the optimum method. We found that the 70% ethanol extract showed the most potent H₂R antagonistic effect against dimaprit-induced cAMP production. However, water extract did not show any H₂R blocking effect. These findings suggest that C. tricuspidata extracted using ethanol specifically inhibits gastric acid secretion and reduces esophageal injury by blocking H₂R in a competitive manner. Therefore, C. tricuspidata extracts may be used in food or medicine to prevent H₂R-related diseases, such as gastric hyperacidity and reflux esophagitis.

Derrone induces autophagic cell death through induction of ROS and ERK in A549 cells

We studied the effect of derrone (DR), one of the major compounds of unripe fruits of Cudrania tricuspidata, on cancer cell death. DR inhibited cell growth of various cancer cells, and that was partially associated with apoptosis in A549 cells. DR showed the autophagic features, such as the conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II, the formation of autophagosome and the downregulation of SQSTM1/p62 (p62). The treatment of autophagy inhibitor reversed DR-mediated cell death, suggesting that DR induces autophagic cell death. The increase of cytoplasmic Ca2+ and ROS by DR treatment significantly influences the formation of autophagosomes; however, only ROS scavengers significantly rescued the reduced cell viability. Additional results revealed that treatment of DR induces sustained phosphorylation of ERK and the inhibition of ERK phosphorylation using U0126 (ERK inhibitor) markedly attenuated DR-induced cell death. Overall, these results suggest that DR induces autophagic cell death through intracellular ROS and sustained ERK phosphorylation in A549 cells.

Prenylated Flavonoids from the Roots and Rhizomes of Sophora tonkinensis and Their Effects on the Expression of Inflammatory Mediators and Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9

Seven new prenylated flavonoids (1-7) and one new prenylated phenylpropiophenone (8) were isolated from roots and rhizomes of Sophora tonkinensis, along with nine known compounds (9-17). The structures 1-8 were elucidated by spectroscopic data analysis and comparison with reported values. Compounds 8 and 12 (7-methoxyebenosin) showed inhibitory activities against nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cells, with IC₅₀ values of 8.1 and 6.2 μM, respectively. They also significantly lowered expression of CSF2, TNF, and IL-1β. Lonchocarpol A (10) and erybraedin D (16) at concentrations of 20 μM downregulated proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) mRNA expression in HepG2 cells. Moreover, erybraedin D (16) inhibited PCSK9 protein synthesis (IC₅₀ 7.8 μM), while simultaneously activating AMP-activated protein kinase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase.

Enantiomeric Isoflavones with neuroprotective activities from the Fruits of Maclura tricuspidata

Seven pairs of enantiomeric isoflavones (1a/1b–7a/7b) were obtained from the ethyl acetate extract of the fruits of Maclura tricuspidata (syn. Cudrania tricuspidata), and successfully separated by chiral high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). The structures and absolute configurations of the enantiomeric isoflavones were established on the basic of comprehensive spectroscopic analyses and quantum chemical calculation methods. Compounds 1, 1a, and 1b exhibited neuroprotective activities against oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (ODG/R)-induced SH-SY5Y cells death with EC₅₀ values of 5.5 µM, 4.0 µM, and 10.0 µM, respectively. Furthermore, 1, 1a, and 1b inhibited OGD/R-induced reactive oxygen species generation in SH-5Y5Y cells with IC₅₀ values of 6.9 µM, 4.5 µM, and 9.5 µM, respectively.

Anti-neuroinflammatory effects of cudraflavanone A isolated from the chloroform fraction of Cudrania tricuspidata root bark

CONTEXT

Cudrania tricuspidata Bureau (Moraceae) is an important source of traditional Korean and Chinese medicines used to treat neuritis and inflammation.

OBJECTIVE

The anti-neuroinflammatory effects of cudraflavanone A isolated from a chloroform fraction of C. tricuspidata were investigated in LPS-induced BV2 cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cudraflavanone A was isolated from the root of C. tricuspidata, and its structure was determined by MS and NMR data. Cytotoxicity of the compound was examined by MTT assay, indicating no cytotoxicity at 5-40 μM of cudraflavanone A. NO concentration was measured by the Griess reaction, and the levels of PGE2, cytokines and COX-2 enzyme activity were measured by each ELISA kit. The mRNA levels of cytokines were analysed by quantitative-PCR. The expression of iNOS, COX-2, HO-1, NF-κB, MAPKs and Nrf2 was detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

Cudraflavanone A had no major effect on cell viability at 40 μM indicating 91.5% viability. It reduced the production of NO (IC50 = 22.2 μM), PGE2 (IC50 = 20.6 μM), IL-1β (IC50 = 24.7 μM) and TNF-α (IC50 = 33.0 μM) in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. It also suppressed iNOS protein, IL-1β and TNF-α mRNA expression. These effects were associated with the inactivation of NF-κB, JNK and p38 MAPK pathways. This compound mediated its anti-neuroinflammatory effects by inducing HO-1 protein expression via increased nuclear translocation of Nrf2.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

The present study suggests a potent effect of cudraflavanone A to prevent neuroinflammatory diseases. Further investigation is necessary to elucidate specific molecular mechanism of cudraflavanone A.

Optimization of Jirisan Mountain Cudrania tricuspidata leaf substance extraction across solvents and temperatures

Objective

The aim of this study is to optimize the extraction of beneficial substance from Cudrania tricuspidata leaves grown at Jirisan Mountain in South Korea by three different solvents depending on extraction time and at different temperature.

Methods

The total phenolic contents were determined by the method reported by Sánchez-Moreno et al. The total flavonoid contents were analyzed by Slinkard and Singleton. The DPPH radical scavenging activity was determined according to the method reported by Blois

Results

The extraction yield for each solvent is 9.05–14.1%, 2.17–5.67%, and 2.3–3.9% for D.W., ethanol, and hexane, respectively. The overall results were maximized for the extract obtained with D.W. for 5 min at 100°C. The average phenol contents were 77.11, 45.64, and 0.343 mg/g at 100°C in water, 78°C in ethanol, and 68°C in hexane, respectively. The flavonoid contents were the highest in the materials extracted with D.W., and were increased with increasing temperature, regardless of the extraction solvents, whether water (green), polar organic ethanol, or nonpolar organic hexane. In the ethanol extract, the flavonoid contents are increased gradually from 5.66 mg/g to 7.73 mg/g. The total flavonoid contents were proportional to the concentrations of the water extracts, ranging from 4.14 mg/g to 48.89 mg/g. The antioxidative activities of the water-extracted compounds are generally increased with increasing temperature from 42.5% to 85.5%. Those of the hexane extracts are increased slowly from 3.79% to 8.8%, while those of ethanol extracts are increased from 29.8% to 47.4%.

Conclusion

The extraction yields were dependent upon solvents for extraction as well as extraction time and the temperature. The optimal extraction time was 5 min and the extraction yields were increased with increasing temperature excepted hexane. Of the three tested extraction solvents, the greenest solvent of water shows excellent results, suggesting that water is among the most effective solvents for natural sample extractions for general medicinal, pharmaceutical, and food applications.

Metabolism of Phenolic Compounds in LPS-stimulated Raw264.7 Cells Can Impact Their Anti-inflammatory efficacy: Indication of Hesperetin

Raw264.7 is a murine macrophage-like cell line commonly used to study the anti-inflammatory efficacy of natural compounds. However, the impacts of long-time incubation on the tested compounds are often inappropriately ignored. Among 77 natural phenolic compounds (mainly flavonoids), only 36 remain more than 70% after a 15-h incubation in cell culture medium at 37 °C. Interestingly, for those compounds with a relatively good chemical stability, the presence of Raw264.7 cells could accelerate their disappearance in the medium, indicating that cellular metabolism occurred. As a representative phenolic, hesperetin was found to be efficiently metabolized by Raw264.7 cells and the metabolite was identified as a glucuronide in the further investigation. The glucuronidation activity is constitutive in this cell line. At certain concentration levels of hesperetin, the ability of hesperetin to inhibit PGD₂ production in LPS-induced Raw264.7 cells was significantly enhanced by introducing β-glucuronidase, which can hydrolyze hesperetin glucuronide, into the incubation medium. The results indicate that glucuronidation and excretion of hesperetin can significantly impact its bioactivity in Raw264.7 cells.

Inhibitory effect of Cudratricusxanthone A on osteoclast differentiation and function

BACKGROUND

Cudratricusxanthone A (CTXA) was isolated from Cudrania tricuspidata and its anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and anti-proliferative activities have previously been studied in vitro. However, effects of CTXA on osteoclast differentiation have not been investigated.

PURPOSE

In this study, the effect of CTXA from C. tricuspidata on in vitro osteoclastogenesis was studied.

DESIGN/METHODS

CTXA was isolated from the roots of C. tricuspidata. The effects of CTXA on the RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis, actin ring formation, and bone resorption were tested by using the RAW 264.7 cells and mouse bone marrow monocytes (BMMs).

RESULTS

The structure of CTXA was identified by comparison with spectral data in the literature. We also checked the effect of CTXA on in vitro osteoclastogenesis. CTXA significantly inhibited the JNK/MAPK signaling pathway without affecting ERK and p38 signaling in RANKL-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and BMMs. Moreover, it inhibited RANKL-induced expression of c-Fos and NFATc1.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, CTXA suppresses osteoclast differentiation by inhibiting RANKL-induced MAPK signaling and attenuates bone resorption by disrupting actin ring formation in mature osteoclasts. These results suggest that CTXA inhibits bone resorption through an inhibitory effect on osteoclast formation and function.

Steppogenin Isolated from Cudrania tricuspidata Shows Antineuroinflammatory Effects via NF-κB and MAPK Pathways in LPS-Stimulated BV2 and Primary Rat Microglial Cells

Excessive microglial stimulation has been recognized in several neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), amyotropic lateral sclerosis (ALS), HIV-associated dementia (HAD), multiple sclerosis (MS), and stroke. When microglia are stimulated, they produce proinflammatory mediators and cytokines, including nitric oxide (NO) derived from inducible NO synthase (iNOS), prostaglandin E2 (PGE₂) derived from cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-12 (IL-12), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). These inflammatory reactions are related to the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. Therefore, the modulation of NF-κB and MAPK is vital to prevent microglial activation and confer resistance against neuronal injury. In this study, steppogenin (1) isolated from Cudrania tricuspidata suppressed the neuroinflammatory responses to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Steppogenin (1) inhibited the production of proinflammatory mediators and cytokines in LPS-challenged BV2 and rat primary microglial cells. Moreover, western blot analysis and immunofluorescence revealed that the nuclear translocation of NF-κB was inhibited in LPS-induced BV2 and rat primary microglial cells. The LPS-stimulated activation of BV2 and rat primary microglial cells was inhibited by steppogenin (1) through the suppression of c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 MAPK signaling. These results suggested that steppogenin (1) exerted antineuroinflammatory effects against acute neuroinflammation in BV2 and rat primary microglial cells by suppressing the activation of NF-κB and MAPK signaling and the production of proinflammatory mediators and cytokines.

Comparative proteomic analyses of two Taxus species (Taxus × media and Taxus mairei) reveals variations in the metabolisms associated with paclitaxel and other metabolites

Taxus species are well-known for paclitaxel, which exhibits antitumor activities and is used for treating various cancers. Although most Taxus species are widespread in many areas, few studies have characterized the variation in metabolism among different Taxus species. Using an integrated approach involving 'tandem mass tag' labeling and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), proteomes of T. media and T. mairei were investigated and 4078 proteins were quantified. Screening and classification of differentially expressed proteins revealed many metabolism-associated proteins. In detail, four enzymes involved in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway were predominantly expressed in T. mairei. Four enzymes associated with supplying precursors for paclitaxel biosynthesis and three cytochrome P450 taxoid oxygenases were preferentially expressed in T. media compared with T. mairei. Furthermore, variations in taxoid contents between T. media and T. mairei were determined using HPLC-MS analysis. Variations in flavonoid contents between T. media and T. mairei were determined by HPLC analysis. A number of differentially expressed proteins may provide an explanation for the variation in metabolisms of different Taxus species.

Quantitative Analysis, Extraction Optimization, and Biological Evaluation of Cudrania tricuspidata Leaf and Fruit Extracts

Cudrania tricuspidata Bureau (Moraceae) shows numerous pharmacological effects and has been used in traditional herbal remedies for inflammation, gastritis, tumors, and liver diseases. However, no validated analytical method for the standardization and optimization of the biological properties of C. tricuspidata preparations has been reported. We developed and validated a reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the separation and quantification of active markers. Ethanolic extracts of C. tricuspidata leaves were prepared and evaluated for chemical profiles and biological activities. The 80% ethanolic extract demonstrated the greatest antioxidant activity and phenolic content, while the 100% ethanolic extract had the greatest total flavonoid content and xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitory activity. The validated HPLC method confirmed that chlorogenic acid, rutin, and kaempferol were present in C. tricuspidata leaf extracts. We postulated that the antioxidant and anti-hyperuricemic/gout effects of C. tricuspidata extract could be attributed to these marker compounds. Our results suggested that the flavonoid-rich fraction of the leaf extract may be utilized for the treatment and prevention of hyperuricemia-related diseases, and the validated method and marker compounds could be applied for the quality control of C. tricuspidata preparations.

Cudrania tricuspidata: an updated review on ethnomedicine, phytochemistry and pharmacology

This review summarized the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology ofCudrania tricuspidata, and the limitations of the studies on this species were also discussed so as to serve as the basis for further research and development of this medicinal plant.

Identification of potential ACAT-2 selective inhibitors using pharmacophore, SVM and SVR from Chinese herbs

Acyl-coenzyme A cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) plays an important role in maintaining cellular and organismal cholesterol homeostasis. Two types of ACAT isozymes with different functions exist in mammals, named ACAT-1 and ACAT-2. Numerous studies showed that ACAT-2 selective inhibitors are effective for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis. However, as a typical endoplasmic reticulum protein, ACAT-2 protein has not been purified and revealed, so combinatorial ligand-based methods might be the optimal strategy for discovering the ACAT-2 selective inhibitors. In this study, selective pharmacophore models of ACAT-1 inhibitors and ACAT-2 inhibitors were built, respectively. The optimal pharmacophore model for each subtype was identified and utilized as queries for the Traditional Chinese Medicine Database screening. A total of 180 potential ACAT-2 selective inhibitors were obtained, which were identified using an ACAT-2 pharmacophore and not by our ACAT-1 model. Selective SVM model and bioactive SVR model were generated for further identification of the obtained ACAT-2 inhibitors. Ten compounds were finally obtained with predicted inhibitory activities toward ACAT-2. Hydrogen bond acceptor, 2D autocorrelations, GETAWAY descriptors, and BCUT descriptors were identified as key structural features for selectivity and activity of ACAT-2 inhibitors. This study provides a reasonable ligand-based approach to discover potential ACAT-2 selective inhibitors from Chinese herbs, which could help in further screening and development of ACAT-2 selective inhibitors.

The growth kinetics and metabolic and antioxidant activities of the functional synbiotic combination of Lactobacillus gasseri 505 and Cudrania tricuspidata leaf extract

In a previous study, the synbiotic combination of selected Lactobacillus gasseri strains and Cudrania tricuspidata leaf extract (CT) was shown to significantly improve the functionality of fermented milk, and the greatest synbiotic effect was exhibited with L. gasseri 505. The aim of the present study was to investigate the growth kinetics and fermentation metabolism of this specific synbiotic combination. Fermentation was carried out in synthetic media and milk with or without CT supplementation using L. gasseri 505. Whole genome sequencing and comparative genomics analyses were conducted to verify the novelty of strain. Titratable acidity, pH, microbial population, and organic acid production were measured during the fermentation period. The addition of CT accelerated the acidification rate, supporting the growth of L. gasseri 505, and the production of fermentation metabolites such as lactic acid and pyruvic acid also significantly increased during fermentation of both of CT-supplemented synthetic media and milk. In particular, the formic acid and propionic acid in CT were significantly utilized during fermentation of milk by L. gasseri 505. Moreover, the antioxidant capacity of CT-supplemented fermented milk increased due to the release of bioactive compounds until the exponential growth phase, after which the antioxidant activity declined due to degradation and loss of potency. Therefore, this study established that L. gasseri 505 efficiently utilized the CT-related nutrients during fermentation producing resulting metabolites with health-promoting effects, although it is necessary to control the fermentation time to obtain dairy products with optimum functionality.

Seasonal Dynamics of Metabolites in Needles of Taxus wallichiana var. mairei

Seasonal variations of the phytochemicals contents in needles of T. wallichiana var. mairei due to the effects of growth meteorological parameters were investigated in this study. The needles of T. wallichiana var. mairei were collected from different months and the contents of taxoids (paclitaxel, 10-deacetylbaccatin III (10-DAB), baccatin III, cephalomannine, 10-deacetyltaxol (10-DAT)), flavones (ginkgetin, amentoflavone, quercetin) and polysaccharides were quantified by ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) and the resonance light scattering (RIL) method. The content of taxoids gave the highest level of 1.77 ± 0.38 mg·g-1 in January, and the lowest value of 0.61 ± 0.08 mg·g-1 in September. Unlike taxoids, the content of flavonoids was the highest in August. The content of polysaccharides reached peak value of 28.52 ± 0.57 mg·g-1 in September, which was two times higher than the lowest content of 9.39 ± 0.17 mg·g-1 in January. The contents of paclitaxel, 10-DAB, 10-DAT and polysaccharides significantly depended on meteorological parameters. The mean of minimum temperature (R = -0.61) and length of daylight (R = -0.60) were significantly correlated to 10-DAB content, while 10-DAT level showed significant correlation with length of daylight (R = -0.70) and relative humidity (R = 0.70). In addition, temperature had significantly negative effect on the content of paclitaxel and a significantly positive effect on that of polysaccharides. This study enriched the knowledge on the accumulation pattern of metabolites and could help us to determine the collecting time of T. wallichiana var. mairei for medicinal use.

A Prenylated Xanthone, Cudratricusxanthone A, Isolated from Cudrania tricuspidata Inhibits Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Neuroinflammation through Inhibition of NF-κB and p38 MAPK Pathways in BV2 Microglia

Cudrania tricuspidata Bureau (Moraceae) is an important source of traditional Korean and Chinese medicines used to treat neuritis and inflammation. Cudratricusxanthone A (1), a prenylated xanthone, isolated from C. tricuspidata, has a variety of biological and therapeutic activities. The goal of this study was to examine the effects of compound 1 on neuroinflammation and characterize its mechanism of action in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglia. Cudratricusxanthone A (1) suppressed the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 enzymes and decreased the production of iNOS-derived nitric oxide and COX-2-derived prostaglandin E2 in LPS-stimulated mouse BV2 microglia. The compound also decreased tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-12 production; inhibited the phosphorylation and degradation of IκB-α; and blocked the nuclear translocation of p50 and p65 in mouse BV2 microglia induced by LPS. Cudratricusxanthone A (1) had inhibitory effects on nuclear factor kappa B DNA-binding activity. Additionally, it inhibited the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. Our data suggests that cudratricusxanthone A (1) may be a useful therapeutic agent in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases caused by neuroinflammation.

Prenylated Flavonoids from Cudrania tricuspidata Suppress Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Neuroinflammatory Activities in BV2 Microglial Cells

In Korea and China, Cudrania tricuspidata Bureau (Moraceae) is an important traditional medicinal plant used to treat lumbago, hemoptysis, and contusions. The C. tricuspidata methanol extract suppressed both production of NO and PGE₂ in BV2 microglial cells. Cudraflavanone D (1), isolated from this extract, remarkably suppressed the protein expression of inducible NO synthase and cyclooxygenase-2, and decreased the levels of NO and PGE₂ in BV2 microglial cells exposed to lipopolysaccharide. Cudraflavanone D (1) also decreased IL-6, TNF-α, IL-12, and IL-1β production, blocked nuclear translocation of NF-κB heterodimers (p50 and p65) by interrupting the degradation and phosphorylation of inhibitor of IκB-α, and inhibited NF-κB binding. In addition, cudraflavanone D (1) suppressed the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 MAPK pathways. This study indicated that cudraflavanone D (1) can be a potential drug candidate for the cure of neuroinflammation.

Antiobesity and Antidiabetes Effects of a Cudrania tricuspidata Hydrophilic Extract Presenting PTP1B Inhibitory Potential

Diabetes and obesity represent the major health problems and the most age-related metabolic diseases. Protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) has emerged as an important regulator of insulin signal transduction and is regarded as a pharmaceutical target for metabolic disorders. To find novel natural materials presenting therapeutic activities against diabetes and obesity, we screened various herb extracts using a chip screening allowing the determination of PTP1B inhibitory effects of the tested compounds using insulin receptor (IR) as the substrate. Cudrania tricuspidata leaves (CTe) had a strong inhibitory effect on PTP1B activity and substantially inhibited fat accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells. CTe was orally administrated to diet-induced obesity (DIO) mice once daily for 3 weeks after which changes in glucose, insulin metabolism, and fat accumulation were examined. Hepatic enzyme markers (aspartate aminotransferase, AST, and alanine aminotransferase, ALT) and total fat mass and triglyceride levels decreased in CTe-treated mice, whereas body weight and total cholesterol concentration slightly decreased. CTe increased the phosphorylation of IRS-1 and Akt in liver tissue. Furthermore, CTe treatment significantly lowered blood glucose levels and improved insulin secretion in DIO mice. Our results strongly suggest that CTe may represent a promising therapeutic substance against diabetes and obesity.

Comparison of Metabolites Variation and Antiobesity Effects of Fermented versus Nonfermented Mixtures of Cudrania tricuspidata, Lonicera caerulea, and Soybean According to Fermentation In Vitro and In Vivo

We used ultra-performance-liquid-chromatography with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry to study the changes in metabolites in the mixture of Cudrania tricuspidata, Lonicera caerulea, and soybean (CLM) during fermentation. Additionally, the antiobesity effects of CLM and fermented-CLM (FCLM) were studied based on the analysis of plasma from high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. The levels of cyanidin and the glycosides of luteolin, quercetin, and cyanidin derived from L. caerulea were decreased, whereas the levels of luteolin and quercetin were increased during fermentation. Isoflavone glycosides and soyasaponins originating from the soybean were decreased, whereas their aglycones such as daidzein, glycitein, and genistein were increased. As for prenylated flavonoids from C. tricuspidata, these metabolites were decreased at the early stage of fermentation, and were increased at end of the fermentation. In terms of the functional food product, various metabolites derived from diverse natural products in CLM had complementary effects and demonstrated higher antioxidant and pancreatic lipase inhibition activities after fermentation; these activities were closely related to flavonoid aglycones including genistein, daidzein, glycitein, luteolin, and quercetin. In an in vivo experiment, several clinical parameters affected by HFD were improved by the administration of either CLM or FCLM, but there was a difference in the antiobesity effects. The levels of lysoPCs with C20:4, C16:0, and C22:6 were significantly attenuated by CLM administration, while the attenuated levels of lysoPCs with C20:4 and C18:2 were significantly restored by FCLM administration. These metabolites may explain the above-mentioned differences in antiobesity effects. Although only the changes in plasma lysophospholipids could not fully explain antiobesity effects between non-fermented and fermented plant mixtures from our results, we suggest that metabolomics approach could provide a way to reveal the metabolite alterations in the complex fermentation process and understand the differences or changes in bioactivity according to fermentation.

A new DNA-intercalative cytotoxic allylic xanthone from Swertia corymbosa

Phytochemical investigation of the CHCl3 fraction of Swertia corymbosa resulted in the isolation of a new 3-allyl-2,8-dihydroxy-1,6-dimethoxy-9H-xanthen-9-one (1), along with four known xanthones, gentiacaulein (3), norswertianin (4), 1,3,6,8-tetrahydroxyxanthone (5), and 1,3-dihydroxyxanthone (6). Structure of compound 1 was elucidated with the aid of IR, UV, NMR, and MS data, and chemical transformation via new allyloxy xanthone derivative (2). Compounds 1-6 exhibited various levels of antioxidant and anti-α-glucosidase activities. Absorption and fluorescence spectroscopic studies on 1-6 indicated that these compounds could interact with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) through intercalation and with bovine serum albumin (BSA) in a static quenching process. Compound 1 was found to be significantly cytotoxic against human cancer cell lines HeLa, HCT116, and AGS, and weakly active against normal NIH 3T3 cell line.

Cudraxanthone H Induces Growth Inhibition and Apoptosis in Oral Cancer Cells via NF-κB and PIN1 Pathways

Cudraxanthone H (CH) is a natural compound isolated from a methanol extract of the root bark of Cudrania tricuspidata, a herbal plant also known as Moraceae. However, the effect of CH on human cancer cells has not been reported previously. The aim of this study was to investigate the anticancer effects and mechanism of action of CH on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells. CH exerted significant antiproliferative effects on OSCC cells in dose- and time-dependent manners. CH also induced apoptosis in OSCC cells, as evidenced by an increased percentage of cells in the sub-G1 phase of the cell cycle, annexin V-positive/propidium iodide-negative cells, and nuclear morphology. This antiproliferative effect of CH was associated with a marked reduction in the expression of cyclin D1 and cyclin E, with a concomitant induction of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (CDKI) expression (p21 and p27). CH inhibited the phosphorylation and degradation of I[Formula: see text]B-[Formula: see text]and the nuclear translocation of NF-[Formula: see text]B p65. Furthermore, CH treatment down-regulated PIN1 mRNA and protein expression in a dose-dependent manner. PIN1 overexpression by infection with adenovirus-PIN1 (Ad-PIN1) attenuated the CH-induced growth-inhibiting and apoptosis-inducing effects, blocked CH-enhanced CDKI expression and restored cyclin levels. In contrast, inhibiting PIN1 expression via juglone exerted the opposite effects. The present study is the first to demonstrate antiproliferative and apoptosis-inducing effects of CH, which exerts its effects by inhibiting NF-[Formula: see text]B and PIN1. These data suggest that it might be a novel alternative chemotherapeutic agent for use in the treatment of oral cancer.

HPLC Analysis, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory and Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitory Activity of Cudrania tricuspidata

Cudrania tricuspidata is a plant used in folk medicine in Korea for treatment of diseases related to oxidative stress and inflammation. In this study the leaf and shoot extract was studied for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitory activities. The extract with predominant phenolics was quantified using HPLC-DAD. Antioxidant activity was measured using ABTS [2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and FRAP (ferric ion reducing antioxidant power), and anti-inflammatory activity by diene-conjugate and β-glucuronidase assays. The average antioxidant effects of C. tricuspidata extracts (1–2 mg/mL) revealed significant activity of 32.5% to 50.2% (ABTS) and 24.2 to 40.5% (FRAP) compared with Trolox, having 55.1% (ABTS) and 42.6% (FRAP) activity, respectively. The anti-inflammatory activities showed as 26.5% to 40.5% (DC) and 40.2% to 70.2% (βG) inhibition compared with the control {phenylbutazone; 42.1% (DC) and 80.2% (βG) inhibition, respectively}. The XO inhibitory activity of the plant extract revealed 90.5% inhibition of that of the control (allopurinol) (97% inhibition at 100 μg/mL concentration). The kinetic parameters of XO inhibition revealed a noncompetitive type of inhibition, where, K m and V max of C. tricuspidata extracts (25 to 100 μg/mL) were 0.25 mM/mL and 0.040, 0.036, 0.032, and 0.030 (μg/min), while for the positive control K m and V max the values were 0.30 mM/mL and 0.045 (μg/min), respectively. Results suggest that C. tricuspidata can be exploited against diseases associated with free radical formation and xanthine oxidase activity.

Re-exploring promising α-glucosidase inhibitors for potential development into oral anti-diabetic drugs: Finding needle in the haystack

Treatment of diabetes mellitus by oral α-glucosidase inhibitors is currently confined to acarbose, miglitol and voglibose marred by efficacy problems and unwanted side effects. Since the discovery of the drugs more than three decades ago, no significant progress has been made in the drug development area of anti-diabetic α-glucosidase inhibitors. Despite existence of a wide chemical diversity of α-glucosidase inhibitors identified to date, majority of them are simply piled up in publications and reports thus creating a haystack destined to be forgotten in the scientific literature without given consideration for further development into drugs. This review finds those "needles" in that haystack and lays groundwork for highlighting promising α-glucosidase inhibitors from the literature that may potentially become suitable candidates for pre-clinical or clinical trials while drawing attention of the drug development community to consider and take already-identified promising α-glucosidase inhibitors into the next stage of drug development.

Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B Inhibitors from the Roots of Cudrania tricuspidata

A chemical investigation of the methanol extract from the roots of Cudrania tricuspidata resulted in the isolation of 16 compounds, including prenylated xanthones 1-9 and flavonoids 10-16. Their structures were identified by NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry and comparisons with published data. Compounds 1-9 and 13-16 significantly inhibited PTP1B activity in a dose dependent manner, with IC50 values ranging from 1.9-13.6 μM. Prenylated xanthones showed stronger PTP1B inhibitory effects than the flavonoids, suggesting that they may be promising targets for the future discovery of novel PTP1B inhibitors. Furthermore, kinetic analyses indicated that compounds 1 and 13 inhibited PTP1B in a noncompetitive manner; therefore, they may be potential lead compounds in the development of anti-obesity and -diabetic agents.

Effects of Cudrania tricuspidata Fruit Extract and Its Active Compound, 5,7,3',4'-Tetrahydroxy-6,8-diprenylisoflavone, on the High-Affinity IgE Receptor-Mediated Activation of Syk in Mast Cells

Cudrania tricuspidata fruit extract contains a rich source of prenylated flavonoids with potential antiatherosclerotic, hepatoprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the effect of C. tricuspidata fruit extracts and its active compounds on the high-affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI)-mediated signaling remains unknown. In the present study, the effect of methanol extract from the fruits of C. tricuspidata (MFC) and its active compound, 5,7,3',4'-tetrahydroxy-6,8-diprenylisoflavone (THDPI), on FcεRI-mediated signaling in mast cells was investigated. MFC and THDPI suppressed mast cell degranulation and Ca(2+) influx. MFC also interfered with IgE-FcεRI interaction and decreased FcεRIβ mRNA expression in mast cells. Furthermore, MFC and THDPI inhibited the phosphorylation of Syk, LAT, and PLCγ and F-actin redistribution. These results indicate that MFC and its active compound, THDPI, inhibit mast cell activation through the inhibition of FcεRI-mediated Syk activation, suggesting a therapeutic potential for controlling mast cell activation in inflammatory and/or allergic processes.