Polysaccharides derived from Morinda citrifolia Linn reduce inflammatory markers during experimental colitis

The annonalide diterpene extracted from Casimirella ampla (Miers) reduces inflammatory and antinociceptive events in general models of inflammation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The plants of the genus Casimirella ampla (Miers) (C. ampla) are extensively used in folk medicine. For a long time, rural communities have been using extracts from its roots for food and therapeutic purposes. The extract is rich in diterpenoid annonalide (Annona), which has antiophidic, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties. Inflammation is the body's primary defense mechanism against cell damage and invasion by pathogens, which can trigger acute and chronic inflammatory processes. The first line of treatment for this condition consists of the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, but these have numerous associated collateral damages, based on scientific knowledge about diterpenoids from C. ampla, as well as their already reported antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

Evaluate the effect of Annona in classic models of inflammation and pain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Animals were pretreated with Annona (0.1, 1.0 and 10 mg/kg), or Tween 80 (2%), or indomethacin (Indo) (10 mg/kg) orally in the paw edema tests induced by carrageenan (Cg), serotonin (5-HT), histamine, bradykinin, 48/80 and, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), evaluating microscopic lesion scores, migration of leukocytes to the peritoneal cavity, concentration of myeloperoxide (MPO), malonyldialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH), abdominal contortion test by acetic acid and formalin test.

RESULTS

Treatment with Annona compound at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg was more effective in reducing inflammatory, oxidant and nociceptive parameters, as it reduced paw edema induced by carrageenan, through different mediators and migration of inflammatory cells. Furthermore, it worked by reducing the concentration of MPO, MDA, preserving GSH levels and reducing nociception caused by formalin and acetic acid.

Plants with Anti-Ulcer Activity and Mechanism: A Review of Preclinical and Clinical Studies

Ulcer disorders including the oral mucosa, large intestine, and stomach mucosa, cause significant global health burdens. Conventional treatments such as non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), histamine H2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs), and cytoprotective agents have drawbacks like mucosal injury, diminish gastric acid secretion, and interact with concurrent medications. Therefore, alternative therapeutic approaches are needed to tackle this health concern. Plants are rich in active metabolites in the bark, roots, leaves, fruits, and seeds, and have been utilized for medicinal purposes since ancient times. The use of herbal therapy is crucial, and regulations are necessary to ensure the quality of products, particularly in randomized studies, to assess their efficacy and safety in treating ulcer disorders. This study aims to explore the anti-ulcer activity of medicinal plants in treating peptic ulcer disease, ulcerative colitis, and aphthous ulcers. Articles were searched in Scopus and PubMed, and filtered for publication from 2013 to 2023, resulting in a total of 460 from Scopus and 239 from PubMed. The articles were further screened by title and abstract and resulted in 55 articles. Natural products, rich in active metabolites, were described to manage ulcer disease by protecting the mucosa, reducing ulcer effects, inhibiting pro-inflammatory factors, and reducing bacterial load, thus improving patients' quality of life. Natural extracts have proven effective in managing other health problems, including ulcers by reducing pain and decreasing lesions. This review provides an overview of preclinical and clinical studies on medicinal plants, focusing on their effectiveness in treating conditions like peptic ulcers, ulcerative colitis, and aphthous ulcers.

Arabinan-rich pectic polysaccharide fraction from Malpighia emarginata fruits alleviates inflammatory pain in mice

Malpighia emarginata (Malpighiaceae), popularly known as "acerola", is a tropical and subtropical fruit native to the Americas. Despite its high vitamin C content, which gives it a high antioxidant property, soluble dietary fibers, such as polysaccharides, are also abundant constituents of acerola (10% of the dried fruit). The acerola cold-water soluble (ACWS) fraction presented anti-fatigue and antioxidant effects in vivo and in vitro. To infer further systemic effects of ACWS, this study aimed to investigate the antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects of ACWS in murine models of pain. In formalin-induced nociception, ACWS (0.1, 1, and 10 mg/kg) reduced only the inflammatory phase, and also (10 and 30 mg/kg) attenuated the acetic acid-induced writhing and leukocyte migration in the peritoneal cavity. The mechanical allodynia and paw edema induced by intraplantar injection of carrageenan were greatly reduced by ACWS (10 mg/kg). At the inflammatory pick induced by carrageenan (4 h), ACWS significantly reduced myeloperoxidase activity, TNF-α, IL-1β, and PGE2 levels, and restored IL-10 levels. ACWS also exhibited antioxidant properties by decreasing lipid hydroperoxides content, increasing GSH levels, and restoring superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in the carrageenan model and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay. Collectively, these results support the antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects of ACWS and reveal a promising candidate for the treatment of inflammatory pain conditions.

Chaenomeles sinensis polysaccharide and its carboxymethylated derivative alleviate dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis via suppression of inflammation and oxidative stress

Chaenomeles sinensis fruit polysaccharide (CSP) and carboxymethylated CSP (CSP-M) were prepared using ultrasound extraction and the sodium hydroxide-chloroacetic acid method. Structural analysis revealed that both CSP and CSP-M mainly consisted of glucose, arabinose, rhamnose, glucuronic acid, galactose, and xylose, and the introduction of carboxymethyl did not damage the polymer chain of CSP. In vivo studies verified that both CSP and CSP-M could remarkably alleviate the symptoms of ulcerative colitis (UC) mice and reduce intestinal epithelial cell depletion, along with the infiltration of inflammatory cells in colon tissue, by mediating the expression of myeloperoxidase (MPO), inflammatory factors [tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-6], and oxidative stress factors [malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and nitric oxide (NO)]. Most importantly, the introduction of carboxymethyl significantly enhanced the anti-UC activity of CSP, confirming the efficacy of carboxymethylation as a method to enhance the biological activities of CSP, thereby suggesting the potential of CSP-M as a therapeutic option for UC.

Preparation of a new resource food-arabinogalactan and its protective effect against enterotoxicity in IEC-6 cells by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress

Plant polysaccharides can be used as bioactive natural polymers that provide health benefits, however high molecular weight neutral polysaccharides have not shown good bioactivity. In this study, high molecular weight neutral arabinogalactan was isolated and structurally characterized to investigate it antioxidant activity against IEC-6 cells. In this study, a neutral polysaccharide (AG-40-I-II) was obtained from the roots of Larix gmelinii (Rupr.) Kuzen. and purified using ethanol fractional precipitation and purification on a DEAE-52 cellulose column and a Superose 12 gel filtration column. The structural characteristics of AG-40-I-II was detected by chemical and spectroscopic methods. The results showed that the average molecular weight of AG-40-I-II was 18.6 kDa, the main chain was composed of →4)-β-D-Gal-(1, → 4, 6)-β-D-Gal-(1 and →4)-β- D-Glc-(1, the side chain is composed of T-β-L-Araf(1 → 6). The effect of AG-40-I-II on H2O2-induced IEC-6 cell injury was determined by MTT method. Besides, AG-40-I-II could reduce the level of MDA and increase SOD activity on IEC-6 cells, which could significantly inhibit the production of ROS. Importantly, AG-40-I-II inhibited the splicing of XBP1 by IRE1α through the ERS pathway and reduced the cell apoptosis induced by H2O2. In summary, the results of this study indicate that AG-40-I-II, as a natural source of plant polysaccharides, has good antioxidant activity, and is expected to become a safe plant source of natural antioxidants, which has great potential in biomedicine potential.

Gastroprotective effects of Pikad Tri-phol-sa-mut-than herbal remedy on multiple gastric ulcer models in rats

In Thai traditional medicine, Pikad Tri-phol-sa-mut-than has long been used to alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms, renal disease, inflammation-related disorders, and severe malady. This recipe is composed of dried fruits of Morinda citrifolia L., Coriandrum sativum L., and Aegle marmelos (L.) Corrêa. The aim of this study was to assess the anti-gastric ulcer property of the water extract of Pikad Tri-phol-sa-mut-than (TS), using various animal models with different inducers, including restraint water immersion stress, indomethacin, and ethanol/hydrochloric acid (EtOH/HCl). Its mechanisms of anti-gastric ulcer actions were also elucidated using both in vitro and in vivo experiments. When compared with the control groups, the oral pretreatment of TS at the doses of 150, 300 and 600 mg/kg significantly reduced the gastric ulcer formation in all models. It was also found that TS at the dose of 600 mg/kg could increase gastric wall mucus in rats but could not produce the significant reduction of the gastric volume or total acidity of gastric content. Results from hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining examinations of gastric tissues confirmed that TS visibly reduced gastric mucosal damage, while immunohistochemistry revealed that TS remarkably suppressed the protein expression of Bcl-2-associated X (BAX), a regulator of apoptosis, compared to those of the control group. The DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays showed antioxidant effects of TS. All of these findings demonstrated that TS has gastroprotective effects, which may be related to the increase in the gastric wall mucus secretion, not anti-secretory activity, as well as its antioxidant and antiapoptotic activities.

Inflammatory Processes in Alzheimer's Disease-Pathomechanism, Diagnosis and Treatment: A Review

Alzheimer's disease is one of the most commonly diagnosed cases of senile dementia in the world. It is an incurable process, most often leading to death. This disease is multifactorial, and one factor of this is inflammation. Numerous mediators secreted by inflammatory cells can cause neuronal degeneration. Neuritis may coexist with other mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease, contributing to disease progression, and may also directly underlie AD. Although much has been established about the inflammatory processes in the pathogenesis of AD, many aspects remain unexplained. The work is devoted in particular to the pathomechanism of inflammation and its role in diagnosis and treatment. An in-depth and detailed understanding of the pathomechanism of neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease may help in the development of diagnostic methods for early diagnosis and may contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies for the disease.

Morinda citrifolia Extract Prevents Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease by Improving Gut Health

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a major chronic liver disease. Chronic alcohol consumption induces dysbiosis, disruption of gut barrier function, oxidative stress, inflammation, and changes in lipid metabolism, thereby leading to ALD. In this study, we investigated whether the commercial Morinda citrifolia extract Nonitri can ameliorate ALD symptoms through the gut-liver axis. We used mice chronically administered EtOH and found a marked increase in serum endotoxin levels and biomarkers of liver pathology. Moreover, the EtOH-treated group showed significantly altered gut microbial composition particularly that of Alistipes, Bacteroides, and Muribaculum and disrupted gut barrier function. However, Nonitri improved serum parameters, restored the microbial proportions, and regulated levels of zonula occludens1, occludin, and claudin1. Furthermore, Nonitri suppressed inflammation by inhibiting endotoxin-triggered toll-like receptor 4-signaling pathway and fat deposition by reducing lipogenesis through activating AMP-activated protein kinase in the liver. Furthermore, Pearson's correlation analysis showed that gut microbiota and ALD-related markers were correlated, and Nonitri regulated these bacteria. Taken together, our results indicate that the hepatoprotective effect of Nonitri reduces endotoxin levels by improving gut health, and inhibits fat deposition by regulating lipid metabolism.

Long COVID and the Neuroendocrinology of Microbial Translocation Outside the GI Tract: Some Treatment Strategies

Similar to previous pandemics, COVID-19 has been succeeded by well-documented post-infectious sequelae, including chronic fatigue, cough, shortness of breath, myalgia, and concentration difficulties, which may last 5 to 12 weeks or longer after the acute phase of illness. Both the psychological stress of SARS-CoV-2 infection and being diagnosed with COVID-19 can upregulate cortisol, a stress hormone that disrupts the efferocytosis effectors, macrophages, and natural killer cells, leading to the excessive accumulation of senescent cells and disruption of biological barriers. This has been well-established in cancer patients who often experience unrelenting fatigue as well as gut and blood–brain barrier dysfunction upon treatment with senescence-inducing radiation or chemotherapy. In our previous research from 2020 and 2021, we linked COVID-19 to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) via angiotensin II upregulation, premature endothelial senescence, intestinal barrier dysfunction, and microbial translocation from the gastrointestinal tract into the systemic circulation. In 2021 and 2022, these hypotheses were validated and SARS-CoV-2-induced cellular senescence as well as microbial translocation were documented in both acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, long COVID, and ME/CFS, connecting intestinal barrier dysfunction to disabling fatigue and specific infectious events. The purpose of this narrative review is to summarize what is currently known about host immune responses to translocated gut microbes and how these responses relate to fatiguing illnesses, including long COVID. To accomplish this goal, we examine the role of intestinal and blood–brain barriers in long COVID and other illnesses typified by chronic fatigue, with a special emphasis on commensal microbes functioning as viral reservoirs. Furthermore, we discuss the role of SARS-CoV-2/Mycoplasma coinfection in dysfunctional efferocytosis, emphasizing some potential novel treatment strategies, including the use of senotherapeutic drugs, HMGB1 inhibitors, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) blockers, and membrane lipid replacement.

Protective Effect of Dietary Polysaccharides from Yellow Passion Fruit Peel on DSS-Induced Colitis in Mice

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a complex inflammatory disorder characterized by chronic and spontaneously relapsing inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. IBD includes two idiopathic disorders: Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). In particular, UC causes inflammation and ulceration of the colon and rectum. There is no cure for UC. The pharmacological treatment is aimed at controlling and/or reducing the inflammatory process and promoting disease remission. The present study investigated the possible protective effects of soluble dietary fiber (SDF) isolated from yellow passion fruit peel in the dextran sulfate sodium- (DSS-) induced colitis model in mice, induced by 5% of DSS. The animals were treated with SDF (10, 30, or 100 mg/kg (po)), and the disease activity index was monitored. Colon tissues were collected, measured, and prepared for oxidative stress, inflammation, and histology analysis. SDF improved body weight loss, colon length, and disease activity index and prevented colonic oxidative stress by regulating GSH levels and SOD activity. Furthermore, SDF reduced colonic MPO activity, TNF-α, and IL-1β levels and increased IL-10 and IL-6 levels. As observed by histological analysis, SDF treatment preserved the colonic tissue, the mucus barrier, and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration. Although this is a preliminary study, taken together, our data indicate that SDF may improve the course of DSS-UC. More studies are needed to explore and understand how SDF promotes this protection.

Intervention and potential mechanism of non-starch polysaccharides from natural resources on ulcerative colitis: A review

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease of unknown etiology that affects the colon and rectum. It has evolved into a global burden due to the high incidence in developed countries and the highly-increased incidence in developing countries. Non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) from natural resources, as a type of functional carbohydrates, have a significant therapeutic effect on UC because of their good anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities. Based on the etiology and pathogenesis of UC, this review summarizes the intervention effects and mechanisms of NSPs in the prevention and treatment of UC. The results showed that NSPs can improve UC by protecting the intestinal mucosal barrier, regulating the immune response of the intestinal mucosa, and remodeling the intestinal flora and metabolites. These contents provide theoretical basis for the application of polysaccharides in the prevention and treatment of UC.

The potential roles of natural plant polysaccharides in inflammatory bowel disease: A review

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a long-term chronic disease, about 20% of IBD patients deteriorate to colorectal cancer. Currently, there is no radical cure for IBD. Natural plant polysaccharides (NPP) have low toxic and side effects, which have immune and prebiotic activities and possesses positive effect on alleviating IBD. In this review, we will focus on the alleviating effect of NPP on IBD in vitro and in vivo from three aspects: regulating intestinal flora imbalance, repairing intestinal barrier injury and improving immunity. The relationship between the chemical structure of natural plant polysaccharides and the therapeutic effect of IBD are highlighted. Finally, the synergistic role of NPP as a carrier of drugs or active molecules to reduce side effects and enhance targeting function are discussed, especially pectic polysaccharides. Broadly, this review provides a valuable reference for NPP to be developed as functional food or health products to alleviate IBD.

Noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) Fruit Polysaccharides Regulated IBD Mice Via Targeting Gut Microbiota: Association of JNK/ERK/NF-κB Signaling Pathways

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a disease characterized by intestinal inflammation with immune dysregulation and intestinal microecological imbalance. In a dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS)-induced IBD mouse model, noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) fruit polysaccharides (NFP) with homogalacturonan and rhamnogalacturonan-I domain decreased the concentration of serum LPS, TNF-α, and IL-17 by 84, 42, and 65%, respectively. It was abolished when intestinal microbiota were depleted by antibiotics. Sequencing analysis of gut microbiota showed an attenuated disruption of the microbial composition in the DSS+NFP group. Targeted metabolomic analysis revealed that NFP upregulated the content of acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid by onefold but reduced isobutyric acid and isovaleric acid contents. NFP also inhibited JNK, ERK, and NF-κB phosphorylation of IBD mice. Taken together, the mechanism of NFP alleviating IBD is related to the intestinal microecological balance to inhibit inflammatory signaling pathways. This study provides a basis for NFP as a cheap intervention for the prevention and treatment of IBD patients.

MicroRNAs Involved in the Therapeutic Functions of Noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) Fruit Juice in the Treatment of Acute Gouty Arthritis in Mice Induced with Monosodium Urate

We investigated the functions of microRNAs in the therapeutic effects of noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) fruit juice on mouse models of acute gouty arthritis induced with monosodium urate (MSU). Compared with the model group (treated with MSU), mice in both the positive control group (treated with both MSU and colchicine) and noni fruit juice group (treated with MSU and noni fruit juice) showed a significantly decreased degree of paw swelling in 5 days, as well as the contents of two types of proinflammatory cytokines (i.e., NALP3 and TNF-α). Based on the next-generation sequencing technology, a total of 3896 microRNAs (234 known and 3662 novel) were identified in mice treated with noni fruit juice. A large amount of differentially expressed miRNAs were identified in the noni fruit juice group, suggesting the significant effects of noni fruit juice on the mice with acute gouty arthritis, while the different patterns of change in the numbers of both upregulated and downregulated miRNAs in both noni fruit juice and positive control groups indicated that the mice of acute gouty arthritis may be regulated by differential mechanisms between the treatments of noni fruit juice and colchicine. The target genes of microRNAs involved in the pathogenesis and pathology of acute gouty arthritis in mice were identified and further annotated by both Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. Our results revealed the therapeutic effects of noni fruit juice on acute gouty arthritis in mice with a group of microRNAs involved in the pharmacological mechanisms of noni fruit juice, providing scientific evidence to support both the agricultural cultivation and pharmacological significance of noni plants.

Crataegus pinnatifida polysaccharide alleviates colitis via modulation of gut microbiota and SCFAs metabolism

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) afflicted individual and most medications have side-effects. Crataegus pinnatifida (Hawthorn), which is a safe medicine and food homolog plant, has been reported to prevent colitis in murine. Yet the bioactivity component and the underlying molecular mechanism remain unclear. Here, we established a direct link between colitis induced by dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) in mice and polysaccharide HAW1-2 isolated from hawthorn. Our results showed HAW1-2 restored the pathological lesions in colon and inhibited the expression of inflammatory cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α. Meanwhile, IKKα/β, IκBα, NF-κB and the phosphorylation levels were inhibited significantly. These findings suggested HAW1-2 could alleviate the inflammation of colon. Further, we found the composition of gut microbiota was modified and Bacteroides including Alistipes and Odoribacter were significantly enriched. Besides, we showed Alistipes and Odoribacter were positively co-related with acetic acid and propionic acid while were negatively co-related with inflammatory cytokines. Finally, we demonstrated the anti-inflammation activity of HAW1-2 might be induced by acetic acid. Together, the present data revealed HAW1-2 could directly modify the gut microbiota, especially for Bacteroides, and generate SCFAs to inhibit colitis. It also implies microbiota-directed intervention in IBD patients should be particularly given more attention.

Tremella fuciformis polysaccharides ameliorated ulcerative colitis via inhibiting inflammation and enhancing intestinal epithelial barrier function

The purpose of this paper was to explore the therapeutic effect and underlying mechanism of Tremella fuciformis polysaccharides (TFP) on ulcerative colitis (UC) based on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced mice UC model and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated Caco-2 cells model. The results firstly indicated that TFP can significantly alleviate the symptoms and signs of the DSS-induced mice UC model, which manifests as improvement of body weight loss, increase of colon length, decrease of colon thickness and reduction of intestinal permeability. Then, results from histopathological and electron microscope analysis further implied that TFP could dramatically reduce inflammatory cells infiltration and restore intestinal epithelial barrier integrity. In addition, the experiments of LPS-stimulated Caco-2 cells model in vitro also further confirmed that TFP could markedly inhibit the expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increase related genes or proteins expressions of intestinal barrier and mucus barrier. Taken together, these data suggested that TFP has a significant therapeutic effect on DSS-induced UC model, and its mechanisms are closely linked to the inhibition of inflammation and the restoration of intestinal barrier and mucus barrier function. These beneficial effects may make TFP a promising drug to be used in alleviating UC.

Natural-Derived Polysaccharides From Plants, Mushrooms, and Seaweeds for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disease impairing the gastrointestinal tract, and its incidence and prevalence have been increasing over time worldwide. IBD greatly reduces peoples' quality of life and results in several life-threatening complications, including polyp, toxic colonic dilatation, intestinal perforation, gastrointestinal bleeding, and cancerization. The current therapies for IBD mainly include drugs for noncritical patients and operation for critical patients. However, continuous use of these drugs causes serious side effects and increased drug resistance, and the demand of effective and affordable drugs with minimal side effects for IBD sufferers is urgent. Natural-derived polysaccharides are becoming a research hotspot for their therapeutic effects on IBD. This study focuses on the research progress of various natural polysaccharides from plants, seaweeds, and mushrooms for the treatment of IBD during recent 20 years. Regulation of oxidative stress, inflammatory status, gut microbiota, and immune system and protection of the intestinal epithelial barrier function are the underlying mechanisms for the natural-derived polysaccharides to treat IBD. The excellent efficacy and safety of polysaccharides make them promising candidates for IBD therapy.

Intestinal anti-inflammatory effects of fuzi-ganjiang herb pair against DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Fuzi and ganjiang are widely used as traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) in China, Korea, Japan, and many other southeast Asian countries for treating ulcerative colitis (UC), emesis and heart failure for more than 1800 years. However, the underlying mechanism of fuzi, ganjiang and fuzi-ganjiang herb pair is still unclear. In our study, we explored the therapeutic effects of fuzi, ganjiang and fuzi-ganjiang herb pair against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC in mice model, along with the relevant mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The contents of each marker compound in fuzi decoction (FD), ganjiang decoction (GD) and fuzi-ganjiang decoction (FGD) were determined using LC-MS/MS. During the experiment, bodyweight changes in each group were monitored every 5 days. On the day of sacrifice, colonic length, disease activity index (DAI) and spleen weight were also evaluated and histopathological examination was performed through hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) staining. The levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and inflammatory cytokines in colon tissues were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and then the relative mRNA productions of inflammatory mediators, such as MPO, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Involvement of MAPK, STAT3 and NF-κB signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of UC was determined in each group using Western Blot (WB) analysis.

RESULTS

Compared with fuzi and ganjiang single decoction, the content of the alkaloids derived from fuzi (especially the diester alkaloid with strong toxicity, hypaconitine) in fuzi-ganjiang herb pair decoction was reduced. Additionally, the 6-gingerol, which was not found in ganjiang single decoction, was retained in fuzi-ganjiang herb pair decoction. FD, GD, and FGD significantly restored the bodyweight reduction, colon shortening, DAI elevation, splenomegaly and histological score in DSS-induced UC mice. Furthermore, except for the failure of low dosage of ganjiang decoction (GD-L) on IL-17A, all FD, GD and FGD significantly inhibited the production of MPO and inflammatory cytokines, such as IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-17A, and suppressed the relative expression of inflammatory mediators, such as MPO, iNOS and COX-2 mRNA in colon tissues of DSS-induced mice. According to WB analysis, fuzi, ganjiang and fuzi-ganjiang combination inhibited the activation of MAPK, NF-κB and STAT3 signaling pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated that fuzi, ganjiang and fuzi-ganjiang combination possess prominent anti-inflammatory activities against DSS-induced UC mice; the involved mechanism may be related to inhibition the activation of MAPK, NF-κB, and STAT3 signaling pathways.

Identification of the core active structure of a Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide and its protective effect against dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis via alleviating gut microbiota dysbiosis

It has been claimed that Dendrobium officinale applied as a functional food in China for centuries derived from the excellent anti-inflammatory activities. Herein, we aim to investigate the core structure of a Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide (DOP) based on the linear structural features by a specific endo-β-1,4-mannanase which was required for the protective effect against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. Structure characterization revealed that enzymatic fragment contained the core domain (EDOP) which was composed of glucose and mannose in the molar ratio of 1.00:4.76, and consisted of (1 → 4)-β-D-Glcp and (1 → 4)-β-D-Manp with some attached 2-O-acetylated groups. In colitis mice, both DOP and EDOP could dramatically attenuate the clinical signs via blocking pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and their related mRNA), restoring the levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), activating the G-protein coupled receptors (GPRs) and modulating the gut microbiota. Gut microbiota dysbiosis is currently considered to be an important factor affecting colitis. The treatment of DOP and EDOP could recall the diversity of gut microbiota and modulate the abundance of the gut microbiota, including increasing the abundance of Bacteroides, Lactobacillus and Ruminococcaceae and reducing the abundance of Proteobacteria. Our findings have suggested that EDOP, as a core domain of DOP, retained similar structural features together with anti-inflammatory activity with DOP, and they could be potentially applied as natural candidates in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

The Effects of Morinda citrifolia (Noni) on the Cellular Viability and Osteogenesis of Stem Cell Spheroids

Background and objectives: Morinda citrifolia (Noni) has been widely used in herbal remedies to treat and prevent various kinds of diseases. We conducted this study to evaluate the effects of Noni extract on the maintenance of morphology, the improvement of cellular viability, and the enhancement of osteogenesis of stem cell spheroids. Materials and Methods: We cultured stem cell spheroids made with gingiva-derived stem cells in the presence of Noni extract at concentrations of 10, 100 and 200 ng/mL. We performed analysis of the cell morphology and changes in the cellular viability. We conducted alkaline phosphatase activity assays using a kit, and mineralization assays using an anthraquinone dye to evaluate the osteogenesis of stem cell spheroids with the addition of Noni extract. Results: The applied cells formed spheroids well, and the addition of Noni at 10, 100 and 200 ng/mL concentrations did not produce significant morphological changes. The quantitative values for cellular viability on Day 3 showed that the absorbance values at 450 nm were 0.314 ± 0.013, 0.318 ± 0.008, 0.304 ± 0.000 and 0.300 ± 0.011 for Noni at 0, 10, 100 and 200 ng/mL concentrations, respectively. The results of alkaline phosphatase activity with absorbance values at 405 nm were 0.189 ± 0.019, 0.174 ± 0.023, 0.192 ± 0.014 and 0.210 ± 0.062 for Noni at 0, 10, 100 and 200 ng/mL concentrations, respectively, on Day 4. There were significantly higher values of Alizarin Red S staining for Noni in the 10, 100 and 200 ng/mL groups, with the highest value at 100 ng/mL when compared with the unloaded control on Day 14. Conclusions: Based on these findings, we concluded that Noni extract might be applied for the enhanced osteogenic differentiation of stem cell spheroids.

Berberine-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers Enhance the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis

Purpose

Berberine (BBR), a major ingredient extracted from Coptis chinensis, is a natural drug with limited oral bioavailability. We developed nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) as a delivery system for enhanced anti-inflammatory activity of BBR against ulcerative colitis (UC).

Methods

BBR-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (BBR-NLCs) prepared via high-pressure homogenization were evaluated for particle size, zeta potential, drug entrapment efficiency, drug loading, drug release, toxicity, and cellular uptake. The anti-UC activities of free and encapsulated BBR were evaluated in a DSS-induced acute model of UC in mice.

Results

Spherical BBR-NLCs were prepared with a particle size of 63.96± 0.31 nm, a zeta potential of +3.16 ± 0.05 mV, an entrapment efficiency of 101.97±6.34%, and a drug loading of 6.00±0.09%. BBR-NLCs showed excellent biocompatibility in vivo. Cellular uptake experiments showed that BBR-NLCs improved uptake of BBR by RAW 264.7 cells and Caco-2 cells. Oral administration of BBR-NLCs significantly alleviated colitis symptoms (DAI, colon length, spleen swelling, MPO activity) through inhibition of NF-κB nuclear translocation, decreased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, MMP-9, CX3CR1, COX-2, TERT), and increased expression of the tight junction protein ZO-1.

Conclusion

BBR-loaded NLCs improved colitis symptoms, which suggested that this may be a novel formulation for treatment of UC.

Extraction, purification, hypoglycemic and antioxidant activities of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) polysaccharides

Hot water extraction was applied to extract red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) polysaccharides (RCP) and the extraction conditions were optimized using the response surface methodology (RSM). An RCP yield of 12.72 ± 0.14% was achieved under the optimum extraction conditions: extracting time of 95 min, extracting temperature of 93 °C, and solvent-material ratio of 21 mL/g. A component named RCP-1.1 with the molecular weight of 7528.81 kDa was purified from RCP. RCP-1.1 was composed of glucose, galacturonic acid, arabinose, and galactose, with molar percentages of 52.54, 1.04, 16.31, and 30.11%, respectively. At the determination concentration of 10 mg/mL, the α-glucosidase inhibition ability of RCP-1.1 reached 86.72% of that of acarbose. The scavenging rates of RCP-1.1 (3.0 mg/mL) for DPPH and ABTS radicals reached 91.82% and 98.95% of that of ascorbic acid (3.0 mg/mL), respectively. Based on these results, RCP-1.1 possesses the potential to be used as a natural hypoglycemic agent or an antioxidant.