Screening bioactive components of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. with isolated perfused lung extraction and HPLC-ESI-MSn analysis

A Comprehensive Review of Coptidis Rhizoma and Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex Drug Pair and Their Chemical Composition, Pharmacological Effects and Pharmacokinetics Analysis

Herbal pairs are unique combinations of two relatively fixed herbs that are used in clinical practice. This is the most fundamental and straightforward form of multiple herbal treatment that aims to attain specific efficacy through unique methods. Coptidis Rhizoma ("Huanglian" in Chinese) and Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex ("Houpo" in Chinese) which are commonly used in combination and could also be used as important components of other prescriptions to treat damp-heat dysentery, splenic and stomach disorders, and qi stagnation in clinical practice. However, there is currently no summary on the compatibility of Huanglian and Houpo about traditional use, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activity. It was found the combination or separate extraction of the two drugs may affect the main active components, and new components may be produced after the combined extraction. At the same time, Huanglian and Houpo herb pair exhibited antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and other pharmacological effects. At present, research mainly focuses on the indicator components of Huanglian and Houpo, such as berberine, magnolol, and magnolol. The models used for pharmacological validation are limited, mainly including ulcerative colitis, pneumonia, bacterial infections, etc. In order to verify the pharmacological activity of the combination of Huanglian and Houpo, it is necessary to try more in vitro and in vivo models. It's still need to study the compatibility mechanism of the Huanglian and Houpo drug pair, including but not limited to the interactions between different components and the impact of compatibility on efficacy, bioequivalence studies, and the impact of different dosage forms on pharmacokinetics in the future. It's believed that the systematic review provided comprehensive information for the study of Huanglian-Houpo drug pair, which will help highlight the importance of the Huanglian-Houpo herb pair and provide some clues for future research on this herb pair.

Preliminary investigation on the analysis of the whole components of Pogejiuxin decoction and its formulation pattern based on ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry

RATIONAL

Pogejiuxin decoction (PGJXD) is one of the most important formulas for the treatment of heart failure. However, there is a great lack of research on the material basis of this formula, especially research on its compatibility laws, which restricts its clinical use. Studying the complete ingredients and compatibility rules of PGJXD has great significance for guiding clinical medication.

METHODS

The entire formula, the major single herbs, the drug pairs and the disassembled formula were analyzed by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC/QTOFMS/MS), matching the chemical composition database and global natural product social molecular networking to explain the chemical composition as well as the combination pattern of PGJXD.

RESULTS

A total of 1048 chemical constituents were fully analyzed from the major single herbs, the drug pairs and the disassembled formula and 188 chemical constituents, including 13 potential novel compounds, were firstly identified from the whole formula. We found that the chemical compositions were reduced after the single herbs were matched to the other herbs, especially the significant reduction of highly toxic diester alkaloids after compatibility, indicating that the medicines of PGJXD were interdependent and controlled by each other.

CONCLUSION

This study innovatively researches and compares the compositional differences between the entire formula of PGJXD, the single, paired and separated formulas, greatly extending our understanding of the chemical substance basis of these compounds, and preliminarily explores the compatibility laws of PGJXD, providing some theoretical guidance for clinical medication.

Exploring the pharmacological mechanism of Glycyrrhiza uralensis against KOA through integrating network pharmacology and experimental assessment

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA), a major health and economic problem facing older adults worldwide, is a degenerative joint disease. Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. (GC) plays an integral role in many classic Chinese medicine prescriptions for treating knee osteoarthritis. Still, the role of GC in treating KOA is unclear. To explore the pharmacological mechanism of GC against KOA, UPLC-Q-TOF/MS was conducted to detect the main compounds in GC. The therapeutic effect of GC on DMM-induced osteoarthritic mice was assessed by histomorphology, μCT, behavioural tests, and immunohistochemical staining. Network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to predict the potential targets of GC against KOA. The predicted results were verified by immunohistochemical staining Animal experiments showed that GC had a protective effect on DMM-induced KOA, mainly in the improvement of movement disorders, subchondral bone sclerosis and cartilage damage. A variety of flavonoids and triterpenoids were detected in GC via UPLC-Q-TOF/MS, such as Naringenin. Seven core targets (JUN, MAPK3, MAPK1, AKT1, TP53, RELA and STAT3) and three main pathways (IL-17, NF-κB and TNF signalling pathways) were discovered through network pharmacology analysis that closely related to inflammatory response. Interestingly, molecular docking results showed that the active ingredient Naringenin had a good binding effect on anti-inflammatory-related proteins. In the verification experiment, after the intervention of GC, the expression levels of pp65 and F4/80 inflammatory indicators in the knee joint of KOA model mice were significantly downregulated. GC could improve the inflammatory environment in DMM-induced osteoarthritic mice thus alleviating the physiological structure and dysfunction of the knee joint. GC might play an important role in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.

Pharmacological effects and mechanism of Maxing Shigan decoction in the treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Maxing Shigan Decoction (MXSG) is a traditional Chinese Medicine effectively used in respiratory infections and bacterial pneumonia. However, the mechanism of MXSG treating acute Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) pneumonia is still unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of MXSG on acute P. aeruginosa pneumonia and explore its potential mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

HPLC-MS analysis was performed to analyze the chemical composition. Antibacterial effects in vitro were evaluated by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Forty-five male BALB/c mice were divided into control group, model group, levofloxacin group, MXSG-L (7.7 g/kg/d), and MXSG-H group (15.4 g/kg/d). Mice were intranasal instillation with P. aeruginosa to induce acute P. aeruginosa pneumonia model. Levofloxacin and MXSG were administered by oral gavage once a day. After 3 days of treatment, the lung index measurement, micro-CT, arterial blood gas analysis, bacteria load determination, and HE staining were performed. Network pharmacological analysis and transcriptome sequencing were employed to predict the potential mechanisms of MXSG on bacterial pneumonia. The expressions of relating genes were detected by immunofluorescence, Western blot, and RT-PCR.

RESULTS

In vitro, MIC of P. aeruginosa is greater than 500 mg/mL. In the treatment of acute P. aeruginosa pneumonia model, MXSG significantly improved body weight loss, lung index, and pulmonary lesions. MXSG treatment also reduced the bacterial load and ameliorated oxygen saturation significantly. Transcriptomes, immunofluorescence, Western blot, and RT-PCR analysis showed MXSG treating acute P. aeruginosa pneumonia through the IL-17 signaling pathway and HIF-1α/IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated the efficacy and mechanism of MXSG in the treatment of acute P. aeruginosa pneumonia, which provides a scientific basis for its clinical application.

Maternal Effects of Habitats Induce Stronger Salt Tolerance in Early-Stage Offspring of Glycyrrhiza uralensis from Salinized Habitats Compared with Those from Non-Salinized Habitats

(1) Wild Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch (licorice) seeds from different habitats are often mixed for cultivation. However, differences in the responses of seeds from different habitats to salt at the early-stage offspring stage are unclear. (2) Our objective was to evaluate the salt tolerance of G. uralensis germplasms by comparing differences in seed germination and seedling vigor in salinized (abandoned farmland and meadow) and non-salinized (corn farmland edge) soil habitats under different sodium chloride (NaCl) concentrations. (3) The germination rates and germination indexes of seeds from the two salinized habitats with 0-320 mmol·L-1 NaCl were higher and their germination initiation times were earlier. Only seeds from salinized habitats were able to elongate their germs at 240 mmol·L-1 NaCl. Seedlings from salinized habitats had higher fresh weights and relative water contents, while they exhibited lower accumulation of malondialdehyde and less cell electrolyte leakages. Under NaCl treatment, seedlings from the salinized habitats displayed higher superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase (SOD, CAT, and POD) activities and lower superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide (O2- and H2O2) contents. Their comprehensive scores showed that the vigor of licorice seeds from salinized habitats was higher. (4) The salt tolerances of different wild G. uralensis seeds were different, and the offspring of licorice from salinized habitats had stronger early-stage salt tolerances.

Osteoblast Biospecific Extraction Conjugated with HPLC Analysis for Screening Bone Regeneration Active Components from Moutan Cortex

INTRODUCTION

The function of promoting bone regeneration of Moutan Cortex (MC), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely known but, the effective components of MC in promoting osteoblast-mediated bone regeneration were still unclear.

OBJECTIVE

The method of osteoblast membrane bio-specific extraction conjugated with HPLC analysis was established to screen bone regeneration active components from MC.

METHODS

The fingerprints, washing eluate and desorption eluate of MC extract were analyzed by the established HPLC-DAD method. The established MC3T3-E1 cells membrane chromatography method was used for the bio-specific extraction of MC. The isolated compounds were identified by MS spectrometry. The effects and possible mechanisms of the isolated compounds were evaluated by molecular docking, ALP activity, cell viability by MTT Assay and proteins expression by Western Blot Analysis.

RESULTS

The active compound responsible for bone regeneration from MC was isolated using the established method of osteoblast membrane bio-specific extraction conjugated with HPLC analysis, and it was identified as 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-β-galloyl-D-glucose (PGG) by MS spectrometry. It was further demonstrated through molecular docking that PGG could fit well into the functional ALP, BMP2, and Samd1 binding pocket. The proliferation of osteoblasts was promoted, the level of ALP was increased, and the protein expression of BMP2 and Smad1 was increased as shown by further pharmacological verification.

CONCLUSION

It was concluded that PGG, the bone regeneration active compound from MC, could stimulate the proliferation of osteoblasts to promote osteoblast differentiation, and its mechanism might be related to the BMP/Smad1 pathway.

Rapid identification of chemical components in Zhizi Baipi decoction by ultra performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry coupled with a novel informatics UNIFI platform

Zhizi Baipi Decoction is a classic traditional Chinese medicine formula for the treatment of jaundice and various liver diseases. The chemical components of Zhizi baipi decoction were not clear resulting from the paucity of relevant studies, which hindered the elucidation of the pharmacological mechanism, the comprehensive development and utilization of Zhizi baipi decoction in clinical. In this study, ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry combined with UNIFI natural product information analysis platform was used to rapidly analyze and identify the chemical components in Zhizi baipi decoction. A total of 122 chemical components, including 53 flavonoids, 16 alkaloids, 25 terpenoids, 5 phenylpropanoids, 14 organic acids, and 7 others, were identified from Zhizi baipi decoction. These compounds may be the active components of Zhizi baipi decoction. The method established in this study can systematically, rapidly, and accurately resolve the chemical components in Zhizi baipi decoction, which lays the foundation for further establishment of the pharmacodynamic substance basis and quality control of Zhizi baipi decoction. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Pharmacological activities and pharmacokinetics of liquiritin: A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Liquiritin is a flavonoid derived from Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae, which is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine with the effects of invigorating spleen qi, clearing heat, resolving toxins, and dispelling phlegm to stop coughs.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In this review,the pharmacokinetics and pharmacological activities of liquiritin have been summarized.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The information on liquiritin up to 2021 was collected from PubMed, Web of Science, Springer Link, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases. The key words were "liquiritin", "nerve", "tumor", "cardiac", etc. RESULTS: The absorption mechanism of liquiritin conforms to the passive diffusion and first-order kinetics while with low bioavailability. Liquiritin can penetrate the blood-brain-barrier. Besides, liquiritin displays numerous pharmacological effects including anti-Alzheimer's disease, antidepressant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular protection, antitussive, hepatoprotection, and skin protective effects. In addition, the novel preparations, new pharmacological effects,and cdusafty of liquiritin are also discussed in this review.

CONCLUSION

This review provides a comprehensive state of knowledge on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacological activities of liquiritin, and makes a forecast for its research directions and applications in clinic.

Magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate inhibits airway inflammation in rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a kind of chronic lung diseases with the characteristics of airway remodeling and airflow obstruction. Magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate (MgIG) is an anti-inflammatory glycyrrhizic acid preparation for treating hepatitis. However, whether MgIG can treat other diseases and its action mechanism is still obscure. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of MgIG in rats with COPD and investigated the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Rat model of COPD was constructed by endotracheal-atomized lipopolysaccharide exposure and cigarette smoke induction. Rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: control group, COPD model group, salmeterol fluticasone comparator group, low dose of MgIG group, and high dose of MgIG group. Except for normal control group, the other four groups received sensitization treatment by cigarette smoking and endotracheal-atomization of endotoxin lipopolysaccharide to construct COPD rats model. After model established successfully, the COPD rats in each group received corresponding dose of endotracheal-atomized normal saline, salmeterol fluticasone, and MgIG every day prior to exposure of cigarette smoke from days 30 to 45. Normal control group were treated with normal saline. Finally, All rats were euthanatized. Pulmonary function was measured. Cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were classified, inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α were determined, histopathological analysis was performed by HE staining, and expression of NLRP3 and cleaved caspase-1 in the lung tissue was also determined by Western blotting.

Results

It showed that MgIG treatment (0.40 or 0.80 mg/kg/day) could recover the weight and the clinical symptoms of rats with COPD, accompanied with lung inflammation infiltration reduction, airway wall attenuation, bronchial mucus secretion reduction. Additionally, MgIG administration reduced inflammatory cells (white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes) accumulation in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and decreased IL-6 and TNF-α production in the serum of COPD rats. Furthermore, MgIG treatment also reduced the expression level of NLRP3 and cleaved caspase-1.

Conclusion

It indicate that MgIG might be an alternative for COPD treatment, and its mechanism of action might be related to the suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12890-021-01745-7.

Fractions of Shen-Sui-Tong-Zhi Formula Enhance Osteogenesis Via Activation of β-Catenin Signaling in Growth Plate Chondrocytes

Background: Shen-sui-tong-zhi formula (SSTZF) has been used to treat osteoporosis for decades and shows excellent clinical efficacy. This article aims to explore the optimal anti-osteoporotic ingredient and its precise mechanisms in mice models.

Methods: In this study, we first screened the optimal anti-osteoporosis fraction of SSTZF extract in vivo, and then further explored the mechanism of its effects both in vivo and in vitro. Ten-week-old female C57BL/6J mice were administrated with each fraction of SSTZF. At 10 weeks after ovariectomy (OVX), femurs were collected for tissue analyses, including histology, micro-CT, biomechanical tests, and immunohistochemistry for ALP, FABP4, and β-catenin. Additionally, we also evaluated the mRNA expression level of ALP and FABP4 and the protein expression level of β-catenin after being treated with SSTZF extract in C₃H₁₀T1/2 cells. Moreover, we investigated the anti-osteoporosis effect of SSTZF extract on mice with β-catenin conditional knockout in growth plate chondrocytes (β-catenin^Gli1ER mice) through μCT, histology, and immunohistochemistry analyzes.

Results: At 10 weeks after treatment, osteoporosis-like phenotype were significantly ameliorated in SSTZF n-butanol extract (SSTZF-NB) group mice, as indicated by increased trabecular bone area and ALP content, and decreased lipid droplet area and FABP4 content. No such improvements were observed after being treated with other extracts, demonstrating that SSTZF-NB is the optimal anti-osteoporosis fraction. Additionally, the elevated β-catenin was revealed in both OVX mice and C₃H₁₀T1/2 cells with SSTZF-NB administered. Furthermore, a significant osteoporosis-like phenotype was observed in β-catenin^Gli1ER mice as expected. However, SSTZF-NB failed to rescue the deterioration in β-catenin^Gli1ER mice, no significant re-upregulated ALP and downregulated FABP4 were observed after being treated with SSTZF-NB, demonstrating that SSTZF-NB prevents bone loss mainly via β-catenin signaling.

Conclusion: SSTZF-NB enhances osteogenesis mainly via activation of β-catenin signaling in growth plate chondrocytes. SSTZF-NB is the optimal anti-osteoporosis fraction of SSTZF and it can be considered a salutary alternative therapeutic option for osteoporosis.

Rapid Profiling of Chemical Constituents in Qingfei Paidu Granules Using High Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Q Exactive Mass Spectrometry

Qingfei Paidu (QFPD) granules have played a critical role during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in China. However, worldwide acceptance has been a problem because of the complex ingredients and unique theory of treatment. In this study, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-Q Exactive Orbitrap-mass spectrometry (MS) and the Orbitrap traditional Chinese medicine library (OTCML) were used to investigate the chemical constituents of QFPD granules. By comparing retention times, masses, isotope ion patterns, and MS² profiles, 108 compounds were putatively identified using the OTCML combined with manual verification, including 12 alkaloids, 49 flavonoids, 13 terpenoids, 14 phenylpropanoids, 4 phenolic acids, 5 phenols, and 11 other phytochemicals. Of these compounds, 17 were confirmed using reference standards. In addition, representative compounds of these different chemical types were used as examples to analyze the fragmentation pathways and characteristic product ions. Moreover, 20 herbs within the QFPD granules were also identified to establish the sources of these chemical components. This is the first rapid profiling of the chemical constituents of QFPD granules using HPLC-Q Exactive Orbitrap-MS and yields valuable information for further quality control and mechanistic studies of QFPD granules.

Therapeutic effects and mechanisms study of Hanchuan Zupa Granule in a Guinea pig model of cough variant asthma

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Hanchuan Zupa Granule (HCZP), a traditional Chinese ethnodrug, has the functions of supressing a cough, resolving phlegm, warming the lungs, and relieving asthma. In clinical practice employing traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), HCZP is commonly used to treat acute colds, cough and abnormal mucous asthma caused by a cold, or "Nai-Zi-Lai" in the Uygur language. Studies have confirmed the use of HCZP to treat cough variant asthma (CVA) and other respiratory diseases. However, the pharmacological mechanisms of HCZP remain unrevealed.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the anti-tussive and anti-asthmatic effects and the possible pharmacological mechanisms of HCZP in the treatment of CVA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A guinea pig CVA animal model was established by intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin (OVA) combined with intraperitoneal injection of aluminium hydroxide adjuvant and atomized OVA. Meanwhile, guinea pigs with CVA received oral HCZP (at dosages of 0.571, 0.285 and 0.143 g/kg bodyweight). The number of coughs induced by aerosol capsaicin was recorded, and the airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) of CVA guinea pigs was detected with the FinePointe series RC system. H&E staining of lung tissues was performed to observe pathological changes. ELISA was used to detect inflammatory cytokines. qRT-PCR and western blotting analyses were used to detect the expression of Th1-specific transcription factor (T-bet), Th2-specific transcription factor (GATA3), and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signal transduction elements. These methods were performed to assess the protective effects and the potential mechanisms of HCZP on CVA.

RESULTS

Great changes were found in the CVA guinea pig model after HCZP treatment. The number of coughs induced by capsaicin in guinea pigs decreased, the body weights of guinea pigs increased, and inflammation of the eosinophilic airway and AHR were reduced simultaneously. These results indicate that HCZP has a significant protective effect on CVA. A pharmacological study of HCZP showed that the levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-5 and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in serum decreased. The amount of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) increased, mRNA and protein expression of TLR4 and GATA3 weakened, and mRNA and protein expression of T-bet increased.

CONCLUSIONS

HCZP ameliorated the symptoms of guinea pigs with CVA induced by OVA by regulating the Th1/Th2 imbalance and TLR4 receptors.

Identification wild and cultivated licorice by multidimensional analysis

Licorice is known as a botanical source in medicine and a sweetening agent in food products. Commercial licorice is from the source of wild and cultivated G. uralensis. It was recognized that the material basis of wild and cultivated licorice is different. This study systematically investigated the difference between them by multidimensional analysis technology. The results showed that the content of starch grain, total dietary fibre (TDF), and 11 secondary metabolite components was significantly different in wild and cultivated licorice. principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least square (OPLS-DA) analyses showed that the wild and cultivated licorice samples could be clearly separated based on the acquired data of microscopic, macromolecular substance and secondary metabolite analysis. The main markers were starch grain, isoliquiritin apioside, liquirtin apioside and TDF. Additionally, NIR spectroscpy combined with PLS-DA has demonstrated a suitable, fast and nondestructive methodology for authentication of wild and cultivated licorice.