Functional components in Scutellaria barbata D. Don with anti-inflammatory activity on RAW 264.7 cells

Nutrients, herbal bioactive derivatives and commensal microbiota as tools to lower the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection

The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak has infected a vast population across the world, causing more than 664 million cases and 6.7 million deaths by January 2023. Vaccination has been effective in reducing the most critical aftermath of this infection, but some issues are still present regarding re-infection prevention, effectiveness against variants, vaccine hesitancy and worldwide accessibility. Moreover, although several old and new antiviral drugs have been tested, we still lack robust and specific treatment modalities. It appears of utmost importance, facing this continuously growing pandemic, to focus on alternative practices grounded on firm scientific bases. In this article, we aim to outline a rigorous scientific background and propose complementary nutritional tools useful toward containment, and ultimately control, of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In particular, we review the mechanisms of viral entry and discuss the role of polyunsaturated fatty acids derived from α-linolenic acid and other nutrients in preventing the interaction of SARS-CoV-2 with its entry gateways. In a similar way, we analyze in detail the role of herbal-derived pharmacological compounds and specific microbial strains or microbial-derived polypeptides in the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 entry. In addition, we highlight the role of probiotics, nutrients and herbal-derived compounds in stimulating the immunity response.

Biochemical Characteristics and Potential Biomedical Applications of Hydrolyzed Carrageenans

Seaweed contains a variety of bioactive compounds; the most abundant of them are polysaccharides, which have significant biological and chemical importance. Although algal polysaccharides, especially the sulfated polysaccharides, have great potential in the pharmaceutical, medical and cosmeceutical sectors, the large molecular size often limits their industrial applications. The current study aims to determine the bioactivities of degraded red algal polysaccharides by several in vitro experiments. The molecular weight was determined by size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), and the structure was confirmed by FTIR and NMR. In comparison to the original furcellaran, the furcellaran with lower molecular weight had higher OH scavenging activities. The reduction in molecular weight of the sulfated polysaccharides resulted in a significant decrease in anticoagulant activities. Tyrosinase inhibition improved 2.5 times for hydrolyzed furcellaran. The alamarBlue assay was used to determine the effects of different Mw of furcellaran, κ-carrageenan and ι-carrageenan on the cell viability of RAW264.7, HDF and HaCaT cell lines. It was found that hydrolyzed κ-carrageenan and ι-carrageenan enhanced cell proliferation and improved wound healing, whereas hydrolyzed furcellaran did not affect cell proliferation in any of the cell lines. Nitric oxide (NO) production decreased sequentially as the Mw of the polysaccharides decreased, which indicates that hydrolyzed κ-Carrageenan, ι-carrageenan and furcellaran have the potential to treat inflammatory disease. These findings suggested that the bioactivities of polysaccharides were highly dependent on their Mw, and the hydrolyzed carrageenans could be used in new drug development as well as cosmeceutical applications.

Scutellaria petiolata Hemsl. ex Lace & Prain (Lamiaceae).: A New Insight in Biomedical Therapies

The recent investigation was designed to explore Scutellaria petiolata Hemsl. ex Lace & Prain (Lamiaceae) whole plant in various extracts (methanol (SPM), dichloromethane (SPDCM), n-Hexane (SPNH), and aqueous (SPAQ) for a phytochemicals assessment, ESI-LC-MS chemical analysis, in vitro antimicrobials, and antioxidants and in vivo anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential. The qualitative detection shows that all the representative groups were present in the analyzed samples. The examined samples display the greatest amount of total flavonoid content (TFC, 78.2 ± 0.22 mg QE/mg) and total phenolic contents (TPC, 66.2 ± 0.33 mg GAE/g) in the SPM extract. The SPM extract proceeded to the ESI-LC-MS to identify the chemical constituents that presented nineteen bioactive ingredients, depicted for the first time from S. petiolata mainly contributed by flavonoids. The analyzed samples produced considerable capability to defy the microbes. The SPM extract was observed effective and offered an appreciable zone of inhibition (ZOI), 17.8 ± 0.04 mm against the bacterial strain Salmonellatyphi and 18.8 ± 0.04 mm against Klebsiella pneumonia. Moreover, the SPM extract also exhibited 19.4 ± 0.01 mm against the bacterial strains Bacillus atrophaeus and 18.8 ± 0.04 mm against Bacillus subtilis in comparison to the standard levofloxacin (Gram-negative) and erythromycin (Gram-positive) bacterial strains that displayed 23.6 ± 0.02 mm and 23.2 ± 0.05 mm ZOI, correspondingly. In addition to that, the SPD fraction was noticed efficiently against the fungal strains used with ZOI 19.07 ± 0.02 mm against Aspergillus parasiticus and 18.87 ± 0.04 mm against the Aspergillus niger as equated to the standard with 21.5 ± 0.02 mm ZOI. In the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) analysis, the SPM extract had the maximum scavenging capacity with IC₅₀ of 78.75 ± 0.19 µg/mL succeeded by the SPDCM fraction with an IC₅₀ of 140.50 ± 0.20 µg/mL free radicals scavenging potential. Through the ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assay, the similar extract (SPM) presented an IC₅₀ = 85.91 ± 0.24 µg/mL followed by the SPDCM fractions with IC₅₀ = 182.50 ± 0.35 µg/mL, and n-Hexane fractions were reported to be the least active between the tested samples in comparison to ascorbic acid of IC₅₀ = 67.14 ± 0.25 µg/mL for DPPH and IC₅₀ of 69.96 ± 0.18 µg/mL for ABTS assay. In the in vivo activities, the SPM extract was the most effective with 55.14% inhibition as compared to diclofenac sodium with 70.58% inhibition against animals. The same SPM crude extract with 50.88% inhibition had the most analgesic efficacy as compared to aspirin having 62.19% inhibition. Hence, it was assumed from our results that all the tested samples, especially the SPM and SPDCM extracts, have significant capabilities for the investigated activities that could be due to the presence of the bioactive compounds. Further research is needed to isolate the responsible chemical constituents to produce innovative medications.

Phytochemical Profiling and Bio-Potentiality of Genus Scutellaria: Biomedical Approach

Scutellaria (Lamiaceae) comprises over 360 species. Based on its morphological structure of calyx, also known as Skullcap, it is herbaceous by habit and cosmopolitan by habitat. The species of Scutellaria are widely used in local communities as a natural remedy. The genus contributed over three hundred bioactive compounds mainly represented by flavonoids and phenols, chemical ingredients which serve as potential candidates for the therapy of various biological activities. Thus, the current review is an attempt to highlight the biological significance and its correlation to various isolated bioactive ingredients including flavonoids, terpenoids, phenols, alkaloids, and steroids. However, flavonoids were the dominant group observed. The findings of the Scutellaria reveal that due to its affluent basis of numerous chemical ingredients it has a diverse range of pharmacological potentials, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifeedant, enzyme inhibition, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic significance. Currently, various bioactive ingredients have been investigated for various biological activities from the genus Scutellaria in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, these data help us to highlight its biomedical application and to isolate the responsible compounds to produce innovative medications as an alternative to synthetic drugs.

Flavonoids from Scutellaria barbata D. Don exert antitumor activity in colorectal cancer through inhibited autophagy and promoted apoptosis via ATF4/sestrin2 pathway

PURPOSE

Scutellaria barbata D. Don (SB), mainly containing flavonoids, has been frequently used for cancer treatment. However, little research has investigated the antitumor activity of flavonoids from SB (FSB). The current study aimed to assess the antitumor effect of TFSB and elucidate the probable underlying mechanism in vivo and in vitro.

STUDY DESIGN

FSB was prepared, and its chemical composition was characterized by HPLC-MS. Colorectal HCT116 cells were treated with various concentration of FSB. The viability, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and autophagy of HCT116 cells were studied, as were further confirmed in tumor xenografts.

METHODS

Cell viability and proliferation were respectively examined by MTT and EdU staining. ROS was determined with DCFH-DA, and cell apoptosis was detected using flow cytometry. Transwell and wound-healing assays were performed to evaluate cell migration. Immunofluorescence was employed to evaluate sestrin2 and ATF4 level. The protein expressions of p-AMPK, p-ULK1, p-mTOR, 4E-BP1, LC3-I/II, cleaved-caspase-3, Bax, and bcl-2 were investigated by western blot. ATF4 was overexpressed in experiments to explore the role of ATF4/sestrin2 pathway in FSB-mediated efficacy.

RESULTS

FSB clearly reduced the cell viability, promoted ROS generation, and induced apoptosis in HCT116 cells by down-regulated Bcl-2, and increased cleaved-caspase-3 and Bax. Furthermore, FSB significantly inhibited migration of colorectal cells in a dose-dependent manner. Further mechanistic study indicated that FSB upregulated p-mTOR protein level, and reduced p-AMPK, p-ULK1, p-mTOR, p-4E-BP1 and LC3-I/II expression, which were major autophagy-related genes. In addition, FSB could cause downregulation of endogenous mTOR inhibitor sestrin2 and ATF4 expression. Transient overexpression of ATF4 resulted in mTOR and sestrin2 inhibition, and significantly compromised the effects of FSB on apoptosis and autophagy in HCT116 cells.

CONCLUSION

Our results reveal, for the first time, that FSB exerts antitumor activity through autophagy inhibition and apoptosis induction via ATF4/sestrin2 pathway in colorectal cancer cells. Scutellaria barbata D. Don may have great potential in the application for the prevention and treatment of human colorectal cancer.

Role of medicinal plants in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 and in the management of post-COVID-19 complications

BACKGROUND

The worldwide corona virus disease outbreak, generally known as COVID-19 pandemic outbreak resulted in a major health crisis globally. The morbidity and transmission modality of COVID-19 appear more severe and uncontrollable. The respiratory failure and following cardiovascular complications are the main pathophysiology of this deadly disease. Several therapeutic strategies are put forward for the development of safe and effective treatment against SARS-CoV-2 virus from the pharmacological view point but till date there are no specific treatment regimen developed for this viral infection.

PURPOSE

The present review emphasizes the role of herbs and herbs-derived secondary metabolites in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 virus and also for the management of post-COVID-19 related complications. This approach will foster and ensure the safeguards of using medicinal plant resources to support the healthcare system. Plant-derived phytochemicals have already been reported to prevent the viral infection and to overcome the post-COVID complications like parkinsonism, kidney and heart failure, liver and lungs injury and mental problems. In this review, we explored mechanistic approaches of herbal medicines and their phytocomponenets as antiviral and post-COVID complications by modulating the immunological and inflammatory states.

STUDY DESIGN

Studies related to diagnosis and treatment guidelines issued for COVID-19 by different traditional system of medicine were included. The information was gathered from pharmacological or non-pharmacological interventions approaches. The gathered information sorted based on therapeutic application of herbs and their components against SARSCoV-2 and COVID-19 related complications.

METHODS

A systemic search of published literature was conducted from 2003 to 2021 using different literature database like Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus and Web of Science to emphasize relevant articles on medicinal plants against SARS-CoV-2 viral infection and Post-COVID related complications.

RESULTS

Collected published literature from 2003 onwards yielded with total 625 articles, from more than 18 countries. Among these 625 articles, more than 95 medicinal plants and 25 active phytomolecules belong to 48 plant families. Reports on the therapeutic activity of the medicinal plants belong to the Lamiaceae family (11 reports), which was found to be maximum reported from 4 different countries including India, China, Australia, and Morocco. Other reports on the medicinal plant of Asteraceae (7 reports), Fabaceae (8 reports), Piperaceae (3 reports), Zingiberaceae (3 reports), Ranunculaceae (3 reports), Meliaceae (4 reports) were found, which can be explored for the development of safe and efficacious products targeting COVID-19.

CONCLUSION

Keeping in mind that the natural alternatives are in the priority for the management and prevention of the COVID-19, the present review may help to develop an alternative approach for the management of COVID-19 viral infection and post-COVID complications from a mechanistic point of view.

Characterization of the chemical constituents and in vivo metabolic profile of Scutellaria barbata D. Don by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry

Scutellaria barbata D. Don (S. barbata) is one of the most frequently used anticancer herb medicine in China. Mechanistic understanding of the biological activities of S. barbata is hindered by limited knowledge regarding its components and metabolic profile. In this study, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry (quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry,) was used to identify the chemical constituents in S. barbata and their metabolic profiles in rats. By applying cleavage rules and comparison with reference substances, 89 components were identified, which included 45 flavonoids, 28 diterpenoids, 10 phenolics, and 6 others. A total of 110 compounds, including 32 prototype compounds and 78 metabolites, were identified or tentatively characterized in vivo. Methylation, sulfonation, and glucuronidation were the main metabolic pathways, which could be attributed to the fact that several of the compounds in S. barbata have phenolic hydroxyl groups. This is the first systematic study on the chemical constituents and in vivo metabolic profile of S. barbata. The analytical method features a quick and comprehensive dissection of the chemical composition and metabolic profile of S. barbata and provides a basis for exploring its various biological activates. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Ethnobotanical Survey on Bitter Tea in Taiwan

Ethnopharmacological evidence: In Taiwan, herbal tea is considered a traditional medicine and has been consumed for hundreds of years. In contrast to regular tea, herbal teas are prepared using plants other than the regular tea plant, Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze. Bitter tea (kǔ-chá), a series of herbal teas prepared in response to common diseases in Taiwan, is often made from local Taiwanese plants. However, the raw materials and formulations have been kept secret and verbally passed down by store owners across generations without a fixed recipe, and the constituent plant materials have not been disclosed.

Aim of the study: The aim was to determine the herbal composition of bitter tea sold in Taiwan, which can facilitate further studies on pharmacological applications and conserve cultural resources.

Materials and methods: Interviews were conducted through a semi-structured questionnaire. The surveyed respondents were traditional sellers of traditional herbal tea. The relevant literature was collated for a systematic analysis of the composition, characteristics, and traditional and modern applications of the plant materials used in bitter tea. We also conducted an association analysis of the composition of Taiwanese bitter tea with green herb tea (qing-cao-cha tea), another commonly consumed herbal tea in Taiwan, as well as herbal teas in neighboring areas outside Taiwan.

Results: After visiting a total of 59 stores, we identified 32 bitter tea formulations and 73 plant materials. Asteraceae was the most commonly used family, and most stores used whole plants. According to a network analysis of nine plant materials used in high frequency as drug pairs, Tithonia diversifolia and Ajuga nipponensis were found to be the core plant materials used in Taiwanese bitter tea.

Conclusion: Plant materials used in Taiwanese bitter tea were distinct, with multiple therapeutic functions. Further research is required to clarify their efficacy and mechanisms.

Network pharmacology-based strategy to investigate the active ingredients and molecular mechanisms of Scutellaria Barbata D. Don against radiation pneumonitis

INTRODUCTION

Herbal medicines combined with radiotherapy significantly reduced the incidence of radiation pneumonitis (RP), and the Scutellaria barbata D. Don (SBD) is a perennial herb that has been reported to protect against radiation-induced pneumonitis. However, the exact molecular mechanism is not known. The objective of this research was to investigate the against radiation pneumonitis ingredients and their functional mechanisms in SBD.

METHODS

Based on the network pharmacology approaches, we collected active ingredients and target genes in SBD against RP through Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology (TCMSP) Database, and the "Herb-Ingredients-Target Genes-Disease" Network was constructed by using of Cytoscape. STRING analysis was performed to reveal the protein-protein interactions, and then we applied enrichment analysis on these target proteins, gene function, and pathways.

RESULTS

A total of 18 ingredients in SBD regulate 65 RP related target proteins, which show that quercetin, luteolin, baicalein, wogonin may be the key active ingredients, while IL6, AKT1, VEGFA, MMP9, CCL2, prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) (cyclooxygenase-2 [COX-2]), CXCL8, IL1B, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK1), and IL10 were identified as critical targets. Besides, the results of Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis indicated that predicted targets of SBD are mostly associated with the pathological process of oxidative stress and inflammation. AGE- Receptor of Advanced Glycation Endproducts (RAGE) signaling pathway in diabetic complications, IL-17 signaling pathway, hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) signaling pathway, NF-kappa B signaling pathway might serve as the principal pathways for RP treatment.

CONCLUSION

In our study, the pharmacological and molecular mechanism of SBD against RP was predicted from a holistic perspective, and the results provided theoretical guidance for researchers to explore the mechanism in further research.

neo-Clerodane Diterpenoids from the Aerial Parts of Scutellaria barbata with Anti-Inflammatory Activity

The bioactivity-guided isolation on the Scutellaria barbata extract resulted in the purification of four undescribed neo-clerodane diterpenoids, scuttenlines A-D (1-4), alone with 20 known diterpenoids (5-24). The chemical structures of them were elaborated by extensive spectroscopic means, including 1D, 2D-NMR and HR-MS. The anti-inflammatory potential ability of 1-24 was screened in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated mouse RAW 264.7 cells. Scuttenline C (IC₅₀ =1.9 μM) and 18 (IC₅₀ =3.7 μM) exhibited potent activity to inhibit NO production.

Scutellaria barbata D.Don and Oldenlandia diffusa (Willd.) Roxb crude extracts inhibit hepatitis-B-virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma growth through regulating circRNA expression

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Scutellaria barbata D.Don (SB) and Oldenlandia diffusa (Willd.) Roxb are commonly known as Ban Zhi Lian and Bai Hua She Cao in Chinese herbal medicines, respectively. As a pair of herbs, they have traditionally been used as ethnomedicines for clearing away heat and toxins, removing blood stasis, and promoting blood circulation, diuresis, and detumescence.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of the present study was to determine the active ingredients in SB and OD extracts and to investigate whether these extracts can inhibit the growth of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines (HepG2.2.15 and Hep3B) in vitro and in vivo, as well as to explore their mechanisms of action.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We determined the levels of total flavonoids, luteolin, and apigenin in SB and OD extracts via ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry and high-performance liquid chromatography. The effects of SB and OD extracts on HBV-associated HCC cell growth were assessed by HepG2.2.15 and Hep3B cells phenotype and RNA sequencing of Hep3B cells in vitro, and xenograft models in vivo.

RESULTS

The extracts of SB and OD contained total flavonoids. There were active ingredients of luteolin and apigenin in SB, but not in OD. The extracts of SB and OD significantly inhibited HCC growth, migration, invasion, and HBV activity in vitro and in vivo, as well as altered circRNA expression in Hep3B cells. Moreover, we constructed a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA co-expression network.

CONCLUSIONS

The extracts of SB and OD may inhibit HCC cell growth and HBV activity in vitro and in vivo through altering circRNA-miRNA-gene expression and that the efficacies of these extracts may be related to the presence of luteolin and apigenin.

Biomedical Applications of Scutellaria edelbergii Rech. f.: In Vitro and In Vivo Approach

In the current study, in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant activities and in vivo anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of Scutellaria edelbergii Rech. f. (crude extract and subfractions, i.e., n-hexane, ethyl acetate (EtOAc), chloroform, n-butanol (n-BuOH) and aqueous) were explored. Initially, extraction and fractionation of the selected medicinal plant were carried out, followed by phytochemical qualitative tests, which were mostly positive for all the extracts. EtOAc fraction possessed a significant amount of phenolic (79.2 ± 0.30 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid (84.0 ± 0.39 mg QE/g) content. The EtOAc fraction of S. edelbergii exhibited appreciable antibacterial activity against Gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae) strains and significant zones of inhibition were observed against Gram-positive bacterial strains (Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus). However, it was found inactive against Candida Albicans and Fusarium oxysporum fungal strains. The chloroform fraction was the most effective with an IC₅₀ value of 172 and 74 µg/mL against DPPH (1,1-Diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl) and ABTS assays, in comparison with standard ascorbic acid 59 and 63 µg/mL, respectively. Moreover, the EtOAc fraction displayed significant in vivo anti-inflammatory activity (54%) using carrageenan-induced assay and significant (55%) in vivo analgesic activity using acetic acid-induced writing assay. In addition, nine known compounds, ursolic acid (UA), ovaul (OV), oleanolic acid (OA), β-sitosterol (BS), micromeric acid (MA), taraxasterol acetate (TA), 5,3',4'-trihydroxy-7-methoxy flavone (FL-1), 5,7,4'-trihydroxy-6,3'-dimiethoxyflavone (FL-2) and 7-methoxy catechin (FL-3), were isolated from methanolic extract of S. edelbergii. These constituents have never been obtained from this source. The structures of all the isolated constituents were elucidated by spectroscopic means. In conclusion, the EtOAc fraction and all other fractions of S. edelbergii, in general, displayed a significant role as antibacterial, free radical scavenger, anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents which may be due to the presence of these constituents and other flavonoids.

Traditional uses, ten-years research progress on phytochemistry and pharmacology, and clinical studies of the genus Scutellaria

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Scutellaria (Lamiaceae), which includes approximately 360-469 accepted species, is widespread in Europe, North America, East Asia, and South America. Several species have a long history being used as traditional medicines to treat respiratory, peptic, neurological, and hepatic and gall diseases. The phytochemistry and pharmacology of the genus Scutellaria have been developed dramatically in the past ten years, and the traditional uses and clinical studies of the genus have not been systematically summarized. Therefore, it is especially valuable to review the current state of knowledge to provide a basis for further exploration of its medicinal potential.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

The review aims to provide updated information on the ethnopharmacology, the ten-year research progress of phytochemistry and pharmacology, and clinical studies of Scutellaria and to explore the potential medicinal values and further studies of Scutellaria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This review is based on published studies and books from the library and electronic sources, including SciFinder, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Baidu Scholar, CNKI, the online ethnobotanical database, and ethnobotanical monographs. This literature is related to ethnopharmacology, the ten-year research progress on the phytochemistry and pharmacology, and clinical studies of Scutellaria.

RESULTS

A total of 50 species, 5 subspecies and 17 varieties of the genus Scutellaria are used as traditional medicine with various biological activities. In the past ten years, 208 chemical constituents have been identified from 16 species and 1 variety of the genus Scutellaria, such as neo-clerodane diterpenoids, sesterterpenoids, terpenoids, flavonoids. Pharmacological research has demonstrated that the extracts and compounds identified from this genus exhibit extensive biological activities, including anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial activities, effects on cardiovascular, cerebrovascular diseases as well as hepatoprotective and neuroprotective effects. The species S. baicalensis, S. barbata, and S. lateriflora and the main compounds baicalein, baicalin and wogonin are involved in clinical trials, which point the way for us to conduct further studies, such as study on the anticancer, antihypertensive, anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and other effects of Scutellaria.

CONCLUSIONS

The species included in the genus Scutellaria can be used to treat cancer, infection, hepatic disorders, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and other diseases. Some indications in traditional medicines have been confirmed by modern pharmacological studies, such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-infective activity, and hepatoprotective and neuroprotective effects. The available literature indicated that most of the bioactivities could be attributed to flavonoids and neo-clerodane diterpenoids. Although there are some uses of Scutellaria in clinical practice, the existing research on this genus is still limited. In order to expand the development of medicinal resources of Scutellaria, the already studied species in this genus are recommended for more comprehensive investigation on their active substances, pharmacological mechanisms, quality control, clinical use and new drug research. Additionally, it is necessary to study species that their chemical composition or pharmacological activity have not yet been investigated, especially those used in folk medicine.

Analyzing the Carotenoid Composition of Melilot (Melilotus officinalis (L.) Pall.) Extracts and the Effects of Isolated (All-E)-lutein-5,6-epoxide on Primary Sensory Neurons and Macrophages

Melilotus officinalis is known to contain several types of secondary metabolites. In contrast, the carotenoid composition of this medicinal plant has not been investigated, although it may also contribute to the biological activities of the drug, such as anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, this study focuses on the isolation and identification of carotenoids from Meliloti herba and on the effect of isolated (all-E)-lutein 5,6-epoxide on primary sensory neurons and macrophages involved in nociception, as well as neurogenic and non-neurogenic inflammatory processes. The composition of the plant extracts was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The main carotenoid was isolated by column liquid chromatography (CLC) and identified by MS and NMR. The effect of water-soluble lutein 5,6-epoxide-RAMEB (randomly methylated-β-cyclodextrin) was investigated on Ca2+-influx in rat primary sensory neurons induced by the activation of the transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 receptor agonist to mustard-oil and on endotoxin-induced IL-1β release from isolated mouse peritoneal macrophages. (all-E)-Lutein 5,6-epoxide significantly decreased the percent of responsive primary sensory neurons compared to the vehicle-treated stimulated control. Furthermore, endotoxin-evoked IL-1β release from macrophages was significantly decreased by 100 µM lutein 5,6-epoxide compared to the vehicle-treated control. The water-soluble form of lutein 5,6-epoxide-RAMEB decreases the activation of primary sensory neurons and macrophages, which opens perspectives for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory applications.

Scutellaria barbata: A Review on Chemical Constituents, Pharmacological Activities and Clinical Applications

Scutellaria barbata has a long history of medical use in Traditional Chinese Medicine for removing heat and toxic material, promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, and inducing diuresis to reduce edema. Recent pharmacology investigations have provided evidence for its anti-cancer, bacteriostasis, anti-virus, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation and immunity enhancement properties. The efficacy of activating blood circulation and removing blood stasis has unique advantages in the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. A total of 84 compounds have been isolated from S. barbata and are characterized mainly as flavonoids, diterpenoids, followed by polysaccharide, volatile oil and steroids. Peer-reviewed articles published over the last few years were gathered by consulting the databases PubMed, Elsevier, Springer, and Chinese Herbal Classics. This review mainly focuses on the pharmacologically active constituents isolated from S. barbata，which have been subjected to in vitro and/or in vivo studies. Although, the chemical components, pharmacological activities, toxicology, clinical applications and mechanisms of action of S. barbata have been investigated, many constituents remain unknown. Further investigations are required to investigate the medicinal properties of S. barbata.

A review of the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and quality control of Scutellaria barbata D. Don

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Scutellaria barbata D. Don (S. barbata) is a well-known perennial herb that is used in traditional Chinese and Korean medicine. In China, it is known as Ban Zhi Lian, while in Korea, it is known as Banjiryun. In the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) system, S. barbata has heat-clearing and detoxifying properties (Qingre Jiedu in Chinese).

AIM OF THE REVIEW

To provide a systematic review on current multifaceted understanding of S. barbata, with particular emphasis on the correlation between its traditional applications and pharmacological activities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All available S. barbata-related information from internet databases, including PubMed, Science Direct, Elsevier, China National Knowledge Internet, and Google Scholar (up to October 2018) were searched. Additional information was gathered from classical books on Chinese Herbals, Chinese Pharmacopoeia, and so on.

RESULTS

In the TCM system, S. barbata is mainly prescribed for its heat-clearing and detoxifying effects. More than 203 compounds have been isolated and identified from this herb, with neo-clerodane diterpenoids and flavonoids as the main compounds. Most neo-clerodanes have been demonstrated to have cytotoxic effects against different cancer cell types in vitro. The S. barbata extracts exhibited anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antitumor, and other pharmacological activities. To add, flavonoids, including wogonin, baicalein, apigenin, naringenin, and scutellarin, were identified as the key to quality control.

CONCLUSIONS

The heat-clearing effects of S. barbata could be attributed to its anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activities, whereas its detoxifying effects might be due to the anti-microbial functions of neo-clerodane diterpenoids and flavones. S. barbata may display anti-tumor effects and through active ingredient analysis, neo-clerodane diterpenoids are suggested to be its representative compounds. Overall, many pre-clinical studies have been conducted but very little concrete evidences are available on its specific effects, which are of therapeutic relevance.

Fluorescent Carbon Quantum Dots-Synthesis,Functionalization and Sensing Application in FoodAnalysis

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) with stable physicochemical properties are one of theemerging carbon nanomaterials that have been studied in recent years. In addition to the excellentoptical properties such as photoluminescence, photobleaching resistance and light stability, thismaterial also has favorable advantages of good biocompatibility and easy functionalization, whichmake it an ideal raw material for constructing sensing equipment. In addition, CQDs can combinedwith other kinds of materials to form the nanostructured composites with unique properties, whichprovides new insights and ideas for the research of many fields. In the field of food analysis,emerging CQDs have been deeply studied in food composition analysis, detection and monitoringtrace harmful substances and made remarkable research progress. This article introduces andcompares the various methods for CQDs preparation and reviews its related sensing applicationsas a new material in food components analysis and food safety inspection in recent years. It isexpected to provide a significant guidance for the further study of CQDs in the field of foodanalysis and detection. CQDs; synthesis; fluorescent sensing; food analysis.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of target anthocyanins di-glucosides isolated from Syzygium cumini pulp by high speed counter-current chromatography

High-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) was utilized as an effective procedure for isolation of targeted three anthocyanins di-glucosides from Syzygium cumini (SC) pulp by using an optimized biphasic successful combination of different solvents. The resulted fractions described by HPLC/ESI-MS to be delphinidin 3,5-diglucoside (DDG), petunidin 3,5-diglucoside (PDG), and malvidin 3,5-diglucoside (MDG). A weight of 150 mg of sample yielded 7.53, 22.68, and 39.09 mg for DDG, PDG, and MDG, respectively. It was stated that the target three anthocyanins possessed strong antioxidant activities. Furthermore, MDG exhibited definite advantages for inhibition of nitric oxide release and pro-inflammatory mediators like mouse interleukin 6 (IL-6), mouse interleukin (IL-1β) and mouse tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophages. The results propose that HSCCC can be utilized to separate highly antioxidative and anti-inflammatory natural components from SC pulp. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Anthocyanins are water-soluble pigments and considered one of the groups of bioactive compounds, which generally concentrate in the skin, and often also the flesh of some fruits and vegetables as glycosides like acylglycosides and aglycones of anthocyanidins. The fully ripe fruits of SC contain anthocyanins, like as delphinidin, cyanidin, and petunidin, which supply them a distinctive color and good antioxidant characteristics. HSCCC considers a system of liquid-liquid extraction with separating large quantities of materials, using a minimum of solvent. The findings of the study would pave a separation strategy for potential large-scale preparation of anthocyanins di-glucosides standards for compounds detection and reduce the inflammation symptoms through declining the induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6, which will also enhance the future notification on the structure-activity correlations of anthocyanins di-glucosides.

Effect of the Chinese Medicine YangZheng XiaoJi on Reducing Fatigue in Mice with Orthotopic Transplantation of Colon Cancer

Background

Fatigue is a common, distressing, and persistent symptom for patients with malignant tumor including colorectal cancer (CRC). Although studies of cancer-related fatigue (CRF) have sprung out in recent years, the pathophysiological mechanisms that induce CRF remain unclear, and effective therapeutic interventions have yet to be established.

Methods

To investigate the effect of the traditional Chinese medicine YangZheng XiaoJi (YZXJ) on CRF, we constructed orthotopic colon cancer mice, randomly divided into YZXJ group and control (NS) group. Physical or mental fatigue was respectively assessed by swimming exhaustion time or suspension tail resting time. At the end of the experiment, serum was collected to measure the expression level of inflammatory factors by ELISA and feces to microbiota changes by 16s rDNA, and hepatic glycogen content was detected via the anthrone method.

Result

The nutritional status of the YZXJ group was better than that of the control group, and there was no statistical difference in tumor weight. The swimming exhaustion times of YZXJ group and control group were (162.80 ± 14.67) s and (117.60 ± 13.42, P < 0.05) s, respectively; the suspension tail resting time of YZXJ group was shorter than that of the control group (49.85 ± 4.56) s and (68.83 ± 7.26) s, P < 0.05)). Serum levels of IL-1β and IL-6 in YZXJ group were significantly lower than the control group (P < 0.05). Liver glycogen in YZXJ group was (5.18 ± 3.11) mg/g liver tissue, which was significantly higher than that in control group (2.95 ± 2.06) mg/g liver tissue (P < 0.05). At phylum level, increased abundance of Bacteroidetes, Verrucomicrobia, Actinobacteria, and Cyanobacteria and decreased Proteobacteria in YZXJ group emerged as the top differences between the two groups, and the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio was decreased in YZXJ group compared to the control group. At genus level, the abundance of Parabacteroides, unidentified Saprospiraceae, and Elizabethkingia which all belong to phylum Bacteroidetes were increased, while Arcobacter, Marinobacter, Alkanindiges, Sulfuricurvum, Haliangium, and Thiobacillus in phylum Proteobacteria were decreased after YZXJ intervention. YZXJ can also increase Pirellula, Microbacterium, and Alpinimonas and decrease Rubrobacter and Iamia.

Conclusion

YZXJ may reduce the physical and mental fatigue caused by colorectal cancer by inhibiting inflammatory reaction, promoting hepatic glycogen synthesis, and changing the composition of intestinal microbiota.