Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of the hot water-soluble polysaccharides from Anacyclus pyrethrum (L.) Lag. roots

Recent trends in extraction, purification, structural characterization, and biological activities evaluation of Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton polysaccharide

Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton is an annual herb plant of the Perilla genus in the Labiatae family, which is commonly utilized as an edible and medicinal resource. Polysaccharides are among the major components and essential bioactive compounds of P. frutescens, which exhibit a multitude of biological activities, including antioxidant, antitumor, anti-fatigue, immunoregulation, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-lowering effects. As a natural carbohydrate, P. frutescens polysaccharide has the potential to be utilized in the development of drugs and functional materials. In this paper, we provide an overview of progress made on the extraction, purification, structural characterization, and bioactivity of polysaccharides from different parts of P. frutescens. The challenges and opportunities for research are discussed, along with the potential development prospects and future areas of focus in the study of P. frutescens polysaccharides.

Combinative effects of akarkara root-derived metabolites on anti-inflammatory and anti-alzheimer key enzymes: integrating bioassay-guided fractionation, GC-MS analysis, and in silico studies

BACKGROUND

Anacyclus pyrethrum L. (Akarkara root), a valuable Ayurvedic remedy, is reported to exhibit various pharmacological activities. Akarkara root was subjected to bioassay-guided fractionation, to isolate its active constituents and discover their potential bioactivities, followed by computational analysis.

METHODS

The methanol extract and its fractions, methylene chloride, and butanol, were assessed for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticholinergic potentials. The antioxidant activity was determined using DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and ORAC assays. The in vitro anticholinergic effect was evaluated via acetyl- and butyryl-cholinesterase inhibition, while anti-inflammatory effect weas determined using COX-2 and 5-LOX inhibitory assays. The methylene chloride fraction was subjected to GC/MS analysis and chromatographic fractionation to isolate its major compounds. The inhibitory effect on iNOS and various inflammatory mediators in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages was investigated. In silico computational analyses (molecular docking, ADME, BBB permeability prediction, and molecular dynamics) were performed.

RESULTS

Forty-one compounds were identified and quantified and the major compounds, namely, oleamide (A1), stigmasterol (A2), 2E,4E-deca-2,4-dienoic acid 2-phenylethyl amide (A3), and pellitorine (A4) were isolated from the methylene chloride fraction, the most active in all assays. All compounds showed significant in vitro antioxidant, anticholinergic and anti-inflammatory effects. They inhibited the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) in activated RAW macrophages. The isolated compounds showed good fitting in the active sites of acetylcholinesterase and COX-2 with high docking scores. The ADME study revealed proper pharmacokinetics and drug likeness properties for the isolated compounds. The isolated compounds demonstrated high ability to cross the BBB and penetrate the CNS with values ranging from 1.596 to -1.651 in comparison with Donepezil (-1.464). Molecular dynamics simulation revealed stable conformations and binding patterns of the isolated compounds with the active sites of COX-2 and acetyl cholinesterase.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultimately, our results specify Akarkara compounds as promising candidates for the treatment of inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases.

The TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway-mediated type 2 skewing of T helper cell in cough variant asthma was counteracted by ethanol extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum root

Type 2 T helper (Th2) cells-mediated immune response plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of cough variant asthma (CVA), and this study aims to determine the effect and mechanism of ethanol extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum root (EEAP) on regulating Th2 response in CVA. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) collected from patients with CVA, and naive CD4⁺T cells induced by Th2-polarizing medium were administrated with EEAP. Interestingly, through conducting flow cytometry and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay method, we found that EEAP significantly alleviated Th2 skewing and increased Th1 response in these two kinds of cells. Results of western blot assay and quantitative reverse transcription PCR displayed that EEAP suppressed the expression of TLR4, total NF-κB p65, nuclear NF-κB p65 and the downstream genes. Subsequently, we proved that TLR4 antagonist E5564 played a similar improvement role to EEAP in Th1/Th2 imbalance, while combination of TLR4 agonist LPS and EEAP abolished the inhibitory effect of EEAP on Th2 polarization in Th2-induced CD4⁺T cells. Finally, CVA models induced by ovalbumin and capsaicin were established in cavies, and data showed that EEAP also improved Th1/Th2 imbalance in CVA in vivo, manifested in the increase of IL4⁺CD4⁺T cell ratio, Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-6 and IL-13) and the decrease of Th1 cytokines (IL-2 and IFN-γ). Co-treatment of LPS and EEAP counteracted the inhibition of EEAP on Th2 response in CVA model cavies. Moreover, we found that EEAP mitigated airway inflammation and hyper-responsiveness in vivo, which was abolished by the combined application of LPS. In a word, EEAP restores Th1/Th2 balance in CVA through restraining the TLR4/NF-кB signaling pathway. This study may contribute to the clinical application of EEAP in CVA-related disease.

Isinglass Polysaccharides Regulate Intestinal-Barrier Function and Alleviate Obesity in High-Fat Diet Mice through the HO-1/Nrf2 Pathway and Intestinal Microbiome Environment

Plant polysaccharide intervention has shown significant potential to combat obesity. However, studies on animal polysaccharides are indeed rare. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential functions of CIP (IL) on obesity, intestinal microflora dysbiosis, and the possible protection of intestinal barrier in mice fed with high-fat diet (HFD). Our results revealed that after 13 weeks, the HFD+L (high-fat diet + 25 mg/kg CIP) group showed significantly more weight loss and fat accumulation relative to the HFD+H (high-fat diet + 50 mg/kg CIP) group. Furthermore, CIP intervention modulated lipid metabolism and mRNA levels of inflammatory mediators in liver. Overall, CIP clearly improved the intestinal barrier in HFD-fed mice. Additionally, we observed that CIP intervention improved intestinal microbiota community richness and diversity in HFD-fed mice. The CIP intervention mice group showed a relatively low Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio compared to the HFD group. This study concluded that CIP could be used as a functional food to prevent adipocyte accumulation, reduce systemic inflammation, and protect the intestinal barrier.

A Water-Soluble Polysaccharide from the Fibrous Root of Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bge. and Its Immune Enhancement Effect in Vivo and in Vitro

Background

The fibrous roots of Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bge. (FRAAB) are byproducts of the rhizome of Anemarrhena asphodeloides. Some studies have revealed secondary metabolic small molecules in FRAAB, but there are few reports on the polysaccharides of FRAAB (PFRAAB). Aim of the Study. The present study aimed to investigate the preliminary characterization and underlying mechanism of immune stimulation of PFRAAB.

Materials and Methods

The crude polysaccharide of FRAAB was obtained by hot water extraction and alcohol precipitation, and PFRAAB was purified by a diethylaminoethyl-52 (DEAE-52) cellulose chromatographic column and graphene dialysis membrane. The preliminary characterization of PFRAAB was studied by ultraviolet (UV) scanning and Fourier Transform Infrared Reflection (FTIR). The molecular weight and composition of PFRAAB were analysed by high-performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), respectively. The immune stimulation of PFRAAB was investigated by using cyclophosphamide- (CCP-) treated mice and RAW264.7 cells.

Results

A water-soluble PFRAAB was obtained with a molecular weight of 115 kDa and was mainly composed of arabinose (ara), galactose (gal), glucose (glc), and mannose (man). Compared with CCP-induced mice, PFRAAB significantly (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) increased the spleen and thymus index, ameliorated injury to the spleen and thymus, and evaluated immunoglobulin levels. In addition, PFRAAB also increased the secretion of nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and IL-6 in RAW264.7 cells and upregulated the expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), Myd88, nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) P65, p–NF–κB P65, IKB-α, and p-IKB-α.

Conclusion

PFRAAB possesses immune stimulation activity and can be used as a potential resource for immune-enhancing drugs. Our present study provides a scientific basis for the comprehensive development of Anemarrhena asphodeloides medicinal plant resources.

NF-κB and AMPK-Nrf2 pathways support the protective effect of polysaccharides from Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua in lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The raw and honey-processed P. cyrtonema recorded in ancient classics of Chinese medicine as having the effect of moisturizing the lungs and relieving coughs, and it has also been proved to have therapeutic effects on lung diseases in modern research. Polysaccharides are the main components with biological activities in raw and honey-processed P. cyrtonema, but there is no research for their lung-protective effect.

AIM OF STUDY

This study aimed to investigate the protective effect and the possible mechanism of polysaccharides from raw and honey-processed P. cyrtonema in LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Polysaccharides, PCP and HPCP, were respectively separated and extracted from raw and honey-processed P. cyrtonema, and the molecular weight, monosaccharide composition and other basic chemical characteristics were analyzed by HPGCP, HPLC, FI-IR, and NMR. The model of ALI mice was established by intratracheal instillation of LPS. Moreover, the protective effects of PCP and HPCP for ALI mice were evaluated by detecting the wet-to-dry ratio and histopathology in the lungs, the content of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β in BLAF, and the content of MPO and SOD in lung tissue. In addition, the lung-protective mechanism of PCP and HPCP was explored by detecting the levels of some proteins and mRNA related to inflammation and oxidative stress pathways.

RESULTS

PCP and HPCP with molecular weights of 8.842 × 10³ and 5.521 × 10³Da were mainly composed of three monosaccharides. Moreover, it is found that fructose and galactose were mainly β-D, and glucose was α-D. Both PCP and HPCP could significantly improve lung injury, reduce the level of inflammatory factors in BALF and the level of MPO in lung tissue, and increase the level of SOD. In addition, PCR and WB indicated that PCP and HPCP at least inhibited pulmonary inflammation through the NF-κB pathway, and reduced the occurrence of pulmonary oxidative stress through the AMPK-Nrf2 pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Polysaccharides from raw and honey-processed P. cyrtonema had a protective effect in LPS-induced lung injury in mice. This effect may be related to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of PCP and HPCP in the lungs through the NF-κB pathway and AMPK-Nrf2 pathway. And HPCP seems to perform more than PCP.

Crude Polysaccharide Extracted From Moringa oleifera Leaves Prevents Obesity in Association With Modulating Gut Microbiota in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice

Moringa oleifera is a commonly used plant with high nutritional and medicinal values. M. oleifera leaves are considered a new food resource in China. However, the biological activities of M. oleifera polysaccharides (MOP) in regulating gut microbiota and alleviating obesity remain obscure. In the present study, we prepared the MOP and evaluated its effects on obesity and gut microbiota in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced C57BL/6J mice. The experimental mice were supplemented with a normal chow diet (NCD group), a high-fat diet (HFD group), and HFD along with MOP at a different dose of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/d, respectively. Physiological, histological, biochemical parameters, genes related to lipid metabolism, and gut microbiota composition were compared among five experimental groups. The results showed that MOP supplementation effectively prevented weight gain and lipid accumulation induced by HFD, ameliorated blood lipid levels and insulin resistance, alleviated the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and regulated the expression of genes related to lipid metabolism and bile acid metabolism. In addition, MOP positively reshaped the gut microbiota composition, significantly increasing the abundance of Bacteroides, norank_f_Ruminococcaceae, and Oscillibacter, while decreasing the relative abundance of Blautia, Alistipes, and Tyzzerella, which are closely associated with obesity. These results demonstrated that MOP supplementation has a protective effect against HFD-induced obesity in mice, which was associated with reshaping the gut microbiota. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the potential of MOP to prevent obesity and modulating gut microbiota, which suggests that MOP can be used as a potential prebiotic.

Characterization of the Phytochemical Composition and Bioactivities of Anacyclus maroccanus Ball. and Anacyclus radiatus Loisel Aerial Parts: Preliminary Evidence for the Possible Development of Moroccan Plants

In the present study, the phytochemical composition and bioactivities of A. maroccanus (AM) and A. radiatus (AR), two ecotypes collected in the Demnate road and Essaouira regions, respectively, were studied to highlight a pharmacological interest and to enable possible pharmaceutical development. To this end, methanolic and ethyl acetate extracts were prepared for each ecotype by fractionation; next, their phytochemical composition was evaluated by spectrophotometric and chromatographic analysis. Moreover, in line with the available evidence for Anacyclus spp. and their traditional use, a screening of bioactivities, including antioxidant, hypoglycemic, antiglycative, chelating, and antibacterial activities, was performed. The extracts were characterized by high amounts of polyphenols, tannins, and flavonoids, especially in the methanolic extracts; these samples were also enriched in carotenoids despite a lower chlorophyll content. Chlorogenic acid and rutin were the major identified compounds. The extracts also showed interesting hypoglycemic, antiglycative, and antibacterial properties, although with differences in efficacy and potency. Present results provide more scientific basis to the ethnopharmacological uses of Anacyclus spp. and suggest a further interest in AM and AR ecotypes as natural sources of bioactive compounds and/or phytocomplexes for possible pharmaceutical and nutraceutical developments.