Development and in vivo evaluation of self-microemulsion as delivery system for α-mangostin

Preparation and evaluation of a niosomal delivery system containing G. mangostana extract and study of its anti-Acanthamoeba activity

Garcinia mangostana extract (GME) has severe pharmacokinetic deficiencies and is made up of a variety of bioactive components. GME has proven its anti-Acanthamoeba effectiveness. In this investigation, a GME-loaded niosome was developed to increase its potential therapeutic efficacy. A GME-loaded niosome was prepared by encapsulation in a mixture of span60, cholesterol, and chloroform by the thin film hydration method. The vesicle size, zeta potential, percentage of entrapment efficiency, and stability of GME-loaded niosomes were investigated. The values for GME-loaded niosome size and zeta potential were 404.23 ± 4.59 and -32.03 ± 0.95, respectively. The delivery system enhanced the anti-Acanthamoeba activity, which possessed MIC values of 0.25-4 mg mL-1. In addition, the niosomal formulation decreased the toxicity of GME by 16 times. GME-loaded niosome must be stored at 4 °C, as the quantity of remaining GME encapsulated is greater at this temperature than at room temperature. SEM revealed the damage to the cell membrane caused by trophozoites and cysts, which led to dead cells. In light of the above, it was found that GME-loaded niosomes had better anti-Acanthamoeba activity. The study suggested that GME-loaded niosomes could be used as an alternative to Acanthamoeba's therapeutic effects.

Biochemical features and therapeutic potential of α-Mangostin: Mechanism of action, medicinal values, and health benefits

α-Mangostin (α-MG) is a natural xanthone obtained from the pericarps of mangosteen. It exhibits excellent potential, including anti-cancer, neuroprotective, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, and induces apoptosis. α-MG controls cell proliferation by modulating signaling molecules, thus implicated in cancer therapy. It possesses incredible pharmacological features and modulates crucial cellular and molecular factors. Due to its lesser water solubility and pitiable target selectivity, α-MG has limited clinical application. As a known antioxidant, α-MG has gained significant attention from the scientific community, increasing interest in extensive technical and biomedical applications. Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems were designed to improve the pharmacological features and efficiency of α-MG. This review is focused on recent developments on the therapeutic potential of α-MG in managing cancer and neurological diseases, with a special focus on its mechanism of action. In addition, we highlighted biochemical and pharmacological features, metabolism, functions, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant effects and pre-clinical applications of α-MG.

Formulation optimization of sterilized xanthones-loaded nanoemulgels and evaluation of their wound healing activities

Xanthones (XTs) are bioactive compounds found in mangosteen trees (Garcinia mangostana Linn.). They are used as an active ingredient in various health products. However, there is a lack of data of their application in wound healing. In particular, the topical products of XTs for wound healing; they should be sterilized to minimize the risks of wound infection from contaminated microorganisms. This study thus aimed to optimize the formulation of sterilized XTs-loaded nanoemulgel (XTs-NE-G) and to investigate their wound healing activities. The XTs-NE-Gs were prepared by mixing various gels containing sodium alginate (Alg) and Pluronic F127 (F127) into a XTs-nanoemulsion (NE) concentrate according to the face-centered central composite design. The results showed that the optimized XTs-NE-G was A5-F3 containing 5% w/w Alg and 3% w/w F127. It enhanced the proliferation-, migration rates of skin fibroblasts (HFF-1 cells) with an optimal viscosity. After blending the XTs-NE concentrate and the gel that was previously sterilized by a membrane filtration and an autoclaving technique, respectively, the sterilized A5-F3 was obtained. The sterilized A5-F3 still had effective bioactivities towards the HFF-1 cells. It promoted re-epithelialization, collagen deposition and inflammation suppression in the mice' wounds. It could thus be accepted for further investigation in clinical studies.

The metabolic and molecular mechanisms of α‑mangostin in cardiometabolic disorders (Review)

α‑mangostin is a xanthone predominantly encountered in Garcinia mangostana. Extensive research has been carried out concerning the effects of this compound on various diseases, including obesity, cancer and metabolic disorders. The present review suggests that α‑mangostin exerts promising anti‑obesity, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory effects on various pathways in cardiometabolic diseases. The anti‑obesity effects of α‑mangostin include the reduction of body weight and adipose tissue size, the increase in fatty acid oxidation, the activation of hepatic AMP‑activated protein kinase and Sirtuin‑1, and the reduction of peroxisome proliferator‑activated receptor γ expression. Hepatoprotective effects have been revealed, due to reduced fibrosis through transforming growth factor‑β 1 pathways, reduced apoptosis and steatosis through reduced sterol regulatory‑element binding proteins expression. The antidiabetic effects include decreased fasting blood glucose levels, improved insulin sensitivity and the increased expression of GLUT transporters in various tissues. Cardioprotection is exhibited through the restoration of cardiac functions and structure, improved mitochondrial functions, the promotion of M2 macrophage populations, reduced endothelial and cardiomyocyte apoptosis and fibrosis, and reduced acid sphingomyelinase activity and ceramide depositions. The antioxidant effects of α‑mangostin are mainly related to the modulation of antioxidant enzymes, the reduction of oxidative stress markers, the reduction of oxidative damage through a reduction in Sirtuin 3 expression mediated by phosphoinositide 3‑kinase/protein kinase B/peroxisome proliferator‑activated receptor‑γ coactivator‑1α signaling pathways, and to the increase in Nuclear factor‑erythroid factor 2‑related factor 2 and heme oxygenase‑1 expression levels. The anti‑inflammatory effects of α‑mangostin include its modulation of nuclear factor‑κB related pathways, the suppression of mitogen‑activated protein kinase activation, increased macrophage polarization to M2, reduced inflammasome occurrence, increased Sirtuin 1 and 3 expression, the reduced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, the production of nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2, the reduced expression of Toll‑like receptors and reduced proinflammatory cytokine levels. These effects demonstrate that α‑mangostin may possess the properties required for a suitable candidate compound for the management of cardiometabolic diseases.

Self-Emulsifying Systems for Delivery of Bioactive Compounds from Natural Origin

Nature has been used as therapeutic resources in the treatment of diseases for many years. However, some natural compounds have poor water solubility. Therefore, physicochemical strategies and technologies are necessary for development of systems for carrying these substances. The self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) have been used as carriers of hydrophobic compounds in order to increase the solubility and absorption, improving their bioavailability. SEDDS are constituted with a mixture of oils and surfactants which, when come into contact with an aqueous medium under mild agitation, can form emulsions. In the last years, a wide variety of self-emulsifying formulations containing bioactive compounds from natural origin has been developed. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the main excipients and natural bioactive compounds composing SEDDS. In addition, applications, new technologies and innovation are reviewed as well. Examples of self-emulsifying formulations administered in different sites are also considered for a better understanding of the use of this strategy to modify the delivery of compounds from natural origin.

α-Mangostin Alleviated HIF-1α-Mediated Angiogenesis in Rats With Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis by Suppressing Aerobic Glycolysis

A previously validated anti-rheumatic compound α-mangostin (MAN) shows significant metabolism regulatory effects. The current study aimed to clarify whether this property contributed to its inhibition on synovial angiogenesis. Male wistar rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) were orally treated by MAN for 32 days. Afterwards, biochemical parameters and cytokines in plasma were determined by corresponding kits, and glycometabolism-related metabolites were further accurately quantified by LC-MS method. Anti-angiogenic effects of MAN were preliminarily assessed by joints based-immunohistochemical examination and matrigel plug assay. Obtained results were then validated by experiments in vitro. AIA-caused increase in circulating transforming growth factor beta, interleukin 6, hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in blood and local HIF-1α/VEGF expression in joints was abrogated by MAN treatment, and pannus formation within matrigel plugs implanted in AIA rats was inhibited too. Scratch and transwell assays revealed the inhibitory effects of MAN on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) migration. Furthermore, MAN inhibited tubule formation capability of HUVECs and growth potential of rat arterial ring-derived endothelial cells in vitro. Meanwhile, MAN eased oxidative stress, and altered glucose metabolism in vivo. Glycolysis-related metabolites including glucose 6-phosphate, fructose 6-phosphate, 3-phosphoglyceric acid and phosphoenolpyruvic acid in AIA rats were decreased by MAN, while the impaired pyruvate-synthesizing capability of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was recovered. Consistently, MAN restored lipopolysaccharide-elicited changes on levels of glucose and LDH in HUVECs culture system, and exerted similar effects with LDH inhibitor stiripentol on glycometabolism and VEGF production as well as tubule formation capability of HUVECs. These evidences show that MAN treatment inhibited aerobic glycolysis in AIA rats, which consequently eased inflammation-related hypoxia, and hampered pathological neovascularization.

Fabrication and Biological Assessment of Antidiabetic α-Mangostin Loaded Nanosponges: In Vitro, In Vivo, and In Silico Studies

Type 2 diabetes mellitus has been a major health issue with increasing morbidity and mortality due to macrovascular and microvascular complications. The urgent need for improved methods to control hyperglycemic complications reiterates the development of innovative preventive and therapeutic treatment strategies. In this perspective, xanthone compounds in the pericarp of the mangosteen fruit, especially α-mangostin (MGN), have been recognized to restore damaged pancreatic β-cells for optimal insulin release. Therefore, taking advantage of the robust use of nanotechnology for targeted drug delivery, we herein report the preparation of MGN loaded nanosponges for anti-diabetic therapeutic applications. The nanosponges were prepared by quasi-emulsion solvent evaporation method. Physico-chemical characterization of formulated nanosponges with satisfactory outcomes was performed with Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Zeta potential, hydrodynamic diameter, entrapment efficiency, drug release properties, and stability studies at stress conditions were also tested. Molecular docking analysis revealed significant interactions of α-glucosidase and MGN in a protein-ligand complex. The maximum inhibition by nanosponges against α-glucosidase was observed to be 0.9352 ± 0.0856 µM, 3.11-fold higher than acarbose. In vivo studies were conducted on diabetic rats and plasma glucose levels were estimated by HPLC. Collectively, our findings suggest that MGN-loaded nanosponges may be beneficial in the treatment of diabetes since they prolong the antidiabetic response in plasma and improve patient compliance by slowly releasing MGN and requiring less frequent doses, respectively.

α-Mangostin Alleviated Inflammation in Rats With Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis by Disrupting Adipocytes-Mediated Metabolism-Immune Feedback

A previously identified anti-rheumatic compound α-mangostin (MAN) possesses notable metabolism regulatory properties. In this study, we investigated the immune implication of MAN-altered fat metabolism on adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) in rats. Seven days after AIA induction, the rats received oral treatment of MAN at 50 mg/kg/day for 30 days. Metabolic indicators and basic clinical parameters were evaluated using samples collected on day 20 and 38 since immunization. Expression of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), stearoyl-coa desaturase 1 (SCD-1), toll like receptor 4 (TLR4), prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (COX-2), (p)-JNK, (p)-p65 and IL-1β were investigated by either RT-qPCR or immunobloting methods. In in vitro experiments, we treated (pre)-adipocytes with monocytes/macrophages and MAN, and investigated the changes of macrophages brought by pre-adipocytes co-culture. Generally, MAN restored the impaired fat anabolism in AIA rats, indicated by increased fat reservoir, leptin and adiponectin secretion, and PPAR-γ and SCD-1 expression. Meanwhile, it decreased circulating IL-1β and IL-6 levels, restored serological lipid profile changes, and relieved oxidative stresses, demonstrating potent therapeutic effects on AIA. AIA rats-derived monocytes inhibited mRNA PPAR-γ and SCD-1 expression in pre-adipocytes. Contrarily, MAN facilitated adipocyte differentiation in vitro, and increased free fatty acids production. It also significantly increased PPAR-γ and SCD-1 expression, which can be abrogated by PPAR-γ inhibitor T0070907. Similarly, lipopolysaccharide-primed macrophages inhibited PPAR-γ expression in the co-cultured pre-adipocytes, which was reversed by MAN. In the same co-culture system, lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation was amplified by the co-existence of pre-adipocytes. More secretion of IL-1β and IL-6 and higher levels expression of COX-2, p-JNK, p-p65 and TLR4 were observed in lipopolysaccharide-treated macrophages when co-cultured by pre-adipocytes. The intensified inflammatory situation was eased by MAN. The treatment with pre-adipocytes culture medium achieved similar effects. Medium from lipopolysaccharide-treated adipocytes promoted IL-1β, IL-6 and MCP-1 production in separately cultured macrophages, and COX-2, p-JNK, p-p65 and TLR4 expression were increased at the meantime. MAN treatment on pre-adipocytes impaired these changes. It suggests that fat anabolism in AIA rats was deficient due to increased energy expenditure caused by inflammatory conditions. MAN restored fat metabolism homeostasis by up-regulating PPAR-γ, and reshaped secretion profile of adipocytes.

A review on α-mangostin as a potential multi-target-directed ligand for Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive memory loss, declining language skills and other cognitive disorders. AD has brought great mental and economic burden to patients, families and society. However due to the complexity of AD's pathology, drugs developed for the treatment of AD often fail in clinical or experimental trials. The main problems of current anti-AD drugs are low efficacy due to mono-target method or side effects, especially high hepatotoxicity. To tackle these two main problems, multi-target-directed ligand (MTDL) based on "one molecule, multiple targets" has been studied. MTDLs can regulate multiple biological targets at the same time, so it has shown higher efficacy, better safety. As a natural active small molecule, α-mangostin (α-M) has shown potential multi-factor anti-AD activities in a series of studies, furthermore it also has a certain hepatoprotective effect. The good availability of α-M also provides support for its application in clinical research. In this work, multiple activities of α-M related to AD therapy were reviewed, which included anti-cholinesterase, anti-amyloid-cascade, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidative stress, low toxicity, hepatoprotective effects and drug formulation. It shows that α-M is a promising candidate for the treatment of AD.

Securidaca inappendiculata-Derived Xanthones Protected Joints from Degradation in Male Rats with Collagen-Induced Arthritis by Regulating PPAR-γ Signaling

Background

The bark of Securidaca inappendiculata Hassk. is traditionally used for treating inflammatory diseases and bone fractures in China. We have previously validated the xanthone-enriched fraction (XRF) of S. inappendiculata with anti-rheumatic potentials, but mechanism underlying the joints protective effects is still largely unknown.

Materials and Methods

The male rats with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) were treated with XRF. The therapeutic efficacy of XRF was evaluated by arthritis score changes, morphological observation of paws, histological examinations and serological analyses. Protein expression in tissues and cells was investigated by either immunohistochemical or immunoblotting methods, while levels of mRNA expression were investigated by RT-qPCR. Metabolites in serum were detected by LC-MS approach. The joints homogenates were used for analyzing possible targeted genes by genome microarray analyses.

Results

Treatment with XRF and methotrexate (MTX) led to significant decrease in arthritis scores, and alleviated deformation of paws in CIA rats. In addition, XRF and MTX reduced circulating TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-17α in the serum and down-regulated TLR4/NF-κB and JNK pathways in joints of CIA rats. Compared to MTX, XRF-loading microemulsion significantly protected joints, which was accompanied by dramatic decrease in MMP3. Differential genes-based KEGG enrichment and metabolomics analysis suggested that XRF reduced fatty acids biosynthesis by regulating PPAR-γ signaling. S inappendiculata-derived 1,7-dihydroxy-3,4-dimethoxyxanthone (XAN) up-regulated PPAR-γ expression in macrophages, but suppressed it in pre-adipocytes in vitro, which was synchronized with SIRT1 changes. Adiponectin production and SCD-1 expression in pre-adipocytes were also decreased. Aside the direct inhibition on MMP3 expression in synovioblast, the presence of XAN in macrophages-pre-adipocytes co-culture system further reinforced this effect.

Conclusion

This study revealed the joint protective  advantages of the bioactive fraction from S. inappendiculata in CIA rats over MTX, and demonstrated that S. inappendiculata-derived xanthones suppressed the erosive nature of synovioblast acquired under inflammatory circumstances by regulating PPAR-γ signaling-controlled metabolism-immunity feedback.

Mangosteen Pericarp and Its Bioactive Xanthones: Potential Therapeutic Value in Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, and Depression with Pharmacokinetic and Safety Profiles

Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and depression are growing burdens for society globally, partly due to a lack of effective treatments. Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.,) pericarp (MP) and its xanthones may provide therapeutic advantages for these disorders. In this review, we discuss potential therapeutic value of MP-derived agents in AD, PD, and depression with their pharmacokinetic and safety profiles. MP-derived agents have shown multifunctional effects including neuroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-neuroinflammatory actions. In addition, they target specific disease pathologies, such as amyloid beta production and deposition as well as cholinergic dysfunction in AD; α-synuclein aggregation in PD; and modulation of monoamine disturbance in depression. Particularly, the xanthone derivatives, including α-mangostin and γ-mangostin, exhibit potent pharmacological actions. However, low oral bioavailability and poor brain penetration may limit their therapeutic applications. These challenges can be overcome in part by administering as a form of MP extract (MPE) or using specific carrier systems. MPE and α-mangostin are generally safe and well-tolerated in animals. Furthermore, mangosteen-based products are safe for humans. Therefore, MPE and its bioactive xanthones are promising candidates for the treatment of AD, PD, and depression. Further studies including clinical trials are essential to decipher their efficacy, and pharmacokinetic and safety profiles in these disorders.

Nanoparticle Drug Delivery Systems for α-Mangostin

α-Mangostin, a xanthone derivative from the pericarp of Garcinia mangostana L., has numerous bioactivities and pharmacological properties. However, α-mangostin has low aqueous solubility and poor target selectivity in the human body. Recently, nanoparticle drug delivery systems have become an excellent technique to improve the physicochemical properties and effectiveness of drugs. Therefore, many efforts have been made to overcome the limitations of α-mangostin through nanoparticle formulations. Our review aimed to summarise and discuss the nanoparticle drug delivery systems for α-mangostin from published papers recorded in Scopus, PubMed and Google Scholar. We examined various types of nanoparticles for α-mangostin to enhance water solubility, provide controlled release and create targeted delivery systems. These forms include polymeric nanoparticles, nanomicelles, liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanofibers and nanoemulsions. Notably, nanomicelle modification increased α-mangostin solubility increased more than 10,000 fold. Additionally, polymeric nanoparticles provided targeted delivery and significantly enhanced the biodistribution of α-mangostin into specific organs. In conclusion, the nanoparticle drug delivery system could be a promising technique to increase the solubility, selectivity and efficacy of α-mangostin as a new drug candidate in clinical therapy.

Current status and contemporary approaches to the discovery of antitumor agents from higher plants

Higher plant constituents have afforded clinically available anticancer drugs. These include both chemically unmodified small molecules and their synthetic derivatives currently used or those in clinical trials as antineoplastic agents, and an updated summary is provided. In addition, botanical dietary supplements, exemplified by mangosteen and noni constituents, are also covered as potential cancer chemotherapeutic agents. Approaches to metabolite purification, rapid dereplication, and biological evaluation including analytical hyphenated techniques, molecular networking, and advanced cellular and animal models are discussed. Further, enhanced and targeted drug delivery systems for phytochemicals, including micelles, nanoparticles and antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) are described herein.

Valorization of mangosteen, "The Queen of Fruits," and new advances in postharvest and in food and engineering applications: A review

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This review highlights recent advances of mangosteen research in the postharvest, food and engineering fields.

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In postharvest fields, phytohormones, metabolites, and pest/disease management are described.

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Mangosteen has also been used in various food products and for animal feed supplementation.

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In engineering, mangosteen extract is useful in solar cells, carbon dots and advanced materials.

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Mangosteen-based products may benefit consumers and the engineering and biomedical industries.

One of the most prolific plants utilized in various applications is mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.). Rich in potent bioactive compounds, such as xanthones, mangosteen is known to possess pharmacologically important anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. However, most previous reviews have only discussed the application of mangosteen in medicinal areas, yet more recent studies have diverged and valorized its usage in other scientific fields. In this review, the utilization of this exotic fruit in postharvest biology (phytohormone roles, metabolite profiling, bioactive compounds, isolation method optimization, chemical contaminant identification, and management of pests and fruit disorders), food science (food products, animal feed supplementation, and food shelf-life determination), and engineering fields (fabric and solar cell dyes, carbon dots, activated carbon, and biomedical advanced materials) is presented in detail. Research papers published from 2016 onward were selected and reviewed to show the recent research trends in these areas. In conclusion, mangosteen has been utilized for various purposes, ranging from usage in industrially important products to applications in advanced technologies and biomedical innovation.

Self-microemulsifying Drug Delivery System for Improved Oral Delivery of Limonene: Preparation, Characterization, in vitro and in vivo Evaluation

The current investigation aimed at formulating self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) to ameliorate oral bioavailability of a hydrophobic functional ingredient, limonene. Solubility test, compatibility test, and pseudo-ternary phase diagrams (PTPD) were adopted to screen the optimal compositions of limonene-SMEDDS (L-SMEDDS). The characteristics of this system assessed in vitro, mainly included determination of particle size distribution, observation of morphology via transmission electron microscopy (TEM), testing of drug release in different dissolution media, and evaluation of stability. The oral bioavailability study in vivo of the formulated limonene was performed in rats with the free limonene as the reference. Compared with the free limonene, the distribution study of L-SMEDDS was conducted in Kunming mice after oral administration. The optimized SMEDDS (ethyl oleate, 14.2%; Cremophor EL, 28.6%; isopropanol, 28.6%; and loaded limonene, 28.6%) under the TEM (about 100 nm) was spherical with no significant variations in size/appearance for 30 days at 4, 25, and 60°C. In comparison with free limonene, higher than 89.0% of limonene was released from SMEDDS within 10 min in different dissolution media. An in vivo study showed a 3.71-fold improved oral bioavailability of the formulated limonene compared to the free limonene. The tissue distribution results showed that limonene predominantly accumulated in the various tissues for the L-SMEDDS compared with the free limonene. Hence, L-SMEDDS could remarkably improve the concentration of limonene in the various organs. These findings hinted that the oral bioavailability of limonene could be improved via an effectual delivery system like SMEDDS.

Mangosteen ethanol extract alleviated the severity of collagen-induced arthritis in rats and produced synergistic effects with methotrexate

CONTEXT

Garcinia mangostana Linn. (Guttiferae) pericarp is used as a traditional medicine in South Asia to treat inflammatory diseases.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigates therapeutic effects of G. mangostana pericarp ethanol extract (MAN) on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and interactions with methotrexate in vivo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats with CIA were treated with MAN (0.5 g/kg/day), methotrexate (0.5 mg/kg, bw) or combination of both for 36 days, respectively (n = 8/group). Another eight healthy and CIA rats served as normal and model control, respectively. Therapeutic effects were evaluated based on paw edema and arthritis score during the experiment and serological markers at the end of the study period. Histological and radiological examinations were used to assess joint destructions. The immune status was investigated by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry.

RESULTS

All treatments decreased the arthritis score and paw inflammation in CIA rats. Combination regimen significantly reduced anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody in CIA rats to 85.83% (p < 0.05) and notably alleviated synovial hyperplasia and cartilage degradation in joints. Different from methotrexate, MAN significantly augmented CD25⁺ cells distribution (from 2.72 to 3.35%) and IL-10 secretion (from 202.4 to 241.2 pg/mL) in CIA rat blood. Meanwhile, MAN induced a greater IL-17 decrease and a FOXP3 increase in immune organs than MTX. Reduced TLR4 and IL-17 expression and elevated FOXP3 expression in joints also occurred under MAN treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

MAN protected joints from destruction in CIA rats and exerted synergistic effects with methotrexate by improving immune microenvironment. The combination regimen could bring additional benefits to rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Bioactivity and pharmacological properties of α-mangostin from the mangosteen fruit: a review

INTRODUCTION

α-Mangostin (α-MG) is the most representative xanthone isolated from the pericarp of mangosteen, possessing extensive biological activities and pharmacological properties, considered as an antineoplastic agent, antioxidant, anti-proliferation and induces apoptosis.

AREAS COVERED

The bioactivity and pharmacological properties of α-MG are being actively investigated by various industrial and academic institutions. The bioactivities of α-MG have been summarized in several previous reviews, which were worthy of high compliment. However, recently, many new literatures about the bioactivities of α-MG have been further reported from 2016 to 2017. Herein, the activities of α-MG are supplemented and summarized in this text.

EXPERT OPINION

As previously said, α-MG possesses good bioactivities pharmacological properties. More recently, it found that α-MG has the effect of maintaining cardiovascular system and gastrointestinal health and controlling free radical oxidation. Furthermore, α-MG has more applications in cosmetics, with the effects of anti-aging, anti-wrinkle, acne treatment, maintenance of skin lubrication. The application of α-MG in treating rheumatoid arthritis has been disclosed and the MG-loaded self-micro emulsion (MG-SME) was designed to improve its pharmacokinetic deficiencies. As mentioned above, α-MG can be a promising drug, also worthy of developing, and further research is crucial for the future application of α-MG.

Inhibition of NF-κB pathway in fibroblast-like synoviocytes by α-mangostin implicated in protective effects on joints in rats suffering from adjuvant-induced arthritis

α-Mangostin (MG) is a bioactive compound isolated from mangosteen. This study was aimed to investigate effects of MG on adjuvant-induced arthritis (AA) in rats and decipher the underlying mechanisms. Clinical severity of AA was evaluated by paw oedema, arthritis score, and hematological parameters. Digital radiography (DR) and histological examinations were employed to assess joints destructions. Immune functions were evaluated by T cell subsets distribution. Effects on NF-κB pathway were investigated by immunohistochemical, western-blot and immunofluorescence methods both in vivo and vitro. It was found MG possessed superior anti-inflammatory effects in vivo, suggested by attenuated paw swelling, reduced inflammatory cells infiltration and decreased the secretion of TNF-α and IL-1β in serum. Meanwhile MG inhibited fibrous hyperplasia, synovial angiogenesis, cartilage and bone degradation in AA rats. Although MG exerted little effects on CD4⁺ population, it greatly decreased IFN-γ positive cells and promoted expression of FOXP3 in immune organs, indicating restoration of Th1/Treg cells ratio and recovery of immune homeostasis in vivo. Inhibition of NF-κB induced by MG was indicated by reduced the expression of p-p65 and VEGF in synovium. In vitro experiments found MG at 10 μg/ml significantly suppressed the expression and phosphorylation of key proteins implicated in NF-κB pathway and inhibited nucleus translocation of p65. These changes led to increased apoptosis and proliferation inhibition of HFLS-RA cells. The results demonstrated regulation of immune functions was deeply involved in the therapeutic actions of MG on AA, and it's inhibition on NF-κB in fibroblast-like synoviocytes was associated to the protective effects on joints.

Medicinal properties of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.): A comprehensive update

Garcinia mangostana L. (Clusiaceae) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia known as mangosteen which fruits possess a distinctive and pleasant taste that has granted them the epithet of "queen of the fruits". The seeds and pericarps of the fruit have a long history of use in the traditional medicinal practices of the region, and beverages containing mangosteen pulp and pericarps are sold worldwide as nutritional supplements. The main phytochemicals present in the species are isoprenylated xanthones, a class of secondary metabolites with multiple reports of biological effects, such as antioxidant, pro-apoptotic, anti-proliferative, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, hypoglycemic and anti-obesity. The diversity of actions displayed by mangosteen xanthones shows that these compounds target multiple signaling pathways involved in different pathologies, and place them as valuable sources for developing new drugs to treat chronic and degenerative diseases. This review article presents a comprehensive update of the toxicological findings on animal models, and the preclinical anticancer, analgesic, neuroprotective, antidiabetic and hypolipidemic effects of G. mangostana L. extracts and its main isolates. Pharmacokinetics, drug delivery systems and reports on dose-finding human trials are also examined.