Structure characterization of an arabinogalactan from green tea and its anti-diabetic effect

Structural elucidation of an active arabinoglucan from Gomphrena globosa and its protection effect and mechanism against metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis

The flower of Gomphrena globosa (G. globosa.) is used as Chinese traditional medicine and functional food. Extractions from G. globosa. have been reported to exert hepatoprotective effects. We further hypothesized that the polysaccharide components, as a bioactive ingredient, might have anti-fatty and hepatitis function. Here, a novel homogeneous arabinoglucan GGL0.05S1 (Mw = 83.9 kDa) from this flower, was characterized by monosaccharide composition analysis, methylation analysis, and NMR. Structural analysis showed that the backbone of GGL0.05S1 consists of →4)-α-Glcp-(1→ and →4,6)-α-Glcp-(1→ residues, and the branched chain linked to the main chain via C-6 of →4,6)-α-Glcp-(1→ in the form α-Araf-(1→[4)-α-Glcp-(1]b→ (b > 2). In vitro experiments demonstrated that GGL0.05S1 could inhibit lipid deposition and ROS overload in free fatty acid-induced hepatocytes, meanwhile in vivo tests showed that GGL0.05S1 effectively protected against liver injury, steatohepatitis, and fibrosis in a CDA-HFD-fed MASH model. Mechanism study further uncovered that GGL0.05S1 augmented the expression and antioxidant ability of thioredoxin protein that ameliorated oxidative stress, promoted fatty acid β-oxidation and mitophagy, up to reducing lipotoxicity and alleviating inflammation via inhibiting NLRP3 signaling pathway. Overall, GGL0.05S1 might be a potential novel active compound with liver-protective effect from G. globosa., and which is informative for anti-MASH new drug development.

The structure elucidation and alleviating effect on liver fibrosis in vivo of a pectin-like polysaccharide isolated from Buddleja officinalis

Buddleja officinalis has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine for years. Although evidence has demonstrated it can enhance liver function, the active material basis remains unknown. We hypothesize polysaccharides from Buddleja officinalis may be the active material against liver disease. Herein, we elucidated the structure of a novel pectin-like polysaccharide designed BOM0.05S2 with a molecular weight of 13.6 kDa. Combined with endo-1, 4-β-Mannanase degradation, we found its backbone consists of alternate 1, 2, 4-linked α-Rhap and 1, 4-linked α-GalpA (RG-I type pectin) and mannoglucan, with branches of 1, 4-, 1, 6- and 1, 3, 6-linked β-Galp, T-, 1, 5- and 1, 3, 5-linked α-Araf, T-linked β-Manp and T-linked α-Glcp substituted at C-4 of 1, 2, 4-linked α-Rhap and C-6 of 1, 4, 6-linked α-Glcp. As speculated, BOM0.05S2 showed a significant improvement on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver damage in mice. Bioactivity test showed that BOM0.05S2 reduced AST, ALT and four indexes of liver fibrosis including LN, HA, IV-C, PC-III. Further, we demonstrated that BOM0.05S2 attenuated the collagenous fiber and α-SMA in liver. These findings highlight the potential of BOM0.05S2 as a lead compound for the treatment of liver fibrosis.

Developments in the study of Chinese herbal medicine's assessment index and action mechanism for diabetes mellitus

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), based on various pathogenic symptoms and the 'golden chamber' medical text, Huangdi Neijing, diabetes mellitus falls under the category 'collateral disease'. TCM, with its wealth of experience, has been treating diabetes for over two millennia. Different antidiabetic Chinese herbal medicines reduce blood sugar, with their effective ingredients exerting unique advantages. As well as a glucose lowering effect, TCM also regulates bodily functions to prevent diabetes associated complications, with reduced side effects compared to western synthetic drugs. Chinese herbal medicine is usually composed of polysaccharides, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids. These active ingredients reduce blood sugar via various mechanism of actions that include boosting endogenous insulin secretion, enhancing insulin sensitivity and adjusting key enzyme activity and scavenging free radicals. These actions regulate glycolipid metabolism in the body, eventually achieving the goal of normalizing blood glucose. Using different animal models, a number of molecular markers are available for the detection of diabetes induction and the molecular pathology of the disease is becoming clearer. Nonetheless, there is a dearth of scientific data about the pharmacology, dose-effect relationship, and structure-activity relationship of TCM and its constituents. Further research into the efficacy, toxicity and mode of action of TCM, using different metabolic and molecular markers, is key to developing novel TCM antidiabetic formulations.

Applications of the Yariv reagent in polysaccharide analysis and plant physiology from theory to practice

Arabinogalactan (AG), a biologically active substance found abundantly in plants, is of significant interest in plant physiology due to its unique physicochemical properties. Yariv reagent, widely utilized in AG-II related applications, forms insoluble precipitates when bound to AG-II. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the synthesis methods, physicochemical properties, and various dissociation methods of the Yariv reagent to enhance its utility in AG-II studies. Furthermore, the review explores the binding mechanisms and applications of the Yariv reagent, highlighting the advancements in studying the Yariv-AG complex in plant physiology. The aim of this review is to inspire new research ideas and foster novel applications of the Yariv reagent from synthesis to implementation.

Recent insights into the physicochemical properties, bioactivities and their relationship of tea polysaccharides

Tea polysaccharides (TPS) is receiving global concern in past years due to their therapeutic effects in many diseases such as obesity and diabetes. Many publications imply that the unique physicochemical properties and bioactivities of TPS are prerequisites for its use as a biofilm, drug carrier and emulsifier. Despite numerous healthy benefits, studies on the in-deep structure-activity relationship of TPS still not well explored and explained yet. The main reasons for the research limitation are attributed mainly to the unbreakable advanced structural research technology and the formation of TPS conjugates. The present review also summarizes some similar parameters in primary structure of TPS with better bioactivities, discusses the relationships between their physicochemical properties and bioactivities, and suggests that function-specific TPS would be obtained in the future if the links between preparation methods, physicochemical properties and bioactivities of TPS could be well understood and established.

Can Polyherbal Medicine be used for the Treatment of Diabetes? - A Review of Historical Classics, Research Evidence and Current Prevention Programs

Diabetes mellitus (DM), a chronic medical condition, has attained a global pandemic status over the last few decades affecting millions of people. Despite a variety of synthetic drugs available in the market, the use of herbal medicines for managing diabetes is gaining importance because of being comparatively safer. This article reviews the result of a substantial literature search on polyherbal formulations (PHFs) developed and evaluated with potential for DM. The accumulated data in the literature allowed us to enlist 76PHFs consisting of different parts of 147 plant species belonging to 58 botanical families. The documented plant species are laden with bioactive components with anti-diabetic properties and thus draw attention. The most favoured ingredient for PHFs was leaves of Gymnema sylvestre and seeds of Trigonella foenum-graecum used in 27 and 22 formulations, respectively. Apart from herbs, shilajit (exudates from high mountain rocks) formed an important component of 9 PHFs, whereas calcined Mytilus margaritiferus and goat pancreas were used in Dolabi, the most commonly used tablet form of PHF in Indian markets. The healing properties of PHFs against diabetes have been examined in both pre-clinical studies and clinical trials. However, the mechanism(s) of action of PHFs are still unclear and considered the pitfalls inherent in understanding the benefits of PHFs. From the information available based on experimental systems, it could be concluded that plant-derived medicines will have a considerable role to play in the control of diabetes provided the challenges related to their bioavailability, bioefficacy, optimal dose, lack of characterization, ambiguous mechanism of action, and clinical efficiency are addressed.

Structural characterization, and in vitro hypoglycemic activity of a polysaccharide from the mushroom Cantharellus yunnanensis

A polysaccharide CY-2 from C. yunnanensis was obtained through a process of consecutive water extraction, alcohol precipitation, and DEAE-52 fast-flow chromatography. CY-2, with an average molecular weight of 2.69 × 104 Da mainly consisted of glucose and mannose with a molar ratio of 33.5: 56.9. Infrared spectrum (IR), methylation analysis, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) results revealed that CY-2 may have a backbone consisting of →6)-α-D-Manp-(1 → 3)-β-D-Glcp-(1→, and branch chain β-D-Glcp-(1→. Meanwhile, CY-2 had a higher inhibition rate on α-glucosidase activity compared with other fractions (CY-0, CY-1, and CY-4) and was a mixed competitive inhibitor. In addition, CY-2 at the concentration of 10 μg/mL presented a superior power to improve glucose consumption and metabolism in HepG2 cells compared with metformin. Overall, these findings highlight the potential value of CY-2 as a hypoglycemic agent.

A review on the hypoglycemic effect, mechanism and application development of natural dietary polysaccharides

Diabetes mellitus (DM) as one chronic metabolic disease was greatly increased over recent decades. The major agents treating diabetes have noticeable side effects as well as the tolerability problems. The bioactive dietary polysaccharides from abundant natural resources exhibit good hypoglycemic effect with rare adverse effects, which might serve as a candidate to prevent and treat diabetes. However, the correlations between the hypoglycemic mechanism of polysaccharides and their structure were not mentioned in several studies, what's more, most of the current hypoglycemic studies on polysaccharides were based on in vitro and in vivo experiments, and there was a lack of knowledge about the effects in human clinical trials. The aim of this review is to discuss recent literature about the variety of dietary polysaccharides with hypoglycemic activity, as well the mechanism of action and the structure-function relationship are highlighted. Meanwhile, the application of dietary polysaccharides in functional foods and clinical medicine are realized with an in-depth understanding. So as to promote the exploration of dietary polysaccharides in low glycemic healthy foods or clinical medicine to prevent and treat diabetes.

Research progress on the hypoglycemic activity and mechanisms of natural polysaccharides

The incidence of diabetes, as a metabolic disease characterized by high blood sugar levels, is increasing every year. The predominantly western medicine treatment is associated with certain side effects, which has prompted people to turn their attention to natural active substances. Natural polysaccharide is a safe and low-toxic natural substance with various biological activities. Hypoglycemic activity is one of the important biological activities of natural polysaccharides, which has great potential for development. A systematic review of the latest research progress and possible molecular mechanisms of hypoglycemic activity of natural polysaccharides is of great significance for better understanding them. In this review, we systematically reviewed the relationship between the hypoglycemic activity of polysaccharides and their structure in terms of molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, and glycosidic bonds, and summarized underlying molecular mechanisms the hypoglycemic activity of natural polysaccharides. In addition, the potential mechanisms of natural polysaccharides improving the complications of diabetes were analyzed and discussed. This paper provides some valuable insights and important guidance for further research on the hypoglycemic mechanisms of natural polysaccharides.

Preparation, structures, and biological functions of rhamnan sulfate from green seaweed of the genus Monostroma: A review

Rhamnan sulfate, a rhamnose-rich sulfated polysaccharide, is present in the cell walls of green seaweed belonging to the genus Monostroma. This macromolecule demonstrates promising therapeutic properties, including anti-coagulant, thrombolytic, anti-viral, anti-obesity, and anti-inflammatory activities, which hold potential applications in food and medical industries. However, rhamnan sulfate has not garnered as much attention from researchers as other seaweed polysaccharides, including alginate, carrageenan, and fucoidan. This review discusses the extraction and purification techniques of rhamnan sulfate, delves into its chemical structures and related elucidation approaches, and provides an overview of its biological functions. Future research should focus on the structure-activity relationship of rhamnan sulfate and the industrial preparation of rhamnan sulfate with a specific homogeneous structure to facilitate its practical applications.

Green Tea Catechins as Therapeutic Antioxidants for Glaucoma Treatment

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness and visual impairment, affecting more than 80 million individuals worldwide. Oxidative stress and inflammation-induced neurodegenerative insults to retinal ganglion cells are the main pathogenesis of glaucoma. Retinal ganglion cells, the retinal neurons transmitting the visual signals to the visual cortex in the brain, have very limited regeneration or recovery capacity after damages. Apart from intraocular pressure-lowering treatments, there is still no clinically effective treatment to rescue the degeneration of retinal ganglion cells in glaucoma. Dietary antioxidants are easily accessible and can be applied as supplements assisting in the clinical treatments. Catechins, a chemical family of flavonoids, are the phenolic compounds found in many plants, especially in green tea. The anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of green tea catechins in vitro and in vivo have been well proven. They could be a potential treatment ameliorating retinal ganglion cell degeneration in glaucoma. In this review, the chemistry, pharmacokinetics, and therapeutic properties of green tea catechins were summarized. Research updates on the biological effects of green tea catechins in cellular and animal experimental glaucoma models were reviewed. In addition, clinical potentials of green tea catechins for glaucoma treatment were also highlighted.

A structure defined pectin SA02B from Semiaquilegia adoxoides is metabolized by human gut microbes

Polysaccharide is one of the major factors for shaping the gut microbiota. However, bioactivity of polysaccharide isolated from Semiaquilegia adoxoides on human gut microbiota remains unclear. Thus, we hypothesize gut microbes may act on it. Herein, pectin SA02B from the roots of Semiaquilegia adoxoides with molecular weight 69.26 kDa was elucidated. The backbone of SA02B was composed of alternate 1, 2-linked α-Rhap and 1, 4-linked α-GalpA, with branches of terminal (T) -, 1, 4-, 1, 3- and 1, 3, 6-linked β-Galp, T-, 1, 5- and 1, 3, 5-linked α-Araf and T-, 1, 4-linked-β-Xylp substituted at C-4 of 1, 2, 4-linked α-Rhap. Bioactivity screening showed SA02B promoted the growth of Bacteroides spp. which deconstructed it into monosaccharide. Simultaneously, we observed competition might exist between Bacteroides spp. and probiotics. Besides, we found that both Bacteroides spp. and probiotics could generate SCFAs grown on SA02B. Our findings highlight SA02B may deserve as a prebiotic to be explored to benefit the health gut microbiota.

Investigation of the chemical structure and analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of polysaccharides that constitute the dietary fibers of soursop (Annona muricata) fruit

Soursop fruits are widely used in the folk medicine to treat a variety of health conditions. Once the chemical structure of dietary fibers from fruits is closely related to its biological functions in the human body, we aimed to explore structural features and biological activity of dietary fibers from soursop. Polysaccharides that constitute the soluble and insoluble fibers were extracted and further analyzed using monosaccharide composition, methylation, molecular weight determination and ¹³C NMR data. Soursop soluble fibers (SWa fraction) were characterized as having type II arabinogalactan and a highly methyl esterified homogalacturonan, while non-cellulosic insoluble fibers (SSKa fraction) were mainly composed by a pectic arabinan, a xylan-xyloglucan complex and a glucuronoxylan. The oral pre-treatment with SWa and SSKa promoted antinociception in mice writhing test, reducing the number of pain-like behaviors (in 84.2 % and 46.9 %, respectively, at 10 mg/kg) and peritoneal leucocyte migration (55.4 % and 59.1 %, at 10 mg/kg), effects possibly associated with the pectins present in fruit pulp extractions. SWa also significantly inhibited the plasmatic extravasation of Evans blue dye in 39.6 % at 10 mg/kg. This paper describes for the first time the structural features of soursop dietary fibers that may be of biological significance in future.

Chitosan/Starch-Based Active Packaging Film with N, P-Doped Carbon Dots for Meat Packaging

Nitrogen, phosphorus-doped green-tea-derived carbon dots (NP-CDs) incorporated chitosan/starch (Chi/St) based multifunctional nanocomposite films were prepared. FE-SEM images verified a homogeneous distribution of CDs with minimum aggregation in the fabricated films. Incorporating NP-CDs led to enhanced UV-light blocking (93.1% of UV-A and ∼99.7% of UV-B) without significantly affecting the films' water transparency and water vapor permeability. Besides, incorporating NP-CDs into the Chi/St films enhanced antioxidant activity (98.0% for ABTS and 71.4% for DPPH) and displayed strong antibacterial activity against L. monocytogenes, E. coli, and S. aureus. Wrapping the meat in the prepared film and storing it at 20 °C has been shown to reduce bacterial growth (less than 2.5 Log CFU/g after 48 h) without significantly altering the actual color of the wrapped meat. The Chi/St film loaded with NP-CD has high potential as an active packaging material to ensure safety and extend the shelf life of meat products.

β-1,4-Galactan suppresses lipid synthesis in sebaceous gland cells via TLR4

Sebum is a lipid mixture secreted from sebaceous glands of the skin. The excessive secretion of sebum causes acne vulgaris and seborrheic dermatitis, while its deficiency causes xerosis. Therefore, the appropriate control of sebum secretion is crucially important to keep the skin healthy. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of naturally occurring polysaccharides on lipid biosynthesis in hamster sebaceous gland cells. Among the tested polysaccharides, β-1,4-galactan, the main chain of type I arabinogalactan, most potently suppressed lipid synthesis in the sebaceous gland cells as analysed by oil red O staining. Toll-like receptor (TLR)4 inhibitors counteracted this suppressive effect and lipopolysaccharide, a TLR4 ligand, mimicked this effect, suggesting the involvement of the TLR4 signalling pathway. In the cells β-1,4-galactan significantly decreased mRNA levels of lipogenesis-related transcription factors (peroxisomeGraphical Abstract$\includegraphics{\bwartpath }$ proliferator-activated receptor γ and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1) and enzymes (acetyl-CoA carboxylase and fatty acid synthase) as well as the glucose transporter GLUT4. Furthermore, β-1,4-galactan increased the production of lactic acid serving as a natural moisturizing factor and enhanced the proliferation of sebaceous gland cells. These results suggest potential of β-1,4-galactan as a material with therapeutic and cosmetic values for the skin.

The protective effect of green tea on diabetes-induced hepato-renal pathological changes: a histological and biochemical study

We investigated the protective effect of green tea on diabetic hepato-renal complications. Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five equal groups: normal control, diabetic control, glibenclamide-treated, green tea-treated, and combined therapy-treated groups; ethical approval number "BERC-014-01-20." After eight weeks, animals were sacrificed by CO₂ euthanasia method, liver and kidney tissues were processed and stained for pathological changes, and blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. Diabetic rats showed multiple hepato-renal morphological and apoptotic changes associated with significantly increased some biochemical parameters, while serum albumin and HDL decreased significantly compared to normal control (p < .05). Monotherapy can induce significant improvements in pathological and biochemical changes but has not been able to achieve normal patterns. In conclusion, green tea alone has a poor hypoglycaemic effect but can reduce diabetic complications, whereas glibenclamide cannot prevent diabetic complications. The addition of green tea to oral hypoglycaemic therapy has shown a potent synergistic effect.

Structural characterization and bioactivity evaluation of water-extractable polysaccharides from chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.) seeds

Two water-extractable polysaccharide fractions designated as CWP (7. 37 × 105 Da) and CWP-0.2 (1.58 × 104 Da) were isolated and purified from chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) seeds. The chemical structure of the two polysaccharides was characterized by various methods. Monosaccharide composition and methylation analysis showed that CWP was composed of Man and Glc in a molar ratio of 44.6:55.4, and CWP-0.2 was composed of Rha, Ara, Man, Glc, and Gal in a molar ratio of 10.6:23.3:5.2:4.9:56. Further structural characterization indicated that the main chain connection of CWP was → (2-β-d-Fruf-1) n →, and the main chain connection of CWP-0.2 was explored as → 2,4)-α-l-Rhap-(1 → 3)-α-d-Galp-(1 → with the branched chain of → 2,4)-α-l-Rhap-(1 → o-4. Besides, both CWP and CWP-0.2 had antioxidant and immunoregulatory activity in vitro, through scavenging DPPH· and ABTS·+ as well as stimulating production of NO, IL-6, TNF-α and MCP-1 in RAW 264.7 macrophages. CWP-0.2 revealed significantly higher bioactivity than CWP.

A Review on the Extraction, Bioactivity, and Application of Tea Polysaccharides

Tea is a non-alcoholic drink containing various active ingredients, including tea polysaccharides (TPSs). TPSs have various biological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-tumor, hypoglycemic, and anti-cancer activities. However, TPSs have a complex composition, which significantly limits the extraction and isolation methods, thus limiting their application. This paper provides insight into the composition, methodological techniques for isolation and extraction of the components, biological activities, and functions of TPSs, as well as their application prospects.

Green Tea (Camellia sinensis): A Review of Its Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicology

Objectives Green tea (Camellia sinensis) is a kind of unfermented tea that retains the natural substance in fresh leaves to a great extent. It is regarded as the second most popular drink in the world besides water. In this paper, the phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of green tea are reviewed systematically and comprehensively. Key findings Green tea has been demonstrated to be good for human health. Nowadays, multiple pharmacologically active components have been isolated and identified from green tea, including tea polyphenols, alkaloids, amino acids, polysaccharides, and volatile components. Recent studies have demonstrated that green tea shows versatile pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant, anticancer, hypoglycemic, antibacterial, antiviral, and neuroprotective. Studies on the toxic effects of green tea extract and its main ingredients have also raised concerns including hepatotoxicity and DNA damage. Summary Green tea can be used to assist the treatment of diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, oral cancer, and dermatitis. Consequently, green tea has shown promising practical prospects in health care and disease prevention.

Tea (Camellia sinensis): A Review of Nutritional Composition, Potential Applications, and Omics Research

Tea (Camelliasinensis) is the world’s most widely consumed non-alcoholic beverage with essential economic and health benefits since it is an excellent source of polyphenols, catechins, amino acids, flavonoids, carotenoids, vitamins, and polysaccharides. The aim of this review is to summarize the main secondary metabolites in tea plants, and the content and distribution of these compounds in six different types of tea and different organs of tea plant were further investigated. The application of these secondary metabolites on food processing, cosmetics industry, and pharmaceutical industry was reviewed in this study. With the rapid advancements in biotechnology and sequencing technology, omics analyses, including genome, transcriptome, and metabolome, were widely used to detect the main secondary metabolites and their molecular regulatory mechanisms in tea plants. Numerous functional genes and regulatory factors have been discovered, studied, and applied to improve tea plants. Research advances, including secondary metabolites, applications, omics research, and functional gene mining, are comprehensively reviewed here. Further exploration and application trends are briefly described. This review provides a reference for basic and applied research on tea plants.

Structural Characterization of a Low Molecular Weight HG-Type Pectin From Gougunao Green Tea

Tea is a popular beverage with a long history of safe and healthy use. Tea polysaccharide is a bioactive component extracted from tea, which has attracted more and more attention in recent decades. In this article, an acidic polysaccharide Gougunao tea polysaccharide (GPS) was isolated from Gougunao green tea by hot water extraction and ethanol precipitation. After purification by a diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) Sepharose Fast Flow column and a Sephacryl S-400 column, several homogalacturonan (HG) and rhamnogalacturonan-I (RG-I) fractions were obtained. Fraction GPS2b with the highest yield was selected for structural characterization by methylation and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis. GPS2b was found to be an HG-type pectic polysaccharide (degree of methyl esterification [DE], 51.6%) with low molecular weight (Mw, 36.8 kDa). It was mainly composed of →4)-α-GalpA- (1→ and →4)-α-GalpA-6-OMe-(1→. In addition, a minor highly branched RG-I domain was identified in this fraction. The investigation of structural features of tea polysaccharides can provide insights to understand their structure-bioactivity relationship.

Yunnan Baiyao Adjuvant Treatment for Patients with Hemoptysis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Yunnan Baiyao (YNBY) is a traditional Chinese medicine used to treat bleeding. We evaluated the efficacy of YNBY plus conventional pharmaceutical treatment (CPT) versus CPT alone in patients with hemoptysis.

Methods

A total of eight electronic databases were searched. The outcomes in the included studies were effective rate, hemoptysis volume, duration of hemoptysis and hospitalization, number of cases requiring endotracheal intubation, and adverse events (AEs). The studies were used to calculate risk ratios (RRs) or mean differences (MDs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Risk of bias for included trials was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool.

Results

Thirteen RCTs were analyzed consisting of a total of 1379 patients. Treatment with YNBY + CPT had a greater effective rate than CPT alone (RR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.13 to 1.23; P < 0.001; I² = 0%), a lower hemoptysis volume (MD: −107.37; 95% CI: −121.69 to −93.06; P < 0.001; I² = 0%), a shorter duration of hemoptysis (MD: −2.70; 95% CI: −2.96 to 2.43; P < 0.001; I² = 0%) and hospitalization (MD: −2.38; 95% CI: −2.93 to −1.83; P < 0.001; I² = 9%), and a reduction in the incidence of AEs (RR: 0.34; 95% CI: 0.23 to 0.51; P < 0.001; I² = 0%). YNBY + CPT treatment provided no significant difference in reducing the number of cases requiring endotracheal intubation compared to CPT alone (RR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.15 to 1.60; P=0.24; I² = 0%).

Conclusion

YNBY plus CPT showed better efficacy than CPT for patients with hemoptysis. Our study provides medical evidence for the efficacy and safety of YNBY for hemoptysis.

Characterization of Acidic Tea Polysaccharides from Yellow Leaves of Wuyi Rock Tea and Their Hypoglycemic Activity via Intestinal Flora Regulation in Rats

A bioactive acidic tea polysaccharide from yellow leaves of Wuyi rock tea was successively prepared via DEAE-52 and Superdex-200 columns. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis showed that the main glycosidic bonds were composed of α-l-Araf-(1→, →5)-α-l-Araf-(1→, →4)-α-d-Glcp-(1→, Arap-(1→, →6)-α-d-Glcp-(1→, →2,4)-α-l-Rhap-(1→, →3,4)-α-d-Glcp-(1→, →4)-α-d-GalAp-(1→, →4)-α-d-GalAp-(1→, α-d-Galp-(1→, →6)-β-d-Galp-(1→ and →4)-β-d-Galp-(1→. The molecular weight was 3.9285 × 104 Da. The hypoglycemic effect of acidic tea polysaccharides on streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus rats was evaluated through histopathology and biochemistry analysis. The acidic tea polysaccharide could improve plasma and liver lipid metabolism. Moreover, 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that the composition of the intestinal flora changed drastically after treatment, namely, blooms of Bifidobacterium, Blautia, Dorea, and Oscillospira, and a strong reduction in Desulfovibrio and Lactobacillus. The above results illustrated that tea polysaccharides might serve as an effective ingredient to ameliorate glucose metabolism disorders and intestinal flora in hyperglycemic rats.

Protective Effects of Green Tea Supplementation against Lead-Induced Neurotoxicity in Mice

The use of natural products as therapeutic agents is rapidly growing recently. In the current study, we investigated the protective effects of green tea supplementation on lead-induced toxicity in mice. Forty albino mice were divided into four groups as follows: A: control group; B: green tea receiving group; C: lead-intoxicated group; and D: lead-intoxicated group supplemented with green tea. At the end of the experiment, the animals were tested for neurobehavioral and biochemical alterations. Green tea was analyzed through Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. We found that supplementation with green tea ameliorated the lead-associated increase in body weight and blood glucose. Green tea supplementation also changed the blood picture that was affected due to lead toxicity and ameliorated lead-induced dyslipidemia. The group of mice that were supplemented with green tea has shown positive alterations in locomotory, anxiety, memory, and learning behaviors. The GC/MS analysis revealed many active ingredients among which the two most abundant were caffeine and 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, mono(2-ethylhexyl) ester. We concluded that green tea supplementation has several positive effects on the lead-induced neurotoxicity in mice and that these effects may be attributed to its main two active ingredients.

Structure characterization of an arabinogalactan from Cynanchum atratum and its immune stimulatory activity on RAW264.7 cells

In the present study, a water-soluble neutral polysaccharide (CAPW-1) with an average molecular weight of 64 kDa was purified from the root of Cynanchum atratum Bunge (Apocynaceae). The monosaccharide residue analysis revealed that CAPW-1 was composed of arabinose and galactose with a relative molar ratio of 7: 3. The backbone of CAPW-1 was consisted of 1,3-Galp and 1,3,6-Galp, the branches were attached to the O-6 of 1,3-Galp, and the side chains contained 1,6-Galp, 1,3,6-Galp, 1,5-linked, 1,3-linked, 1,3,5-linked, and terminal-Araf, which was attached to the O-3 of side 1,6-Galp. The bioactivity study indicated CAPW-1 could stimulate the proliferation of RAW264.7 cells and promote the secretion of nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) with no cytotoxicity. The results suggested a potential application of CAPW-1 as an immunostimulant for the treatment of diseases such as infection and tumor.

Comparative evaluation for phytochemical composition and regulation of blood glucose, hepatic oxidative stress and insulin resistance in mice and HepG2 models of four typical Chinese dark teas

BACKGROUND

Dark tea, comprising one of the six major teas, has many biological activities, which originate from their active substrates, such as polyphenols, polysaccharides, and so on. The hypoglycemic effect is one of its most prominent activities, although less is known about their evaluation and potential role in the hypoglycemic mechanism.

RESULTS

In the present study, we separately analyzed the phytochemical composition, glycosidase inhibition and free radical scavenging activities, and hypoglycemic activity in type 2 diabetes mellitus mice, as well as the alleviation of insulin resistance in HepG2 cells of four dark tea aqueous extracts. The results showed that the phytochemical composition of dark tea aqueous extracts was significantly different, and they all had good glycosidase inhibition and free radical scavenging activities, in vivo hypoglycemic activity and alleviation of insulin resistance, and could also activate the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-Akt-perixisome proliferation-activated receptor cascade signaling pathway to regulate glucose and lipid metabolism, change the key enzyme activities related to glucose metabolism and antioxidant activity, and reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory factor levels. Among them, Liubao brick tea (LBT) and Pu-erh tea (PET) possessed better glycosidase inhibitory activity, in vivo hypoglycemic activity and improved insulin resistance activity, whereas Qingzhuan brick tea and Fuzhuan brick tea had better free radical scavenging activity, which may be explained by their distinct phytochemical compositions, such as tea proteins, polysaccharides, polyphenols, catechins, and tea pigments and some elements.

CONCLUSION

Dark tea is a highly attractive candidate for developing antidiabetic food, LBT and PET may be good natural sources of agricultural products with anti-diabetic effects. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Characterization of polysaccharide structure in Citrus reticulate 'Chachi' peel during storage and their bioactivity

The peel of Citrus reticulate 'Chachiennsis' (Chachi) is widely accepted as a functional food. It is generally recognized that its health benefits are dependent on storage time. However, the chemicals responsible for this phenomonon remain unclear. As bioactive polysaccharides are dominant in Chachi, Chachi polysaccharides with various storage times (5-20 years) were prepared. The monosaccharide composition was analyzed by GC-MS. NMR data revealed that Chachi polysaccharides were mainly consisted of arabinogalacturonan and another pectin with side chain of →4)-β-D-Galp-(1 → . α-L-Araf-(1→, →5)-α-L-Araf-(1→, →4)-α-D-GalpA-(1→, →4)-α-D-GalpAMe-(1→, →4)-β-D-Galp-(1→ and →4)-β-D-Glcp-(1→ were detected. The molecular weight of Chachi polysaccharides decreased along with the extension of storage time. However, the basic structure characteristics remained stable. The immumomodulatory activities of Chachi polysaccharides were improved as the storage time extended. The change of molecular weight was responsible for the improved immunomodulatory activity. The results explained how polysaccharides contributed to the enhanced health benefits of Chachi during storage.

Valorization of Polysaccharides Obtained from Dark Tea: Preparation, Physicochemical, Antioxidant, and Hypoglycemic Properties

The structure and hypoglycemic activity of tea polysaccharides has been extensively studied, while there are few reports on the characterization and hypoglycemic activity of dark tea polysaccharides. The crude dark tea polysaccharide (CDTPS) was optimally extracted from Fuzhuan dark tea. Six polysaccharide fractions (namely DTPS-1, DTPS-2, DTPS-3, DTPS-4, DTPS-5, and DTPS-6) were isolated from CDTPS, and their physicochemical, structural, and biological properties were compared and analyzed. The results revealed that the compositions, structural characteristics, and biological properties of the six DTPSs were different. Therein, DTPS-4 and DTPS-6 had looser morphology, faster solubility, and a more stable structure. Additionally, DTPS-4 had the optimum in vitro antioxidant capabilities, and DTPS-6 had the strongest in vitro hypoglycemic capabilities. In addition, a correlation analysis revealed that the molecular weight and uronic acid content were significantly related to their antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities. Our results indicated that DTPS-4 and DTPS-6 could be further developed into functional foods or additives, respectively.

The structure elucidation of novel arabinogalactan LRP1-S2 against pancreatic cancer cells growth in vitro and in vivo

The fruit of Lycium ruthenicum Murr is used as traditional medicine and functional food. Previously we reported that one RG-I pectin from this fruit might inhibit pancreatic cancer cells growth. We further hypothesized that there might be other type of polysaccharides in this fruit also have anti-tumor effect. Here, we showed novel structure of a homogeneous polysaccharide named LRP1-S2 from this fruit and its anti-pancreatic cancer effect. Structure analyses suggested that LRP1-S2 was a novel arabinogalactan with the molecular weight (Mw) of 17.0 kDa. Bioactivity test showed that LRP1-S2 might attenuate the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and in vivo without significant cytotoxicity to normal pancreatic HPDE6-C7 cells and LO2 liver cells. Mechanism study indicated that it might induce apoptosis of BxPC-3 by inactivating P38 MAPK/NF-κB and GSK-3β/β-Catenin signaling pathways. These results suggested that LRP1-S2 could be a potential anti-tumor leading compound for functional food and new drug development. CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS: arabinogalactan, pectin, galactan, arabinan, RN-1, HH1-1, LRP1-S2, LRP3-S1.

Dietary Bioactive Ingredients Modulating the cAMP Signaling in Diabetes Treatment

As the prevalence of diabetes increases progressively, research to develop new therapeutic approaches and the search for more bioactive compounds are attracting more attention. Over the past decades, studies have suggested that cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), the important intracellular second messenger, is a key regulator of metabolism and glucose homeostasis in diverse physiopathological states in multiple organs including the pancreas, liver, gut, skeletal muscle, adipose tissues, brain, and kidney. The multiple characteristics of dietary compounds and their favorable influence on diabetes pathogenesis, as well as their intersections with the cAMP signaling pathway, indicate that these compounds have a beneficial effect on the regulation of glucose homeostasis. In this review, we outline the current understanding of the diverse functions of cAMP in different organs involved in glucose homeostasis and show that a diversity of bioactive ingredients from foods activate or inhibit cAMP signaling, resulting in the improvement of the diabetic pathophysiological process. It aims to highlight the diabetes-preventative or -therapeutic potential of dietary bioactive ingredients targeting cAMP signaling.

Therapeutic effects of Chinese herbal medicines and their extracts on diabetes

With the improvement of people's living standards and changes in the environment, the incidence of diabetes has increased rapidly. It has gradually become one of the main diseases threatening the health and life of modern people, bringing a great burden to the society. Although the existing treatment methods can effectively control the symptoms of diabetes and delay its progression, they have not brought satisfactory improvement in the quality of life and treatment of patients. Traditional Chinese herbal medicines and their extracts combine thousands of years of experience and the scientific basis provided by modern experimental research, which is expected to bring a qualitative leap in the clinical management of diabetes. Therefore, this article systematically reviews studies on the effects of Chinese herbal medicine and its extracts on diabetes and its complications, and aims to bring new ideas and options for the clinical treatment of diabetes.

Glycoproteins From Rabdosia japonica var. glaucocalyx Regulate Macrophage Polarization and Alleviate Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Lung Injury in Mice via TLR4/NF-κB Pathway

Background and Aims:Rabdosia japonica var. glaucocalyx is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for various inflammatory diseases. This present work aimed to investigate the protective effects of R. japonica var. glaucocalyx glycoproteins on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) and the potential mechanism.

Methods: Glycoproteins (XPS) were isolated from R. japonica var. glaucocalyx, and homogeneous glycoprotein (XPS5-1) was purified from XPS. ANA-1 cells were used to observe the effect of glycoproteins on the secretion of inflammatory mediators by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Flow cytometry assay, immunofluorescence assay, and Western blot analysis were performed to detect macrophage polarization in vitro. The ALI model was induced by LPS via intratracheal instillation, and XPS (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg) was administered intragastrically 2 h later. The mechanisms of XPS against ALI were investigated by Western blot, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry.

Results:In vitro, XPS and XPS5-1 downregulated LPS-induced proinflammatory mediators production including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and nitric oxide (NO) and upregulated LPS-induced IL-10 secretion. The LPS-stimulated macrophage polarization was also modulated from M1 to M2. In vivo, XPS maintained pulmonary histology with significantly reducing protein concentration and numbers of mononuclear cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). The level of IL-10 in BALF was upregulated by XPS treatment. The level of cytokines including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 was downregulated. XPS also decreased infiltration of macrophages and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) in lung. XPS suppressed the expression of key proteins in the TLR4/NF-κB signal pathway.

Conclusion: XPS was demonstrated to be a potential agent for treating ALI. Our findings might provide evidence supporting the traditional application of R. japonica var. glaucocalyx in inflammation-linked diseases.

Preparation, structure, and properties of tea polysaccharide

Tea polysaccharide is a kind of acid glycoprotein complex extracted from tea. Tea polysaccharide has a variety of biological activities, especially the hypoglycemic effect is outstanding. It is good for human health. Tea polysaccharides have been extensively studied over the past few decades. The advantages and disadvantages of water extraction, enzyme-assisted extraction, ultrasonic-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, and supercritical fluid extraction were described. At the same time, the structure and biological activity of tea polysaccharide were also summarized. The development of tea polysaccharide was prospected.

Influencing Factors on the Physicochemical Characteristics of Tea Polysaccharides

Tea polysaccharides (TPSs) are one of the main bioactive constituents of tea with various biological activities such as hypoglycemic effect, antioxidant, antitumor, and immunomodulatory. The bioactivities of TPSs are directly associated with their structures such as chemical composition, molecular weight, glycosidic linkages, and conformation among others. To study the relationship between the structures of TPSs and their bioactivities, it is essential to elucidate the structure of TPSs, particularly the fine structures. Due to the vast variation nature of monosaccharide units and their connections, the structure of TPSs is extremely complex, which is also affected by several major factors including tea species, processing technologies of tea and isolation methods of TPSs. As a result of the complexity, there are few studies on their fine structures and chain conformation. In the present review, we aim to provide a detailed summary of the multiple factors influencing the characteristics of TPS chemical structures such as variations of tea species, degree of fermentation, and preparation methods among others as well as their applications. The main aspects of understanding the structural difference of TPSs and influencing factors are to assist the study of the structure and bioactivity relationship and ultimately, to control the production of the targeted TPSs with the most desired biological activity.

Plants arabinogalactans: From structures to physico-chemical and biological properties

Arabinogalactans (AGs) are plant heteropolysaccharides with complex structures occasionally attached to proteins (AGPs). AGs in cell matrix of different parts of plant are freely available or chemically bound to pectin rhamnogalactan. Type I with predominantly β-d-(1 → 4)-galactan and type II with β-d-(1 → 3) and/or (1 → 6)-galactan structural backbones construct the two main groups of AGs. In the current review, the chemical structure of AGs is firstly discussed focusing on non-traditional plant sources and not including well known industrial gums. After that, processes for their extraction and purification are considered and finally their techno-functional and biological properties are highlighted. The role of AG structure and function on health advantages such as anti-tumor, antioxidant, anti-ulcer- anti-diabetic and other activites and also the immunomodulatory effects on in-vivo model systems are overviewed.

A review of NMR analysis in polysaccharide structure and conformation: Progress, challenge and perspective

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) has been widely used as an analytical chemistry technique to investigate the molecular structure and conformation of polysaccharides. Combined with 1D spectra, chemical shifts and coupling constants in both homo- and heteronuclear 2D NMR spectra are able to infer the linkage and sequence of sugar residues. Besides, NMR has also been applied in conformation, quantitative analysis, cell wall in situ, degradation, polysaccharide mixture interaction analysis, as well as carbohydrates impurities profiling. This review summarizes the principle and development of NMR in polysaccharides analysis, and provides NMR spectra data collections of some common polysaccharides. It will help to promote the application of NMR in complex polysaccharides of biochemical interest, and provide valuable information on commercial polysaccharide products.

Structural Characterization and Immunostimulatory Activity of Heteropolysaccharides from Fuzhuan Brick Tea

Fuzhuan brick tea (FBT), one of the unique dark teas, has various health-promoting functions. In the present study, one polysaccharide fraction, namely FBTPS-2-1, was extracted and purified from FBT, and its structure and potential immunostimulatory activity were investigated. The results showed that FBTPS-2-1,one of typical heteropolysaccharides, was mainly composed of Gal, Ara, and Glc with little molar content of Man, Rha, GalA, and GlcA in molar ratio of 46.59:22.13:13.57:8.20:6.02:2.12:1.38 and molecular weight of 748 kDa. The backbone of FBTPS-2-1 contained →4)-β-d-Galp-(1→4)-β-d-Galp-(1→, →4)-β-d-Galp-(1→4)-α-d-Glcp-(1→, →4)-α-d-Glcp-(1→4)-α-d-Glcp-(1→, →4)-α-d-Glcp-(1→4)-β-d-Galp-(1→, →3)-β-d-Galp-(1→4)-β-d-Galp-(1→, →3,6)-β-d-Galp-(1→3)-β-d-Galp-(1→ and →3,6)-β-d-Galp-(1→3,6)-β-d-Galp-(1→. The linkages of branches in FBTPS-2-1 were mainly composed of α-l-Araf-(1→3,6)-β-d-Galp-(1→, →5)-α-l-Araf-(1→3,6)-β-d-Galp-(1→, →6)-β-d-Galp-(1→3,6)-β-d-Galp-(1→, α-l-Araf-(1→3,5)-α-l-Araf-(1→, →3,5)-α-l-Araf-(1→5)-α-l-Araf-(1→, α-d-Galp-(1→3,5)-α-l-Araf-(1→ and →5)-α-l-Araf-(1→6)-β-d-Galp-(1→. Furthermore, FBTPS-2-1 could increase the phagocytosis of macrophages and promote the secretion of NO and a variety of inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, indicating noticeable immune enhancement activity. Thus, FBTPS-2-1 could serve as a potentially functional food to improve human health by modulating the host immunoreaction.

Cell wall polysaccharides from in vitro propagated Cereus hildmannianus K. Schum. plants

Cereus hildmannianus is a cactus exhibiting morphological and physiological adaptation of its cladodes which ensuring growth in climatic and soil conditions unfavourable for many plant species. Currently, limited water resources and increasing demand for renewable energy make cacti a biomass source for the production of biofuels. Somaclones regenerated from callus in vitro can be a source of new raw material in useful plants. The objective of this work was to determine if the regenerated plants showing two different morphologies present polysaccharide composition different from the wild plant. Somaclones aqueous extraction shows the absence of soluble polysaccharides as mucilage. The alkaline extraction of in vivo cultivated plant showed the presence of starch, type I arabinogalactan, and arabinoxylan and the somaclones showed type I arabinogalactan and arabinoxylan in both morphologies. Hemicelluloses found in the somaclones are not different from in vivo cultivated plants, but somaclones not almost biosynthesize mucilage and starch.

Applications of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to the evaluation of complex food constituents

Due to a number of unparalleled advantages such as fastness, accuracy, intactness, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) has fulfilled a significant role in determining structures and dynamics of various physical, chemical and biological systems in the field of food analysis. This study introduced the principle of NMR, key NMR techniques such as ¹H NMR, DOSY, NOESY, HSQC, etc., and the knowledge of NMR applications on the evaluation of complex food system, especially the interactions of food components. The reviewed research work provides sufficient evidence that NMR spectroscopy has been an invaluable tool and will play an increasingly important role in specific technical support for food assessment. In addition, NMR combined with various other technologies could give a complete picture of the mechanism of the performance of functional food compounds, which are vital for human health and influence the intrinsic food properties during processing, storage and transportation at the molecular level.

Indian Traditional medicinal plants as a source of potent Anti-diabetic agents: A Review

Objective

The present review aims to provide an overview of traditional medicinal plants known to be of anti-diabetic potential.

Methods

A literature search was conducted using the scientific databases including PubMed, EMBASE and google scholar and a total of fifty herbs have been described and their possible mechanism of anti-diabetic action has been mentioned. Among them, in-depth discussion on five most potent anti-diabetic herbs has been provided with respect to their mechanism of action, in-vivo studies and clinical efficacies.

Results

The present review has highlighted the usefulness of the herbal source for the treatment and management of diabetes mellitus. With the help of previous literature published on In-vivo animal studies and human clinical studies; the effectiveness of Gymnema sylvestre, Momordica charantia, Trigonella foenum graecum, Tinospora cordifolia and Curcuma longa in the treatment and management of Diabetes has been proved.

Conclusion

Based on this review it can be concluded that herbs can serve as more efficient, safer, and cost-effective adjuvant therapy in the management and treatment of diabetes. Further investigations mainly focusing on the isolation of phytocompounds from these herbs can lead to the discovery of newer antidiabetic agents.

Study on structure characterization of pectin from the steamed ginseng and the inhibition activity of lipid accumulation in oleic acid-induced HepG2 cells

Two acid polysaccharides were obtained from steamed ginseng (GPS-1 and GPS-2) through water extraction, ion-exchange chromatography and gel chromatography. The structural features and ability of the polysaccharides to inhibit lipid accumulation in oleic acid-induced HepG2 cells were studied. GPS-1 consisted of type I arabinogalactans (AG-I), arabinogalactans-II (AG-II) and rhamnogalacturonan I (RG-I) domains. GPS-2 was a pectin-like polysaccharide consisting mainly of the homogalacturonan (HG) domain and a small amount of AG domain. Both GPS-1 and GPS-2 had branches attaching on O-3 of (1 → 6)-GalA or O-4 of (1 → 2)-Rha and terminated by either Ara or Gal. An in vitro experiment revealed that GPS-1 treatment at 50-400 μg/ml could dose-dependently decrease intracellular lipid accumulation and cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) levels. GPS-1 exerted a more serious hypolipidemic effect than GPS-2 did. Moreover, GPS-1 considerably increased the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and affected the expression of AMPK downstream targets, including the inhibition of the protein expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c) and activation of Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC). Results suggest that GPS-1 could inhibit lipid accumulation via the AMPK the signalling pathway.