Polysaccharides from Chinese materia medica: Perspective towards cancer management

Water-soluble polysaccharides from Torreya grandis nuts: Structural characterization and anti-inflammatory activity

Torreya grandis (T. grandis) nuts are widely consumed as a functional food in China. In this study, we investigated the structural characteristics of T. grandis nuts polysaccharides and evaluated their potential biological functions with anti-inflammatory activities. Polysaccharides (TGP) were extracted from T. grandis nuts using water extraction and alcohol precipitation methods. Through a series of purification steps, three heteropolysaccharides (TGP-0a, TGP-2a, and TGP-3a) with distinct molecular weights, monosaccharide compositions, and surface morphologies were isolated. Their anti-inflammatory activities were screened, and TGP-0a was shown to be the most effective component. By combining NMR and methylation studies, TGP-0a was predominantly composed of linear α-1,4-glucan region and linear β-1,4-(gluco)mannan region. In cellular anti-inflammatory assays, TGP-0a significantly diminished the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, by lowering the levels of iNOS and COX-2, TGP-0a decreased the release of inflammatory mediators (NO and ROS), thereby reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory response. In conclusion, T. grandis nut polysaccharides, particularly TGP-0a, show strong potential as natural anti-inflammatory agents for functional foods and pharmaceutical applications.

Metabolomic Analysis of Specific Metabolites in Codonopsis pilosula Soil Under Different Stubble Conditions

To investigate the soil-specific metabolites of Codonopsis pilosula under different stubble management practices, this study analyzed differentially abundant metabolites in the rhizosphere soils of rotational (DS) and continuous (LS) cropping systems via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based metabolomic approaches. The results revealed that 66 metabolites, including amino acids and their derivatives, nucleic acids, alcohols, organic acids, amines, fatty acids, purines, and sugars, were significantly different (p < 0.05) between the DS and LS groups. Under continuous cropping, the levels of amines, fatty acids, organic acids, and sugars in the rhizosphere soil were significantly greater (p < 0.05) than those under rotational cropping, whereas the levels of amino acids and their derivatives, nucleic acids, and purines and pyrimidines were significantly lower (p < 0.05). KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that these differentially abundant metabolites were enriched in metabolic pathways such as amino acid metabolism (e.g., alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism), carbon metabolism, the cAMP signaling pathway, ABC transporter proteins, phenylalanine metabolism, and the biosynthesis of plant secondary metabolites. These metabolic pathways were involved in osmoregulation, energy supply, and resilience in plants. In conclusion, inter-root soil metabolites in rotational and continuous cropping of Codonopsis pilosula were able to influence soil physicochemical properties and microbial populations by participating in various biological processes.

Anti-liver cancer effects and mechanisms and its application in nano DDS of polysaccharides: A review

Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death, with high incidence and poor treatment effect. In recent years, polysaccharides have attracted more and more attention in the research field of anti-liver cancer because of their high efficiency, low toxicity, good biocompatibility, wide sources and low cost. Polysaccharides have been proven to have good anti-liver cancer activity. In this paper, the pathways and molecular mechanisms of polysaccharides against liver cancer were reviewed in detail. Polysaccharides exert anti-liver cancer activity by blocking cell cycle, inducing apoptosis, regulating immunity, inhibiting cancer cell metastasis, inhibiting tumor angiogenesis and so on. The primary structure and chain conformation of polysaccharides have an important influence on their anti-liver cancer activity. Structural modification enhanced the anti-liver cancer activity of polysaccharides. Polysaccharides have good attenuated and synergistic effects on chemotherapy drugs. Polysaccharides can be used as functional carriers to construct intelligent nano drug delivery systems (DDS) targeting liver cancer. This review can provide theoretical support for the further development and application of polysaccharides in the field of anti-liver cancer, and provide theoretical reference and clues for relevant researchers in food, nutrition, medicine and other fields.

Integrative Chinese-Western medicine strategy to overcome docetaxel resistance in prostate cancer

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs) have emerged as a promising complementary therapy in the management of prostate cancer (PCa), particularly in addressing resistance to Docetaxel (DTX) chemotherapy.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This review aims to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the development of resistance to DTX in PCa and explore the innovative approach of integrating TCMs in PCa treatment to overcome this resistance. Key areas of investigation include alterations in microtubule proteins, androgen receptor and androgen receptor splice variant 7, ERG rearrangement, drug efflux mechanisms, cancer stem cells, centrosome clustering, upregulation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, enhanced DNA damage repair capability, and the involvement of neurotrophin receptor 1/protein kinase C.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

With "Prostate cancer", "Docetaxel", "Docetaxel resistance", "Natural compounds", "Traditional Chinese medicine", "Traditional Chinese medicine compound", "Medicinal plants" as the main keywords, PubMed, Web of Science and other online search engines were used for literature retrieval.

RESULTS

Our findings underscore the intricate interplay of molecular alterations that collectively contribute to the resistance of PCa cells to DTX. Moreover, we highlight the potential of TCMs as a promising complementary therapy, showcasing their ability to counteract DTX resistance and enhance therapeutic efficacy.

CONCLUSION

The integration of TCMs in PCa treatment emerges as an innovative approach with significant potential to overcome DTX resistance. This review not only provides insights into the mechanisms of resistance but also presents new prospects for improving the clinical outcomes of patients with PCa undergoing DTX therapy. The comprehensive understanding of these mechanisms lays the foundation for future research and the development of more effective therapeutic interventions.

Structural characterization and anti-inflammatory activities of a purified polysaccharide from fruits remnants of Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) Burtt. et Smith

We reported here an interesting source of Alpinia zerumbet Polysaccharides (named AZPs) from the residues after extracting essential oil by steam distillation from Alpinia zerumbet fructus. After a series of purifications, a homogeneous polysaccharide (AZP-2) of molecular weight 1.25 × 105 Da was obtained. Structure, anti-inflammatory activity, and anti-inflammatory mechanism were investigated. AZP-2 was mainly composed of galactose, arabinose, xylopyranose, glucose, and galacturonic acid. The main linkage structure of AZP-2 was determined after integrating the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and methylation analysis, and the structure was comparatively complex. The results indicated that AZP-2 significantly decreased the production of NO and ROS in the inflammatory model established by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated RAW264.7, particularly at the concentration of 200 μg/mL. Furthermore, AZP-2 significantly modulated the secretion of both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Notably, the mechanism of AZP-2 exhibiting inhibitory effects was related to regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway. Overall, AZP-2 could be used as a potential anti-inflammatory agent for further in-depth studies.

Polysaccharides from fructus corni: Extraction, purification, structural features, and biological activities

Fructus Corni, derived from the dried fruit of Cornus officinalis Sieb. Et Zucc., is widely used as a food source and Chinese herb. Fructus Corni, as an indispensable ingredient in Liuwei Dihuang decoction, tonifies the liver and kidneys. As the main component of water decoctions, Fructus Corni polysaccharides demonstrate multifaceted effects, including hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, antioxidant, anti-aging, sexual function regulation, and anti-epileptic, The ultrasound-assisted extraction method obtained the highest yields of Fructus Corni polysaccharides. However, it has notable shortcomings and lacks further innovation. The homogeneous polysaccharides obtained from Fructus Corni are mostly neutral polysaccharides with relatively limited structure, and the mechanism of their biological activity needs to be further elucidated. In addition, different extraction, isolation and purification methods may change the molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, and biological activity of polysaccharides. Therefore, this study systematically summarized the extraction, purification, structural features, and biological activities of Fructus Corni polysaccharides. This study aimed to provide support for the ongoing development and application of Fructus Corni polysaccharides.

Plantago asiatica L. polysaccharides: Physiochemical properties, structural characteristics, biological activity and application prospects: A review

Plantago asiatica L. (PAL), a traditional herb, has been used in East Asia for thousands of years. In recent years, polysaccharides extracted from PAL have garnered increased attention due to their outstanding pharmacological and biological properties. Previous research has established that PAL-derived polysaccharides exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antitumor, antimicrobial, immune-regulatory, intestinal health-promoting, antiviral, and other effects. Nevertheless, a comprehensive summary of the research related to Plantago asiatica L. polysaccharides (PALP) has not been reported to date. In this paper, we review the methods for isolation and purification, physiochemical properties, structural features, and biological activities of PALP. To provide a foundation for research and application in the fields of medicine and food, this review also outlines the future development prospects of plantain polysaccharides.

Impacts of sulfur fumigation on the chemistry and immunomodulatory activity of polysaccharides in ginseng

Ginseng is widely regarded as a panacea in Oriental medicine mainly due to its immunomodulatory activity. We previously found that sulfur fumigation, a commonly used pesticidal and anti-bacterial processing practice, weakened the immunomodulatory activity of ginseng. However, if and how sulfur fumigation affects the polysaccharides in ginseng, the crucial components contributing to the immunomodulatory function, remain unknown. Here we report that polysaccharides extracted from sulfur-fumigated ginseng (SGP) presented different chemical properties with polysaccharides extracted with non-fumigated ginseng (NGP), particularly increased water extraction yield and decreased branching degree. SGP had weaker immunomodulatory activity than NGP in immunocompromised mice, as evidenced by less improved immunophenotypes involving body weight, immune organ indexes, white blood cells, lymphocyte cell populations and inflammation. The different immunomodulatory activities were accompanied by changes in the interaction between the polysaccharides and gut microbiota, in which SGP stimulated the growth of different bacteria but produced less SCFAs as compared to NGP. Fecal microbiota transplantation experiment suggested that gut microbiota played a central role in causing the weakened immunomodulatory activity in vivo. This study provides definite evidence that sulfur fumigation affects the chemistry and bioactivity of ginseng polysaccharides, thereby contributing to understanding how sulfur fumigation weakens the immunomodulatory activity of ginseng.

The benefits of edible mushroom polysaccharides for health and their influence on gut microbiota: a review

The gut microbiome is a complex biological community that deeply affects various aspects of human health, including dietary intake, disease progression, drug metabolism, and immune system regulation. Edible mushroom polysaccharides (EMPs) are bioactive fibers derived from mushrooms that possess a range of beneficial properties, including anti-tumor, antioxidant, antiviral, hypoglycemic, and immunomodulatory effects. Studies have demonstrated that EMPs are resistant to human digestive enzymes and serve as a crucial source of energy for the gut microbiome, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria. EMPs also positively impact human health by modulating the composition of the gut microbiome. This review discusses the extraction and purification processes of EMPs, their potential to improve health conditions by regulating the composition of the gut microbiome, and their application prospects. Furthermore, this paper provides valuable guidance and recommendations for future studies on EMPs consumption in disease management.

Effects of saponins from Chinese herbal medicines on signal transduction pathways in cancer: A review

Cancer poses a serious threat to human health, and the search for safe and effective drugs for its treatment has aroused interest and become a long-term goal. Traditional Chinese herbal medicine (TCM), an ancient science with unique anti-cancer advantages, has achieved outstanding results in long-term clinical practice. Accumulating evidence shows that saponins are key bioactive components in TCM and have great research and development applications for their significant role in the treatment of cancer. Saponins are a class of glycosides comprising nonpolar triterpenes or sterols attached to hydrophilic oligosaccharide groups that exert antitumor effects by targeting the NF-κB, PI3Ks-Akt-mTOR, MAPK, Wnt-β-catenin, JAK-STAT3, APMK, p53, and EGFR signaling pathways. Presently, few advances have been made in physiological and pathological studies on the effect of saponins on signal transduction pathways involved in cancer treatment. This paper reviews the phytochemistry and extraction methods of saponins of TCM and their effects on signal transduction pathways in cancer. It aims to provide theoretical support for in-depth studies on the anticancer effects of saponins.