Lonicera japonica Thunb.: ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacology of an important traditional Chinese medicine

Authentication of edible herbal materials and food products using mass spectrometry based metabolites and inorganic constituents

Medicinal food homologous (MFH) substances not only provide nutrition but also serve as a traditional means to overcome many health issues. Authentication of these products verifies their efficacity and assures consumers of a genuine product. In this review paper, we focus the determination of MFH authenticity including geographical identification and adulteration detection using mass spectrometry (liquid and gas chromatography) based metabolites and inorganic constituents (muti-elements and stable isotopes). The application of these techniques to determine product identification characteristics combined with chemometrics are discussed, along with the limitations of these techniques. Multi-elements, stable isotopes, and metabolite analysis are shown to provide an effective combination of techniques to resolve the origin of various MFH products. Most organic compounds from MFH products are identified using chromatographic separation techniques (HPLC, GC) combined with different detection methods. Chemometric analysis of organic and inorganic fingerprints offers a robust method to detect and classify mislabeled and suspected fraudulent samples of different MFH products.

Lonicera japonica protects Pelodiscus sinensis by inhibiting the biofilm formation of Aeromonas hydrophila

Aquaculture has suffered significant financial losses as a result of the infection of zoonotic Aeromonas hydrophila, which has a high level of resistance to classic antibiotics. In this study, we isolated an A. hydrophila strain B3 from diseased soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis), which is one of the most commercially significant freshwater farmed reptiles in East Asia, and found that A. hydrophila was its dominant pathogen. To better understand the inhibition effect and action mechanism of Chinese herbs on A. hydrophila, we conducted Chinese herbs screening and found that Lonicera japonica had a significant antibacterial effect on A. hydrophila B3. Experimental therapeutics of L. japonica on soft-shelled turtle showed that the supplement of 1% L. japonica to diet could significantly upregulate the immunity-related gene expression of soft-shelled turtle and protect soft-shelled turtle against A. hydrophila infection. Histopathological section results validated the protective effect of L. japonica. As the major effective component of L. japonica, chlorogenic acid demonstrated significant inhibitory effect on the growth of A. hydrophila with MIC at 6.4 mg/mL. The in vitro assay suggested that chlorogenic acid could inhibit the hemolysin/protease production and biofilm formation of A. hydrophila and significantly decrease the expression of quorum sensing, biofilm formation, and hemolysin-related genes in A. hydrophila. Our results showed that the Chinese herb L. japonica would be a promising candidate for the treatment of A. hydrophila infections in aquaculture, and it not only improves the immune response of aquatic animals but also inhibits the virulence factor (such as biofilm formation) expression of A. hydrophila. KEY POINTS: • A. hydrophila was the dominant pathogen of the diseased soft-shelled turtle. • L. japonica can protect soft-shelled turtle against A. hydrophila infection. • Chlorogenic acid inhibits the growth and biofilm formation of A. hydrophila.

Chlorogenic acid ameliorates non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy via alleviating retinal inflammation through targeting TNFR1 in retinal endothelial cells

As a prominent complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) affecting microvasculature, diabetic retinopathy (DR) originates from blood-retinal barrier (BRB) damage. Natural polyphenolic compound chlorogenic acid (CGA) has already been reported to alleviate DR. This study delves into the concrete mechanism of the CGA-supplied protection against DR and elucidates its key target in retinal endothelial cells. DM in mice was induced using streptozotocin (STZ). CGA mitigated BRB dysfunction, leukocytes adhesion and the formation of acellular vessels in vivo. CGA suppressed retinal inflammation and the release of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) by inhibiting nuclear factor kappa-B (NFκB). Furthermore, CGA reduced the TNFα-initiated adhesion of peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) to human retinal endothelial cell (HREC). CGA obviously decreased the TNFα-upregulated expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM1), and abrogated the TNFα-induced NFκB activation in HRECs. All these phenomena were reversed by overexpressing type 1 TNF receptor (TNFR1) in HRECs. The CGA-provided improvement on leukocytes adhesion and retinal inflammation was disappeared in mice injected with an endothelial-specific TNFR1 overexpression adeno-associated virus (AAV). CGA reduced the interaction between TNFα and TNFR1 through binding to TNFR1 in retinal endothelial cells. In summary, excepting reducing TNFα expression via inhibiting retinal inflammation, CGA also reduced the adhesion of leukocytes to retinal vessels through decreasing VCAM1 and ICAM1 expression via blocking the TNFα-initiated NFκB activation by targeting TNFR1 in retinal endothelial cells. All of those mitigated retinal inflammation, ultimately alleviating BRB breakdown in DR.

Comparative analysis of chloroplast genome of Lonicera japonica cv. Damaohua

Lonicera japonica is a well-known medicinal plant, and the Damaohua cultivar is one of the oldest known honeysuckle cultivars in China. The 155,151 bp chloroplast genome of this cultivar was obtained through Illumina sequencing. The genome includes a pair of inverted repeats (IRa and IRb; 23,789 bp each), a large single-copy region (88,924 bp), and a small single-copy (SSC) region (18,649 bp). In total, 127 unique genes were identified: 80 protein-coding, 39 tRNA, and 8 rRNA genes. Only ycf3 contained two introns. Eighty-nine large repetitive sequences and 54 simple sequence repeats were detected. Fifty potential RNA editing sites were predicted. Adaptive evolution analysis revealed that infA, matK, petB, petD, rbcL, rpl16, rpl2, rps3, ycf1, and ycf2 were positively selected, possibly reflecting the specific environmental adaptations of this cultivar. Sequence alignment and analysis revealed several candidate fragments for Lonicera species identification, such as the intergenic regions rpoB-petN, rbcL-accD, and psaA-ycf3. The IR region boundary and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the L. japonica cv. Damaohua chloroplast genome was most closely related to the L. japonica genome, but there were five distinct differences between the two. There are four sites with high variability between L. japonica and L. japonica cv. Damaohua with nucleotide variability (Pi) greater than 0.002, including rps2-rpoC2, atpB-rbcL, ycf1, and ycf1-trnN GUU. The differences between L. japonica and L. japonica cv. Damaohua were further confirmed by the single nucleotide polymorphism sites between these two species. Therefore, this study revealed that the chloroplast genome can serve as a universal super barcode for plant identification, which can identify differences and help distinguish Lonicera japonica from related species. An understanding of Lonicera japonica cv. Damaohua chloroplast genomics and a comparative analysis of Lonicera species will provide a scientific basis for breeding, species identification, systematic evolution analysis, and chloroplast genetic engineering research on medicinal honeysuckle plants.

Mitophagy and Ferroptosis in Sepsis-Induced ALI/ARDS: Molecular Mechanisms, Interactions and Therapeutic Prospects of Medicinal Plants

Sepsis is a common critical illness characterized by high mortality rates and a significant disease burden. In the context of sepsis-induced organ dysfunction, the lungs are among the initial organs affected, which may progress to acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Recent studies have highlighted the crucial roles of mitophagy and ferroptosis in the development and progression of sepsis-induced ALI/ARDS. Identifying key convergence points in these processes may provide valuable insights for the treatment of this condition. In recent years, certain herbs and their bioactive compounds have demonstrated unique benefits in managing sepsis-induced ALI/ARDS by modulating mitophagy or ferroptosis. This review summary the mechanisms of mitophagy and ferroptosis, explores their interactions, and emphasizes their regulatory roles in the progression of sepsis-induced ALI/ARDS. Additionally, it offers a novel perspective on treatment strategies by summarizing various herbs and their bioactive compounds relevant to this condition.

Polysaccharides from Lonicera japonica Thunb.: Extraction, purification, structural features and biological activities-A review

Lonicera japonica Thunb.,commonly referred to as Caprifolium japonicum (Thunb.) Dum. Cours.,is a perennial herb classified under the caprifoliaceae family. It is utilized worldwide as a medicinal plant and also serves as food source and an ornamental plant. Lonicera japonica Thunb. polysaccharides (LJP) constitute one of its primary components, demonstrating a wide range of biological activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-Alzheimer's, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer effects. This paper reviews and summarizes recent research advancements on the extraction, purification, structural characteristics, and biological activities of LJP, offering a valuable foundation and up-to-date insights for the continued development and application of LJP in pharmaceutical and functional food sectors.

Identification of the Hypoglycemic Active Components of Lonicera japonica Thunb. and Lonicera hypoglauca Miq. by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS

Lonicera japonica Thunb. and Lonicera hypoglauca are famous Chinese medicines used for hyperglycemia; however, the specific compounds that contributed to the hypoglycemic activity and mechanism are still unknown. In this study, the antidiabetic activity of L. japonica buds and L. hypoglauca buds, roots, stems, and leaves extracts was primarily evaluated, and the L. japonica buds and L. hypoglauca buds, roots, and stems extracts displayed significant hypoglycemic activity, especially for the buds of L. hypoglauca. A total of 72 high-level compounds, including 9 iridoid glycosides, 12 flavonoids, 34 organic acids, and 17 saponins, were identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) combined with the fragmentation pathways of standards from different parts of L. japonica and L. hypoglauca extracts. Among them, 19 metabolites, including 13 saponins, were reported for the first time from both medicines. Seven high-content compounds identified from L. hypoglauca buds extract were further evaluated for hypoglycemic activity. The result indicated that neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acid A, isochlorogenic acid B, and isochlorogenic acid C displayed significant antidiabetic activity, especially for isochlorogenic acid A and isochlorogenic acid C, which demonstrated that the five chlorogenic-acid-type compounds were the active ingredients of hypoglycemic activity for L. japonica and L. hypoglauca. The potential mechanism of hypoglycemic activity for isochlorogenic acid A and isochlorogenic acid C was inhibiting the intestinal α-glucosidase activity to block the supply of glucose. This study was the first to clarify the hypoglycemic active ingredients and potential mechanism of L. japonica and L. hypoglauca, providing new insights for the comprehensive utilization of both resources and the development of hypoglycemic drugs.

Global lysine succinylation analysis unveils post-translational regulation effect on phenylpropanoid metabolism remodeling during Lonicera japonica flower development

Lonicera japonica plays a significant role in traditional Chinese medicine and as a food source, making it a focus of studies on protein succinylation and its potential role in regulating secondary metabolism during flower development. This study aimed to clarify the regulatory mechanism of protein succinylation on phenylpropanoid-related phenotypic changes by conducting a global lysine succinylation proteomic analysis across different flowering stages. A total of 586 lysine succinylated peptides in 303 proteins were identified during early and late floral stages. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that succinylated proteins primarily participated in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, amino acid metabolism, and secondary metabolism. The abundance of succinylated aspartate transaminase (AT), 4-coumarate-CoA ligase (4CL), and phenylalanine N-hydroxylase (CYP79A2) in phenylpropanoid metabolism varied during flower development. In vitro experiments demonstrated that succinylation increased AT activity while inhibited 4CL activity. Decreased levels of total flavonoids and phenolic acids indicated significant alterations in phenylpropanoid metabolism during later floral stages. These results suggest that succinylation of TCA cycle proteins not only influences flower development but also, together with AT-4CL-CYP79A2 co-succinylation, redirects phenylpropanoid metabolism during flower development in L. japonica.

Community structure of soil microorganisms and endophytes of honeysuckle at different ecological niche specificities

BACKGROUND

The plant microbiome is one of the key determinants of healthy plant growth. However, the complexity of microbial diversity in plant microenvironments in different regions, especially the relationship between subsurface and aboveground microorganisms, is not fully understood. The present study investigated the diversity of soil microorganisms in different regions and the diversity of microorganisms within different ecological niches, and compared soil microorganisms and endophytic microorganisms.

METHODS

16 S and ITS sequencing was used to sequence the soil and endophytes microbiome of honeysuckle. Alpha diversity analysis and principal component analysis (PCoA) were used to study the soil and endophyte microbial communities, and the function of endophyte bacteria and fungi was predicted based on the PICRUST2 process and FUNGuild.

RESULTS

In total, there were 382 common bacterial genera and 139 common fungal genera in the soil of different producing areas of honeysuckle. There were 398 common bacterial genera and 157 common fungal genera in rhizosphere soil. More beneficial bacteria were enriched in rhizosphere soil. Endophytic bacteria were classified into 34 phyla and 770 genera. Endophytic fungi were classified into 11 phyla and 581 genera, among which there were significant differences in the dominant genera of roots, stems, leaves, and flowers, as well as in community diversity and richness. Endophytic fungal functions were mainly dominated by genes related to saprophytes, functional genes that could fight microorganisms were also found in KEGG secondary functional genes.

CONCLUSION

More beneficial bacteria were enriched in rhizosphere soil of honeysuckle, and the microbial network of the rhizosphere is more complex than that of the soil. Among the tissues of honeysuckle, the flowers have the richest diversity of endophytes. The endogenous dominant core bacteria in each part of honeysuckle plant have a high degree of overlap with the dominant bacteria in soil. Functional prediction suggested that some dominant core bacteria have antibacterial effects, providing a reference for further exploring the strains with antibacterial function of honeysuckle. Understanding the interaction between honeysuckle and microorganisms lays a foundation for the study of growth promotion, quality improvement, and disease and pests control of honeysuckle from the perspective of microorganisms.

Antibacterial Activity and Mechanism of Taxillμs chinensis (DC.) Danser and Its Active Ingredients

Taxillμs chinensis (DC.) Danser is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. It has not been reported regarding antibacterial active ingredients and mechanisms of action. However, the Chinese patent medicine Yinhua Miyanling Tablets containing Taxillμs chinensis has an obvious anti-infective effect in our patent. Therefore, we speculate that Taxillμs chinensis may have antibacterial activity. The purpose of this paper is to study the antibacterial effect and mechanism of Taxillμs chinensis and find active compounds with antibacterial activity and a mechanism. We studied the antibacterial effect and mechanism of Taxillμs chinensis extract. The compounds in the ethyl acetate extract of Taxillμs chinensis were preliminarily identified by UPLC-Q-Orbitrap and analyzed by mass spectrometry. Above all, the antibacterial effect and antibacterial mechanism of the active components of Taxillμs chinensis were determined. Finally, we found, for the first time, that Taxillμs chinensis has a good antibacterial effect and ethyl acetate extract has the best effect. In addition, we found, for the first time, that it has an active component, 4-indolecarbaldehyde, and the component has a good broad-spectrum antibacterial effect. Above all, the active chemical 4-indolecarbaldehyde of Taxillμs chinensis can destroy the bacterial structure, make it unable to maintain normal morphology, and significantly increase the number of deaths. In short, Taxillμs chinensis has an antibacterial effect, and one of its main antibacterial components is 4-indolecarbaldehyde. The antibacterial mechanism of Taxillμs chinensis and 4-indolecarbaldehyde is related to the change in bacterial membrane permeability.

The protective effect of Lonicera japonica Thunb. against lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice: Modulation of inflammation, oxidative stress, and ferroptosis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Various components of Lonicera japonica Thunb. (LJT) exhibit pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Nevertheless, the relationship between LJT and ferroptosis remains largely unexplored.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this research was to look into the role of LJT in regulating LPS-induced ferroptosis in ALI and to compare the effects of different parts of LJT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We established a mice ALI model by treating with LPS. Administered mice with different doses of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos (LJF), Lonicera Japonica Leaves (LJL) and Lonicerae Caulis (LRC) extracts, respectively. The levels of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-4, IL-10, and PGE2 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Furthermore, the concentrations of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and total ferrous ions (Fe2+) in lung tissues were evaluated. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was conducted to examine the morphological structure of lung tissues. Transmission electron microscopy was used to investigate the ultrastructural morphology of mitochondria. Furthermore, the effects of LJT were evaluated via immunohistochemical staining, western blotting, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses. Finally, employing molecular docking and molecular dynamics research techniques, we aimed to identify crucial components in LJT that might inhibit ferroptosis by targeting nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4).

RESULTS

We observed that pretreatment with LJT significantly mitigated LPS-induced lung injury and suppressed ferroptosis. This was supported by reduced accumulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, ROS, MDA, and Fe2+, along with increased levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines, SOD, GSH, Nrf2, and GPX4 in the lung tissues of ALI mice. Luteolin-7-O-rutinoside, apigenin-7-O-rutinoside, and amentoflavone in LJT exhibit excellent docking effects with key targets of ferroptosis, Nrf2 and GPX4.

CONCLUSIONS

Pretreatment with LJT may alleviate LPS-induced ALI, possibly by suppressing ferroptosis. Our initial results indicate that LJT activates the Nrf2/GPX4 axis, providing protection against ferroptosis in ALI. This finding offers a promising therapeutic candidate for ALI treatment.

A Diboronic Acid-Based Fluorescent Sensor Array for Rapid Identification of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos and Lonicerae Flos

Lonicerae japonicae flos (LJF) and Lonicerae flos (LF) are traditional Chinese herbs that are commonly used and widely known for their medicinal properties and edibility. Although they may have a similar appearance and vary slightly in chemical composition, their effectiveness as medicine and their use in clinical settings vary significantly, making them unsuitable for substitution. In this study, a novel 2 × 3 six-channel fluorescent sensor array is proposed that uses machine learning algorithms in combination with the indicator displacement assay (IDA) method to quickly identify LJF and LF. This array comprises two coumarin-based fluorescent indicators (ES and MS) and three diboronic acid-substituted 4,4'-bipyridinium cation quenchers (Q1-Q3), forming six dynamic complexes (C1-C6). When these complexes react with the ortho-dihydroxy groups of phenolic acid compounds in LJF and LF, they release different fluorescent indicators, which in turn causes distinct fluorescence recovery. By optimizing eight machine learning algorithms, the model achieved 100% and 98.21% accuracy rates in the testing set and the cross-validation predictions, respectively, in distinguishing between LJF and LF using Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA). The integration of machine learning with this fluorescent sensor array shows great potential in analyzing and detecting foods and pharmaceuticals that contain polyphenols.

Lonicerae Japonicae Flos with the homology of medicine and food: a review of active ingredients, anticancer mechanisms, pharmacokinetics, quality control, toxicity and applications

Lonicerae Japonicae Flos (LJF, called Jinyinhua in China), comes from the dried flower buds or flowers to be opened of Lonicera japonica Thunb. in the Lonicera family. It has a long history of medicinal use and has a wide range of application prospects. As modern research advances, an increasing number of scientific experiments have demonstrated the anticancer potential of LJF. However, there is a notable absence of systematic reports detailing the anti-tumor effects of LJF. This review integrates the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with contemporary pharmacological techniques, drawing upon literature from authoritative databases such as PubMed, CNKI, and WanFang to conduct a comprehensive study of LJF. Notably, a total of 507 compounds have been isolated and characterized from the plant to date, which include volatile oils, organic acids, flavonoids, iridoids, triterpenes and triterpenoid saponins. Pharmacological studies have demonstrated that LJF extract, along with components such as chlorogenic acid, luteolin, rutin, luteoloside, hyperoside and isochlorogenic acid, exhibits potential anticancer activities. Consequently, we have conducted a comprehensive review and summary of the mechanisms of action and clinical applications of these components. Furthermore, we have detailed the pharmacokinetics, quality control, and toxicity of LJF, while also discussing its prospective applications in the fields of biomedicine and preventive healthcare. It is hoped that these studies will provide valuable reference for the clinical research, development, and application of LJF.

Evaluating the impact of ecological factors on the quality and habitat distribution of Lonicera japonica Flos using HPLC and the MaxEnt model

Introduction

The quality of traditional Chinese medicine is based on the content of their secondary metabolites, which vary with habitat adaptation and ecological factors. This study focuses on Lonicera japonica Flos (LJF), a key traditional herbal medicine, and aims to evaluate how ecological factors impact its quality.

Methods

We developed a new evaluation method combining high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprinting technology and MaxEnt models to assess the effects of ecological factors on LJF quality. The MaxEnt model was used to predict suitable habitats for current and future scenarios, while HPLC was employed to analyze the contents of key compounds. We also used ArcGIS for spatial analysis to create a quality zoning map.

Results

The analysis identified 21 common chromatographic peaks, with significant variations in the contents of Hyperoside, Rutin, Chlorogenic acid, Cynaroside, and Isochlorogenic acid A across different habitats. Key environmental variables influencing LJF distribution were identified, including temperature, precipitation, and elevation. The current suitable habitats primarily include regions south of the Yangtze River. Under future climate scenarios, suitable areas are expected to shift, with notable expansions in southern Gansu, southeastern Tibet, and southern Liaoning. The spatial distribution maps revealed that high-quality LJF is predominantly found in central and southern Hebei, northern Henan, central Shandong, central Sichuan, southern Guangdong, and Taiwan.

Discussion

The study indicates that suitable growth areas can promote the accumulation of certain secondary metabolites in plants, as the accumulation of these metabolites varies. The results underscore the necessity of optimizing quality based on cultivation practices. The integration of HPLC fingerprinting technology and the MaxEnt model provides valuable insights for the conservation and cultivation of herbal resources, offering a new perspective on evaluating the impact of ecological factors on the quality of traditional Chinese medicines.

Lonicera japonica Thunb. Ethanol Extract Exerts a Protective Effect on Normal Human Gastric Epithelial Cells by Modulating the Activity of Tumor-Necrosis-Factor-α-Induced Inflammatory Cyclooxygenase 2/Prostaglandin E2 and Matrix Metalloproteinase 9

Gastric inflammation-related disorders are commonly observed digestive system illnesses characterized by the activation of proinflammatory cytokines, particularly tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). This results in the induction of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)/prostaglandin E2 (PEG2) and matrix metallopeptidase-9 (MMP-9). These factors contribute to the pathogenesis of gastric inflammation disorders. We examined the preventive effects of Lonicera japonica Thunb. ethanol extract (Lj-EtOH) on gastric inflammation induced by TNF-α in normal human gastric mucosa epithelial cells (GES-1). The GES-1 cell line was used to establish a model that simulated the overexpression of COX-2/PGE2 and MMP-9 proteins induced by TNF-α to examine the anti-inflammatory properties of Lj extracts. The results indicated that Lj-EtOH exhibits significant inhibitory effects on COX-2/PEG2 and MMP-9 activity, attenuates cell migration, and provides protection against TNF-α-induced gastric inflammation. The protective effects of Lj-EtOH are associated with the modulation of COX-2/PEG2 and MMP-9 through the activation of TNFR-ERK 1/2 signaling pathways as well as the involvement of c-Fos and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways. Based on our findings, Lj-EtOH exhibits a preventive effect on human gastric epithelial cells. Consequently, it may represent a novel treatment for the management of gastric inflammation.

Lonicera japonica Thunb. and its characteristic component chlorogenic acid alleviated experimental colitis by promoting Lactobacillus and fecal short‐chain fatty acids production

Ulcerative colitis is intricately linked to intestinal oxidative stress and dysbiosis of the gut microbiota. Lonicera japonica Thunb. (LJ) is a traditional edible and medical flower in China, and chlorogenic acid (CGA) is one of its characteristic components. However, it remains unclear whether gut microbiota plays a role in the therapeutic effects of LJ and GCA on colitis. Here, we first observed that oral administration of LJ and CGA for 3 weeks dramatically promoted the growth of Lactobacillus and fecal short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production in healthy mice. Subsequently, the alleviating effects of LJ and CGA on colitis were explored with a dextran sulfate sodium‐induced colitis mice model. The intervention of LJ and CGA notably alleviated inflammation, intestinal barrier impairment, and oxidative stress in colitis and led to a significant elevation in Lactobacillus and fecal SCFAs. Eventually, the key role of gut microbiota and their metabolites on the therapeutic effects was validated by performing fecal microbiota transplantation and sterile fecal suspensions transplantation from LJ and CGA‐treated healthy mice to colitis mice. Our findings demonstrated that consumption of LJ and CGA could benefit the host both in healthy condition and colitis. The beneficial effects were attributed to the improvement of the endogenous antioxidant system and promotion of the probiotic Lactobacillus and SCFAs production. Our study highlighted the great potential of LJ and CGA to be consumed as functional foods and provided novel mechanisms by which they alleviated colitis.

Randomised controlled trial of Jiandu granule in preventing chemoradiotherapy-induced oral mucositis

OBJECTIVE

This clinical trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Jiandu granule, a Chinese herbal medicine formula, for preventing oral mucositis in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A single-centre, open-label, randomised controlled trial was conducted, enrolling 138 patients with locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Patients were randomly allocated to either the experimental group (n = 69) or the control group (n = 69). Both groups received concurrent chemoradiotherapy and standard care for oral mucositis, with the experimental group additionally receiving Jiandu granule intervention. The primary outcome was the incidence of severe oral mucositis (grade III to IV).

RESULTS

In the full-analysis set, severe oral mucositis occurred in 14 of 69 (20.3%) patients in the experimental group and 31 of 69 (44.9%) patients in the control group (absolute risk reduction: 24.6%; relative risk reduction: 54.8%; p = 0.002; number needed to treat: 4). Jiandu granule was associated with mild/moderate gastrointestinal reactions, with an overall incidence of 5.9%.

CONCLUSION

Jiandu granule reduced the incidence of severe oral mucositis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients during concurrent chemoradiotherapy and had an acceptable safety profile.

Volatile oil constituents, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of Lonicera caprifolium L. in different areas of Iran

The genus of Lonicera is the largest genus of Caprifoliaceae family. This study revealed the composition, antioxidant, and antibacterial actions of essential oils of Lonicera caprifolium L. in different areas of Iran; Qom, Mashhad, Shiraz. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry examination was applied to recognise the oil conformation. The essential oils of Qom included a high number of monoterpenes, with linalool as the significant constituent. In the essential oil of Mashhad, the main elements were methyl linoleate. The essential oil of Shiraz displayed a similar profile, including a large quantity of fatty acid, with methyl palmitate as the main component. The antioxidant activity was assessed via the DPPH exam, and the antimicrobial action was verified using the broth microdilution procedure. The essential oils of Qom revealed the maximum antimicrobial and antioxidant actions between the three regions, ascribed to its high concentration of monoterpenes and phenolic composites. Moreover, principal component analysis (PCA) and heat map successfully revealed the variation and correlation between metabolites of the three oils. These conclusions highlight the potential of L. caprifolium as natural foundations of antimicrobial and antioxidant representatives, with investigation required to reveal their therapeutic requests.

Quantitative analysis of the quality constituents of Lonicera japonica Thunberg based on Raman spectroscopy

Quantitative analysis of the quality constituents of Lonicera japonica (Jinyinhua [JYH]) using a feasible method provides important information on its evaluation and applications. Limitations of sample pretreatment, experimental site, and analysis time should be considered when identifying new methods. In response to these considerations, Raman spectroscopy combined with deep learning was used to establish a quantitative analysis model to determine the quality of JYH. Chlorogenic acid and total flavonoids were identified as analysis targets via network pharmacology. High performance liquid chromatograph and ultraviolet spectroscopy were used to construct standard curves for quantitative analysis. Raman spectra of JYH extracts (1200) were collected. Subsequently, models were built using partial least squares regression, Support Vector Machine, Back Propagation Neural Network, and One-dimensional Convolutional Neural Network (1D-CNN). Among these, the 1D-CNN model showed superior prediction capability and had higher accuracy (R2 = 0.971), and lower root mean square error, indicating its suitability for rapid quantitative analysis.

Network pharmacology combined with an experimental validation study to reveal the effect and mechanism of Lonicera japonica Thunb. extracts against immunomodulation

Lonicera japonica Thunb. (LJT) is known for its valuable medicinal properties that highlight its potential application in the pharmaceutical and health food industry. We predict that LJT polyphenols by network pharmacology may be involved in immunomodulation, and the study of LJT polyphenols regulating immunity is still insufficient; therefore, we experimentally found that LJT enhances immunity by promoting the proliferation and phagocytic activity of RAW246.7 cells. A model of an immunosuppressed mouse was constructed using cyclophosphamide-induced, and LJT was extracted for the intervention. We found that LJT restored immune homeostasis in immune deficiency mice by inhibiting the abnormal apoptosis in lymphocytes, enhancing natural killer cell cytotoxicity, promoting T lymphocyte proliferation, and increasing the CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in quantity. Moreover, LJT treatment modulates immunity by significantly downregulating lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation and oxidative stress levels. We verified the immunomodulatory function of LJT through both cell and animal experiments. The combination of potential-protein interactions and molecular docking later revealed that LJT polyphenols were associated with immunomodulatory effects on MAPK1; together, LJT intervention significantly modulates the immune, with the activation of MAPK1 as the underlying mechanism of action, which provided evidence for the utilization of LJT as a nutraceutical in immune function.

Bioactivities of morroniside: A comprehensive review of pharmacological properties and molecular mechanisms

Morroniside (MOR) is an iridoid glycoside and the main active principle of the medicinal plant, Cornus officinalis Sieb. This phytochemical is associated with numerous health benefits due to its antioxidant properties. The primary objective of the present study was to assess the pharmacological effects and underlying mechanisms of MOR, utilizing published data obtained from literature databases. Data collection involved accessing various sources, including PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and SpringerLink. Our findings demonstrate that MOR can be utilized for the treatment of several diseases and disorders, as numerous studies have revealed its significant therapeutic activities. These activities encompass anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, lipid-lowering capability, anticancer, trichogenic, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective, osteoprotective, renoprotective, and cardioprotective effects. MOR has also shown promising benefits against various neurological ailments, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injury, cerebral ischemia, and neuropathic pain. Considering these therapeutic features, MOR holds promise as a lead compound for the treatment of various ailments and disorders. However, further comprehensive preclinical and clinical trials are required to establish MOR as an effective and reliable therapeutic agent.

Potential immune-related therapeutic mechanisms of multiple traditional Chinese medicines on type 2 diabetic nephropathy based on bioinformatics, network pharmacology and molecular docking

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of type 2 diabetic nephropathy (T2DN) ranges from 20 % to 40 % among individuals with type 2 diabetes. Multiple immune pathways play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of T2DN. This study aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of active ingredients derived from 14 traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) on T2DN.

METHODS

By removing batch effect on the GSE30528 and GSE96804 datasets, we employed a combination of weighted gene co-expression network analysis, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator analysis, protein-protein interaction network analysis, and the CIBERSORT algorithm to identify the active ingredients of TCMs as well as potential hub biomarkers associated with immune cells. Functional analysis was conducted using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), Gene Ontology (GO), and gene set variation analysis (GSVA). Additionally, molecular docking was employed to evaluate interactions between active ingredients and potential immunotherapy targets.

RESULTS

A total of 638 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in this study, comprising 5 hub genes along with 4 potential biomarkers. Notably, CXCR1, CXCR2, and FOS exhibit significant associations with immune cells while displaying robust or favorable affinities towards the active ingredients kaempferol, quercetin, and luteolin. Furthermore, functional analysis unveiled intricate involvement of DEGs, hub genes and potential biomarkers in pathways closely linked to immunity and diabetes.

CONCLUSION

The potential hub biomarkers and immunotherapy targets associated with immune cells of T2DN comprise CXCR1, CXCR2, and FOS. Furthermore, kaempferol, quercetin, and luteolin demonstrate potential immunomodulatory effects in modulating T2DN through the regulation of CXCR1, CXCR2, and FOS expression.

Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Chemical Components in Yinhua Pinggan Granule with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Q-Exactive Mass Spectrometry

Yinhua Pinggan Granule (YPG) is an approved compounded traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription for the treatment of cold, cough, viral pneumonia, and related diseases. Due to its complicated chemical composition, the material basis of YPG has not been systematically investigated. In this study, an analytical method based on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with Q-Exactive mass spectrometry was established. Together with the help of a self-built compound database and Compound Discoverer software 3.1, the chemical components in YPG were tentatively identified. Subsequently, six main components in YPG were quantitatively characterized with a high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) method. As a result, 380 components were annotated, including 19 alkaloids, 8 organic acids, 36 phenolic acids, 27 other phenols, 114 flavonoids, 75 flavonoid glycoside, 72 terpenes, 11 anthraquinones, and 18 other compounds. Six main components, namely, chlorogenic acid, puerarin, 3'-methoxypuerarin, polydatin, glycyrrhizic acid, and emodin, were quantified simultaneously. The calibration curves of all six analytes showed good linearity (R2 > 0.9990) within the test ranges. The precision, repeatability, stability, and recovery values were all in acceptable ranges. In addition, the total phenol content and DPPH scavenging activity of YPG were also determined. The systematic elucidation of the chemical components in YPG in this study may provide clear chemical information for the quality control and pharmacological research of YPG and related TCM compounded prescriptions.

Study on the ameliorative effect of honeysuckle on DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Honeysuckle, first documented in the Miscellaneous Records of Famous Physicians, is known for its ability to expel toxin and cool blood to stop diarrhea. Modern pharmacological research has shown that honeysuckle has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and immune-regulating effects and is widely used in clinical practice. However, the effect of honeysuckle on ulcerative colitis (UC) is still not fully understood, which presents challenges for quality control, research and development.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to determine the anti-inflammatory properties and mechanism of action of aqueous extracts of honeysuckle in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) induced-ulcerative colitis mouse model was established, and the mice were divided into five groups: the control group, the model group, and the low, medium, and high dose honeysuckle treatment groups.

RESULTS

All dose groups of honeysuckle were found to significantly reduce IL-6 and TNF-α levels and regulate DSS-induced mRNA levels of CLDN4, COX-2, IL-6, INOS, MUC-2, occludin and NLRP3. The high-dose group displayed the most effective inhibition, and a differentially expressed mRNA detection indicated abnormal mRNA expression. The 16sRNA sequencing revealed that the honeysuckle was able to significantly upregulate the abundance of beneficial bacteria and downregulate the abundance of harmful bacteria. The study of short-chain fatty acids revealed that the levels of acetic, propionic, isobutyric, valeric and isovaleric acids were significantly increased after administering honeysuckle at medium and high doses.

CONCLUSION

Honeysuckle reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, increases the content of short-chain fatty acids and restores the intestinal ecological balance, resulting in better therapeutic effects.

An alleviative effect of Lonicerae japonicae flos water extract against liver fibrogenesis in vitro and in vivo

Lonicerae japonicae (L. japonicae) flos is a medical and food homology herb. This study investigated the phenolic acid and flavonoid contents in L. japonicae flos water extract solution (LJWES) and the preventive effects of LJWES against liver fibrogenesis via FL83B cells and rats. LJWES contains many polyphenols, such as chlorogenic acid, morin, and epicatechin. LJWES increased cell viability and decreased cytotoxicity in thioacetamide (TAA)-treated FL83B cells (75 mM) (p < .05). LJWES decreased (p < .05) gene expressions of Tnf-α, Tnfr1, Bax, and cytochrome c but upregulated Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl in TAA-treated cells; meanwhile, increased protein levels of P53, cleaved caspase 3, and cleaved caspase 9 in TAA treated cells were downregulated (p < .05) by LJWES supplementation. In vivo, results indicated that TAA treatment increased serum liver damage indices (alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and alkaline phosphatase [ALP]) and cytokines (interleukin-6 and transforming growth factor-β1) levels and impaired liver antioxidant capacities (increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substance value but decreased catalase/glutathione peroxidase activities) in rats (p < .05) while LJWES supplementation amended (p < .05) them. Liver fibrosis scores, collagen deposition, and alpha-smooth muscle actin deposition in TAA-treated rats were also decreased by LJWES supplementation (p < .05). To sum up, LJWES could be a potential hepatoprotective agent against liver fibrogenesis by enhancing antioxidant ability, downregulating inflammation in livers, and reducing apoptosis in hepatocytes.

Reduction of flavonoid content in honeysuckle via Erysiphe lonicerae-mediated inhibition of three essential genes in flavonoid biosynthesis pathways

Honeysuckle, valued for its wide-ranging uses in medicine, cuisine, and aesthetics, faces a significant challenge in cultivation due to powdery mildew, primarily caused by the Erysiphe lonicerae pathogen. The interaction between honeysuckle and E. lonicerae, especially concerning disease progression, remains insufficiently understood. Our study, conducted in three different locations, found that honeysuckle naturally infected with E. lonicerae showed notable decreases in total flavonoid content, with reductions of 34.7%, 53.5%, and 53.8% observed in each respective site. Controlled experiments supported these findings, indicating that artificial inoculation with E. lonicerae led to a 20.9% reduction in flavonoid levels over 21 days, worsening to a 54.8% decrease by day 42. Additionally, there was a significant drop in the plant's total antioxidant capacity, reaching an 81.7% reduction 56 days after inoculation. Metabolomic analysis also revealed substantial reductions in essential medicinal components such as chlorogenic acid, luteolin, quercetin, isoquercetin, and rutin. Investigating gene expression revealed a marked decrease in the relative expression of the LjPAL1 gene, starting as early as day 7 post-inoculation and falling to a minimal level (fold change = 0.29) by day 35. This trend was mirrored by a consistent reduction in phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity in honeysuckle through the entire process, which decreased by 72.3% by day 56. Further analysis showed significant and sustained repression of downstream genes LjFNHO1 and LjFNGT1, closely linked to LjPAL1. We identified the mechanism by which E. lonicerae inhibits this pathway and suggest that E. lonicerae may strategically weaken the honeysuckle's disease resistance by targeting key biosynthetic pathways, thereby facilitating further pathogen invasion. Based on our findings, we recommend two primary strategies: first, monitoring medicinal constituent levels in honeysuckle from E. lonicerae-affected areas to ensure its therapeutic effectiveness; and second, emphasizing early prevention and control measures against honeysuckle powdery mildew due to the persistent decline in crucial active compounds.

Lonicerin promotes wound healing in diabetic rats by enhancing blood vessel regeneration through Sirt1-mediated autophagy

Among the numerous complications of diabetes mellitus, diabetic wounds seriously affect patients' quality of life and result in considerable psychological distress. Promoting blood vessel regeneration in wounds is a crucial step in wound healing. Lonicerin (LCR), a bioactive compound found in plants of the Lonicera japonica species and other honeysuckle plants, exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, and it recently has been found to alleviate ulcerative colitis by enhancing autophagy. In this study we investigated the efficacy of LCR in treatment of diabetic wounds and the underlying mechanisms. By comparing the single-cell transcriptomic data from healing and non-healing states in diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) of 5 patients, we found that autophagy and SIRT signaling activation played a crucial role in mitigating inflammation and oxidative stress, and promoting cell survival in wound healing processes. In TBHP-treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), we showed that LCR alleviated cell apoptosis, and enhanced the cell viability, migration and angiogenesis. Furthermore, we demonstrated that LCR treatment dose-dependently promoted autophagy in TBHP-treated HUVECs by upregulating Sirt1 expression, and exerted its anti-apoptotic effect through the Sirt1-autophagy axis. Knockdown of Sirt1 significantly decreased the level of autophagy, and mitigated the anti-apoptotic effect of LCR. In a STZ-induced diabetic rat model, administration of LCR significantly promoted wound healing, which was significantly attenuated by Sirt1 knockdown. This study highlights the potential of LCR as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of diabetic wounds and provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying its effects.

Ethnopharmacology of five flowers herbal tea, a popular traditional beverage in Hong Kong and South China

BACKGROUND

It has been a long-standing tradition of using herbal tea for preventive and therapeutic healthcare in Hong Kong and South China and Five Flowers Tea is one of the most popular herbal teas. Based on the principle of traditional Chinese medicine, the pharmacological functions are to clear heat and dispel dampness in the body. Heat and dampness are thought to contribute to a range of health problems, especially during the hot and humid season in South China and Hong Kong. The most prevalent herbs in the formula contain bioactive compounds including flavonoids, alkaloids and terpenoids, which have a wide range of pharmacological properties including anti-inflammation, antivirus, antidiarrhoea, antibacteria, and antioxidation. However, with the composition varies widely, the ethnopharmacological benefits described may not be delivered uniformly. This study is to provide a comprehensive analysis on the composition of the Five Flowers Tea sold in Hong Kong and investigate the rationale behind the selection of herbs used in the formula. This study also provides information on the variation and quality of the Five Flowers Tea in the market.

METHODS

Thirty-three Five Flowers Tea samples were collected from various locations in Hong Kong. The size, texture, colour and organoleptic properties were documented. Macroscopic and molecular authentication methods were employed to identify the individual components.

RESULTS

Macroscopic identification revealed there were 23 herbs belonging to 18 plant families. The most prevalent herb was Bombax ceiba L., followed by Chrysanthemum morifolium. Ten adulterants and the existence of insect Lasioderma serricorne were confirmed by DNA barcoding techniques.

CONCLUSION

This study employed a comprehensive approach to authenticate the herbs in Five Flowers Tea samples collected from various locations in Hong Kong. Macroscopic and molecular methods were used to identify the herbs and adulterants. The findings revealed the varied composition in Five Flowers Tea and the occurrence of adulterants in some samples. This shows that quality assurance of Five Flowers Tea is essential for the effective use of this popular folk medicine.

Exploration of exogenous chlorogenic acid as a potential plant stimulant: enhancing physiochemical properties in Lonicera japonica

In this study, we applied exogenous chlorogenic acid (CGA) to Lonicera japonica (L. japonica) leaves via foliar sprays every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for a period of 12 months. Our continuous monitoring over this period revealed a consistent increase in flavonoid levels from the second to the tenth month following the commencement of CGA treatment. This was accompanied by a notable upregulation in the expression of four secondary metabolite-related enzyme genes: LjPAL1, LjPAL2, LjPAL3, and LjISY1. Concurrently, there was a significant enhancement in the total activity of the enzyme phenylalanine ammonia-lyase. The total antioxidant capacity of the plants also showed a marked increase from the third to the seventh month post-treatment initiation, subsequently stabilizing. This increase was also reflected in the elevated activities of key antioxidant enzymes: peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, and superoxide dismutase. Furthermore, the treatment notably enhanced various indicators of nutrient growth, such as total protein content, total sugar content, and leaf area. Notably, the relative expression of LjTF1, a kind of BZIP transcription factor gene known for its extensive regulatory effects, showed a significant and sustained increase after the start of exogenous CGA treatment. Subsequent metabolomic analysis revealed significant changes in L. japonica metabolites. Specifically, 172 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) showed a notable increase (Fold > 1), predominantly in pathways related to nutrient metabolism such as carbohydrate, amino acid, and energy metabolism. Notably, some of the highly expressed DEMs (Fold > 4) are key antioxidants and medicinal components in L. japonica. The experimental findings were in alignment with the metabolomics analysis, indicating that exogenous CGA can act as a stimulant for L. japonica. It promotes the significant accumulation of certain secondary metabolites, enhances nutritive growth, and boosts the plant's total antioxidant capacity.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-024-01435-8.

Modified Simiaowan prevents and treats gouty arthritis via the Nrf2/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Modified Simiaowan (MSM) is a six-herb formula that has been shown to be effective in gouty arthritis (GA) has been proven, but its regulatory mechanism has not been fully elucidated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanism of MSM on gouty arthritis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mouse J774A.1 macrophages were induced with Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and then stimulated with Adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) or Nigericin (Nig.) in presence or absence of MSM. Expression of key indicators of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway were investigated by western blot, ELISA and qRT-PCR. Fluorescence staining and flow cytometry were performed to detect intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Another study, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of MSM were evaluated in rats with monosodium urate (MSU) -induced gouty arthritis using ELISA, hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE) staining, immunohistochemistry, and oxidative stress kits to measure relevant inflammatory markers and oxidative stress-related biomarkers.

RESULTS

ELISA and qRT-PCR results demonstrated that MSM effectively reduced the secretion and the mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Western blot results indicated that MSM can suppress the expression of NLRP3, an inflamasomes-related protein. In addition, MSM regulated the transition from M1 to M2 macrophages and upregulated the protein expression of Nrf2 and HO-1. The flow cytometry results and the fluorescence staining result were consistent with hypothesis that a large amount of ROS could be effectively cleared by MSM. However, the anti-inflammatory effect of MSM was attenuated after the use of ML385. In vivo experiments demonstrated that joint swelling was significantly attenuated and knee neutrophil infiltration was alleviated in rats given MSM. SOD and GSH-px levels were elevated significantly, while COX-2 and MDA levels decreased. The immunohistochemical results suggested that MSM could effectively inhibit the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and the regulation of macrophage polarization in rat synovial tissue, and remarkably enhance the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1.

CONCLUSION

MSM has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on MSU-induced gouty arthritis. MSM alleviates GA through Nrf2/HO-1/ROS/NLRP3 signaling pathway.

Inhibitory effect of Lonicera japonica-derived exosomal miR2911 on human papilloma virus

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Lonicera japonica Thunb. has been used as a traditional medicinal herb in China for thousands of years for its heat-clearing and detoxification effects. In recent years, experimental and clinical studies have shown that some Lonicera japonica-containing Chinese medicine prescriptions have been used to treat intraepithelia neoplasia caused by human papilloma virus (HPV) infection. However, its bioactive molecules and mechanism of action have not been fully explored.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In this study, Lonicera japonica-derived exosomes was extracted and exosomal miR2911 was identified. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that miR2911 potentially binds to the sequence of HPV. The mechanism of miR2911 action on HPV and the effect of exosomal miR2911 on HPV-induced cervical cancer cells were investigated.

METHODS

The potential targets of miR2911 on the HPV sequence were predicted and confirmed by using RNAhybrid and dual-luciferase reporter assays. Lonicera japonica exosomes were characterized by transmission electronic microscopy and zeta sizer analysis. RT-qPCR was used to measure miR2911 concentration in various tissues and exosomes. Synthetic miR2911 and GFP-E6/E7 plasmids were transfected into HEK293T cells to examine the effect of miR2911 on E6/E7 gene expression. The effects of miR2911 on endogenous E6/E7 mRNA and protein levels were detected in HPV16/18-positive cervical cancer cells by RT-qPCR and Western blotting. The proliferation and apoptosis of CaSki, SiHa and HeLa cells by the treatment of miR2911 or miR2911-containing exosomes were examined by CCK8, colony formation and flow cytometry assays.

RESULTS

MiR2911 is found to be enriched in various Lonicera japonica tissues, and is stably present in Lonicera japonica-derived exosomes. It is observed that MiR2911 directly binds to E6 and E7 oncogenes of HPV16/18, leading to the suppression of their protein expression. In addition, the endogenous E6/E7 mRNA and protein levels were significantly decreased by using miR2911 treatment in HPV16/18-positive cervical cancer cells. Furthermore, both miR2911 and miR2911-containing exosomes inhibited cell proliferation of SiHa, CaSki and HeLa cells, meanwhile inducing the cell apoptosis through E6/E7-p53/Caspase3 axis.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that miR2911, an active component present in Lonicera japonica exosomes, inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of cervical cancer cells by targeting the E6/E7 genes of HPV16/18. Thus, Lonicera japonica-derived exosomal miR2911 has implications for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of HPV-associated cervical cancers.

Gongying-Jiedu-Xiji recipe promotes the healing of venous ulcers by inhibiting ferroptosis via the CoQ-FSP1 axis

Objective: Gongying-Jiedu-Xiji recipe (DDL, batch number Z01080175) reduces body temperature, detoxifies, activates the blood circulation, reduces swelling, and dispels decay and pus. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of action by which DDL functions in the treatment of venous ulcers (VUs). Methods: Normal tissues as well as VU tissues before and after DDL treatment were collected from nine VU patients in the hospital with ethical approval. These three tissues were subjected to Prussian blue iron staining, immunoblotting, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and quantitative real-time PCR to detect the expression of ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1), coenzyme Q (CoQ), 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4). After successful validation of the heme-induced human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) ferroptosis model, lyophilized DDL powder was added to the cells, and the cells were subjected to viability assays, immunoblotting, flow cytometry, glutathione (GSH) and malonaldehyde (MDA) assays, electron microscopy and qPCR assays. Results: Ferroptosis in VU tissues was stronger than that in normal tissues, and ferroptosis in VU tissues after DDL treatment was weaker than that before treatment. Inhibition of CoQ and FSP1 and transfection of FSP1 influenced the effects of DDL. Conclusion: Our results suggest that DDL may promote healing by attenuating ferroptosis in VUs and that DDL may promote VU healing by modulating the CoQ-FSP1 axis.

Anti-inflammatory effect and component analysis of Chaihu Qingwen granules

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

As prevalent acute respiratory condition in clinical practice, acute lung injury has a quick start and severe symptoms which can harm patients physically. Chaihu Qingwen granules (CHQW) is a classic formula for the treatment of respiratory diseases. Clinical observation shows that CHQW has good efficacy in treating colds, coughs, and fevers.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of CHQW on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) model in rats and to explore its potential mechanism, as well as to clarify its substance composition.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male SD rats were randomly divided into the blank group, the model group, the ibuprofen group, the Lianhua Qingwen capsule group and the CHQW group (2, 4 and 8 g/kg, respectively). The LPS-induced acute lung injury (ALI) model in rats was established after pre-administration. The histopathological changes in the lung and the levels of inflammatory factors in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum of ALI rats were observed. The inflammation-related proteins toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), inhibitory kappa B alpha (IκBα), phospho-IκBα (p-IκBα), nuclear-factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and NLR family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3) expression levels were measured by western blotting analysis and immunohistochemical analysis. The chemical composition of CHQW was identified by liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry (LC-Q-TOF-MS).

RESULTS

CHQW significantly ameliorated lung tissue pathological injury in LPS-induced ALI rats and decreased the release of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1β, interleukin-17 and tumor necrosis factor-α) in BALF and serum. In addition, CHQW decreased the expression of TLR4, p-IκBα and NF-κB proteins, increased the level of IκBα, regulated the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, and inhibited the activation of NLRP3. The chemical components of CHQW were analyzed by LC-Q-TOF-MS, and a total of 48 components were identified by combining information from the literature, mainly flavonoids, organic acids, lignans, iridoids and phenylethanoid glycosides.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study showed that the pretreatment of CHQW had a strong protective effect on LPS-induced ALI in rats, reducing lung tissue lesions and decreasing inflammatory cytokines released in BALF and serum. The protective mechanism of CHQW may be related to the inhibition of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and NLRP3 activation. The main active ingredients of CHQW are flavonoids, organic acids, lignans, iridoids and phenylethanoid glycosides.

The role and mechanism of TCM in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases

The constant presence of infectious diseases poses an everlasting threat to the entire world. In recent years, there has been an increased attention toward the application of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of emerging infectious diseases, as it has played a significant role. The aim of this article is to provide a concise overview of the roles and mechanisms of TCM in treating infectious diseases. TCM possesses the ability to modulate relevant factors, impede signaling pathways, and inhibit microbial growth, thereby exhibiting potent antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects that demonstrate remarkable efficacy against viral and bacterial infections. This article concludes that the comprehensive regulatory features of Chinese herbal medicines, with their various components, targets, and pathways, result in synergistic effects. The significance of Chinese herbal medicines in the context of infectious diseases should not be underestimated; however, it is crucial to also acknowledge their underutilization. This paper presents constructive suggestions regarding the challenges and opportunities faced by Chinese medicines. Particularly, it emphasizes the effectiveness and characteristics of Chinese medicines in the treatment of infectious diseases, specifying how these medicines' active substances can be utilized to target infectious diseases. This perspective is advantageous in facilitating researchers' pharmacological studies on Chinese medicines, focusing on the specific points of action. The mechanism of action of Chinese herbal medicines in the treatment of infectious diseases is comprehensively elucidated in this paper, providing compelling evidence for the superior treatment of infectious diseases through Chinese medicine. This information is favorable for advancing the development of TCM and its potential applications in the field of infectious diseases.

Comparative genomics of the medicinal plants Lonicera macranthoides and L. japonica provides insight into genus genome evolution and hederagenin-based saponin biosynthesis

Lonicera macranthoides (LM) and L. japonica (LJ) are medicinal plants widely used in treating viral diseases, such as COVID-19. Although the two species are morphologically similar, their secondary metabolite profiles are significantly different. Here, metabolomics analysis showed that LM contained ~86.01 mg/g hederagenin-based saponins, 2000-fold higher than LJ. To gain molecular insights into its secondary metabolite production, a chromosome-level genome of LM was constructed, comprising 9 pseudo-chromosomes with 40 097 protein-encoding genes. Genome evolution analysis showed that LM and LJ were diverged 1.30-2.27 million years ago (MYA). The two plant species experienced a common whole-genome duplication event that occurred ∼53.9-55.2 MYA before speciation. Genes involved in hederagenin-based saponin biosynthesis were arranged in clusters on the chromosomes of LM and they were more highly expressed in LM than in LJ. Among them, oleanolic acid synthase (OAS) and UDP-glycosyltransferase 73 (UGT73) families were much more highly expressed in LM than in LJ. Specifically, LmOAS1 was identified to effectively catalyse the C-28 oxidation of β-Amyrin to form oleanolic acid, the precursor of hederagenin-based saponin. LmUGT73P1 was identified to catalyse cauloside A to produce α-hederin. We further identified the key amino acid residues of LmOAS1 and LmUGT73P1 for their enzymatic activities. Additionally, comparing with collinear genes in LJ, LmOAS1 and LmUGT73P1 had an interesting phenomenon of 'neighbourhood replication' in LM genome. Collectively, the genomic resource and candidate genes reported here set the foundation to fully reveal the genome evolution of the Lonicera genus and hederagenin-based saponin biosynthetic pathway.

Lonicerae Japonicae Caulis: a review of its research progress of active metabolites and pharmacological effects

Lonicerae Japonicae Caulis is the aboveground stem part of the Lonicera Japonica Thunb, which belongs to the medicine food homology species in China. It has the effects of clearing away heat, toxic material, dredging wind and unblocking collaterals. Modern research shows that it contains various active metabolites and a wide range of pharmacological effects, which is of great research and clinical application value. It mainly contains organic acids, volatile oils, flavonoids, triterpenes, triterpene saponins and other active metabolites. Its pharmacological effects mainly include anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antitumor, antioxidant, and repairing bone and soft tissue. Based on the literature reports in recent years, the active metabolites, pharmacological effects and mechanisms of Lonicerae Japonicae Caulis were sorted out and summarized. It lays a foundation for explaining the efficacy material basis and application value of Lonicerae Japonicae Caulis. It aims to provide a reference for the in-depth research, development and utilization of Lonicerae Japonicae Caulis.

DNA Metabarcoding Reveals the Fungal Community on the Surface of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos, an Edible and Medicinal Herb

Lonicerae Japonicae Flos (LJF) has been globally applied as an herbal medicine and tea. A number of reports recently revealed fungal and mycotoxin contamination in medicinal herbs. It is essential to analyze the fungal community in LJF to provide an early warning for supervision. In this study, the fungal community in LJF samples was identified through DNA metabarcoding. A total of 18 LJF samples were collected and divided based on the collection areas and processing methods. The results indicated that Ascomycota was the dominant phylum. At the genus level, Rhizopus was the most abundant, followed by Erysiphe and Fusarium. Ten pathogenic fungi were detected among the 41 identified species. Moreover, Rhizopus, Fusarium, and Aspergillus had lower relative abundances in LJF samples under oven drying than under other processing methods. This work is expected to provide comprehensive knowledge of the fungal community in LJF and a theoretical reference for enhanced processing methods in practical manufacturing.

Natural products modulate NLRP3 in ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a clinically common, progressive, devastating, chronic inflammatory disease of the intestine that is recurrent and difficult to treat. Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) is a protein complex composed of multiple proteins whose formation activates cysteine aspartate protease-1 (caspase-1) to induce the maturation and secretion of inflammatory mediators such as interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18, promoting the development of inflammatory responses. Recent studies have shown that NLRP3 is associated with UC susceptibility, and that it maintains a stable intestinal environment by responding to a wide range of pathogenic microorganisms. The mainstay of treatment for UC is to control inflammation and relieve symptoms. Despite a certain curative effect, there are problems such as easy recurrence after drug withdrawal and many side effects associated with long-term medication. NLRP3 serves as a core link in the inflammatory response. If the relationship between NLRP3 and gut microbes and inflammation-associated factors can be analyzed concerning its related inflammatory signaling pathways, its expression status as well as specific mechanism in the course of IBD can be elucidated and further considered for clinical diagnosis and treatment of IBD, it is expected that the development of lead compounds targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome can be developed for the treatment of IBD. Research into the prevention and treatment of UC, which has become a hotbed of research in recent years, has shown that natural products are rich in therapeutic means, and multi-targets, with fewer adverse effects. Natural products have shown promise in treating UC in numerous basic and clinical trials over the past few years. This paper describes the regulatory role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in UC and the mechanism of recent natural products targeting NLRP3 against UC, which provides a reference for the clinical treatment of this disease.

Effects of Luteolin-7-O-Glucoside on Intestinal Microbiota Dysbiosis and Drug Resistance Transmission Caused by Raoultella ornithinolytica B1645-1: Modulating the Composition of Intestinal Microbiota and Promoting the Transfer of blaNDM-1 Gene from Genus Enterococcus to Lactobacillus in Mice

Raoultella ornithinolytica is an Enterobacteriaceae bacterium that can infect both humans and animals, while luteolin-7-O-glucoside (IOG) is a flavonoid that has broad effects on the intestinal microbiota of healthy animals. However, current studies lack sufficient data on intestinal microbiota dysbiosis and drug resistance transmission caused by R. ornithinolytica and the possible role of IOG. In this study, BALB/c mice were infected with R. ornithinolytica carrying blaNDM-1 gene and treated with IOG (3 mg/kg·d and 6 mg/kg·d) to analyze the diversity of intestinal microbiota and the transfer of blaNDM-1 between bacteria. The findings indicated that R. ornithinolytica B1645-1 exhibited a significant ability to enhance the Firmicutes/Bacteroidota ratio and increase the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Bacillus after 48 h, where as 6 mg/kg·d IOG had an opposite effect. Moreover, R. ornithinolytica B1645-1 facilitated the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria and promoted blaNDM-1 gene transfer in Enterococcus, Escherichia, Klebsiella, Acinetobacter, Bacillus, Brevibacterium, and Lactobacillus. Enterococcus was the predominant genus at 48 h. Surprisingly, 6 mg/kg·d IOG significantly inhibited the production of drug-resistant bacteria and promoted blaNDM-1 gene transfer from Enterococcus to Lactobacillus at 144 h. However, the role of Lactobacillus as a recipient for drug-resistant genes should be of more concern.

Combinatorial transcriptomics and metabolomics analysis reveals the effects of the harvesting stages on the accumulation of phenylpropanoid metabolites in Lonicera japonica

The flower buds of Lonicera japonica are widely used for its high medicinal value. It is reported that the accumulation of phenylpropanoids in the buds of L. japonica is affected by the stage at which it is harvested. However, the changes of active components and the underlying mechanisms in flower buds at different harvesting stages have not been reported. Integrative analyses of transcriptomics and metabolomics was used to explore the underlying mechanism of harvesting stages (green bud, GB; and white bud, WB) on the phenylpropanoids metabolites accumulation in L. japonica . The result showed that 3735 differentially expressed genes were identified, and the genes related to glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and phenylalanine biosynthesis pathway were significantly upregulated in GB stage. A total of 510 differential metabolites were identified in GB stage. Among them, 14 phenylpropanoids were changed during the GB and WB, seven of which increased in GB, including caffeic acid, sauchinone, coniferin, secoisolariciresinol diglucoside, scopolin, methyl cinnamate, chlorogenic acid, 7-hydroxycoumarin, while others such as sibiricose A6, coumarin, eleutheroside E decreased. Further correlation analysis showed that the unigenes for CSE, CAD, bg1, ADH, ALDH, DLAT and ENO significantly correlated with the 10 phenylpropanoid. The above results would provide basic data for the selection of harvesting stages in the production of L. japonica .

Classification and Authentication of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos and Lonicerae Flos by Using 1H-NMR Spectroscopy and Chemical Pattern Recognition Analysis

Lonicerae japonicae flos and Lonicerae flos are increasingly widely used in food and traditional medicine products around the world. Due to their high demand and similar appearance, they are often used in a confused or adulterated way; therefore, a rapid and comprehensive analytical method is highly required. In this case, the comparative analysis of a total of 100 samples with different species, growth modes, and processing methods was carried out by nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy and chemical pattern recognition analysis. The obtained 1H-NMR spectrums were employed by principal component analysis (PCA), partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), and linear discriminant analysis (LDA). Specifically, after the dimensionality reduction of data, linear discriminant analysis (LDA) exhibited good classification abilities for the species, growth modes, and processing methods. It is worth noting that the sample prediction accuracy from the testing set and the cross-validation predictions of the LDA models were higher than 95.65% and 98.1%, respectively. In addition, the results showed that macranthoidin A, macranthoidin B, and dipsacoside B could be considered as the main differential components of Lonicerae japonicae flos and Lonicerae Flos, while secoxyloganin, secologanoside, and sweroside could be responsible for distinguishing cultivated and wild Lonicerae japonicae Flos. Accordingly, 1H-NMR spectroscopy combined with chemical pattern recognition gives a comprehensive overview and provides new insight into the quality control and evaluation of Lonicerae japonicae flos.

Lonicerin alleviates the progression of experimental rheumatoid arthritis by downregulating M1 macrophages through the NF-κB signaling pathway

The present study aimed to evaluate anti-rheumatoid arthritis (RA) effect of Lonicerin (LON), a safe compound with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Nevertheless, the exact role of LON in RA remains elusive. In this test, the anti-RA effect of LON was evaluated in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model. Relevant parameters were measured during the experiment; ankle tissue and serum were collected at the end of the experiment for radiology, histopathology, and inflammation analysis. ELISA, qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence, and western blot were used to explore the effect of LON on the polarization of macrophages and related signal pathways. It was discovered that LON treatment attenuated the disease progression of CIA mice with lower paw swelling, clinical score, mobility, and inflammatory response. LON treatment significantly decreased M1 marker levels in CIA mice and LPS/IFN-γ-induced RAW264.7 cells, while slightly increasing M2 marker levels in CIA mice and IL-4-induced RAW264.7 cells. Mechanistically, LON attenuated the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, which contributes to M1 macrophage polarization and inflammasome activation. In addition, LON inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation in M1 macrophages, thereby reducing inflammation by inhibiting IL-1β and IL-18 release. These results indicated that LON might exert anti-RA effects by regulating the polarization of M1/M2 macrophage, especially by inhibiting macrophage polarization toward M1.

Characterization of polysaccharide from Lonicera japonica Thunb leaves and its application in nano-emulsion

The polysaccharides in honeysuckle leaves (PHL) were separated and characterized for the first time. The nano-emulsion stabilized by PHL and whey protein isolate (WPI) were also fabricated based on the ultrasonic method. The results indicated that PHL was mainly composed of glucose (47.40 mol%), galactose (19.21 mol%) and arabinose (20.21 mol%) with the weight-average molecular weight of 137.97 ± 4.31 kDa. The emulsifier concentration, WPI-to-PHL ratio, ultrasound power and ultrasound time had significant influence on the droplet size of PHL-WPI nano-emulsion. The optimal preparation conditions were determined as following: emulsifier concentration, 1.7%; WPI/PHL ratio, 3:1; ultrasonic power, 700 W; ultrasonic time, 7 min. Under the above conditions, the median diameter of the obtained nano-emulsion was 317.70 ± 5.26 nm, close to the predicted value of 320.20 nm. The protective effect of PHL-WPI emulsion on β-carotene against UV irradiation was superior to that of WPI emulsion. Our results can provide reference for the development of honeysuckle leaves.

Simultaneous Determination of 147 Pesticide Residues in Traditional Chinese Medicines by GC-MS/MS

Determination of pesticide residues remains a challenge in traditional Chinese medicines in which complex compounds may interfere with analysis signals. This study reports the development of a simple, effective, and high-throughput method combining gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) with either QuEChERS or solid phase extraction (SPE) to determine 147 pesticide residues in traditional Chinese medicines simultaneously. In SPE, the mixture of n-hexane and ethyl acetate (1:1, v/v) was selected to extract 147 pesticides in honeysuckle, and the extracted pesticides were determined by GC-MS/MS. The limits of detection for all pesticides were within 0.01-0.05 mg/kg. The recoveries were within 70-120% and the relative standard deviations were below 20% for over 90% pesticides. The coefficients of determination were up to 0.999 for the linearity between MS signals and different concentrations of pesticides (20-200 ng/mL). The analytical performance was confirmed in determining pesticide residues in dried tangerine peel. SPE achieved comparable recoveries for all pesticides compared to the QuEChERS method.

Genome-wide analysis of the MADS-box gene family in Lonicera japonica and a proposed floral organ identity model

BACKGROUND

Lonicera japonica Thunb. is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. Medicinal L. japonica mainly consists of dried flower buds and partially opened flowers, thus flowers are an important quality indicator. MADS-box genes encode transcription factors that regulate flower development. However, little is known about these genes in L. japonica.

RESULTS

In this study, 48 MADS-box genes were identified in L. japonica, including 20 Type-I genes (8 Mα, 2 Mβ, and 10 Mγ) and 28 Type-II genes (26 MIKCc and 2 MIKC*). The Type-I and Type-II genes differed significantly in gene structure, conserved domains, protein structure, chromosomal distribution, phylogenesis, and expression pattern. Type-I genes had a simpler gene structure, lacked the K domain, had low protein structure conservation, were tandemly distributed on the chromosomes, had more frequent lineage-specific duplications, and were expressed at low levels. In contrast, Type-II genes had a more complex gene structure; contained conserved M, I, K, and C domains; had highly conserved protein structure; and were expressed at high levels throughout the flowering period. Eleven floral homeotic MADS-box genes that are orthologous to the proposed Arabidopsis ABCDE model of floral organ identity determination, were identified in L. japonica. By integrating expression pattern and protein interaction data for these genes, we developed a possible model for floral organ identity determination.

CONCLUSION

This study genome-widely identified and characterized the MADS-box gene family in L. japonica. Eleven floral homeotic MADS-box genes were identified and a possible model for floral organ identity determination was also developed. This study contributes to our understanding of the MADS-box gene family and its possible involvement in floral organ development in L. japonica.

Effect of honeysuckle leaf extract on the physicochemical properties of carboxymethyl konjac glucomannan/konjac glucomannan/gelatin composite edible film

Honeysuckle leaves are rich in bioactive ingredients, but often considered as agro-wastes. In this study, honeysuckle leaf extract (HLE) was added to the carboxymethyl konjac glucomannan/konjac glucomannan/gelatin composite edible film (CMKH). Compared to films without HLE addition (CMK), the water vapor barrier properties of CMKH slightly decreased, but the transmittance of the CMKH films in UV region (200-400 nm) as low as zero. The elongation at break of CMKH film was 1.39 ∼ 1.5 fold higher than those of CMK films. The DPPH and ABTS scavenging activity of CMKH-Ⅱ was 85.75% and 90.93%, respectively, which is similar to the equivalent content of Vc. The inhibition rate of CMKH-Ⅰ and CMKH-Ⅱ against Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes were close to 90%, and the inhibition rate against Staphylococcus aureus were up to 96%. The results emphasized that the composite film containing 25% (v/v) HLE has potential application value in food preservation.

Lonicera japonica polysaccharides alleviate D-galactose-induced oxidative stress and restore gut microbiota in ICR mice

Lonicera japonica polysaccharides (LJPs) exhibit anti-aging effect in nematodes. Here, we further studied the function of LJPs on aging-related disorders in D-galactose (D-gal)-induced ICR mice. Four groups of mice including the control group, the D-gal-treated group, the intervening groups with low and high dose of LJPs (50 and 100 mg/kg/day) were raised for 8 weeks. The results showed that intragastric administration with LJPs improved the organ indexes of D-gal-treated mice. Moreover, LJPs improved the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) as well as glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and decreasing the malondialdehyde (MDA) level in serum, liver and brain. Meanwhile, LJPs restored the content of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the brain. Further, LJPs reversed the liver tissue damages in aging mice. Mechanistically, LJPs alleviate oxidative stress at least partially through regulating Nrf2 signaling. Additionally, LJPs restored the gut microbiota composition of D-gal-treated mice by adjusting the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio at the phylum level and upregulating the relative abundances of Lactobacillaceae and Bifidobacteriacesa. Notably, the KEGG pathways involved in hazardous substances degradation and flavone and flavonol biosynthesis were significantly enhanced by LJPs treatment. Overall, our study uncovers the role of LJPs in modulating oxidative stress and gut microbiota in the D-gal-induced aging mice.

Potential herb‒drug interactions between anti-COVID-19 drugs and traditional Chinese medicine

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has spread worldwide. Effective treatments against COVID-19 remain urgently in need although vaccination significantly reduces the incidence, hospitalization, and mortality. At present, antiviral drugs including Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir (PaxlovidTM), Remdesivir, and Molnupiravir have been authorized to treat COVID-19 and become more globally available. On the other hand, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used for the treatment of epidemic diseases for a long history. Currently, various TCM formulae against COVID-19 such as Qingfei Paidu decoction, Xuanfei Baidu granule, Huashi Baidu granule, Jinhua Qinggan granule, Lianhua Qingwen capsule, and Xuebijing injection have been widely used in clinical practice in China, which may cause potential herb-drug interactions (HDIs) in patients under treatment with antiviral drugs and affect the efficacy and safety of medicines. However, information on potential HDIs between the above anti-COVID-19 drugs and TCM formulae is lacking, and thus this work seeks to summarize and highlight potential HDIs between antiviral drugs and TCM formulae against COVID-19, and especially pharmacokinetic HDIs mediated by metabolizing enzymes and/or transporters. These well-characterized HDIs could provide useful information on clinical concomitant medicine use to maximize clinical outcomes and minimize adverse and toxic effects.

Which Factors Influence Healthy Aging? A Lesson from the Longevity Village of Bama in China

A growing aging population is associated with increasing incidences of aging-related diseases and socioeconomic burdens. Hence, research into healthy longevity and aging is urgently needed. Longevity is an important phenomenon in healthy aging. The present review summarizes the characteristics of longevity in the elderly population in Bama, China, where the proportion of centenarians is 5.7-fold greater than the international standard. We examined the impact of genetic and environmental factors on longevity from multiple perspectives. We proposed that the phenomenon of longevity in this region is of high value for future investigations in healthy aging and aging-related disease and may provide guidance for fostering the establishment and maintenance of a healthy aging society.