Estrogenic properties of six compounds derived from Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. and their differing biological activity through estrogen receptors α and β

Advances in Eucommia ulmoides polysaccharides: extraction, purification, structure, bioactivities and applications

Eucommia ulmoides (EU) is a precious tree species native to China originating during the ice age. This species has important economic value and comprehensive development potential, particularly in medicinal applications. The medicinal parts of EU are its bark (Eucommiae cortex) and leaves (Eucommiae folium) which have been successively used as a traditional Chinese medicine to treat diseases since the first century BC. During the last 2 decades, as natural polysaccharides have become of increasing interest in pharmacology, biomedicine, cosmetic and food applications, more and more scholars have begun to study polysaccharides derived from EU as well. EU polysaccharides have been found to have a variety of biological functions both in vivo and in vitro, including immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticomplementary, antifatigue, and hepatoprotective activities. This review aims to summarize these recent advances in extraction, purification, structural characteristics, pharmacological activities and applications in different fields of EU bark and leaf polysaccharides. It was found that both Eucommiae folium polysaccharides and Eucommiae cortex polysaccharides were suitable for medicinal use. Eucommiae folium may potentially be used to substitute for Eucommiae cortex in terms of immunomodulation and antioxidant activities. This study serves as a valuable reference for improving the comprehensive utilization of EU polysaccharides and further promoting the application of EU polysaccharides.

Comparative Analysis of the Effect of Dietary Supplementation with Fermented and Water-Extracted Leaf Extracts of Eucommia ulmoides on Egg Production and Egg Nutrition

Although the water extract of Eucommia ulmoides leaf (WEE) promotes egg laying in hens, its palatability is poor. To improve the palatability of E. ulmoides leaf, probiotic fermentation was used, and fermented extract E. ulmoides leaf (FEE) was prepared using Lactiplantibacillus plantarum. The safety of FEE was investigated using a long-term toxicity test, and no oxidative damage, inflammatory reactions, or histological lesions were observed in the experimental rats receiving dietary supplementation of FEE at 200 mg/kg, suggesting that FEE is suitable for long-term feeding. Subsequently, dietary supplementation of FEE (group C) in comparison with dietary supplementation of WEE (group B), as well as a control (group A), was applied in the hen industry. Laying performance, egg quality, egg nutrition, egg flavor, and the gut microbiome were analyzed comparatively. Interestingly, the laying rate was observed to be four percentage points higher with dietary supplementation of FEE at 200 mg/kg compared with the control and two percentage points higher compared with the dietary addition of WEE at the same dosage. Simultaneously, a slight upregulation in daily feed consumption was determined in the FEE-supplemented group compared with the blank control and the WEE-supplemented group, indicating that the inclusion of FEE stimulated the hens' appetite. Moreover, variations in egg amino acids, fatty acids, and volatile components were obtained with either dietary addition, FEE or WEE, implying that dietary supplementation of the fermented and water-extracted E. ulmoides leaf extracts contributed to egg flavor change. Furthermore, variations in the gut microbiota were mediated by FEE, increasing the relative abundance of the genus Lactobacillus. These alterations in gut microbiota were tightly related to improved laying performance and egg flavor changes. Our results indicate that FEE is a better alternative feed additive in the hen industry than WEE.

Pinoresinol diglucoside mitigates dexamethasone-induced osteoporosis and chondrodysplasia in zebrafish

BACKGROUND

The global increase in the aging population has led to a higher incidence of osteoporosis among the elderly.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the protective properties of pinoresinol diglucoside (PDG), an active constituent of Eucommia ulmoides, against dexamethasone-induced osteoporosis and chondrodysplasia.

METHODS

A zebrafish model of osteoporosis was established by exposing larval zebrafish to dexamethasone. The impact of PDG on bone mineralization was assessed through alizarin red and calcein staining. Alkaline phosphatase activity was quantified to evaluate osteoblast function. The influence of PDG on chondrogenesis was estimated using alcian blue staining. Fluorescence imaging and motor behavior analysis were employed to assess the protective effect of PDG on the structure and function of dexamethasone-induced skeletal teratogenesis. qPCR determined the expression of osteogenesis and Wnt signaling-related genes. Molecular docking was used to assess the potential interactions between PDG and Wnt receptors.

RESULTS

PDG significantly increased bone mineralization and corrected spinal curvature and cartilage malformations in the zebrafish model. Furthermore, PDG enhanced swimming abilities compared to the model group. PDG mitigated dexamethasone-induced skeletal abnormalities in zebrafish by upregulating Wnt signaling, showing potential interaction with Wnt receptors FZD2 and FZD5.

CONCLUSION

PDG mitigates dexamethasone-induced osteoporosis and chondrodysplasia by promoting bone formation and activating Wnt signaling.

Characterization of the metabolites of Eucommiae Cortex in rats provides a further insight into its estrogen-like effective substances

Eucommiae Cortex is one of important traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) used in Asia for preventing and treating osteoporosis induced by estrogen deficiency. However, the low exposure of prototype components in Eucommiae Cortex in vivo is difficult to interpret its efficacy. Under the guidance of UPLC-Q/TOF-MS, 42 metabolites including 32 lignans and 10 phenolics, 21 of which were new compounds, were isolated from rat urine and feces after oral administration of aqueous extract of E. ulmoides Oliv. by various chromatographic techniques. Their structures were determined based on extensive physicochemical analyses and spectral data. Their absolute configurations were determined by experimental and calculated ECD spectra, along with the calculated NMR with DP4 evaluation. Additionally, all isolated metabolites were evaluated for their estrogen-like activities, and there are 15 metabolites having estrogen-like effects after assessing influences in MCF-7 cells. Further, Dual Luciferase Reporter Gene Assay was used to determine their activation with estrogen receptor, M10 and M11 mixtures, M14, M19, M33, M27, M31, M38-M41 could activate ERα, and M19 and M41 could activate ERβ. These results not only clarify the pharmacological substances of Eucommiae Cortex, but also provide a basis for guiding its clinical application.

Optimization of Flavonoid Extraction from Eucommia ulmoides pollen using Respond Surface Methodology and its biological activities

Flavonoids, known for their abundance in Eucommia ulmoides pollen, possess diverse biological functions, including antioxidants, antibacterial agents, and anti-tumor properties. This study aims to establish effective parameters for flavonoid extraction from Eucommia ulmoides pollen using a microwave-assisted method, characterize the flavonoid composition of the extracted material, and explore its biological activities. Building upon the initial results from single-factor experiments, response surface methodology was employed to optimize the extraction parameters. The inhibitory effect of human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) was evaluated by CCK assay and Live/dead staining. Simultaneously, the extract's scavenging ability against DPPH free radicals and its antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were investigated. The results demonstrated that the flavonoid yield reached 3.28 g per 100 g of pollen, closely aligning with the predicted value. The IC50 for flavonoid-mediated DPPH radical scavenging was 0.04 mg/mL. The extract exhibited a robust inhibitory effect on both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Concurrently, the extract displayed a significant inhibitory effect on the growth and proliferation of MCF-7 cells in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. In addition, six kinds of flavonoids have been identified by UPLC-TOF-MS/MS technology, providing further support to the study on the anti-oxidation and anti-tumor mechanism of Eucommia ulmoides pollen extracts.

Potentially active compounds that improve PAD through angiogenesis: A review

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) has been historically neglected, which has resulted in a lack of effective drugs in clinical practice. However, with the increasing prevalence of diseases like atherosclerosis and diabetes, the incidence of PAD is rising and cannot be ignored. Researchers are exploring the potential of promoting angiogenesis through exogenous compounds to improve PAD. This paper focuses on the therapeutic effect of natural products (Salidroside, Astragaloside IV, etc.) and synthetic compounds (Cilostazol, Dapagliflozin, etc.). Specifically, it examines how they can promote autocrine secretion of vascular endothelial cells, enhance cell paracrine interactions, and regulate endothelial progenitor cell function. The activation of these effects may be closely related to PI3K, AMPK, and other pathways. Overall, these exogenous compounds have promising therapeutic potential for PAD. This study aims to summarize the potential active compounds, provide a variety of options for the search for drugs for the treatment of PAD, and bring light to the treatment of patients.

Tailoring Potential Natural Compounds for the Treatment of Luminal Breast Cancer

Breast cancer (BC) is the most diagnosed cancer worldwide, mainly affecting the epithelial cells from the mammary glands. When it expresses the estrogen receptor (ER), the tumor is called luminal BC, which is eligible for endocrine therapy with hormone signaling blockade. Hormone therapy is essential for the survival of patients, but therapeutic resistance has been shown to be worrying, significantly compromising the prognosis. In this context, the need to explore new compounds emerges, especially compounds of plant origin, since they are biologically active and particularly promising. Natural products are being continuously screened for treating cancer due to their chemical diversity, reduced toxicity, lower side effects, and low price. This review summarizes natural compounds for the treatment of luminal BC, emphasizing the activities of these compounds in ER-positive cells. Moreover, their potential as an alternative to endocrine resistance is explored, opening new opportunities for the design of optimized therapies.

Identification of pancreatic lipase inhibitors from Eucommia ulmoides tea by affinity-ultrafiltration combined UPLC-Orbitrap MS and in vitro validation

Pancreatic lipase inhibitors can reduce blood lipids by inactivating the catalytic activity of human pancreatic lipase, a key enzyme involved in triglyceride hydrolysis, which helps control some dyslipidemic diseases. The ability of Eucommia ulmoides tea to improve fat-related diseases is closely related to the natural inhibitory components of pancreatic lipase contained in the tea. In this study, fifteen pancreatic lipase inhibitors were screened and identified from Eucommia ulmoides tea by affinity-ultrafiltration combined UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap/MS. Four representative components of geniposidic acid, quercetin-3-O-sambuboside, isochlorogenic acid A, and quercetin with high binding degrees were further verified by nanoscale differential scanning fluorimetry (nanoDSF) and enzyme inhibitory assays. The results of flow cytometry showed that they could significantly reduce the activity of pancreatic lipase in AR42J cells induced by palmitic acid in a concentration-dependent manner. Our findings suggest that Eucommia ulmoides tea may be a promising resource for pancreatic lipase inhibitors of natural origin.

Estrogenic flavonoids and their molecular mechanisms of action

Flavonoids are a major group of phytoestrogens associated with physiological effects, and ecological and social impacts. Although the estrogenic activity of flavonoids was reported by researchers in the fields of medical, environmental and food studies, their molecular mechanisms of action have not been comprehensively reviewed. The estrogenic activity of the respective classes of flavonoids, anthocyanidins/anthocyanins, 2-arylbenzofurans/3-arylcoumarins/α-methyldeoxybenzoins, aurones/chalcones/dihydrochalcones, coumaronochromones, coumestans, flavans/flavan-3-ols/flavan-4-ols, flavanones/dihydroflavonols, flavones/flavonols, homoisoflavonoids, isoflavans, isoflavanones, isoflavenes, isoflavones, neoflavonoids, oligoflavonoids, pterocarpans/pterocarpenes, and rotenone/rotenoids, was summarized through a comprehensive literature search, and their structure-activity relationship, biological activities, signaling pathways, and applications were discussed. Although the respective classes of flavonoids contained at least one chemical mimicking estrogen, the mechanisms varied, such as those with estrogenic, anti-estrogenic, non-estrogenic, and biphasic activities, and additional activities through crosstalk/bypassing, which exert biological activities through cell signaling pathways. Such mechanistic variations of estrogen action are not limited to flavonoids and are observed among other broad categories of chemicals, thus this group of chemicals can be termed as the "estrogenome". This review article focuses on the connection of estrogen action mainly between the outer and the inner environments, which represent variations of chemicals and biological activities/signaling pathways, respectively, and form the basis to understand their applications. The applications of chemicals will markedly progress due to emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence for precision medicine, which is also true of the study of the estrogenome including estrogenic flavonoids.

Neuroendocrine-Immune Regulatory Network of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver

Eucommia ulmoides Oliver (E. ulmoides) is a popular medicinal herb and health supplement in China, Japan, and Korea, and has a variety of pharmaceutical properties. The neuroendocrine-immune (NEI) network is crucial in maintaining homeostasis and physical or psychological functions at a holistic level, consistent with the regulatory theory of natural medicine. This review aims to systematically summarize the chemical compositions, biological roles, and pharmacological properties of E. ulmoides to build a bridge between it and NEI-associated diseases and to provide a perspective for the development of its new clinical applications. After a review of the literature, we found that E. ulmoides has effects on NEI-related diseases including cancer, neurodegenerative disease, hyperlipidemia, osteoporosis, insomnia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and obesity. However, clinical studies on E. ulmoides were scarce. In addition, E. ulmoides derivatives are diverse in China, and they are mainly used to enhance immunity, improve hepatic damage, strengthen bones, and lower blood pressure. Through network pharmacological analysis, we uncovered the possibility that E. ulmoides is involved in functional interactions with cancer development, insulin resistance, NAFLD, and various inflammatory pathways associated with NEI diseases. Overall, this review suggests that E. ulmoides has a wide range of applications for NEI-related diseases and provides a direction for its future research and development.

Simultaneous quantification of fourteen characteristic active compounds in Eucommia ulmoides Oliver and its tea product by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS)

Various kinds of bioactive compounds contribute to versatile health-promoting properties of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver (E. ulmoides). In present study, we developed a UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS method for simultaneous quantification of fourteen characteristic active compounds, including 3 lignans, 4 iridoids, 3 flavonoids and 4 phenolics in E. ulmoides and its tea product for the first time. The running time of the method is 6.5 min. It has good linearity, sensitivity, precision, accuracy, and stability. Using this high-throughput method, the distributions of fourteen characteristic active compounds in E. ulmoides and its tea product were clarified. Also, it was found that E. ulmoides tea exhibited superiority in contents of chlorogenic acid as compared with natural resources. Overall, the study provided a rapid, reliable, and efficient analysis method, which could be applied for the quality evaluation of E. ulmoides natural resources and their relative products in the field of food and medicine.

Dietary supplementation Eucommia ulmoides extract at high content served as a feed additive in the hens industry

Since numerous natural components in Eucommia ulmoides belong to phytoestrogen, its effect on hens production deserve more attention. To investigate the potential of E. ulmoides extract used as a feed additive, laying performance, egg quality, yolk cholesterol, yolk fatty acids, yolk fatty, yolk volatile components, albumen amino acids, plasma biochemical parameters, intestinal histology, and gut microbiota of hens (n = 120) were determined between basal diet (A) and dietary supplementation low (B), middle (C), and high (D) level E. ulmoides extract for 11 wk. When compared to A group, 2 percentage points elevation in laying rate was observed of D group. Significant up-regulation of immunoglobulin indexes and down-regulation of lipid related indexes in D group were also found if comparison with A group, suggesting that supplementation E. ulmoides extract at a relative high content benefited in immunity enhancing and blood-fat depressing. Meanwhile, obvious variation in albumen amino acids and yolk volatile compounds were inspected as dietary supplementation E. ulmoides extract, especially in D group, implied that the flavor of egg would change under high-level E. ulmoides extract treatment. Besides, villus height and villus height to crypt depth ratio of duodenum, jejunum, and ileum in D group were also significantly higher than that of in A group, indicating high-level E. ulmoides extract contributed to nutrient adsorption via intestinal histology changing. Moreover, the richness, diversity, and composition of gut microbiota in D group also significantly altered with a comparison of A group. These variation caused gut microbiota in D group major enriched in the KEGG pathway of insulin signing pathway, systemic lupus erythematosus, and bacterial invasion of epithelial cells, which were conducive to egg production elevation via facilitating nutrient adsorption, inflammation relieving, blood lipid amelioration, and insulin resistance alleviation. These results indicated that dietary supplementation E. ulmoides extract at high content could serve as a feed additive in the hens industry.

Elucidating the estrogen-like effects and biocompatibility of the herbal components in the Qing' E formula

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The Qing' E Formula (QEF) is a compound preparation that was originally recorded in the 'Prescriptions of the Bureau of Taiping People's Welfare Pharmacy' during the Song Dynasty (10th century CE). It consists of four Chinese medicinal herbs, Eucommiae Cortex (Eucommia ulmoides), Psoraleae Fructus (Psoralea corylifolium), Juglandis Semen (Juglans regia), and Garlic Rhizoma. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), QEF has the ability to tonify the kidney and strengthen muscle and bone. According to the 'kidney governing bone' theory in TCM, QEF is also used to treat the symptoms of climacteric syndrome, especially osteoporosis caused by reduced production of estrogen during the perimenopausal period; however, the therapeutic roles of the individual components of the QEF and their compatibility within the formula has not been investigated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In this study, the compatibility mechanism and estrogen-like action properties of the four herbal components in the QEF was elucidated according to the organizing principle of Chinese medicine formulas using both in vitro and in vivo models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The estrogen-like effects of QEF and its herbal components were investigated in MCF7 and HEK293 cells as well as ovariectomized (OVX) rats. The estrogen-like effects of the QEF and its components were analyzed in vitro using Cell Counting Kit-8 and Luciferase reporter gene assays. In the in vivo studies, the blood plasma levels of hormones, lipids, neurotransmitters, aromatase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). The histological morphologies of the target organs after exposure to QEF were investigated by HE staining and immunohistochemical methods. The expression levels of estrogen pathway-related proteins and genes in the OVX rats were measured by Western blotting and real time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), respectively.

RESULTS

The in vitro results showed that the QEF, Eucommia (EC) and Psoralea (PF) promoted the proliferation of MCF-7 cells and upregulated the expression of ERα, ERβ and pS2 genes in the MCF-7 cells. Notably, the QEF demonstrated the most active estrogen-like effects compared to the individual ingredients. The in vivo results showed that the QEF, EC, and PF increased the uterine coefficient, upregulated the expression of both ERs (ERα and ERβ) in the uterus, and increased blood serum hormone levels. QEF and its individual components ameliorated menopausal-derived lipid metabolism dysfunction, increased neurotransmitter production by stimulating the adrenal glands, enhanced the antioxidant activity in the serum by increasing the concentration of SOD, reversed ovariectomy-derived atrophy in the uterus, and reduced the weight gain associated with estrogen reduction in the OVX rats. The QEF also antagonize the loss of appetite of OVX animals caused by feeding Psoralea alone, which could explain the compatibility mechanism of Qing' E Formula with reducing toxicity and increasing efficiency.

CONCLUSIONS

The estrogen-like effects of Eucommia and Psoralea were mainly mediated through activation of ERα and ERβ. The phytoestrogen components regulated hormone production and the expression of related proteins and genes, which indicated that these components exhibited estrogen-like therapeutic effects. However, the QEF showed the greatest estrogen-like effects compared to the individual components. Overall, this corroborated the therapeutic prowess of the QEF and clarified the pharmacodynamic interactions between the different components extracts in the QEF.

Tandem UGT71B5s Catalyze Lignan Glycosylation in Isatis indigotica With Substrates Promiscuity

Lignans are a class of chemicals formed by the combination of two molecules of phenylpropanoids with promising nutritional and pharmacological activities. Lignans glucosides, which are converted from aglycones catalyzed by uridine diphosphate (UDP) glycosyltransferases (UGTs), have abundant bioactivities. In the present study, two UGTs from Isatis indigotica Fort., namely IiUGT71B5a and IiUGT71B5b, were characterized to catalyze the glycosylation of lignans with promiscuities toward various sugar acceptors and sugar donors, and pinoresinol was the preferred substrate. IiUGT71B5a was capable of efficiently producing both pinoresinol monoglycoside and diglycoside. However, IiUGT71B5b only produced monoglycoside, and exhibited considerably lower activity than IiUGT71B5a. Substrate screening indicated that ditetrahydrofuran is the essential structural characteristic for sugar acceptors. The transcription of IiUGT71B5s was highly consistent with the spatial distribution of pinoresinol glucosides, suggesting that IiUGT71B5s may play biological roles in the modification of pinoresinol in I. indigotica roots. This study not only provides insights into lignan biosynthesis, but also elucidates the functional diversity of the UGT family.

Estrogen and Thyroid Hormone Receptor Activation by Medicinal Plants from Bahia, Brazil

Background: A number of medicinal plants are traditionally used for metabolic disorders in Bahia state, Brazil. The aim of this study was to evaluate the estrogen receptor (ER) and thyroid receptor (TR) activation of crude extracts prepared from 20 plants. Methods: Species were extracted and assayed for receptor activation through both ER and TR gene-reporter assays, using 17β-estradiol and triiodothyronine (T3), respectively, as the positive controls. Results: Cajanus cajan (Fabaceae), Abarema cochliacarpus (Fabaceae), and Borreria verticillata (Rubiaceae) were able to activate ER as much as the positive control (17β-estradiol). These three plant species were also assayed for TR activation. At the concentration of 50 µg/mL, C. cajans exerted the highest positive modulation on TR, causing an activation of 59.9%, while B. verticillata and A. cochliacarpus caused 30.8% and 23.3%, respectively. Conclusions: Our results contribute towards the validation of the traditional use of C. cajans, B. verticillata, and A. cochliacarpus in the treatment of metabolic disorders related to ER and TR functions. The gene-reporter assay was proven effective in screening crude plant extracts for ER/TR activation, endorsing this methodology as an important tool for future bioprospection studies focused on identifying novel starting molecules for the development of estrogen and thyroid agonists.

A mechanistic overview of herbal medicine and botanical compounds to target transcriptional factors in Breast cancer

The abnormalities of transcription factors, such as NF-κB, STAT, estrogen receptor, play a critical role in the initiation and progression of breast cancer. Due to the limitation of current treatment, transcription factors could be promising therapeutic targets, which have received close attention. In this review, we introduced herbal medicines, as well as botanical compounds that had been verified with anti-tumor properties via regulating transcription factors. Herbs, compounds, as well as formulae reported with various transcriptional targets, were summarized thoroughly, to provide implication for the future research on basic experiment and clinical application.

Aucubin promotes angiogenesis via estrogen receptor beta in a mouse model of hindlimb ischemia

Aucubin (AU) is an iridoid glycoside that has been shown to display estrogenic properties and has various pharmacological effects. Herein, we described the angiogenic properties of AU. In the study, hindlimb ischemia was induced by ligation of femoral artery on the right leg of ovariectomized mice. AU treatment significantly accelerated perfusion recovery and reduced tissue injury in mice muscle. Quantification of CD31-positive vessels in hindlimb muscles provided evidences that AU promoted angiogenesis in peripheral ischemia. In addition, results from quantitative PCR and western blot suggested AU induced angiogenesis via vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF)/Akt/endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) signaling pathway. More interestingly, AU's angiogenic effects could be completely abolished in estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) knockout mice. In conclusion, the underlying mechanisms were elucidated that AU produced pro-angiogenic effects through ERβ-mediated VEGF signaling pathways. These results expand knowledge about the beneficial effects of AU in angiogenesis and blood flow recovery. It might provide insight into the ERβ regulating neovascularisation in hindlimb ischemia and identify AU as a potent new compound used for the treatment of peripheral vascular disease.

Effects of wogonin on the mechanism of melanin synthesis in A375 cells

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of wogonin on the mechanism of melanin synthesis in the A375 melanoma cell line. A375 cells, cultured in vitro, were treated with wogonin and the activity of tyrosinase (TYR) and melanin synthesis were examined via MTT assay, L-dopa oxidation assay and an NaOH lysis assay. Protein expression levels of TYR and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) were examined via western blotting. mRNA expression levels of TYR, tyrosinase related protein (TRP)-1, TRP-2, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-1, ERK-2 and JNK-2 were analyzed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, the effect of wogonin on estrogen receptor inhibitor (ICI182780) and ERK pathway inhibitor (U0126) was investigated. Safe doses of wogonin (10, 1, 10^-1, 10^-2 or 10^-3 µmol/l) significantly inhibited melanin synthesis and TYR activity (P<0.05). Wogonin (10 µmol/l) inhibited the protein expression levels of TYR, JNK and mRNA expression levels of TYR, TRP-1, TRP-2, ERK-1, ERK-2, JNK-2 in A375 cells (P<0.01). The estrogen receptor inhibitor, ICI182780, and MEK inhibitor, U0126, significantly reversed the effects of wogonin on protein and mRNA expression levels of TYR, TRP-1, TRP-2, ERK-1, ERK-2 and JNK-2 (all P<0.01). To conclude, the present study identified that wogonin is able to inhibit the synthesis of melanin in A375 cells, through inhibiting protein and mRNA expression levels of TYR, TRP-1, and TRP-2, and ERK1, ERK2 and JNK2, respectively.

Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine Product, QiangGuYin, on Bone Mineral Density and Bone Turnover in Chinese Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

Introduction. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of herbal formula QiangGuYin (QGY) in postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods. A total of 240 participants from six clinical centers were randomly to receive alendronate 70 mg/week, QGY granules 20 g/day, and placebo. Primary end points were BMD changes over 6 and 12 months; secondary end points were bone turnover markers changes at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Safety was monitored by clinical adverse events reported during the follow-up. Results. Of 240 women recruited, 218 completed the study. Significant BMD increases from baseline were observed over 6 and 12 months at each observed part both in QGY and alendronate compared with placebo (p < 0.01). Alendronate-treated subjects had significant decreases in β-CTX compared to QGY-treated subjects at each time point assessed (p < 0.01). Reduction in t-P1NP was only observed in the QGY group at 3 and 6 months (-23.81% and -3.07%, resp.). No significant difference was observed in the overall incidence of clinical adverse events among the alendronate group and the QGY group (5.0% versus 7.5%, p = 0.513). Conclusion. 1-Year treatment with QGY demonstrated a safe statistical increase in BMD and new balance may be rebuilt after 9 months. This trail is registered with ChiCTR-POC-16008026.

Danshen enhanced the estrogenic effects of Qing E formula in ovariectomized rats

BACKGROUND

Menopause is characterized by a decrease in life quality due to the appearance of uncomfortable symptoms. Nowadays, Understanding menopause-associated pathophysiology and developing new strategies to improve the treatment of menopausal-associated symptoms is an important issue. Our study was to evaluate the synergistic effects of Danshen (salvia miltiorrhiza bunge) and the phytoestrogenic effects of 3 modified Qing E formulas, to explore a better formula for menopausal disorders.

METHODS

100 rats were randomized into 5 groups: Sham (Sham operation group), OVX (model group of ovariectomized rat), BDL (group with low concentration of Qing E Formula), BDH (group with high concentration of Qing E Formula) and BDD (group with high concentration of Qing E Formula Plus Danshen), receiving vehicle and extract of different modified Qing E formula respectively. The food intake, body weight, uterus weight, blood levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and cholesterol fractions were assessed. The mammary glands and uterus were morphologically analyzed. The bone density of tibias were measured by peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT). Additionally, luciferase induction assays were performed in Hela cells with the mixtures derived from Qing E formula plus Danshen (BDD).

RESULTS

Qing E formula plus Danshen significantly increased the uterus wet weight, enhanced the thickness of uterine wall, endometrial epithelium and glandular epithelium, improved trabecular bone and total density evidently, reduced the levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and TG, possessed notable estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) and estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) agonist activity.

CONCLUSION

Qing E formula plus Danshen exerted more evident estrogen-like effects, thus it has a potential therapeutic use to treat menopausal disorders.

Cryptotanshinone and wogonin up-regulate eNOS in vascular endothelial cells via ERα and down-regulate iNOS in LPS stimulated vascular smooth muscle cells via ERβ

Phytoestrogens were widely used as natural alternatives to estrogen for treating cardiovascular diseases. They have been reported to have cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory response, but the mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we found cryptotanshinone and wogonin exhibited phytoestrogenic property in an estrogen-responsive reporter assay. In EA.hy926 cells, treatment of cryptotanshinone and wogonin led to significant increase in NO production levels, which were inhibited by co-incubation of estrogen receptor (ER)α antagonist methyl-piperidino-pyrazole (MPP). The expression of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) and ERα were up-regulated with the same treatment, indicating they stimulate NO and eNOS expression via ERα-dependent pathway in endothelial cells. While in lipopolysaccharide activated vascular smooth muscle cell line A7r5, cryptotanshinone and wogonin exerted anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting NO and inducible NO synthase expression via ERβ-dependent pathway. The reduction of NO synthesis was not affected by MPP, and was abrogated by ERβ antagonist R,R-tetrahydrochrysene. Our findings provide the potential molecular mechanism of cryptotanshinone and wogonin as phytoestrogens for their cardioprotective effects, which exerted regulatory effects on NO synthesis through differential regulation of estrogen receptors. It can be employed as a basis for evaluating the beneficial effects of phytoestrogens in the treatment of patients at risk of cardiovascular disease.

UPLC-MS/MS determination and gender-related pharmacokinetic study of five active ingredients in rat plasma after oral administration of Eucommia cortex extract

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Eucommiae cortex (EC), the bark of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv., has been traditionally used to treat many diseases in China for more than 2000 years. The pharmacological effects are primarily attributed to the presence of lignans, iridoids and phenolics, which are main active ingredients in EC.

AIM OF THE STUDY

First, to investigate the active ingredients that can be absorbed into the rat plasma according to which ingredients exhibit significant correlation of drug concentration-time curve. Second, to establish an efficient ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method for simultaneous determination of ingredients absorbed in rat plasma. Finally, to investigate gender effect on the pharmacokinetics of the ingredients absorbed in male and female rats plasma after oral administration with EC extract.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

18 ingredients from EC were detected by UPLC-MS/MS, 9 out of 18 ingredients were absorbed into rat plasma. And 5 ingredients exhibit significant correlation of drug concentration-time curve. They were pinoresinol di-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (PDG), geniposide (GE), geniposidic acid (GA), aucubin (AN) and chlorogenic acid (CA). The analytes were extracted from rat plasma via a simple protein precipitation procedure and osalmid was used as the internal standard. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a Waters ACQUITY HSS T3 column (2.1mm×100mm, 1.8μm) using a gradient elution program with acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid water as the mobile phase, with a flow rate of 0.3mLmin(-1). The detection was performed on a triple-quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer by multiple reactions monitoring (MRM) mode in a positive ion mode via electrospray ionization (ESI). The transition monitored were /z 683.00[M+H](+)→235.10 for PDG, / z 389.00[M+H](+)→208.80 for GE, m/z 375.00[M+H](+)→194.79 for GA, m/z 364.00[M+NH4](+)→148.81 for AN, m/z 355.10[M+H](+)→162.84 for CA and m/z 230.03[M+H](+)→120.77 for internal standard.

RESULTS

The developed method showed good linearity over a wide concentration range, the lower limits of quantification and higher accuracy and precision for determination of the 5 analytes. Then the method was applied to study the pharmacokinetics in rats, and the results indicated that there were significant differences in pharmacokinetic parameters of the analytes between the male and female rats, and absorptions of these analytes in male group were all significantly higher than those in female group.

CONCLUSION

This study established an efficient, sensitive and selective UPLC-MS/MS method for simultaneous determination of the five ingredients in rat plasma, and it could be successfully applied to the comparative pharmacokinetic studies in male and female rats after oral administration with EC extract.

Eucommia ulmoides Oliv.: ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacology of an important traditional Chinese medicine

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. (Family Eucommiaceae), also known as Dù-zhòng (Chinese: ), Tuchong (in Japanese), is the sole species of the genus Eucommia. The leaf, stem, and bark as well as staminate flower of Eucommia ulmoides have been traditionally used to cure many diseases in China, Japan, Korea, among others. The aim of this review is to comprehensively outline the botanical description, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, biological activities, and toxicology of Eucommia ulmoides and to discuss possible trends for further study of Eucommia ulmoides.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Information on Eucommia ulmoides was gathered via the internet (using Pub Med, Elsevier, Baidu Scholar, Google Scholar, Medline Plus, ACS, CNKI, and Web of Science) and from books in local libraries.

RESULTS

One-hundred twelve compounds of Eucommia ulmoides, including the main active constituents, lignans and iridoids, have been isolated and identified. In vitro and in vivo studies indicated that monomer compounds and extracts from Eucommia ulmoides possess wide-ranging pharmacological actions, especially in treating hypertension, hyperlipemia, diabetes, obesity, sexual dysfunction, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease, aging, lupus-like syndrome, and immunoregulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Eucommia ulmoides has been used as a source of traditional medicine and as a beneficial health food. Phytochemical and pharmacological studies of Eucommia ulmoides have received much interest, and extracts and active compounds continue to be isolated and proven to exert various effects. Further toxicity and clinical studies are warranted to establish more detailed data on crude extracts and pure compounds, enabling more convenient preparations for patients. Therefore, this review on the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, biological activities, and toxicity of Eucommia ulmoides will provide helpful data for further studies as well as the commercial exploitation of this traditional medicine.