Polysaccharide from Echinacea purpurea reduce the oxidant stress in vitro and in vivo

A Phyto-mycotherapeutic Supplement, Namely Ganostile, as Effective Adjuvant in Brain Cancer Management: An In Vitro Study Using U251 Human Glioblastoma Cell Line

The current standard oncotherapy for glioblastoma is limited by several adverse side effects, leading to a short-term patient survival rate paralleled by a worsening quality of life (QoL). Recently, Complementary and Integrative Medicine's (CIM) innovative approaches have shown positive impacts in terms of better response to treatment, side effect reduction, and QoL improvement. In particular, promising potential in cancer therapy has been found in compounds coming from phyto- and mycotherapy. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the beneficial effects of a new phyto-mycotherapy supplement, named Ganostile, in the human glioblastoma cell line U251, in combination with chemotherapeutic agents, i.e., Cisplatin and a new platinum-based prodrug. Choosing a supplement dosage that mimicked oral supplementation in humans (about 1 g/day), through in vitro assays, microscopy, and cytometric analysis, it has emerged that the cells, after 48hr continuous exposure to Ganostile in combination with the chemical compounds, showed a higher mortality and a lower proliferation rate than the samples subjected to the different treatments administered individually. In conclusion, our data support the use of Ganostile in integrative oncology protocols as a promising adjuvant able to amplify conventional and new drug effects and also reducing resistance mechanisms often observed in brain tumors.

Echinacea purpurea Polysaccharide Ameliorates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis by Restoring the Intestinal Microbiota and Inhibiting the TLR4-NF-κB Axis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic intestinal ailment which cannot be completely cured. The occurrence of UC has been on the rise in recent years, which is highly detrimental to patients. The effectiveness of conventional drug treatment is limited. The long-term usage of these agents can lead to substantial adverse effects. Therefore, the development of a safe and efficient dietary supplement is important for the prevention of UC. Echinacea purpurea polysaccharide (EPP) is one of the main bioactive substances in Echinacea purpurea. EPP has many favorable effects, such as antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor effects. However, whether EPP can prevent or alleviate UC is still unclear. This study aims to analyze the effect and mechanism of EPP on UC in mice using a 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC model. The results showed that dietary supplementation with 200 mg/kg EPP significantly alleviated the shortening of colon length, weight loss, and histopathological damage in DSS-induced colitis mice. Mechanistically, EPP significantly inhibits the activation of the TLR4/NF-κB pathway and preserves the intestinal mechanical barrier integrity by enhancing the expression of claudin-1, ZO-1, and occludin and reducing the loss of goblet cells. Additionally, 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that EPP intervention reduced the abundance of Bacteroides, Escherichia-Shigella, and Klebsiella; the abundance of Lactobacillus increased. The results of nontargeted metabonomics showed that EPP reshaped metabolism. In this study, we clarified the effect of EPP on UC, revealed the potential function of EPP, and supported the use of polysaccharide dietary supplements for UC prevention.

Physicochemical, Structural, and Functional Properties of Fructans from Single-Clove Garlic and Multiclove Garlic: A Comparison

This study aimed to compare the structural features and functional properties of polysaccharides from single-clove garlic (SGPs) and multiclove garlic (MGPs) and to establish their structure-function relationships. Both SGPs and MGPs were identified as fructans consisting mainly of →1)-β-d-Fruf (2→ and →6)-β-d-Fruf (2→ residues but differed in average molecular weights (6.76 and 5.40 kDa, respectively). They shared similar thermodynamic properties, X-ray diffraction patterns, and high gastrointestinal digestive stability. These two purified fructans could dose-dependently scavenge free radicals, reduce oxidized metals, and effectively alleviate metronidazole-induced oxidative stress and CuSO4-induced inflammation in zebrafish via inhibiting the overexpression of inflammation-related proteins and cytokines. SGPs showed lower free radical scavenging activity in vitro than MGPs but higher antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in vivo. Taken together, the molecular weight was the main structural difference between the two garlic fructans of different varieties, which is a potential reason for their differences in biological activities.

Lichen pectin-containing polysaccharide from Xanthoria elegans and its ability to effectively protect LX-2 cells from H2O2-induced oxidative damage

Xanthoria elegans, a drought-tolerant lichen, is the original plant of the traditional Chinese medicine "Shihua" and effectively treats a variety of liver diseases. However, thus far, the hepatoprotective effects of polysaccharides, the most important chemical constituents of X. elegans, have not been determined. The aim of this study was to screen the polysaccharide fraction for hepatoprotective activity by using free radical scavenging assays and a H2O2-induced Lieming Xu-2 cell (LX-2) oxidative damage model and to elucidate the chemical composition of the bioactive polysaccharide fraction. In the present study, three polysaccharide fractions (XEP-50, XEP-70 and XEP-90) were obtained from X. elegans by hot-water extraction, DEAE-cellulose anion exchange chromatography separation and ethanol gradient precipitation. Among the three polysaccharide fractions, XEP-70 exhibited the best antioxidant activity in free radical scavenging capacity and reducing power assays. Structural studies showed that XEP-70 was a pectin-containing heteropolysaccharide fraction that was composed mainly of (1 → 4)-linked and (1 → 4,6)-linked α-D-Glcp, (1 → 4)-linked α-D-GalpA, (1 → 2)-linked, (1 → 6)-linked and (1 → 2,6)-linked α-D-Manp, and (1 → 6)-linked and (1 → 2,6)-linked β-D-Galf. Furthermore, XEP-70 exhibited effectively protect LX-2 cells against H2O2-induced oxidative damage by enhancing cellular antioxidant capacity by activating the Nrf2/Keap1/ARE signaling pathway. Thus, XEP-70 has good potential to protect hepatic stellate cells against oxidative damage.

Portulaca oleracea L. polysaccharide alleviates dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis by regulating intestinal homeostasis

Portulaca oleracea L. (purslane) is a vegetable that contains a variety of active compounds with nutritional properties and has the potential to treat ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the mechanisms underlying the effects of Portulaca oleracea L. polysaccharide (POP) in alleviating UC remain unclear. In this study, we prepared an aqueous extract of purslane and separated a fraction with molecular weight >10 kDa using membrane separation. This fraction was used to isolate POP. The effect of POP on gut microbiota and colon transcriptome in dextran sulfate sodium-induced UC model mice was evaluated. POP treatment reduced inflammation and oxidative stress imbalance in UC mice. In addition, POP improved the intestinal barrier and regulated intestinal homeostasis. Importantly, POP was found to regulate gut microbiota, maintain the levels of retinol and short-chain fatty acids in the gut, promote the proliferation and differentiation of B cells in the colon, and increase the expression of immunoglobulin A. These results provide novel insights into the role of POP in regulating intestinal homeostasis, which should guide further development of POP as a functional food.

Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench Polysaccharide Alleviates DSS-Induced Colitis in Rats by Restoring Th17/Treg Balance and Regulating Intestinal Flora

Echinacea purpurea is popularly used as a food supplement or nutritional supplement for its immune regulatory function against various threats. As one of its promising components, Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench polysaccharide (EPP) has a wide range of biological activities. To evaluate the effect of EPP as a dietary supplement on ulcerative colitis (UC), this study used sodium dextran sulfate (DSS) to induce a UC model, extracted EPP using the ethanol subsiding method, and then supplemented with EPP by gavage for 7 days. Then, we evaluated the efficacy of EPP on DSS rats in terms of immunity, anti-inflammation, and intestinal flora. The result showed that EPP could alleviate colonic shortening and intestinal injury in rats with DSS-induced colitis, decrease the disease activity index (DAI) score, downregulate serum levels of inflammatory cytokines, and contribute to the restoration of the balance between the T helper cells 17 (Th17) and the regulatory T cells (Treg) in the spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs). Meanwhile, EPP could downregulate the expression of Toll-like receptors 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) in colon tissue. In addition, the results of 16SrRNA sequencing showed that EPP also had a regulatory effect on intestinal flora of UC rats. These results indicate that EPP might achieve a beneficial effect on UC rats as a dietary supplement through restoring Th17/Treg balance, inhibiting the TLR4 signaling pathway and regulating intestinal flora, suggesting its possible application as a potential functional food ingredient alleviating UC.

Insight into the plant-associated bacterial interactions: Role for plant arsenic extraction and carbon fixation

This study investigated the interactions between rhizosphere and endosphere bacteria during phytoextraction and how the interactions affect arsenic (As) extraction and carbon (C) fixation of plants. Pot experiments, high-throughput sequencing, metabonomics, and network analysis were integrated. Results showed that positive correlations dominated the interconnections within modules (>95 %), among modules (100 %), and among keystone taxa (>72 %) in the bacterial networks of plant rhizosphere, root endosphere, and shoot endosphere. This confirmed that cooperative interactions occurred between bacteria in the rhizosphere and endosphere during phytoextraction. Modules and keystone taxa positively correlating with plant As extraction and C fixation were identified, indicating that modules and keystone taxa promoted plant As extraction and C fixation simultaneously. This is mainly because modules and keystone taxa in plant rhizosphere, root endosphere, and shoot endosphere carried arsenate reduction and C fixation genes. Meanwhile, they up-regulated the significant metabolites related to plant As tolerance. Additionally, shoot C fixation increased peroxidase activity and biomass thereby facilitating plant As extraction was confirmed. This study revealed the mechanisms of plant-associated bacterial interactions contributing to plant As extraction and C fixation. More importantly, this study provided a new angle of view that phytoextraction can be applied to achieve multiple environmental goals, such as simultaneous soil remediation and C neutrality.

Echinacea purpurea Fractions Represent Promising Plant-Based Anti-Inflammatory Formulations

Echinacea purpurea is traditionally used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Therefore, we investigated the anti-inflammatory capacity of E. purpurea dichloromethanolic (DE) and ethanolic extracts obtained from flowers and roots (R). To identify the class of compounds responsible for the strongest bioactivity, the extracts were fractionated into phenol/carboxylic acid (F1) and alkylamide fraction (F2). The chemical fingerprint of bioactive compounds in the fractions was evaluated by LC-HRMS. E. purpurea extracts and fractions significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin 6 and/or tumor necrosis factor) and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) production by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated primary human monocyte-derived macrophages. Dichloromethanolic extract obtained from roots (DE-R) demonstrated the strongest anti-inflammatory activity. Moreover, fractions exhibited greater anti-inflammatory activity than whole extract. Indeed, alkylamides must be the main compounds responsible for the anti-inflammatory activity of extracts; thus, the fractions presenting high content of these compounds presented greater bioactivity. It was demonstrated that alkylamides exert their anti-inflammatory activity through the downregulation of the phosphorylation of p38, ERK 1/2, STAT 3, and/or NF-κB signaling pathways, and/or downregulation of cyclooxygenase 2 expression. E. purpurea extracts and fractions, mainly DE-R-F2, are promising and powerful plant-based anti-inflammatory formulations that can be further used as a basis for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Advances in health-promoting effects of natural polysaccharides: Regulation on Nrf2 antioxidant pathway

Natural polysaccharides (NPs) possess numerous health-promoting effects, such as liver protection, kidney protection, lung protection, neuroprotection, cardioprotection, gastrointestinal protection, anti-oxidation, anti-diabetic, and anti-aging. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) antioxidant pathway is an important endogenous antioxidant pathway, which plays crucial roles in maintaining human health as its protection against oxidative stress. Accumulating evidence suggested that Nrf2 antioxidant pathway might be one of key regulatory targets for the health-promoting effects of NPs. However, the information concerning regulation of NPs on Nrf2 antioxidant pathway is scattered, and NPs show different regulatory behaviors in their different health-promoting processes. Therefore, in this article, structural features of NPs having regulation on Nrf2 antioxidant pathway are overviewed. Moreover, regulatory effects of NPs on this pathway for health-promoting effects are summarized. Furthermore, structure-activity relationship of NPs for health-promoting effects by regulating the pathway is preliminarily discussed. Otherwise, the prospects on future work for regulation of NPs on this pathway are proposed. This review is beneficial to well-understanding of underlying mechanisms for health-promoting effects of NPs from the view angle of Nrf2 antioxidant pathway, and provides a theoretical basis for the development and utilization of NPs in promoting human health.

On the Bioactivity of Echinacea purpurea Extracts to Modulate the Production of Inflammatory Mediators

Inflammatory diseases are the focus of several clinical studies, due to limitations and serious side effects of available therapies. Plant-based drugs (e.g., salicylic acid, morphine) have become landmarks in the pharmaceutical field. Therefore, we investigated the immunomodulatory effects of flowers, leaves, and roots from Echinacea purpurea. Ethanolic (EE) and dichloromethanolic extracts (DE) were obtained using the Accelerated Solvent Extractor and aqueous extracts (AE) were prepared under stirring. Their chemical fingerprint was evaluated by liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). The pro- and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as the reduction in intracellular reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS), of the different extracts were evaluated using non-stimulated and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages. Interestingly, AE were able to stimulate macrophages to produce pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor -TNF-α, interleukin -IL-1β, and IL-6), and to generate ROS/RNS. Conversely, under an inflammatory scenario, all extracts reduced the amount of pro-inflammatory mediators. DE, alkylamides-enriched extracts, showed the strongest anti-inflammatory activity. Moreover, E. purpurea extracts demonstrated generally a more robust anti-inflammatory activity than clinically used anti-inflammatory drugs (dexamethasone, diclofenac, salicylic acid, and celecoxib). Therefore, E. purpurea extracts may be used to develop new effective therapeutic formulations for disorders in which the immune system is either overactive or impaired.

Feruloyl oligosaccharides, isolated from bacterial fermented wheat bran, exhibit antioxidant effects in IPEC-J2 cells and zebrafish model

Feruloyl oligosaccharides (FOs) were produced by solid-state fermentation of wheat bran using Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and its antioxidant activity was investigated using IPEC-J2 cells and zebrafish embryo model. Preliminary structure analysis revealed that FOs has an average molecular weight of 11.81 kDa and consists of mannose, ribose, rhamnose, glucuronic acid, galacturonic acid, glucose, galactose, xylose, arabinose, and fucose. The obtained FOs possess superior reducing power and DPPH and hydroxyl free radical scavenging activities. In IPEC-J2 cells, antioxidant enzymes activities and GSH level were significantly increased, while MDA level was reduced by FOs. Further studies showed that FOs achieved the aforementioned effects by activating Nrf2 signaling pathway. In zebrafish embryo, FOs effectively suppressed ROS production, lipid peroxidation, and cell death by increasing SOD and GSH-Px activities. Our findings suggested that FOs from solid-state fermented wheat bran with mixed bacteria can be used as an antioxidant food additive or drugs.

Polysaccharide from Echinacea purpurea plant ameliorates oxidative stress-induced liver injury by promoting Parkin-dependent autophagy

BACKGROUND

Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose represents one of the most common drug-induced liver injuries (DILI) worldwide. Oxidative damage to the hepatocytes and their resultant autophagy are the key components in the APAP-induced DILI. Echinacea purpurea polysaccharide (EPPS), the component extracted from the root of Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench, shows various biological functions including immunoregulation and antioxidant activity.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to elucidate the protective effect of EPPS against APAP-induced DILI and the underlying mechanisms.

RESULTS

EPPS attenuates APAP overdose induced DILI in mice and ameliorates inflammation and oxidative stress in mice with APAP overdose-induced DILI. Furthermore, EPPS protected the hepatocytes against APAP-induced liver injury by suppressing apoptosis. EPPS ameliorates APAP-induced DILI via an autophagy-dependent mechanism in vivo and increases autophagy with a reduction in oxidative stress and inflammation in vitro. Parkin knockdown prevents the autophagic-dependent manner of EPPS effects in APAP-treated hepatocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

EPPS exhibited a strong hepatoprotective effect against APAP-induced DILI and was correlated with reduction of autophagy-dependent oxidant response, inflammation, and apoptosis. Moreover, the findings indicated that EPPS exerts its hepatoprotective effect against APAP mainly via Parkin-dependent autophagy, and the use of EPPS can serve as a promising novel therapeutic strategy for APAP-induced DILI.

Structural features and antioxidant activities of polysaccharides from different parts of Codonopsis pilosula var. modesta (Nannf.) L. T. Shen

In this study, three acidic polysaccharides from different plant parts of Codonopsis pilosula var. Modesta (Nannf.) L. T. Shen were obtained by ion exchange chromatography and gel filtration chromatography, and the yields of these three polysaccharides were different. According to the preliminary experimental results, the antioxidant activities of the polysaccharides from rhizomes and fibrous roots (CLFP-1) were poor, and was thus not studied further. Due to this the structural features of polysaccharides from roots (CLRP-1) and aerial parts (CLSP-1) were the object for this study and were structurally characterized, and their antioxidant activities were evaluated. As revealed by the results, the molecular weight of CLRP-1and CLSP-1 were 15.9 kDa and 26.4 kDa, respectively. The monosaccharide composition of CLRP-1 was Ara, Rha, Fuc, Xyl, Man, Gal, GlcA, GalA in a ratio of 3.8: 8.4: 1.0: 0.8: 2.4: 7.4: 7.5: 2.0: 66.7, and Ara, Rha, Gal, GalA in a ratio of 5.8: 8.9: 8.0: 77.0 in for CLSP-1. The results of structural elucidation indicated that both CLRP-1 and CLSP-1 were pectic polysaccharides, mainly composed of 1, 4-linked galacturonic acid with long homogalacturonan regions. Arabinogalactan type I and arabinogalactan type II were presented as side chains. The antioxidant assay in IPEC-J2 cells showed that both CLRP-1 and CLSP-1 promoted cell viability and antioxidant activity, which significantly increase the level of total antioxidant capacity and the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and decrease the content of malondialdehyde. Moreover, CLRP-1 and CLSP-1 also showed powerful antioxidant abilities in Caenorhabditis elegans and might regulate the nuclear localization of DAF-16 transcription factor, induced antioxidant enzymes activities, and further reduced reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde contents to increase the antioxidant ability of Caenorhabditis elegans. Thus, these finding suggest that CLRP-1 and CLSP-1 could be used as potential antioxidants.

Effectivity of polyphenolic polysaccharide-proteins isolated from medicinal plants as potential cellular immune response modulators

Traditional medicinal herbs as Echinacea purpurea and Erigeron canadensis are recommended as a complementary supplementation for the treatment of diseases associated with immunological inflammation (e.g. common cold, coughs, bronchitis, upper respiratory infections, immunodeficiencies). This pathologic conditions are accompanied by the wide range of malfunctions or imbalances of the immune system, thus there is increased necessity for search of novel immunomodulation trends and immunopharmacologically active phytosubstances for effective pharmaco-immunomodulatory therapy. Anti-inflammatory immunobiological activity of polyphenolic polysaccharide-proteins of Echinacea purpurea and Erigeron canadensis are still not studied. Our results demonstrated the immunobiological effectivity of selected herbal polyphenolic polysaccharide-proteins isolated from flowers of medicinal plants Echinacea purpurea and Erigeron canadensis resulting into the significant immunostimulation of inflammatory TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1ß and IL-12 cytokines (p < 0.001). Both herbal polyphenolic polysaccharide-proteins triggered cell release of anti-inflammatory interleukin IL-10 (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the inductive cell release of growth factors M-CSF and GM-CSF has been demonstrated (p < 0.001). E. purpurea and E. canadensis polyphenolic polysaccharide-proteins accelerated the efficacy of cellular phagocytosis and free radical release, more pronounced with Erigeron treatment.

In-depth investigation of the mechanisms of Echinacea purpurea polysaccharide mitigating alcoholic liver injury in mice via gut microbiota informatics and liver metabolomics

Accumulating evidence suggests that the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is strongly correlated with abnormalities of the gut-liver axis. Echinacea purpurea polysaccharide (EPP) is a homogeneous polysaccharide, which has been shown to mitigate ALD. However, the effects of EPP on gut microbiome and consequently on hepatic metabolism have yet to be explored. In this study, the microbiome and metabolomics were combined to explore the effects of EPP on gut microbiota and hepatic metabolism, and the relationship between both was further revealed by Spearman correlation analysis. Results exhibited EPP reversed alcohol-induced disturbances in gut microbiota, evidenced by increased abundance of Muribaculaceae, Lactobacillus, and Bacteroides and decreased abundance of Escherichia_Shigella and Enterococcus. Besides, EPP promoted the production of n-butyric acid, a short-chain fatty acid that maintains the integrity of the intestinal barrier. Moreover, EPP improved alterations in hepatic metabolites, and characteristic metabolites such as Berberine and Ponasterone as well as key metabolic pathways, particularly Nitrogen metabolism, were identified. Furthermore, correlation analysis suggested significant associations between gut microbes and hepatic metabolites, which in turn confirmed EPP alleviated ALD via the gut-liver axis. Therefore, these findings elucidated in-depth mechanisms of EPP against ALD and provided a new target for intervention in alcohol-related diseases.

Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench: Biological and Pharmacological Properties. A Review

Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench (EP)is a perennial herbaceous flowering plant, commonly known as purple coneflower and it belongs to the Asteraceae family. The Echinacea genus is originally from North America, in the United States, and its species are widely distributed throughout. There are nine different species of Echinacea, but only three of them are used as medicinal plants with wide therapeutic uses: Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench, Echinacea pallida (Nutt.) Nutt. and Echinacea angustifolia DC. Several significant groups of bioactive compounds with pharmacological activities have been isolated from Echinacea species. Numerous beneficial effects have been demonstrated about these compounds. The immunomodulatory effect was initially demonstrated, but over time other effects have also been highlighted. The present review gives a comprehensive summary of the chemical constituents, bioactive compounds, biological effects and therapeutical uses of purple coneflower. Research shows that such a well-known and recognized species needs to be further studied to obtain efficient products with a guarantee of the safety.

Chemical properties and anti-fatigue effect of polysaccharide from Pholiota nameko

The aim of this study was to explore the primary chemical properties and anti-fatigue effect in vivo of Pholiota nameko polysaccharide (PNP). Through UV-visible spectrum, the absorption peaks of proteins, nucleic acids and pigments were not found. The organic functional groups of polysaccharides (3,289.97, 1,584.72, and 1,045.23 cm^-1 so on) were measured by IR spectroscopy. The PNP was a semi-crystalline or non-crystalline substance, possessed a three-dimensional lump structure with a smooth, dense surface and amorphous structure according to the scanning electron microscopy and XRD images. Moreover, the PNP was chain or bright-spot structures formed by the entanglement of multiple polysaccharide fibers on the basis of atomic force microscopy. The results of anti-fatigue suggested the PNP could significantly extend the forced swim time from 121.58 ± 18.48 and 101.91 ± 14.27 min to 154.95 ± 24.26 and 134.13 ± 25.71 min in male and female mice respectively. The LDH activity was up to 31.68 ± 4.60 U/ml in male mice and 29.49 ± 5.12 U/ml in female mice. Meanwhile, the Ca²⁺ -Mg²⁺ -ATPase activity was reached to 2.49 ± 0.41 μmol/(mg·h) in male mice and 2.44 ± 0.29 μmol/(mg·h) in female mice. The SOD activity was increased to 5.92 ± 1.19 U/ml in male mice and 5.89 ± 0.98 U/ml in female mice, while the MDA content was decreased to 2.24 ± 0.34 nmol/mg in male mice and 2.02 ± 0.41 nmol/mg in female mice. These results showed a theoretical basis for application of the PNP in food and pharmacy as a natural physical strengthening substance. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Fatigue affects physical and mental health in vivo, which resulted in negative effects on everyday tasks, leisure activities, cognitive and behavioral performances and is very common in modern life. Therefore, this study was designed to explore the primary chemical properties and research the anti-fatigue effects of Pholiota nameko polysaccharide (PNP) in mice. And then, it would be a reference for the development and utilization of PNP as a kind of healthy food on sub-health.

Multi-protective role of Echinacea purpurea L. water extract in Allium cepa L. against mercury(II) chloride

Mercury (Hg) is a persistent and dangerous heavy metal with genotoxic properties. Echinacea purpurea L. is a well-known therapeutic plant with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor properties. In this study, multi-protective role of Echinacea purpurea L. extract against toxicity caused by mercury(II) chloride (HgCI2) on Allium cepa L. investigated in a multifaceted way. As a consequence of 100 mgL-1 HgCI2 administration, root elongation, weight increase, germination rate, and mitotic index were reduced, whereas micronucleus frequency, chromosomal abnormalities frequency, meristematic cell injuries severity, malondialdehyde level, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activity were increased. On the other hand, co-administration of increasing doses of E. purpurea extract (265 mgL-1 and 530 mgL-1) and HgCI2 gradually alleviated all observed toxic effects of HgCI2. Protective role of E. purpurea extract against HgCI2-toxicity on A. cepa were clearly demonstrated in this study. The results of this study will lead to future researches investigating use of E. purpurea extract against genotoxic contaminants.

Echinacea purpurea polysaccharide prepared by fractional precipitation prevents alcoholic liver injury in mice by protecting the intestinal barrier and regulating liver-related pathways

Oxidative damage and intestinal dysbiosis are regarded as crucial culprits in alcoholic liver disease (ALD). This study aimed to examine the protective effects of Echinacea purpurea polysaccharides (EPPs) against ALD and explore the underlying mechanisms based on hepatic oxidative stress, inflammation, and intestinal barrier function. Three polysaccharide fractions, namely, EPP40, EPP60, and EPP80, were obtained by stepwise ethanol precipitation, and their antioxidant activity in vitro was investigated. The results showed that EPP80 with Mw 11.82 kDa had the strongest radical-scavenging capacity against DPPH, ABTS, and •OH radicals. Besides, EPP80 comprised arabinose, galactose, glucose, mannose, galacturonic acid, and glucuronic acid in molar ratios of 13.42:25.12:10.92:8.59:2.07:0.82. The in vivo results showed that EPP80 increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes and reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines both in mouse serum and liver. Moreover, EPP80 upregulated the expression of Occludin and ZO-1, revealing its protective effect against intestinal barrier dysfunction. Furthermore, EPP80 inhibited alcohol-induced oxidative damage by promoting the expression of Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO1 in the liver. In summary, EPP80 markedly scavenged free radicals in vitro and ameliorated alcohol-induced liver injury via Nrf2/HO-1 pathways in vivo. These findings suggested that EPP80 could provide effective supplementary support in preventing and treating ALD.

Echinacea in hepatopathy: A review of its phytochemistry, pharmacology, and safety

BACKGROUND

Echinacea, one of the most popular herbs with double function of immunity and anti-inflammatory activity, has now attracted much interest for a possible alternative for the treatment of hepatopathy. This review is aimed at providing a comprehensive overview of Echinacea regarding its chemical composition, pharmacological action against various hepatopathy, and safety.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of published articles was conducted to focus on original publications related to Echinacea and hepatopathy till the end of 2020 using various literature databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, PubMed, and Web of Science database.

RESULTS

Echinacea exhibited excellent activities in resisting a variety of hepatopathy induced by different causes in preclinical experiments and clinical trials by regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis, antioxidant defense mechanism, voltage-gated sodium channels, lipid metabolism, circadian rhythm, p38 MAPK signaling pathway, JNK signaling pathway, Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and Akt/GSK3 beta signaling pathways. The high efficacy of Echinacea is related to its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities. The main ingredients of Echinacea include caffeic acid derivatives, alkylamides, and polysaccharides, which have been well established in preclinical studies of liver diseases. Studies on acute and subacute toxicity show that Echinacea preparations are well-tolerated herbal medicines.

CONCLUSION

Echinacea may offer a novel potential strategy for clinical prevention and treatment of liver diseases and related diseases. Extensive studies are necessary to identify the underlying mechanisms and establish future therapeutic potentials of this herb. Well-designed clinical trials are still warranted to confirm the safety and effectiveness of Echinacea for hepatopathy.

Post-screening characterization of an acidic polysaccharide from Echinacea purpurea with potent anti-inflammatory properties in vivo

We extracted and purified three polysaccharides from Echinacea purpurea using pectinase-assisted extraction to obtain crude preparations and optimized the method using an orthogonal analysis. We obtained three polysaccharide fractions (EPPS-1, -2 and -3) using DEAE ion exchange and gel filtration chromatography. The homogeneity of the fractions was confirmed using high performance gel permeation chromatography. EPPS-3 administered to mice in a LPS-induced septicemia model effectively counteracted the effects of LPS resulting in significantly less lung damage. This trend was also seen in the serum and lung cytokine levels where EPPS-3 significantly decreased the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 and increased IL-10. Particularly, we fully characterized the structure of the EPPS-3 polysaccharide using a series of technologies. This polysaccharide structure was mainly composed of →4)-α-Glcp-(1→, →4)-α-Galp-(1→, T-α-Araf-(1→, →3,4)-β-GalpA-(1→ glycosidic linkages at a certain proportion. In sum, EPPS-3, with a clear structure, has potent anti-inflammatory activities and is a candidate for further development as an anti-inflammatory agent for clinical development.

Can Echinacea be a potential candidate to target immunity, inflammation, and infection - The trinity of coronavirus disease 2019

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is an ongoing public health emergency. The pathogenesis and complications advanced with infection mainly involve immune-inflammatory cascade. Therefore, the therapeutic strategy relies on immune modulation, reducing infectivity and inflammation. Given the interplay of infection and immune-inflammatory axis, the natural products received attention for preventive and therapeutic usage in COVID-19 due to their potent antiviral and anti-immunomodulatory activities. Recently, Echinacea preparations, particularly E. purpurea, have been suggested to be an important antiviral agent to be useful in COVID-19 by modulating virus entry, internalization and replication. In principle, the immune response and the resultant inflammatory process are important for the elimination of the infection, but may have a significant impact on SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and may play a role in the clinical spectrum of COVID-19. Considering the pharmacological effects, therapeutic potential, and molecular mechanisms of Echinacea, we hypothesize that it could be a reasonably possible candidate for targeting infection, immunity, and inflammation in COVID-19 with recent recognition of cannabinoid-2 (CB2) receptors and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) mediated mechanisms of bioactive components that make them notable immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and antiviral agent. The plausible reason for our hypothesis is that the presence of numerous bioactive agents in different parts of plants that may synergistically exert polypharmacological actions in regulating immune-inflammatory axis in COVID-19. Our proposition is to scientifically contemplate the therapeutic perspective and prospect of Echinacea on infection, immunity, and inflammation with a potential in COVID-19 to limit the severity and progression of the disease. Based on the clinical usage for respiratory infections, and relative safety in humans, further studies for the evidence-based approach to COVID-19 are needed. We do hope that Echinacea could be a candidate agent for immunomodulation in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.

Echinacea polysaccharide alleviates LPS-induced lung injury via inhibiting inflammation, apoptosis and activation of the TLR4/NF-κB signal pathway

Lung injury is a common critical life-threatening syndrome. Inflammation is a key factor in the pathogenesis of lung injury. It is reported that Echinacea Polysaccharides (EP) has anti-inflammatory activity. However, the effect of EP on lung injury remains unclear. In our study, murine model of lung injury was induced with 2.5 mg/kg LPS before administration of 5 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg EP. EP ameliorated LPS-induced lung pathological damage, along with reduction in lung wet/dry weight ratio and myeloperoxidase activity. EP decreased the number of leukocytes, eosinophils, neutrophils, lymphocytes and macrophages in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and the release of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in LPS-treated lung. EP suppressed LPS-induced apoptosis along with down-regulation of Bcl2-associated X (Bax) and cleaved caspase-3 (CC3), and elevated B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2). Besides, RAW 264.7 cells were treated with EP 100 μg/ml for 1 h and then incubated with 1 μg/ml LPS for 24 h. TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β levels were lowered by treatment of EP in LPS-treated RAW 264.7 cells. Moreover, EP down-regulated the expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiating factor 88 (MyD88), p-IκBα, nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), p-NF-κB, and up-regulated the inhibitor of NF-κB (IκBα) in vivo and in vitro following LPS induction, which is consistent with the effect of TAK-242. In conclusion, EP may alleviate LPS-induced lung injury via inhibiting inflammation, apoptosis and activation of TLR4/NF-κB signal pathway.