Antidepressant-like effect of the saponins part of ethanol extract from SHF

Sour Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa): A Bibliometric Review of Its Bioactive Profile, Health Benefits and Trends in Food and Medicine Applications

Research on the comprehensive utilization of sour jujube and its beneficial properties to human health has attracted extensive attention. This study aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis of the bioactive profile of sour jujube and future trends in applications. The research advancements within this field from 2000 to 2023 were addressed using the Web of Science database and VOSviewer. Among the 322 results, the most frequent keywords of bioactivity are flavonoids, antioxidants, saponins, insomnia, polyphenols, terpenoids and anti-inflammatory; the most studied parts of sour jujube are seeds, fruits and leaves; the published articles with high citations mainly focus on identification, biological effects and different parts distribution of bioactive compounds. The bioactivity of various parts of sour jujube was reviewed considering their application potential. The seeds, rich in flavonoids, saponins and alkaloids, exhibit strong effects on central nervous system diseases and have been well-developed in pharmacology, healthcare products and functional foods. The pulp has antioxidant properties and is used to develop added-value foods (e.g., juice, vinegar, wine). The leaves can be used to make tea and flowers are good sources of honey; their extracts are rich sources of flavonoids and saponins, which show promising medicinal effects. The branches, roots and bark have healing properties in traditional folk medicine. Overall, this study provides a reference for future applications of sour jujube in food and medicine fields.

Zygo-Albuside A: New Saponin from Zygophyllum album L. with Significant Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Antiapoptotic Effects against Methotrexate-Induced Testicular Damage

Chemical investigation of the crude extract of the aerial part of Zygophyllum album L. (Z. album) led to the isolation of a new saponin, Zygo-albuside A (7), together with seven known compounds, one of them (caffeic acid, compound 4) is reported in the genus for the first time. NMR (1D and 2D) and mass spectrometric analysis, including high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), were utilized to set up the chemical structures of these compounds. The present biological study aimed to investigate the protective antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic activities of the crude extract from the aerial part of Z. album and two of its isolated compounds, rutin and the new saponin zygo-albuside A, against methotrexate (MTX)-induced testicular injury, considering the role of miRNA-29a. In all groups except for the normal control group, which received a mixture of distilled water and DMSO (2:1) as vehicle orally every day for ten days, testicular damage was induced on the fifth day by intraperitoneal administration of MTX at a single dose of 20 mg/kg. Histopathological examination showed that pre-treatment with the crude extract of Z. album, zygo-albuside A, or rutin reversed the testicular damage induced by MTX. In addition, biochemical analysis in the protected groups showed a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-1β, Bcl-2-associated-protein (Bax), and an increase in B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) protein, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the testis, along with an increase in serum testosterone levels compared with the unprotected (positive control) group. The mRNA expression levels of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), p53, and miRNA-29a were downregulated in the testicular tissues of the protected groups compared with the unprotected group. In conclusion, the study provides sufficient evidence that Z. album extract, and its isolated compounds, zygo-albuside A and rutin, could alleviate testicular damage caused by the chemotherapeutic agent MTX.

Wild Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa): A Review of Its Phytonutrients, Health Benefits, Metabolism, and Applications

Wild jujube, Ziziphus jujuba Mill. var. spinosa (Bunge) Hu ex H. F. Chou, as a food and health supplement worldwide, has rich nutritional value. It contains nutrients such as nucleosides, amino acids, polysaccharides, and fatty oils. The fruits, seeds, and leaves of wild jujube can all be used for food, medicine, or health care purposes. Among these, the fruits play many roles, such as antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory functions, and can be used as a natural nutritional supplement to prevent aging. Simultaneously, the mature seed of wild jujube exhibits beneficial effects on central nervous system diseases and is often used for the treatment of insomnia and as a functional food for improving sleep quality and enhancing learning and memory. This review presents an overview of research progress relevant to the phytonutrients, biological functions, metabolism of bioactive compounds, and applications of wild jujube and aims to provide a scientific reference for the development and utilization of this plant.

The Synergistic Antidepressant Effect: Compatibility of Alkaloids with Saponins from Ziziphi Spinosae Semen

Context. Ziziphi Spinosae Semen (ZSS) is a well-known Chinese herbal medicine used in the treatment of depression and anxiety in China. ZSS contains several active components, such as alkaloids, saponins, and flavonoids. Objective. This study aimed to explore the synergistic effect of alkaloids and saponins from ZSS in alleviating depression in a mouse model. Materials and Methods. Modeling depression with chronic unpredictable stimuli. Pharmacodynamic methods (tail suspension test and forced swimming test) were used to evaluate the antidepressant effects of alkaloids, saponins, and combinations thereof from ZSS. The mechanisms underlying the effect were examined by measuring the levels of monoamine neurotransmitters in the hippocampus and frontal cortex of mice. Results. Compared with the model group, alkaloids therapy (AZSS), saponins therapy (SZSS), and combination therapy significantly reduced the immobility time in behavioral tests (P < 0.05). The contents of noradrenaline (NE), dopamine (DA), and serotonin (5-HT) in the hippocampus and frontal cortex of depressed mice were increased in the drug treatment groups, especially in the combination group, which increased by 14.65%, 87.72%, 33.44%, 25.64%, 25.39%, and 70.78%, respectively. Several groups showed better results (P < 0.05), especially the combination of alkaloids and saponins. Discussion and Conclusion. The saponins and alkaloids from ZSS exhibited a synergistic effect in improving the behavior of depressed mice. More importantly, the combination of alkaloids (15 mg·kg⁻¹) and saponins (110 mg·kg⁻¹) was effective in alleviating depression in mice, especially in terms of changing the level of DA in the hippocampus.

Shugan Hewei Decoction Alleviates Cecum Mucosal Injury and Improves Depressive- and Anxiety-Like Behaviors in Chronic Stress Model Rats by Regulating Cecal Microbiota and Inhibiting NLRP3 Inflammasome

Chronic stress is a significant cause of depression, anxiety, and intestinal mucosal injury. Gut microbiota disturbances are also associated with these disorders. Shugan Hewei Decoction (SHD), which is a traditional Chinese medicine formula developed by our team, has shown superior therapeutic effects in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and functional gastrointestinal diseases caused by chronic stress. In this study, we investigated the modulatory effect of SHD on the cecal microbiota and cecum mucosal NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in a chronic unpredictable stress (CUS)/social isolation rat model. After the SHD intervention, the CUS model rats showed improvements in their depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors, as well as sustained body weight growth and improved fecal characteristics. SHD improved the cecal microbiota diversity and changed the abundance of six microbial genera. A Spearman's correlation analysis showed a strong correlation between the NLRP3 inflammasome and CUS-perturbed cecal biomarker microbiota. SHD regulated the excessive expression of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-18 in the serum and cecum mucosa induced by CUS, as well as the activation of the Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-κB signaling cascades. Our results reveal the pharmacological mechanisms of SHD and provide a validated therapeutic method for the treatment of depression, anxiety, and cecum mucosal injury.

Lycopene and Chrysin through Mitigation of Neuroinflammation and Oxidative Stress Exerted Antidepressant Effects in Clonidine-Induced Depression-like Behavior in Rats

Depression is a severely debilitating psychiatric disorder that influences more than 15% of the population worldwide. It has been demonstrated that it is associated with a high risk of developing other diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, stroke, epilepsy, and cancer. The current study examines the possibility of chrysin and lycopene having an antidepressant effect in a rat model of depression induced by clonidine, as well as the mechanisms underlying this effect, including the role of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Rats were allotted into seven groups. The rats in group 1 served as a control. Group 2 received lycopene only. Group 3 was provided chrysin only. Group 4 was administered clonidine and served as the model. Group 5 was offered lycopene and clonidine. Group 6 was administered chrysin and clonidine. Group 7 was given FLX and clonidine and represented the standard. The experiment lasted two weeks, during which behavioral, biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical measurements were performed. Lycopene and chrysin were used to correct the concentrations of noradrenaline and serotonin hippocampal tissue concentrations. These findings were also improved by immunohistochemical analysis of GFAP, VEGF, caspase3, and histopathological examinations, in which pretreatment of rats with lycopene and chrysin reversed all clonidine-induced alterations. The current research demonstrates that lycopene and chrysin have an auspicious antidepressant effect against clonidine that provoked behavioral hopelessness in rats. Manipulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis may partially represent the corrective mechanism for the neuroprotective actions against the depressive effect of clonidine.

Serotonin 2A receptor function and depression-like behavior in rats model of hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism causes somatic, psychosocial and affective psychosis, including depression-like behaviors. In this study, (hypothyroidism group; HP group) adult male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were induced to hypothyroidism after 5 weeks of exposure to 0.05% propylthiouracil (PTU) in potable water, control animals (CON group) were given the same amount of water. The following behavioral experiments were conducted, respectively: open-field test (OFT), forced swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST). TT[Formula: see text] and TT[Formula: see text] levels were measured after the behavior tests and the expression levels of 5-HT[Formula: see text] receptor and 5-HT[Formula: see text] receptor proteins were analyzed in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. The level of TT[Formula: see text] and TT[Formula: see text] in the HP group rats was much lower than that in the CON group. The hypothyroid rats also showed weight loss, much longer immobility time in tail suspension test and forced swimming test. Besides, 5 weeks of PTU administration was associated with significantly decreased expression levels of 5-HT[Formula: see text] receptor and 5-HT[Formula: see text] receptor proteins compared with control group, which were significantly negatively correlated with immobility time in FST and TST. In conclusion, our results suggest that hypothyroidism induces depressive behaviors through the influence of the serotonin system, and the decreased expression of the 5-HT[Formula: see text] receptor is an important cause of the depressive behaviors in hypothyroidism.

Application and safety evaluation of an anti-aflatoxigenic chitosan pouch containing turmeric essential oil in the storage of traditional Chinese health food

Aflatoxin contamination is one of the most important factors jeopardizing the quality of traditional Chinese health food (TCHF) during storage. Based on our previous work, we investigated the stability of chitosan (CH) films containing turmeric essential oil (TEO) and employed CH-TEO films as inner pouches, then stored them with inoculated Coix seed, nutmeg, and Ziziphi Spinosae Semen (ZSS). We found that the stability of CH-TEO was most affected by high temperature, and these pouches dramatically decreased aflatoxin accumulation and maintained levels of marker components of each TCHF. We found that glycerol tristearat in Coix seed and jujuboside A and spinosin in ZSS were negatively correlated with aflatoxin accumulation. After three months of storage with a CH-TEO pouch, we found little change in marker components contents, but observed that Coix seed had the relative lower sensory characteristics score. In addition, acute and 90-day subchronic toxicity test in Coix seed stored with the largest amount of TEO showed no significant signs of toxicity or treatment-related changes in animals. The present study is the first report on the study of a green, efficient, and low toxicity solution for aflatoxic contamination in TCHF, and provides strong support for its future use.

Synergistic Effect of Several Neurotransmitters in PFC-NAc-VTA Neural Circuit for the Anti-Depression Effect of Shuganheweitang in a Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress Model

Depression, a major worldwide mental disorder, leads to massive disability and can result in death. The PFC-NAc-VTA neuro circuit is related to emotional, neurovegetative, and cognitive functions, which emerge as a circuit-level framework for understanding reward deficits in depression. Neurotransmitters, which are widely distributed in different brain regions, are important detected targets for the evaluation of depression. Shuganheweitang (SGHWT) is a popular prescription in clinical therapy for depression. In order to investigate its possible pharmacodynamics and anti-depressive mechanism, the complex plant material was separated into different fractions. These in low and high doses, along with low and high doses of SGHWT were tested in animal behavior tests. The low and high doses of SGHWT were more effective than the various fractions, which indicate the importance of synergistic function in traditional Chinese medicine. Furthermore, amino acid (GABA, Glu) and monoamine neurotransmitters (DA, 5-HT, NA, 5-HIAA) in the PFC-NAc-VTA neuro circuit were investigated by UPLC-MS/MS. The level trend of DA and 5-HT were consistent in the PFC-NAc-VTA neuro circuit, whereas 5-HIAA was decreased in the PFC, Glu was decreased in the PFC and VTA, and NA and GABA were decreased in the NAc. The results indicate that the pathogenesis of depression is associated with dysfunction of the PFC-NAc-VTA neural circuit, mainly through the neural projection effects of neurotransmitters associated with various brain regions in the neural circuit. PCA and OPLS-DA score plots demonstrated the similarities of individuals within each group and the differences among the groups. In this study, SGHWT could regulate the concentration level of different neurotransmitters in the PFC-NAc-VTA neuro circuit to improve the depression, which benefitted from the recognition of the brain reward circuitry in mood disorders.

Regulation of GABAA and 5-HT Receptors Involved in Anxiolytic Mechanisms of Jujube Seed: A System Biology Study Assisted by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS and RT-qPCR Method

The increase of the prevalence of anxiety greatly impacts the quality of life in China and globally. As the most popular traditional Chinese medicinal ingredient for nourishing health and tranquilizing mind, Jujube seed (Ziziphus jujuba Mill., Rhamnaceae) (SZJ) has been proved to exert anxiolytic effects in previous reports. In this study, a system biology method assisted by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS and RT-qPCR was developed to systematically demonstrate the anxiolytic mechanisms of SZJ. A total of 35 phytochemicals were identified from SZJ extract (Ziziphus jujuba Mill. var. spinosa [Bunge] Hu ex H.F. Chow), which interact with 71 anxiolytic targets. Protein-protein interaction, genes cluster, Gene Ontology, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways analysis were subsequently conducted, and results demonstrated that regulation of serotonergic and GABAergic synapse pathways were dominantly involved in the anxiolytic mechanisms of SZJ extract. The effects of SZJ extract on mRNA expressions of multiple GABA_A (gamma-aminobutyric acid type A) and 5-HT (serotonin) receptors subtypes were further validated in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells using RT-qPCR. Results showed that SZJ extract (250 μg/mL) significantly up-regulated the mRNA level of GABRA1 and GABRA3 as well as HTR1A, HTR2A, and HTR2B in non-H₂O₂ treated SH-SY5Y cells. However, it exerted an inhibitive effect on the overexpressed mRNA of GABRA1, GABRA2, HTR1A, and HTR2A in H₂O₂ treated SH-SY5Y cells. Taken together, our findings suggest that anxiolytic mechanisms of SZJ mostly involve the regulation of GABAergic and serotonergic synapse pathways, especially a two-way modulation of GABRA1, HTR1A, and HTR2A. Our current results provide potential direction for future investigation of SZJ as an anxiolytic agent.

Betulin and its derivatives as novel compounds with different pharmacological effects

Betulin (B) and Betulinic acid (BA) are natural pentacyclic lupane-structure triterpenoids which possess a wide range of pharmacological activities. Recent evidence indicates that B and BA have several properties useful for the treatment of metabolic disorders, infectious diseases, cardiovascular disorders, and neurological disorders. In the current review, we discuss B and BA structures and derivatives and then comprehensively explain their pharmacological effects in relation to various diseases. We also explain antiviral, antibacterial and anti-cancer effects of B and BA. Finally, we discuss the delivery methods, in which these compounds most effectively target different systems.

The Antidepressant-like Effect of Flavonoids from Trigonella Foenum-Graecum Seeds in Chronic Restraint Stress Mice via Modulation of Monoamine Regulatory Pathways

Fenugreek (Trigonella Foenum-Graecum) seeds flavonoids (FSF) have diverse biological activities, while the antidepressant-like effect of FSF has been seldom explored. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antidepressant-like effect of FSF and to identify the potential molecular mechanisms. LC-MS/MS was used for the determination of FSF. Chronic restraint stress (CRS) was used to establish the animal model of depression. Observation of exploratory behavior in the forced swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST) and sucrose preference test (SPT) indicated the stress level. The serum corticosterone (CORT) level was measured. The monoamine neurotransmitters (5-HT, NE and DA) and their metabolites, as well as monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) enzyme activity in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and striatum, were evaluated. The protein expression levels of KLF11, SIRT1, MAO-A were also determined by western blot analysis. The results showed that FSF treatment significantly reversed the CRS-induced behavioral abnormalities, including reduced sucrose preference and increased immobility time. FSF administration markedly restored CRS induced changes in concentrations of serum corticosterone, prefrontal cortex neurotransmitters (NE, 5-HT and DA), hippocampus neurotransmitters (NE, 5-HT and DA) and striatum neurotransmitters (NE). FSF treatment exhibited significant inhibition of MAO-A activity in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. FSF also significantly down-regulated the KLF11, SIRT1 and MAO-A protein expression levels in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. These findings indicate that FSF could exhibit an antidepressant-like effect by down-regulating the KLF11/SIRT1-MAO-A pathways, inhibiting MAO-A expression and activity, as well as up-regulating monoamine neurotransmitters levels.

Camellia euphlebia exerts its antidepressant-like effect via modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and brain monoaminergic systems

Camellia euphlebia (family, Theaceae) is a Chinese folk medicine, known for its multiple pharmacological properties. The present study aimed to provide further insights into the therapeutic basis of C. euphlebia using several animal behavioral tests and physiological indexes. Tail suspension test, forced swimming test, open-field test, chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), reversal of reserpine-induced hypothermia and palpebral ptosis, and 5-hydroxytryptophane-induced head-twitch response were used to evaluate the antidepressant effect of aqueous extract of Camellia euphlebia (AEC) on mice. The possible underlying mechanism was explored by investigating the changes associated with several parameters of animal behavior, as well as the changes in monoamine neurotransmitter and stress hormone levels in these animals during the tests. Mice administered AEC at 100 and 200 mg/kg/day doses for 7 days showed significantly reduced immobility duration in forced swimming test and tail suspension test, whilst exhibiting no apparent changes in locomotor activity. Additionally, administration of AEC also effectively antagonized reserpine-induced palpebral ptosis and hypothermia and enhanced 5-hydroxytryptophane-induced head-twitch response. AEC significantly elevated the levels of serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine in the blood and brain compared to non-treated mice. After 28 days of administration, the maximum AEC dose (100 mg/kg/day) significantly reversed CUMS-induced inhibition of weight gain and sucrose intake, while decreasing the levels of plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone and serum corticosterone. The antidepressant effect of AEC appeared to involve the alteration of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and monoaminergic systems.

Antidepressant-like effects of Gan-Mai-Dazao-Tang via monoamine regulatory pathways on forced swimming test in rats

Depression is a highly prevalent and recurrent mental disorder that impacts all aspects of human life. Undesirable effects of the antidepressant drugs led to the development of complementary and alternative therapies. Gan-Mai-Da-Zao-Tang (, gān mài dà zǎo tang) is a traditional herbal formula commonly used for the treatment of depression, but lack of scientific proof on its mechanism. It consisted of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. (licorice), Triticum aestivum L. (wheat) and Zizphus jujuba Mill. (jujube). The objective of this study is to investigate the antidepressant effects of Gan-Mai-Dazao-Tang and its ingredients in rats exposed to forced swimming test (FST). The 72 of male Nerl: Wistar rats (8 weeks old) were randomized into control (10 mL/kg bw H₂O), licorice (0.4 g/kg bw), wheat (1.6 g/kg bw), jujube (0.5 g/kg bw), Gan-Mai-Da-Zao-Tang (2.5 g/kg bw of licorice: wheat: jujube in ratio of 5:20:6) and Prozac (18 mg/kg bw) groups. Samples were administered by oral gavage for 21 days. FST was performed on 21st day, with 15 min for pretest followed by 5 min for real test. Then, the animals were sacrificed and brain tissues were collected for monoamines analyses. The Gan-Mai-Da-Zao-Tang (LWJ) showed significantly down-regulation of immobility time, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and DOPAC/dopamine (DA) turnover rates, and also enhanced the concentration of serotonin (5-HT) and DA in brain tissues, as compared with the control. The LWJ stated the potent antidepressant-like effect by modulating these monoamines concentration, while the licorice, wheat and jujube did not reported significant results as compared with control group. The positive control (Prozac) was noted with significantly reduction in body weight and appetite. In conclusion, the antidepressant-like effects of LWJ might be mediated by the regulation of monoamine neurotransmitters. Thus, it could beneficial in depression treatment as a complementary approach.