Study on intestinal transport of Veratrum alkaloids compatible with Panax ginseng across the Caco-2 cell monolayer model by UPLC-ESI-MS method

Impact of radish seeds (Semen Raphani) on the absorption and transportation of ginsenosides in the Caco-2 cell model: a UPLC-ESI-MS analysis

This study examined the impact of Semen raphani on the absorption of ginsenosides from Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (ginseng) using a Caco-2 cell model and Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Electrospray Ionization-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS). Six primary ginsenosides (Rg1, Re, Rb1, Rb2, Rc, Rd) were quantified. Results showed that Semen Raphani increased the efflux rate of ginsenosides, particularly at higher concentrations, suggesting it inhibits their absorption. The research elucidates the intestinal absorption process of ginsenosides and the antagonistic mechanism of Semen Raphani against ginseng.

Advances and challenges in ginseng research from 2011 to 2020: the phytochemistry, quality control, metabolism, and biosynthesis

Covering: 2011 to the end of 2020Panax species (Araliaceae), particularly P. ginseng, P. quinquefolius, and P. notoginseng, have a long history of medicinal use because of their remarkable tonifying effects, and currently serve as crucial sources for various healthcare products, functional foods, and cosmetics, aside from their vast clinical preparations. The huge market demand on a global scale prompts the continuous prosperity in ginseng research concerning the discovery of new compounds, precise quality control, ADME (absorption/disposition/metabolism/excretion), and biosynthesis pathways. Benefitting from the ongoing rapid development of analytical technologies, e.g. multi-dimensional chromatography (MDC), personalized mass spectrometry (MS) scan strategies, and multi-omics, highly recognized progress has been made in driving ginseng analysis towards "systematicness, integrity, personalization, and intelligentization". Herein, we review the advances in the phytochemistry, quality control, metabolism, and biosynthesis pathway of ginseng over the past decade (2011-2020), with 410 citations. Emphasis is placed on the introduction of new compounds isolated (saponins and polysaccharides), and the emerging novel analytical technologies and analytical strategies that favor ginseng's authentic use and global consumption. Perspectives on the challenges and future trends in ginseng analysis are also presented.

Incompatible effects of Panax ginseng and Veratrum nigrum on estrogen decline in rats using metabolomics and gut microbiota

Panax ginseng (PG) and Veratrum nigrum (VN) are the most representative incompatibility herb pair in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This theory is derived from long-term clinical practice and has been applied for thousands of years. However, its mechanism has not yet been clearly investigated. The purpose of this work is to examine the incompatible effects of PG and VN on estrogen decline in rats to better understand the adverse effects of inappropriate herbal combinations using metabolomics and gut microbiota. The ovariectomized rats were administered with PG, VN and their combination decoction decoction intragastrically. After the combination of PG and VN, the improvement of depression-like behavior, neurotransmitter of brain, serum estrogen levels on ovariectomized rats was decreased; the regulation of PG on eight metabolic biomarkers and four intestinal bacteria was reduced by metabolomic and gut microbiota analysis. In addition, the correlation analysis revealed that the above four gut flora showed a relative trend with the significant metabolites of Pantothenic acid, 4, 6-Dihydroxyquinoline, Chenodeoxycholic acid and Caprylic acid. They were involved in tryptophan metabolism, pantothenic acid and coenzyme A biosynthesis, fatty acid biosynthesis and primary bile acid biosynthesis. These results provide further insight into the pathway by which PG and VN combine to reduce the therapeutic effects of estrogen decline. It is helpful to comprehend the incompatible mechanisms of PG and VN.

Synthesis and antioxidant activities of berberine 9-O-benzoic acid derivatives

Although berberine (BBR) shows antioxidant activity, its activity is limited. We synthesized 9-O-benzoic acid berberine derivatives, and their antioxidant activities were screened via ABTS, DPPH, HOSC and FRAP assays. The para-position was modified with halogen elements on the benzoic acid ring, which led to an enhanced antioxidant activity and the substituent on the ortho-position was found to be better than the meta-position. Compounds 8p, 8c, 8d, 8i, 8j, 8l, and especially 8p showed significantly higher antioxidant activities, which could be attributed to the electronic donating groups. All the berberine derivatives possessed proper lipophilicities. In conclusion, compound 8p is a promising antioxidant candidate with remarkable elevated antioxidant activity and moderate lipophilicity.

Although berberine (BBR) shows antioxidant activity, its activity is limited.