Effects of Schisandra chinensis extract on the relaxation of isolated human prostate tissue and smooth muscle cell

Improvement of nucleotide content of Cordyceps tenuipes by Schisandra chinensis: fermentation process optimization and application prospects

Nucleotides are important components and the main indicators for judging Cordyceps quality. In this paper, the mixed fermentation process of Schisandra chinensis and Cordyceps tenuipes was systematically studied, and it was proposed that the fermentation products aqueous extract (S-ZAE) had antioxidant activity and anti-AChE ability. Herein, the results of a single factor showed that S. chinensis, yeast extract, inoculum amount, and pH had significant effects on nucleotide synthesis. The fermentation process optimization results were 3% glucose, 0.25% KH2PO4, 2.1% yeast extract, and S. chinensis 0.49% (m/v), the optimal fermentation conditions were 25℃, inoculum 5.8% (v/v), pH 3.8, 6 d. The yield of total nucleotides in the scale-up culture was 0.64 ± 0.027 mg/mL, which was 10.6 times higher than before optimization. S-ZAE has good antioxidant and anti-AChE activities (IC50 0.50 ± 0.050 mg/mL). This fermentation method has the advantage of industrialization, and its fermentation products have the potential to become good functional foods or natural therapeutic agents.

Mixture of Corni Fructus and Schisandrae Fructus improves testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia through regulating 5α-reductase 2 and androgen receptor

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) characterized by an enlarged prostate gland is common in elderly men. Corni Fructus (CF) and Schisandrae Fructus (SF) are known to have various pharmacological effects, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, we evaluated the inhibitory efficacy of CF, SF, and their mixture (MIX) on the development of BPH using an in vivo model of testosterone-induced BPH.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Six-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into seven groups. To induce BPH, testosterone propionate (TP) was injected to rats except for those in the control group. Finasteride, saw palmetto (SP), CF, SF, and MIX were orally administered along with TP injection. At the end of treatment, histological changes in the prostate and the level of various biomarkers related to BPH were evaluated.

RESULTS

Our results showed that BPH induced by TP led to prostate weight and histological changes. Treatment with MIX effectively improved TP-induced BPH by reducing prostate index, lumen area, epithelial thickness, and expression of BPH biomarkers such as 5α-reductase type 2, prostate-specific antigen, androgen receptor, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen compared to treatment with CF or SF alone. Moreover, MIX further reduced levels of elevated serum testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and prostate-specific antigen in BPH compared to the SP, a positive control. BPH was also improved more by MIX than by CF or SF alone.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the results, MIX is a potential natural therapeutic candidate for BPH by regulating 5α-reductase and AR signaling pathway.

Administration of Caesalpinia bonduc Seed Extracts Ameliorates Testosterone-Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) in Male Wistar Rats

Introduction

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a major chronic disease affecting men, and the therapeutic agents currently used to manage it have significant side effects. As a result, an alternative medicine with improved therapeutic properties with no side effects is desperately needed. The current investigation aims to study whether the Caesalpinia bonduc seed extracts (ethanolic-A, hydroalcoholic-B, and aqueous-C) have inhibitory potential on testosterone propionate (TP)-induced BPH in Wistar rats.

Methods

Wistar rats (male) were randomly allocated to one of five groups: control, BPH (TP-3 mg/kg, subcutaneously daily), low dose (TP + C. bonduc seed extracts – 200 mg/kg body weight), high dose (TP + C. bonduc seed extracts – 400 mg/kg body weight), and standard drug (TP + finasteride – 10 mg/kg body weight). At the end of drug treatment, the rats were sacrificed and their serum and prostates were taken for biochemical and histological studies.

Results

C. bonduc seed extracts treatment significantly decreased prostate weight and prostatic index in rats with TP-induced BPH. The seed extracts exhibited a potent inhibitory effect on dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in serum and prostate. In addition, the PSA level in the serum showed a noteworthy decrease in comparison with the BPH group. Histopathological examination also indicated that extracts improved the tissue morphology of the prostate significantly. Out of three extracts tested, ethanolic and hydroalcoholic extract recorded significant effect. Finally, liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC/MS-QTOF) analysis showed that the major compounds present in the extracts were tocopherols, fucosterol, linoleic acid, β-amyrin, β-sitosterol, campesterol, cassane furanoditerpene, norcassane furanoditerpene and other diterpenes.

Conclusion

Thus, C. bonduc seed extracts could be a potential source for the formulation of new drug for managing BPH. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first scientific animal investigation into the use of C. bonduc seed extract for the management of BPH.

Gomisin J attenuates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury by inducing anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects in rats

Ischemic stroke is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in humans. Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (CIR) injury serves as a leading cause of stroke. Schisandra chinensis is a well-known Chinese traditional medicine. In this study, we explored the role of Gomisin J (GJ), a compound of S. chinensis, in CIR using a middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion rat model and the possible mechanisms. We identified that GJ reduced neurological scores, cerebral infarction, and water content in the I/R rat brain. Importantly, GJ rescued I/R treatment-reduced neuron survival in the hippocampus, inhibited apoptosis of ischemic tissues in I/R rats, increased B-cell lymphoma-extra-large (Bcl-XL) expression, and reduced the levels of cleaved caspase-3, Bax, cyclooxygenase-2, nuclear factor kappa-B, and nitric oxide in I/R rat brain tissues. Furthermore, GJ treatment enhanced nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) translocation, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities, and glutathione level. Overall, GJ treatment GJ attenuates CIR injury by inducing anti-apoptotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects in vivo.

A comprehensive review of ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and pharmacokinetics of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. and Schisandra sphenanthera Rehd. et Wils

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Schisandra chinensis (called bei-wuweizi in Chinese, S. chinensis) and Schisandra sphenanthera (called nan-wuweizi in Chinese, S. sphenanthera) are two highly similar plants in the Magnoliaceae family. Their dried ripe fruits are commonly used as traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of coughs, palpitation, spermatorrhea, and insomnia. They also are traditionally used as tonics in Russia, Japan, and Korea.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera are similar in appearance, traditional applications, ingredient compositions, and therapeutic effects. This review, therefore, aims to provide a systematic insight into the botanical background, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, quality control, and toxicology of S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera, and to explore and present the similarities and differences between S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive literature search regarding S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera was collected by using electronic databases including PubMed, SciFinder, Science Direct, Web of Science, CNKI, and the online ethnobotanical database.

RESULTS

In the 2020 Edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia (ChP), there were 100 prescriptions containing S. chinensis, while only 11 contained S. sphenanthera. Totally, 306 and 238 compounds have been isolated and identified from S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera, respectively. Among these compounds, lignans, triterpenoids, essential oils, phenolic acid, flavonoids, phytosterols are the major composition. Through investigation of pharmacological activities, S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera have similar therapeutic effects including hepatoprotection, neuroprotection, cardioprotection, anticancer, antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and hypoglycemic effect. Besides, S. chinensis turns out to have more effects including reproductive regulation and immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, antitussive and antiasthmatic, anti-fatigue, antiarthritic, and bone remodeling effects. Both S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera have inhibitory effects on CYP3A and P-gp, which can mediate metabolism or efflux of substrates, and therefore interact with many drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera have great similarities. Dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans are regarded to contribute to most of the bioactivities. Schisandrin A-C, schisandrol A-B, and schisantherin A, existing in both S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera but differing in the amount, are the main active components, which may contribute to the similarities and differences. Study corresponding to the traditional use is needed to reveal the deep connotation of the use of S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera as traditional Chinese medicine. In addition, a joint study of S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera can better show the difference between them, which can provide a reference for clinical application. It is worth mentioning that the inhibition of S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera on CYP3A and P-gp may lead to undesirable drug-drug interactions.

Molecular expression and functional features of Kv7 channels in human prostate smooth muscle

BACKGROUND

Relaxation of prostate smooth muscle tone is a key strategy for the medical treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men. However, potassium channel's physiological role inhuman prostatic smooth muscle (HPrSM) has yet to be determined.

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we examined the molecular characteristics and physiological roles of Kv7 channels in HPrSM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The expressions of KCNQ1-5 (Kv7 channel pore-forming α-subunits) and KCNE1-5 (β-regulatory subunits) isoforms in HPrSM were examined using real-time PCR. The relaxation effect of ML213 was investigated by cumulatively adding ML213 to the prostate strips. Kv7 currents were recorded using an amphotericin-B perforated patch-clamp technique.

RESULTS

In HPrSM cells, KCNQ4, KCNQ5, and KCNE4 isoforms were predominantly expressed, while KCNQ1, KCNQ5, and KCNE3 isoforms were the most abundantly expressed in human prostatic tissues. Western blot analysis revealed the protein expression of the Kv7.1, 7.4, and 7.5 channel subtypes in human prostate tissues (n = 3). ML213 (an activator of Kv7.2/7.4/7.5) induced the concentration-dependent relaxation of HPrSM strips (n = 15, p = 0.001), and this effect was attenuated by pretreatment with XE991 (a Kv7.1-7.5 blocker). In electrophysiology studies, ML213 significantly increased the amplitude of whole-cell Kv7 currents in HPrSM cells. ML213-induced outward currents were greater than retigabine (a Kv7.2-7.5 channel activator). The subsequent addition of XE991 completely inhibited the ML213-induced currents (n = 9, p < 0.01 vs. ML213). ML213 hyperpolarized the HPrSM cell membrane potential and was fully reversed by XE991. In situ PLA revealed the colocalization of heteromeric KV7.4/KV7.5 channels in HPrSM cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that Kv7.4 and 7.5 channels in prostatic smooth muscle play a critical role in the regulation of HPrSM tone and that Kv7 channel subtypes may be novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of LUTS associated with BPH.

An herbal formula consisting of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill, Lycium chinense Mill and Eucommia ulmoides Oliv alleviates disuse muscle atrophy in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill (SC), Lycium chinense Mill (LC) and Eucommia ulmoides Oliv (EU) are representative tonic herbal medicines that help to strengthen body muscles and bones making them stronger according to the Donguibogam, a tradition medical book of the Joseon Dynasty in Korea.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate effects of an herbal formula consisting of SC, LC and EU on muscle atrophy in C2C12 myotubes and in a rat model of immobilization-induced muscle atrophy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Muscle atrophy was developed by cast immobilization of unilateral hindlimb on rats for 3 weeks. Treatments were administered orally 14 times over 3 weeks. After treatments, we compared the change of body weight, muscle weight, grip strength, muscle fiber size, muscle fiber type shift by Grip strength meter, H&E stain and ATPase stain. And western blot was used for evaluating molecular mechanism in muscle atrophy on C2C12 cells.

RESULTS

When taken individually, SC was the most effective of the three in inhibiting tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)-induced degeneration of C2C12 myogenesis. The formulation with a mass ratio of 2:1:1 SC: LC: EU (SSLE) was more effective against TNF-α-induced muscle atrophy than was a 1:1:1 SC: LC: EU (SLE) formula or any of the single herbal extracts. In a rat model of disuse muscle atrophy, the SSLE formula significantly inhibited reductions in muscle weight, grip strength and muscle fiber size induced by hindlimb immobilization, in a dose-dependent manner. The formula also inhibited immobilization-induced shifting of the muscle fiber type in soleus muscle. Treatment with SSLE inhibited TNF-α-induced expression of the atrogenes atrogin-1 and muscle RING-finger protein 1 in C2C12 cells. The SSLE formula also increased myoblast differentiation markers (myoD and myogenin) and activation of the Akt and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that the SSLE formula prevents muscle atrophy through inhibition of the ubiquitin-proteasome system as well as upregulation of myoblast differentiation and muscle protein synthesis in C2C12 cells. Taken together, we conclude that the SSLE formula is invaluable for the development of therapeutic medicines to prevent disuse muscle atrophy and its accompanying muscle weakness.

Schisandrin B displays a protective role against primary pulmonary hypertension by targeting transforming growth factor β1

Pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) in the medial layer of the vessel wall are involved in vessel homeostasis, but also for pathologic vascular remodeling in diverse diseases, such as pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Pulmonary vascular remodeling in PAH results in vascular disorders, but its underlying molecular mechanisms are still not to be fully disclosed. In this study, we investigated the expression and function of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 in human PASMC cultured under the condition of hypoxia and elucidated the effect of schisandra chinensis and its active ingredients on proliferation, migration, and apoptosis in human PASMCs. We demonstrated that schisandrin B (Sch.B) alleviated the severity of PAH in PASMCs cultured under the condition of hypoxia. Significant upregulation of TGF-β1 was observed in hypoxia-induced human PASMCs. Interestingly, administration of Sch.B substantially attenuated TGF-β1 level in these PASMCs. In order to elucidate Sch.B function, the hypoxia-induced human PASMC was stimulated with Sch.B or cotreatment with TGF-β1 in vitro. In agreement with its TGF-β1-reducing effect, Sch B relieved human PASMCs migration and promoted the apoptosis of human PASMCs, by activation of TGF-β1 downstream signal pathways in PASMCs. In contrast, co-treatment with TGF-β1 promoted human PASMC proliferation and migration and inhibited the apoptosis of human PASMC, which can attenuate the protective role of Sch.B in human PASMC. Taken collectively, these findings suggest that the vascular relaxation evoked by Sch.B was mediated by direct effect on vascular smooth muscle cell via TGF-β1 downstream signal pathways.

Uvaria rufa Blume attenuates benign prostatic hyperplasia via inhibiting 5α-reductase and enhancing antioxidant status

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Traditional medicine has used Uvaria rufa Blume as an ethnomedicinal plant for treating fever, skin allergies, intestinal ulcers and prostate disorders including BPH. However, no scientific evidence supports the traditional use.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of U. rufa on BPH using in vitro and in vivo models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vitro studies screened the efficacy of a 5α-reductase (5αR) inhibition and antioxidant activity of petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, ethanol and aqueous extracts from the stem of U. rufa. Phytochemical screening was performed to determine the active compound using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Ethyl acetate extract (UR-EtOAc) of U. rufa was used to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy in vivo models. BPH was induced by subcutaneous injection of testosterone propionate (3mg/kg) to male rats for 30 days. After 30 days of oral administration of UR-EtOAc at doses of 10 and 20mg/kg and finasteride at a dose of 1mg/kg, the prostate weight, prostate index (PI), testosterone and androgen receptor (AR) levels, and histopathological alteration of prostate gland were determined. Also, oxidative status and toxicity indices were assessed.

RESULTS

UR-EtOAc exhibited the highest potency of inhibition of 5αR and possessed potent antioxidants rich in phenolics and flavonoids contents. The active compound analyzed by HPLC was β-sitosterol. In vivo results show a significant reduction in prostate weight, PI, and AR in all treated groups when compared to the BPH model group (P<0.001). Also, the UR-EtOAc and finasteride treated groups had increased prostatic and serum testosterone levels when compared to the BPH model group. A histopathological investigation of the prostate glands supported the above results. UR-EtOAc elevated the antioxidant enzymes and reduced the malondialdehyde level in BPH-induced rats. Moreover, treatment of UR-EtOAc at all doses had no toxic effects on the vital organs and serum biochemical indices.

CONCLUSIONS

UR-EtOAc from the stem of Uvaria rufa Blume appears to have the potential as a phytotherapeutic agent in the management of BPH, which provides the scientific evidence for traditional use.

Effect of BKCa Channel Opener LDD175 on Erectile Function in an In Vivo Diabetic Rat Model

INTRODUCTION

The development of novel therapeutic options is imperative in patients with erectile dysfunction, especially those non-responsive to phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. LDD175, a potent BKCa channel opener, has a relaxation effect on the in vitro cavernosal smooth muscle strip.

AIM

To investigate the effect of LDD175 on erectile function using in vivo animal disease model.

METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to a normal control group and seven diabetic groups: diabetic control, sildenafil (1 and 5 mg/kg), LDD175 (5 and 10 mg/kg), LDD175 5 mg/kg plus sildenafil 1 mg/kg, and LDD175 10 mg/kg plus tetraethylammonium.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Intracavernosal pressure (ICP), ratio of ICP to mean arterial pressure (MAP), and the area under curve of ICP/MAP of eight groups were compared using in vivo pelvic nerve stimulation.

RESULTS

The ICP, ICP/MAP ratio, and area under curve of the ICP/MAP ratio of the normal control rats increased with an increase in electrical field stimulation voltage. All parameters in the diabetic control group were significantly lower than those in the normal control rats, with an electrical field stimulation ranging from 1 to 5 V (P < .05). LDD175 improved the erectile response in diabetic rats in a dose-dependent manner. The combination of sildenafil (1 mg/kg) and LDD175 (5 mg/kg) showed a significant additive effect (P < .05) on the improvement of erectile function compared with sildenafil (1 mg/kg) alone. The enhancement of erectile function by LDD175 was completely blocked by tetraethylammonium.

CONCLUSION

The results showed that the BKCa channel opener LDD175 improved erectile function in an in vivo diabetic rat model. Furthermore, combination therapy of LDD175 and sildenafil had an additive effect on the improvement of erectile function in diabetic rats. LDD175 could be a new candidate for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

De novo transcriptome assembly of Schisandra chinensis Turcz. (Baill.)

The fruit of Schisandra chinensis Turcz. (Baill.), namely "Wuweizi" in China, is a well-known herbal medicine and health food. At present, research focused on the extraction of effective chemical component and function identification. Little known about the secondary metabolism gene pathway of chemical composition. Its fruit color usually red, however, the white fruit color variation has been found. It made us interested in exploring which gene change lead to this result. In order to understand the genetic background of S. chinensis, we performed a transcriptome analysis of S. chinensis, including red fruit and skin of 'Yanhong' cultivar and white fruit and skin of 'Jinwuwei'. We obtained 26.4 GB raw data (NCBI accession number: SSR4449123). De novo transcriptome assembly using Trinity revealed 92,415 transcripts and generated 71,443 unigenes. All unigenes were annotated in database. This study provides transcriptome of S. chinensis, which might be useful for comparative transcriptome analyses and understand gene expression of secondary metabolites.

Schisandra chinensis extract ameliorates nonalcoholic fatty liver via inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. (SC) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine with diverse pharmacological activities for treatment of various human diseases. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is associated with the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In this study, we investigated the protective effects of methanol extract of Schisandra chinensis (SC extract) against ER stress-induced NAFLD in vitro and in vivo.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The protective effects of SC extract were examined in tunicamycin- or palmitate-treated HepG2 cells in vitro, and in tunicamycin-injected mice or high fed diet (HFD) obese mice in vivo. Expression of ER stress markers including glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP78), C/EBP homolog protein (CHOP), and X-box-binding protein-1 (XBP-1), and triglyceride accumulation were measured in HepG2 cells and in the liver of mice.

RESULTS

SC extract significantly inhibited expression of tunicamycin-induced ER stress markers in tunicamycin-treated HepG2 cells and in the liver of tunicamycin-injected mice, and it also inhibited tunicamycin-induced triglyceride accumulation. Similar observations were made under physiological ER stress conditions such as in palmitate-treated HepG2 cells and in the liver of HFD obese mice. In addition, SC extract repressed the expression of inflammatory genes and lipogenic genes in palmitate-treated HepG2 cells. Schisandrin, an abundant bioactive lignan in SC extract, inhibited the expression of ER stress markers in tunicamycin-or palmitate-treated HepG2 cells, whereas Gomisin J did not affect ER stress markers.

CONCLUSIONS

SC attenuates ER stress and prevents development of NAFLD. SC may be useful as a pharmacological agent for protection against ER stress-induced human diseases.

Gomisin J Inhibits Oleic Acid-Induced Hepatic Lipogenesis by Activation of the AMPK-Dependent Pathway and Inhibition of the Hepatokine Fetuin-A in HepG2 Cells

The aim of our study is to investigate the molecular mechanism of gomisin J from Schisandra chinensis on the oleic acid (OA)-induced lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells. Gomisin J attenuated lipid accumulation in OA-induced HepG2 cells. It also suppressed the expression of lipogenic enzymes and inflammatory mediators and increased the expression of lipolytic enzymes in OA-induced HepG2 cells. Furthermore, the use of specific inhibitors and fetuin-A siRNA and liver kinase B1 (LKB1) siRNA transfected cells demonstrated that gomisin J regulated lipogenesis and lipolysis via inhibition of fetuin-A and activation of an AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-dependent pathway in HepG2 cells. Our results showed that gomisin J suppressed lipid accumulation by regulating the expression of lipogenic and lipolytic enzymes and inflammatory molecules through activation of AMPK, LKB1, and Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II and inhibition of fetuin-A in HepG2 cells. This suggested that gomisin J has potential benefits in treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.