Phosphorylation and antiaging activity of polysaccharide from Trichosanthes peel

Revealing the exceptional antioxidant activity of phosphorylated polysaccharides from medicinal Abrus cantoniensis Hance

Abrus cantoniensis Polysaccharides (ACP) exhibit antioxidant activity and immune-regulatory functions. Abrus cantoniensis Hance widely distributed in the Guangdong and Guangxi regions of China. In this study, this research investigated the impact of phosphorylation modification on the biological activity of ACP, aiming to provide theoretical insights for its development. This research modified ACP through phosphorylation and evaluated changes in its in vitro antioxidant capacity, including free radical scavenging and resistance to cellular oxidative damage. Additionally, this research administered both native ACP and phosphorylated ACP (P-ACP) to mice to assess their protective effects against acute ethanol-induced oxidative injury. This research explored whether these effects were mediated through the Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway and their influence on gut microbiota. Results revealed that phosphorylation significantly enhanced ACP's antioxidant capacity and protective effects (p < 0.05). P-ACP improved mice resistance to acute oxidative injury, mitigating the adverse effects of 50 % ethanol (p < 0.05). Moreover, both ACP and P-ACP are involved in modulating the expression of the Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway and, to some extent, alter the composition of the gut microbiota in mice. In summary, phosphorylation modification effectively enhances ACP's antioxidant capacity and provides better protection against acute oxidative injury in mice.

Polysaccharides in fruits: Biological activities, structures, and structure-activity relationships and influencing factors-A review

Fruits are a rich source of polysaccharides, and an increasing number of studies have shown that polysaccharides from fruits have a wide range of biological functions. Here, we thoroughly review recent advances in the study of the bioactivities, structures, and structure-activity relationships of fruit polysaccharides, especially highlighting the structure-activity influencing factors such as extraction methods and chemical modifications. Different extraction methods cause differences in the primary structures of polysaccharides, which in turn lead to different polysaccharide biological activities. Differences in the degree of modification, molecular weight, substitution position, and chain conformation caused by chemical modification can all affect the biological activities of fruit polysaccharides. Furthermore, we summarize the applications of fruit polysaccharides in the fields of pharmacy and medicine, foods, cosmetics, and materials. The challenges and perspectives for fruit polysaccharide research are also discussed.

Tailor-Made Polysaccharides for Biomedical Applications

Polysaccharides (PSAs) are carbohydrate-based macromolecules widely used in the biomedical field, either in their pure form or in blends/nanocomposites with other materials. The relationship between structure, properties, and functions has inspired scientists to design multifunctional PSAs for various biomedical applications by incorporating unique molecular structures and targeted bulk properties. Multiple strategies, such as conjugation, grafting, cross-linking, and functionalization, have been explored to control their mechanical properties, electrical conductivity, hydrophilicity, degradability, rheological features, and stimuli-responsiveness. For instance, custom-made PSAs are known for their worldwide biomedical applications in tissue engineering, drug/gene delivery, and regenerative medicine. Furthermore, the remarkable advancements in supramolecular engineering and chemistry have paved the way for mission-oriented biomaterial synthesis and the fabrication of customized biomaterials. These materials can synergistically combine the benefits of biology and chemistry to tackle important biomedical questions. Herein, we categorize and summarize PSAs based on their synthesis methods, and explore the main strategies used to customize their chemical structures. We then highlight various properties of PSAs using practical examples. Lastly, we thoroughly describe the biomedical applications of tailor-made PSAs, along with their current existing challenges and potential future directions.

Progress of plant-derived non-starch polysaccharides and their challenges and applications in future foods

The development of future food is devoted not only to obtaining a sustainable food supply but also to providing high-quality foods for humans. Plant-derived non-starch polysaccharides (PNPs) are widely available, biocompatible, and nontoxic and have been largely applied to the food industry owing to their mechanical properties and biological activities. PNPs are considered excellent biomaterials and food ingredients contributing to future food development. However, a comprehensive review of the potential applications of PNPs in future food has not been reported. This review summarized the physicochemical and biological activities of PNPs and then discussed the structure-activity relationships of PNPs. Latest studies of PNPs on future foods including cell-cultured meat, food for special medical purposes (FSMPs), and three-dimensional-printed foods were reviewed. The challenges and prospects of PNPs applied to future food were critically proposed. PNPs with strong thermal stability are considered good thickeners, emulsifiers, and gelatinizers that greatly improve the processing adaptability of foods. The mechanical properties of PNPs and decellularized plant-based PNPs make them desirable scaffolds for cultured meat manufacturing. In addition, the biological activities of PNPs exhibit multiple health-promoting effects; therefore, PNPs can act as food ingredients producing FSMP to promote human health. Three-dimensional printing technology enhances food structures and biological activities of functional foods, which is in favor of expanding the application scopes of PNPs in future food. PNPs are promising in future food manufacturing, and more efforts need to be made to realize their commercial applications.

Progress in phosphorylation of natural products

Natural medicines are a valuable resource for the development of new drugs. However, factors such as low solubility and poor bioavailability of certain constituents have hindered their efficacy and potential as pharmaceuticals. Structural modification of natural products has emerged as an important research area for drug development. Phosphorylation groups, as crucial endogenous active groups, have been extensively utilized for structural modification and development of new drugs based on natural molecules. Incorporating phosphate groups into natural molecules not only enhances their stability, bioavailability, and pharmacological properties, but also improves their biological activity by altering their charge, hydrogen bonding, and spatial structure. This review summarizes the phosphorylation mechanism, modification approaches, and biological activity enhancement of natural medicines. Notably, compounds such as polysaccharides, flavonoids, terpenoids, anthraquinones, and coumarins exhibit increased antioxidation, anticancer, antiviral, immune regulatory, Antiaging, enzyme inhibition, bacteriostasis, liver protection, and lipid-lowering effects following phosphorylation modification.

Study of the structural characterization, physicochemical properties and antioxidant activities of phosphorylated long-chain inulin with different degrees of substitution

In this study, phosphorylated derivatives of long-chain inulin with different substitution degrees were prepared. The synthesized samples were named PFXL-1, PFXL-2, PFXL-3, and PFXL-4 according to their degree of substitution (from low to high). The structures of FXL and PFXL were characterized by infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and the results indicated the successful introduction of phosphate groups. FXL and PFXL were composed of two types of sugar, fructose and glucose, with a molar ratio of 0.977:0.023. The SEM results showed that phosphorylation changed the morphology of FXL from an irregular mass to small spherical aggregates. The XRD pattern showed that the crystallinity was reduced by the introduction of phosphate groups. The Mw of FXL was 2649 g/mol, and the Mw of PFXL-4 increased the most (2965 g/mol). Additionally, PFXL was more stable and uniform, and the absolute value of the PFXL potential reached 7.83 mV. Phosphorylation decreased the weight loss rate of FXL and improved the viscoelastic properties and antioxidant activity of FXL. This study presents a method for the modification of FXL, demonstrating that phosphorylation can enhance its physicochemical properties and physiological activity and suggesting its potential as a functional food and quality modifier.

Protective Effects and Mechanism of Polysaccharides from Edible Medicinal Plants in Alcoholic Liver Injury: A Review

Alcohol use accounts for a large variety of diseases, among which alcoholic liver injury (ALI) poses a serious threat to human health. In order to overcome the limitations of chemotherapeutic agents, some natural constituents, especially polysaccharides from edible medicinal plants (PEMPs), have been applied for the prevention and treatment of ALI. In this review, the protective effects of PEMPs on acute, subacute, subchronic, and chronic ALI are summarized. The pathogenesis of alcoholic liver injury is analyzed. The structure-activity relationship (SAR) and safety of PEMPs are discussed. In addition, the mechanism underlying the hepatoprotective activity of polysaccharides from edible medicinal plants is explored. PEMPs with hepatoprotective activities mainly belong to the families Orchidaceae, Solanaceae, and Liliaceae. The possible mechanisms of PEMPs include activating enzymes related to alcohol metabolism, attenuating damage from oxidative stress, regulating cytokines, inhibiting the apoptosis of hepatocytes, improving mitochondrial function, and regulating the gut microbiota. Strategies for further research into the practical application of PEMPs for ALI are proposed. Future studies on the mechanism of action of PEMPs will need to focus more on the utilization of multi-omics approaches, such as proteomics, epigenomics, and lipidomics.

Ultrasonic-assisted extraction, analysis and properties of mung bean peel polysaccharide

In order to improve the yield of mung bean peel polysaccharide, on the basis of single-factor experiments, the ultrasonic assisted extraction conditions were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM). The results showed that under the conditions of material-liquid ratio of 1: 40, temperature 77 °C, ultrasonic power 216 W and extraction time 47 min, the extraction rate of mung bean peel polysaccharide was the best, which was 2.55 %. The extracted polysaccharide was phosphorylated and its antioxidant activity in vitro was studied. The results suggested that the modified polysaccharide had a significant scavenging effect on hydroxyl radicals and enhanced the ability of anti-lipid peroxidation, which offered ideas and methods for the development and application of mung bean peel polysaccharide.

Structural Modification and Biological Activity of Polysaccharides

Natural polysaccharides are macromolecular substances with a wide range of biological activities. The structural modification of polysaccharides by chemical means can enhance their biological activity. This paper reviews the latest research reports on the chemical modification of natural polysaccharides. At present, the modification methods of polysaccharides mainly include sulfation, phosphorylation, carboxymethylation, socialization, methylation and acetylation. The chemical and physical structures of the modified polysaccharides were detected via ultraviolet spectroscopy, FT-IR, high-performance liquid chromatography, ultraviolet spectroscopy, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance and scanning electron microscopy. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that the modified polysaccharide has various biological activities, such as antioxidant, antitumor, immune regulation, antiviral, antibacterial and anticoagulant functions in vitro. This review provides fresh ideas for the research and application of polysaccharide structure modification.

Advances in Plant Polysaccharides as Antiaging Agents: Effects and Signaling Mechanisms

Aging refers to the gradual physiological changes that occur in an organism after reaching adulthood, resulting in senescence and a decline in biological functions, ultimately leading to death. Epidemiological evidence shows that aging is a driving factor in the developing of various diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, immune system disorders, cancer, and chronic low-grade inflammation. Natural plant polysaccharides have emerged as crucial food components in delaying the aging process. Therefore, it is essential to continuously investigate plant polysaccharides as potential sources of new pharmaceuticals for aging. Modern pharmacological research indicates that plant polysaccharides can exert antiaging effects by scavenging free radicals, increasing telomerase activity, regulating apoptosis, enhancing immunity, inhibiting glycosylation, improving mitochondrial dysfunction regulating gene expression, activating autophagy, and modulating gut microbiota. Moreover, the antiaging activity of plant polysaccharides is mediated by one or more signaling pathways, including IIS, mTOR, Nrf2, NF-κB, Sirtuin, p53, MAPK, and UPR signaling pathways. This review summarizes the antiaging properties of plant polysaccharides and signaling pathways participating in the polysaccharide-regulating aging process. Finally, we discuss the structure-activity relationships of antiaging polysaccharides.

Nanosilver-functionalized polysaccharides as a platform for wound dressing

Polysaccharides that are naturally sourced have enormous promise as wound dressings, due to their wider availability and reasonable cost and good biocompatibility. Furthermore, nanosilver extensively applied in wound treatment is attributed to its broad spectrum of antimicrobial effects and lesser drug resistance. Consequently, wound dressings in corporating nanosilver have attracted wide-scale interest in wound healing, and nanosilver-functionalized polysaccharide-based wound dressings present an affordable option for healing of chronic wounds. This review encompasses preparation methods, classification, and antibacterial performances of nanosilver wound dressings. The prospective research arenas of nanosilver-based wound polysaccharide dressings are also elaborated. The review attempts to include a summary of the most recent advancements in silver nanotechnology as well as guidance for the investigation of nanosilver-functionalized polysaccharide-based wound dressings.

Phosphorylated Trehalose Suppresses the Denaturation of Myofibrillar Proteins in Peeled Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) during Long-Term Frozen Storage

The protective effects of phosphorylated trehalose on the quality and characteristics of peeled shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) were determined. Quality changes in treated samples were evaluated by assessing the physicochemical properties of myofibrillar proteins (MP) and compared to fresh water-, sodium tripolyphosphate-, and trehalose-treated samples during 12 weeks of frozen storage. The sensitivity of MP to oxidation and denaturation was increased during frozen storage. Phosphorylated trehalose significantly improved the quality of shrimp by increasing water-holding capacity. Further analysis showed that the addition of phosphorylated trehalose reduced the decrease in soluble MP content, Ca²⁺-ATPase activity, and total sulfhydryl contents and also effectively inhibited the increase in the surface hydrophobicity of MP. In addition, atomic force microscopy and hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed that phosphorylated trehalose preserved the integrity of the myofibril microstructure. Thermal stability results further confirmed that the denaturation temperature and denaturation enthalpy of MP were improved by phosphorylated trehalose. Overall, phosphorylated trehalose suppresses the denaturation of MP in peeled shrimp during long-term frozen storage.

Synthesis and application of phosphorylated saccharides in researching carbohydrate-based drugs

Phosphorylated saccharides are valuable targets in glycochemistry and glycobiology, which play an important role in various physiological and pathological processes. The current research on phosphorylated saccharides primarily focuses on small molecule inhibitors, glycoconjugate vaccines and novel anti-tumour targeted drug carrier materials. It can maximise the pharmacological effects and reduce the toxicity risk caused by nonspecific off-target reactions of drug molecules. However, the number and types of natural phosphorylated saccharides are limited, and the complexity and heterogeneity of their structures after extraction and separation seriously restrict their applications in pharmaceutical development. The increasing demands for the research on these molecules have extensively promoted the development of carbohydrate synthesis. Numerous innovative synthetic methodologies have been reported regarding the continuous expansion of the potential building blocks, catalysts, and phosphorylation reagents. This review summarizes the latest methods for enzymatic and chemical synthesis of phosphorylated saccharides, emphasizing their breakthroughs in yield, reactivity, regioselectivity, and application scope. Additionally, the anti-bacterial, anti-tumour, immunoregulatory and other biological activities of some phosphorylated saccharides and their applications were also reviewed. Their structure-activity relationship and mechanism of action were discussed and the key phosphorylation characteristics, sites and extents responsible for observed biological activities were emphasised. This paper will provide a reference for the application of phosphorylated saccharide in the research of carbohydrate-based drugs in the future.

Antiaging Effects of Dietary Polysaccharides: Advance and Mechanisms

Aging is a process in which the various physiological functions of the body gradually deteriorate and eventually lead to death. During this process, the body’s resistance to external stresses gradually decreases and the aging-related diseases gradually are increased. Polysaccharides are a group of active substances extracted from living organisms and are widely found in plants, animals, and microorganisms. In the last decade, a variety of natural polysaccharides from functional and medicinal foods have attracted considerable interest for their beneficial effects in the prevention of chronic diseases such as cancers, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases. Interestingly, these polysaccharides have also been found to delay aging by reducing oxidative damage, inhibiting telomere shortening, and being anti-inflammatory in different animal models of aging. These reviews summarized the progresses in effects of polysaccharides on antiaging and the potential mechanisms and especially focused on the signaling pathways involved in the antiaging functions. Finally, the applications and prospects of the antiaging effects of polysaccharides are discussed.

Comprehensive analysis of natural polysaccharides from TCMs: a generic approach based on UPLC-MS/MS

Here, we report a new application using liquid chromatography-electrospray mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-MS) using aldononitrile acetate derivatives for simultaneous baseline separation and detection of eight neutral saccharides, two uronic acids, one ketose, and eight alditols within 14 min. The separation was performed on a Cortecs C₁₈ column using acetonitrile (A) and water (B) as the mobile phase with gradient elution. The target components were detected in selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode by mass spectrometry with an electrospray ionization (ESI) source operating in positive ionization mode. A comparison with traditional methods was used to determine the validity of the results. The UHPLC-ESI-MS method was used for quantitative analysis of free carbohydrates in water extracts of Crataegus pinnatifida as well as determination of Polygonatum cyrtonema and Glossy ganoderma monosaccharides in polysaccharides. The results demonstrate that this protocol is a comprehensive and effective technique for qualitative and quantitative analysis of plant polysaccharides from TCMs.

Preparation, structure and activity of polysaccharide phosphate esters

Polysaccharides have anti-virus, anti-cancer, anti-oxidation, immune regulation, hypoglycemia and other biological activities. Because of their safety, fewer side effects and other advantages, polysaccharides are considered as ideal raw materials in food and drugs. The biological activity of polysaccharides can be improved by structural modification (such as sulfation, carboxymethylation, phosphorylation, etc.), and even new biological activity can be generated. In this review, the recent advances in the phosphorylation of polysaccharides were reviewed from the perspectives of modification methods, structures, biological activities and structure-activity relationships.

Modifications of polysaccharide-based biomaterials under structure-property relationship for biomedical applications

Polysaccharides are well accepted biomaterials that have attracted considerable attention. Compared with other materials under research, polysaccharides show unique advantages: they are available in nature and are normally easily acquired, those acquired from nature show favorable immunogenicity, and are biodegradable and bioavailable. The bioactivity and possible applications are based on their chemical structure; however, naturally acquired polysaccharides sometimes have unwanted flaws that limit further applications. For this reason, carefully summarizing the possible modifications of polysaccharides to improve them is crucial. Structural modifications can not only provide polysaccharides with additional functional groups but also change their physicochemical properties. This review based on the structure-property relation summarizes the common chemical modifications of polysaccharides, the related bioactivity changes, possible functionalization methods, and major possible biomedical applications based on modified polysaccharides.

Synthesis and antioxidant activity of the inulin derivative bearing 1,2,3-triazole and diphenyl phosphate

In this paper, the inulin derivative (3) bearing 1,2,3-triazole and diphenyl phosphate was successfully synthesized by CuAAC Click chemistry. Detailed structural characterization was determined using FTIR spectroscopy, ¹H NMR spectroscopy, ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. The antioxidant activities against hydroxyl radicals, superoxide radicals, and DPPH radicals were estimated in vitro respectively. The results showed that the antioxidant activity of the inulin derivative (3) was significantly enhanced compared with inulin. The inulin derivative (3) exhibited stronger radical scavenging abilities, especially against hydroxyl radicals and superoxide radicals. The scavenging values of the inulin derivative (3) were 98.2% and 95.4% at 1.6 mg/mL against hydroxyl radicals and superoxide radicals respectively. Besides, the scavenging value of the inulin derivative (3) increased by about 40% to scavenge DPPH radicals at 1.6 mg/mL than inulin. The results showed that the inulin derivative (3) bearing 1,2,3-triazole and diphenyl phosphate exhibited tremendously enhanced antioxidant activity compared with inulin. The synthetic strategy might provide an effective way to prepare novel inulin antioxidant biomaterials.

Phosphorylation of polysaccharides: A review on the synthesis and bioactivities

Polysaccharides are macromolecules obtained from a wide range of sources and are known to have diverse biological activities. The biological activities of polysaccharides depend on their structure and physicochemical properties, including water solubility, monosaccharide composition, degree of branching, molecular structure, and molecular weight. Phosphorylation is a commonly used chemical modification method that improves the physicochemical properties of native polysaccharides, thus enhancing their biological activity, or even imparting novel biological activity. Therefore, phosphorylated polysaccharides have attracted increasing attention owing to their antioxidant, antitumor, antiviral, immunomodulatory, and hepatoprotective effects. In this review, we have discussed recent advances in the phosphorylation of polysaccharides, and the methods used for phosphorylation, structural characterization, and determination of biological activities, to provide a theoretical basis for the use of polysaccharides. The structure-activity relationship of phosphorylated polysaccharides and their use in the food and pharmaceutical industries needs to be further studied.

Metabolomic analysis of white, green and purple morphs of sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus during body color pigmentation process

The sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus is an important economic species owing to their high nutritive and medicinal value. Body color is one of the most important traits in the cultivation, which affects taste and market price of holothurian products. Pigmentation is an important stage of sea cucumber growth and development, in addition to achieving rare and beautiful coloration. In this study, UHPLC-QTOF/MS technique was performed to analyze the metabolome of white, green and purple A. japonicus body wall during the pigmentation process. A total of 2633 metabolites were identified. OPLS-DA clearly discriminated the body wall metabolites among the three color morphs. In addition, 13 annotated metabolites that could discriminate white, green and purple A. japonicus were screened out. KEGG metabolic pathway analysis revealed that "biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids" and "fatty acid biosynthesis" were closely related in the different color morphs. Furthermore, we performed comparative analysis of polysaccharide and saponin among white, green and purple A. japonicus. The results showed that the content of polysaccharide and saponin in purple A. japonicus was the highest, while that in white A. japonicus was the lowest. This study will provide valuable information for future studies on sea cucumber and the molecular mechanism underlying pigmentation and color polymorphism, and may contribute to support the culturing of desirable color morphs.

Platinum (II)-coordinated Portulaca oleracea polysaccharides as metal-drug based polymers for anticancer study

Novel polysaccharide-platinum conjugated polymers bearing alendronate on Portulaca oleracea polysaccharides (PPS) were designed and synthesized. Their chemical structures and properties were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), ¹H NMR and ³¹P NMR spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), UV-vis spectrophotometer (UV-vis) and other analysis methods. The results demonstrated that alendronate can be used as the linker of Portulaca oleracea polysaccharides and platinum compounds. Portulaca oleracea polysaccharides-alendronate (PPS-ALN) conjugates exhibited stronger antioxidant ability than PPS. The cytotoxicity assay to cancer cells was tested in vitro, and the Portulaca oleracea polysaccharides-alendronate-platinum (PPS-ALN-Pt) conjugates strongly inhibited the proliferation of cancer cells than PPS and PPS-ALN. The evaluation of complexes affinity toward supercoiled plasmid DNA, displayed a high DNA interaction. Interestingly, the platinum conjugates displayed immunological competence in HeLa cells by cellular immunofluorescence assay. Besides, the cellular platinum accumulation of PPS-ALN-Pt conjugates was higher than that of cisplatin in HeLa cells, implying that the polysaccharide-platinum conjugated polymers might have a synergistically therapeutic application in metal anticancer drug delivery.

Antioxidation, anti-inflammation and anti-fibrosis effect of phosphorylated polysaccharides from Pleurotus djamor mycelia on adenine-induced chronic renal failure mice

The mycelia polysaccharides (MPS) from Pleurotus djamor were prepared and purified by anion exchange column chromatography, and the phosphate content of phosphorylated MPS (PMPS) was 15.22 ± 0.37%. FT-IR spectra, HPLC and ¹H and ¹³C-NMR results showed the PMPS contained α-pyranose structure and the peak area percentage composition of galacturonic acid and glucose were 13.01% and 85.82%, respectively. Animal experiment investigated the antioxidant, anti-inflammation, anti-fibrosis effects of PMPS on kidney in adenine-induced chronic renal failure (CRF) mice. All results including serum biochemical indices, histopathological observation, qRT-PCR, western blotting, immunohistochemical staining manifested the kidney injury could be remitted by PMPS interventions. This experiment suggested that PMPS could remit CRF and other kidney injury related diseases as one kind of dietary supplements and functional foods without toxic side effects.

Phosphorylation of levan by microwave-assisted synthesis enhanced anticancer ability

Levan is an exopolysaccharide produced by Bacillus licheniformis (strain FRI MY-55) that shows promising pharmacological activity. Phosphorylation is a chemical modification that can increase the biological and antioxidant properties of levan. In this study, levan was phosphorylated by microwave-assisted synthesis to achieve a degree of substitution of 0.29. The hydroxyl radical scavenging activity of microwave-assisted phosphorylated levan (microwave P) increased significantly (6-fold) over native levan; this activity was only slightly lower than vitamin C. Other free radical scavenging and reducing power tests revealed that Microwave P activity was increased by 30-40%. Microwave P inhibited the proliferation of HCT-116 and A549 cancer cell lines more readily than native levan with an IC₅₀ of 1.03 mg/mL and 1.38 mg/mL for HCT-116 and A549 cells, respectively. Cells treated with native levan and its derivatives remained in the sub-G1 phase according to cell cycle analysis, whereas Microwave P treatment increased the proportion of cells undergoing apoptosis. Furthermore, Microwave P effectively upregulated pro-apoptosis marker Bax and downregulated anti-apoptosis marker Bcl-2, in addition to inducing the expression of caspase-9 and caspase-3. These findings show that levan phosphorylated via microwave-assisted synthesis showed increased antioxidant and antitumor activity over native levan or levan phosphorylated via traditional long-term heating. In particular, Microwave P possesses antiproliferative activity and can induce apoptosis through mitochondrial pathways in cancerous cells.

Structural characterization of phosphorylated Pleurotus ostreatus polysaccharide and its hepatoprotective effect on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in mice

This study aimed to explore the basic structural features of phosphorylated Pleurotus ostreatus polysaccharide (PPOP) and study the protective effect of PPOP on liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride in male Kunming mice. The phosphorylated polysaccharide was prepared from the natural polysaccharide extracted from Pleurotus ostreatus (POP). The structures of PPOP and POP were characterized by FT-IR, ESEM spectroscopy, and Congo red test. Chemical composition analysis revealed that PPOP was mainly composed of rhamnose, galacturonic acid, and xylose in a molar ratio of 0.10: 1.98: 1.00. Structural analysis indicated that PPOP had multi-strand structure and the absorption peaks of PO and P-O-C. Furthermore, animal experiments showed that the hepatoprotective effect of PPOP against liver injury was reflected by decreasing the levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total cholesterol, trilaurin, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the serum, increasing the content of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and albumin in blood, reducing the content of malondialdehyde and promoting the activity of antioxidant enzymes in liver. PPOP exhibited stronger hepatoprotective effect and antioxidant activity in vivo than POP. The final results indicated that PPOP could be used in the treatment of chemical-induced hepatotoxicity based on the above biological research.

Berberine ameliorates renal injury in a rat model of D-galactose-induced aging through a PTEN/Akt-dependent mechanism

This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of berberine (BBR) against D-galactose (D-gal)-induced renal aging in rats, pointing to its ability to modulate phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN)/Akt signalling, and to attenuate oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. Renal aging was induced by subcutaneous injection of D-gal for six consecutive weeks along with simultaneous oral administration of BBR and compared to control rats and rats received individual doses of either drug. BBR treatment significantly reduced the serum levels of urea and creatinine, retrieved the alterations in kidney histopathology, and restored redox balance evidenced by alleviations of the level of malondialdehyde, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine and activating heme oxygenase-1 enzyme. Moreover, it markedly reduced the serum levels of pro-inflammatory mediators, along with down-regulation of PTEN expression, enhanced Akt activity, as well as significantly higher immunostaining of the anti-apoptotic marker (Bcl-2). These findings hold a great promise for the use of BBR as a protecting agent against renal aging.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of the neuroprotective activity of Uncaria hirsuta Haviland

The incidence of neurodegeneration leading to the conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases are on the increase, they require the approaches that focus on protection prevention rather than treatment. Plants are rich sources of many compounds which possess medicinal properties. We sought to investigate the neuroprotective effects of Uncariahirsuta and its compounds on d-galactose-induced stress in BALB/c mice as well as 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced stress in mouse nerve growth factor (mNGF)-differentiated PC12 cells. Our results demonstrate that the 95% ethanol extract of U. hirsuta reversed the d-galactose-induced learning and memory dysfunctions and decreased the malodialdehyde levels. Furthermore, the isolated compounds, 5β-carboxystrictosidine (1) and chlorogenic acid (2), protected mNGF-differentiated PC12 cells against toxicity induced by 6-OHDA by acting as antiapoptotic agents. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) for intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging was found to be 24.5 (for 1) and 19.7 μM (for 2), and both 1 and 2 reduced intracellular calcium levels with respective IC₅₀ values of 46.9 and 27 μM. Interestingly, both compounds inhibited caspase 3 and 9 activities with respective IC₅₀ values of 25.6 and 24.5 μM for 1 and 19.4 and 16.3 μM for 2. Our results identify U. hirsuta and its active compounds as potential neuroprotective agents and deserve further evaluation for drug development for neuroprotection in the future.

Effect of Carboxymethylation and Phosphorylation on the Properties of Polysaccharides from Sepia esculenta Ink: Antioxidation and Anticoagulation in Vitro

To investigate the effect of carboxymethylation and phosphorylation modification on Sepia esculenta ink polysaccharide (SIP) properties, this study prepared carboxymethyl SIP (CSIP) with the chloracetic acid method, and phosphorylated SIP (PSIP) with the sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP)/sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) method, on the basis of an orthogonal experiment. The in vitro antioxidant and anticoagulant activities of the derivatives were determined by assessing the scavenging capacity of the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydroxyl radicals, which activated the partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), and thrombin time (TT). The results showed that SIP was modified successfully to be CSIP and PSIP, and degrees of substitution (DSs) of the two products were 0.9913 and 0.0828, respectively. Phosphorylation efficiently improved the antioxidant property of SIP, and the IC₅₀ values of PSIP on DPPH and hydroxyl radicals decreased by 63.25% and 13.77%, respectively. But carboxymethylation reduced antioxidant activity of the native polysaccharide, IC₅₀ values of CSIP on the DPPH and hydroxyl radicals increased by 16.74% and 6.89%, respectively. SIP significantly prolonged the APTT, PT, and TT in a dose-dependent fashion, suggesting that SIP played an anticoagulant action through intrinsic, extrinsic, and common coagulation pathways. CSIP and PSIP both possessed a stronger anticoagulant capacity than SIP via the same pathways; moreover, CSIP was observed to be more effective in prolonging APTT and PT than PSIP.

Comparative Analysis of Carbohydrates, Nucleosides and Amino Acids in Different Parts of Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim. by (Ultra) High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Tandem Mass Spectrometry and Evaporative Light Scattering Detector Methods

Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim. is one of the original plants for traditional Chinese medicines Trichosanthis Fructus, Trichosanthis Semen, Trichosanthis Pericarpium and Trichosanthis Radix. Amino acids, nucleosides and carbohydrates are usually considered to have nutritional value and health-care efficacy. In this study, methods involving high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with evaporative light scattering detector (HPLC-ELSD), UV-visible spectrophotometry and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) were established for quantifying carbohydrates (fructose, glucose, stachyose, raffinose and polysaccharide), fourteen nucleosides and twenty one amino acids. Moreover, sixty-three samples from nine different parts, including pericarp, seed, fruit pulp, stem, leaf, main root, main root bark, lateral root and lateral root bark of T. kirilowii from different cultivated varieties were examined. The established methods were validated with good linearity, precision, repeatability, stability, and recovery. The results showed that the average content of total amino acids in roots (15.39 mg/g) and root barks (16.38 mg/g) were relatively higher than for others. Contents of nucleosides in all parts of T. kirilowii were below 1.5 mg/g. For carbohydrates, fruit pulp has a higher content than others for glucose (22.91%), fructose (20.63%) and polysaccharides (27.29%). By using partial least-squared discriminate analysis (PLS-DA), Variable importance in the projection (VIP) plots and analysis of variance (ANOVA) analysis, the characteristic components of the different organs (fruit, stems and leaves, roots) were found. This analysis suggested there were potential medicinal and nutritive health care values in various parts of the T. kirilowii, which provided valuable information for the development and utilization of T. kirilowii.

Trichosanthis Fructus: botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Trichosanthis Fructus (ripe fruits of Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim. and Trichosanthes rosthornii Harms) is an essential traditional Chinese medicine to treat thoracic obstruction, angina, cardiac failure, myocardial infarction, pulmonary heart disease, some cerebral ischaemic diseases, etc. The present report reviews the advancements in research on the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Trichosanthis Fructus. Finally, perspectives on future research and its possible directions are discussed.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This review provides up-to-date information about the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity and quality control of Trichosanthis Fructus and discusses the perspectives on future research and possible directions of this traditional Chinese Medicine and its origin plants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The information on Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim. and Trichosanthes rosthornii Harms was collected from published scientific materials, including books; monographs on medicinal plants; pharmacopoeia and electronic databases such as SCI finder, PubMed, Web of Science, ACS, Science Direct, Wiley, Springer, Taylor, CNKI and Google Scholar.

RESULTS

Approximately 162 compounds, including terpenoids, phytosterols, flavonoids, nitrogenous compounds and lignans, have been isolated and identified from Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim. and Trichosanthes rosthornii Harms. Numerous studies have shown that the extracts and compounds isolated from these two plants exhibit pharmacological activities, including protection against myocardial ischaemia, calcium antagonist, endothelial cell protection, anti-hypoxic, anti-platelet aggregation, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic and antioxidant.

CONCLUSIONS

Trichosanthis Fructus is an essential traditional Chinese medicine with pharmacological activities that mainly affect the cardiovascular system. This review summarises its botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology. Future research is needed to clarify the different uses of the seeds, pericarps and fruits. Quality control of investigations of the fruits should be improved, and the potential uses of the flesh, leaves and twigs should be further explored.

Preparation and Application of Phosphorylated Xylan as a Flocculant for Cationic Ethyl Violet Dye

In this study, phosphorylated birchwood xylan was produced under alkali conditions using trisodium trimetaphosphate. Three single-factor experiments were used to explore the influences of time, temperature, and the molar ratio of trisodium trimetaphosphate to xylan on the degree of substitution (DS) and charge density of xylan. The response surface methodology was used to explore the interaction of these three factors. Phosphorylated xylan with a maximum DS of 0.79 and a charge density of -3.40 mmol/g was produced under the optimal conditions of 80 °C, 4 h, and a molar ratio of xylan/sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP) of 1/3. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), ascorbic acid method analyses, and inductively coupled plasma⁻atomic emission spectrometer (ICP-AES) analyses confirmed that the phosphate groups were successfully attached to xylan. Thermogravimetric analysis confirmed that phosphorylated xylan was less stable than birchwood xylan. Furthermore, the phosphorylated xylan was applied as a flocculant for removing ethyl violet dye from a simulated dye solution. The results indicated that more than 95% of the dye was removed from the solution. The theoretical and experimental values of charge neutralization for the dye removal were close to one another, confirming that charge neutralization was the main mechanism for the interaction of dye and phosphorylated xylan. The impacts of salts on the flocculation efficiency of phosphorylated xylan were also analyzed.