Anti-inflammatory activities of Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii extract through the inhibition of MMP-9 and AP-1 activation

Genus Physalis L.: A review of resources and cultivation, chemical composition, pharmacological effects and applications

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The genus Physalis L. (Solanaceae) is commonly used in the treatment of dermatitis, leprosy, bronchitis, pneumonia, hepatitis and rheumatism in China and other Asian countries.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This article reviews the resources, cultivation, phytochemistry, pharmacological properties, and applications of Physalis L., and proposes further research strategies to enhance its therapeutic potential in treating various human diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a systematic search of electronic databases, including CNKI, SciFinder and PubMed, using the term "Physalis L." to collect information on the resources, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, and applications of Physalis L. in China during the past ten years (2013.1-2023.1).

RESULTS

So far, a variety of chemical constituents have been isolated and identified from Physalis L. mainly including steroids, flavonoids, and so on. Various pharmacological activities were evaluated by studying different extracts of Physalis L., these activities include anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral, antineoplastic, and other aspects.

CONCLUSION

Physalis L. occupies an important position in the traditional medical system. It is cost-effective and is a significant plant with therapeutic applications in modern medicine. However, further in-depth studies are needed to determine the medical use of this plant resources and cultivation, chemical composition, pharmacological effects and applications.

Research progress on the chemical components and pharmacological effects of Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii (Mast.) Makino

Physalis Calyx seu Fructus is the dry calyx or the calyx with fruit of the Solanaceae plant Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii (Mast.) Makino, with a long history of use in medicine and food. However, despite its many potential therapeutic and culinary applications, P. alkekengi is not being exploited for these applications on a large scale. This study analysed various research related to the different chemical components of P. alkekengi, including steroids, flavonoids, alkaloids, phenylpropanoids, sucrose esters, piperazines, volatile oils, polysaccharides, amino acids, and trace elements. In addition, research related to the pharmacological activities of P. alkekengi, including its anti-inflammatory, anti microbial, antioxidative, hypoglycaemic, analgesic, anti-tumour, and immunomodulatory effects were investigated. Research articles from 1974 to 2023 were obtained from websites such as Google Scholar, Baidu Scholar, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and journal databases such as Scopus and PubMed, with the keywords such as Physalis alkekengi, components, effects, and activities. This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the progress of phytochemical and pharmacological research on the phytochemical and pharmacological aspects of P. alkekengi and a reference for the better exploitation of P. alkekengi in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of Physalis alkekengi L. Extracts In Vitro and In Vivo: Potential Application for Skin Care

OBJECTIVE

Inflammatory skin disorders are becoming major issues threatening public health with increasing prevalence. This study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antisenescent activities of traditional folk medicinal plant, Physalis alkekengi L. extracts to alleviate skin inflammation and its possible mechanisms.

METHODS

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-treated murine macrophages RAW264.7 and human skin keratinocytes HaCaT were incubated with the plant extracts, respectively. The production of nitric oxide (NO) was tested by using Griess reagents. The activity of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) was detected through a fluorescence microplate reader. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cell apoptosis were quantified by flow cytometry. The proinflammatory cytokines were measured using ELISA and qRT-PCR. Human skin fibroblasts (HFF-1) were coincubated with D-galactose (D-gal) and the plant extracts. The senescence associated-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) was stained to evaluate cellular senescence. The senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), IL-1β, was measured through ELISA. The mRNA of IL-1α in SLS-stimulated and PGE2 in UV-radiated 3D skin models were detected by qRT-PCR. In vivo ROS production and neutrophil recruitment in CuSO₄-treated zebrafish models were observed by fluorescence microscopy. Inflammation-related factors were measured by qRT-PCR. Results. In vitro, Physalis alkekengi L. significantly reduced NO production, NOS activity, cell apoptosis, transcription of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and ROS production. These plant extracts markedly attenuated SA-β-gal and IL-1β and downregulated the production of IL-1α and PGE2. In vivo, the plant extracts dramatically dampened ROS production, the number of neutrophils, and proinflammatory cytokines.

CONCLUSIONS

Cumulatively, this work systematically demonstrated the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antisenescent properties of Physalis alkekengi L. and proposed the possible roles of Physalis alkekengi L. in inflammatory signaling pathways, providing an effective natural product for the treatment of inflammatory skin disorders.

Physalin B inhibits PDGF-BB-induced VSMC proliferation, migration and phenotypic transformation by activating the Nrf2 pathway

Vascular intimal hyperplasia is a hallmark event in vascular restenosis. The excessive proliferation, migration and phenotypic transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play important roles in the pathological mechanism of vascular intimal hyperplasia. Physalin B is an alcoholate isolated from Physalis (Solanaceae) that has a wide range of biological activities. However, the effect of physalin B on VSMCs is currently unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that physalin B significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration and phenotypic transformation of VSMCs induced by PDGF-BB. Physalin B also reduced inflammation and oxidative stress in VSMCs induced by PDGF-BB. Mechanistic studies showed that physalin B plays a role mainly by activating Nrf2. After Nrf2 activation, physalin B mitigates oxidative stress by enhancing the expression of the antioxidant gene HO-1; on the other hand, physalin B inhibits the NF-κB pathway to alleviate the inflammatory response. These two effects ultimately reduce the proliferation, migration and phenotypic transformation of VSMCs induced by PDGF-BB. In addition, in the mouse carotid artery ligation model, physalin B prevented intimal hyperplasia and inhibited the proliferation, migration and phenotypic transformation of cells in the hyperplastic intima. In conclusion, we provided significant evidence that physalin B abrogates PDGF-BB-induced VSMC proliferation, migration, phenotypic transformation and intimal hyperplasia by activating Nrf2-mediated signal transduction. Therefore, physalin B may be a potential therapeutic agent for preventing or treating restenosis.

Biological activity and processing technologies of edible insects: a review

The burgeoning global population growth has raised concerns regarding the expected increase in the demand for food, which could be partially tackled by identifying novel food sources. To this end, edible insects have recently attracted research interest. Several technologies for utilizing edible insect-derived proteins have been introduced; however, research into their functional utilization is insufficient. Herein, we reviewed the relevant literature on the importance of insects as food sources, extraction of edible insects, the nutritional value of insects, biological activities of components, and their applications in food industries. We summarized the studies primarily focused on the functional utilization of edible insects, suggesting that for successful incorporation and growth of edible insects in food and pharmaceutical industries, strategies to improve the extraction methods are required to explore the biological activity of edible insects. Furthermore, the awareness of edible insects with a focus on their allergens warrants consideration.

Effect of Yijin-Tang, an Oriental Traditional Formula, on Allergic Responses Using an Ovalbumin-Induced Murine Asthma Model

Yijin-tang is an oriental traditional herb used to treat inflammatory diseases. In the present study, we investigated the protective effects of Yijin-tang water extract (YTE) using an ovalbumin- (OVA-) induced asthma model, focusing on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the herb. BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally injected with OVA on days 0 and 14 and then challenged with OVA on days 21, 22, and 23. The animals were orally administered YTE (200 and 400 mg/kg) from days 18 to 23, and this was found to significantly decrease airway hyperresponsiveness and release of inflammatory cells, cytokines, and OVA-specific immunoglobulin E in mice with asthma. In addition, YTE was associated with a marked reduction in airway inflammation and mucus production in lung tissue of mice with asthma. Furthermore, YTE suppressed the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and phosphorylation of ERK in the lungs, which in turn led to a reduction in inducible nitric oxide synthases and an elevation in reduced glutathione and heme oxygenase-1. In conclusion, YTE effectively suppressed allergic responses in mice with asthma and the effect was closely related to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the herb. Our results indicate that YTE may be a potential agent for the treatment of allergic asthma.

Pharmacologic activities of phytosteroids in inflammatory diseases: Mechanism of action and therapeutic potentials

Natural products and their derivatives are known to be useful for treating numerous diseases since ancient times. Because of their high therapeutic potentials, the use of different medicinal plants is possible to treat varied inflammation-mediated chronic diseases. Among natural products, phytosteroids have emerged as promising compounds mostly because they have diverse pharmacological activities. Currently, available medications exert numerous systemic toxicities, including hypertension, immune suppression, osteoporosis, and metabolic abnormalities. Thus, further research on phytosteroids to subside these complications is of significant importance. In this study, the information on phytosteroids, their types, and actions against inflammation, and allergic complications was collected by a systematic survey of literature on several scientific search engines. The literature review suggested that phytosteroids exhibit antiinflammatory action via different modes through transrepression or selective COX-2 enzymes. Also, in silico ADMET analysis was carried out on available phytosteroids to uncover their pharmacokinetic properties. Our analysis has shown that eight compounds: withaferin A, stigmasterol, β-sitosterol, guggulsterone, diosgenin, sarsasapogenin, physalin A, and dioscin, -isolated from medicinal plants show similar pharmacokinetic properties as compared to dexamethasone, commercially available glucocorticoid. These phytosteroids could be useful for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, multiple sclerosis, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Thus, systematic research is required to explore potent phytosteroids with lesser side effects, which might substitute the current medications.

Transcriptomic analyses reveal antiinflammatory mechanism of withanolides derived from the fruits of Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii

In China, the fruits of Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii, which are conventionally utilized as edible berry, have attracted wide attention due to its significant biological activities. In the present study, phytochemical studies on the fruits of Physalis plants afforded six compounds, including two new withanolides (1-2) and four known agnologues (3-6). The inhibitory effects of these compounds on the formation of nitric oxide (NO) stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in RAW264.7 macrophages were evaluated. Physapubescin M (1), with IC50 value of 1.58 μM, was selected for further study. The protein expression of COX-2 and iNOS, and LPS-induced production of cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α) were reduced by physapubescin M (1) in a dose-dependent way. In addition, transcriptomic analyses were conducted to profile gene expression alterations in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells upon treatment of physapubescin M (1) and the potential antiinflammatory mechanism of withnolides was mentioned. These results provide broad view to the underlying antiinflammatory mechanism of withnolides, and give a theoretical basis for the utilization of the fruits of P. alkekengi L. var. franchetii.

Physalis alkekengi Exhibits Antiobesity Effects in Mice with Potential of Inducing White Adipose Tissue Browning

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of an ethanol extract of Physalis alkekengi (PA) and its mechanistic pathway of action at the molecular level for its antiobesity properties. Four-week old male Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice were acclimatized for a week before starting the high-fat diet (HFD) for 2 weeks to induce obesity, followed by 8 more weeks of oral administration of 10 mg/kg orlistat and 300 mg/kg of PA extract, along with HFD. Body weights of the mice and feed and water intake were recorded weekly. After a total of 12 weeks, mice were euthanized, and blood, liver, and adipose tissues were harvested for further analysis. Administration of PA extract inhibited the progression of obesity by reducing weight gain, weight of adipose tissue, and normalizing serum triglyceride, glucose, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase. PA extract prevented the progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis induced by HFD and prevented the enlargement of liver. Phosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase α increased while phosphorylation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase was reduced. The browning gene uncoupling protein 1 expression was also increased by PA extract treatment. Our findings revealed that the antiobesity properties of PA extract may be mediated by browning of white adipose tissue.

Anti-colitic effects of Physalin B on dextran sodium sulfate-induced BALB/c mice by suppressing multiple inflammatory signaling pathways

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Physalin B is one of the main active withanolide existed in Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii (Mast.) Makino, a famous traditional Chinese food and herbal medicine, which has been widely used as heat-clearing and toxin-resolving medicine for the treatment of various inflammatory disease, such as cough, excessive phlegm, pharyngitis, sore throat, pemphigus, eczema, and jaundice.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We aimed to confirm the therapeutic effects of Physalin B on ulcerative colitis (UC) and enrich the further application of its traditional anti-inflammatory effect.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The anti-UC effects of Physalin B were evaluated in Balb/c mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induction. The body weight, colon length, disease activity index (DAI) and pathological changes of colon tissue were measured. Cytokine levels were detected by ELISA. NF-κB pathway and protein levels of related pathways, such as signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), β-arrestin1 and NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome were detected by western blot.

RESULTS

The dose of Physalin B that is not cytotoxic could dramatically reduce the levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β on LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Meanwhile, Physalin B dramatically improved clinical signs and symptoms, alleviated body weight loss and colon length shortening in DSS-induced UC mice. Meanwhile, Physalin B also dramatically relieved the pathological damage, reduced in the activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and reestablished the balance of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Physalin B could suppress DSS-induced activation of NF-κB. Moreover, Physalin B also markedly suppressed the activation of STAT3, β-arrestin1 and NLRP3 inflammasome.

CONCLUSION

This study preliminary confirmed the therapeutic effect of Physalin B on experimental acute UC mice and provided robust evidence support for the anti-inflammatory effect of Physalin B, suggesting that Physalin B might be a potential agent for the therapeutic efficacy on UC.

Anti-Ageing Effect of Physalis alkekengi Ethyl Acetate Layer on a d-galactose-Induced Mouse Model through the Reduction of Cellular Senescence and Oxidative Stress

We aimed to study the effects of an ethyl acetate fraction of Physalis alkekengi (PAE) on d-galactose (d-gal)-induced senescence and the underlying mechanism. Firstly, analysis of the phytochemical composition revealed total flavonoids, total phenolics, total saponins, rutin, and luteolin contents of 71.72 ± 2.99 mg rutin equivalents/g, 40.19 ± 0.47 mg gallic acid equivalents/g, 128.13 ± 1.04 mg oleanolic acid equivalents/g, 1.67 ± 0.07 mg/g and 1.61 ± 0.01 mg/g, respectively. The mice were treated with d-gal for six weeks, and from the fifth week, the mice were administered with PAE by gavage once a day for five weeks. We found significant d-gal-induced ageing-related changes, such as learning and memory impairment in novel object recognition and Y-maze, fatigue in weight-loaded forced swimming, reduced thymus coefficient, and histopathological injury of the liver, spleen, and hippocampus. The PAE effectively protected from such changes. Further evaluation showed that PAE decreased the senescence-associated β-galactosidase of the liver, spleen, and hippocampus, as well as the oxidative stress of the liver, plasma, and brain. The abundance of flavonoids, phenols, and saponins in PAE may have contributed to the above results. Overall, this study showed the potential application of PAE for the prevention or treatment of ageing-associated disorders.

Phytochemical and anti-inflammatory properties of Scurrula ferruginea (Jack) Danser parasitising on three different host plants elucidated by NMR-based metabolomics

INTRODUCTION

Scurrula ferruginea (Jack) Danser is a hemi-parasitic shrub that is widely used as a traditional herbal medicine.

OBJECTIVES

To elucidate the anti-inflammatory activity of S. ferruginea parasitising on three different hosts of Vitex negundo L., Micromelum minutum (G. Forst.) Wight & Arn. and Tecoma stans (L.) Juss ex HBK., as well as, to determine the metabolite differences related to their anti-inflammatory properties.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two plant parts of S. ferruginea, stems and leaves, were extracted in water. The freeze-dried stem of S. ferruginea grown on T. stans was liquid-liquid partitioned into several solvents. Their potential anti-inflammatory activity was assessed via inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-induced RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. The metabolite variation was examined using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹ H-NMR) combined with multivariate data analysis (MVDA).

RESULTS

Scurrula ferruginea stems parasitising on T. stans and V. negundo which were freeze dried exhibited higher anti-inflammatory activity with IC₅₀ values of 114.47 ± 2.96 and 118.87 ± 2.31 μg/mL, respectively. The mid-polar ethyl acetate fraction of S. ferruginea hosted on T. stans displayed the highest NO inhibition with 84.80 ± 0.45% at 200 μg/mL. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated notable and clear discriminations among the different plant parts and host plants based on the identified metabolites. Furthermore, partial least squares (PLS) regression model suggested the anti-inflammatory bioactivity might be associated with the presence of choline, isoleucine, catechin, leucine and chlorogenic acid.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests S. ferruginea could serve as a potential anti-inflammatory agent, highlighting the importance of T. stans as the host plant.

Novel benzofuran derivative DK-1014 attenuates lung inflammation via blocking of MAPK/AP-1 and AKT/mTOR signaling in vitro and in vivo

Benzofuran derivatives have wide range of biological activities as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticonvulsant agent. In this study, we investigated whether the novel benzofuran derivative, DK-1014 has the anti-inflammatory effects on macrophage and lung epithelial cells and anti-asthmatic effects on ovalbumin-treated mice. A series of 2-arylbenzofuran analogues were synthesized and evaluated for NO and interleukin-6 (IL-6) inhibition in LPS-stimulated Raw264.7 cells. Of these analogues, compounds 8, 22a, 22d, and 22 f (DK-1014) exhibited notable inhibitory activity with respect to IL-6 and NO production. In particular, compound DK-1014 strongly reduced IL-6, IL-8, and MMP-9 mRNA expression and IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1 production in phorbol myristate acetate stimulated A549 cells, reduced MAPKs phosphorylation and c-fos translocation, and attenuated AKT, p70S6K and GSK phosphorylation. In vivo experiments were also performed on ovalbumin-sensitized and challenged BALB/c mice. DK-1014 reduced the airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammatory cell counts and cytokine levels (IL-4, 5, 13) in bronchial alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and immunoglobulin E in serum, and attenuated inflammatory cell infiltration and mucus hypersecretion in lung tissue. These findings indicate that DK-1014 can protect against allergic airway inflammation through the AP-1 and AKT/mTOR pathways and could be useful source for the development of a therapeutic agent for asthma.

Casticin inhibits breast cancer cell migration and invasion by down-regulation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

Casticin is one of the major active components isolated from Fructus viticis Increasing studies have revealed that casticin has potential anticancer activity in various cancer cells, but its effects on breast cancer cell migration and invasion are still not well known. Therefore, the ability of cell migration and invasion in the breast cancer MDA-MB-231 and 4T1 cells treated by casticin was investigated. The results indicated that casticin significantly inhibited cell migration and invasion in the cells exposed to 0.25 and 0.50 µM of casticin for 24 h. Casticin treatment reduced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 9 (MMP-9) activity and down-regulated MMP-9 mRNA and protein expression, but not MMP-2. Casticin treatment suppressed the nuclear translocation of transcription factors c-Jun and c-Fos, but not nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and decreased the phosphorylated level of Akt (p-Akt). Additionally, the transfection of Akt overexpression vector to MDA-MB-231 and 4T1 cells could up-regulate MMP-9 expression concomitantly with a marked increase in cell invasion, but casticin treatment reduced Akt, p-Akt, and MMP-9 protein levels and inhibited the ability of cell invasion in breast cancer cells. Additionally, casticin attenuated lung metastasis of mouse 4T1 breast cancer cells in the mice and down-regulated MMP-9 expression in the lung tissues of mice treated by casticin. These findings suggest that MMP-9 expression suppression by casticin may act through inhibition of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway, which in turn results in the inhibitory effects of casticin on cell migration and invasion in breast cancer cells. Therefore, casticin may have potential for use in the treatment of breast cancer invasion and metastasis.

Investigation of constituents from Cinnamomum camphora (L.) J. Presl and evaluation of their anti-inflammatory properties in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE

Cinnamomum camphora (L.) J. Presl has been used for the traditional medicine as a therapeutic agent of inflammation-related diseases, including sprains, rheumatic arthritis, abdominal pain, cough and bronchitis, for a long history. The aim of the present study was to illustrate anti-inflammatory substances of C. camphora and their mechanism of action, and to establish the correlations between chemical constituents and traditional uses of this plant.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Chemical constituents were purified by chromatographic methods, and their structures were established based on spectroscopic analysis. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages was adopted for evaluating the anti-inflammatory activity in vitro. The nitric oxide (NO) production assay and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) dual luciferase reporter assay were used to screen anti-inflammatory constituents. The mRNA and protein levels of inflammation-related cytokines and enzymes were determined by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunoblot analysis, and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively.

RESULTS

Twenty-five constituents were isolated from the EtOH extract of C. camphora. Eight constituents, covering phenylpropanoid (7), lignans (10 and 22), flavonoids (16-18), coumarin (21), and terpenoid (24) significantly inhibited LPS-stimulated NO production with maximum inhibition rates (MIRs) of ≥ 80%, and thus were verified to be the anti-inflammatory substances of this ethnomedical plant. (+)-Episesaminone (SMO, 22) and 3S-(+)-9-oxonerolidol (NLD, 24) blocked NF-κB activation via inducing IκBα expression. Moreover, SMO and NLD inhibited productions of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and alleviated increased mRNA and protein levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX-2), and matrix metallopeptidase-9 (MMP-9) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages.

CONCLUSIONS

The ethnomedical use of C. camphora for the treatment of inflammation-related diseases was attributed to the combined in vitro anti-inflammatory activities of phenylpropanoid, lignan, flavonoid, coumarin, and terpenoid. SMO and NLD were found to be new molecules with in vitro anti-inflammatory activities, which are achieved by inhibiting NF-κB regulated inflammatory response.

Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii (Mast.) Makino: An ethnomedical, phytochemical and pharmacological review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The calyxes and fruits of Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii (Mast.) Makino (Physalis Calyx seu Fructus), have been widely used in traditional and indigenous Chinese medicines for the therapy of cough, excessive phlegm, pharyngitis, sore throat, dysuria, pemphigus, eczema, and jaundice with a long history.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

The present review aims to achieve a comprehensive and up-to-date investigation in ethnomedical uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicity of P. alkekengi var. franchetii, particularly its calyxes and fruits. Through analysis of these findings, evidences supporting their applications in ethnomedicines are illustrated. Possible perspectives and opportunities for the future research are analyzed to highlight the gaps in our knowledge that deserves further investigation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Information on P. alkekengi var. franchetii was collected via electronic search of major scientific databases (e.g. Web of Science, SciFinder, Google Scholar, Pubmed, Elsevier, SpringerLink, Wiley online and China Knowledge Resource Integrated) for publications on this medicinal plant. Information was also obtained from local classic herbal literature on ethnopharmacology.

RESULTS

About 124 chemical ingredients have been characterized from different parts of this plant. Steroids (particularly physalins) and flavonoids are the major characteristic and bioactive constituents. The crude extracts and the isolated compounds have demonstrated various in vitro and in vivo pharmacological functions, such as anti-inflammation, inhibition of tumor cell proliferation, antimicrobial activity, diuretic effect, anti-diabetes, anti-asthma, immunomodulation, and anti-oxidation.

CONCLUSIONS

P. alkekengi var. franchetii is an important medicinal plant for the ethnomedical therapy of microbial infection, inflammation, and respiratory diseases (e.g. cough, excessive phlegm, pharyngitis). Phytochemical and pharmacological investigations of this plant definitely increased in the past half century. The chemical profiles, including ingredients and structures, have been adequately verified. Modern pharmacological studies supported its uses in the traditional and folk medicines, however, the molecular mechanisms of purified compounds remained unclear and were worth of further exploration. Therefore, the researchers should be paid more attention to a better utilization of this plant.

H1N1 influenza virus infection results in adverse pregnancy outcomes by disrupting tissue-specific hormonal regulation

Increased susceptibility to influenza virus infection during pregnancy has been attributed to immunological changes occurring before and during gestation in order to “tolerate” the developing fetus. These systemic changes are most often characterized by a suppression of cell-mediated immunity and elevation of humoral immune responses referred to as the Th1-Th2 shift. However, the underlying mechanisms which increase pregnant mothers’ risk following influenza virus infection have not been fully elucidated. We used pregnant BALB/c mice during mid- to late gestation to determine the impact of a sub-lethal infection with A/Brisbane/59/07 H1N1 seasonal influenza virus on completion of gestation. Maternal and fetal health status was closely monitored and compared to infected non-pregnant mice. Severity of infection during pregnancy was correlated with premature rupture of amniotic membranes (PROM), fetal survival and body weight at birth, lung viral load and degree of systemic and tissue inflammation mediated by innate and adaptive immune responses. Here we report that influenza virus infection resulted in dysregulation of inflammatory responses that led to pre-term labor, impairment of fetal growth, increased fetal mortality and maternal morbidity. We observed significant compartment-specific immune responses correlated with changes in hormonal synthesis and regulation. Dysregulation of progesterone, COX-2, PGE2 and PGF2α expression in infected pregnant mice was accompanied by significant remodeling of placental architecture and upregulation of MMP-9 early after infection. Collectively these findings demonstrate the potential of a seasonal influenza virus to initiate a powerful pro-abortive mechanism with adverse outcomes in fetal health.

Maternal immunology is finely balanced to maintain a tolerant and supportive molecular environment for the developing fetus while continuing surveillance against foreign microbial threats. Influenza viral infection during pregnancy is a significant clinical risk for mothers and their newborns, increasing hospitalization, preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal and neonatal deaths worldwide. In a mouse pregnancy model, we show how influenza virus infection disrupts the delicate and interconnected cytokine and hormonal signaling pathways that respond to respiratory pathogens. The health of mothers and offspring was impacted in our study, after pregnant mothers’ lung and placental architecture was compromised by infection. Influenza virus infection increased the stress on the mother’s body already present due to pregnancy, or reversed the hormonal environment required to establish and maintain healthy pregnancy. By dissecting the effects of inflammation post-infection throughout the mother’s anatomy, we can tailor anti-inflammatory treatments for the pregnant population. Also, thorough knowledge of immune responses will assist in tailoring vaccine design and dosage for this delicate period of women’s immunological and reproductive health.

Molecular identification of species of Physalis (Solanaceae) using a candidate DNA barcode: the chloroplast psbA-trnH intergenic region

Physalis L., an important genus of the family Solanaceae, includes many commercially important edible and medicinal species. Traditionally, species identification is based on morphological traits; however, the highly similar morphological traits among species of Physalis make this approach difficult. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of using a popular DNA barcode, the chloroplast psbA-trnH intergenic region, in the identification of species of Physalis. Thirty-six psbA-trnH regions of species of Physalis and of the closely related plant Nicandra physalodes were analyzed. The success rates of PCR amplification and sequencing of the psbA-trnH region were 100%. MEGA V6.0 was utilized to align the psbA-trnH sequences and to compute genetic distances. The results show an apparent barcoding gap between intra- and interspecific variations. Results of both BLAST1 and nearest-distance methods prove that the psbA-trnH regions can be used to identify all species examined in the present study. In addition, phylogenetic analysis using psbA-trnH data revealed a distinct boundary between species. It also confirmed the relationship between species of Physalis and closely related species, as established by previous studies. In conclusion, the psbA-trnH intergenic region can be used as an efficient DNA barcode for the identification of species of Physalis.

ATIQCTPC targeting MMP-9: a key step to slowing primary tumor growth and inhibiting metastasis of lewis lung carcinoma in vivo

In this study we docked (6S)-3-acetyl-4-oxo-N-(2-(3,4,5,6-zetrahydroxytetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-carboxamido)ethyl)-4,6,7,12-tetrahydroindolo[2,3-a]quinolizine-6-carbo-xamide (ATIQCTPC) towards the active site of MMP-9, and showed that ATIQCTPC was able to effectively decrease the level of MMP-9 in the serum and the primary tumor of Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) implanted C57BL/6 mice. As a MMP-9 inhibitor, ATIQCTPC inhibited the metastasis of LLC, and slowed the growth of the primary tumor of LLC implanted C57BL/6 in mice. The activities of ATIQCTPC to inhibit the ear edema and to decrease the serum levels of TNF-α and IL-8 of the mice treated with xylene were explored. The minimal effective dose of ATIQCTPC that can inhibit the primary tumour growth, prevent the metastasis of LLC and reduce the inflammatory response was 0.01 μmol/kg. The minimal effective dose of ATIQCTPC inhibiting tumour growth and metastasis was 100-fold lower than that of (S)-3-acetyl- 4-oxo-4,6,7,12-tetrahydroindolo[2,3-a]quinolizine-6-carboxylic acid (ATIQC, parent compound). The minimal effective dose of ATIQCTPC inhibiting inflammation was 110-fold lower than that of aspirin. These superiorities reflected the rationality of ATIQCTPC design. The safety of the therapy was explained by 1 μmol/kg of ATIQCTPC did not injure the kidney, the liver and the heart of the treated inflammation mice.

An Evidence-Based Review on Wound Healing Herbal Remedies From Reports of Traditional Persian Medicine

Research on wound healing agents is a developing area in biomedical sciences. Traditional Persian medicine is one of holistic systems of medicine providing valuable information on natural remedies. To collect the evidences for wound-healing medicaments from traditional Persian medicine sources, 5 main pharmaceutical manuscripts in addition to related contemporary reports from Scopus, PubMed, and ScienceDirect were studied. The underlying mechanisms were also saved and discussed. Totally, 65 herbs used in traditional Persian medicine for their wound healing properties was identified. Related anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and wound-healing activities of those remedies were studied. Forty remedies had at least one of those properties and 10 of the filtered plants possessed all effects. The medicinal plants used in wound healing treatment in traditional Persian medicine could be a good topic for further in vivo and clinical research. This might lead to development of effective products for wound treatment.

Role of Antioxidants and Natural Products in Inflammation

Inflammation is a comprehensive array of physiological response to a foreign organism, including human pathogens, dust particles, and viruses. Inflammations are mainly divided into acute and chronic inflammation depending on various inflammatory processes and cellular mechanisms. Recent investigations have clarified that inflammation is a major factor for the progression of various chronic diseases/disorders, including diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, eye disorders, arthritis, obesity, autoimmune diseases, and inflammatory bowel disease. Free radical productions from different biological and environmental sources are due to an imbalance of natural antioxidants which further leads to various inflammatory associated diseases. In this review article, we have outlined the inflammatory process and its cellular mechanisms involved in the progression of various chronic modern human diseases. In addition, we have discussed the role of free radicals-induced tissue damage, antioxidant defence, and molecular mechanisms in chronic inflammatory diseases/disorders. The systematic knowledge regarding the role of inflammation and its associated adverse effects can provide a clear understanding in the development of innovative therapeutic targets from natural sources that are intended for suppression of various chronic inflammations associated diseases.

The dichloromethane fraction from Mahonia bealei (Fort.) Carr. leaves exerts an anti-inflammatory effect both in vitro and in vivo

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Mahonia bealei has a long history of medical use in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of inflammatory-associated diseases. Despite numerous phytochemical and pharmacological studies, there is a lack of systematic studies to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory activity of this plant.

AIM OF STUDY

This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of the dichloromethane fraction from M. bealei leaves (MBL-CH).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

RAW 264.7 cells were pretreated with different concentrations of MBL-CH for 30min prior to treatment with 1μg/ml of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathway and subsequent production of inflammatory mediators, such as nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α were investigated. Furthermore, the in vivo mouse model of LPS-induced acute lung injury (ALI) was employed to study the anti-inflammatory effects of MBL-CH.

RESULTS

Pre-treatment with MBL-CH significantly inhibited the LPS-stimulated secretion of NO, PGE2, and TNF-α into the culture medium, as well as the mRNA levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and TNF-α, which were associated with a reduction in the phosphorylation of IκBα, Akt, and PI3K and inhibition of the transcriptional activity of NF-κB. Furthermore, in vivo experiments revealed that MBL-CH attenuated LPS-stimulated lung inflammation in mice.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, our findings indicate that MBL-CH attenuates LPS-stimulated inflammatory responses in macrophages by blocking NF-κB activation through interference with activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway, providing scientific evidence that the plant can be employed in traditional remedies.

Application of the Ribosomal DNA ITS2 Region of Physalis (Solanaceae): DNA Barcoding and Phylogenetic Study

Recently, commercial interest in Physalis species has grown worldwide due to their high nutritional value, edible fruit, and potential medicinal properties. However, many Physalis species have similar shapes and are easily confused, and consequently the phylogenetic relationships between Physalis species are poorly understood. This hinders their safe utilization and genetic resource conservation. In this study, the nuclear ribosomal ITS2 region was used to identify species and phylogenetically examine Physalis. Eighty-six ITS2 regions from 45 Physalis species were analyzed. The ITS2 sequences were aligned using Clustal W and genetic distances were calculated using MEGA V6.0. The results showed that ITS2 regions have significant intra- and inter-specific divergences, obvious barcoding gaps, and higher species discrimination rates (82.2% for both the BLASTA1 and nearest distance methods). In addition, the secondary structure of ITS2 provided another way to differentiate species. Cluster analysis based on ITS2 regions largely concurred with the relationships among Physalis species established by many previous molecular analyses, and showed that most sections of Physalis appear to be polyphyletic. Our results demonstrated that ITS2 can be used as an efficient and powerful marker in the identification and phylogenetic study of Physalis species. The technique provides a scientific basis for the conservation of Physalis plants and for utilization of resources.

The ethyl acetate fraction from Physalis alkekengi inhibits LPS-induced pro-inflammatory mediators in BV2 cells and inflammatory pain in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Physalis alkekengi is an edible herb whose fruit and calyx are traditionally used to treat a wide range of diseases including inflammation, toothache, and rheumatism. However, the effects of Physalis alkekengi fruit along with its calyx (PAF) on neuroinflammation and inflammatory pain behavior have not been reported yet.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of PAF on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation and several in vivo model of inflammatory pain in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Here, first we studied the effects of PAF fractions on the production of pro-inflammatory mediators in LPS-treated BV2 microglial cells using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and the involvements of Akt and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases in ethyl acetate fraction of PAF (PAF-EA)-mediated anti-inflammatory effect were measured using Western blotting. In in vivo experiments, the efficacy of PAF-EA was evaluated at the doses of 100 and 200mg/kg using several chemical-induced models of inflammatory pain such as acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin-induced paw licking and edema.

RESULTS

We found that compared to other fractions, the PAF-EA more potently inhibited the LPS-induced generation of nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 and reactive oxygen species. It also inhibited LPS-induced nuclear translocation of NF-κB. These actions of EA fraction were found to be associated with a disruption of Akt and MAP kinases signaling pathways. The EA fraction also significantly inhibited acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin-induced licking time and edema in mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings support the ethnopharmacological use of P. alkekengi fruit along with its calyx as an anti-inflammatory agent and suggest that the EA fraction of PAF may serve as a potential candidate to treat different neurological disorders and pain associated with inflammation.

Callicarpa japonica Thunb. attenuates cigarette smoke-induced neutrophil inflammation and mucus secretion

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Callicarpa japonica Thunb. (CJT) is traditionally used as an herbal remedy for the treatment of inflammatory diseases in Korea, China, and Japan. In this study, we evaluated the effects of C. japonica Thunb. (CJT) on the development of COPD using a Cigarette smoke (CS)-induced murine model and cigarette smoke condensate (CSC)-stimulated H292 cells, human pulmonary mucoepidermoid cell line.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

C. japonica Thunb. was isolated from the leaves and stem of C. japonica. The methanol extract profile was obtained by UPLC Q-TOF-MS analysis. In in vivo experiment, the mice received 1h of cigarette smoke for 10 days. C. japonica Thunb. was administered to mice by oral gavage 1h before cigarette smoke exposure for 10 days. In in vitro experiment, we evaluated the effect of C. japonica Thunb. on the expression of MUC5AC and proinflammatory cytokines in H292 cells stimulated with CSC.

RESULTS

CJT treatment effectively suppressed the infiltration of neutrophils, and decreased the production of ROS and the activity of neutrophil elastase in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) induced by CS. CJT also significantly attenuated production of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α in the BALF, and reduced the infiltration of inflammatory cells and the production of mucus in lung tissue induced by CS. In in vitro experiments, CJT decreased the expression of MUC5AC and proinflammatory cytokines in CSC-stimulated H292 cells. Furthermore, CJT attenuated the phosphorylation of ERK induced by CSC in H292 cells. Taken together, CJT effectively reduced the neutrophil airway inflammation and mucus secretion induced by CS in murine model, and inhibited the expression of MUC5AC in CSC-stimulated H292 human lung cell line. These findings suggest that CJT has a therapeutic potential for the treatment of COPD.

Protective Effects of Tinospora crispa Stem Extract on Renal Damage and Hemolysis during Plasmodium berghei Infection in Mice

Renal damage and hemolysis induced by malaria are associated with mortality in adult patients. It has been speculated that oxidative stress condition induced by malaria infection is involved in its pathology. Thus, we aimed to investigate the protective effects of Tinospora crispa stem extract on renal damage and hemolysis during Plasmodium berghei infection. T. crispa stem extract was prepared using hot water method and used for oral treatment in mice. Groups of ICR mice were infected with 1 × 10⁷ parasitized erythrocytes of P. berghei ANKA by intraperitoneal injection and given the extracts (500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg) twice a day for 4 consecutive days. To assess renal damage and hemolysis, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and hematocrit (%Hct) levels were then evaluated, respectively. Malaria infection resulted in renal damage and hemolysis as indicated by increasing of BUN and creatinine and decreasing of %Hct, respectively. However, protective effects on renal damage and hemolysis were observed in infected mice treated with these extracts at doses of 1000 and 2000 mg/kg. In conclusion, T. crispa stem extract exerted protective effects on renal damage and hemolysis induced by malaria infection. This plant may work as potential source in the development of variety of herbal formulations for malarial treatment.