Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of Curcuma kwangsiensis and its bioactive terpenoids in vivo and in vitro

Metabolic and transcriptional analysis of tuber expansion in Curcuma kwangsiensis

The tubers of Curcuma kwangsiensis are regarded as an important medicinal material in China. In C. kwangsiensis cultivation, tuber expansion is key to yield and quality, but the regulatory mechanisms are not well understood. In this study, metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses were conducted to elucidate the mechanism underlying tuber expansion development. The results showed that auxin (IAA), jasmonic acid (JA), gibberellin (GA3), ethylene (ETH), and brassinolide (BR) levels increased during tuber expansion development. Metabolomic analysis showed that 197 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) accumulated during tuber expansion development and these also play important roles in the accumulation of carbohydrates and secondary metabolites. 6962 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were enriched in plant hormone signal transduction, starch and sucrose metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, MAPK signaling pathway as well as sesquiterpenoid and triterpenoid biosynthesis. Comprehensive analysis revealed that DEGs and DAMs of plant hormone signal transduction, ABC transporters and biosynthesis of phenylpropanoids and terpenoids are critical pathways in regulating tuber expansion. In addition, some transcription factors (ARF, C2H2, C3H, NAC, bHLH, GRAS and WRKY) as well as hub genes (HDS, HMGR, ARF7, PP2CA, PAL and CCOMT) are also involved in this process. This study lays a theoretical basis for the molecular mechanism of tuber expansion in C. kwangsiensis.

Physivitrins I-R, lanostane triterpenoids with anti-inflammatory activities from the fungus Physisporinus vitreus

Chemical investigation on the rice fermentation of the fungus Physisporinus vitreus led to the isolation of ten previously undescribed lanostane triterpenoids, physivitrins I-R, and three known analogues. The new structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic methods, including 1D & 2D NMR, HRESIMS, UV and ECD. Physivitrins I and P exhibited significant inhibitory activities against NO production in LPS-activated RAW267.4 macrophages with IC50 values of 8.2 and 11.5 μM, respectively. The comprehensive data indicated that P. vitreus is rich in lanostane triterpenes and has potential anti-inflammatory application prospects.

Terpenoids, a Rising Star in Bioactive Constituents for Alleviating Food Allergy: A Review about the Potential Mechanism, Preparation, and Application

Food allergies affect approximately 2.5% of the global population, with a notable increase in prevalence observed each year. Terpenoids, a class of natural bioactive constituents, have been widely utilized in the management of immune- and inflammation-related disorders, and their potential in alleviating food allergies is increasingly being recognized. This article summarizes various terpenoids derived from plant, fungal, and marine sources. Among them, triterpenoids, such as oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, and lupeol, possess the highest proportion and bioactivity in alleviating food allergy. Additionally, the mechanisms by which terpenoids may mitigate allergic diseases were categorically outlined, focusing on their roles in epithelial mucosal barrier function, immunomodulatory effects during the sensitization phase, inhibition of effector cells, oxidative stress, and regulation of microbial homeostasis. Finally, the advantages and limitations of natural extraction and artificial synthesis methods were compared, and the application of terpenoids in the food industry were also discussed. This article serves as a useful reference for the development of methods or functional foods based on terpenoids, which could represent a promising avenue for alleviating food allergy.

Prospecting Pharmacologically Active Biocompounds from the Amazon Rainforest: In Vitro Approaches, Mechanisms of Action Based on Chemical Structure, and Perspectives on Human Therapeutic Use

The Amazon rainforest is an important reservoir of biodiversity, offering vast potential for the discovery of new bioactive compounds from plants. In vitro studies allow for the investigation of biological processes and interventions in a controlled manner, making them fundamental for pharmacological and biotechnological research. These approaches are faster and less costly than in vivo studies, providing standardized conditions that enhance the reproducibility and precision of data. However, in vitro methods have limitations, including the inability to fully replicate the complexity of a living organism and the absence of a complete physiological context. Translating results to in vivo models is not always straightforward, due to differences in pharmacokinetics and biological interactions. In this context, the aim of this literature review is to assess the advantages and disadvantages of in vitro approaches in the search for new drugs from the Amazon, identifying the challenges and limitations associated with these methods and comparing them with in vivo testing. Thus, bioprospecting in the Amazon involves evaluating plant extracts through bioassays to investigate pharmacological, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. Phenolic compounds and terpenes are frequently identified as the main bioactive agents, exhibiting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antineoplastic activities. Chemical characterization, molecular modifications, and the development of delivery systems, such as nanoparticles, are highlighted to improve therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, the Amazon rainforest offers great potential for the discovery of new drugs; however, significant challenges, such as the standardization of extraction methods and the need for in vivo studies and clinical trials, must be overcome for these compounds to become viable medications.

Terpenoids from the rhizomes of Curcuma kwangsiensis S.G. Lee et C.F. Ling and their anti-inflammatory activities

Three new sesquiterpenes, 4S-1-(3-hydroxybutyl)-7-(11-hydroxypropyl)-10-methyl- cyclohepta-7,5,10-trien-8-one (1), 8R-hydroxy-7-(4S-4,10-dimethyl-5-oxooct-1-en-7-yl)-11- methylfuran-12-one (2), (1S,5R,7S,10R)-1-hydroxy-7-(11-hydroxypropyl)-10-methyl-4- methyleneoctahydronaphthalen-8-one (3), along with 30 known terpenoids (4-33) were obtained from the rhizomes of Curcuma kwangsiensis S.G. Lee et C.F. Ling. Through comprehensive analysis of chemical evidence and spectral data including UV, ECD, IR, 1D and 2D NMR and HR-ESI-MS, as well as quantum chemical calculation, the structures of these novel compounds were successfully determined. Additionally, the inhibitory effects of compounds 1-2, 4-33 on NO production were evaluated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells. Notably, compound 33 exhibited the most significant inhibitory effect with an IC50 value of 3.55 ± 0.55 μM.

Curcumae Radix: A Review of Traditional Use, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Toxicology and Quality Control

Curcumae Radix (CuR) is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been used in China for more than 1,000 years. It has the traditional efficacy of activating blood and relieving pain, promoting qi and relieving depression, clearing heart and cooling blood, and promoting gallbladder and removing jaundice. Based on this, many domestic and foreign scholars have conducted systematic studies on its chemical composition, pharmacological effects, toxicity and quality control. Currently, 250 compounds, mainly including terpenoids and curcuminoids, have been isolated and identified from CuR, which has pharmacological activities, including antitumor, anti-inflammatory and analgesic, antidepressant, hepatoprotective, hemostatic, hematopoietic, and treatment of diabetes mellitus. In modern clinical practice, CuR is widely used in the treatment of tumors, breast hyperplasia, hepatitis, and stroke. However, the generation of toxicity and clinical application of CuR and Caryophylli Flos, the determination of the concoction process of artifacts, the determination of specific Quality Marker, and the establishment of the quality control system of CuR, are problems that need to be solved urgently at present.

Picroside Ⅱ attenuates neuropathic pain by regulating inflammation and spinal excitatory synaptic transmission

Nerve injury induced microglia activation, which released inflammatory mediators and developed neuropathic pain. Picroside Ⅱ (PⅡ) attenuated neuropathic pain by inhibiting the neuroinflammation of the spinal dorsal horn; however, how it engaged in the cross talk between microglia and neurons remained ambiguous. This study aimed to investigate PⅡ in the modulation of spinal synaptic transmission mechanisms on pain hypersensitivity in neuropathic rats. We investigated the analgesia of PⅡ in mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia using the spinal nerve ligation (SNL)-induced neuropathic pain model and formalin-induced tonic pain model, respectively. RNA sequencing and network pharmacology were employed to screen core targets and signaling pathways. Immunofluorescence staining and qPCR were performed to explore the expression level of microglia and inflammatory mediator mRNA. The whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were utilized to record miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents in excitatory synaptic transmission. Our results demonstrated that the analgesic of PⅡ was significant in both pain models, and the underlying mechanism may involve inflammatory signaling pathways. PⅡ reversed the SNL-induced overexpression of microglia and inflammatory factors. Moreover, PⅡ dose dependently inhibited excessive glutamate transmission. Thus, this study suggested that PⅡ attenuated neuropathic pain by inhibiting excitatory glutamate transmission of spinal synapses, induced by an inflammatory response on microglia.

Research Progress on Sesquiterpenoids of Curcumae Rhizoma and Their Pharmacological Effects

Curcumae Rhizoma, a traditional Chinese medicine with a wide range of pharmacological activities, is obtained from the dried rhizomes of Curcuma phaeocaulis VaL., Curcuma kwangsiensis S. G. Lee et C. F. Liang, and Curcuma wenyujin Y. H. Chen et C. Ling. Sesquiterpenoids and curcuminoids are found to be the main constituents of Curcumae Rhizoma. Sesquiterpenoids are composed of three isoprene units and are susceptible to complex transformations, such as cyclization, rearrangement, and oxidation. They are the most structurally diverse class of plant-based natural products with a wide range of biological activities and are widely found in nature. In recent years, scholars have conducted abundant studies on the structures and pharmacological properties of components of Curcumae Rhizoma. This article elucidates the chemical structures, medicinal properties, and biological properties of the sesquiterpenoids (a total of 274 compounds) isolated from Curcumae Rhizoma. We summarized extraction and isolation methods for sesquiterpenoids, established a chemical component library of sesquiterpenoids in Curcumae Rhizoma, and analyzed structural variances among sesquiterpenoids sourced from Curcumae Rhizoma of diverse botanical origins. Furthermore, our investigation reveals a diverse array of sesquiterpenoid types, encompassing guaiane-type, germacrane-type, eudesmane-type, elemane-type, cadinane-type, carane-type, bisabolane-type, humulane-type, and other types, emphasizing the relationship between structural diversity and activity. We hope to provide a valuable reference for further research and exploitation and pave the way for the development of new drugs derived from medicinal plants.

Genus Curcuma: chemical and ethnopharmacological role in aging process

Aging or senescence is part of human life development with many effects on the physical, mental, and physiological aspects which may lead to age-related deterioration in many organs. Genus Curcuma family Zingieraceae represents one of the well-studied and medically important genera with more than eighty species. The genus is reported to contain different classes of biologically active compounds that are mainly presented in diphenylheptanoids, diphenylpentanoids, diphenylalkanoids, phenylpropene derivatives, alkaloids, flavonoids, chromones, terpenoids, phenolic acids and volatile constituents. Rhizomes and roots of such species are rich with main phytoconstituents viz. curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bis-demethoxycurcumin. A wide variety of biological activities were demonstrated for different extracts and essential oils of genus Curcuma members including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic and neuroprotective. Thus, making them as an excellent safe source for nutraceutical products and as a continuous promising area of research on lead compounds that may help in the slowing down of the aging process especially the neurologic and mental deterioration that are usually experienced upon aging. In this review different species of the genus Curcuma were summarized with their phytochemical and biological activities highlighting their role as antiaging agents. The data were collected from different search engines viz. Pubmed®, Google Scholar®, Scopus® and Web of Science® limiting the search to the period between 2003 up till now.

Dissecting the Relationship Between Neuropsychiatric and Neurodegenerative Disorders

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) and neuropsychiatric disorders (NPDs) are two common causes of death in elderly people, which includes progressive neuronal cell death and behavioral changes. NDDs include Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, and motor neuron disease, characterized by cognitive defects and memory impairment, whereas NPDs include depression, seizures, migraine headaches, eating disorders, addictions, palsies, major depressive disorders, anxiety, and schizophrenia, characterized by behavioral changes. Mounting evidence demonstrated that NDDs and NPDs share an overlapping mechanism, which includes post-translational modifications, the microbiota-gut-brain axis, and signaling events. Mounting evidence demonstrated that various drug molecules, namely, natural compounds, repurposed drugs, multitarget directed ligands, and RNAs, have been potentially implemented as therapeutic agents against NDDs and NPDs. Herein, we highlighted the overlapping mechanism, the role of anxiety/stress-releasing factors, cytosol-to-nucleus signaling, and the microbiota-gut-brain axis in the pathophysiology of NDDs and NPDs. We summarize the therapeutic application of natural compounds, repurposed drugs, and multitarget-directed ligands as therapeutic agents. Lastly, we briefly described the application of RNA interferences as therapeutic agents in the pathogenesis of NDDs and NPDs. Neurodegenerative diseases and neuropsychiatric diseases both share a common signaling molecule and molecular phenomenon, namely, pro-inflammatory cytokines, γCaMKII and MAPK/ERK, chemokine receptors, BBB permeability, and the gut-microbiota-brain axis. Studies have demonstrated that any alterations in the signaling mentioned above molecules and molecular phenomena lead to the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases, namely, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and neuropsychiatric disorders, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Phytochemicals from Anneslea fragrans Wall. and Their Hepatoprotective and Anti-Inflammatory Activities

Anneslea fragrans Wall., popularly known as "Pangpo tea", is an edible, medicinal, and ornamental plant of the Family Theaceae. The leaves of A. fragrans were historically applied for the treatment of liver and intestinal inflammatory diseases in China. This study aimed to explore the hepatoprotective agents from A. fragrans leaves through hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory assessment. The phytochemical investigation of the leaves of A. fragrans resulted in the isolation and identification of a total of 18 chemical compounds, including triterpenoids, aliphatic alcohol, dihydrochalcones, chalcones, flavanols, phenolic glycoside, and lignans. Compounds 1-2, 4-6, 11-12, and 16-18 were identified from A. fragrans for the first time. Compounds 7 and 14 could significantly alleviate hepatocellular damage by decreasing the contents of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and inhibit the hepatocellular apoptosis in the HepG2 cells induced by N-acetyl-p-aminophenol (APAP). In addition, compounds 7 and 14 inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents and increased the catalase (CAT) superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) levels for suppressing APAP-induced oxidative stress. Additionally, compounds 7, 13, and 14 also had significant anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) productions on LPS-induced RAW246.7 cells.

A molecular networking-based isolation of gardneria alkaloids from Gardneria distincta and their anti-inflammatory activity

Gardneria distincta P. T. Li is traditionally applied as a herbal medicine for treatment various ailments, and is mainly distributed in Southwestern China. Under the guided separation of MS/MS-based molecular networking, eight undescribed oxindole alkaloids, gardistines A-H, as well as 17 known alkaloids were discovered from the whole parts of Gardneria distincta. Structural elucidation of these undescribed alkaloids was performed by various spectroscopic methods. Gardistine A is a rare oxindole gardneria alkaloid bearing an ester carbonyl group attached to C-18, which is the second reported alkaloid of oxindole gardneria-type. All of the identified monoterpene indole alkaloids were investigated for their anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Gardistines A-B and akuammidine demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on the expressions of nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interleukin-6 at 20 μM.

Meso-Hannokinol inhibits breast cancer bone metastasis via the ROS/JNK/ZEB1 axis

Distal metastases from breast cancer, especially bone metastases, are extremely common in the late stages of the disease and are associated with a poor prognosis. EMT is a biomarker of the early process of bone metastasis, and MMP-9 and MMP-13 are important osteoclastic activators. Previously, we found that meso-Hannokinol (HA) could significantly inhibit EMT and MMP-9 and MMP-13 expressions in breast cancer cells. On this basis, we further explored the role of HA in breast cancer bone metastasis. In vivo, we established a breast cancer bone metastasis model by intracardially injecting breast cancer cells. Intraperitoneal injections of HA significantly reduced breast cancer cell metastasis to the leg bone in mice and osteolytic lesions caused by breast cancer. In vitro, HA inhibited the migration and invasion of breast cancer cells and suppressed the expressions of EMT, MMP-9, MMP-13, and other osteoclastic activators. HA inhibited EMT and MMP-9 by activating the ROS/JNK pathway as demonstrated by siJNK and SP600125 inhibition of JNK phosphorylation and NAC scavenging of ROS accumulation. Moreover, HA promoted bone formation and inhibited bone resorption in vitro. In conclusion, our findings suggest that HA may be an excellent candidate for treating breast cancer bone metastasis.

Anti-cholinesterase, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Combretum micranthum G. Don: Potential implications in neurodegenerative disease

Background

Brain damage is a severe and common pathology that leads to life-threatening diseases. Despite development in the research, the medical evidence of the effectiveness of potential neuroprotective medicines is insufficient. As a result, there is an immense and urgent demand for promising medication. For millennia, herbal remedies were a fundamental aspect of medical treatments. Combretum micranthum (CM), a plant of the family Combretaceae in sub-Saharan Africa, has been utilized in folklore medicine to cure diverse human ailments. In order to develop a neuroprotective phytomedicine, the current research was undertaken to explore the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticholinesterase and neuroprotective potential of CM extract.

Methods

Colorimetric methods were used to determine CM antioxidant activity, in-vitro protein denaturation and membrane destabilization assays were used to evaluate its anti-inflammatory capacity, anticholinesterase activity was carried out using Ellman's method, and neuroprotective potential was assessed on brain homogenate stressed with ferric chloride and ascorbic acid (FeCl₂-AA) by assessing the lipoperoxidation biomarker malondialdehyde (MDA).

Results

In Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (IC₅₀ = 27.15 ± 0.06 µg/mL) and Total Antioxidant Capacity (IC₅₀ = 31.13 ± 0.02 µg/mL), CM extract demonstrated strong antioxidant activity. Anti-inflammatory effect were improved in heat-induced Egg albumin and BSA denaturation (IC ₅₀ = 46.35 ± 1.53 and 23.94 ± 1.10 µg/mL) as well as heat and hypotonia induced membrane destabilization (IC ₅₀ = 20.96 ± 0.11 and 16.75 ± 0.94 µg/mL).CM extract showed strong anticholinesterase activity (IC ₅₀ = 59.85 ± 0.91 µg/mL). In an ex-vivo neuroprotective model, CM extract showed substantial inhibition (p < 0.001) of oxidative damage caused by FeCl₂-AA in brain tissue.

Conclusion

C. micranthum may be a good candidate for its probable neuroprotective potential. Its neuroprotective benefits might be attributed to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticholinesterase effects.

Efficacy of terpenoids in attenuating pulmonary edema in acute lung injury: A meta-analysis of animal studies

Background: The clinical efficiency of terpenoids in treating human acute lung injury (ALI) is yet to be determined. The lipopolysaccharide-induced rat model of ALI is a well-established and widely used experimental model for studying terpenoids’ effects on ALI. Using a systematic review and meta-analysis, the therapeutic efficiency of terpenoid administration on the lung wet-to-dry weight ratio in rats was investigated.

Methods: Using the Cochrane Library, Embase, and PubMed databases, a comprehensive literature search for studies evaluating the therapeutic efficacy of terpenoids on ALI in rats was conducted. The lung wet-to-dry weight ratio was extracted as the main outcome. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Systematic Review Center for Laboratory Animal Experimentation’s risk of bias tool.

Results: In total, 16 studies were included in this meta-analysis. In general, terpenoids significantly lowered the lung wet-to-dry weight ratio when compared with the control vehicle (p = 0.0002; standardized mean difference (SMD): −0.16; 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.24, −0.08). Subgroup analysis revealed that low dose (≤10 μmol/kg) (p < 0.0001; SMD: −0.68; 95% CI: −1.02, −0.34), intraperitoneal injection (p = 0.0002; SMD: −0.43; 95% CI: −0.66, −0.20), diterpenoid (p = 0.004; SMD: −0.13; 95% CI: −0.23, −0.04), and triterpenoid (p = 0.04; SMD: −0.28; 95% CI: −0.54, −0.01) significantly lowered the lung wet-to-dry weight ratio when compared with the control vehicle.

Conclusion: A low dose of diterpenoid and triterpenoid administered intraperitoneally is effective in alleviating ALI. This systematic review and meta-analysis provides a valuable mirror for clinical research aiming at the advancement of terpenoids for preventive and therapeutic use.

Systematic Review Registration: CRD42022326779

New steroidal alkaloids with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects from Veratrum grandiflorum

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

"Li-Lu", the roots and rhizomes of Veratrum grandiflorum (Melianthiaceae), has been historically used as a traditional folk medicine for the treatment of wrist pain, fractures, sores, and inflammation in Yunnan Province, China. However, the anti-inflammatory and analgesic studies of this plant have seldom reported.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties related to the traditional usage of V. grandiflorum both in vitro and in vivo, and further explore the accurate bioactive compounds from the medicinal plant.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Phytochemical investigation was carried out by chromatographic methods and their structures were established based on extensive spectra and comparison with corresponding data in the reported literatures. Anti-inflammatory activities were assessed by the suppression of lipopolysaccharide-activated inflammatory mediators in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells in vitro. Furthermore, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects were evaluated based on carrageenan-induced paw edema and acetic acid-stimulated writhing in mice.

RESULTS

The methanol extract (ME) of V. grandiflorum significantly alleviated the paw edema caused by carrageenan and the writhing numbers induced by acetic acid. Subsequent phytochemical investigation led to isolated of 21 steroidal alkaloids, including seven new compounds, veragranines C-I (1-7). Anti-inflammatory test indicated that steroidal alkaloids could decrease the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells at a concentration of 5.0 μg/ml in vitro, comparable to DXM. Moreover, five new steroidal alkaloids (2, 4, 5, 6, and 7) and two major steroidal alkaloids (9 and 13) significantly decreased the numbers of writhing in mice at the doses of 0.5 and/or 1.0 mg/kg (p < 0.01/0.05), roughly comparable to Dolantin™ at 10.0 mg/kg.

CONCLUSIONS

The investigation supported the traditional use of V. grandiflorum and provided new steroidal alkaloids as potent analgesic agents.

New stilbenoligan and flavonoid from the roots of Caragana stenophylla Pojark. and their anti-inflammatory activity

A phytochemical investigation on the 80% ethanol extract of the roots of Caragana stenophylla Pojark. resulted in the isolation of 20 compounds, including two new ones, named kompasinol P (2) and 3,5,7,2',3'-pentahydroxy-4'-methoxyisoflavanone (3). Among them, a pair of enantiomers, (7S, 8 R, 7'R, 8'S)-kompasinol A (1a) and (7 R, 8S, 7'S, 8'R)-kompasinol A (1b), were successfully separated by the chiral-phase HPLC resolution for the first time. The absolute configurations of 1a and 1b were determined by the experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data. 15 isolates were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity via inhibiting the production of nitric oxide (NO) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. Compounds 1a/1b, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, and 16-18 showed moderate inhibition with IC₅₀ values ranging from 11.45 to 68.54 μM.

Biological Activity of Selected Natural and Synthetic Terpenoid Lactones

Terpenoids with lactone moieties have been indicated to possess high bioactivity. Certain terpenoid lactones exist in nature, in plants and animals, but they can also be obtained by chemical synthesis. Terpenoids possessing lactone moieties are known for their cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, and antimalarial activities. Moreover, one terpenoid lactone, artemisinin, is used as a drug against malaria. Because of these abilities, there is constant interest in new terpenoid lactones that are both isolated and synthesized, and their biological activities have been verified. In some cases, the activity of the terpenoid lactone is specifically connected to the lactone moiety. Recent works have revealed that new terpenoid lactones can demonstrate such functions and are thus considered to be potential active agents against many diseases.

Ethyl acetate fraction from Nymphaea hybrida Peck modulates inflammatory responses in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and acute inflammation murine models

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Nymphaea hybrida Peck is used as a traditional medicinal herb for treating pain and inflammatory diseases, and known for its ornamental value and as a hot drink. However, the effects of N. hybrida polar fractions on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced in vitro inflammation model and acute inflammation murine models have yet to be evaluated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study was to elucidate the anti-inflammatory effects of N. hybrida ethanol extract (NHE) and its polar fractions: petroleum ether (PE), methylene chloride (MC), ethyl acetate (EA), methanol (ME), and water (WA). The underlying molecular mechanisms of active fraction in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 murine macrophages were further investigated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Fractions with potential anti-inflammatory effects were screened using direct nitric oxide (NO) radical scavenging and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibition assays in vitro. The anti-inflammatory properties of potential fraction were evaluated in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, xylene-induced ear edema, carrageenan-induced paw edema and xylene-induced Evans blue exudation of acute inflammation murine models. The regulation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways were investigated using western blotting and immunofluorescence.

RESULTS

Compared to other polar fractions, NHE-EA displayed higher phenol and flavonoid content, and exerted greater activity in direct NO radical scavenging and COX-2 inhibition assay in vitro. NHE-EA markedly decreased the levels of inflammatory mediators, NO and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), by suppressing the over-expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and COX-2 in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. The NHE-EA fraction dose-dependently alleviated over-elevation of LPS-associated intracellular calcium and decreased the abnormal secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). The combination with NHE-EA effectively attenuated the activation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65, and the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK), and p38 kinases of MAPK pathways. NHE-EA could significantly ameliorate the degree of swelling of the mice ear and paw, the skin exudation of Evans blue and the excessive secretion of inflammatory cytokines.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrated that NHE-EA was the most active polar fraction of N. hybrida extracts. It inhibited the LPS-associated inflammatory response by blocking the activation of NF-κB and MAPKs pathways in RAW264.7 cells. It also effectively alleviated the inflammatory response of acute inflammation. These results indicated the role of NHE-EA as adjuvants and their potential role in alternative strategy for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

The anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the ethyl acetate extract of Viburnum taitoense Hayata

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Viburnum taitoense Hayata has been used as folk medicine by the minority people in Southwestern China for a long history, especially in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The minority in Guangxi including Zhuang, Miao and Yao people use the ethanol extract of V. taitoense Hayata to treat the fracture, kill the pain of rheumatism because of its definite therapeutic effects.

AIM OF THE STUDY

So far, the scientific investigation of V. taitoense Hayata is done very little. Here, we first prepared the ethyl acetate extract of V. taitoense (EEVt), secondly measured the contents of phenols, flavonoids, and terpenoids in EEVt, and thirdly, the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of EEVt were investigated by invitro model of RAW 264.7 cells and invivo models of inflammation and pain in rats and mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The contents of phenols, flavonoids, and terpenoids in EEVt were determined by UV spectrophotometry, respectively. The anti-inflammatory effect of EEVt (5, 25, 50, 100, and 200 μg/mL) in vitro was tested by determining its inhibitory effect on the nitric oxide production of RAW264.7 cells activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of EEVt in vivo were investigated in the following experimental rats and mice models: carrageenan-induced paw edema, corton-oil-induced ear edema, acetic acid writhing test, and formalin pain test.

RESULTS

The contents of total phenolic, total flavonoids, and total triterpenoids in V. taitoense were measured to be 3.46 ± 0.04%, 2.38 ± 0.04%, and 14.96 ± 0.17%, respectively. In vitro test showed that EEVt at different tested dosages (5, 25, 50, 100, and 200 μg/mL) had no significant toxicity to RAW264.7 macrophages. At dosages of 37.5 and 75 μg/mL of EEVt significant inhibitory (p < 0.001) on the productions of nitric oxide (NO). High dosage (200 μg/mL) of EEVt displayed highly significant inhibitory (p < 0.001) on the productions of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α from the LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages. EEVt showed obvious anti-inflammatory activity at different time points after carrageenan injection (p < 0.05) in vivo test, and its anti-inflammatory activity reached the strongest 4 h. Similarly, through the ear swelling test, EEVt (200 mg/kg) showed significant (p < 0.05) anti-inflammatory activity. Besides, formalin and acetic acid writhing experiments also showed that EEVt has significant (p < 0.05) analgesic activity.

CONCLUSION

EEVt was confirmed to be definite anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, and the phytochemicals of EEVt was disclosed to be rich in triterpenoids, which was worthy to be further investigated.

Costus spiralis (Jacq.) Roscoe leaves fractions have potential to reduce effects of inflammatory diseases

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Since drugs currently used to manage pain and inflammatory conditions present several side effects, the investigation of new anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive agents from folk-medicine plants is an important approach. Costus spiralis (Costaceae) has been used in Brazilian medicinal teas to treat urinary infection, cough, inflammation, arthritis, among others.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The current study focused on investigating anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of fractions from C. spiralis leaves using animal models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Adults Swiss mice were used in the following experimental models: acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing, formalin-induced nociception, hot plate, zymosan-induced peritonitis, and arthritis induced by complete Freund's adjuvant.

RESULTS

The presence of steroids was confirmed in all fractions. Flavonoids, condensed tannins and saponins were observed in EFL. In methanolic fraction leaves (MFL), the presence of flavonoids and pentacyclic triterpenoids was confirmed. Orally administered leaf fractions significantly reduced abdominal writhing. Fractions were ineffective in the neurogenic stage of the formalin test, but in the inflammatory stage, ethyl acetate fraction levaes (AcFL), ethanolic fraction leaves (EFL), and MFL significantly reduced paw licking time by 69.6 ± 11.9%, 58.2 ± 9.4%, and 79.6 ± 8.3%, respectively. In the hot plate test, the reaction latency was similar for treated animals and controls. However, in the peritonitis test, cell migration was significantly reduced in animals treated with chloroform fractions leaves ClFL (61.8 ± 11.4%), AcFL (58.7 ± 8.3%), EFL (39.2 ± 5.0%), and MFL (64.8 ± 4.4%). This was similar to the result observed in the chronic inflammation model, this time only the chloroform fraction was able to reduce paw edema.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that leaf fractions of Costus spiralis are capable of modulating peripheral nociceptive and inflammatory responses without effects on central nervous system being potential substrates for phytochemical purification, structural and mechanistic studies.

Comparison of Antioxidant Properties of Evening Primrose Seeds by Different Processing Methods, and Physiological Properties of Evening Primrose Seed Powder

This study proposes the processing method that could maximize the functional properties of evening primrose seeds (EPS) and its various nutritional components. EPS can be prepared by different methods, such as being left raw, roasting, steaming, and powdering. Processing of EPS to create EPS powder (EPSP) resulted in higher levels of vitamin E, fatty acids, total phenolic contents, and antioxidant activity, compared with the other processing methods. Also, EPSP maintained lipid peroxidation inhibitory activity for 49 days. In particular, the EPSP ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction exhibited high antioxidant, antidiabetic, and angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitory activities. The EPSP ethyl acetate fraction showed a high cytoprotective effect against H₂O₂-induced cell damage in both RAW264.7 and EA.hy926 cells. In addition, the EtOAc fraction showed anti-inflammatory activity by the inhibitory activity of nitric oxide (NO) in RAW264.7 cells, and antihypertensive activity by the activity of NO in EA.hy926 cells. These results suggest that EPSP could be useful as a food ingredient that assists the prevention of various diseases caused by oxidative stress.

"Kidney Tea" and Its Bioactive Secondary Metabolites for Treatment of Gout

Clerodendranthus spicatus, popularly known as "kidney tea" in China, is consumed traditionally as a functional food for treatment of renal inflammation, dysuria, and gout. We evaluated the effects of C. spicatus on gout by assessing activities of antihyperuricemia, anti-gouty arthritis, and analgesia in vivo, and the results indicated that the ethyl acetate fraction shows potential activities. Subsequent phytochemical investigation of this fraction led to the isolation of 32 compounds, consisting of 20 diterpenoids (including the new orthosiphonones E and F), 2 triterpenoids, 6 flavonoids, 2 lignanoids, and 2 phenolic acid derivatives. Pharmacological investigation of the pure compounds in the cellular model of hyperuricemia indicated that 12 compounds could promote the excretion of uric acid at 10 μg/mL, and compounds 3, 4, 5, and 21 had better effects than that of benzbromarone, a famous uricosuric drug. Furthermore, compounds 4, 6, 7, 9, 14, 15, 23, 26, and 31 showed significant anti-gouty arthritis activity in monosodium urate (MSU)-induced joint swelling at the dose of 50 mg/kg, while compounds 4, 5, 7, 9, and 26 exhibited significant inhibition of pain induced by acetic acid. Our findings provided scientific justification to support the traditional application of "kidney tea" for treating gout and suggested its good application prospects in the future.

Research Progress on Classical Traditional Chinese Medicine Jieyu Pills in the Treatment of Depression

Depression is a common clinical psychological disease, which is called "yu zheng" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). TCM has a long history in the treatment of depression (yu zheng), which has unique advantages. Jieyu pill (JYP), a classical TCM formula, has been widely used for treating depression because of its clear clinical efficacy, low side effects, and high compliance. In this review, we systematically introduce recent clinical and animal experimental studies on JYP and depression, and review the pharmacological mechanism and active ingredients of JYP, as well as its clinical application in depression therapy. This systematic review provides a deep understanding of TCM prescriptions, pharmacological mechanisms, and disease-medicine interactions, and lays the foundation for developing new treatments for depression.