The inhibitory activities of the components of Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Tang (HLJDT) on eicosanoid generation via lipoxygenase pathway

Biological Importance of Phellodendrine in Traditional and Modern Medicines: An Update on Therapeutic Potential in Medicine

BACKGROUND

Herbal medicines have been used for the preparation of numerous pharmaceutical products for the treatment of human disorders. Plant-derived products have been used in medicine, nutraceuticals, perfumery, beverages, and cosmetics industries for different purposes. Herbal medicines are mainly derived from different parts of plant materials. Phellodendron bark has been widely known as one of the fundamental herbs of traditional Chinese medicine. Phellodendron bark contains phellodendrine as a main active phytochemical. Phellodendrine ((7S,13aS)-3,10-dimethoxy-7-methyl-6,8,13,13atetrahydro-5H-isoquinolino[2,1-b]isoquinolin-7- ium-2,11-diol), is a quaternary ammonium alkaloid.

METHODS

This present study aimed to investigate the biological potential and therapeutic effectiveness of phellodendrine in medicine through scientific data analysis of different research works on phellodendrine. The therapeutic value of phellodendrine was analyzed in the present work through scientific data available in Google, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and PubMed. All the scientific data on phellodendrine were collected from these databases using the terms herbal drugs and phellodendrine. Pharmacological and analytical data of phellodendrine were analyzed in the present work in order to know the medicinal importance of phellodendrine.

RESULTS

Scientific data analysis of phellodendrine in the present work signified the biological importance of phellodendrine in medicine. Phellodendrine has numerous beneficial aspects in medicine due to its potential benefits in ulcerative colitis, inflammation, pancreatic cancer, nephritis, immune response, acetylcholinesterase activity, psoriasis, arthritis, atopic dermatitis, and oxidative stress. However, it also has significant effects on eicosanoid generation, neuraminidase-1, inflammasome generation, cytochrome p450, taste receptors, and hepatic gluconeogenesis. Furthermore, scientific data has indicated the presence of phellodendrine in different natural sources, including Phellodendri cortex. Analytical data on phellodendrines has signified their importance in the isolation and separation of pure phytochemicals in medicine. Pharmacokinetic parameters have highlighted the tissue distribution of phellodendrine in different tissue of human beings and higher animals.

CONCLUSION

In the present work, scientific data analysis has indicated the biological importance, pharmacological activities, and analytical aspects of phellodendrine in medicine.

Bei Mu Gua Lou San facilitates mucus expectoration by increasing surface area and hydration levels of airway mucus in an air-liquid-interface cell culture model of the respiratory epithelium

BACKGROUND

Bei Mu Gua Lou San (BMGLS) is an ancient formulation known for its moisturizing and expectorant properties, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. We investigated concentration-dependent effects of BMGLS on its rehydrating and mucus-modulating properties using an air-liquid-interface (ALI) cell culture model of the Calu-3 human bronchial epithelial cell line and primary normal human bronchial epithelial cells (NHBE), and specifically focused on quantity and composition of the two major mucosal proteins MUC5AC and MUC5B.

METHODS

ALI cultures were treated with BMGLS at different concentrations over three weeks and evaluated by means of histology, immunostaining and electron microscopy. MUC5AC and MUC5B mRNA levels were assessed and quantified on protein level using an automated image-based approach. Additionally, expression levels of the major mucus-stimulating enzyme 15-lipoxygenase (ALOX15) were evaluated.

RESULTS

BMGLS induced concentration-dependent morphological changes in NHBE but not Calu-3 ALI cultures that resulted in increased surface area via the formation of herein termed intra-epithelial structures (IES). While cellular rates of proliferation, apoptosis or degeneration remained unaffected, BMGLS caused swelling of mucosal granules, increased the area of secreted mucus, decreased muco-glycoprotein density, and dispensed MUC5AC. Additionally, BMGLS reduced expression levels of MUC5AC, MUC5B and the mucus-stimulating enzyme 15-lipoxygenase (ALOX15).

CONCLUSIONS

Our studies suggest that BMGLS rehydrates airway mucus while stimulating mucus secretion by increasing surface areas and regulating goblet cell differentiation through modulating major mucus-stimulating pathways.

Direct infusion electrospray ionization-ion mobility-mass spectrometry for rapid metabolite marker discovery of medicinal Phellodendron Bark

Ion-mobility mass spectrometry (IM-MS) currently serves as a powerful tool for the structural identification of numerous biological compounds and small molecules. In this work, rapid metabolomic analysis of closely-related herbal medicines by direct injection ion mobility-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (DI-IM-QTOF MS) was established. Phellodendron chinense Bark (PC) and Phellodendron amurense Bark (PA) were studied as a case. Thirty-three batches of PC and twenty-two batches of PA have been directly injected in electrospray ionization-IM-QTOF MS in positive mode. Without chromatographic separation, each run was completed within 3 min. After data alignment and statistical analysis, a total of seven chemical markers were found (p-value < 0.05, VIP > 1.00). Among them, the ion m/z 342.17 and m/z 356.18 present a single peak in the drift spectrum, respectively, but their drift time has a certain deviation compared with the pure substance of known compounds. In addition, the MS/MS spectra also confirmed that the single peak includes two chemical isomers. To investigate the composition ratio of individual isomers, the calibration curves of relative drift time (rDT) based on the standard superposition method were established, which were found to fit the least square regression. The ion [M]⁺m/z 342.17 was recognized consisting of magnoflorine (MAG) and phellodendrine (PHE), and their composition ratio in PA and PC samples was calculated. The results were compared with those obtained by the HPLC quantitative method, which produced equivalent quantification results. Our DI-IM-QTOF MS methodology provides an additional methodology for the relative quantification of unresolved isomers in drift tube IM-MS and offers DI-IM-QTOF MS based metabolomics.

Therapeutic Effects of Berberine on Liver Fibrosis are associated With Lipid Metabolism and Intestinal Flora

Liver cirrhosis is a form of liver fibrosis resulting from chronic hepatitis caused by various liver diseases, such as viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver damage, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, autoimmune liver disease, and by parasitic diseases such as schistosomiasis. Liver fibrosis is the common pathological base and precursors of cirrhosis. Inflammation and disorders of lipid metabolism are key drivers in liver fibrosis. Studies have determined that parts of the arachidonic acid pathway, such as its metabolic enzymes and biologically active products, are hallmarks of inflammation, and that aberrant peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ)-mediated regulation causes disorders of lipid metabolism. However, despite the ongoing research focus on delineating the mechanisms of liver fibrosis that underpin various chronic liver diseases, effective clinical treatments have yet to be developed. Berberine (BBR) is an isoquinoline alkaloid with multiple biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-cancer, and anti-hyperlipidemic activities. Many studies have also found that BBR acts via multiple pathways to alleviate liver fibrosis. Furthermore, the absorption of BBR is increased by nitroreductase-containing intestinal flora, and is strengthened via crosstalk with bile acid metabolism. This improves the oral bioavailability of BBR, thereby enhancing its clinical utility. The production of butyrate by intestinal anaerobic bacteria is dramatically increased by BBR, thereby amplifying butyrate-mediated alleviation of liver fibrosis. In this review, we discuss the effects of BBR on liver fibrosis and lipid metabolism, particularly the metabolism of arachidonic acid, and highlight the potential mechanisms by which BBR relieves liver fibrosis through lipid metabolism related and intestinal flora related pathways. We hope that this review will provide insights on the BBR-based treatment of liver cirrhosis and related research in this area, and we encourage further studies that increase the ability of BBR to enhance liver health.

Mechanistic insight into immunomodulatory effects of food-functioned plant secondary metabolites

Medicinally important plant-foods offer a balanced immune function, which is essential for protecting the body against antigenic invasion, mainly by microorganisms. Immunomodulators play pivotal roles in supporting immune function either suppressing or stimulating the immune system's response to invading pathogens. Among different immunomodulators, plant-based secondary metabolites have emerged as high potential not only for immune defense but also for cellular immunoresponsiveness. These natural immunomodulators can be developed into safer alternatives to the clinically used immunosuppressants and immunostimulant cytotoxic drugs which possess serious side effects. Many plants of different species have been reported to possess strong immunomodulating properties. The immunomodulatory effects of plant extracts and their bioactive metabolites have been suggested due to their diverse mechanisms of modulation of the complex immune system and their multifarious molecular targets. Phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, carbohydrates and polyphenols have been reported as responsible for the immunomodulatory effects of several medicinal plants. This review illustrates the potent immunomodulatory effects of 65 plant secondary metabolites, including dietary compounds and their underlying mechanisms of action on cellular and humoral immune functions in in vitro and in vivo studies. The clinical potential of some of the compounds to be used for various immune-related disorders is highlighted.

Orengedokuto exerts anti-allergic effects via inhibition of effector T cell activation in a murine model of contact hypersensitivity

Orengedokuto (OGT) is a Kampo prescription that has been used for the treatment of inflammation, hypertension, gastrointestinal disorders, and liver and cerebrovascular diseases. It is also used for the treatment of skin diseases such as urticaria and atopic dermatitis. We previously studied its anti-allergic effects of OGT on the murine model of 2,4,6-trinitrochlorobenzene (TNCB)-induced contact hypersensitivity (CHS) and demonstrated that it significantly suppresses ear swelling in a dose-dependent manner. However, the mechanism underlying this activity remained unknown. Here, we sought to identify the mechanism involved. Using a murine model of TNCB-induced CHS, together with adoptive cell transfer experiments, we found that the anti-allergic effects of OGT may be due to the inhibition of effector T cell activation and not the induction and/or activation of regulatory T cells. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that oral administration of OGT suppressed the increase in CD8⁺CD44^highCD62L⁺ cell number in draining lymph nodes (dLNs) of mice sensitized with 5% TNCB. Additionally, ex vivo experiments confirmed the suppressive effect of OGT on the activation of effector T cells, as interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production by cultured lymphocytes obtained from 5% TNCB-sensitized mice and stimulated with anti-CD3ε and anti-CD28 monoclonal antibodies was reduced by OGT administration. In conclusion, our finding suggests that OGT exerts anti-allergic effects by regulating the activation of effector T cells involved in inflammatory skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis.

Improved Bioactivity of 3-O-β-D-Glucopyranosyl Platycosides in Biotransformed Platycodon grandiflorum Root Extract by Pectinase from Aspergillus aculeatus

Platycodon grandiflorum (balloon flower) root (Platycodi radix, PR) is used as a health supplement owing to its beneficial bioactive properties. In the present study, the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and whitening effects of deglycosylated platycosides (saponins) from PR biotransformed by pectinase from Aspergillus aculeatus were investigated. The bioactivities of the platycosides improved when the number of sugar moieties attached to the aglycone platycosides was decreased. The deglycosylated saponins exhibited higher lipoxygenase inhibitory activities (anti-inflammatory activities) than the precursor platycosides and the anti-inflammatory compound baicalein. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity of the pectinase-treated PR extract was higher than that of the non-treated PR extract. The trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay showed improved values as the saponins were hydrolyzed. The tyrosinase inhibitory activities (whitening effects) of deglycosylated platycosides were higher than those of the precursor platycosides. Furthermore, 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl platycosides showed higher anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and whitening activities than their precursor glycosylated platycosides. Therefore, 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl platycosides may improve the beneficial effects of nutritional supplements and cosmetic products.

Screening of differential components of Gegenqinlian decoction and their comparative pharmacokinetics in normal and pyrexia rats using UHPLC-FT-ICR-MS and UHPLC-MS/MS

UHPLC combined with Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance MS metabonomic approach was employed to screen the differential components between normal rats and yeast-induced pyrexia rats after an oral administration of Gegenqinlian decoction (GQLD). Nine compounds, namely puerarin, daidzein, baicalin, wogonoside, wogonin, berberine, palmatine, jateorhizine, and coptisine, were identified as differential components in the plasma. A rapid, sensitive, selective, and accurate UHPLC-MS method was developed and fully validated for the simultaneous determination of the screened components in rat plasma after an oral administration of GQLD. The values for the limit of quantification ranged from 0.025 to 5.0 ng/mL. The inter- and intra-day precision of all analytes was ≤10.7%, with an accuracy of ≤10.5%. Good extraction recovery and matrix effects were also obtained. The method was successfully applied to a comparative pharmacokinetic study of GQLD in normal and pyrexia rats. The results showed that the pharmacokinetic behavior of the analytes was changed in pyrexia rats compared to normal rats. These results could provide beneficial guidance for clinical applications of GQLD.

Production of Bioactive Deapiosylated Platycosides from Glycosylated Platycosides in Balloon Flower Root Using the Crude Enzyme from the Food-Available Fungus Rhizopus oryzae

Extract from balloon flower root (Platycodi radix) containing platycosides as saponins is a beneficial food additive and is used for their savory taste and the alleviation of respiratory diseases. Deglycosylated platycosides show greater pharmacological effects than glycosylated platycosides. However, there are no reports on the conversion of glycosylated platycosides into deapiosylated platycosides. In this study, we showed that the crude enzyme from Rhizopus oryzae, a generally recognized as safe (GRAS) fungus isolated from meju (fermented soybean brick), completely converted glycosylated platycosides in Platycodi radix extract into deapiosylated platycosides: deapiosylated platycodin D (deapi-PD), deapiosylated platycodin A (deapi-PA), deapiosylated polygalacin D (deapi-PGD), and deapiosylated platyconic acid A (deapi-PCA). Among these, deapi-PA and deapi-PCA were first identified using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of deapiosylated platycosides were greater than those of the precursor glycosylated platycosides. These deapiosylated platycosides could improve the properties of functional food additives.

Simultaneous Determination of Eight Potential Q-Markers in Zishen Tongguan Capsules Based on UHPLC-MS/MS

Background:

Zishen Tongguan (ZSTG) capsules were prepared at the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine and have been proven to be clinically effective for treating pyelonephritis and benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, the quality standards are not ideal; a comprehensive study of the “quality markers” (Q-markers), the chemicals inherent in traditional Chinese medicine and its preparations, has not been carried out.

Experimental Methods:

In this paper, a sensitive and specific ultra-high-performance liquid chromatographictandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method was developed for the simultaneous determination of eight potential Q-markers of ZSTG, including timosaponin A3, berberine, jatrorrhizine, phellodendrine, palmatine, mangiferin, neomangiferin, and timosaponin BII. A Kromasil 100-3.5 C18 column was used with a mobile phase of 0.2% formic acid with acetonitrile, and gradient elution at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min was achieved in 13 minutes and used for separation. Detection was performed in positive/negative mode with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM).

Results:

The analytical method was validated in terms of the sensitivity, linearity, accuracy, precision, repeatability, stability and recovery. The method established here was successfully applied to study the potential Q-markers in 8 batches of commercial samples, which demonstrated its use in improving the quality control of ZSTG.

Conclusion:

The developed method had high repeatability and accuracy and was suitable for the simultaneous analysis of multiple Q-markers, which may provide a new basis for the comprehensive assessment and overall quality control of ZSTG.

Chinese Medicine Huzhen Tongfeng Formula Effectively Attenuates Gouty Arthritis by Inhibiting Arachidonic Acid Metabolism and Inflammatory Mediators

The Chinese herbal medicine, Huzhen Tongfeng Formula (HZTF), derived from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practice, has recognized therapeutic benefits for gouty arthritis (GA). HZTF is currently in the late stage of approval process as a new anti-GA drug application. However, the underlying mechanism of HZTF as an antigout medication is unclear. In this study, we combined network pharmacology and experimental validation approaches to elucidate the mechanism of action of HZTF. First, the relative drug-disease target networks were constructed and analyzed for pathway enrichment. Potential pathways were then validated by in vitro and in vivo experiments. We found that 34 compounds from HZTF matched 181 potential drug targets. Topology analysis revealed 77 core targets of HZTF, which were highly related to gout, following screening of KEGG pathway enrichment. Further analysis demonstrated that the arachidonic acid metabolic pathway was the most relevant pathway involved in the mechanism of HZTF. Validation experiments showed that HZTF significantly inhibited the inflammatory cell infiltration into gouty joints, improved the swelling of affected joints, and increased the pain threshold. HZTF significantly reduced the transcription and production of various cytokines and inflammatory mediators in vitro. In particular, cyclooxygenase (COX)-1, COX-2, and 5-lipoxygenase were simultaneously downregulated. In conclusion, our study suggests that the antigout mechanism of HZTF is associated with the inhibition of the arachidonic acid pathway, resulting in the suppression of inflammatory cytokines and mediators. These findings extend our understanding of the pharmacological action of HZTF, rationalizing the application HZTF as an effective herbal therapy for GA.

Mechanism of Huang-lian-Jie-du decoction and its effective fraction in alleviating acute ulcerative colitis in mice: Regulating arachidonic acid metabolism and glycerophospholipid metabolism

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Huang-lian-Jie-du decoction (HLJDD) is a traditional Chinese medicine prescription for clearing away heat, purging fire and detoxifying, which can be used to treat sepsis, stroke, Alzheimer's disease and gastrointestinal diseases. Our previous studies have shown that HLJDD can effectively alleviate acute ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice, and its n-butanol fraction (HLJDD-NBA) is the effective fraction. The aim of this study is to further investigate the mechanism of HLJDD and HLJDD-NBA in relieving UC in mice from a holistic perspective.

METHODS

The acute UC model of BABL/c mice was induced by 3.5% (w/v) dextran sodium sulfate drinking water. At the same time of modeling, HLJDD and HLJDD-NBA were given orally for treatment respectively. During the experiment, the clinical symptoms of mice were recorded and the physiological and biochemical indexes of mice were detected after the experiment. In addition, the plasma metabolites of mice in each group were detected and analyzed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry and multivariate statistical analysis method. Then, the potential target metabolic pathway of drug intervention was screened through the enrichment analysis of differential metabolites. Finally, we use molecular simulation docking technology to further explore the molecular regulatory mechanism of HLJDD and HLJDD-NBA on potential target metabolic pathways.

RESULTS

HLJDD and HLJDD-NBA intervention can significantly reduce the disease activity index of UC mice, inhibit colon length shortening and pathological damage, and relieve the abnormal changes of physiological and biochemical parameters of UC mice. Moreover, HLJDD and HLJDD-NBA can significantly inhibit the metabolic dysfunction of UC mice by reversing the abnormal changes of 24 metabolites in UC mice, and the arachidonic acid metabolic pathway and glycerophospholipid metabolic pathway are the target metabolic pathways regulated by them. Further literature review and molecular simulation docking analysis showed that HLJDD and HLJDD-NBA may inhibit the disorder of arachidonic acid metabolism pathway and glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway by inhibiting COX-2 protein expression and PLA2, 5-LOX activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experiments revealed that HLJDD and HLJDD-NBA can alleviate UC of mice by regulating arachidonic acid metabolism and glycerophospholipid metabolism, which points out the direction for further research and development of HLJDD as a new anti-ulcer drug.

Huang-Lian Jie-Du decoction: a review on phytochemical, pharmacological and pharmacokinetic investigations

Huang-Lian Jie-Du decoction (HLJDD), a famous traditional Chinese prescription constituted by Rhizoma Coptidis, Radix Scutellariae, Cortex Phellodendri and Fructus Gradeniae, has notable characteristics of dissipating heat and detoxification, interfering with tumors, hepatic diseases, metabolic disorders, inflammatory or allergic processes, cerebral diseases and microbial infections. Based on the wide clinical applications, accumulating investigations about HLJDD focused on several aspects: (1) chemical analysis to explore the underlying substrates responsible for the therapeutic effects; (2) further determination of pharmacological actions and the possible mechanisms of the whole prescription and of those representative ingredients to provide scientific evidence for traditional clinical applications and to demonstrate the intriguing molecular targets for specific pathological processes; (3) pharmacokinetic feature studies of single or all components of HLJDD to reveal the chemical basis and synergistic actions contributing to the pharmacological and clinically therapeutic effects. In this review, we summarized the main achievements of phytochemical, pharmacological and pharmacokinetic profiles of HLJDD and its herbal or pharmacologically active chemicals, as well as our understanding which further reveals the significance of HLJDD clinically.

Traditional Oriental Medicines and Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which is the most major cause of dementia, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects cognitive functions. Even though the prevalence of AD is continuously increasing, few drugs including cholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl D-aspartate-receptor antagonists were approved to treat AD. Because the clinical trials of AD drugs with single targets, such as β-amyloid and tau, have failed, the development of multi-target drugs that ameliorate many of the symptoms of AD is needed. Thus, recent studies have investigated the effects and underlying mechanisms of herbal formulae consisting of various herb combinations used to treat AD. This review discusses the results of clinical and nonclinical studies of the therapeutic efficacy in AD and underlying mechanisms of the herbal formulae of traditional Oriental medicines and bioactive compounds of medicinal plants.

Biotransformation of Food-Derived Saponins, Platycosides, into Deglucosylated Saponins Including Deglucosylated Platycodin D and Their Anti-Inflammatory Activities

The Platycodon grandiflorum root, Platycodi radix, a common vegetable, and its extract with glycosylated saponins, platycosides, have been used as food items and food health supplements for pulmonary diseases and respiratory disorders. Enzymes convert glycosylated saponins into deglycosylated saponins, which exhibit higher biological activity than glycosylated saponins. In this study, β-glucosidase from the hyperthermophilic bacterium Dictyoglomus turgidum converted platycosides in the Platycodi radix extract into deglucosylated platycosides. In addition, the enzyme completely converted platycoside E (PE), platycodin D₃ (PD₃), and platycodin D (PD) in Platycodi radix extract into deglucosylated platycodin D (deglu PD), which was first identified by nuclear magnetic resonance. The anti-inflammatory activities of deglu PD and deglucosylated Platycodi radix extract were higher than those of PE, PD₃, PD, Platycodi radix extract, and baicalein, an anti-inflammatory agent. Therefore, deglucosylated Platycodi radix extract is expected to be used as improved functional food supplements.

Antiplatelet and Antithrombotic Activity of a Traditional Medicine, Hwangryunhaedok-Tang

Platelet activation and accumulation at the site of vascular injury are central to thrombus formation resulted in thrombotic disorders. Medicinal herbs could be one of the most important pharmaceutical agents that ameliorate thrombotic disorders, such as unstable angina, myocardial infarction, stroke, and peripheral vascular diseases. Hwangryunhaedok-tang (HRT) is a traditional herbal medicine that displays multiple biological properties including anti-inflammatory abilities. However, its role in platelet activation has not been fully studied. Hence, we examined whether HRT has a potent inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation and thrombus formation. We demonstrated that HRT (30, 50, and 100 μg/ml) significantly impaired thrombin- and collagen-related peptide-induced platelet aggregation, granule secretion, thromboxane B₂ generation, and intracellular Ca²⁺ mobilization. Biochemical studies revealed that HRT is involved in inhibiting the phosphorylation of phospholipase C and protein kinase B. The oral administration of HRT (30, 50, and 100 mg/kg once daily for 1 and/or 7 days) efficiently ameliorates ferric chloride induced arterial thrombus formation in vivo. Tail bleeding time was not significantly increased. The qualitative phytochemical constituents of the HRT extract were investigated using high-performance liquid chromatography. Our results demonstrated that HRT shows potential antiplatelet and antithrombotic effects without affecting hemostasis. Hence, HRT could be an effective therapeutic agent for the treatment of thrombotic diseases.

Wogonin suppresses the LPS‑enhanced invasiveness of MDA‑MB‑231 breast cancer cells by inhibiting the 5‑LO/BLT2 cascade

Wogonin, a naturally occurring bioactive monoflavonoid isolated from Scutellariae radix (roots of Scutellariae baicalensis Georgi), has known anticancer effects. However, the molecular signaling mechanism by which wogonin inhibits invasiveness in breast cancer cells remains unclear. In the present study, it was observed that wogonin exerted an inhibitory effect on the lipopolysaccha-ride (LPS)-enhanced invasiveness of MDA-MB-231 cells. In addition, wogonin inhibited the synthesis of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and matrix metallopeptidase-9 (MMP-9), which are critical for promoting invasiveness in MDA-MB-231 cells. Wogonin also suppressed the expression of leukot-riene B4 receptor 2 (BLT2) and the synthesis of its ligand, by inhibiting 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) in LPS-stimulated MDA-MB-231 cells. Notably, wogonin attenuated the production of IL-8 and MMP-9 by inhibiting the BLT2/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-linked cascade. Finally, in vivo, LPS-driven MDA-MB-231 cell metastasis was markedly suppressed by wogonin administration. Overall, the present results suggested that wogonin inhibited the 5-LO/BLT2/ERK/IL-8/MMP-9 signaling cascade and demonstrated that this cascade may be an important target through which wogonin exerts its anticancer effects in breast cancer.

Quantitative analysis of the anti-inflammatory activity of orengedokuto II: berberine is responsible for the inhibition of NO production

Orengedokuto is a Kampo formula that has been used for removing "heat" and "poison" to treat inflammation, hypertension, gastrointestinal disorders, and liver and cerebrovascular diseases. We report here our analysis of the anti-inflammatory effect of the component crude drugs of orengedokuto and their constituents using the inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production in the murine macrophage-like cell line J774.1. An initial comparison of NO production inhibitory activities of the extracts of the component crude drugs and their combinations revealed that the activity could be attributed to Phellodendron Bark and Coptis Rhizome. Berberine (1), the major constituent of these crude drugs, showed potent activity (IC₅₀ 4.73 ± 1.46 μM). Quantitative analysis of 1 in the extracts of all combinations of component crude drugs revealed that the amount of 1 in each extract of the combination of Scutellaria Root with either Phellodendron Bark and/or Coptis Rhizome was lower than that in the corresponding mixtures of the extracts of the individual crude drugs and that 1 was present in the precipitates formed during the decoction process. To the contrary, the differences in the amounts of 1 were smaller in the extracts containing Gardenia Fruit. These results indicated that the constituents of Scutellaria Root precipitated with 1 and that the constituents of Gardenia Fruit dissolved the precipitates. To identify the constituents affecting the solubility of 1, we fractionated the hot-water extracts of Scutellaria Root based on solubility tests of 1 to give baicalin (2), wogonin (3) and oroxyloside (4), which formed precipitates with 1.

Innovating Chinese Herbal Medicine: From Traditional Health Practice to Scientific Drug Discovery

As one of the major contemporary alternative medicines, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) continues its influence in Chinese communities and has begun to attract the academic attention in the world of western medicine. This paper aims to examine Chinese herbal medicine (CHM), the essential branch of TCM, from both narrative and scientific perspectives. CHM is a traditional health practice originated from Chinese philosophy and religion, holding the belief of holism and balance in the body. With the development of orthodox medicine and science during the last centuries, CHM also seized the opportunity to change from traditional health practice to scientific drug discovery illustrated in the famous story of the herb-derived drug artemisinin. However, hindered by its culture and founding principles, CHM faces the questions of the research paradigm posed by the convention of science. To address these questions, we discussed two essential questions concerning the relationship of CHM and science, and then upheld the paradigm of methodological reductionism in scientific research. Finally, the contemporary narrative of CHM in the 21st century was discussed in the hope to preserve this medical tradition in tandem with scientific research.

Inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators in RAW264.7 cells by 7-hydroxyflavone and 7,8-dihydroxyflavone

OBJECTIVES

Flavonoids are a class of compounds that having the benzo-γ-pyrone skeleton, which possess anti-inflammatory properties in vitro and in vivo. The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibition of two flavonoids 7-hydroxyflavone (HF) and 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (DHF) on the production of pro-inflammatory mediators in RAW264.7 cells activated by lipopolysaccharides (LPS).

METHODS

For this purpose, we selected four pro-inflammatory mediators including nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂ ), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) as markers to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of HF and DHF.

KEY FINDINGS

In this regard, we showed that HF and DHF dose-dependently reduced the production of NO, PGE₂ , TNF-α and IL-6 through downregulating mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), TNF-α and IL-6, respectively. Moreover, DHF generally possesses more efficient than HF in reducing these markers secretion in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

Consider together, these findings suggest that DHF and HF can inhibit LPS-induced inflammation via attenuating the production of NO, PGE₂ , TNF-α and IL-6, indicating that they may be lead compounds for developing anti-inflammatory agent.

Screening of soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitory ingredients from traditional Chinese medicines for anti-inflammatory use

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Inhibition of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) has been extensively reported to be anti-inflammatory in multiple animal models. Some anti-inflammatory traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) and a few natural compounds were also found to be inhibitory to sEH in vitro.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To determine whether the active intergradient (AI) against sEH of anti-inflammatory TCMs in vitro is anti-inflammatory in vivo and the sEH inhibitory action of the AI contributes to its anti-inflammatory effect in vivo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vitro inhibition assay of the sEH was conducted for the methanol and ethanol extracts of 27 anti-inflammatory TCMs. Two potent extracts were subject to further separation guided by bioassay to afford promising AI against sEH in vitro [Fr.5 of the crude ethanol extract of Rhizoma coptidis (FFCERC)]. Finally, the in vivo anti-inflammatory effect and sEH inhibitory potency of FFCERC was evaluated in a lipopolysacchride (LPS)-challenged murine model of acute systemic inflammation. The inflammatory status was characterized by the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and sEH inhibitory function was evaluated by the plasma levels of epoxyeicosantrienoic acids (EETs) and dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids (DHETs), which are the sEH mediated substrates and products, respectively.

RESULTS

At the concentration of 25µg/mL, the crude ethanol extracts of 6 TCMs including Herba Asari, Radix Polygalae, Fructus Amomi, Radix Astragali, Radix Scutellariae, and Rhizoma Coptidis were potent against sEH. The crude extracts of Herba Asari and Rhizoma Coptidis were selected for further separation to afford FFCERC as the most promising AI for in vivo evaluation. Oral administration of FFCERC attenuated the significant increase in TNF-α and IL-6 caused by LPS challenge in a dose-dependent manner. In parallel, oral administration of FFCERC shifted the changes in plasma levels of EETs and DHETs caused by LPS-challenge like a synthetic sEH inhibitor.

CONCLUSIONS

A sEH inhibitory AI from Rhizoma Coptidis is anti-inflammatory and the inhibition of sEH contributes to this biological effect, indicating that sEH may be at least one of multiple therapeutic targets for relevant TCMs.

Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Analysis on Inflammation Rat Model after Oral Administration of Huang Lian Jie Du Decoction

Huang-Lian-Jie-Du Decoction (HLJDD) is a classical Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula with heat-dissipating and detoxifying effects. It is used to treat inflammation-associated diseases. However, no systematic pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) data concerning the activity of HLJDD under inflammatory conditions is available to date. In the present study, the concentration-time profiles and the hepatic clearance rates (HCR) of 41 major components in rat plasma in response to the oral administration of a clinical dose of HLJDD were investigated by LC-QqQ-MS using a dynamic multiple reaction monitoring (DMRM) method. Additionally, the levels of 7 cytokines (CKs) in the plasma and the body temperature of rats were analyzed. Furthermore, a PK-PD model was established to describe the time course of the hemodynamic and anti-inflammatory effects of HLJDD. As one of the three major active constituents in HLJDD, iridoids were absorbed and eliminated more easily and quickly than alkaloids and flavonoids. Compared with the normal controls, the flavonoids, alkaloids and iridoids in inflamed rats exhibited consistently changing trends of PK behaviors, such as higher bioavailability, slower elimination, delays in reaching the maximum concentration (T_max) and longer substantivity. The HCR of iridoids was different from that of alkaloids and flavonoids in inflamed rats. Furthermore, excellent pharmacodynamic effects of HLJDD were observed in inflamed rats. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, IL-10, and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2) and body temperature significantly decreased after the administration of HLJDD. Based on PK-PD modeling with the three-phase synchronous characterization of time-concentration-effect, flavonoids exhibited one mechanism of action in the anti-inflammatory process, while iridoids and alkaloids showed another mechanism of action. Taken together, the results demonstrated that HLJDD may restrain inflammation synergistically via its major constituents (alkaloids, flavonoids and iridoids). A correlation between the exposure concentration of different types of compounds and their anti-inflammatory effects in the body was shown. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the anti-inflammatory activity of HLJDD.

Transcriptomics Analysis of Candida albicans Treated with Huanglian Jiedu Decoction Using RNA-seq

Candida albicans is the major invasive fungal pathogen of humans, causing diseases ranging from superficial mucosal infections to disseminated, systemic infections that are often life-threatening. Resistance of C. albicans to antifungal agents and limited antifungal agents has potentially serious implications for management of infections. As a famous multiherb prescription in China, Huanglian Jiedu Decoction (HLJJD, Orengedokuto in Japan) is efficient against Trichophyton mentagrophytes and C. albicans. But the antifungal mechanism of HLJDD remains unclear. In this study, by using RNA-seq technique, we performed a transcriptomics analysis of gene expression changes for C. albicans under the treatment of HLJDD. A total of 6057 predicted protein-encoding genes were identified. By gene expression analysis, we obtained a total of 735 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 700 upregulated genes and 35 downregulated genes. Genes encoding multidrug transporters such as ABC transporter and MFS transporter were identified to be significantly upregulated. Meanwhile, by pathway enrichment analysis, we identified 26 significant pathways, in which pathways of DNA replication and transporter activity were mainly involved. These results might provide insights for the inhibition mechanism of HLJDD against C. albicans.

Comparative pharmacokinetic investigation on baicalin and wogonoside in type 2 diabetic and normal rats after oral administration of traditional Chinese medicine Huanglian Jiedu decoction

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Huanglian Jiedu decoction (HLJDD) is used traditionally in China for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in clinical practice, which has been proved to be effective. The purpose of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetic characteristics (especially the area under the curve, AUC) of baicalin and wogonoside in type 2 diabetic rats after oral administration of HLJDD extract and to explore its possible mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

HLJDD extract and Radix scutellariae extract were prepared and the contents of baicalin and wogonoside contained in two extracts were assayed with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Type 2 diabetic rats were induced by high fat diet and intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Pharmacokinetics of baicalin and wogonoside in type 2 diabetic and normal control rats after oral administration of HLJDD extract or Radix scutellariae extract were investigated. Pharmacokinetics of baicalin in type 2 diabetic and normal rats after oral administration of pure baicalin was also investigated.

RESULTS

The pharmacokinetic parameters (especially AUCs) of baicalin and wogonoside in type 2 diabetic rats after oral administration of HLJDD extract were remarkably different from those in normal rats. And the alterations of the AUCs of baicalin and wogonoside in type 2 diabetic rats after oral administration of Radix scutellariae extract were similar to those after oral administration of HLJDD extract. Moreover, the increase of the AUC of baicalin in type 2 diabetic rats after oral administration of pure baicalin was similar to that after oral administration of HLJDD extract or Radix scutellariae extract.

CONCLUSION

The pharmacokinetic behaviors of baicalin and wogonoside (especially the systemic exposure [AUCs] of baicalin and wogonoside) were significantly altered in type 2 diabetic rats after orally administrated HLJDD extract. And the increased AUCs of baicalin and wogonoside in type 2 diabetic rats after oral administration of HLJDD extract resulted from neither the effects of other herbs contained in HLJDD nor the effects of other components contained in Radix scutellariae. It might result from the effects of the pathological status of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Exploring the ligand-protein networks in traditional chinese medicine: current databases, methods and applications

While the concept of "single component-single target" in drug discovery seems to have come to an end, "Multi-component-multi-target" is considered to be another promising way out in this field. The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which has thousands of years' clinical application among China and other Asian countries, is the pioneer of the "Multi-component-multi-target" and network pharmacology. Hundreds of different components in a TCM prescription can cure the diseases or relieve the patients by modulating the network of potential therapeutic targets. Although there is no doubt of the efficacy, it is difficult to elucidate convincing underlying mechanism of TCM due to its complex composition and unclear pharmacology. Without thorough investigation of its potential targets and side effects, TCM is not able to generate large-scale medicinal benefits, especially in the days when scientific reductionism and quantification are dominant. The use of ligand-protein networks has been gaining significant value in the history of drug discovery while its application in TCM is still in its early stage. This article firstly surveys TCM databases for virtual screening that have been greatly expanded in size and data diversity in recent years. On that basis, different screening methods and strategies for identifying active ingredients and targets of TCM are outlined based on the amount of network information available, both on sides of ligand bioactivity and the protein structures. Furthermore, applications of successful in silico target identification attempts are discussed in details along with experiments in exploring the ligand-protein networks of TCM. Finally, it will be concluded that the prospective application of ligand-protein networks can be used not only to predict protein targets of a small molecule, but also to explore the mode of action of TCM.

Hypolipidemic effect of the Chinese polyherbal Huanglian Jiedu decoction in type 2 diabetic rats and its possible mechanism

Huanglian Jiedu Decoction (HLJDD) is used traditionally in China for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in clinical practice, which has been proved to be effective. In present investigation, the 3D-HPLC fingerprint of HLJDD and the contents of main components (namely berberine, baicalin and geniposide) contained in the extract of HLJDD were assayed with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Type 2 diabetic rats were induced by high fat diet and streptozotocin. Type 2 diabetic rats were treated with HLJDD extract for 30d, while blood glucose and body weight were monitored during the experiment. At the end of experiment, the levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were assayed. Intestinal mucosa homogenate was prepared and the activity of pancreatic lipase was analyzed. Moreover, the olive oil loading test (OOLT) was performed and the inhibitory effect of HLJDD extract on the pancreatic lipase in vitro was evaluated. The results showed that, after the treatment of HLJDD extract, the final body weight and the levels of fasting plasma glucose, TC, TG and LDL-C were significantly reduced while the HDL-C level was increased in type 2 diabetic rats. The OOLT showed that HLJDD extract could lower the postprandial plasma TG level of type 2 diabetic rats. The activity of pancreatic lipase in type 2 diabetic rats was decreased after the treatment of HLJDD extract. Moreover, HLJDD extract could inhibit the activity of pancreatic lipase in vitro. In conclusion, the TCM prescription HLJDD possessed potent lipid-modulating effect on type 2 diabetic rats. And HLJDD extract exerted hypolipidemic effects partly via inhibiting the increased activity of intestinal pancreatic lipase in type 2 diabetic rats.

Chung S, Huang JD, Baum L, Senapati S, Li M. Effects of Huanglian-Jie-Du-Tang and its modified formula on the modulation of amyloid-β precursor protein processing in Alzheimer's disease models

Huanglian-Jie-Du-Tang (HLJDT) is a famous traditional Chinese herbal formula that has been widely used clinically to treat cerebral ischemia. Recently, we found that berberine, a major alkaloid compound in HLJDT, reduced amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation in an Alzheimer’s disease (AD) mouse model. In this study, we compared the effects of HLJDT, four single component herbs of HLJDT (Rhizoma coptidis (RC), Radix scutellariae (RS), Cortex phellodendri (CP) and Fructus gardenia (FG)) and the modified formula of HLJDT (HLJDT-M, which is free of RS) on the regulatory processing of amyloid-β precursor protein (APP) in an in vitro model of AD. Here we show that treatment with HLJDT-M and its components RC, CP, and the main compound berberine on N2a mouse neuroblastoma cells stably expressing human APP with the Swedish mutation (N2a-SwedAPP) significantly decreased the levels of full-length APP, phosphorylated APP at threonine 668, C-terminal fragments of APP, soluble APP (sAPP)-α and sAPPβ-Swedish and reduced the generation of Aβ peptide in the cell lysates of N2a-SwedAPP. HLJDT-M showed more significant APP- and Aβ- reducing effects than berberine, RC or CP treatment alone. In contrast, HLJDT, its component RS and the main active compound of RS, baicalein, strongly increased the levels of all the metabolic products of APP in the cell lysates. The extract from FG, however, did not influence APP modulation. Interestingly, regular treatment of TgCRND8 APP transgenic mice with baicalein exacerbated the amyloid plaque burden, APP metabolism and Aβ production. Taken together, these data provide convincing evidence that HLJDT and baicalein treatment can increase the amyloidogenic metabolism of APP which is at least partly responsible for the baicalein-mediated Aβ plaque increase in the brains of TgCRND8 mice. On the other hand, HLJDT-M significantly decreased all the APP metabolic products including Aβ. Further study of HLJDT-M for therapeutic use in treating AD is warranted.

Exploring the site-selective binding of jatrorrhizine to human serum albumin: spectroscopic and molecular modeling approaches

This paper exploring the site-selective binding of jatrorrhizine to human serum albumin (HSA) under physiological conditions (pH=7.4). The investigation was carried out using fluorescence spectroscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, and molecular modeling. The results of fluorescence quenching and UV-vis absorption spectra experiments indicated the formation of the complex of HSA-jatrorrhizine. Binding parameters calculating from Stern-Volmer method and Scatchard method were calculated at 298, 304 and 310 K, with the corresponding thermodynamic parameters ΔG, ΔH and ΔS as well. Binding parameters calculating from Stern-Volmer method and Scatchard method showed that jatrorrhizine bind to HSA with the binding affinities of the order 10(4) L mol(-1). The thermodynamic parameters studies revealed that the binding was characterized by negative enthalpy and positive entropy changes and the electrostatic interactions play a major role for jatrorrhizine-HSA association. Site marker competitive displacement experiments and molecular modeling calculation demonstrating that jatrorrhizine is mainly located within the hydrophobic pocket of the subdomain IIIA of HSA. Furthermore, the synchronous fluorescence spectra suggested that the association between jatrorrhizine and HSA changed molecular conformation of HSA.

Bioinformatics analysis for the antirheumatic effects of huang-lian-jie-du-tang from a network perspective

Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Tang (HLJDT) is a classic TCM formula to clear “heat” and “poison” that exhibits antirheumatic activity. Here we investigated the therapeutic mechanisms of HLJDT at protein network level using bioinformatics approach. It was found that HLJDT shares 5 target proteins with 3 types of anti-RA drugs, and several pathways in immune system and bone formation are significantly regulated by HLJDT's components, suggesting the therapeutic effect of HLJDT on RA. By defining an antirheumatic effect score to quantitatively measure the therapeutic effect, we found that the score of each HLJDT's component is very low, while the whole HLJDT achieves a much higher effect score, suggesting a synergistic effect of HLJDT achieved by its multiple components acting on multiple targets. At last, topological analysis on the RA-associated PPI network was conducted to illustrate key roles of HLJDT's target proteins on this network. Integrating our findings with TCM theory suggests that HLJDT targets on hub nodes and main pathway in the Hot ZENG network, and thus it could be applied as adjuvant treatment for Hot-ZENG-related RA. This study may facilitate our understanding of antirheumatic effect of HLJDT and it may suggest new approach for the study of TCM pharmacology.

Wogonoside displays anti-inflammatory effects through modulating inflammatory mediator expression using RAW264.7 cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, also called Huangqin in China, is an herbal-based nutraceutical which is usually used in Chinese medicated diet (CMD). As an abundant ingredient in Huangqin, wogonoside is a flavonoid glycoside. The present work investigated the anti-inflammatory activities of wogonoside in lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

RAW264.7 cells were used. The inhibition of wogonoside against nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells were measured. Additionally, the effects of wogonoside on mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), TNF-α and IL-6 were also investigated.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Wogonoside not only dose-dependently decreased the production of inflammatory mediators including NO and PGE2 but also inhibited the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α and IL-6 in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, wogonoside possessed significantly in vitro inhibitory effects on the gene expression of iNOS, COX2, TNF-α and IL-6.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that wogonoside may be used as a functional food component for prevention and treatment of inflammation.

Exploring the ligand-protein networks in traditional chinese medicine: current databases, methods, and applications

The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which has thousands of years of clinical application among China and other Asian countries, is the pioneer of the “multicomponent-multitarget” and network pharmacology. Although there is no doubt of the efficacy, it is difficult to elucidate convincing underlying mechanism of TCM due to its complex composition and unclear pharmacology. The use of ligand-protein networks has been gaining significant value in the history of drug discovery while its application in TCM is still in its early stage. This paper firstly surveys TCM databases for virtual screening that have been greatly expanded in size and data diversity in recent years. On that basis, different screening methods and strategies for identifying active ingredients and targets of TCM are outlined based on the amount of network information available, both on sides of ligand bioactivity and the protein structures. Furthermore, applications of successful in silico target identification attempts are discussed in detail along with experiments in exploring the ligand-protein networks of TCM. Finally, it will be concluded that the prospective application of ligand-protein networks can be used not only to predict protein targets of a small molecule, but also to explore the mode of action of TCM.

Lactobacillus fermentation enhances the inhibitory effect of Hwangryun-haedok-tang in an ovariectomy-induced bone loss

Background

Hwangryun-haedok-tang (HRT) is traditional herbal medicine used to treat inflammatory-related diseases in Asia. However, its effect on osteoclastogenesis and bone loss is still unknown. In this study, we evaluated the effect of HRT and its fermented product (fHRT) on the receptor activator for the nuclear factor-κB ligand-induced osteoclastogenesis using murine bone marrow-derived macrophages and postmenopausal bone loss using an ovariectomy (OVX) rat model.

Methods

Tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining was employed to evaluate osteoclast formation. mRNA level of transcription factor and protein levels of signaling molecules were determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis, respectively. Effect of HRT or fHRT on OVX-induced bone loss was evaluated using OVX rats orally administered HRT, or fHRT with 300 mg/kg for 12 weeks. Micro-CT analysis of femora was performed to analyze bone parameter.

Results

HRT or fHRT treatment significantly decreased TRAP activity and the number of TRAP positive multinuclear cells on osteoclastogenesis. Interestingly, these inhibitory effects of HRT were enhanced by fermentation. Furthermore, fHRT significantly inhibited mRNA and protein expression of nuclear factor of activated T cells cytoplasmic 1, which leads to down-regulation of NFATc1-regulated mRNA expressions such as TRAP, the d2 isoform of vacuolar ATPase V(0) domain, and cathepsin K. Administration of fHRT significantly inhibited the decrease of bone mineral density, and improved bone parameter of femora more than that of HRT and vehicle in OVX rats.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that lactic bacterial fermentation fortifies the inhibitory effect of HRT on osteoclastogenesis and bone loss. These results suggest that fermented HRT might have the beneficial potential on osteoporosis by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis.

Metabolomic study of collagen-induced arthritis in rats and the interventional effects of huang-lian-jie-du-tang, a traditional chinese medicine

Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Tang (HLJDT) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with anti-inflammatory activity. The present study used a metabolomic approach based on LC-Q-TOF-MS to profile rheumatoid-arthritis- (RA-) related metabolic changes and to investigate the interventional mechanisms of HLJDT in collagen-induced arthritis rats. Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: (1) a model group, (2) a normal control group, (3) a dexamethasone group, (4) a HLJDT group, and (5) a group that received 13 components of HLJDT. Plasma samples were collected 8, 15, and 22 days after the rats were injected with bovine type II collagen. By combining variable importance in the projection values with partial least squares discriminant analysis, 18 potential biomarkers were identified in the plasma samples. The biomarkers were primarily involved in glycerophospholipid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, purine metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, and bile acid biosynthesis. Using the potential biomarkers as a screening index, the results suggest that HLJDT can potentially reverse the process of RA by partially regulating fatty acid oxidation and arachidonic acid metabolism. This study demonstrates that a metabolomic strategy is useful for identifying potential RA biomarkers and investigating the underlying mechanisms of a TCM in RA treatment.

Fructus Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides J. Ellis) phytochemistry, pharmacology of cardiovascular, and safety with the perspective of new drugs development

The phytochemistry, cardiovascular pharmacology, toxicology, side effect, and further development prospects of Gardenia jasminoides J. Ellis (GJE) and its main constituents crocins and iridoid glycosides were studied. Numerous studies have confirmed that crocins and iridoid glycosides had effects of antioxidation, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherosclerosis, anti-ischemic brain injuries, anti-platelet aggregation, anti-hyperglycemia, anti-hyperlipidemia, anti-hypertension, and so on. Some of them might be related to several attractive pharmacodynamic actions of GJE such as promoting endothelium growth, protecting neurons, and inducing their differentiation. Both of them make it possible for GJE to prevent and cure thromboembolism and cardiovascular diseases well. From our own basic pharmacological research of GJE extract on several rat models, it has been known that GJE extract markedly prolonged bleeding time and inhibited platelet aggregation and thrombosis. It has significant proliferation effect on both endothelial cells and endothelial progenitor cells as well. As the mechanisms of GJE on those diseases were discussed and summarized, questions about its genetoxicity and hepatotoxicity were also discussed during its safety study to make the foundation for long-term medication and clinical research in the near future.

Hwangryun-Haedok-Tang Fermented with Lactobacillus casei Suppresses Ovariectomy-Induced Bone Loss

Hwangryun-haedok-tang (HRT) is the common recipe in traditional Asian medicine, and microbial fermentation is used for the conventional methods for processing traditional medicine. We investigated the inhibitory effect of the n-butanol fraction of HRT (HRT-BU) and fHRT (fHRT-BU) on the RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis in bone-marrow-derived macrophages. mRNA expression of osteoclastogenesis-related genes were evaluated by real-time QPCR. The activation of signaling pathways was determined by western blot analysis. The marker compounds of HRT-BU and fHRT-BU were analyzed by HPLC. The inhibitory effect of HRT or fHRT on ovariectomy-induced bone loss were evaluated using OVX rats with orally administered HRT, fHRT (300, 1000 mg/kg), or its vehicle for 12 weeks. fHRT-BU significantly inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis, and phosphorylation of p38, IKKα/β, and NF-κBp65 compared to HRT-BU. In addition, fHRT-BU also significantly inhibited the mRNA expression of Nfκb2, TNF-α, NFATc1, TRAP, ATPv0d2, and cathepsin K. Furthermore, administration of fHRT had a greater effect on the increase of BMD, and greater improved bone microstructure of the femora than that of HRT in ovariectomy rats. This study demonstrated that bacterial fermentation enhances the inhibitory effect of HRT on osteoclastogenesis and bone loss. These results suggest that fermented HRT might have the beneficial effects on bone disease by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis.

The different inhibitory effects of Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Tang on cyclooxygenase 2 and 5-lipoxygenase

BACKGROUND

Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Tang (HLJDT), a famous traditional Chinese prescription with wide anti-inflammatory applications, is an aqueous extract of four herbal materials: Rhizoma coptidis, Radix scutellariae, Cortex phellodendri, and Fructus gardeniae. Its effects on the cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) pathways are thought to be responsible for its anti-inflammatory activity. However, our previous work found that the inhibitory effects of HLJDT act on the 5-LOX pathway but not on the COX pathway. The possibility that HLJDT inhibits COX-2- or 5-LOX-catalyzed eicosanoid generation by downregulating enzyme expression requires further investigation.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To observe the effects of HLJDT and its four major components (baicalin, baicalein, berberine and geniposide) on COX-2- or 5-LOX-catalyzed eicosanoid generation and to distinguish the effects of HLJDT on enzyme activity from those on enzyme expression.

METHODS

The topical anti-inflammatory activities and inhibition of eicosanoid formation of HLJDT and its components were observed in an arachidonic acid (AA)-induced mouse ear edema model. Macrophage-based systems were established to observe the effects of the drugs on enzyme activity and enzyme expression of COX-2 and 5-LOX. Further experiments were carried out to confirm these effects at the mRNA and protein levels.

RESULTS

Topical treatment of HLJDT significantly inhibited AA-induced mouse ear edema and reduced PGE(2) and LTB(4) release in the edematous ears. Baicalein, geniposide, and berberine also ameliorated the symptoms and suppressed eicosanoid generation with varying efficacies. Cell-based assays showed that HLJDT and baicalein inhibited the PGE(2) levels by decreasing COX-2 enzyme expression without affecting COX-2 enzyme activity in RAW 246.7 murine macrophages. The other experiments on rat peritoneal macrophages indicated that HLJDT and baicalein exerted significant inhibition on LTB(4) production by decreasing 5-LOX enzyme activity. The real-time PCR and western blotting data demonstrated that HLJDT and baicalein reduced COX-2 expression at the mRNA and protein levels, whereas no inhibition on 5-LOX expression was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

HLJDT can suppress eicosanoid generation via both the COX and LOX pathways, which definitely contributes to its topical anti-inflammatory activity. We have confirmed that its dual inhibition on the COX and LOX pathways mainly result from the downregulation of COX-2 expression and direct inhibition of 5-LOX activity, respectively. Baicalein worked as a potent active component in most of the tests. These findings about the different inhibitory effects of HLJDT on COX-2 and 5-LOX help to better understand the mechanism of HLJDT and promote safer applications of drug.

Target Identification and Validation of (+)-2-(1-Hydroxyl-4-Oxocyclohexyl) Ethyl Caffeate, an Anti-Inflammatory Natural Product

(+)-2-(1-hydroxyl-4-oxocyclohexyl) ethyl caffeate (HOEC) was isolated from Incarvillea mairei var. granditlora (Wehrhahn) Grierson. The plants of the Incarvillea genus have long been used as folk medicines for the treatment of inflammation-related diseases in China. 5-Lipoxygenase (5-LOX), a key enzyme in the arachidonic acid (AA) cascade, was identified as a potential target of HOEC by a pulldown assay, and then extensively validated by biosensor-based affinity detection, enzyme-based activity assays, cell-based AA metabolite analysis and computer-aided AA network simulation. Further in vivo studies of AA-induced ear oedema, ovalbumin (OVA)-induced lung inflammation and collagen-induced arthritis demonstrated the anti-inflammatory potency and validated the therapeutic target of HOEC. This work revealed that HOEC acted as an anti-inflammatory agent targeting 5-LOX, which not only confirmed the key role of 5-LOX in inflammation but also provided a paradigm for the exploration of natural product mechanisms of action.