Chemical characterization and Ameliorating effect of polysaccharide from Chinese jujube on intestine oxidative injury by ischemia and reperfusion

Review of Pharmacotherapeutic Targets in Alzheimer's Disease and Its Management Using Traditional Medicinal Plants

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline, memory loss, and impaired daily functioning. While there is currently no cure for AD, several pharmacotherapeutic targets and management strategies have been explored. Additionally, traditional medicinal plants have gained attention for their potential role in AD management. Pharmacotherapeutic targets in AD include amyloid-beta (Aβ) aggregation, tau protein hyperphosphorylation, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and cholinergic dysfunction. Traditional medicinal plants, such as Ginkgo biloba, Huperzia serrata, Curcuma longa (turmeric), and Panax ginseng, have demonstrated the ability to modulate these targets through their bioactive compounds. Ginkgo biloba, for instance, contains flavonoids and terpenoids that exhibit neuroprotective effects by reducing Aβ deposition and enhancing cerebral blood flow. Huperzia serrata, a natural source of huperzine A, has acetylcholinesterase-inhibiting properties, thus improving cholinergic function. Curcuma longa, enriched with curcumin, exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, potentially mitigating neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Panax ginseng's ginsenosides have shown neuroprotective and anti-amyloidogenic properties. The investigation of traditional medicinal plants as a complementary approach to AD management offers several advantages, including a lower risk of adverse effects and potential multi-target interactions. Furthermore, the cultural knowledge and utilization of these plants provide a rich source of information for the development of new therapies. However, further research is necessary to elucidate the precise mechanisms of action, standardize preparations, and assess the safety and efficacy of these natural remedies. Integrating traditional medicinal-plant-based therapies with modern pharmacotherapies may hold the key to a more comprehensive and effective approach to AD treatment. This review aims to explore the pharmacotherapeutic targets in AD and assess the potential of traditional medicinal plants in its management.

Structural and in vivo-in vitro myocardial injury protection features of two novel polysaccharides from Allium macrostemon Bunge and Allium chinense G. Don

This study aimed to investigate the structural characteristics, in vivo antiatherosclerosis activity, and in vitro myocardial injury protection effects of polysaccharides from Allium macrostemon Bunge and Allium chinense G. Don. Thus, crude polysaccharides of Allium macrostemon Bunge and Allium chinense G. Don significantly reduced serum lipid levels, improved cardiac myocyte morphology and arrangement, and relieved the development of myocardial fibrosis. Meanwhile, the lesion areas of the aorta and aortic valve had evident visual improvements. Furthermore, two main novel purified polysaccharides, namely, AMB-1 and ACGD-1, were isolated and characterized from crude Allium macrostemon Bunge and Allium chinense G. Don fractions, respectively. The purified polysaccharides mainly consisted of fructose and glucose and had molecular weights of 25.22 and 19.53 kDa, respectively. In addition, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, methylation, and nuclear magnetic resonance data revealed the primary structures of the AMB1 (or ACGD1) backbone with branched side chains. Scanning electron microscope analysis showed that the purified polysaccharides were both piled together in a lamellar or clastic form with a smooth surface along with linear or irregular bulges. Moreover, the purified polysaccharides both showed nontoxicity on H9c2 cells and effectively dropped hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced apoptosis by the BCL-2/BAX pathway. Overall, the characterization of the structural properties and in vivo and in vitro myocardial injury protection effects of Allium macrostemon Bunge and Allium chinense G. Don polysaccharides enriched our understanding of their nutritional and medicinal values. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on the structural characteristics and bioactivities of Allium chinense G. Don polysaccharides.

A Literature Review of the Pharmacological Effects of Jujube

Jujube is a plant native to China that could be used in medicine and food. Its dried fruit is a superior herb commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine formulations for its calming effect and for nourishing the blood and strengthening the spleen and stomach. Jujube contains numerous active components including polysaccharides, phenols, and triterpene acids, which show a diverse array of pharmacological activities such as neuroprotection and the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. In this paper, the research status of jujube over the past two decades has been statistically evaluated. Meanwhile, by tracking the latest research advances, the pharmacological efficacy and molecular mechanisms of jujube are exhaustively expounded to provide specific and systematic references for further research on the pharmacological effects of jujube and its application in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Bioactive components of Banxia Xiexin Decoction for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases based on flavor-oriented analysis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Banxia Xiexin Decoction (BXD) was first recorded in a Chinese medical classic, Treatise on Febrile Diseases and Miscellaneous Diseases, which was written in the Eastern Han dynasty of China. This ancient prescription consists of seven kinds of Chinese herbal medicine, namely, Pinellia ternata, Rhizoma Coptidis, Radix scutellariae, Rhizoma Zingiberis, Ginseng, Jujube, and Radix Glycyrrhizaepreparata. In clinic practice, its original application in China mainly has focused on the treatment of chronic gastritis for several hundred years. BXD is also effective in treating other gastrointestinal diseases (GIDs) in modern medical application. Despite available literature support and clinical experience, the treatment mechanisms or their relationships with the bioactive compounds in BXD responsible for its pharmacological actions, still need further explorations in more diversified channels. According to the analysis based on the five-flavor theory of TCM, BXD is traditionally viewed as the most representative prescription for pungent-dispersion, bitter-purgation and sweet-tonification. Consequently, based on the flavor-oriented analysis, the compositive herbs in BXD can be divided into three flavor groups, namely, the pungent, bitter, and sweet groups, each of which has specific active ingredients that are possibly relevant to GID treatment.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This paper summarized recent literatures on BXD and its bioactive components used in GID treatment, and provided the pharmacological or chemical basis for the further exploration of the ancient prescription and the relative components.

METHOD

ology: Relevant literature was collected from various electronic databases such as Pubmed, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). Citations were based on peer-reviewed articles published in English or Chinese during the last decade.

RESULTS

Multiple components were found in the pungent, bitter, and sweet groups in BXD. The corresponding bioactive components include gingerol, shogaol, stigmasterol, and β-sitosterol in the pungent group; berberine, palmatine, coptisine, baicalein, and baicalin in the bitter group; and ginsenosides, polysaccharides, liquiritin, and glycyrrhetinic acid in the sweet group. These components have been found directly or indirectly responsible for the remarkable effects of BXD on GID.

CONCLUSION

This review provided some valuable reference to further clarify BXD treatment for GID and their possible material basis, based on the perspective of the flavor-oriented analysis.

Sulfated Undaria pinnatifida polysaccharide inhibits the formation of kidney stones by inhibiting HK-2 cell damage and reducing the adhesion of nano‑calcium oxalate crystals

OBJECTIVE

The formation of kidney stone is closely related to cell injury and crystal adhesion.

METHOD

The sulfur trioxide-pyridine method was used to sulfate raw Undaria pinnatifida polysaccharide (UPP) with a molecular weight (Mw) of 8.33 kDa. Four polysaccharides with the sulfate group (-OSO3-) contents of 1.59% (UPP0), 6.03% (UPP1), 20.83% (UPP2), and 36.39% (UPP3) were obtained. The antioxidant activity of the four UPPs, the difference in oxidative damage inflicted by nano-CaOx monohydrate (nano-COM) on human proximal tubular epithelial (HK-2) cells before and after protection by UPPs, and the inhibitory effect on nano-COM adhesion were explored.

RESULTS

Structural characterization showed that sulfation was successful. As the -OSO3- content in the UPPs was increased, the antioxidant activity and capability of the UPPs to regulate the growth of calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals gradually increased. The damage caused by nano-COM crystals to HK-2 cells under protection by UPPs was weakened. This effect enhanced cell viability, enabled the maintenance of good cell morphology, reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and inhibited the decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, as well as decreased the eversion of phosphatidylserine (PS) and the expression of the adhesion proteins osteopontin (OPN), heat shock protein (HSP 90), and Annexin A1 (ANXA1). The adhesion of nano-COM to HK-2 cells was inhibited under the protection by UPPs.

CONCLUSION

UPP3 with the highest content of -OSO3- presented the best antioxidant activity and crystal regulation ability, while UPP2 with the second highest -OSO3- content showed optimal cell protection ability and crystal adhesion inhibition ability. The biological activity of UPPs was regulated by Mw and -OSO3- content. UPP2 with moderate -OSO3- content may become a potential drug for preventing CaOx stones.

Recent advances in biotransformation, extraction and green production of D-mannose

D-mannose is a natural and biologically active monosaccharide. It is the C-2 epimer of glucose and a component of a variety of polysaccharides in plants. In addition, D-mannose also naturally exists in some cells of the human body and participates in the immune regulation of cells as a prebiotic. Its good physiological benefits to human health and wide application in the food and pharmaceutical industries have attracted widespread attention. Therefore, in-depth research on preparation methods of D-mannose has been widely developed. This article summarizes the main production methods of D-mannose in recent years, especially the in-depth excavation from biomass raw materials such as coffee grounds, konjac flour, acai berry, etc., to provide new ideas for the green manufacture of D-mannose.

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Various methods of recent mannose production were comprehensively summarized.

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The new technical progress of obtaining mannose from biomass as emphatically discussed.

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Discuss various preparation methods including different pretreatments, enzymatic hydrolysis, etc.

Exopolysaccharides from the Energy Microalga Strain Botryococcus braunii: Purification, Characterization, and Antioxidant Activity

Botryococcus braunii, a prestigious energy microalga, has recently received widespread attention because it can secrete large amounts of exopolysaccharides (EPS) with potential applications in food, cosmetics, and nutraceuticals. Unfortunately, the insufficiency of research on the bioactivity and structure–activity relationship of B. braunii EPS has impeded the downstream applications. In the present study, alcohol precipitation, deproteinization, and DEAE-cellulose column chromatography were used to extract and purify B. braunii SCS-1905 EPS. It was found that B. braunii SCS-1905 EPS were high-molecular-weight heteropolysaccharides containing uronic acid (7.43–8.83%), protein (2.30–4.04%), and sulfate groups (1.52–1.95%). Additionally, the EPS primarily comprised galactose (52.34–54.12%), glucose (34.60–35.53%), arabinose (9.41–10.32%), and minor amounts of fucose (1.80–1.99%), with the presence of a pyranose ring linked by a β-configurational glycosidic bond. Notably, the antioxidant activity of crude exopolysaccharides (CEPS) was stronger, and the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) for ABTS and hydroxyl radicals was significantly lower than that of deproteinized exopolysaccharides (DEPS). Overall, this study indicated a potential application of B. braunii SCS-1905 EPS as a natural antioxidant. In summary, B. braunii EPS could be used as a potential feedstock for the production of antioxidant health foods.

Structural Characterization and Antioxidant Activity of Exopolysaccharide from Soybean Whey Fermented by Lacticaseibacillus plantarum 70810

Soybean whey is a high-yield but low-utilization agricultural by-product in China. In this study, soybean whey was used as a substrate of fermentation by Lacticaseibacillus plantarum 70810 strains. An exopolysaccharide (LPEPS-1) was isolated from soybean whey fermentation by L. plantarum 70810 and purified by ion-exchange chromatography. Its preliminary structural characteristics and antioxidant activity were investigated. Results show that LPEPS-1 was composed of mannose, glucose, and galactose with molar ratios of 1.49:1.67:1.00. The chemical structure of LPEPS-1 consisted of →4)-α-D-Glcp-(1→, →3)-α-D-Galp-(1→ and →2)-α-D-Manp-(1→. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that LPEPS-1 had a relatively rough surface. In addition, LPPES-1 exhibited strong scavenging activity against DPPH and superoxide radicals and chelating ability on ferrous ion. This study demonstrated that soybean whey was a feasible fermentation substrate for the production of polysaccharide from L. plantarum 70810 and that the polysaccharide could be used as a promising ingredient for health-beneficial functional foods.

Exopolysaccharides from microalgae: production, characterization, optimization and techno-economic assessment

Microalgae cultivation for exopolysaccharide production has getting more attention as a result of their high hydrocarbon biosynthesis skill. The aim of this study is to examine the exopolysaccharide production potential of different species of microalgae. In this context, exopolysaccharides were produced from Chlorella minutissima, Chlorella sorokiniana and Botryococcus braunii microalgae and the effects of carbon and nitrogen content in the growth medium and illumination time on exopolysaccharide production were analyzed statistically using Box-Behnken experimental design. In addition, techno-economic assessment of exopolysaccharide production were also performed by using the most productive microalgae and optimum conditions determined in this study. As a result of the experiments, it was seen that C. minutissima, C. sorokiniana and B. braunii produced 0.245 ± 0.0025 g/L, 0.163 ± 0.0016 g/L and 0.117 ± 0.0007 g/L exopolysaccharide, respectively. Statistically, it was observed that there was an inverse relationship between the exopolysaccharide production and investigated parameters such as illumination period and carbon and nitrogen amounts of culture mediums. The techno-economic assessment comprising microalgal exopolysaccharide (EPS) bioprocess was carried out, and it showed that the system can be considered economically viable, yet can be improved with biorefinery approach.

Antioxidant activity of sulfated Porphyra yezoensis polysaccharides and their regulating effect on calcium oxalate crystal growth

The nucleation, growth and aggregation of calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals and the oxidative damage of renal tubular epithelial cells are the key factors to induce kidney stones. In this study, degraded Porphyra yezoensis polysaccharide (PYP0) with 14.14% sulfate group (-OSO₃^-) content was modified via the sulfur trioxide-pyridine method to obtain three kinds of sulfated P. yezoensis polysaccharides (PYPs), namely, PYPS1, PYPS2, and PYPS3, with -OSO₃^- group contents of 17.11%, 20.28%, and 27.14% respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ¹H NMR, and ¹³C NMR analyses showed that the -OSO₃^- groups replaced the hydroxyl groups at the C2, C4, and C6 positions on (1 → 3)-linked β-D-galactose, the basic structural skeleton unit of PYP0. The antioxidant activity of the PYPSs increased after sulfation, and their scavenging capacity for OH and DPPH free radicals was enhanced with the increase in their -OSO₃^- group content. Calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystal growth experiments showed that sulfated PYPs promoted the conversion of the thermodynamically stable and sharp CaOx monohydrate (COM) crystals into the thermodynamically unstable and round CaOx dihydrate crystals. With the increase in the -OSO₃^- group content of the polysaccharides, the concentration of soluble Ca²⁺ ions in the supernatant increased and the amount of CaOx precipitate decreased. PYPs were nontoxic to human kidney proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) and could protect HK-2 from oxidative damage caused by nano-COM and reduce the level of reactive oxygen species in cells. PYPS3, which had the highest degree of sulfation, had the best protective capability. The results of this work showed that sulfation improved the biological activity of PYPs. This study could provide inspiration for the development of new drugs for the prevention and treatment of kidney stones.

Phenolic profile of jujube fruit subjected to gut microbiota fermentation and its antioxidant potential against ethyl carbamate-induced oxidative damage

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the composition of bioactive substances and the antioxidant effects of jujube fruit under gut microbiota fermentation (GMF), and the inhibitory effect on cytotoxicity caused by ethyl carbamate (EC).

METHODS

Changes in the contents of flavonoids, polyphenols, total sugars, and reducing sugars of jujube fruit after GMF (0, 2, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h) were determined. The oxidation resistance of fermented jujube fruits (from 0 to 48 h fermentation) was evaluated using in vitro 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate) (ABTS) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Inhibitory effects of 48 h-fermented jujube fruit at various concentrations (0.25, 0.50, 1.00, and 2.00 mg/mL) on EC-treated toxicity and DNA damage of Caco-2 cells were estimated using 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and nuclear staining assays, respectively. Effects of different concentrations of jujube fruit on EC-treated Caco-2 cells' intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione (GSH) levels, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Jujube fruit has rich bioactive components after GMF and shows strong antioxidant capacity. Fermented jujube fruit can inhibit the cytotoxicity and DNA damage of Caco-2 cells caused by EC and reduce intracellular ROS generation, as well as restoring GSH and MMP.

CONCLUSIONS

Fermented jujube fruit extracts produced by GMF still contain biologically active substances which retain biological activity and antioxidation capabilities.

Structurally diverse triterpenes obtained from the fruits of Ziziphus jujuba Mill. as inflammation inhibitors by NF-κB signaling pathway

Twenty-nine triterpenes were obtained from the fruits of Ziziphus jujuba Mill. through various chromatography methods, and their stereo-structures were confirmed by spectroscopic methods. Among them, 2α,3β,20-trihydroxylupane-28-oic acid (1) was identified as a new compound, and the ¹H and ¹³C NMR data of 7, 8 and 23, as well as the ¹³C NMR data of 17 are reported here for the first time. Meanwhile, the nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory activities of all compounds were examined in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. As results, compounds 2, 7, 10-13, 15, 16, 18-21, 26-29 were found to play important roles in suppressing NO production at 5 μM. The structure-activity relationships (SARs) on NO inhibition indicated that the ursolic and oleanolic acid skeletons, p-coumaroyl group substitution, six-membered A ring, and deoxygenation (loss of C[double bond, length as m-dash]O) in the C ring showed a more positive effect on the NO inhibitory activity of triterpenes, while the reduction of the A ring C[double bond, length as m-dash]O to OH was a negative factor. Moreover, it was found that compounds 15 and 19 could suppress the phosphorylation of IκBα and NF-κB/p65 to prevent it from shifting into the nucleus and downregulate the expression of inflammatory factors, such as iNOS, IL-6 and TNF-α. Our investigations revealed that the NO inhibitory effects of the active triterpenes obtained from Z. jujuba were mediated, at least in part, through the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Zizyphus jujuba cv. Muzao polysaccharides enhance intestinal barrier function and improve the survival of septic mice

This study aimed to examine the role of Zizyphus jujuba cv. Muzao polysaccharides (ZJPs) in protecting intestinal barrier function and the survival of septic mice. The sepsis mouse model was generated through cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) to observe the effect of ZJPs on the function of the intestinal barrier in the context of sepsis. We observed the clinical symptoms and survival time of the mice and evaluated serum inflammatory cytokines, intestinal pathological changes and intestinal permeability. Moreover, tight junction (TJ) proteins and apoptosis-associated proteins in intestinal tissue were examined. Finally, TLR4/NF-κB pathway-related proteins were measured in all groups. The results showed that pretreatment with ZJPs improved clinical and histological scores and reduced intestinal barrier permeability, and the levels of proinflammatory factors were decreased. Pretreatment with ZJPs also upregulated the levels of TJ proteins and downregulated the expression of proapoptotic proteins. Moreover, the activation of TLR4/NF-κB signaling was partly inhibited in septic mice by ZJPs pretreatment. The current study provides evidence that ZJPs have the potential to protect intestinal barrier function and improve the survival of septic mice via the attenuation of TLR4/NF-κB inflammatory signaling. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This study reports the potential protective effect of ZJPs against cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis. Our data reveal that CLP induced damage to the gut mucosal barrier, inflammation, and apoptosis in intestinal tissues. However, pretreatment with ZJPs improved clinical and histological scores, reduced intestinal barrier permeability, and decreased the levels of proinflammatory factors in mice. Pretreatment with ZJPs also upregulated the levels of TJ proteins and downregulated the expression of proapoptotic proteins. Moreover, the activation of TLR4/NF-κB signaling was partly inhibited in septic mice after ZJPs pretreatment. These findings provide evidence that pretreatment with ZJPs has the potential to attenuate CLP-induced gut damage in mice by restraining inflammation and apoptosis via the attenuation of NF-κB signaling. It provides a basis for further study of ZJPs in sepsis.

A Novel Pseudomonas geniculata AGE Family Epimerase/Isomerase and Its Application in d-Mannose Synthesis

d-mannose has exhibited excellent physiological properties in the food, pharmaceutical, and feed industries. Therefore, emerging attention has been applied to enzymatic production of d-mannose due to its advantage over chemical synthesis. The gene age of N-acetyl-d-glucosamine 2-epimerase family epimerase/isomerase (AGEase) derived from Pseudomonas geniculata was amplified, and the recombinant P. geniculata AGEase was characterized. The optimal temperature and pH of P. geniculata AGEase were 60 °C and 7.5, respectively. The Km, kcat, and kcat/Km of P. geniculata AGEase for d-mannose were 49.2 ± 8.5 mM, 476.3 ± 4.0 s-1, and 9.7 ± 0.5 s-1·mM-1, respectively. The recombinant P. geniculata AGEase was classified into the YihS enzyme subfamily in the AGE enzyme family by analyzing its substrate specificity and active center of the three-dimensional (3D) structure. Further studies on the kinetics of different substrates showed that the P. geniculata AGEase belongs to the d-mannose isomerase of the YihS enzyme. The P. geniculata AGEase catalyzed the synthesis of d-mannose with d-fructose as a substrate, and the conversion rate was as high as 39.3% with the d-mannose yield of 78.6 g·L-1 under optimal reaction conditions of 200 g·L-1d-fructose and 2.5 U·mL-1P. geniculata AGEase. This novel P. geniculata AGEase has potential applications in the industrial production of d-mannose.

Taxonomic Distribution of Medicinal Plants for Alzheimer’s Disease: A Cue to Novel Drugs

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder manifested by decline in memory and mild cognitive impairment leading to dementia. Despite global occurrence of AD, the severity and hence onset of dementia vary among different regions, which was correlated with the customary use of medicinal herbs and exposure level to the causatives. In spite of execution of versatile therapeutic strategies to combat AD and other neurodegenerative diseases, success is only limited to symptomatic treatment. The role of natural remedies remained primitive and irreplaceable in all ages. In some examples, the extracted drugs failed to show comparable results due to lack of micro ingredients. Micro ingredients impart a peerless value to natural remedies which are difficult to isolate and/or determine their precise role during treatment. A variety of plants have been used for memory enhancement and other dementia-related complications since ages. Acetyl choline esterase inhibition, antioxidant potential, neuroprotection, mitochondrial energy restoration, and/or precipitated protein clearance put a vast taxonomic variety into a single group of anti-AD plants. Secondary metabolites derived from these medicinal plants have the potential to treat AD and other brain diseases of common pathology. This review summarizes the potential of taxonomically diverse medicinal plants in the treatment of AD serving as a guide to further exploration.

Traditional fruits of South India: Bioactive components and their potential health implications in chronic diseases

Fruits are colorful, flavorful, and nutritious components and play an important role for the vital health and maintenance of our body. Experimental evidences suggested that fruits contain various bioactive constituents including flavonoids, polyphenols, carotenoids, and micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals. Because of these, fruits are receiving greater attention to treat and/or control various health complications such as diabetes, obesity, cancer, cardiovascular disease, immune system decline, and certain neurological disorders. Experimental evidences from various in vitro and in vivo imply that fruit extracts and/or isolated bioactive compounds are associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective properties. Therefore, fruits have the potential to be converted into functional foods as well as pharmaceuticals to prevent or/and treat several chronic complications. In the present article, we review current knowledge about the bioactivities and health benefits of selected Indian fruits for the treatment/management of the chronic health complications in humans. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This review provides practical information about how best to take advantage of the bioactive compounds and health implications of the South Indian fruits like Bael, Jujube, Cotton Candy Berry, and Manilla Tamarind as a potential source of functional and nutritive compounds. It aims at emphasizing the most recent findings on biological effects of major groups of fruits like Bael, Jujube, Cotton Candy Berry, and Manilla Tamarind and their major components, their medical interest, potential drug interaction, notably for human nutrition, health benefits, and therapeutic impacts.

Preparation of Oligosaccharides by Degradation of Polysaccharides from Chinese Jujube and Its Biological Activity

This study examined the degradation of polysaccharides to oligosaccharides in Chinese jujube fruits. Using a response surface model, the degradation conditions of polysaccharides under acid hydrolysis and enzymatic hydrolysis were optimized in laboratory conditions. A degradation rate of 66.9% was obtained under optimum acid hydrolysis conditions: 0.6 mol/L hydrochloric acid, 3% substrate concentration, and 1 h reaction time. A degradation rate of 41.4% was obtained under optimum enzyme hydrolysis conditions: 4.0 mL cellulose solution (10 mg/mL), 0.3 mL substrate solution (20 mg/mL), 0.7 mL citric acid buffer solution (pH 5), and 7.3 h reaction time. Using the stimulation effect for strain J-4 intestinal probiotic proliferation, the biological activity of oligosaccharides was determined. The results showed that the oligosaccharides from enzyme hydrolysis encouraged intestinal probiotic proliferation.

Extraction and physicochemical properties of polysaccharides from Ziziphus Jujuba cv. Muzao by ultrasound-assisted aqueous two-phase extraction

In this paper, ultrasound-assisted aqueous two-phase extraction (UAATPE) performed via a one-step procedure was applied to extract polysaccharides from Ziziphus Jujuba cv. Muzao. Using an ethanol/ammonium sulfate system as a multiphase solvent, effects of UAATPE on extraction of ZMP, such as solvent-to-material ratio, composition of aqueous two-phase system, and extraction time and temperature, were investigated using response surface methodology on basis of results of single-factor experiment. The final optimal conditions were ATPS composition: 29% ethanol and 15% (NH₄)₂SO₄, extraction time: 38min, extraction temperature: 48°C, solvent-to-material ratio: 30, and microwave power: 70W. Under these conditions, the experimental extraction yield was 8.18%. Chemical analysis revealed that ZMP were composed of rhamnose, arabinose, xylose, mannose, glucose, galactose, and galacturonic acid, at a ratio of 1.46:2.47:2.27:1.12:1.00:1.57:5.40, respectively. The structures were also characterized with UV, FTIR, and SEM. The DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities showed ZMP had moderately antioxidant activity.

Chemical Characterization and Anti-inflammatory Activity of Polysaccharides from Zizyphus jujube cv. Muzao

Polysaccharides fromZizyphus jujube cv. Muzao(ZMP) were extracted by ultrasonic-assisted extraction with acidic buffer. The chemical composition and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of ZMP were evaluated. The results revealed that ZMP had a molecular weight of 89.90 kDa and consisted of arabinose, galactose, glucose, rhamnose, and mannose, with molar percentages of 4.52 %, 2.64 %, 1.04 %, 0.49 %, and 0.41 %, respectively. Based on Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, ZMP belonged to the type I rhamnogalacturonans family. In vitro antioxidants assays revealed that ZMP had remarkable antioxidant activity in a dose-dependent manner. Proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha, were suppressed by ZMP in lipopolysaccharide-treated RAW264.7 cells. Overall, the results revealed that ZMP has potential applications as a natural anti-inflammatory agent.

Advances on Bioactive Polysaccharides from Medicinal Plants

In recent decades, the polysaccharides from the medicinal plants have attracted a lot of attention due to their significant bioactivities, such as anti-tumor activity, antioxidant activity, anticoagulant activity, antidiabetic activity, radioprotection effect, anti-viral activity, hypolipidemic and immunomodulatory activities, which make them suitable for medicinal applications. Previous studies have also shown that medicinal plant polysaccharides are non-toxic and show no side effects. Based on these encouraging observations, most researches have been focusing on the isolation and identification of polysaccharides, as well as their bioactivities. A large number of bioactive polysaccharides with different structural features and biological effects from medicinal plants have been purified and characterized. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the most recent developments in physiochemical, structural features and biological activities of bioactive polysaccharides from a number of important medicinal plants, such as polysaccharides from Astragalus membranaceus, Dendrobium plants, Bupleurum, Cactus fruits, Acanthopanax senticosus, Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, Aloe barbadensis Miller, and Dimocarpus longan Lour. Moreover, the paper has also been focused on the applications of bioactive polysaccharides for medicinal applications. Recent studies have provided evidence that polysaccharides from medicinal plants can play a vital role in bioactivities. The contents and data will serve as a useful reference material for further investigation, production, and application of these polysaccharides in functional foods and therapeutic agents.

Immunomodulatory effect of a formula developed from American ginseng and Chinese jujube extracts in mice

BACKGROUND

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) and Chinese jujube (Zizyphus jujuba Mill.) are commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to enhance immune function.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to develop one Chinese prescription, Shenzao Cha (SZC), consisting of American ginseng and Chinese jujube, and systematically investigate its immunomodulation in healthy ICR mice.

METHODS

Normal ICR mice received intragastric administration of SZC (1.3, 2.6, and 5.2 g raw material/kg body weight) once daily for four weeks, while a control group received the same amount of sterile water.

RESULTS

SZC significantly increased the spleen and thymus indices and T-lymphocyte proliferation, while the T-lymphocyte proliferation in the 5.2 g/kg group was 1.4-fold higher than that in the control. Further, 1.3 g/kg SZC could markedly improve hemolytic activity by 25.2%, and 2.6 g/kg SZC increased the NK cell activity by 78.6% relative to the control. In addition, the activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase), that participated in modulating oxidative stress, were significantly increased in the liver, spleen, thymus, and serum, while the contents of malondialdehyde were dramatically decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

SZC exhibited potent immunomodulatory effects on innate and adaptive immunity in healthy ICR mice, as well as potential antioxidant activity for prevention of oxidative stress, which was suggested to partly contribute to the immune enhancement.

Extraction, characterization and bioactivities of novel purified polysaccharides from Baphicacanthis Cusiae Rhizoma et Radix

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Two purified water-soluble polysaccharides (BCP) were isolated and separated from Baphicacanthis Cusiae Rhizoma et Radix.

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Characterization technology had been researched.

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Demonstrated that BCP-1 and BCP-2 had novel anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the extraction, characterization and bioactivities of purified water-soluble polysaccharides (BCP) from Baphicacanthis Cusiae Rhizoma et Radix. Based on the response surface methodology, the optimal extraction parameters were obtained as follows: extraction temperature of 60.0 °C, extraction time of 35.0 min, and ratio of water to raw material of 24.5 ml/g. Then, BCP was separated and purified by chromatography of DEAE-52 and Sephadex G-100, and obtained two purified fractions, named as BCP-1 and BCP-2. Their molecular weights were respectively 11.6 and 26.7 KDa with mainly composed of glucose, arabinose and galactose. BCP-2 had higher contents of sulfuric radical and uronic acid than BCP-1. Finally, their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated. Both of BCP-1 and BCP-2 exhibited strong antioxidant activity in vitro, and the antioxidant of BCP-2 was better. Besides, they showed ideal anti-inflammatory activity in vitro and in vivo.

Genome-Wide Transcriptional Analysis Reveals the Protection against Hypoxia-Induced Oxidative Injury in the Intestine of Tibetans via the Inhibition of GRB2/EGFR/PTPN11 Pathways

The molecular mechanisms for hypoxic environment causing the injury of intestinal mucosal barrier (IMB) are widely unknown. To address the issue, Han Chinese from 100 m altitude and Tibetans from high altitude (more than 3650 m) were recruited. Histological and transcriptome analyses were performed. The results showed intestinal villi were reduced and appeared irregular, and glandular epithelium was destroyed in the IMB of Tibetans when compared with Han Chinese. Transcriptome analysis revealed 2573 genes with altered expression. The levels of 1137 genes increased and 1436 genes decreased in Tibetans when compared with Han Chinese. Gene ontology (GO) analysis indicated most immunological responses were reduced in the IMB of Tibetans when compared with Han Chinese. Gene microarray showed that there were 25-, 22-, and 18-fold downregulation for growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 (GRB2), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and tyrosine-protein phosphatase nonreceptor type 11 (PTPN11) in the IMB of Tibetans when compared with Han Chinese. The downregulation of EGFR, GRB2, and PTPN11 will reduce the production of reactive oxygen species and protect against oxidative stress-induced injury for intestine. Thus, the transcriptome analysis showed the protecting functions of IMB patients against hypoxia-induced oxidative injury in the intestine of Tibetans via affecting GRB2/EGFR/PTPN11 pathways.

Characteristics and Antitumor Activity of Morchella esculenta Polysaccharide Extracted by Pulsed Electric Field

Polysaccharides from Morchella esculenta have been proven to be functional and helpful for humans. The purpose of this study was to investigate the chemical structure and anti-proliferating and antitumor activities of a Morchella esculenta polysaccharide (MEP) extracted by pulsed electric field (PEF) in submerged fermentation. The endo-polysaccharide was separated and purified by column chromatography and Gel permeation chromatography, and analyzed by gas chromatography. The MEP with an average molecular weight of 81,835 Da consisted of xylose, glucose, mannose, rhamnose and galactose at the ratio of 5.4:5.0:6.5:7.8:72.3. Structure of MEP was further analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and ¹H and ¹³C liquid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Apoptosis tests proved that MEP could inhibit the proliferation and growth of human colon cancer HT-29 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner within 48 h. This study provides more information on chemical structure of anti-proliferating polysaccharides isolated from Morchella esculenta.

Repair Effect of Seaweed Polysaccharides with Different Contents of Sulfate Group and Molecular Weights on Damaged HK-2 Cells

The structure⁻activity relationships and repair mechanism of six low-molecular-weight seaweed polysaccharides (SPSs) on oxalate-induced damaged human kidney proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) were investigated. These SPSs included Laminaria japonica polysaccharide, degraded Porphyra yezoensis polysaccharide, degraded Gracilaria lemaneiformis polysaccharide, degraded Sargassum fusiforme polysaccharide, Eucheuma gelatinae polysaccharide, and degraded Undaria pinnatifida polysaccharide. These SPSs have a narrow difference of molecular weight (from 1968 to 4020 Da) after degradation by controlling H₂O₂ concentration. The sulfate group (⁻SO₃H) content of the six SPSs was 21.7%, 17.9%, 13.3%, 8.2%, 7.0%, and 5.5%, respectively, and the ⁻COOH contents varied between 1.0% to 1.7%. After degradation, no significant difference was observed in the contents of characteristic ⁻SO₃H and ⁻COOH groups of polysaccharides. The repair effect of polysaccharides was determined using cell-viability test by CCK-8 assay and cell-morphology test by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The results revealed that these SPSs within 0.1⁻100 μg/mL did not express cytotoxicity in HK-2 cells, and each polysaccharide had a repair effect on oxalate-induced damaged HK-2 cells. Simultaneously, the content of polysaccharide ⁻SO₃H was positively correlated with repair ability. Furthermore, the low-molecular-weight degraded polysaccharides showed better repair activity on damaged HK-2 cells than their undegraded counterpart. Our results can provide reference for inhibiting the formation of kidney stones and for developing original anti-stone polysaccharide drugs.

Immunomodulatory Activity of Polysaccharide-Protein Complex from the Mushroom Sclerotia of Polyporus rhinocerus in Murine Macrophages

A novel water-soluble polysaccharide-protein complex (PRW1) isolated from the sclerotia of an edible mushroom Polyporus rhinocerus which was purified by membrane ultrafiltration could significantly activate murine macrophages RAW264.7 in vitro. PRW1 had a molecular weight of less than 50 kDa and was found to be a highly branched heteropolysaccharide-protein complex composed of 45.7 ± 0.97% polysaccharide and 44.2 ± 0.41% protein. Based on the results of total acid hydrolysis, methylation analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, the carbohydrate moiety of PRW1 was found to be a β-d-mannoglucan with its backbone containing →1)-d-Glcp-(4→, →1)-d-Glcp-(6→, and →1)-d-Manp-(2→ residues (molar ratio of 5:4:6) and having terminal d-Glcp as side chain (degree of branching of 0.62). In vitro studies showed that PRW1 significantly induced NO production and enhanced the release of a variety of cytokines including G-CSF, GM-CSF, IL-6, IL12p40/70, MCP-1, MCP-5, MIP-1-α, MIP-2, RANTES, sTNFRI, and TNF-α. Mechanistically, PRW1 treatment triggered ERK phosphorylation to activate macrophages within 15 min and significantly increased the expression level of inducible NOS after 6 h. In summary, this study indicates that PRW1 derived from the sclerotia of P. rhinocerus is a potential immunomodulatory agent for cancer immunotherapy.

Chemical characterization of the main bioactive constituents from fruits of Ziziphus jujuba

The fruit of Ziziphus jujuba Mill., also called hongzao in Chinese, has a long history of cultivation in China.

The jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) fruit: a review of current knowledge of fruit composition and health benefits

The nutritional jujube ( Ziziphus jujube Mill.) fruit belonging to the Rhamnaceous family grows mostly in Europe, southern and eastern Asia, and Australia, especially the inland region of northern China. Jujube has a long history of usage as a fruit and remedy. The main biologically active components are vitamin C, phenolics, flavonoids, triterpenic acids, and polysaccharides. Recent phytochemical studies of jujube fruits have shed some light on their biological effects, such as the anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiobesity, immunostimulating, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and gastrointestinal protective activities and inhibition of foam cell formation in macrophages. A stronger focus on clinical studies and phytochemical definition of jujube fruits will be essential for future research efforts. This review may be useful for predicting other medicinal uses and potential drug or food interactions and may be beneficial for people living where the jujube fruits are prevalent and health care resources are scarce.

Purification and antitumor activity of two acidic polysaccharides from the roots of Polygala tenuifolia

Two acidic polysaccharide fractions (PTPa and PTPb) extracted from the roots of Polygala tenuifolia, were obtained by DEAE-Sephacel anion-exchange, and Sephadex G-100 gel-permeation chromatography. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) identified that PTPa and PTPb was composed of Ara, Glc, Gal, Man and GlcUA in the proportion of 2.4:1.2:0.6:0.4:1.1 and 2.1:1.7:0.5:0.6:1.7, respectively. Their molecular weight was evaluated to be 5.9×10(4) (PTPa) and 2.5×10(4) Da (PTPb) as determined by high performance size exclusion chromatography (HPSEC). Pharmacological studies revealed PTPa and PTPb significantly inhibited the growth of A549 cells in vitro and exhibited significantly higher antitumor activity against solid tumor A549 in vivo than did a blank control. Moreover, treatment with two acidic polysaccharides caused an enhancement of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in tumor-bearing mice and a reduction in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) level. Taken together, these results indicated that two acidic polysaccharides from the roots of P. tenuifolia may be useful as potent antitumor agents for the prevention of lung tumorigenesis.