Effects of taraxasterol on inflammatory responses in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages

Phytochemicals, antimicrobial, and sporicidal activities of moss, Dicranum polysetum Sw., against certain honey bee bacterial pathogens

Beekeeping is an important agricultural and commercial activity globally practiced. Honey bee is attacked by certain infectious pathogens. Most important brood diseases are bacterial including American Foulbrood (AFB), caused by Paenibacillus larvae (P. larvae), and European Foulbrood (EFB) by Melissococcus plutonius (M. plutonius) in addition of secondary invaders, e.g. Paenibacillus alvei (P. alvei) and Paenibacillus dendritiformis (P. dendritiformis). These bacteria cause the death of larvae in honey bee colonies. In this work, antibacterial activities of extracts, fractions, and isolated certain compounds (nominated 1-3) all originated from moss, Dicranum polysetum Sw. ( D. polysetum), were tested against some honey bee bacterial pathogens. Minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration, and sporicidal values ​​of methanol extract, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane fractions ranged between 10.4 and 18.98, 83.4-303.75 & 5.86-18.98 µg/mL against P. larvae, respectively. Antimicrobial activities of the ethyl acetate sub-fractions (fraction) and the isolated compounds (1-3) were tested against AFB- and EFB-causing bacteria. Bio-guided chromatographic separation of ethyl acetate fraction, a crude methanolic extract obtained from aerial parts of D. polysetum resulted in three natural compounds: a novel one, i.e. glycer-2-yl hexadeca-4-yne-7Z,10Z,13Z-trienoate (1, dicrapolysetoate; given as trivial name), in addition to two known triterpenoids poriferasterol (2), and γ-taraxasterol (3). Minimum inhibitory concentration ranges were 1.4-60.75, 8.12-65.0, 2.09-33.44 & 1.8-28.75 µg/mL for sub-fractions, compounds 1, 2, and 3, respectively.

Beneficial sterols in selected edible insects and their associated antibacterial activities

Edible insects are increasingly gaining popularity as research reveals multiple benefits. However, the rediscovery of natural products from insects as medicinal agents has received limited attention. This study aimed at evaluating the diversity of sterols in extracts of nine edible insects and potential antibacterial activities. Dichloromethane extracts of these insects were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to identify important sterols, followed by evaluation of their anti-bacterial activities. Nineteen sterols were identified with the highest recorded in African fruit beetle [Pachnoda sinuata (47.37%)], crickets [Gryllus bimaculatus (36.84%) and Scapsipedus icipe (31.58%)]. Cholesterol was the most prevalent, except in black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens). Bioactivity revealed S. icipe as the most potent extract against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis whereas G. bimaculatus was highest against Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus 25923. These findings unravels the diversity of sterols in edible insects and their possible application in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

Anti-metastatic effect of taraxasterol on prostate cancer cell lines

Background and purpose

Prostate cancer is the second cause of death among men. Nowadays, treating various cancers with medicinal plants is more common than other therapeutic agents due to their minor side effects. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of taraxasterol on the prostate cancer cell line.

Experimental approach

The prostate cancer cell line (PC3) was cultured in a nutrient medium. MTT method and trypan blue staining were used to evaluate the viability of cells in the presence of different concentrations of taraxasterol, and IC50 was calculated. Real-time PCR was used to measure the expression of MMP-9, MMP-2, uPA, uPAR, TIMP-2, and TIMP-1 genes. Gelatin zymography was used to determine MMP-9 and MMP-2 enzyme activity levels. Finally, the effect of taraxasterol on cell invasion, migration, and adhesion was investigated.

Findings/Results

Taraxasterol decreased the survival rate of PC3 cells at IC50 time-dependently (24, 48, and 72 h). Taraxasterol reduced the percentage of PC3 cell adhesion, invasion, and migration by 74, 56, and 76 percent, respectively. Real-time PCR results revealed that uPA, uPAR, MMP-9, and MMP-2 gene expressions decreased in the taraxasterol-treated groups, but TIMP-2 and TIMP-1 gene expressions increased significantly. Also, a significant decrease in the level of MMP-9 and MMP-2 enzymes was observed in the PC3 cell line treated with taraxasterol.

Conclusion and implications

The present study confirmed the therapeutic role of taraxasterol in preventing prostate cancer cell metastasis in the in-vitro study.

Anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive and anti-pyretic activities of Cenchrus ciliaris L

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cenchrus ciliaris L. belongs to the family Poaceae and is found all over the world. It is native to the Cholistan desert of Pakistan where it is locally known as 'Dhaman'. Owing to high nutritional value, C. ciliaris is used as fodder while seeds are used for bread making which are consumed by locals. It also possesses medicinal value and is extensively employed to treat pain, inflammation, urinary tract infection, and tumors.

AIM OF STUDY

Studies on the pharmacological activities of C. ciliaris are scarce in spite of its several traditional uses. To the best of our knowledge, no comprehensive study has been conducted on anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-pyretic activity of C. ciliaris until now. Here we employed an integrative phytochemical and in - vivo framework to evaluate the potential biological activities of C. ciliaris against inflammation, nociception and pyrexia experimentally induced in rodents.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

C. ciliaris was collected from the desert of Cholistan, Bahawalpur, Pakistan. Phytochemical profiling of C. ciliaris was done by employing GC-MS analysis. Anti-inflammatory activity of plant extract was initially determined by various in - vitro assays including albumin denaturation assay and RBC membrane stabilization assays. Finally, rodents were utilized to evaluate in - vivo anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and anti-nociceptive activities.

RESULTS

Our data revealed the presence of 67 phytochemicals in methanolic extract of C. ciliaris. The methanolic extract of C. ciliaris provided RBC membrane stabilization by 65.89 ± 0.32% and protection against albumin denaturation by 71.91 ± 3.42% at 1 mg/ml concentration. In in - vivo acute inflammatory models, C. ciliaris exhibited 70.33 ± 1.03, 62.09 ± 8.98, 70.24 ± 0.95% anti-inflammatory activity at concentration of 300 mg/ml against carrageenan, histamine and serotonin induced inflammation. In CFA induced arthritis, inhibition of inflammation was found to be 48.85 ± 5.11% at 300 mg/ml dose after 28 days of treatment. In anti-nociceptive assays C. ciliaris exhibited significant analgesic activity in both peripheral and centrally mediated pain. The C. ciliaris also reduced the temperature by 75.26 ± 1.41% in yeast induced pyrexia.

CONCLUSION

C. ciliaris exhibited anti-inflammatory effect against acute and chronic inflammation. It also showed significant anti-nociceptive and anti-pyretic activity which endorses its traditional use in the management of pain and inflammatory disorders.

Acenocoumarol Exerts Anti-Inflammatory Activity via the Suppression of NF-κB and MAPK Pathways in RAW 264.7 Cells

The repurposing of already-approved drugs has emerged as an alternative strategy to rapidly identify effective, safe, and conveniently available new therapeutic indications against human diseases. The current study aimed to assess the repurposing of the anticoagulant drug acenocoumarol for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases (e.g., atopic dermatitis and psoriasis) and investigate the potential underlying mechanisms. For this purpose, we used murine macrophage RAW 264.7 as a model in experiments aimed at investigating the anti-inflammatory effects of acenocoumarol in inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines. We demonstrate that acenocoumarol significantly decreases nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin (PG)E₂, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β levels in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Acenocoumarol also inhibits the expression of NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, potentially explaining the acenocoumarol-induced decrease in NO and PGE₂ production. In addition, acenocoumarol inhibits the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), c-Jun N terminal kinase (JNK), p38 MAPK, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), in addition to decreasing the subsequent nuclear translocation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). This indicates that acenocoumarol attenuates the macrophage secretion of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and NO, inducing iNOS and COX-2 expression via the inhibition of the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that acenocoumarol can effectively attenuate the activation of macrophages, suggesting that acenocoumarol is a potential candidate for drug repurposing as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Taraxasterol alleviates aflatoxin B1-induced liver damage in broiler chickens via regulation of oxidative stress, apoptosis and autophagy

Aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) is the most dangerous and abundant mycotoxin, which is toxic to almost all animals, and poultry is more sensitive to AFB₁ toxicity. Ingesting AFB₁-contaminated feed can cause significant liver damage and brings serious harm to poultry, which greatly restricts the development of the poultry industry. The present research was implemented to explore the intervention effect and its mechanism of taraxasterol on liver damage induced by AFB₁ in broiler chickens. The liver damage model in broiler chickens was established by feeding 0.5 mg/kg AFB₁ feed, and taraxasterol (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg BW, respectively) was given in the drinking water for 21 days. The growth performance, liver function, oxidative stress, apoptosis and autophagy were evaluated. The results showed that taraxasterol increased BW and reduced feed-to-gain ratio of broiler chickens induced by AFB₁. Taraxasterol improved the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), total bilirubin (TBIL) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and attenuated hepatic histopathological changes induced by AFB₁. Meantime, taraxasterol down-regulated cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzyme system CYP1A1 and CYP2A6 mRNA expression, inhibited the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT) and the content of antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD) of the liver in broiler chickens induced by AFB₁. Furthermore, taraxasterol up-regulated the mRNA and protein expression of hepatic nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), and down-regulated the expression of hepatic kelch like ECH associated protein 1 (Keap1) induced by AFB₁ in Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway. The ultrastructural observation and RT-qPCR results found that taraxasterol inhibited apoptosis of hepatocytes, up-regulated the expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) mRNA and down-regulated the expression of Bax and caspase3 mRNA. Further, taraxasterol restored the autophagy of hepatocytes and down-regulated the mRNA expression of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase K (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in AFB₁-induced liver of broiler chickens. The above results indicate that taraxasterol alleviates liver damage induced by AFB₁ in broiler chickens through regulation of Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway to exert its antioxidant effect, mitochondrial apoptosis pathway to improve anti-apoptotic ability and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway to restore autophagy.

Anti-inflammatory effects of chlorogenic acid from Taraxacum officinale on LTA-stimulated bovine mammary epithelial cells via the TLR2/NF-κB pathway

Mastitis is an inflammatory disease caused by microbial infection. Chlorogenic acid (CGA), one of the major phenolic acids in Taraxacum officinale, has natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in various cell types; however, the effects of CGA on Lipoteichoic acid (LTA)-induced bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs) have not been investigated. In this study, the CGA content in T. officinale was determined by High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). BMECs were infected with LTA to induce the mastitis model. Different concentrations of CGA were administered after establishing the LTA infection. The results showed that the T. officinale contained CGA 1.36 mg/g. CGA significantly reduced the pro-inflammatory gene and protein expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. In addition, CGA downregulated the NO, TLR2, and NF-κB signaling pathways in LTA-infected bovine mammary epithelial cells. Our results indicate that CGA reduced the expression of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and TLR2 by inhibiting the phosphorylation of proteins in the NF-κB signaling pathways in a dose-dependent manner. This finding suggests that CGA may be a potential agent for the treatment of mastitis in dairy cows.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale L.) as a Source of Biologically Active Compounds Supporting the Therapy of Co-Existing Diseases in Metabolic Syndrome

Nowadays, many people are struggling with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and atherosclerosis, which are called the scourge of the 21st century. These illnesses coexist in metabolic syndrome, which is not a separate disease entity because it includes several clinical conditions such as central (abdominal) obesity, elevated blood pressure, and disorders of carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Lifestyle is considered to have an impact on the development of metabolic syndrome. An unbalanced diet, the lack of sufficient physical activity, and genetic factors result in the development of type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis, which significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular complications. The treatment of metabolic syndrome is aimed primarily at reducing the risk of the development of coexisting diseases, and the appropriate diet is the key factor in the treatment. Plant raw materials containing compounds that regulate lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in the human body are investigated. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale F.H. Wigg.) is a plant, the consumption of which affects the regulation of lipid and sugar metabolism. The growth of this plant is widely spread in Eurasia, both Americas, Africa, New Zealand, and Australia. The use and potential of this plant that is easily accessible in the world in contributing to the treatment of type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis have been proved by many studies.

Taraxasterol Inhibits Hyperactivation of Macrophages to Alleviate the Sepsis-induced Inflammatory Response of ARDS Rats

To explore the effect and mechanism of taraxasterol on sepsis-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Twenty-four male SD rats were randomly divided into four groups: the control group, model (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) group, lipopolysaccharide+taraxasterol (LPS + TXL) group, and lipopolysaccharide+ulinastatin (LPS + UTI) group. The model of sepsis-induced ARDS was established by intraperitoneal injection of LPS. The lung water content of the rats in each group was determined by the dry/wet ratio. Pathology of rat lung tissue was observed through H&E staining. Wright staining was applied to count the number of neutrophils, macrophages, and total cells. ELISA was utilized to measure the levels of the inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Biochemical detection was adopted to check the levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in lung tissue. Western blotting was performed to check the protein expression of IL-12, iNOS, Arg-1, and Mrc1 in lung tissue. Compared with the LPS group, both taraxasterol and ulinastatin significantly decreased lung tissue water content, improved lung tissue injury, reduced the number of neutrophils, macrophages and total cells, and decreased the level of inflammatory factors. In addition, taraxasterol and ulinastatin also reduced the content of MPO and the expression of IL-12 and iNOS and increased the activity of SOD and CAT as well as the protein expression of Arg-1 and Mrc1. Taraxasterol can suppress macrophage M1 polarization to alleviate the inflammatory response and oxidative stress, thereby treating sepsis-induced ARDS.

The potential of dandelion in the fight against gastrointestinal diseases: A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale Weber ex F. H. Wigg.), as a garden weed grown globally, has long been consumed as a therapeutic herb. Its folkloric uses include treatments of digestive disorders (dyspepsia, anorexia, stomach disorders, gastritis and enteritis) and associate complex ailments involving uterine, liver and lung disorders.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study aims to critically assess the current state of research and summarize the potential roles of dandelion and its constituents in gastrointestinal (GI) -protective actions. A focus is placed on the reported bioactive components, pharmacological activities and modes of action (including molecular mechanisms and interactions among bioactive substances) of dandelion products/preparations and derived active constituents related to GI protection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The available information published prior to August 2021 was reviewed via SciFinder, Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, Elsevier, Wiley On-line Library, and The Plant List. The search was based on the ethnomedical remedies, pharmacological activities, bioactive compounds of dandelion for GI protection, as well as the interactions of the components in dandelion with the gut microbiota or biological regulators, and with other ingested bioactive compounds. The key search words were "Taraxacum" and "dandelion".

RESULTS

T. coreanum Nakai, T. mongolicum and T. officinale are the most commonly used species for folkloric uses, with the whole plant, leaves and root of dandelion being used more frequently. GI-protective substances of dandelion include taraxasterol, taraxerol, caffeic acid, chicoric acid, chlorogenic acid, luteolin and its glucosides, polysaccharides, inulin, and β-sitosterol. Dandelion products and derived constituents exhibit pharmacological effects against GI disorders, mainly including dyspepsia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastritis, small intestinal ulcer, ulcerative colitis, liver diseases, gallstones, acute pancreatitis, and GI malignancy. The underlying molecular mechanisms may include immuno-inflammatory mechanisms, apoptosis mechanism, autophagy mechanism, and cholinergic mechanism, although interactions of dandelion's constituents with GI health-related biological entities (e.g., GI microbiota and associated biological modulators) or other ingested bioactive compounds shouldn't be ignored.

CONCLUSION

The review reveals some in vivo and in vitro studies on the potential of dandelion derived products as complementary and alternative medicines/therapeutics against GI disorders. The whole herb may alleviate some symptoms related GI immuno-inflammatory basing on the abundant anti-inflammatory and anti-oxide active substances. Dandelion root could be a nontoxic and effective anticancer alternative, owing to its abundant terpenoids and polysaccharides. However, research related to GI protective dandelion-derived products remains limited. Besides the need of identifying bioactive compounds/complexes in various dandelion species, more clinical studies are also required on the metabolism, bioavailability and safety of these substances to support their applications in food, medicine and pharmaceuticals.

Comprehensive Phytochemical Profiling, Biological Activities, and Molecular Docking Studies of Pleurospermum candollei: An Insight into Potential for Natural Products Development

The purpose of this study was to find the biological propensities of the vegetable plant Pleurospermum candollei by investigating its phytochemical profile and biological activities. Phytochemical analysis was done by spectroscopic methods to investigate the amount of total polyphenols, and biological evaluation was done by the different antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory (tyrosinase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase), thrombolytic, and antibacterial activities. The highest amount of total phenolic and flavonoid contents was observed in methanolic extract (240.69 ± 2.94 mg GAE/g and 167.59 ± 3.47 mg QE/g); the fractions showed comparatively less quantity (57.02 ± 1.31 to 144.02 ± 2.11 mg GAE/g, and 48.21 ± 0.75 to 96.58 ± 2.30 mg QE/g). The effect of these bioactive contents was also related to biological activities. GCMS analysis led to the identification of bioactive compounds with different biological effects from methanolic extract (antioxidant; 55.07%, antimicrobial; 56.41%), while the identified compounds from the n-hexane fraction with antioxidant properties constituted 67.86%, and those with antimicrobial effects constituted 82.95%; however, the synergetic effect of polyphenols may also have contributed to the highest value of biological activities of methanolic extract. Molecular docking was also performed to understand the relationship of identified secondary metabolites with enzyme-inhibitory activities. The thrombolytic activity was also significant (40.18 ± 1.80 to 57.15 ± 1.10 % clot lysis) in comparison with streptokinase (78.5 ± 1.53 to 82.34 ± 1.25% clot lysis). Methanolic extract also showed good activity against Gram-positive strains of bacteria, and the highest activity was observed against Bacillus subtilis. The findings of this study will improve our knowledge of phytochemistry, and biological activities of P. candollei, which seems to be a ray of hope to design formulations of natural products for the improvement of health and prevention of chronic diseases; however, further research may address the development of novel drugs for use in pharmaceuticals.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) Improves the Therapeutic Efficiency of Praziquantel in Experimental Schistosomiasis

PURPOSE

Although praziquantel (PZQ) has a wide use as an anti-schistosome agent, many of its imperfections and side effects have been reported in many studies. The current study aims to evaluate the curative effect of a natural dandelion extract (Taraxacum officinale) on schistosomiasis either alone or in combination with PZQ based on parasitological, immunological, histopathological and molecular investigations.

METHODS

Mice were experimentally infected with Schistosoma mansoni cercariae and then divided into four groups, Schistosoma spp.-infected untreated group (IC group), Schistosoma spp.-infected group of mice treated with dandelion (I-Dn group), Schistosoma spp.-infected group of mice treated with PZQ (I-PZQ group), and Schistosoma spp.-infected group of mice treated with both PZQ and dandelion (I-PZQ + Dn group). Treatment started 45 days' post-infection. Besides, non-infected, non-treated mice served as the negative healthy control group (HC group).

RESULTS

The present results indicated that dandelion administration significantly reduced the worm burden, ova number, and the number and diameter of hepatic granulomas as compared to the untreated infected group. The results also showed that the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly decreased in the combined treatment group (I-PZQ + Dn) as compared to the I-PZQ group. Administration of dandelion-only remarkably reduced AST and ALT activities associated with schistosomiasis. Moreover, hepatic DNA damage assessed by comet assay was significantly inhibited in the combined treated group compared to the infected untreated and PZQ treated groups.

CONCLUSION

The results concluded that combined treatment of PZQ and dandelion extract improved immune response, decreased the number and diameter of granulomas, and inhibited DNA damage, indicating a reduction in liver fibrosis associated with schistosomiasis. The present study focused on the potential effect of dandelion as an adjunct medication for therapeutic properties of PZQ.

Taraxasterol prompted the anti-tumor effect in mice burden hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating T lymphocytes

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common digestive malignant tumor with high morbidity and mortality worldwide, however, the treatment of HCC and prognosis of patients are not optimistic, finding more effective treatments are imperative. Taraxacum officinale (L.) Weber ex F.H.Wigg is a perennial herb of compositae, and our study has demonstrated that Taraxacum officinale polysaccharide has certain anti-tumor effect on HCC cells. Taraxasterol (TS) is a natural product extracted from Taraxacum officinale with strong physiological, pharmacological and biological activities, but the effect of TS on HCC is yet to be determined. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore the effect of dandelion sterol on HCC in vivo and in vitro. The results showed that TS significantly inhibited the proliferation, induced apoptosis and blocked cell cycle in HCC cell lines HepG2 and Huh7 cells in vitro. TS inhibited the tumor growth of H22 bearing mice and the expression of Ki67 in vivo. More importantly, TS regulated the immunity of H22 bearing mice by elevating the ratio of CD4⁺ T cells in spleen, and increasing the number of T cell infiltration in tumor tissue. Except immunomodulation, the mechanism of tumor growth inhibition may be related to the regulation of apoptosis related proteins and IL-6/STAT3 pathway. TS significantly inhibited the growth of HCC cells both in vitro and in vivo. The study would provide a theoretical basis for the new application of TS and the adjuvant treatment of malignant tumor with traditional Chinese medicine.

Protective Effects of Taraxasterol against Deoxynivalenol-Induced Damage to Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells

Deoxynivalenol (DON), a mycotoxin produced by Fusarium graminearum, is one of the most prevalent contaminants in livestock feed and causes very large losses to animal husbandry every year. Taraxasterol, isolated from Taraxacum officinale, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidative stress, and antitumor effects. In the present study, bovine mammary epithelial cells (MAC-T) were used as a model, and different concentrations of taraxasterol (0, 1, 5, 10, and 20 μg/mL) were used to protect against DON-induced cell damage. The results showed that taraxasterol at a concentration of 10 μg/mL significantly increased cell viability. Analysis of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels indicated that taraxasterol substantially decreased LDH release caused by DON. Taraxasterol effectively alleviated the depletion of glutathione (GSH), the increase in the lipid peroxidation of malondialdehyde (MDA), the reduction in total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity, and the decrease in total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) induced by DON. The results further showed that taraxasterol reduced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Taraxasterol was found to relieve endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress by suppressing the expression of glucose-regulated protein 78 kDa (GRP78), activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) and the transcription factor C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), and reducing cell apoptosis by suppressing the expression of caspase-3 and Bcl2-associated X (BAX) and upregulating the expression of the antiapoptotic protein B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2). Our research results indicate that taraxasterol could alleviate DON-induced damage to MAC-T cells.

Extensive sequence divergence between the reference genomes of Taraxacum kok-saghyz and Taraxacum mongolicum

Plants belonging to the genus Taraxacum are widespread all over the world, which contain rubber-producing and non-rubber-producing species. However, the genomic basis underlying natural rubber (NR) biosynthesis still needs more investigation. Here, we presented high-quality genome assemblies of rubber-producing T. kok-saghyz TK1151 and non-rubber-producing T. mongolicum TM5. Comparative analyses uncovered a large number of genetic variations, including inversions, translocations, presence/absence variations, as well as considerable protein divergences between the two species. Two gene duplication events were found in these two Taraxacum species, including one common ancestral whole-genome triplication and one subsequent round of gene amplification. In genomes of both TK1151 and TM5, we identified the genes encoding for each step in the NR biosynthesis pathway and found that the SRPP and CPT gene families have experienced a more obvious expansion in TK1151 compared to TM5. This study will have large-ranging implications for the mechanism of NR biosynthesis and genetic improvement of NR-producing crops.

Taraxasterol acetate targets RNF31 to inhibit RNF31/p53 axis-driven cell proliferation in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide. Several studies have suggested that taraxasterol acetate (TA) can inhibit the growth of tumor cells. However, to date, it remains unclear how TA inhibits cell growth and how RNF31 functions as an oncogene. We examined the expression of RNF31 in CRC tissue samples via immunohistochemistry and elucidated the function of RNF31 in CRC cells by constructing a cell model with RNF31 depletion. A cycloheximide (CHX)-chase analysis and immunofluorescence assays were conducted to demonstrate that TA can promote RNF31 degradation by activating autophagy. We used the PharmMapper website to predict targets of TA and identified RNF31. CHX-chase experiments showed that TA could facilitate RNF31 degradation, which was inhibited by the administration of chloroquine. Immunofluorescence assays showed that RNF31 protein was colocalized with LC3I/II and p62, suggesting that TA promoted RNF31 degradation by activating autophagy. We also found that CRC patients with RNF31 overexpression had poorer survival than those with low RNF31 expression. The results of the CHX-chase experiment showed that depletion of RNF31 alleviated p53 degradation, which was inhibited by MG132. A series of co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assays revealed that RNF31 interacts with p53 and promotes p53 ubiquitination and degradation. A Co-IP assay performed with a truncated RNF31 plasmid showed that the PUB domain interacts with p53. Moreover, the PUB domain is the key structure in the induction of p53 ubiquitination. Our findings reveal a key role of RNF31 in CRC cell growth and indicate a mechanism through which TA inhibits cell growth.

Gynura procumbens ethanol extract and its fractions inhibit macrophage derived foam cell formation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE

Gynura procumbens (Lour.) Merr. displayed cardio-protective effect that may prevent atherogenesis. The primary underlying pathological process of cardiovascular disease is atherosclerosis. Atherosclerotic lesion composed of macrophages, T cells and other immune cells which incorporated with cholesterol that infiltrates from the blood.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study was performed to determine underlying mechanism of G. procumbens ethanol extract and its fractions such as aqueous, chloroform, ethyl acetate and hexane affect macrophage derived foam cell formation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Lipid droplets accumulation in treated macrophages were visualized by Oil Red O staining while the total cholesterol present in the treated macrophages were measured using Cholestryl Ester quantification assay kit. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) were used to detect TNF-α and IL-1β secretion in the supernatant of treated macrophages. Gene expression of Lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) and ATP-binding cassette transporter A-1 (ABCA-1) in treated macrophages were analyzed using Real-Time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR).

RESULTS

G. procumbens ethanol extract and its fractions reduced lipid droplet accumulation and total cholesterol in oxLDL-treated macrophages together with significantly reduction of TNF-α and IL-1β secretions in supernatant oxLDL-treated macrophages. LOX-1 gene expression was significantly reduced when G. procumbens ethanol extract and its fractions were added in oxDL-treated macrophages. In contrast, G. procumbens ethanol extract and its fractions significantly increased the expression of ABCA-1 gene in oxLDL-treated macrophages.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, G. procumbens ethanol extract and its fractions inhibit the formation of macrophage derived foam cell by reducing TNF-α and IL-1β expression, which usually highly expressed in atherosclerotic plaques, suppressing scavenger receptor LOX-1 gene that binds oxLDL but induced ABCA-1 gene that mediate lipid efflux from macrophages.

Plant triterpenoid saponins: biosynthesis, in vitro production, and pharmacological relevance

The saponins are a diverse class of natural products, with a broad scale distribution across different plant species. Chemically characterized as triterpenoid glycosides, they posses a 30C oxidosqualene precursor-based aglycone moiety (sapogenin), to which glycosyl residues are subsequently attached to yield the corresponding saponin. Based on the chemically distinct aglycone moieties, broadly, they are divided into triterpenoid saponins (dammaranes, ursanes, oleananes, lupanes, hopanes, etc.) and the sterol glycosides. This review aims to present in detail the biosynthesis patterns of the different aglycones from a common precursor and their glycosylation patterns to yield the functionally active glycoside. The review also presents recent advances in the pharmacological activities of these saponins, particularly as potent anti-neoplastic pharmacophores, antioxidants, or anti-viral/antibacterial agents. Since alternate production pedestals for these pharmacologically important triterpenes via cell and tissue cultures are an attractive option for their sustainable production, recent trends in the variety and scale of in vitro production of plant triterpenoids have also been discussed.

Bee Pollen Extracts Modulate Serum Metabolism in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Lung Injury Mice with Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Bee pollen (BP) collected from different floras possesses various potential bioactivities, but the mechanism-related research on anti-inflammatory effects is limited. Here, three types of BP originating from Camellia sinensis L. (BP-Cs), Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. (BP-Nn), and Brassica campestris L. (BP-Bc) were assessed using molecular and metabolomics methods to determine their anti-inflammatory effects. The differences in polyphenolic abundance of three types of BP extracts were determined by HPLC-DAD/Q-TOF-MS. In vitro anti-inflammatory effects of three BP extracts were evaluated in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells model. BP-Cs extract with the most abundant polyphenols was found to be the most effective in reducing inflammation by downregulating inflammatory-related genes expression and blocking the activation of MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways. Polyphenol-rich BP-Cs was further evaluated for their in vivo anti-inflammatory effect in a LPS-induced acute lung injury mouse model. An UPLC-Q-TOF/MS-based metabolomics approach was applied to analyze metabolite changes in mouse serum. Weshowed that the pretreated BP-Cs extract alleviated inflammation and regulated glycerophospholipid metabolism significantly. Our findings provide a foundation for developing and justifying BP as a potential anti-inflammatory ingredient in functional foods or nutraceutical formulations.

Cloning and Characterization of Oxidosqualene Cyclases Involved in Taraxasterol, Taraxerol and Bauerenol Triterpene Biosynthesis in Taraxacum coreanum

Triterpenes, consisting of six isoprene units, are one of the largest classes of natural compounds in plants. The genus Taraxacum is in the family Asteraceae and is widely distributed in the Northern Hemisphere. Various triterpenes, especially taraxerol and taraxasterol, are present in Taraxacum plants. Triterpene biosynthesis occurs through the action of oxidosqualene cyclase (OSC), which generates various types of triterpenes from 2,3-oxidosqualene after the rearrangement of the triterpene skeleton. However, no functional characterization of the OSC genes involved in triterpene biosynthesis, except for a lupeol synthase in Taraxacum officinale, has been performed. Taraxacum coreanum, or Korean dandelion, grows in Korea and China. Putative OSC genes in T. coreanum plants were isolated by transcriptome analysis, and four of these (TcOSC1, TcOSC2, TcOSC3 and TcOSC4) were functionally characterized by heterologous expression in yeast. Both TcOSC1 and TcOSC2 were closely related to dammarenediol-II synthases. TcOSC3 and TcOSC4 were strongly grouped with β-amyrin synthases. Functional analysis revealed that TcOSC1 produced several triterpenes, including taraxasterol; Ψ-taraxasterol; α-, β- and δ-amyrin; and dammarenediol-II. TcOSC2 catalyzed the production of bauerenol and another unknown triterpene, TcOSC3 catalyzed the production of β-amyrin. TcOSC4 catalyzed the production of taraxerol. Moreover, we identified taraxasterol, ψ-taraxasterol, taraxerol, lupeol, δ-amyrin, α-amyrin, β-amyrin and bauerenol in the roots and leaves of T. coreanum. Our results suggest that TcOSC1, TcOSC2, TcOSC3 and TcOSC4 are key triterpene biosynthetic enzymes in T. coreanum. These enzymes are novel triterpene synthases involved in the production of taraxasterol, bauerenol and taraxerol.

Do recent research studies validate the medicinal plants used in British Columbia, Canada for pet diseases and wild animals taken into temporary care?

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

There are insufficient safe and effective treatments for chronic pain in pets. In cases such as osteoarthritis there is no commercially available cure and veterinarians use NSAIDs to manage pain. Pet owners may have to plan for a lifetime of plant-based treatment for the conditions that lead to chronic pain in pets. Phytopharmacotherapies have the advantage of being less toxic, cheap or free, readily available, are more likely to be safe for long-term use and have the potential to reset the immune system to normal functioning.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To examine the recently published medicinal plant research that matches unpublished data on ethnoveterinary medicines (EVM) used for pets in Canada (British Columbia) to see if the EVM data can provide a lead to the development of necessary drugs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 2003 semi-structured interviews were conducted with 60 participants who were organic farmers or holisitic medicinal/veterinary practitioners obtained using a purposive sample. A draft manual prepared from the data was then evaluated by participants at a participatory workshop that discussed the plant-based treatments. A copy of the final version of the manual was given to all research participants. In 2018, the recently published research matching the EVM data was reviewed to see if the EVM practices could serve as a lead for further research.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Medicinal plants are used to treat a range of conditions. The injuries treated in pets in British Columbia included abscesses (resulting from an initial injury), sprains and abrasions. Dogs were also treated with medicinal plants for rheumatoid arthritis, joint pain and articular cartilage injuries. More than 40 plants were used. Anal gland problems were treated with Allium sativum L., Aloe vera L., Calendula officinalis L., Plantago major L., Ulmus fulva Michx., Urtica dioica L. and Usnea longissima Ach. Arctium lappa, Hydrangea arborescens and Lactuca muralis were used for rheumatoid arthritis and joint pain in pets. Asthma was treated with: Linum usitatissimum L., Borago officinalis L., Verbascum thapsus L., Cucurbita pepo L., Lobelia inflata L., and Zingiber officinale Roscoe. Pets with heart problems were treated with Crataegus oxyacantha L., Cedronella canariensis (L.) Willd. ex Webb & Berth, Equisetum palustre L., Cypripedium calceolus L., Pinus ponderosa Douglas ex Lawson, Humulus lupulus L., Valeriana officinalis L., Lobelia inflata L., Stachys officinalis (L.) Trev., and Viscum album L. The following plants were used for epilepsy, motion sickness and anxiety- Avena sativa L., Valeriana officinalis, Lactuca muralis (L.) Fresen., Scutellaria lateriflora L., Satureja hortensis L., and Passiflora incarnata L. Plants used for cancer treatment included Phytolacca decandra, Ganoderma lucidum, Lentinula edodes, Rumex acetosella, Arctium lappa, Ulmus fulva, Rheum palmatum, Frangula purshiana, Zingiber officinale, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Ulmus fulva, Althea officinalis, Rheum palmatum, Rumex crispus and Plantago psyllium. Trifolium pratense was used for tumours in the prostate gland. Also used were Artemisia annua, Taraxacum officinale and Rumex crispus. This review of plants used in EVM was possible because phytotherapy research of the plants described in this paper has continued because few new pharmaceutical drugs have been developed for chronic pain and because treatments like glucocorticoid therapy do not heal. Phytotherapuetic products are also being investigated to address the overuse of antibiotics. There have also been recent studies conducted on plant-based functional foods and health supplements for pets, however there are still gaps in the knowledge base for the plants Stillingia sylvatica, Verbascum thapsus, Yucca schidigera and Iris versicolor and these need further investigation.

Taraxasterol suppresses inflammation in IL-1β-induced rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes and rheumatoid arthritis progression in mice

Previous study has indicated that taraxasterol (TAR), one of bioactive pentacyclic triterpenes mainly isolated from Chinese medicine herb Taraxacum officinale, displays considerable anti-inflammatory effects in various kinds of models. However, its effects on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have still not been elucidated. In this study, we aim to investigate its anti-inflammatory effects and underlying mechanisms of TAR against RA using both interleukin (IL)-1β-stimulated human fibroblast-like synoviocytes rheumatoid arthritis (HFLS-RA) in vitro and collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice in vivo. Firstly, our results demonstrated that TRA significantly suppressed the IL-1β-induced expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-6, and IL-8 and productions of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), like MMP-1 and MMP-3 in HFLS-RA in vitro. Moreover, TRA alleviated arthritis progressions and prevented inflammatory processes in the joint tissues of CIA mice in vivo. Further mechanism studies indicated that TRA blocked nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation via modulating inhibitor of kappa B (IκB), IκB kinase (IKK) and transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1). Results also demonstrated that TRA suppressed the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes through blocking expressions of NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing (ASC), and caspase-1 in both IL-1β-induced HFLS-RA and CIA mice. In conclusions, current findings suggested that TRA might one of considerable therapeutic compounds for relieving rheumatoid arthritis progress via suppressing inflammations through modulating NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasomes pathways.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of MOK, a polyherbal extract, on lipopolysaccharide‑stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages

MOK, a pharmacopuncture medicine consisting of 10 herbs, has a long history as treatment for various inflammatory conditions. To investigate the mechanisms of action of MOK, its anti‑inflammatory and antioxidative effects were assessed in RAW 264.7 macrophages stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). RAW 264.7 cells were treated with different concentrations of MOK extract for 30 min prior to stimulation with or without LPS for the indicated times. Nitric oxide (NO) production was measured using Griess reagent, while the mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‑α, interleukin (IL)‑1β, IL‑6 and the antioxidant enzymes Mn superoxide dismutase and heme oxygenase‑1, were determined using reverse transcription‑polymerase chain reaction analysis. Western blotting was used to determine the protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)‑2, superoxide dismutase (SOD)2, catalase (CAT) and heme oxygenase‑1 (HO‑1), and the phosphorylation of mitogen‑activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including ERK1/2, JNK and p38. Western blotting and immunocytochemistry were used to observe the nuclear expression of nuclear factor (NF)‑κB p65. Additionally, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and prostaglandin (PG)E2 production were determined using the ROS assay and an enzyme immunoassay. With MOK treatment, there was a notable decrease in NO and PGE2 production induced by LPS in RAW 264.7 cells by downregulation of iNOS and COX‑2 mRNA and protein expression. Furthermore, with MOK treatment, there was a decrease in the mRNA expression levels of TNF‑α, IL‑1β and IL‑6, as well as in the phosphorylation of ERK, JNK and p38 MAPK, by blocking the nuclear translocation of NF‑κB p65 in LPS‑stimulated cells. In addition, MOK treatment led to an increase in the antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT and HO‑1 in LPS‑stimulated cells, with a concomitant decrease in ROS generation. These results indicate that the inflammatory responses in activated macrophages are inhibited by MOK through downregulation of the transcription levels of inflammatory mediators and inhibition of the MAPK/NF‑κB pathway. Moreover, MOK protects against oxidative damage by upregulating the expression of antioxidant enzymes and generating ROS scavengers.

PPARα suppresses Th17 cell differentiation through IL-6/STAT3/RORγt pathway in experimental autoimmune myocarditis

Family members of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), such as PPARγ, have been shown to be effective in regulating T helper 17 (Th17) cell differentiation. However, whether PPARα, another important family member of PPARs, contributes to Th17 cell differentiation remains controversial. In the present study, we show that PPARα may be a negative regulator of Th17 cell differentiation. In CD4⁺ T cells from PPARα knockout mice, PPARα deficiency enhances IL-17 and IL-6 levels and promotes Th17 cell differentiation. In contrast, in CD4⁺ T cells from wild type mice, PPARα activation suppresses Th17 cell differentiation. Furthermore, IL-6 neutralizing antibody dose-dependently reduces the activity of STAT3 and down-regulates the protein expression of RORγt in CD4⁺ T cells from PPARα knockout mice but has no effect on that of wild type mice. On the other hand, in isolated CD4⁺ T cells from experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) rats, PPARα agonist Fenofibrate decreased the expression of IL-17 and RORγt, increased the expression of Foxp3, while PPARα antagonist MK886 reversed these effects. Importantly, in vivo activation of PPARα ameliorates EAM by suppressing Th17 cell differentiation through reducing the expression of RORγt and phosphorylated STAT3 that are upregulated in EAM hearts. These results imply that PPARα suppresses Th17 cell differentiation through IL-6/STAT3/RORγt signaling pathway and suggest that PPARα may become a molecular target for treating autoimmune myocarditis.

Protective Effects of Taraxasterol against Ethanol-Induced Liver Injury by Regulating CYP2E1/Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB Signaling Pathways in Mice

Taraxasterol, a pentacyclic-triterpene compound, is one of the main active components isolated from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Taraxacum. The objective of this study is to evaluate the protective effects of taraxasterol and its possible underlying mechanisms against ethanol-induced liver injury in mice. ICR mice were fed with Lieber-DeCarli diet containing 5% ethanol for 10 d and then challenged with a single dose of 20% ethanol (5 g/kg BW) by intragastric administration. The mice were intragastrically treated daily with taraxasterol (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg). Tiopronin was used as a positive control. The liver index was calculated, and the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), triglyceride (TG), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in sera were detected. The contents of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the livers were measured. The histopathological changes of liver tissues were observed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The protein expression levels of hepatic cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), antioxidant protein heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway in liver tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot methods. Taraxasterol significantly reduced the ethanol-induced increases of liver index, ALT, AST, and TG levels in sera and TG and MDA contents in the livers and hepatic ROS production and suppressed the ethanol-induced decreases of hepatic GSH level and SOD activity. Taraxasterol also significantly inhibited the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 induced by ethanol. In addition, taraxasterol improved the liver histopathological changes in mice with ethanol-induced liver injury. Further studies revealed that taraxasterol significantly inhibited the ethanol-induced upregulation of CYP2E1, increased the ethanol-induced downregulation of Nrf2 and HO-1, and inhibited the degradation of inhibitory kappa Bα (IκBα) and the expression level of NF-κB p65 in liver tissues of ethanol-induced mice. These findings suggest that taraxasterol possesses the potential protective effects against ethanol-induced liver injury in mice by exerting antioxidative stress and anti-inflammatory response via CYP2E1/Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB signaling pathways.

Peiminine Protects against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Mastitis by Inhibiting the AKT/NF-κB, ERK1/2 and p38 Signaling Pathways

Peiminine, an alkaloid extracted from Fritillaria plants, has been reported to have potent anti-inflammatory properties. However, the anti-inflammatory effect of peiminine on a mouse lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mastitis model remains to be elucidated. The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effect of peiminine on LPS-induced mastitis in mice. LPS was injected through the canals of the mammary gland to generate the mouse LPS-induced mastitis model. Peiminine was administered intraperitoneally 1 h before and 12 h after the LPS injection. In vitro, mouse mammary epithelial cells (mMECs) were pretreated with different concentrations of peiminine for 1 h and were then stimulated with LPS. The mechanism of peiminine on mastitis was studied by hematoxylin-eosin staining (H&E) staining, western blotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results showed that peiminine significantly decreased the histopathological impairment of the mammary gland in vivo and reduced the production of pro-inflammatory mediators in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, peiminine inhibited the phosphorylation of the protein kinase B (AKT)/ nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK1/2), and p38 signaling pathways both in vivo and in vitro. All the results suggested that peiminine exerted potent anti-inflammatory effects on LPS-induced mastitis in mice. Therefore, peiminine might be a potential therapeutic agent for mastitis.

Heme Oxygenase-1 Induction and Anti-inflammatory Actions of Atractylodes macrocephala and Taraxacum herba Extracts Prevented Colitis and Was More Effective than Sulfasalazine in Preventing Relapse

Background/Aims

In inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), repeated bouts of remission and relapse occur in patients and can impose a risk of colitis-associated cancer. We hypothesized that plant extracts of Atractylodes macrocephala (AM) or Taraxacum herba (TH) may be better than sulfasalazine for treating this disease because these extracts can promote additional regeneration.

Methods

Murine intestinal epithelial IEC-6 cells were pretreated with AM or TH before a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced challenge. Acute colitis was induced with 7 days of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in male C57BL/6 mice, and extracts of AM and TH were administered for 2 weeks before DSS administration.

Results

In vitro studies demonstrated that AM or TH treatment reduced LPS-induced COX-2 and tumor necrosis factor-α mRNA levels but increased heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Oral preadministration of AM and TH rescued mice from DSS-induced colitis by inhibiting inflammatory mediators via inactivated extracellular signal regulated kinase and repressed nuclear factor κB and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, but the effect was weaker for sulfasalazine than that for the extracts. Anti-inflammatory activities occurred via the inhibition of macrophage and T lymphocyte infiltrations. Unlike sulfasalazine, which did not induce HO-1, TH extracts afforded significant HO-1 induction.

Conclusions

Because the AM or TH extracts were far superior in preventing DSS-induced colitis than sulfasalazine, AM or TH extracts can be considered natural agents that can prevent IBD relapse.

Dandelion root extract affects colorectal cancer proliferation and survival through the activation of multiple death signalling pathways

Dandelion extracts have been studied extensively in recent years for its anti-depressant and anti-inflammatory activity. Recent work from our lab, with in-vitro systems, shows the anti-cancer potential of an aqueous dandelion root extract (DRE) in several cancer cell models, with no toxicity to non-cancer cells. In this study, we examined the cancer cell-killing effectiveness of an aqueous DRE in colon cancer cell models. Aqueous DRE induced programmed cell death (PCD) selectively in > 95% of colon cancer cells, irrespective of their p53 status, by 48 hours of treatment. The anti-cancer efficacy of this extract was confirmed in in-vivo studies, as the oral administration of DRE retarded the growth of human colon xenograft models by more than 90%. We found the activation of multiple death pathways in cancer cells by DRE treatment, as revealed by gene expression analyses showing the expression of genes implicated in programmed cell death. Phytochemical analyses of the extract showed complex multi-component composition of the DRE, including some known bioactive phytochemicals such as α-amyrin, β-amyrin, lupeol and taraxasterol. This suggested that this natural extract could engage and effectively target multiple vulnerabilities of cancer cells. Therefore, DRE could be a non-toxic and effective anti-cancer alternative, instrumental for reducing the occurrence of cancer cells drug-resistance.

Antiurolithiatic effect of the taraxasterol on ethylene glycol induced kidney calculi in male rats

Taraxasterol is one of the important constituents of Taraxacum officinale L. (Compositae) with antioxidant potential. The present study was designed to evaluate and compare the antiurolithiatic effects of taraxasterol and potassium citrate in the ethylene glycol induced urolithiatic rat. Urolithiasis was induced by ammonium chloride and ethylene glycol in adult male rats. Taraxasterol (2, 4 and 8 mg/kg) and potassium citrate (2.5 g/kg) were treated for 33 days by gavage. Then, the animals were anesthetized and weighted and blood, urine, liver and kidney sampling were done. The kidney sections were prepared by hematoxylin & eosin staining. The liver and kidney coefficients, urine pH, calcium, magnesium, oxalate and citrate levels, serum albumin, calcium and magnesium levels, serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase activities, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities in serum, kidney and liver, number of calcium oxalate crystal deposits, score of crystal deposits, score of histopathological damages and score of inflammation in kidney sections were evaluated. The results showed that taraxasterol decreased liver and kidney coefficients (p < 0.001), serum calcium (p < 0.01) level, serum alanine aminotransferase (p < 0.001), aspartate aminotransferase (p < 0.001), lactate dehydrogenase (p < 0.05) activities, urine magnesium (p < 0.05) and oxalate (p < 0.001) levels, number of crystal deposits (p < 0.001), score of crystal deposits (p < 0.01), score of histopathological damages (p < 0.001) and score of inflammation (p < 0.01) in kidney sections, while increased urine pH (p < 0.01), calcium (p < 0.001) and citrate (p < 0.05), serum magnesium (p < 0.001) and albumin (p < 0.01) levels, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in serum (p < 0.01), kidney (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively) and liver (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively) tissue homogenates in treated urolithiatic rats in comparison to the control urolithiatic rats. The effect of potassium citrate is the same as taraxasterol in treated urolithiatic rats. In conclusion, the effect of taraxasterol could be by improving liver function, changing serum and urine parameters, maintaining the antioxidant environment, reducing crystal deposition, excretion of small deposits from kidney and reducing the chance of them being retained in the urinary tract.

Anti-inflammatory evaluation of the methanolic extract of Taraxacum officinale in LPS-stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Background

Atherosclerosis is a chronic vascular inflammatory disease. Since even low-level endotoxemia constitutes a powerful and independent risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis, it is important to find therapies directed against the vascular effects of endotoxin to prevent atherosclerosis. Taraxacum officinale (TO) is used for medicinal purposes because of its choleretic, diuretic, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic properties, but its anti-inflammatory effect on endothelial cells has not been established.

Methods

We evaluated the anti-inflammatory activity of TO filtered methanol extracts in LPS-stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by monocyte adhesion and western blot assays. HUVECs were pretreated with 100 μg/ml TO for 1 h and then incubated with 1 μg/ml LPS for 24 h. The mRNA and protein expression levels of the targets (pro-inflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules) were analyzed by real-time PCR and western blot assays. We also preformed HPLC analysis to identify the components of the TO methanol extract.

Results

The TO filtered methanol extracts dramatically inhibited LPS-induced endothelial cell–monocyte interactions by reducing vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. TO suppressed the LPS-induced nuclear translocation of NF-κB, whereas it did not affect MAPK activation.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrated that methanol extracts of TO could attenuate LPS-induced endothelial cell activation by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway. These results indicate the potential clinical benefits and applications of TO for the prevention of vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12906-017-2022-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap/MS-Based Lipidomics Approach To Characterize Lipid Extracts from Bee Pollen and Their in Vitro Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Bee pollen (BP) is collected by honeybees from flower pollen mixed with nectar and its secretions with extensive nutritional and therapeutic properties. Lipids are known to be critical contributors for the therapeutic effects of BP and vary depending on different plant sources; however, lipid profiles of BP are not available. Here, an UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap/MS method was established for comprehensive lipidomics analysis of BP derived from three major nectar plants (Brassica campestris L., Camellia sinensis L., and Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.). A total of nine lipid classes, including phosphatidylcholine (41 species), phosphatidylethanolamine (43 species), phosphatidylglycerol (9 species), phosphatidylserine (10 species), lysophosphatidylcholine (12 species), ceramide (8 species), diglyceride (27 species), triglyceride (137 species), and fatty acids (47 species), were first identified and quantified in the three BPs. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity was also discovered in the lipid extracts of three BPs, which has potential relevance to the abundance of phospholipids and unsaturated fatty acids in BP. Our comprehensive lipidomics profiling and in vitro anti-inflammatory properties of BP provide evidence for its future application.

Inositol Derivatives and Phenolic Compounds from the Roots of Taraxacum coreanum

In this study, the characterization of chemical constituents and biological activity of the roots of Taraxacum coreanum (Asteraceae) was attempted. Phytochemical investigation of the roots of T. coreanum led to the isolation of two new inositol derivatives, taraxinositols A (1) and B (2), and a new phenolic compound, taraxinol (16), together with twenty known compounds including four inositol derivatives, neo-inositol-1,4-bis (4-hydroxybenzeneacetate) (3), chiro-inositol-1,5-bis(4- hydroxybenzeneacetate) (4), chiro-inositol-2,3-bis (4-hydroxybenzeneacetate) (5) and chiro-inositol- 1,2,3-tris (4-hydroxybenzeneacetate) (6), nine phenolic compounds: p-hydroxybenzaldehyde (7), vanillin (8), syringaldehyde (9), vanillic acid (10), 4-methoxyphenylacetic acid (11), 4-hydroxy- phenylacetic acid methyl ester (12), optivanin (13), isoferulic acid (14) and dihydroconiferyl alcohol (15), four coumarins: nodakenetin (17), decursinol (18), prangol (19) and isobyakangelicin (20), and three lignans: syringaresinol-4′-O-β-d-glucoside (21), syringaresinol (22), and pinoresinol (23). The structures of isolated compounds were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analysis. Among the isolated compounds, vanillic acid, isoferulic acid and syringaresinol showed radical scavenging activity with IC₅₀ values ranging from 30.4 to 75.2 μM.

Isoprenoid biosynthesis in dandelion latex is enhanced by the overexpression of three key enzymes involved in the mevalonate pathway

BACKGROUND

Latex from the dandelion species Taraxacum brevicorniculatum contains many high-value isoprenoid end products, e.g. triterpenes and polyisoprenes such as natural rubber. The isopentenyl pyrophosphate units required as precursors for these isoprenoids are provided by the mevalonate (MVA) pathway. The key enzyme in this pathway is 3-hydroxy-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR) and its activity has been thoroughly characterized in many plant species including dandelion. However, two enzymes acting upstream of HMGR have not been characterized in dandelion latex: ATP citrate lyase (ACL), which provides the acetyl-CoA utilized in the MVA pathway, and acetoacetyl-CoA thiolase (AACT), which catalyzes the first step in the pathway to produce acetoacetyl-CoA. Here we isolated ACL and AACT genes from T. brevicorniculatum latex and characterized their expression profiles. We also overexpressed the well-characterized HMGR, ACL and AACT genes from Arabidopsis thaliana in T. brevicorniculatum to determine their impact on isoprenoid end products in the latex.

RESULTS

The spatial and temporal expression profiles of T. brevicorniculatum ACL and AACT revealed their pivotal role in the synthesis of precursors necessary for isoprenoid biosynthesis in latex. The overexpression of A. thaliana ACL and AACT and HMGR in T. brevicorniculatum latex resulted in the accumulation of all three enzymes, increased the corresponding enzymatic activities and ultimately increased sterol levels by ~5-fold and pentacyclic triterpene and cis-1,4-isoprene levels by ~2-fold. Remarkably high levels of the triterpene precursor squalene were also detected in the triple-transgenic lines (up to 32 mg/g root dry weight) leading to the formation of numerous lipid droplets which were observed in root cross-sections.

CONCLUSIONS

We could show the effective expression of up to three transgenes in T. brevicorniculatum latex which led to increased enzymatic activity and resulted in high level squalene accumulation in the dandelion roots up to an industrially relevant amount. Our data provide insight into the regulation of the MVA pathway in dandelion latex and can be used as a basis for metabolic engineering to enhance the production of isoprenoid end products in this specialized tissue.

Anti-inflammatory effect of strawberry extract against LPS-induced stress in RAW 264.7 macrophages

A common denominator in the pathogenesis of most chronic inflammatory diseases is the involvement of oxidative stress, related to ROS production by all aerobic organisms. Dietary antioxidants from plant foods represent an efficient strategy to counteract this condition. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective effects of strawberry extracts on inflammatory status induced by E. Coli LPS on RAW 264.7 macrophages by measuring the main oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers and investigating the molecular pathways involved. Strawberry pre-treatment efficiently counteracted LPS-induced oxidative stress reducing the amount of ROS and nitrite production, stimulating endogenous antioxidant enzyme activities and enhancing protection against lipid, protein and DNA damage (P < 0.05). Strawberry pre-treatment exerted these protective effects primarily through the activation of the Nrf2 pathway, which is markedly AMPK-dependent and also by the modulation of the NF-kB signalling pathway. Finally, an improvement in mitochondria functionality was also detected. The results obtained in this work highlight the health benefit of strawberries against inflammatory and oxidative stress in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, investigating for the first time the possible involved molecular mechanisms.

Effects of aqueous extracts of Taraxacum Officinale on expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and intracellular adhesion molecule 1 in LPS-stimulated RMMVECs

Background

Mastitis gives rise to big financial burden to farm industry (mainly dairy production) and public health. Its incidence is currently high and therefore, highly effective treatments for therapy, especially with natural products are required. Taraxacum officinale has been reported to use for anti-inflammation. However, its effect on endothelium during mastitis has not been reported.

Methods

We firstly established inflammation experimental model of rat mammary microvascular endothelial cells (RMMVECs). We evaluated the effects of dandelion leaf aqueous extracts (DAE) on LPS-induced production of inflammatory mediators in RMMVECs by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot. We treated RMMVECs with 1 μg/ml LPS for 4 h and then incubated with 10, 100 and 200 μg/mL DAE for 4, 8, 12 and 24 h. The expression (mRNA and protein level) of targets (tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF- α) and Intracellular Adhesion Molecule 1 (ICAM1) was analyzed by employing real-time PCR and Western blots. The in vivo anti-inflammatory effect of DAE on mastitis within an Staphylococcus aureus-induced mouse model was also determined.

Results

The obtained results showed that dandelion extracts at the concentration of 100 and 200 μg/mL could significantly inhibit both TNF-α and ICAM-1 expression in all time points checked while 10 μg/mL of dandelion only suppress both expression at 8 and 12 h post-treatment. The in vivo tests showed that the DAE inhibited the expression of TNF-α and ICAM-1 in a time-dependent manner.

Conclusions

All results suggest that the endothelium may use as as a possible target of dandelion for anti-inflammation.

Protective effect of taraxasterol against rheumatoid arthritis by the modulation of inflammatory responses in mice

Taraxasterol is an effective component of dandelion that has anti-inflammatory effects in vivo and in vitro. The present study was performed to explore whether taraxasterol exhibits a protective effect against rheumatoid arthritis through the modulation of inflammatory responses in mice. Eight-week-old CCR9-deficient mice were injected with a collagen II monoclonal antibody cocktail to create a rheumatoid arthritis model. In the experimental group, arthritic model mice were treated with 10 mg/kg taraxasterol once per day for 5 days. Treatment with taraxasterol significantly increased the pain thresholds and reduced the clinical arthritic scores of the mice in the experimental group compared with those of the model group. Furthermore, treatment with taraxasterol significantly suppressed tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and nuclear factor-κB protein expression levels compared with those in the rheumatoid arthritis model mice. Taraxasterol treatment also significantly reduced nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2 and cyclooxygenase-2 levels compared with those in the rheumatoid arthritis model group. These observations indicate that the protective effect of taraxasterol against rheumatoid arthritis is mediated via the modulation of inflammatory responses in mice.

The Physiological Effects of Dandelion (Taraxacum Officinale) in Type 2 Diabetes

The tremendous rise in the economic burden of type 2 diabetes (T2D) has prompted a search for alternative and less expensive medicines. Dandelion offers a compelling profile of bioactive components with potential anti-diabetic properties. The Taraxacum genus from the Asteraceae family is found in the temperate zone of the Northern hemisphere. It is available in several areas around the world. In many countries, it is used as food and in some countries as therapeutics for the control and treatment of T2D. The anti-diabetic properties of dandelion are attributed to bioactive chemical components; these include chicoric acid, taraxasterol (TS), chlorogenic acid, and sesquiterpene lactones. Studies have outlined the useful pharmacological profile of dandelion for the treatment of an array of diseases, although little attention has been paid to the effects of its bioactive components on T2D to date. This review recapitulates previous work on dandelion and its potential for the treatment and prevention of T2D, highlighting its anti-diabetic properties, the structures of its chemical components, and their potential mechanisms of action in T2D. Although initial research appears promising, data on the cellular impact of dandelion are limited, necessitating further work on clonal β-cell lines (INS-1E), α-cell lines, and human skeletal cell lines for better identification of the active components that could be of use in the control and treatment of T2D. In fact, extensive in-vitro, in-vivo, and clinical research is required to investigate further the pharmacological, physiological, and biochemical mechanisms underlying the effects of dandelion-derived compounds on T2D.

Taraxasterol inhibits cigarette smoke-induced lung inflammation by inhibiting reactive oxygen species-induced TLR4 trafficking to lipid rafts

Taraxasterol, a pentacyclic-triterpene isolated from Taraxacum officinale, has been demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory effects. However, the protective effects of taraxasterol against cigarette smoke (CS)-induced lung inflammation have not been reported. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects and mechanism of taraxasterol on CS-induced lung inflammation in mice. CS-induced mouse lung inflammation model was used to investigate the protective effects of taraxasterol in vivo. Human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) were used to investigate the protective mechanism of taraxasterol in vitro. The results showed that taraxasterol attenuated CS-induced lung pathological changes, inflammatory cells infiltration, inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β production. Taraxasterol also up-regulated CS-induced glutathione (GSH) production. In vitro, taraxasterol was found to inhibit CS-induced reactive oxygen species production, recruitment of TLR4 into lipid rafts, NF-κB activation, and IL-8 production. Furthermore, our results showed that antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) significantly inhibited CS-induced recruitment of TLR4 into lipid rafts as well as IL-8 production. In conclusion, our results suggested that taraxasterol had protective effects of CS-induced lung inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects of taraxasterol on adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Taraxasterol was isolated from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Taraxacum which has been frequently used as a remedy for inflammatory diseases. In the present study, we determined the in vivo anti-arthritic effect of taraxasterol on arthritis induced by Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rats were immunized with FCA by intradermal injection into the right hind metatarsal footpad, and were orally treated daily with taraxasterol at 2, 4 and 8mg/kg from day 2-28 after immunization. Paw swelling, arthritis index, body weight, spleen index and thymus index were evaluated. The levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, PGE2, OPG and RANKL in sera were measured using ELISA. Histopathological changes in joint tissues were examined using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E).

RESULTS

Taraxasterol significantly suppressed paw swelling and arthritis index, attenuated body weight loss, decreased the spleen index and thymus index induced by FCA. Furthermore, taraxasterol significantly inhibited the overproduction of serum TNF-α, IL-1β, PGE2 and RANKL, and increased serum OPG production in FCA-induced rats. Histopathological examination indicated that taraxasterol attenuated synovial hyperplasia, bone and cartilage damage, and inflammatory cell infiltration.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that taraxasterol has the potential protective effect against FCA-induced arthritis in rats.

Optimization of methyl jasmonate and β-cyclodextrin for enhanced production of taraxerol and taraxasterol in (Taraxacum officinale Weber) cultures

CONTEXT

Taraxacum officinale Weber (TO) commonly known as "dandelion", is a tropical Asian medicinal plant which contains taraxasterol (TX) and taraxerol (TA) in its roots, which are reported to be commercially important anticancer compounds.

OBJECTIVE

The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the increase in yield of TX and TA through elicitation by addition of abiotic elictors like methyl jasmonate (MJ) and β-cyclodextrin (CD), to the root callus suspension cultures of TO.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The root callus suspension was maintained on Murashige and Skoog's (MS) medium MS + IAA + BA + 2, 4-D (0.5 ppm + 1 ppm + 0.5 ppm). The concentrations of the abiotic elicitors MJ and CD were optimized using central composite design (CCD) and quantification of TA and TX in elicited cultures was done by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis.

RESULT

It was observed that MJ at a concentration of 0.2 mM showed good increase in content of TX to 0.032% w/w and at concentrations 0.05 mM, 0.1 mM and 0.2 mM showed similar increase in TA content to 0.018% w/w, whereas CD at the concentration of 25 mM showed highest increase in TX content to 0.036% w/w and at the concentrations of 25 mM, 50 mM showed increase in TA content to 0.023% w/w as compared to the plant root (PR) which showed content of TX as 0.0299% w/w and TA as 0.0169% w/w.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

From the present investigation it was concluded that out of the two abiotic elicitors MJ and CD, CD was found to be more effective to increase TA and TX content in Dandelion cell cultures.

Bioactive Extract from Moringa oleifera Inhibits the Pro-inflammatory Mediators in Lipopolysaccharide Stimulated Macrophages

Introduction:

Inflammation is a well-known physiological response to protect the body against infection and restore tissue injury. Nevertheless, the chronic inflammation can trigger various inflammatory associated diseases/disorder. Moringa oleifera is a widely grown plant in most tropical countries and it has been recognized traditionally for several medicinal benefits.

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of M. oleifera extract on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) - stimulated macrophages.

Materials and Methods:

The anti-inflammatory effect of M. oleifera hydroethanolic bioactive leaves extracts was evaluated by assessing the inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production during Griess reaction and the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators in macrophages.

Results:

Interestingly, we found that M. oleifera hydroethanolic bioactive leaves extract significantly inhibited the secretion of NO production and other inflammatory markers such as prostaglandin E₂, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β. Meanwhile, the bioactive extract has induced the production of IL-10 in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, M. oleifera hydroethanolic bioactive leaves extract effectively suppressed the protein expression of inflammatory markers inducible NO synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B-cells p65 in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusion:

These findings support the traditional use of M. oleifera plant as an effective treatment for inflammation associated diseases/disorders.

SUMMARY

Hydroethanolic extracts of Moringa oleifera effectively inhibit the NO production in LPS induced inflammatory model.

M. oleifera crude extracts successfully modulate the production of pro-inflammatory mediators in LPS stimulated macrophages.

M. oleifera extracts suppressed the expression of inflammatory mediators in LPS stimulated macrophages.