Lysimachia christinae Hance regresses preestablished cholesterol gallstone in mice

A study for quality evaluation of Lysimachiae herba from different origins based on fingerprint-activity relationship modeling and multi-component content determination

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Lysimachiae Herba (LH), called Jinqiancao in Chinese, is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine in clinical practice. Doctors in the Qing Dynasty recorded that it tastes bitter, sour, and slightly cold, and it belongs to the liver, gallbladder, kidney, and bladder meridians. It has the effects of removing dampness and jaundice, eliminating gallstones, and reducing blood stasis. Because of its potent pharmacological effects, it is extensively utilized in the treatment of hepatobiliary and urinary system stones, jaundice, hepatitis, and cholecystitis. Although LH is included in "Sichuan authentic Chinese herbal medicine records", the quality of it from different origins still lacks reliable evaluation methods, which is difficult to reflect the high quality of LH from Sichuan.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to establish a fingerprint-activity relationship model between the fingerprint of LH and its protective effect on cholestatic liver injury, and to evaluate the quality of LH from Sichuan and Guizhou by multivariate statistical analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

20 batches of LH samples were collected from Sichuan and Guizhou. Characteristic fingerprints of samples were established by UHPLC-Triple TOF-MS/MS and the chemical pattern recognition analysis was carried out by HCA. Then, a rat model of cholestatic liver injury was established by intragastric administration of ANIT. Combined with the common peak information of fingerprint and pharmacodynamic index results, GCA and BCA were used to screen the efficacy markers. Finally, based on UHPLC-QTRAP-MS/MS, the content of efficacy markers was simultaneously determined, and the overall quality of LH from two origins was evaluated by PCA and TOPSIS.

RESULTS

In the fingerprint of 20 batches of LH, 15 common peaks were identified in the negative ion mode, and the similarity was between 0.887 and 0.981. Pharmacological results showed that, compared with the control group, the content of AST, ALT, ALP, TBA, TBIL, and MDA in serum increased, and the content of GSH and SOD activity decreased after 48 h of ANIT administration. In addition, compared to the model group, different doses of LH from the two origins could decrease the serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP, TBA, TBIL, and MDA, raise the levels of GSH and SOD activity, reduce the infiltration range of inflammatory cells, and improve the cholestatic liver injury in rats. Among them, the pharmacodynamic indices of the SCHD group were significantly better. GCA and BCA showed that a total of 7 constituents related to the efficacy were screened, which were proanthocyanidin B1, ferulic acid, hyperoside, astragalin, nicotiflorin, afzelin, and kaempferol. Besides, the content of 7 active constituents in samples from Sichuan was higher than that from Guizhou, indicating that the quality of samples from Sichuan may be better, consistent with the result of the pharmacological experiment.

CONCLUSION

The quality and efficacy of LH from different origins were stable, and all of them had protective effects on cholestatic liver injury in rats. The method established in this study is accurate and reliable, and it can be used to comprehensively evaluate the internal quality of LH.

Research on the mechanism of regulating spleen-deficient obesity in rats by bawei guben huashi jiangzhi decoction based on multi-omics analysis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE

Bawei Guben Huashi Jiangzhi Decoction (BGHJ), a traditional Chinese compound formula, comprises eight Chinese medicinal herbs: Codonopsis Radix, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, Cassiae Semen, Lysimachiae Herba, Edgeworthiae Gardner Flos, Oryzae Semen cum Monasco, Nelumbinis Folium, and Alismatis Rhizoma. It has the therapeutic effects of improving digestive and absorptive functions of the gastrointestinal tract, reducing cholesterol levels, and helping to lose weight. Therefore, BGHJ is mainly used to treat spleen-deficient obesity (SDO) clinically.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to examine the efficacy and mechanism of BGHJ in a model of SDO in rats, as well as the potentially involved constituents entering the blood and differential metabolites.

METHODS

The SDO rat model was replicated utilizing a high-fat and high-sugar diet in conjunction with exhaustive swimming. Subsequently, the rats were subjected to a six-week intervention comprising varying dosages of BGHJ and a positive control, orlistat. To evaluate the efficacy of BGHJ on SDO model rats, we first measured the rats' body weight, body surface temperature, spleen index, as well as biochemical indicators in the serum and colon, and then assessed the pathological state of the colon and liver. Afterward, we analyzed the 16S rDNA gut microbiota, non-targeted serum metabolomics, and serum pharmacology to study the main active components of BGHJ and its action mechanism against SDO model rats. In addition, we constructed a network diagram for overall visualization and analysis, and experimentally verified the predicted results. Finally, we used quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to detect the gene expression of proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) indicators in rat hypothalamic neurons. We quantitatively targeted the detection of neurotransmitters dopamine (DA), acetylcholine (Ach), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and noradrenaline (NA) in rat hypothalamus.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated that all dosage regimens of BGHJ exhibited the capacity to moderately modulate parameters including body weight, surface temperature, spleen index, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), cholecystokinin (CCK), 5-HT, interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interleukin 17 (IL-17), while concurrently reducing hepatic lipid droplet deposition and restoring intestinal integrity. Subsequent experimental results showed that we successfully identified 27 blood components of BGHJ and identified 52 differential metabolites in SDO model rats. At the same time, the experiment proved that BGHJ could effectively inhibit the metabolic pathway of arachidonic acid. In addition, BGHJ can also restore the intestinal microbiota composition of SDO model rats. Finally, we also found that BGHJ could regulate the expression of hypothalamic neurons and neurotransmitters.

CONCLUSIONS

The research revealed the main active ingredients of BGHJ and its mechanism against SDO model rats through gut microbiota, non-target serum metabolomics, and serum drug chemistry.

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

BACKGROUND

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

Lysimachia christinae polysaccharide attenuates diet-induced hyperlipidemia via modulating gut microbes-mediated FXR-FGF15 signaling pathway

Polysaccharides are one of the most abundant and active components of Lysimachia christinae (L. christinae), which is widely adopted for attenuating abnormal cholesterol metabolism; however, its mechanism of action remains unclear. Therefore, we fed a natural polysaccharide (NP) purified from L. christinae to high-fat diet mice. These mice showed an altered gut microbiota and bile acid pool, which was characterized by significantly increased Lactobacillus murinus and unconjugated bile acids in the ileum. Oral administration of the NP reduced cholesterol and triglyceride levels and enhanced bile acid synthesis via cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase. Additionally, the effects of NP are microbiota-dependent, which was reconfirmed by fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). Altered gut microbiota reshaped bile acid metabolism by modulating bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity. Therefore, bsh genes were genetically engineered into Brevibacillus choshinensis, which was gavaged into mice to verify BSH function in vivo. Finally, adeno-associated-virus-2-mediated overexpression or inhibition of fibroblast growth factor 15 (FGF15) was used to explore the farnesoid X receptor-fibroblast growth factor 15 pathway in hyperlipidemic mice. We identified that the NP relieves hyperlipidemia by altering the gut microbiota, which is accompanied by the active conversion of cholesterol to bile acids.

Chitosan/Alginate Nanoparticles for the Enhanced Oral Antithrombotic Activity of Clam Heparinoid from the Clam Coelomactra antiquata

Chitosan/alginate nanoparticles (DG1-NPs and DG1/Cur-NPs) aiming to enhance the oral antithrombotic activity of clam heparinoid DG1 were prepared by ionotropic pre-gelation. The influence of parameters, such as the concentration of sodium alginate (SA), chitosan (CTS), CaCl2, clam heparinoid DG1, and curcumin (Cur), on the characteristics of the nanoparticles, were investigated. Results indicate that chitosan and alginate can be used as polymer matrices to encapsulate DG1, and nanoparticle characteristics depend on the preparation parameters. Nano-particles should be prepared using 0.6 mg/mL SA, 0.33 mg/mL CaCl2, 0.6 mg/mL CTS, 7.2 mg/mL DG1, and 0.24 mg/mL Cur under vigorous stirring to produce DG1-NPS and DG1/Cur-NPS with small size, high encapsulation efficiency, high loading capacity, and negative zeta potential from approximately −20 to 30 mV. Data from scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry, and differential scanning calorimetry analyses showed no chemical reaction between DG1, Cur, and the polymers; only physical mixing. Moreover, the drug was loaded in the amorphous phase within the nanoparticle matrix. In the acute pulmonary embolism murine model, DG1-NPs enhanced the oral antithrombotic activity of DG1, but DG1/Cur-NPs did not exhibit higher antithrombotic activity than DG1-NPs. Therefore, the chitosan/alginate nanoparticles enhanced the oral antithrombotic activity of DG1, but curcumin did not further enhance this effect.

Aqueous Extract of Lysimachia christinae Hance Prevents Cholesterol Gallstone in Mice by Affecting the Intestinal Microflora

With changes in human dietary patterns, the proportion of high-fat and high-cholesterol foods in the daily diet has increased. As a result, the incidence rate of cholelithiasis is increasing rapidly. Many studies have reported on the crucial role that the intestinal microflora plays in the progression of gallstones. Although the whole herb of Lysimachia christinae, a traditional Chinese medicine, has long been extensively used as a remedy for cholelithiasis in China, its effects on the intestinal microflora remain unknown. Hence, in this study, we investigated the ability of the aqueous extract of L. christinae (LAE) to prevent cholesterol gallstones (CGSs) in model animals by affecting the intestinal microflora. The effects of LAE on body weight, serum lipid profile, visceral organ indexes, and histomorphology were studied in male C57BL/6J mice, which were induced by a lithogenic diet. After the 8-week study, CGSs formation was greatly reduced after LAE treatment. LAE also reduced body weight gain and hyperlipidemia and restored the histomorphological changes. Moreover, the intestinal microflora exhibited significant variation. In the model group fed the lithogenic diet, the abundances of the genera unclassified Porphyromonadaceae, Lactobacillus and Alloprevotella decreased, but in contrast, Akkermansia dramatically increased compared with the control check group, which was fed a normal diet; the administration of LAE reversed these changes. These results imply that L. christinae can be considered an efficient therapy for eliminating CGSs induced by a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet, which may be achieved by influencing the intestinal microflora.

Lysimachiae Herba Inhibits Inflammatory Reactions and Improves Lipopolysaccharide/D-Galactosamine-Induced Hepatic Injury

This study aimed to determine the anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects of Lysimachiae Herba ethanolic extract (LHE) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages and in a LPS/D-galactosamine (GalN)-induced acute hepatitis mouse model. Then, the production of inflammatory mediators and the activation of related pathways in macrophages were explored. Finally, we assessed the serum aminotransferase levels and the expression of inflammatory/antioxidant molecules in liver tissues in mice. Results revealed that LHE treatment significantly inhibited the production of inflammatory mediators in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Molecular data showed that LHE remarkably increased the activities of the antioxidant pathway and inhibited the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase as well as the transcriptional activity of nuclear factor-κB induced by LPS. Furthermore, it prevented acute liver damage caused by LPS/D-GalN-induced hepatitis by inhibiting aminotransferase levels and histopathological changes in mice. Moreover, treatment with LHE significantly inhibited the activation of inflammatory pathways and increased the expression of antioxidant molecules including heme oxygenase-1/Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2. In conclusion, LHE has potent anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects in LPS-stimulated macrophages and the LPS/D-GalN-induced acute hepatitis mouse model. Thus, it can be a treatment option for inflammation, hepatitis, and liver injury.

Prevention of Cholesterol Gallstone Formation by Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 43121 and Lactobacillus fermentum MF27 in Lithogenic Diet-Induced Mice

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 43121 and L. fermentum MF27 on biochemical indices in the serum, cholesterol metabolism in the liver and mucin expression in the gallbladder in lithogenic diet (LD)-induced C57BL/6J mice to determine the preventive effects of lactobacilli on gallstone formation. By the end of 4 wk of the experimental period, mice fed on a LD with high-fat and high-cholesterol exhibited higher levels of total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the serum compared to mice fed on control diet or LD with L. acidophilus ATCC 43121 (LD+P1; p<0.05). Cholesterol-lowering effects observed in the LD+P1 and LD with L. fermentum MF27 (LD+P2) groups were associated with reduced expression of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase in the liver compared to the LD group (p<0.05). Furthermore, expression of the gel-forming mucin, including MUC5AB and MUC5B, was suppressed in the LD+P1 and LD+P2 groups compared to the LD group (p<0.05). Therefore, steady intake of both L. acidophilus ATCC 43121 and L. fermentum MF27 may have the ability to prevent the formation of cholesterol gallstones in LD-induced C57BL/6J mice.

Water Extract of Lysimachia christinae Inhibits Trabecular Bone Loss and Fat Accumulation in Ovariectomized Mice

In Asia, extracts of Lysimachia christinae have been used for liver or urinogenital system-related diseases in traditional medicine. In this study, we investigated the effects of the water extract of L. christinae (WELC) on receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa Β ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastic differentiation of bone marrow macrophages, and on osteoporosis and obesity in ovariectomy mice. RANK signaling pathways related to osteoclast differentiation were examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blot analysis. Additionally, we performed micro-computed tomography to assess trabecular bone loss, histological analysis for fat accumulation in adipose, liver, and bone tissues, and phytochemical profiling for WELC characterization. WELC significantly inhibited osteoclast differentiation by downregulating RANKL-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/c-Fos/nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) signaling in osteoclast precursors and ovariectomy-induced trabecular loss by suppressing osteolcastic bone resorption. WELC markedly decreased ovariectomy-induced body weight gain and fat accumulation in adipose, liver, and bone tissues. Furthermore, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS) identified 16 phytochemicals in WELC when compared with the mass fragmentation of standard chemicals. Collectively, these results suggest that WELC might possess beneficial effects on postmenopausal osteoporosis by inhibiting osteoclast differentiation and obesity by suppressing fat accumulation.

Role of Baicalin and Liver X Receptor Alpha in the Formation of Cholesterol Gallstones in Mice

This study was aimed at investigating the effect of baicalin on experimental cholesterol gallstones in mice. The mouse gallstone model was induced by feeding with a lithogenic diet, and cholesterol stones were found in the gallbladder. The lithogenic diet caused elevation of triglycerides, cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein concentrations and descent of high-density lipoprotein concentration in serum. Hyperplasia and inflammatory infiltration were observed in the gallbladder wall of lithogenic diet-fed mice. We also found the increase of cholesterol content and the decrease of bile acid in bile. Real-time PCR and western blot results demonstrated that the expression levels of two enzymes (cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7a1) and sterol 12α-hydroxylase (CYP8b1)) to catalyze the synthesis of bile acid from cholesterol were decreased and that two cholesterol transporters (ATP-binding cassette transporter G5/G8 (ABCG5/8)) were increased in the liver of lithogenic diet-fed mice. The lithogenic diet also led to enhanced activity of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in serum; increased concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin- (IL-) 1β, IL-6, and malondialdehyde; and decreased superoxide dismutase activity in the liver, suggesting inflammatory and oxidative stress. In addition, liver X receptor alpha (LXRα) was increased in the liver. After gavage of baicalin, the lithogenic diet-induced gallstones, hyperlipidemia, gallbladder hyperplasia, inflammation, and oxidative stress in liver and cholesterol metabolism disorders were all alleviated to some degree. The expression of LXRα in the liver was inhibited by baicalin. In addition, the LXRα agonist T0901317 aggravated lithogenic diet-induced harmful symptoms in mice, including the increase of gallstone formation, hyperlipidemia, hepatic injury, inflammation, and oxidative stress. In conclusion, we demonstrated that baicalin played a protective role in a lithogenic diet-induced gallstone mouse model, which may be mediated by inhibition of LXRα activity. These findings may provide novel insights for prevention and therapy of gallstones in the clinic.

Mechanisms Underlying the Prevention and Treatment of Cholelithiasis Using Traditional Chinese Medicine

Cholelithiasis is a major public health concern that necessitates highly effective, feasible, and recurrence-preventing therapies. Currently available surgical treatments and medications cannot effectively avoid the recurrence of cholelithiasis. Hence, several Chinese herbal compounds (CHCs) are considered for the treatment of cholelithiasis, considering that they can effectively discharge gallstones and prevent the recurrence of such condition. In the present narrative review, we aim to summarize the underlying mechanisms of currently used CHCs in the treatment of cholelithiasis and to describe the current situation of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) use for cholelithiasis. Several commonly used CHCs were used to illustrate these issues. We found that the mechanisms underlying the CHC treatments rely on the amelioration of the biliary dynamics factors, maintenance and protection of the liver function, reduction of the cholesterol and bilirubin levels, and regulation of the inflammatory reactions. CHCs as treatments based on TCM can ameliorate the overall bodily function, thereby preventing the recurrence of cholelithiasis. Appropriate application of CHCs would be beneficial for patients and clinicians, although the safety and efficacy of CHCs need further verification.

Structural characterization and screening of chemical markers of flavonoids in Lysimachiae Herba and Desmodii Styracifolii Herba by ultra high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry based metabolomics approach

In traditional Chinese medicine, Lysimachiae Herba (LH) and Desmodii Styracifolii Herba (DSH) have been widely used for the treatment of calculi, but there is a certain focus in clinical application. Flavonoids as their pharmacologically active substances were focusly studied to make clear of their chemical compositions and reveal the similarities and differences between LH and DHS by analysis of characteristic marker components at the molecular level. An ultra high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS) approach based on metabolite profiling was established. The high-resolution data was acquired through data dependent acquisition (DDA) mode. Based on the targeted and untargeted analytical strategies, a total of 113 compounds were identified, of which 80 compounds existed in LH and 61 in DSH. Then multivariate statistical analysis was applied to further find the characteristic marker components, and a total number of 21 variables were screened as the valuable variables for discrimination. By matching with identified flavonoids, these 21 variables were corresponding to 15 flavonoids (including 6 from LH and 9 from DSH) which were firstly identified as the marker compounds. These results indicated that the UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS method with analysis strategy was a powerful tool for rapidly identification and screening of marker compounds of flavonoids between LH and DSH, and the 15 screened marker compounds provide a chemical basis for the further researches on the mechanisms of LH and DSH in the treatment of cholelithiasis and nephrolithiasis respectively.

Protective Effects of Yinchenhao Decoction on Cholesterol Gallstone in Mice Fed a Lithogenic Diet by Regulating LXR, CYP7A1, CYP7B1, and HMGCR Pathways

The study attempted to elucidate whether lipid genes are closely associated with lipid metabolic abnormalities during the lithogenic time and how Yinchenhao Decoction (YCHD) works on the transcriptions of lipid genes against cholesterol gallstone model. C57BL/6J mice fed on lithogenic diet (LD) were used for model establishment and randomized into 5 groups. All groups received LD for different weeks with isometrically intragastric administration of YCHD or NS. Biochemical tests were measured and liver tissues were harvested for histological and genetic detection. It was found that all groups with increasing LD showed a following tendency of gallstone incidence, bile cholesterol, phospholipids, total bile acid, and cholesterol saturation index (CSI). Conversely, YCHD could significantly normalize the levels of gallstone incidence, bile lipids, and CSI (CSI<1). As lithogenic time progressed, ABCG5, ABCG8, PPAR-α, and ABCB4 were upregulated, and SREBP2, CYP7A1, and CYP7B1 were downregulated, while CYP7A1, CYP7B1, LXR, and HMGCR mRNA were increased 3-fold under the administration of YCHD. It was concluded that abnormal expressions of the mentioned genes may eventually progress to cholesterol gallstone. CYP7A1, CYP7B1, LXR, and HMGCR mRNA may be efficient targets of YCHD, which may be a preventive drug to reverse liver injury, normalize bile lipids, facilitate gallstone dissolution, and attenuate gallstone formation.

Detoxication mechanisms of Radix Tripterygium wilfordii via compatibility with Herba Lysimachia christinae in S180-bearing mice by involving Nrf2

The combined administration between Radix Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (LGT) and Herba Lysimachia christinae Hance (JQC) belongs to mutual detoxication compatibility of seven emotions in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory. However, until now, the compatibility detoxication mechanisms remain unknown. The present study was undertaken to observe detoxication mechanisms of LGT through compatibility with JQC in tumor-bearing mice by involving NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-mediated antioxidant defenses. In addition, influence of compatibility on antitumor activity was also investigated here. Our results demonstrated that compatibility with JQC administration significantly reversed LGT-elevated serum alanine/aspartate transaminase (ALT/AST) levels and alleviated hepatocytes’ swelling or degeneration damage, and at the ratio 2/1 (LGT/JQC) produced the strongest detoxication effect. Besides, compatibility with JQC administration reversed not only LGT-elevated hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) but also the LGT lowered GSH, glutathione-s transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and interleukin (IL)-10 levels. Furthermore, compatibility with JQC administration significantly up-regulated protein expression of Nrf2 and mRNA expression of it regulated downstream antioxidant genes such as heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1), and glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC). In addition, compatibility with JQC further decreased LGT-decreased tumor weight and at the ratio 2/1 (LGT/JQC) also exerted the strongest synergistic effect. Collectively, through compatibility with JQC exerted detoxication effect on LGT-induced hepatotoxicity and the mechanisms could be at least partly attributed to up-regulation of Nrf2 and its downstream signals, thereby enhancing antioxidant defenses, and inhibiting lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Additionally, at the ratio 2/1 (LGT/JQC) exerted the strongest effects on both detoxication and synergism.

Evaluation of the antioxidant and endothelial protective effects of Lysimachia christinae Hance (Jin Qian Cao) extract fractions

Background

Lysimachia christinae Hance is a traditional Chinese medicine with diuretic, detumescent, and detoxifying effects. Our aimed to optimize the extraction protocol to maximize the yield of flavonoids from Lysimachia christinae Hance, and evaluate the pharmacological activities of four fractions, namely, petroleum ether (PE), ethyl acetate (EA), n-butanol (NB), and aqueous (AQ) fractions, of the ethanolic extract of Lysimachia christinae Hance.

Methods

The flavonoid monomers in the crude extract were characterized via high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), were used as markers for extract quality control and standardization. The total flavonoid, total phenolic, and total polysaccharide contents of each fraction were determined by spectrophotometry. Further, the in vitro free radical (diphenylpicrylhydrazyl, 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid), superoxide, and hydroxyl radicals) scavenging activities, and antioxidant capacity in endothelial cells were evaluated for each fraction.

Results

After optimizing the extraction protocol to maximize the total flavonoid yield from L. christinae Hance, the NB fractions had the highest total flavonoid (39.4 ± 4.55 mg RE/g), total phenolic (41.1 ± 3.07 mg GAE/g) and total polysaccharide (168.1 ± 7.07 mg GE/g); In addition, the NB fraction of the ethanolic extract of L. christinae Hance reveal the strongest radical-scavenging activity, antioxidant activity and protective effects against H₂O₂-induced injury in HUVECs.

Conclusions

Among the four fractions of L. christinae Hance, the NB fraction showed the most potent antioxidant and endothelial protective effects, which may be attributed to its high flavonoid, phenolic contents and optimal portfolio of different active ingredients of NB fractions of the ethanolic extract of L. christinae Hance. This study might improve our understanding of the pharmacological activities of L. christinae Hance, thereby facilitating its use in disease prevention and treatment.