Herb-drug interaction in the protective effect of Alpinia officinarum against gastric injury induced by indomethacin based on pharmacokinetic, tissue distribution and excretion studies in rats

Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Some Plants of Genus Alpinia: Insights from In Vitro, In Vivo, and Human Studies

This narrative review intends to provide thorough information on the anti-inflammatory activities of Alpinia plants, the largest genus of the family Zingiberaceae. The articles were searched on the PubMed database using 'Alpinia AND anti-inflammatory activity' as the keywords, filtered to articles published from 2020 to 2024 and free full-text. Of the approximately 248 members of the genus Alpinia plants, the most commonly studied for their anti-inflammatory activities are A. galanga, A. officinarum, A. zerumbet, and A. oxyphylla. Only A. galanga, A. officinarum, and A. zerumbet have been studied in humans. Studies in animal models revealed that the plants contributed as exogenous antioxidants, reduced proinflammatory cytokines, inhibited proinflammatory enzymes, improved gastric acid and gastrointestinal motility, and promoted ulcer healing. The terpenoids, flavonoids (such as kaempferol, quercetin, and galangin), and diarylheptanoids obtained from the rhizomes of these plants may crucially play important roles in their anti-inflammatory activities. These plants did not show toxicity toward numerous normal cell lines (RAW 264.7, IEC-6, HepG2, MT-4, NIH-3T3, Vero cells, human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and HaCaT) but were toxic to cancer cell lines (HT29). In humans, A. galanga was studied for its effects as psychostimulants improving mental health, improving sperm motility, and erectile dysfunction. Similarly, A. officinarum could improve sperm morphology and idiopathic infertility, whereas A. zerumbet worked as a cardio-myorelaxant in patients with cardiovascular diseases.

Kaempferol from Alpinia officinarum hance induces G2/M cell cycle arrest in hepatocellular carcinoma cells by regulating the ATM/CHEK2/KNL1 pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Alpinia officinarum Hance (A. officinarum), a perennial herb known for its medicinal properties, has been used to treat various ailments, such as stomach pain, abdominal pain, emesis, and digestive system cancers. A. officinarum is extensively cultivated in the Qiongzhong and Baisha regions of Hainan, and it holds substantial therapeutic value for the local Li people of Hainan. Kaempferol, a flavonoid derived from A. officinarum, has demonstrated anticancer properties in various experimental and biological studies. Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms through which it exerts its anti-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) effects remain to be comprehensively delineated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This investigation aims to elucidate the anti-HCC effects of kaempferol derived from A. officinarum and to delve into its underlying mechanistic pathways.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) to identify active compounds in A. officinarum. HCCLM3 and Huh7 cells were used to study the anti-HCC effect of kaempferol from A. officinarum. The cytotoxicity and proliferation of kaempferol and A. officinarum were measured using CCK-8 and EDU staining. Wound-healing assays and three-dimensional tumor spheroid models were further used to evaluate migration and the anti-HCC activity of kaempferol. The cell cycle and apoptosis were evaluated by flow cytometry. Western blot and qRT-PCR were used to detect the expression of proteins and genes associated with the cell cycle checkpoints. Finally, bioinformatics was used to analyze the relationship between the differential expression of core targets in the ATM/CHEK2/KNL1 pathway and a poor prognosis in clinical HCC samples.

RESULTS

UPLC-MS/MS was employed to detect five active compounds in A. officinarum, such as kaempferol. The CCK-8 and EDU assays showed that kaempferol and A. officinarum significantly inhibited the proliferation of HCC cells. A wound-healing assay revealed that kaempferol remarkably inhibited the migration of HCC cells. Kaempferol significantly suppressed the growth of tumor spheroids. In addition, kaempferol markedly induced G2/M arrest and promoted apoptosis of HCC cells. Mechanically, kaempferol significantly reduced the protein and mRNA expression levels of ATM, CHEK2, CDC25C, CDK1, CCNB1, MPS1, KNL1, and Bub1. Additionally, the combination of kaempferol and the ATM inhibitor KU55933 had a more significant anti-HCC effect. The results of bioinformatics showed that ATM, CHEK2, CDC25C, CDK1, and KNL1 were highly expressed in patients with HCC and cancer tissues, indicating that these genes have certain value in the clinical diagnosis of HCC.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, our results revealed that kaempferol from A. officinarum inhibits the cell cycle by regulating the ATM/CHEK2/KNL1 pathway in HCC cells. In summary, our research presents an innovative supplementary strategy for HCC treatment.

Hydrogel-based platforms for site-specific doxorubicin release in cancer therapy

Hydrogels are promising candidates for the delivery of therapeutics in the treatment of human cancers. Regarding to the biocomaptiiblity, high drug and encapsulation efficacy and adjustable physico-chemical features, the hydrogels have been widely utilized for the delivery of chemotherapy drugs. Doxorubicin (DOX) is one of the most common chemotherapy drugs used in cancer therapy through impairing topoisomerase II function and increasing oxidative damage. However, the tumor cells have developed resistance into DOX-mediated cytotoxic impacts, requiring the delivery systems to increase internalization and anti-cancer activity of this drug. The hydrogels can deliver DOX in a sustained manner to maximize its anti-cancer activity, improving cancer elimination and reduction in side effects and drug resistance. The natural-based hydrogels such as chitosan, alginate and gelatin hydrogels have shown favourable biocompatibility and degradability in DOX delivery for tumor suppression. The hydrogels are able to co-deliver DOX with other drugs or genes to enhance drug sensitivity and mediate polychemotherapy, synergistically suppressing cancer progression. The incorporation of nanoparticles in the structure of hydrogels can improve the sustained release of DOX and enhancing intracellular internalization, accelerating DOX's cytotoxicity. Furthermore, the stimuli-responsive hydrogels including pH-, redox- and thermo-sensitive platforms are able to improve the specific release of DOX at the tumor site. The DOX-loaded hydrogels can be further employed in the clinic for the treatment of cancer patients and improving efficacy of chemotherapy.

Multi-omics integrated analyses indicated that non-polysaccharides of Sijunzi decoction ameliorated spleen deficiency syndrome via regulating microbiota-gut-metabolites axis and exerted synergistic compatibility

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

As a classical traditional Chinese medicine formula to invigorating spleen and replenishing qi, Sijunzi decoction (SJZD) is composed of four herbs, which is applied to cure spleen deficiency syndrome (SDS) clinically. The non-polysaccharides (NPSs) of SJZD (SJZD_NPS) are important pharmacodynamic material basis. However, the amelioration mechanism of SJZD_NPS on SDS has not been fully elaborated. Additionally, the contribution of herbs compatibility to efficacy of this formula remains unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim was to explore the underlying mechanisms of SJZD_NPS on improving SDS, and uncover the scientific connotation in SJZD compatibility.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A strategy integrating incomplete formulae (called "Chai-fang" in Chinese) comparison, pharmacodynamics, gut microbiome, and metabolome was employed to reveal the role of each herb to SJZD compatibility against SDS. Additionally, the underlying mechanism harbored by SJZD_NPS was further explored through targeted metabolomics, network pharmacology, molecular docking, pseudo-sterile model, and metagenomics.

RESULTS

SJZD_NPS significantly alleviated diarrhea, disordered secretion of gastrointestinal hormones and neurotransmitters, damage of ileal morphology and intestinal barrier in SDS rats, which was superior to the NPSs of Chai-fang. 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metabolomics analyses revealed that SJZD_NPS effectively restored the disturbed gut microbiota community and abnormal metabolism caused by SDS, showing the most evident recovery. Moreover, SJZD_NPS recalled the levels of partial amino acids, short chain fatty acids and bile acids, which possessed strong binding affinity towards potential targets. The depletion of gut microbiota confirmed that the SDS-amelioration efficacy of SJZD_NPS is dependent on the intact gut microbiome, with the relative abundance of potential probiotics such as Lactobacillus_johnsonii and Lactobacillus_taiwanensis been enriched.

CONCLUSION

NPSs in SJZD can improve SDS-induced gastrointestinal-nervous system dysfunction through regulating microbiota-gut-metabolites axis, with four herbs exerting synergistic effects, which indicated the compatibility rationality of SJZD.

Recent progress in adverse events of carboxylic acid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (CBA-NSAIDs) and their association with the metabolism: the consequences on mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, and prevention with natural plant extracts

INTRODUCTION

Carboxylic acid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (CBA-NSAIDs) are extensively used worldwide due to their antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects. CBA-NSAIDs have reasonable margin of safety at therapeutic doses, and in the current climate, do not possess addiction potential like opioid drugs. Studies have revealed that various adverse events of CBA-NSAIDs are related mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress.

AREAS COVERED

This review article summarizes adverse events induced by CBA-NSAIDs, mechanisms of mitochondrial damage, oxidative stress, and metabolic interactions. Meanwhile, this review discusses the treatment and prevention of CBA-NSAIDs damage by natural plant extracts based on antioxidant effects.

EXPERT OPINION

CBA-NSAIDs can induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mediate DNA, protein and lipid damage, lead to imbalance of cell antioxidant status, change of mitochondrial membrane potential, activate oxidative stress signal pathway, thus leading to oxidative stress and cell damage. Adverse events caused by CBA-NSAIDs often exhibit dose and time dependence. In order to avoid adverse events caused by CBA-NSAIDs, it is necessary to provide detailed patient consultation and eliminate influencing factors. Moreover, constructive research studies on the organ-specific toxicity and mechanism of natural plant extracts in preventing and treating metabolic abnormalities of CBA-NSAIDs, will provide important value for warning and guidance for use of CBA-NSAIDs.

Influence of Thermal Treatment on the Composition of Alpinia officinarum Rhizome

Alpinia officinarum is a representative of the Zingiberaceae family, which is known for its wide use in the food and pharmaceutical industries also due to its precious pharmacological potential. The major aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of thermal treatment on the composition of the rhizome of Alpinia officinarum and its antioxidant activity. The fresh rhizome was subjected to various thermal treatment processes-boiling, frying and microwave heating during various time intervals-and their composition and antioxidant activity were determined using chromatographic (HPLC - High Performance Liquid Chromatography and HPLC-MS - High Performance Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry) and spectrophotometric (DPPH and TPC - Total Phenolic Content) methods. Pinobanksin was the main compound found in the extract of the fresh rhizome (537.79 mg/kg), followed by galangin (197.7 mg/kg) and zingerone (185.5 mg/kg). The effect of thermal treatment on the rhizome composition was varied. In general, thermal processing significantly decreased the content of active compounds in the rhizome. However, there were some exceptions-boiling for 4 min significantly increased the content of pinobanksin (1162.4 mg/kg) and galangin (280.7 mg/kg), and microwave processing for 4 min increased the content of pinocembrin (213 mg/kg). It was found that boiling and microwave treatment significantly increased the antioxidant activity of the processed rhizomes.

The compatibility rationality of Sijunzi decoction based on integrated analysis of tissue distribution and excretion characteristics in spleen deficiency syndrome rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

As a classical prescription for treating spleen deficiency syndrome (SDS), Sijunzi decoction (SJZD) is composed of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (RG, Panax ginseng C.A.Mey.), Atractylodes Macrocephalae Rhizoma (AM, Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz.), Poria (Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf) and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata Cum Melle (GRP, processed from Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., Glycyrrhiza inflata Bat. or Glycyrrhiza glabra L.). The non-polysaccharides (NPSs) are the pharmacodynamic substance basis of SJZD, whose pharmacokinetics in SDS rats were elaborated previously. Further study on their tissue distribution and excretion properties is of significance for understanding the compatibility laws of SJZD.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim was to unravel the tissue distribution and excretion characteristics of NPSs of SJZD in SDS rats, and explore the scientific connotation of SJZD compatibility.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A validated ultrafast liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for monitoring the accurate dynamics of sixteen components in the tissues, feces and urine of SDS rats. The four incomplete formulae of SJZD were prepared by randomly deleting one herb to uncover the herb-herb interactions.

RESULTS

All components of NPSs in SJZD were distributed in the tissues, except for ononin in the heart. Among them, glycyrrhetinic acid and atractylenolide III were more abundant in the liver and lung, respectively, while other components were enriched in the ileum, especially saponins. The evaluation of fecal excretion and urinary excretion revealed the low cumulative excretion of all components. The comparative analysis of incomplete formulae indicated that the tissue distribution and excretion became faster after removing Poria from SJZD, while a lack of RG led to slower tissue distribution. The tissue distribution at most time points was reduced when AM was absent. Further comprehensive visualization implied that SJZD compatibility can improve tissue distribution of the NPSs, especially ginsenosides and atractylenolide, at the specific time periods.

CONCLUSION

The tissue distribution and excretion characteristics of NPSs of SJZD were elucidated in current research. Meanwhile, this study proposed new insights into the mechanism of SJZD compatibility rationality.

Chitosan - dextran phosphate carbamate hydrogels for locally controlled co-delivery of doxorubicin and indomethacin: From computation study to in vivo pharmacokinetics

The development of synergistic drug combinations is a promising strategy for effective cancer suppression. Here, we report all-polysaccharide biodegradable polyelectrolyte complex hydrogels (DPCS) based on dextran phosphate carbamate (DP) and chitosan (CS) for controlled co-delivery of the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) and the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin (IND). IND can induce more apoptosis in tumor cells by reducing the level of multidrug resistance-associated protein 1. Based on calculations using density functional theory and zeta potential analysis data, carriers with high drug loading were obtained. The release profile of both drugs from the hydrogels was tuned by changing the molecular weight and functional groups content of the polysaccharides. The optimized DPCS showed a steady release of DOX both in vitro and in vivo, and a gradual release of IND, which constantly induced the action of DOX. Considering all of these benefits, DOX- and IND-loaded DPCS offer a promising long-acting polysaccharide-based antitumor platform.

Drug-polysaccharide/herb interactions and compatibility rationality of Sijunzi decoction based on comprehensive pharmacokinetic screening for multi-components in rats with spleen deficiency syndrome

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Sijunzi decoction (SJZD) is composed of four herbs, namely Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (RG, Panax ginseng C.A.Mey.), Atractylodes Macrocephalae Rhizoma (AM, Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz.), Poria (Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf), and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata Cum Melle (GRP, derived from Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., Glycyrrhiza inflata Bat. or Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) based on the compatibility theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which is a classical formula for the treatment of spleen deficiency syndrome (SDS) in TCM. The polysaccharides and non-polysaccharides (NPSs) composition represented by flavonoids, saponins and terpenoids are the important pharmacodynamic material basis of SJZD.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetic characteristics of SJZD in normal rats and SDS rats, and explore the potential interactions between NPSs and polysaccharides in SJZD, as well as the compatibility rationality of SJZD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

SDS model was established by oral administration of Radix Rhei (Rheum officinale Baill.) extract, loaded swimming, and intermittent fasting. A rapid, sensitive and reliable ultrafast liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UFLC-MS/MS) method was developed for the simultaneous analysis of fifteen representative compounds in rat plasma to investigate the differences in pharmacokinetics between normal and SDS rats. The SJZD-NPS samples were prepared by removing the polysaccharides of SJZD to explore the interactions between NPSs and polysaccharides of SJZD. According to the compatibility theory of TCM, four incomplete formulae of SJZD were obtained by randomly removing an herb (also called 'que fang' in TCM), and their pharmacokinetic differences were compared to elucidate the rationality of SJZD compatibility with oral administration to SDS rats.

RESULTS

The established UFLC-MS/MS method showed perfect performance in simultaneously analyzing fifteen compounds of SJZD in rat plasma. Compared with normal rats, the absorption efficiency of NPSs in SDS rats was lower, accompanied by the prolonged residence time (C_max and AUC_0-t reduced, while MRT_0-t increased). Polysaccharides have the potential to enhance intestinal metabolism of glycosides among these components, thereby contributing to the circulating distribution of corresponding metabolites (e.g. aglycones). Furthermore, the compatibility of the four herbs in SJZD could alter their pharmacokinetic characteristics, and potentially improve the absorption of the effective components of RG and AM, which is in accordance with the principle that "monarch" and "minister" herbs play a major role in TCM. In detail, the improved absorption of ginsenosides was mainly regulated by GRP (the "guide" herb in SJZD), together with the effects of AM ("minister" herb) and Poria ("adjuvant" herb) on the pharmacokinetics of components in GRP, implying that herb-herb interactions existed in SJZD and demonstrated the compatibility rationality of SJZD potentially.

CONCLUSION

This study laid a solid foundation for revealing the pharmacodynamic material basis and subsequent action mechanism of SJZD, as well as provided new insights into the compatibility of SJZD. The comprehensive pharmacokinetic approach adopted in the current research also provides a valuable strategy for TCM formulae research.