Metabonomic study of the fruits of Alpinia oxyphylla as an effective treatment for chronic renal injury in rats

Polysaccharides from Alpinia oxyphylla fruit prevent hyperuricemia by inhibiting uric acid synthesis, modulating intestinal flora and reducing renal inflammation

Hyperuricemia (HUA) is one of the most common chronic diseases today, with a prevalence exceeding 14 % in both the United States and China. Current clinical treatments for HUA focus on promoting uric acid (UA) excretion and inhibiting UA production, but often neglect the strain on the liver and kidneys. The fruit of Alpinia oxyphylla (A. oxyphylla) is known to improve renal function, regulate metabolism, and exhibit anti-inflammatory effects; however, its effectiveness and mechanisms in treating HUA are not well understood. In this study, HUA mice induced by potassium oxonate and adenine were treated with A. oxyphylla polysaccharide (AFP) for 21 days. The levels associated with HUA were quantified using assay kits to evaluate the impact of AFP on HUA. Serum metabolomics and 16S rRNA sequencing were used to investigate the mechanisms by which AFP ameliorates HUA. The results showed that AFP treatment reduced abnormal biochemical levels, including UA, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine, in HUA mice. AFP inhibited UA synthesis by regulating pyrimidine metabolism and the metabolism of alanine, aspartate and glutamate, reduced kidney inflammation, and promoted UA excretion by regulating intestinal flora. Thus, AFP appears to be an effective agent for alleviating HUA symptoms.

Novel Sesquiterpenoids with Renoprotective Activities from the Fruits of Alpinae oxyphylla as Potent TGF-β1/Smads Phosphorylation Inhibitors

The fruit of Alpinia oxyphylla Miq is an important food spice in southern China and has been used in the treatment of kidney disorders for centuries. In order to discover the natural products with potent renoprotective activities in A. oxyphylla and provide some references for its usage, systematic phytochemical studies were carried out and 24 new diverse sesquiterpenoids, including seven guaiane sesquiterpenoids (1-7), 10 eudesmane sesquiterpenoids (9-13, 18, 19, and 21-23), six cadinane sesquiterpenoids (31-35 and 38), and an eremophilane sesquiterpenoid (40), along with 24 known analogues were isolated and elucidated by analysis of spectroscopic data and quantum-chemical calculations. Biological evaluation showed that 6 sesquiterpenoids could significantly inhibit the expression of extracellular matrix components, α-SMA in TGF-β1 induced kidney proximal tubular cells (NRK-52e) at low concentrations, and 9 sesquiterpenoids could also downregulate fibronectin and collagen I in a concentration-dependent manner, showing their potential in renal fibrosis. Further action mechanism study displayed that TGF-β1/Smads pathway might be involved in the antifibrotic effects of active sesquiterpenoids 15 and 43. These studies suggest that A. oxyphylla may have a potential to serve as a functional food in preventing renal fibrosis-associated diseases.

Alpinia oxyphylla Miq. volatile oil ameliorates depressive behaviors and inhibits neuroinflammation in CUMS-exposed mice by inhibiting the TLR4-medicated MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway

This study aimed to explore the antidepressant effect and underlying mechanism of the Alpinia oxyphylla Miq. volatile oil (AOVO) in mice exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). C57BL/6 mice were grouped and administered with different dosages of AOVO (0.25, 0.50, 1.00, or 2.00 mL/kg body weight, i.g.), TAK242 (a TLR4 inhibitor, 0.75 mg/kg body weight, i.p.), or TAK242 (0.75 mg/kg body weight, i.p.) + AOVO (0.50 mL/kg body weight, i.g.) for 21 days. Depression-like symptoms in the mice were then evaluated through their body weight gain (BW), the open field test (OFT), the sucrose preference test (SPT), the novelty-suppressed feeding test (NSFT), and forced swimming test (FST). The concentrations of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and 5-hydroxytyrptamine (5-HT) in the mice were determined using ELISA kits. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) dying were performed for histopathological examination. The expression of inflammatory proteins was assessed through western blotting (WB) and immunofluorescence staining. AOVO was found to improve the behavioral indexes of CUMS-exposed mice behavioral and synergize TAK242 to mitigate both their depressive symptoms and neuroinflammation. Moreover, AOVO was found to inhibit the hippocampal damage, decrease inflammatory cytokines (Reduced IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α by 19.97 %, 22.87 %, and 24.13 %, respectively), and downregulate the expression of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway-related proteins in the hippocampus of CUMS-exposed mice (Reduced TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB by 46.14 %, 42.48 %, and 38.08 %, respectively). These findings demonstrate that AOVO can ameliorate depressive behaviors and mitigate neuroinflammation in the CUMS-exposed mice via suppressing the TLR4-medicated MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Nootkatone, a Sesquiterpene Ketone From Alpiniae oxyphyllae Fructus, Ameliorates Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver by Regulating AMPK and MAPK Signaling

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is becoming more common due to lifestyle changes. A long-term high-fat and high-glucose diet induces glycolipid metabolism disorders in the liver, which results in the development of MAFLD. To date, there is no specific clinically useful therapeutics for this disease. Natural products or synthetic compounds were screened and investigated to find effective agents for treating MAFLD. In this study, nootkatone (Nok), a natural sesquiterpene ketone isolated from Alpiniae oxyphyllae fructus, was explored for its potential to treat MAFLD, and underlying mechanisms were studied. Our results show that Nok dramatically ameliorated the disordered lipid and glucose metabolism in MAFLD mice, decreased fat accumulation in hepatic tissue, and improved liver injury. Inflammation, metabolic disorder, and oxidative stress were ameliorated in liver tissue based on RNA-seq transcriptome comparison between a Nok-treated group and an MAFLD model group. Furthermore, Nok significantly activated AMPK activity and inhibited MAPK activity, especially the p38 and JNK signaling pathways, in vivo based on western blot analysis. The pharmaceutical effects and potential signaling pathways impacted by Nok were also investigated in L02 cells. Nok significantly promoted the consumption of glucose and decreased the deposition of triglycerides in vitro. The p-AMPKα level was notably upregulated by Nok, indicating dramatic AMPK activation. In addition, Nok decreased the levels of p-ERK1/2, p-p38, and p-JNK. Nok also inhibited the activation of MAPK signaling and, thus, alleviated MAFLD development. Our results suggest that Nok may be useful in treating MAFLD. Nok may ameliorate MAFLD by regulating glycolipid metabolism disorders by activating AMPK and inhibiting MAPK activity. Collectively, this study suggests that Nok is an effective compound for the treatment of MAFLD.

Microbial Transformation of Yakuchinone A and Cytotoxicity Evaluation of Its Metabolites

Yakuchinone A (1) is a bioactive diarylheptanoid isolated from the dried fruits of Alpinia oxyphylla. Microbial transformation has been recognized as an efficient method to produce new biologically active derivatives from natural products. In the present study, microbial transformation of yakuchinone A was performed with the fungus Mucor hiemalis KCTC 26779, which led to the isolation of nine new metabolites (2, 3a, 3b, and 4–9). Their structures were elucidated as (3S)-oxyphyllacinol (2), (3S,7R)- and (3S,7S)-7-hydroxyoxyphyllacinol (3a and 3b), (3S)-oxyphyllacinol-4′-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (4), (3S)-4″-hydroxyoxyphyllacinol (5), (3S)-3″-hydroxyoxyphyllacinol (6), (3S)-2″-hydroxyoxyphyllacinol (7), (3S)-2″-hydroxyoxyphyllacinol-2″-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (8), and (3S)-oxyphyllacinol-3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (9) based on the comprehensive spectroscopic analyses and the application of modified Mosher’s method. All compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against melanoma, as well as breast, lung, and colorectal cancer cell lines. Compound 9, which was O-glucosylated on the diarylheptanoid alkyl chain, exhibited the most selective cytotoxic activities against melanoma cell lines with the IC₅₀ values ranging from 6.09 to 9.74 μM, indicating that it might be considered as a possible anti-cancer lead compound.

Alpinae Oxyphyllae Fructus alleviated LPS-induced cognitive impairments via PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway

Herein, we aim to investigate the effect of Alpinae Oxyphyllae Fructus (AOF) on cognitive impairments and neuroinflammation in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced models of AD. Mice were injected intracerebroventricularly with LPS, and then administrated AOF using a gavage for 6 weeks. Spatial working memory was assessed using the Y-maze and Morris water maze test, whereas the levels of PI3K, AKT, p-AKT, p-GSK3β, GSK3β, NF-κB, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were evaluated using western blot and ELISA assay. Our data showed that AOF was able to significantly alleviate the memory decline in LPS-induced AD mice. Moreover, AOF was able to protect neurons through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and significantly decrease NF-κB, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels in the hippocampal and cortex tissues, which were reversed through the use of LY294002. Additionally, we discovered that AOF could significantly decrease the high expression of cytokines as well as the expression and translocation of NF-κB induced by LPS in PC12 cells. These results demonstrate the anti-neuroinflammatory effect of AOF in both cell and animal models of AD, thereby slowing down the process and development of the disease.

Protective effects of organic extracts of Alpinia oxyphylla against hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells

Alpinia oxyphylla, a traditional herb, is widely used for its neuroprotective, antioxidant and memory-improving effects. However, the neuroprotective mechanisms of action of its active ingredients are unclear. In this study, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of various organic extracts of Alpinia oxyphylla on PC12 cells exposed to hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative injury in vitro. Alpinia oxyphylla was extracted three times with 95% ethanol (representing extracts 1–3). The third 95% ethanol extract was dried and resuspended in water, and then extracted successively with petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and n-butanol (representing extracts 4–6). The cell counting kit-8 assay and microscopy were used to evaluate cell viability and observe the morphology of PC12 cells. The protective effect of the three ethanol extracts (at tested concentrations of 50, 100 and 200 µg/mL) against cytotoxicity to PC12 cells increased in a concentration-dependent manner. The ethyl acetate, petroleum ether and n-butanol extracts (each tested at 100, 150 and 200 μg/mL) had neuroprotective effects as well. The optimum effective concentration ranged from 50–200 μg/mL, and the protective effect of the ethyl acetate extract was comparatively robust. These results demonstrate that organic extracts of Alpinia oxyphylla protect PC12 cells against apoptosis induced by hydrogen peroxide. Our findings should help identify the bioactive neuroprotective components in Alpinia oxyphylla.

Alpinia oxyphylla Fruit Extract Ameliorates Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis through the Regulation of Th1/Th17 Cells

Alpinia oxyphylla is a traditional Chinese medicine widely used for treating diarrhea, ulceration, and enuresis. Moreover, A. oxyphylla is effective for cognitive function improvement and nerve regeneration. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neuronal inflammatory autoimmune disease that commonly affects young adults in high-latitude regions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the beneficial effects of A. oxyphylla in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model, which is an extensively used model for human MS. The ethanolic extract of A. oxyphylla fruit (AO-1) was orally administered to EAE mice. Our results showed AO-1 significantly reduced EAE symptoms. Histopathological analysis showed AO-1 reduced demyelination, inflammation, gliosis, and axonal swelling in the spinal cord. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) studies revealed that the infiltration of CD4⁺, CD8⁺ T cells, and CD11b⁺ monocytes into the spinal cord decreased in the AO-1-treated group. Mechanistically, the Th1 transcription factor T-bet, Th17 transcription factor retinoic acid receptor–related orphan receptor γ (RORγt), and inflammatory cytokines interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-17 were reduced in the spinal cords of mice treated with AO-1. The expression levels of T-bet and RORγt were also lowered in the spleens of those mice. Further in vitro study showed AO-1 inhibited production of IFN-γ, IL-2, and tumor necrosis factor-α from MOG_35-55-peptide-stimulated splenocytes. One component isolated from AO-1, yakuchinone A, inhibited IL-17 production in vitro and reduced EAE symptoms in the mice. Collectively, our results indicate that AO-1 ameliorated the severity of EAE in mice and may involve the regulation of Th1/Th17 response. A. oxyphylla warrants further investigation, particularly regarding its clinical benefits for MS.

Tissue Distribution of Active Principles from Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus Extract: An Experimental Study in Rats

Background:

Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus (Yizhi in Chinese) have been widely used as an herbal medicine for the treatment of diuresis, enuresis and diarrhea in China. Many studies have deciphered some potential underlying mechanisms for its anti-diarrheal effects. However, tissue distribution of Yizhi constituents is warranted because pharmacological receptors are frequently located in tissues. Moreover, it is also interesting to know about the potential correlation between behavior in drug distribution and the observed pharmacological response. The aim of this study is to investigate tissue distribution behaviors of Yizhi constituents after oral administration of Yizhi extract to rats, focusing on 10 active principles.

Methods:

Twenty four male Sprague Dawley rats were given orally the Yizhi extract and fourteen tissue samples were collected after being killed by bleeding from the abdominal aorta under ether anesthesia at different time-points. The resulting tissues were excised and homogenized. Based on our previous reports, liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to quantify the target analytes, as well as phase II metabolites, in the various biosamples.

Results:

Almost all the targeted Yizhi active principles and some glucuronidated metabolites were qualitatively measured in rat stomach, small intestine, large intestine, as well as liver. Nootkatone, yakuchinone A and tectochrysin were observed in the rat brain. In other rat tissues, these analytes had lower exposure or could not be detected. Consistently, quantitative analysis revealed that the Yizhi active principles dominantly distributed into gastrointestinal tissues followed by liver, the overall exposure levels ranking as follows: stomach > small intestine > large intestine > liver. Tissue concentrationtime profiles of the test active principles in rat stomach, small intestine, and large intestine were bimodal with two concentration peaks occurring at 0.5 and 4h after oral administration, respectively. The exposure levels in rat kidney and bladder were quite low.

Conclusion:

The active principles of Yizhi were specially distributed into gastrointestinal tissues after oral administration of its ethanol extract to rats. The tissue distribution behaviors partly supported its anti-diarrheal effects from a pharmacokinetic opinion. This paper will be useful as the starting point for studying the pharmacological activities of this traditional herb.

Ethnopharmacological uses, phytochemistry, biological activities, and therapeutic applications of Alpinia oxyphylla Miquel: A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL USAGES

Fructus Alpiniae oxyphyllae (A. oxyphylla) is an important medicinal plant that is used not only as an edible fruit, but also as an important traditional medicine for benefiting cognitive performance and alleviating a wide spectrum of diseases. Such as; warming kidney, securing essence and arresting polyuria, as well as warming the spleen and stopping diarrhea and saliva.

AIMS

The purpose of this review is to provide updated, comprehensive and categorized information on the traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological research of A. oxyphylla in order to explore their therapeutic potential and establish a solid foundation for directing future research.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All the available information on A. oxyphylla was collected via electronic search (using Pubmed, SciFinder, Scirus, Google Scholar and Web of Science) and additionally a number of unpublished resources, (e.g. books, Ph.D. and M.Sc. dissertations, government reports).

RESULTS

Phytochemical research on A. oxyphylla has led to the isolation of components such as essential oils, terpenes, diarylheptanoids, flavones, nucleobases and nucleosides, steroids and others. Crude extracts, fractions and phytochemical constituents isolated from A. oxyphylla showed a wide spectrum of in vitro and in vivo pharmacological activities like neuroprotective, anti-diarrheal, anti-diuretic, anti-neoplastic, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, viscera protective and anti-diabetic activities. Neuroprotective, anti-cancer, anti-diarrheal and anti-diuretic effects are major areas of research conducted on A. oxyphylla.

CONCLUSIONS

Modern pharmacological studies have supported many traditional uses of A. oxyphylla, including nervous system, urinary system and gastrointestinal system disease. There was convincing evidence in experimental animal models in support of its neuroprotection, secure essence, reduce urination, and anti-carcinogenic effects. However, all the reported pharmacological activities were carried out at pre-clinical level and the authors urge further investigation in clinical trials about these therapeutic fields of A. oxyphylla.

Disease-syndrome combination modeling: metabolomic strategy for the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease

Conventional disease animal models have limitations on the conformity to the actual clinical situation. Disease-syndrome combination (DS) modeling may provide a more efficient strategy for biomedicine research. Disease model and DS model of renal fibrosis in chronic kidney disease were established by ligating the left ureter and by ligating unilateral ureteral combined with exhaustive swimming, respectively. Serum metabolomics was conducted to evaluate disease model and DS model by using ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Potential endogenous biomarkers were identified by multivariate statistical analysis. There are no differences between two models regarding their clinical biochemistry and kidney histopathology, while metabolomics highlights their difference. It is found that abnormal sphingolipid metabolism is a common characteristic of both models, while arachidonic acid metabolism, linolenic acid metabolism and glycerophospholipid metabolism are highlighted in DS model. Metabolomics is a promising approach to evaluate experiment animal models. DS model are comparatively in more coincidence with clinical settings, and is superior to single disease model for the biomedicine research.