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Wang J, Wu S, Gao H, Yu C, Chen X, Yuan Z. Integrated metabolomics and network pharmacology analysis to explore pig bile-processed Rhizoma Coptidis and Fructus Evodiae sauce-processed Rhizoma Coptidis in lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2024; 1243:124192. [PMID: 38941716 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2024.124192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Pig bile- and Fructus Evodiae sauce-processed Rhizoma Coptidis (Danhuanglian, DHL; Yuhuanglian, YHL, respectively) are two types of processed Rhizoma Coptidis (Huanglian, HL) in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). DHL and YHL are representative of HL generated from the subordinate and counter system processing methods, respectively, both noted for their anti-inflammatory effects. How these processing methods can affect the medicinal efficacy of HL remains a hot topic. Here, we discussed the influence of the two methods on the efficacy of final HL products (i.e., DHL and YHL) by comparing their components and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure inflammatory factors in RAW264.7 cells induced by lipopolysaccharide, and UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap-MS was utilized to analyze the endogenous differential metabolites of RAW264.7 cells treated with HL, YHL, and DHL, and thus to identify the related metabolic pathways. Finally, using network pharmacology, we constructed a "disease-target-differential metabolites-active ingredients" network map. Compared with the control, all three products, HL, YHL, and DHL, significantly reduced IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β levels. 12 differential metabolites related to inflammation were identified and 25 target proteins were overlapping among the three groups. Notably, the anti-inflammatory effects of DHL and YHL were mediated by metabolic pathways such as aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, arginine and proline metabolism, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, and arginine biosynthesis. Specifically, DHL significantly impacted free fatty acid levels, which was not observed with HL and YHL. On screening, DHL had 9 active ingredients, including three from pig bile, and YHL had 12 active ingredients, with six from the processing excipient Fructus Evodiae. The distinct anti-inflammatory mechanisms and material basis of YHL and DHL were characterized by consistency and distinctiveness. Thus, this study underscores the significant influence of processing methods on the medicinal efficacy of TCMs by revealing their regulatory mechanisms and material bases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Songnan Wu
- College of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Hui Gao
- College of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Caina Yu
- College of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Xuelian Chen
- Gynaecological Ward of Panyu District, Guangdong Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zimin Yuan
- College of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian, Liaoning, China.
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Li SY, Xu DQ, Chen YY, Fu RJ, Tang YP. Several major herb pairs containing Coptidis rhizoma: a review of key traditional uses, constituents and compatibility effects. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1399460. [PMID: 38983920 PMCID: PMC11231094 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1399460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Herb compatibility is the soul of traditional Chinese Medicine prescriptions. Coptidis rhizoma (CR) (Coptis chinensis Franch., Coptis deltoidea C.Y.Cheng et Hsiao, or Coptis teeta Wall.; family Ranunculaceae), is a well-known herb. The bitter and cold nature of CR can irritate the spleen and stomach, and certain ingredients in CR may trigger allergic reactions. Herb combinations can help alleviate the side effects caused by CR. Through data analysis and literature research, there are many herbs combined with CR have a high frequency, but only a few are currently used as formulae in clinical practice. The results showed that these six herb pairs are usually widely studied or used as prescriptions in the clinic. This paper describes the six herb pairs from the key traditional uses, changes in bioactive constituents, and compatibility effects, especially with Euodiae fructus (family Rutaceae), Scutellariae radix (family Lamiaceae), Magnoliae Officinalis cortex (family Magnoliaceae), Glycyrrhizae radix et rhizoma (family Fabaceae), Ginseng radix et rhizoma (family Araliaceae), and Aucklandiae radix (family Asteraceae), and found that herbs are more effective when used in combination. Therefore, it is feasible to establish some methods to study herb pairs comprehensively from different perspectives. This paper aims to provide the latest and most comprehensive information on the six herb pairs and summarize the pattern of CR compatibility effects. It aims to attract more attention, and further experimental studies will be conducted to investigate and evaluate the effects of herb pairs containing CR. These data can also provide valuable references for researchers and also provide more possibilities for future applications in clinical practice and new drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Yu Li
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Ding-Qiao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yan-Yan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
- Wuxi Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, and Wuxi Cancer Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Rui-Jia Fu
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yu-Ping Tang
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
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Liu K, Yang X, Zhang G, Xiang Z. Therapeutic Effect and Mechanism Prediction of Fuzi-Gancao Herb Couple on Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking. Comb Chem High Throughput Screen 2024; 27:773-785. [PMID: 37317908 DOI: 10.2174/1386207326666230614102412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fuzi-Gancao herb couple is one of the most common herb couples involved in the TCM formula, which was used for the treatment of chronic diseases. The herb couple has a hepatoprotective effect. However, its main components and therapeutic mechanism are not yet clear. This study aims to elucidate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of the Fuzi-Gancao herb couple on NAFLD from animal experiments, network pharmacology, and molecular docking. METHODS 60 Male C57BL/6 mice (20 g ± 2 g) were randomly divided into six groups including the blank group (n=10) and NALFD group (n=50). The mice of the NALFD group were fed with a high-fat diet for 20 weeks to establish the NAFLD model and the NALFD mice were randomly divided into five groups including positive group (berberine), model group and F-G groups with three dosages (0.257, 0.514, 0.771 g/kg) (n=10). After 10 weeks of administration, the serum was collected for the analysis of ALT, AST, LDL-c, HDL-c, and TC, and liver tissues were collected for pathological analysis. The TCMAS database was used to collect the main components and targets of the Fuzi-Gancao herb couple. The GeneCards database was used to collect NAFLD-related targets, and the key targets were obtained by intersecting with herbal targets. The diseasecomponent- target relationship diagram was constructed by Cytoscape 3.9.1. The obtained key targets were imported into the String database to obtain the PPI network, and imported into the DAVID database for KEGG pathway analysis and GO analysis. Finally, the key targets and key gene proteins were imported into Discovery Studio 2019 for molecular docking verification. RESULTS In this study, H-E staining indicated the pathological changes of liver tissue in Fuzi- Gancao groups were significantly improved, and the levels of AST, ALT, TC, HDL-c, and LDL-c in serum of Fuzi-Gancao groups decreased in a dose-dependent manner, compared with the model group. 103 active components and 299 targets in the Fuzi-Gancao herb couple were confirmed in the TCMSP database and 2062 disease targets in NAFLD were obtained. 142 key targets and 167 signal pathways were screened, such as the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, HIF-1 signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, and so on. The main bioactive ingredients of Fuzi-Gancao herb couple in the treatment of NAFLD are quercetin, kaempferol, naringenin, inermine, (R)-norcoclaurine, isorhamnetin, ignavine, 2,7-Dideacetyl-2,7- dibenzoyl-taxayunnanine F, glycyrol mainly involving IL6, AKT1, TNF, TP53, IL1B, VEGFA and other core targets. Molecular docking analysis indicated that there is a good affinity between the key components and the key targets. CONCLUSION This study preliminarily explained the main components and mechanism of the Fuzi- Gancao herb couple in the treatment of NAFLD and provided an idea for subsequent research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kejia Liu
- Graduate School, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, China
| | - Xu Yang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Guihong Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Liaoning University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zheng Xiang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Liaoning University, Shenyang, China
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Li YY, He YX, Wu YQ, Liu C, Ren LZ, Lu XY, Wang YM, Yu Y. Compatibility between cold-natured medicine CP and hot-natured medicine AZ synergistically mitigates colitis mice through attenuating inflammation and restoring gut barrier. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 303:115902. [PMID: 36395977 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a nonspecific intestinal inflammation with complex pathogenesis. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula consists of several TCM herbs following the principle of herbal property and compatibility. Our previous studies found that Huanglian Ganjiang decoction (HGD) exhibited anti-colitis capacity and the compatibility between hot-natured medicine and cold-natured medicine was main compatibility. However, the association between compatibility mechanism of HGD and its anti-colitis effect has not been fully illustrated yet. AIM OF STUDY Here, we would explore whether cold-natured medicine Coptis chinensis Franch. plus Phellodendron chinense C.K.Schneid. (CP) and hot-natured medicine Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels plus Zingiber officinale Roscoe (AZ) in HGD respectively produce different impacts on UC, and exert synergistic effect on UC together. MATERIALS AND METHODS UPLC/MS-MS was used to qualitatively analyze chemical profiles of CP, AZ and CPAZ extracts. CPAZ-UC target network was constructed using network pharmacology. Colitis mice was induced by 3% DSS for 7 days and treated with CP, AZ and CPAZ for another 7 days. The levels of multiple cytokines and proportions of innate and adaptive immune cells were determined to assess inflammatory profiles. The leakage of FITC-dextran, expressions of tight junction proteins were detected for evaluation of gut barrier function. RESULTS CP, AZ and CPAZ could improve symptoms of colitis mice. CP showed superiority in reducing proportions of pro-inflammatory immune cells M1 cells, neutrophils, Th1 and Th17 cells, and levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α. In the contrast, AZ had advantage of elevating ratios of anti-inflammatory immune cells M2 and Treg cells as well as the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β. In addition, CP and AZ synergistically regulated M1/M2 macrophage polarization and the following IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ production, thereby restoring intestinal mucosal barrier. CONCLUSION Taken together, our study first demonstrated that cold-natured medicine CP and hot-natured medicine AZ took on different functions in treatment of colitis mice. Meanwhile, they exhibited synergistic effect on the alleviation of intestinal inflammation and reinforcement of gut barrier function and integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Yang Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yue-Xian He
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Ye-Qun Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Chang Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Ling-Zhi Ren
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Xiang-Yi Lu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yu-Mei Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Yang Yu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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Liu J, Shi JL, Guo JY, Chen Y, Ma XJ, Wang SN, Zheng ZQ, Lin MX, He S. Anxiolytic-like effect of Suanzaoren-Wuweizi herb-pair and evidence for the involvement of the monoaminergic system in mice based on network pharmacology. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:7. [PMID: 36624423 PMCID: PMC9830753 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-022-03829-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suanzaoren-Wuweizi herb-pair (SWHP), composed of Zizyphi Spinosi Semen (Suanzaoren in Chinese) and Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus (Wuweizi in Chinese), is a traditional herbal formula that has been extensively used for the treatment of insomnia. The study aimed to explore the targets and signal pathways of Suanzaoren-Wuweizi (S-W) in the treatment of anxiety by network pharmacology, and to verify the pharmacodynamics and key targets of SWHP in mice. METHODS The Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) as well as literature mining were used to obtain the main chemical ingredients of Suanzaoren and Wuweizi. The SwissTargetPrediction platform was used to predict drug-related targets. The GeneCards, TTD, DisGeNET and OMIM databases were used to obtain potential targets for the treatment of anxiety with the chemical components of S-W. Drug-disease intersection genes were selected, and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using STRING. The core targets of S-W in the treatment of anxiety were selected according to the topological parameters, and GO functional enrichment as well as KEGG pathways enrichment analyses were performed for potential targets. The relationship network of the "drug-active ingredient-disease-target-pathway" was constructed through Cytoscape 3.8.0. The pharmacodynamics of SWHP in the treatment of anxiety was evaluated by the elevated plus maze (EPM), the light/dark box test (LDB) and the open field test (OFT). The mechanisms were examined by measuring monoamine neurotransmitters in brain of mice. RESULTS The results showed that there were 13 active ingredients for the treatment of anxiety in the network. This includes sanjoinenine, swertisin, daucosterol, schizandrer B, wuweizisu C and gomisin-A. Additionally, there were 148 targets, such as AKT1, TNF, SLC6A4, SLC6A3, EGFR, ESR1, HSP90AA1, CCND1, and DRD2, mainly involved in neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, the Serotonergic synapse pathway and the cAMP signaling pathway. After 1 week of treatment, SWHP (2 and 3 g/kg) induced a significant increase on the percentage of entries into and time spent on the open arms of the EPM. In the LDB test, SWHP exerted anxiolytic-like effect at 2 g/kg. In the open-field test, SWHP (2 g/kg) increased the number of central entries and time spent in central areas. The levels of brain monoamines (5-HT and DA) and their metabolites (5-HIAA, DOPAC) were decreased after SWHP treatment. CONCLUSIONS The anti-anxiety effect of SWHP may be mediated by regulating 5-HT, DA and other signaling pathways. These findings demonstrated that SWHP produced an anxiolytic-like effect and the mechanism of action involves the serotonergic and dopaminergic systems, although underlying mechanism remains to be further elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liu
- grid.418633.b0000 0004 1771 7032Capital Institute of Pediatrics, No. 2 Yabao Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
| | - Jin-Li Shi
- grid.24695.3c0000 0001 1431 9176School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Yangguang South Street, Fangshan District, Beijing, 102488 China
| | - Jian-You Guo
- grid.454868.30000 0004 1797 8574Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 4A Datun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Yi Chen
- grid.24695.3c0000 0001 1431 9176School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Yangguang South Street, Fangshan District, Beijing, 102488 China
| | - Xiao-Jie Ma
- grid.24695.3c0000 0001 1431 9176School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Yangguang South Street, Fangshan District, Beijing, 102488 China
| | - Sheng-Nan Wang
- grid.24695.3c0000 0001 1431 9176School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Yangguang South Street, Fangshan District, Beijing, 102488 China
| | - Zhi-Quan Zheng
- grid.24695.3c0000 0001 1431 9176School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Yangguang South Street, Fangshan District, Beijing, 102488 China
| | - Ming-Xuan Lin
- grid.24695.3c0000 0001 1431 9176School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Yangguang South Street, Fangshan District, Beijing, 102488 China
| | - Shuai He
- grid.24695.3c0000 0001 1431 9176School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Yangguang South Street, Fangshan District, Beijing, 102488 China
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An Open-Label Exploratory Clinical Trial Evaluating the Effects of GLS (Coptidis Rhizoma-Evodiae Fructus 2 : 1) on Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:4583645. [PMID: 35368766 PMCID: PMC8967510 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4583645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Methods In a 12-week, open-label, exploratory clinical trial, 126 NAFLD patients were randomly divided into the GLS group (lifestyle intervention plus GLS) or the polyene phosphatidylcholine (PPC) group (lifestyle intervention plus PPC). Random numbers generated by DPS software were used in combination with opaque, sealed envelopes for allocation concealment. At baseline as well as at the end of the study, anthropometric parameters, glucose, lipids, hepatic enzymes, and FGF 21 were measured, with hepatic fat accumulation assessed by ultrasound (US) and US-based controlled attenuation parameter (CAP). Results 119 patients completed the study. Baseline parameters did not significantly differ between the two groups (P > 0.05). Compared with PPC, GLS decreased more significantly in hepatic fat accumulation, body weight index, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, serum glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and FGF 21 (P < 0.05). The effects of GLS on waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, CAP, and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) were positively correlated with serum FGF 21 (r = 0.343, 0.342, 0.315, and 0.374, respectively, P < 0.05). The GGT and FGF-21 changes were also confirmed by multiple linear regression analysis (B, 0.777; 95% CI: 0.307–1.247, P < 0.05). Conclusion GLS has a significant hepatoprotective effect on NAFLD patients, causing a decrease in FGF-21 secretion in response to the damage itself.
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Xiong JL, Cai XY, Zhang ZJ, Li Q, Zhou Q, Wang ZT. Elucidating the estrogen-like effects and biocompatibility of the herbal components in the Qing' E formula. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 283:114735. [PMID: 34637969 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The Qing' E Formula (QEF) is a compound preparation that was originally recorded in the 'Prescriptions of the Bureau of Taiping People's Welfare Pharmacy' during the Song Dynasty (10th century CE). It consists of four Chinese medicinal herbs, Eucommiae Cortex (Eucommia ulmoides), Psoraleae Fructus (Psoralea corylifolium), Juglandis Semen (Juglans regia), and Garlic Rhizoma. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), QEF has the ability to tonify the kidney and strengthen muscle and bone. According to the 'kidney governing bone' theory in TCM, QEF is also used to treat the symptoms of climacteric syndrome, especially osteoporosis caused by reduced production of estrogen during the perimenopausal period; however, the therapeutic roles of the individual components of the QEF and their compatibility within the formula has not been investigated. AIM OF THE STUDY In this study, the compatibility mechanism and estrogen-like action properties of the four herbal components in the QEF was elucidated according to the organizing principle of Chinese medicine formulas using both in vitro and in vivo models. MATERIALS AND METHODS The estrogen-like effects of QEF and its herbal components were investigated in MCF7 and HEK293 cells as well as ovariectomized (OVX) rats. The estrogen-like effects of the QEF and its components were analyzed in vitro using Cell Counting Kit-8 and Luciferase reporter gene assays. In the in vivo studies, the blood plasma levels of hormones, lipids, neurotransmitters, aromatase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). The histological morphologies of the target organs after exposure to QEF were investigated by HE staining and immunohistochemical methods. The expression levels of estrogen pathway-related proteins and genes in the OVX rats were measured by Western blotting and real time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), respectively. RESULTS The in vitro results showed that the QEF, Eucommia (EC) and Psoralea (PF) promoted the proliferation of MCF-7 cells and upregulated the expression of ERα, ERβ and pS2 genes in the MCF-7 cells. Notably, the QEF demonstrated the most active estrogen-like effects compared to the individual ingredients. The in vivo results showed that the QEF, EC, and PF increased the uterine coefficient, upregulated the expression of both ERs (ERα and ERβ) in the uterus, and increased blood serum hormone levels. QEF and its individual components ameliorated menopausal-derived lipid metabolism dysfunction, increased neurotransmitter production by stimulating the adrenal glands, enhanced the antioxidant activity in the serum by increasing the concentration of SOD, reversed ovariectomy-derived atrophy in the uterus, and reduced the weight gain associated with estrogen reduction in the OVX rats. The QEF also antagonize the loss of appetite of OVX animals caused by feeding Psoralea alone, which could explain the compatibility mechanism of Qing' E Formula with reducing toxicity and increasing efficiency. CONCLUSIONS The estrogen-like effects of Eucommia and Psoralea were mainly mediated through activation of ERα and ERβ. The phytoestrogen components regulated hormone production and the expression of related proteins and genes, which indicated that these components exhibited estrogen-like therapeutic effects. However, the QEF showed the greatest estrogen-like effects compared to the individual components. Overall, this corroborated the therapeutic prowess of the QEF and clarified the pharmacodynamic interactions between the different components extracts in the QEF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Lin Xiong
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Xin-Yin Cai
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Zi-Jia Zhang
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| | - Qi Li
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Qiang Zhou
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Zheng-Tao Wang
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201210, China
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Wang Y, Yang H, Chen L, Jafari M, Tang J. Network-based modeling of herb combinations in traditional Chinese medicine. Brief Bioinform 2021; 22:6217717. [PMID: 33834186 PMCID: PMC8425426 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbab106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been practiced for thousands of years for treating human diseases. In comparison to modern medicine, one of the advantages of TCM is the principle of herb compatibility, known as TCM formulae. A TCM formula usually consists of multiple herbs to achieve the maximum treatment effects, where their interactions are believed to elicit the therapeutic effects. Despite being a fundamental component of TCM, the rationale of combining specific herb combinations remains unclear. In this study, we proposed a network-based method to quantify the interactions in herb pairs. We constructed a protein–protein interaction network for a given herb pair by retrieving the associated ingredients and protein targets, and determined multiple network-based distances including the closest, shortest, center, kernel, and separation, both at the ingredient and at the target levels. We found that the frequently used herb pairs tend to have shorter distances compared to random herb pairs, suggesting that a therapeutic herb pair is more likely to affect neighboring proteins in the human interactome. Furthermore, we found that the center distance determined at the ingredient level improves the discrimination of top-frequent herb pairs from random herb pairs, suggesting the rationale of considering the topologically important ingredients for inferring the mechanisms of action of TCM. Taken together, we have provided a network pharmacology framework to quantify the degree of herb interactions, which shall help explore the space of herb combinations more effectively to identify the synergistic compound interactions based on network topology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hongbin Yang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Linxiao Chen
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Jing Tang
- Faculty of Medicine of the University of Helsinki and Group Leader of Network Pharmacology for Precision Medicine group, Finland
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Qu C, Xu DQ, Yue SJ, Shen LF, Zhou GS, Chen YY, Wang XP, Bai JQ, Liu F, Tang YP, Zhao BC, Duan JA. Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of Danshen in isoproterenol-induced acute myocardial ischemic injury combined with Honghua. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2020; 247:112284. [PMID: 31604137 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.112284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Herb pair, the most fundamental and simplest form of herb compatibility, serves as the basic building block of traditional Chinese medicine formulae. The Danshen-Honghua herb pair (DH), composed of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Danshen in Chinese) and Carthami Flos (Honghua in Chinese), has remarkable clinical efficacy to cure cardio-cerebrovascular diseases. This study was designed to investigate the pharmacodynamics of DH in comparison with single herbs and pharmacokinetics of DH relative to Danshen in acute myocardial ischemic injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sixty male Wistar rats were divided into control, model and drug treated groups. The acute myocardial ischemia rat model was induced by administering 85 mg/kg/d isoproterenol (ISO) subcutaneously for two consecutive days. For pharmacodynamic study, histopathological and biochemical analysis were performed to assess the anti-myocardial ischemic effects. While for pharmacokinetic study, a UPLC-MS/MS method was developed for determination of nine main active ingredients, namely danshensu, protocatechuic acid, protocatechualdehyde, caffeic acid, lithospermic acid, rosmarinic acid, salvianolic acid B, salvianolic acid A and salvianolic acid C in rat plasma. RESULTS The histopathological and biochemical analysis revealed that DH exerted enhanced anti-myocardial ischemic effects against the ISO-induced myocardial ischemia compared with single herbs. The pharmacokinetic study indicated that DH could significantly increase the t1/2z of danshensu, Tmax, AUC0-∞ and MRT0-t of protocatechuic acid in comparison with Danshen alone in normal rats, but more importantly elevate systemic exposure level and prolong t1/2z of protocatechualdehyde, caffeic acid, Tmax of danshensu in acute myocardial ischemia rats. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrated the greater effects of DH after the compatibility in ISO-induced acute myocardial ischemia rats at pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic levels and provided valuable information for clinical application of herb pairs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Qu
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Ding-Qiao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China
| | - Shi-Jun Yue
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China
| | - Le-Fei Shen
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Gui-Sheng Zhou
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yan-Yan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Wang
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China
| | - Ji-Qing Bai
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China
| | - Feng Liu
- Shaanxi Buchang Pharmaceutical Limited Company, Xi'an, 710075, China
| | - Yu-Ping Tang
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Bu-Chang Zhao
- Shaanxi Buchang Pharmaceutical Limited Company, Xi'an, 710075, China
| | - Jin-Ao Duan
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
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10
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Realgar transforming solution as a novel arsenic agent with a lower risk of cardiotoxicity. J Pharmacol Sci 2019; 140:162-170. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2019.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 06/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
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Liew AC, Peh KK, Tan BS, Zhao W, Tangiisuran B. Evaluation of chemotherapy-induced toxicity and health-related quality of life amongst early-stage breast cancer patients receiving Chinese herbal medicine in Malaysia. Support Care Cancer 2019; 27:4515-4524. [PMID: 30911917 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-019-04724-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This observational study aimed to compare the outcome and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) amongst breast cancer patients using Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) and those not using CHM during chemotherapy. METHODS A prospective, non-randomised longitudinal study was conducted in two government integrated hospitals over an 8-month period. Early-stage breast cancer patients who were (1) either already using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) or not and (2) who were on a regime of 5-fluorouracil, epirubicin, and cyclophosphamide were included in the study. Patients who agreed to receive CHM were assigned to receive individualised CHM prescriptions deemed suitable for the individual at a particular time. Those who were not willing to take Chinese herbal medicines (CHM) were assigned to the non-CHM control group. Blood profile and chemotherapy-induced AE were recorded whilst HRQOL assessment was done using the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire on first, third, and sixth cycles. RESULTS Forty-seven patients [32 female vs. 1 male, p = 0.31; mean year of age: 52.2(SD = 7.6), p = 0.28)}] were recruited during the study period. Demographics of both groups were comparable. Fifty percent of respondents reported using some kind of CAM before chemotherapy. Diet supplements (40.6%) were the most common CAM used by the respondents. The study showed that patients using CHM had significantly less fatigue (p = 0.012), nausea (p = 0.04), and anorexia (p = 0.005) during chemotherapy. There were no significant differences in patients' HRQOL (p = 0.79). There were no AEs reported during the study. CONCLUSION The use of CHM as an adjunct treatment with conventional chemotherapy have been shown to reduce fatigue, nausea, and anorexia in breast cancer patients but did not reduce chemotherapy-associated hematologic toxicity. The sample size of this study was not powered to assess the significance of HRQOL between two groups of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai Ch'i Liew
- Clinical Research Centre, Hospital Seberang Jaya, Jalan Tun Hussein Oon, 13700, Perai, Penang, Malaysia.
| | - Kok-Khiang Peh
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Gelugor, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Boon Seang Tan
- Department of Clinical Oncology and Radiotherapy, Penang General Hospital, Jalan Residensi, 10990, George Town, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Wei Zhao
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Oncology Physician, Guang'anmen Hospital (of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Beijing, No. 5, Bei Xian Ge, Xuan Wu District, Beijing, 100053, China
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12
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Zhao Z, He X, Han W, Chen X, Liu P, Zhao X, Wang X, Zhang L, Wu S, Zheng X. Genus Tetradium L.: A comprehensive review on traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2019; 231:337-354. [PMID: 30472402 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2018.11.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The dried fruit of Tetradium ruticarpum is frequently utilized as a common traditional medicine in China, Japan and Korea. It has been widely used for the treatment of various diseases such as headache, menorrhalgia, dermatophytosis, celialgia, emesis and aphtha and so on. AIM OF THIS REVIEW Despite the wide biological activities of Tetradium plants, there is no current review summarizing medicinal properties of the genus of plants; thus, this review aims to systematically summarize studies on botanical characteristics, traditional uses, phytochemical ingredients, quality control, pharmacokinetics, pharmacological activities and toxicity of Tetradium species to demonstrate their therapeutic capacity. MATERIALS AND METHODS Information and materials related to Tetradium species were obtained from scientific databases such as Google Scholar, Wikipedia, Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, ACS Publications, SciFinder. Information was also gathered from International Plant Names Index, Global Biodiversity Information Facility, Chinese Pharmacopoeia and Traditional Chinese Medicine classics, etc. All studies of this genus were included in this review until July 2018. RESULTS Tetradium is widely assessed regarding its phytochemistry and biological activities. Approximately 131 chemical compounds, including alkaloids, saponins, phenols and other compounds, have been isolated from Tetradium plants. Among these components, alkaloid evodiamine is the most representative active ingredients of Tetradium plants. These compounds isolated from Tetradium plants exhibit a wide range of biological activities in vitro and in vivo including antitumor, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, insecticide, cardioprotective and lipid-lowering, treating CNS disorders, digestive system regulation and endocrine system improving activities. Furthermore, alkaloids could be used as markers for quality identification and evaluation of medicinal materials and their preparations. Information on evaluating the safety and pharmacokinetics of Tetradium often focuses on the alkaloids, thus further study and clinical data are required to enable the drug safety of the utilization of Tetradium plants. CONCLUSIONS Phytochemical and pharmacological studies of Tetradium plants have proved Tetradium plants are important medicinal herb resource. However, well-designed randomized clinical trials are necessary to confirm the therapeutic benefits of this genus in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zefeng Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Northwest University, 229 Taibai Road, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Xirui He
- Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 76 Nanguo Road, Xi'an 710054, China
| | - Wei Han
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Northwest University, 229 Taibai Road, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Xufei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Northwest University, 229 Taibai Road, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Peiliang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Northwest University, 229 Taibai Road, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Xue Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Northwest University, 229 Taibai Road, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Xing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Northwest University, 229 Taibai Road, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Lixin Zhang
- Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 76 Nanguo Road, Xi'an 710054, China
| | - Shaoping Wu
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Northwest University, 229 Taibai Road, Xi'an 710069, China.
| | - Xiaohui Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Northwest University, 229 Taibai Road, Xi'an 710069, China.
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Yu G, Wang W, Wang X, Xu M, Zhang L, Ding L, Guo R, Shi Y. Network pharmacology-based strategy to investigate pharmacological mechanisms of Zuojinwan for treatment of gastritis. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2018; 18:292. [PMID: 30382864 PMCID: PMC6211468 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-018-2356-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Zuojinwan (ZJW), a classic herbal formula, has been extensively used to treat gastric symptoms in clinical practice in China for centuries. However, the pharmacological mechanisms of ZJW still remain vague to date. METHODS In the present work, a network pharmacology-based strategy was proposed to elucidate its underlying multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway mode of action against gastritis. First we collected putative targets of ZJW based on TCMSP and STITCH databases, and a network containing the interactions between the putative targets of ZJW and known therapeutic targets of gastritis was built. Then four topological parameters, "degree", "betweenness", "closeness", and "coreness" were calculated to identify the major targets in the network. Furthermore, the major hubs were imported to the Metacore database to perform a pathway enrichment analysis. RESULTS A total of 118 nodes including 59 putative targets of ZJW were picked out as major hubs in terms of their topological importance. The results of pathway enrichment analysis indicated that putative targets of ZJW mostly participated in various pathways associated with anti-inflammation response, growth and development promotion and G-protein-coupled receptor signaling. More importantly, five putative targets of ZJW (EGFR, IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α and MCP-1) and two known therapeutic targets of gastritis (CCKBR and IL-12β) and a link target NF-κB were recognized as active factors involved in the main biological functions of treatment, implying the underlying mechanisms of ZJW acting on gastritis. CONCLUSION ZJW could alleviate gastritis through the molecular mechanisms predicted by network pharmacology, and this research demonstrates that the network pharmacology approach can be an effective tool to reveal the mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) from a holistic perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guohua Yu
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No.11 East road, North 3rd Ring Road, Beijing, 100029 China
| | - Wubin Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No.11 East road, North 3rd Ring Road, Beijing, 100029 China
| | - Xu Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No.11 East road, North 3rd Ring Road, Beijing, 100029 China
| | - Meng Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No.11 East road, North 3rd Ring Road, Beijing, 100029 China
| | - Lili Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No.11 East road, North 3rd Ring Road, Beijing, 100029 China
| | - Lei Ding
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No.11 East road, North 3rd Ring Road, Beijing, 100029 China
| | - Rui Guo
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No.11 East road, North 3rd Ring Road, Beijing, 100029 China
| | - Yuanyuan Shi
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No.11 East road, North 3rd Ring Road, Beijing, 100029 China
- Shenzhen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 1 Dayun road, Sports New City Road, Shenzhen, 518172 China
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Pu WL, Sun LK, Gao XM, Rüegg C, Cuendet M, Hottiger MO, Zhou K, Miao L, Zhang YS, Gebauer M. Targeting tumor-associated macrophages by anti-tumor Chinese materia medica. Chin J Integr Med 2017; 23:723-732. [PMID: 28988387 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-017-2974-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a key role in all stages of tumorigenesis and tumor progression. TAMs secrete different kinds of cytokines, chemokines, and enzymes to affect the progression, metastasis, and resistance to therapy depending on their state of reprogramming. Therapeutic benefit in targeting TAMs suggests that macrophages are attractive targets for cancer treatment. Chinese materia medica (CMM) is an important approach for treating cancer in China and in the Asian region. According to the theory of Chinese medicine (CM) and its practice, some prescriptions of CM regulate the body's internal environment possibly including the remodeling the tumor microenvironment (TME). Here we briefly summarize the pivotal effects of TAMs in shaping the TME and promoting tumorigenesis, invasion, metastasis and immunosuppression. Furthermore, we illustrate the effects and mechanisms of CMM targeting TAMs in antitumor therapy. Finally, we reveal the CMM's dual-regulatory and multi-targeting functions on regulating TAMs, and hopefully, provide the theoretical basis for CMM clinical practice related to cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Ling Pu
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Li-Kang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China.
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China.
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China.
| | - Xiu-Mei Gao
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Curzio Rüegg
- Pathology Unit, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Sciences, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Muriel Cuendet
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne, Genève, Switzerland
| | - Micheal O Hottiger
- Department of Molecular Mechanisms of Disease, University of Zurich-Irchel, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kun Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Lin Miao
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China
- Department of Molecular Mechanisms of Disease, University of Zurich-Irchel, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Yun-Sha Zhang
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China
- Pathology Unit, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Sciences, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Margaret Gebauer
- Chingcura, Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zurich, Switzerland
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Fu X, Lu R, Zhao S. Simultaneous quantitation of six aconitum alkaloids and three flavonoids in the herb couple of radix aconiti lateralis-radix glycyrrhizae (Fuzi-Gancao) by UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Pharmacogn Mag 2017; 13:425-429. [PMID: 28839367 PMCID: PMC5551360 DOI: 10.4103/pm.pm_141_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Revised: 06/11/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Fuzi–Gancao herb couple is one of the commonly used herb couples involved in the traditional Chinese medicine formulations, with radix aconiti lateralis (Fuzi in Chinese) and radix glycyrrhizae (Gancao in Chinese) as a ratio of 1:1. Alkaloids and flavonoids were considered as the main active ingredients of Fuzi–Gancao herb couple. However, no analytical methods have been reported to quantitatively analyze these activity ingredients in Fuzi–Gancao herb couple simultaneously. Objective: To develop a simple, rapid, and sensitive UHPLC-MS/MS method for simultaneous quantitation of six alkaloid and three flavonoid compounds, namely, aconitine (AC), mesaconitine (MA), hypaconitine (HA), benzoylaconitine (BAC), benzoylmesaconitine (BMA), benzoylhypaconitine (BHA), liquiritin, isoliquiritin, and licochalcone A (LCA) in Fuzi–Gancao herb couple. Materials and Methods: The chromatographic separation was achieved using a reversed phase C18 column and a mobile phase consisted of water (0.1% formic acid in water, v/v) and acetonitrile. The detection was achieved in multiple reaction monitoring modes. The optimal mass transition ion pairs (m/z) for quantitation were 646.3/586.5 for AC, 632.4/572.5 for MA, 616.3/556.4 for HA, 604.5/572.5 for BAC, 590.4/540.4 for BMA, 574.1/542.5 for BHA, 419.4/257.1 for liquiritin, 419.4/257.1 for isoliquiritin, and 339.2/121.1 for LCA. Results: Good linearity was observed in validated concentration range for each analyte (r > 0.9992), and the intra- and inter-day precisions were <3.12% and 3.65%, respectively. The recovery ranged from 85.36% to 110.14%. Conclusions: The results demonstrated that the method developed was reliable, rapid, and specific. Moreover, this method was successfully applied to control the quality of Fuzi–Gancao herb couple. SUMMARY A simple, rapid, and sensitive UHPLC-MS/MS method for simultaneous quantitation of six alkaloid and three flavonoid compounds in Fuzi–Gancao herb couple has been developed.
Abbreviations used: UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS: Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry; RSD: Relative standard deviations; LOD: Limit of detection; LOQ: Limit of quantification; MRM: Multiple reaction monitor; TCMs: Traditional Chinese medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Fu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning Medical University, Jinzhou 121000, China
| | - Rongrong Lu
- Graduate College, Liaoning Medical University, Jinzhou 121000, China
| | - Songsong Zhao
- Department of Educational Administration, First Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning Medical University, Jinzhou 121000, China
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16
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Zhou M, Hong Y, Lin X, Shen L, Feng Y. Recent pharmaceutical evidence on the compatibility rationality of traditional Chinese medicine. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2017; 206:363-375. [PMID: 28606807 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Revised: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Chinese herbs have been used in China for thousands of years and are also becoming popular in Western medicine. Formulae of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which contain two or more herbs, can often obtain better curative efficacies and fewer side effects than single herbs. Though there are many reports on pharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of TCM, there remains a serious lack of summarization and systemic analyses of these reported data to help uncover the compatibility rationale of TCM. This review therefore aims to provide such an overview mainly based on the reports published in the last decade. It could be served as an informative reference for researchers interested in compound prescriptions and holistic therapies. MATERIALS AND METHODS Relevant information was collected from various resources, including books on Chinese herbs, China Knowledge Resource Integrated (CNKI), and international databases, such as Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. RESULTS Thirty-six relevant TCM formulae were collected to illustrate the compatibility rationality of TCM from the perspective of pharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics, and/or pharmacodynamics. CONCLUSIONS Compatibility is a key characteristic of multi-herb prescriptions. It often results in the change of the therapeutic material basis and, thus, produces the effect of reducing toxicity and/or increasing curative efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Zhou
- College of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, PR China; Engineering Research Center of Modern Preparation Technology of TCM of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, PR China
| | - Yanlong Hong
- Engineering Research Center of Modern Preparation Technology of TCM of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, PR China
| | - Xiao Lin
- College of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, PR China; Engineering Research Center of Modern Preparation Technology of TCM of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, PR China.
| | - Lan Shen
- College of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, PR China
| | - Yi Feng
- Engineering Research Center of Modern Preparation Technology of TCM of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, PR China
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Qiu C, Gao LN, Yan K, Cui YL, Zhang Y. A promising antitumor activity of evodiamine incorporated in hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin: pro-apoptotic activity in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. Chem Cent J 2016; 10:46. [PMID: 27458481 PMCID: PMC4959055 DOI: 10.1186/s13065-016-0191-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evodiamine has gained wide interests recently because of its antitumor activities. However, a superior bioavailability is required to achieve better efficacy due to its poor water solubility. The aim of this study was to enhance the evodiamine's aqueous solubility by preparing evodiamine/hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (EVO/HP-β-CD) inclusion complex, which is incorporated evodiamine into HP-β-CD, and compare the antitumor activities before and after inclusion with HP-β-CD in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. RESULTS The EVO/HP-β-CD inclusion complexes were prepared by the kneading method and structurally characterized. P-glycoprotein ATPase assays firstly demonstrated that evodiamine was a substrate of P-glycoprotein, while HP-β-CD and EVO/HP-β-CD inclusion complexes inhibited P-glycoprotein by blocking P-glycoprotein ATPase activity. The EVO/HP-β-CD inclusion complexes may be a promising anticancer drug candidate without drug resistance. After given evodiamine or EVO/HP-β-CD inclusion complexes intervention, cell viability evaluation indicated that the half inhibition concentration of evodiamine and EVO/HP-β-CD inclusion complexes on HepG2 cells was 8.516 and 0.977 μM, respectively. The caspase-3 enzyme activity analysis and Annexin V/PI double-staining revealed that EVO/HP-β-CD inclusion complexes possessed better antitumor activities than evodiamine. Additionally, Hoechst 33258 staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling assay demonstrated that EVO/HP-β-CD inclusion complexes induced HepG2 cell apoptosis more effectively than evodiamine. CONCLUSIONS The improved antitumor activities of evodiamine were attributed to the enhanced solubility and P-glycoprotein inhibition by HP-β-CD. These results are promising for the drug administration of EVO/HP-β-CD inclusion complexes to enhance the bioavailability of evodiamine in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Qiu
- Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 88 YuQuan Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300193 China ; Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193 China
| | - Li-Na Gao
- Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 88 YuQuan Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300193 China ; Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193 China
| | - Kuo Yan
- Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 88 YuQuan Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300193 China ; Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193 China
| | - Yuan-Lu Cui
- Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 88 YuQuan Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300193 China ; Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193 China
| | - Ye Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zibo Vocational Institute, Zibo, 255314 Shandong China
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Wu Y, Pan X, Xu Y, Lu X, He S, He R, Gong M. Optimization of combinations of ginsenoside-Rg1, ginsenoside-Rb1, evodiamine and rutaecarpine for effective therapy of mouse migraine. J Nat Med 2015; 70:207-16. [DOI: 10.1007/s11418-015-0960-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Synergistic Effect of Zuo Jin Wan on DDP-Induced Apoptosis in Human Gastric Cancer SGC-7901/DDP Cells. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2014; 2014:724764. [PMID: 24723962 PMCID: PMC3958763 DOI: 10.1155/2014/724764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2013] [Accepted: 01/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
A traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, Zuo Jin Wan (ZJW), has been found as an anticancer drug in human cancer. In this study, we investigated the synergistic effect of ZJW extracts on DDP-induced apoptosis in human gastric cancer SGC-7901/DDP cells. Our results demonstrated that ZJW extracts could increase the sensitivity of SGC-7901/DDP cells to DDP by increasing the concentration of DDP in cytoplasm and enhance the proapoptosis of DDP by upregulating the JNK and Bax expression, downregulating the Bcl-2 expression, increasing the accumulation of Cytochrome C in cytoplasm, and promoting the activities of caspase-3 and caspase-9. In vivo, ZJW extracts enhanced the inhibiting effect of DDP on tumor growth in SGC-7901/DDP xenograft model and upregulated the expression of p-JNK and Bax but downregulated the Bcl-2 expression in xenograft tumors. In conclusion, in vitro and in vivo, ZJW extracts could enhance the proapoptotic effect of DDP by promoting the activation of JNK and the expression of Bcl-2, inhibiting the Bax expression, followed by increasing the release of Cytochrome C from mitochondria to cytoplasm, and finally activating the caspase cade reaction. Our results implied that ZJW might serve as a synergistic drug with chemotherapeutic drugs DDP in the treatment of gastric cancer.
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Establishment of an Experimental Breast Cancer ZHENG Model and Curative Effect Evaluation of Zuo-Jin Wan. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 2013:324732. [PMID: 24348696 PMCID: PMC3857897 DOI: 10.1155/2013/324732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2013] [Accepted: 10/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Herbal formulas based on the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome (ZHENG) have been used as alternative treatments for breast cancer. However, there is a lack of the experimental animal ZHENG model for the evaluation of the herbal formulas. In this study, we have established 4T1 mouse breast cancer with Liver Fire Invading Stomach Syndrome model (4T1 LFISS mice) and investigated the effects of the herbal formula, Zuo-Jin Wan (ZJW). Our results showed that 4T1 LFISS mice have the features of LFISS including irritability, loss of appetite, yellow urine, chow, and a tail hot. Compared to untreated 4T1 LFISS mice, ZJW significantly reduced tumor weight and volume (P < 0.05), although it was weaker than Cisplatin. However, ZJW significantly increased the body weight and food intake of 4T1 LFISS mice and decreased serum ALT, AST, Cr, and BUN levels and ZHENG score (P < 0.05), while Cisplatin reduced the food intake, and body weight and increased serum ALT, AST, Cr, and BUN levels in 4T1 LFISS mice. Our study has provided a mouse breast cancer ZHENG model and showed that ZJW suppresses tumor growth and improves LFISS and kidney and liver functions in the 4T1 LFISS mice.
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Wang QS, Ding SL, Mao HP, Cui YL, Qi XJ. Antidepressant-like effect of ethanol extract from Zuojin Pill, containing two herbal drugs of Rhizoma Coptidis and Fructus Evodiae, is explained by modulating the monoaminergic neurotransmitter system in mice. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2013; 148:603-609. [PMID: 23702040 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2012] [Revised: 05/12/2013] [Accepted: 05/14/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Zuojin Pill (ZJP), a traditional Chinese medicinal decoction, contains two herbal drugs: Coptis chinensis Franch. and Evodia rutaecarpa (Juss.) Benth. in the ratio of 6:1 (w/w). Previous pharmacological studies have shown that two herbs in ZJP have the antagonistic effects on catecholamine secretion in bovine adrenal medullary cells. Furthermore, the alkaloids from the two herbs in ZJP may provide a protective effect for depression in individuals with a low expressing 5-HTT allele by increasing receptor concentration in serotonergic neurons. However, antidepressant effect has not been reported before and has not been fully clarified. AIM OF THE STUDY The present study aimed to investigate the antidepressant potential of ethanol extract from ZJP and its monoaminergic mechanism in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seven alkaloids were determined from the ethanol extract of ZJP using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with the gradient mobile phase. The ethanol extract from ZJP was used to evaluate the antidepressant potential in mice. Mouse models of depression including the tail suspension test (TST) and the forced swim test (FST) were used to evaluate the effects of the ethanol extract from ZJP. A possible mechanism was explored in the tests of antagonism of reserpine-induced ptosis and hypothermia, and 5-HTP induced head twitch response in mice. The contents of monoamine neurotransmitters including norepinephrine (NE), serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT) in hippocampus of mice and NE, 5-HT, dopamine (DA) in striatum of mice were determined by HPLC system with Electrochemical Detector (ECD). RESULTS The results showed that intragastric administration of the ethanol extract from ZJP (5, 10, 20mg/kg) or fluoxetine (7.5mg/kg) significantly reduced the duration of immobility in TST and FST. However, the effect was not dose-dependent. Ethanol extract from ZJP (5, 10, 20mg/kg) also increased the accumulative number of the 5-HTP-induced head twitch response in mice. The mice were treated with the ethanol extract from ZJP (5, 10, 20mg/kg) or fluoxetine (7.5mg/kg), which could antagonize reserpine-induced ptosis and hypothermia, moreover, both of them could elevate the contents of NE, 5-HT in hippocampus as well as NE, 5-HT, DA in striatum significantly. CONCLUSION These results indicate that the ethanol extract from ZJP produced antidepressant-like effect and the possible mechanism, at least in part, is via the central monoaminergic neurotransmitter system and 5-HT plays a major role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang-Song Wang
- Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 88 YuQuan Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300193, PR China
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Guo H, Mao H, Pan G, Zhang H, Fan G, Li W, Zhou K, Zhu Y, Yanagihara N, Gao X. Antagonism of Cortex Periplocae extract-induced catecholamines secretion by Panax notoginseng saponins in cultured bovine adrenal medullary cells by drug combinations. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2013; 147:447-55. [PMID: 23524165 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.03.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2012] [Revised: 03/10/2013] [Accepted: 03/11/2013] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) operates on the general principle that compatible components of different herbal decoction may work together to synergistically enhance therapeutic efficacy or reduce adverse effects. Cortex Periplocae is an herb that has been used in TCM clinics for a long time in the treatment of chronic heart failure. However, recently, the use of this herb has been restricted because of widespread abuse and misapplications. Radix Notoginseng is another herb that is used in TCM because of its protective role on cardiomyocytes. From our previous studies on these two herbs in a mouse model, we observed an increased LD50 after oral administration of Cortex Periplocae extract (CPE) and Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) in a ratio of 1:1 compared with Cortex Periplocae extract used alone. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to investigate whether there are mutual synergistic effects of the two herbal extracts, CPE and PNS, on catecholamines (CAs) secretion, and their possible underlying mechanism(s) for such effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS CPE and PNS were quantified by the LC-MS/MS method. HPLC-ECD was used to determine the CAs secreted into the medium by bovine adrenal medulla cells (BAMCs) and calcium influx was measured using a Calcium 4 reagent kit. RESULTS We found that the stimulatory effect of CPE on CAs secretion was inhibited when used together with PNS. For a better clarification of the different constituents of the extracts, a quantitative analysis was carried out. Periplocin was found to be the main active component of CPE valued as 0.99% and saponins were the principal constituents of PNS. These results also showed that CPE increased the secretion of CAs in a dose-dependent manner while the actions of PNS were seen to be inhibitory. Periplocin monomer of CPE could be implicated for the actions of CPE since it plays the role of increasing the ACh-induced CAs secretion in a calcium-dependent manner. We therefore conclude that; CPE and PNS exert antagonistic effects in regulating the concentration of intracellular calcium. CONCLUSIONS PNS inhibits CPE-induced CAs secretion by suppressing calcium influx in bovine adrenal medulla cells while periplocin, one of the main components of CPE has the same secretagogue effect as CPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Guo
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
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Deng W, Sui H, Wang Q, He N, Duan C, Han L, Li Q, Lu M, Lv S. A Chinese herbal formula, Yi-Qi-Fu-Sheng, inhibits migration/invasion of colorectal cancer by down-regulating MMP-2/9 via inhibiting the activation of ERK/MAPK signaling pathways. Altern Ther Health Med 2013; 13:65. [PMID: 23506655 PMCID: PMC3617034 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-13-65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2012] [Accepted: 03/11/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background A Chinese herbal formula, Yi-Qi-Fu-Sheng (YQFS), has long been employed clinically to treat cancer patients. We aimed to determine its effectiveness as a treatment method for colorectal cancer. We investigated the therapeutic effects of YQFS on colorectal cancer, as well as the underlying mechanisms, which have not previously been explored. Methods First, YQFS was extracted and chemically characterized. We then tested the effects of YQFS on proliferation and migration by MTT and transwell migration assays in vitro. Mouse xenograft models of colorectal cancer were established by inoculation with HCT-116 cells, and mice received one of three oral doses (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg/day) to evaluate the effects of YQFS extract. Metalloproteinase-2/9 (MMP-2/9) expression in mice was evaluated by gelatin zymography assay. Apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry (FCM) analysis in vitro and by TUNEL assay in vivo. ERK and p-ERK expression were evaluated by western blot analysis at the protein level in vitro, and by quantitative RT-PCR at mRNA level in vivo. Results Our results show that YQFS significantly inhibits colorectal cancer cell proliferation and induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at the G1− and S-phase in HCT-116 cells. Furthermore, YQFS effectively retards tumor cell migration and invasion by inhibiting metalloproteinase-2/9 (MMP-2/9) expression, both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, YQFS had an inhibitory effect on tumor growth in vivo, and induced apoptosis through the inhibition of the ERK1/2 pathway both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion These findings demonstrate that YQFS extract has an anti-tumor effect in colorectal cancer, which could be attributed to ERK1/2-dependent inhibition of MMP-2/9 expression.
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Zuo Jin Wan, a Traditional Chinese Herbal Formula, Reverses P-gp-Mediated MDR In Vitro and In Vivo. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 2013:957078. [PMID: 23533531 PMCID: PMC3603672 DOI: 10.1155/2013/957078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2012] [Accepted: 01/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Zuo Jin Wan (ZJW), a typical traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, has been identified to have anticancer activity in recent studies. In this study, we determined the underlying mechanism of ZJW in the reversal effect of multidrug resistance on colorectal cancer in vitro and in vivo. Our results showed that ZJW significantly enhanced the sensitivity of chemotherapeutic drugs in HCT116/L-OHP, SGC7901/DDP, and Bel/Fu MDR cells. Moreover, combination of chemotherapy with ZJW could reverse the drug resistance of HCT116/L-OHP cells, increase the sensitivity of HCT116/L-OHP cells to L-OHP, DDP, 5-Fu, and MMC in vitro, and inhibit the tumor growth in the colorectal MDR cancer xenograft model. ICP-MS results showed that ZJW could increase the concentration of chemotherapeutic drugs in HCT116/L-OHP cells in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, we showed that ZJW could reverse drug resistance of colorectal cancer cells by decreasing P-gp level in vitro and in vivo, which has been represented as one of the major mechanisms that contribute to the MDR phenotype. Our study has provided the first direct evidence that ZJW plays an important role in reversing multidrug resistance of human colorectal cancer and may be considered as a useful target for cancer therapy.
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Wang S, Hu Y, Tan W, Wu X, Chen R, Cao J, Chen M, Wang Y. Compatibility art of traditional Chinese medicine: from the perspective of herb pairs. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2012; 143:412-23. [PMID: 22871585 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 223] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2012] [Revised: 07/22/2012] [Accepted: 07/23/2012] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Over the past decades, research of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) mainly focused on developing potential candidates from Chinese medicinal herbs, while the wisdom of applying these traditional herbs has not been paid as much attention as it deserves. As is well-known, multi-herb therapy is one of the most important characteristics of TCM, but the modernization drive of this conventional wisdom has faced many obstacles due to its unimaginable complexity. Herb pairs, the most fundamental and the simplest form of multi-herb formulae, are a centralized representative of Chinese herbal compatibility. In light of their simplicity and the basic characteristics of complex formulae, herb pairs are of great importance in the studies of herb compatibility. MATERIALS AND METHODS A systematic search of herb pair related research was carried out using multiple online literature databases, books and monographs published in the past 20 years. RESULTS A comprehensive introduction to the compatibility of TCM, the position of herb pairs in TCM and the progresses of several famous herb pairs were provided in this review. Furthermore, the clinical study and the future research trends of herb pairs were also discussed. CONCLUSIONS Herb pairs have played, and may continue to play a key role in full investigation of general herb compatibility for their indispensable position in TCM. Much more research is needed for the standardization, safety evaluation, and mechanism exploration of herb pairs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengpeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macau SAR 999078, China
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Wang QS, Cui YL, Dong TJ, Zhang XF, Lin KM. Ethanol extract from a Chinese herbal formula, "Zuojin Pill", inhibit the expression of inflammatory mediators in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2012; 141:377-385. [PMID: 22414473 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.02.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2011] [Revised: 02/22/2012] [Accepted: 02/27/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Zuojin Pill (ZJP), a traditional Chinese medicinal decoction that has been used in treating gastritis, gastric ulcer since 15th century, contains two herbs: Rhizoma Coptidis and Fructus Evodiae in the ratio of 6:1 (w/w). Alkaloids are the main active principles contributing to ZJP's efficacy, but anti-inflammatory mechanism has not been fully clarified. AIM OF THE STUDY The objective of the study is to reveal anti-inflammatory molecular mechanism of ethanol extract from ZJP, which would form an additional proof to the traditional experience of ZJP in clinical administration. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seven alkaloids were determined from the ethanol extract of ZJP using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with the gradient mobile phase. The ethanol extract from ZJP were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory action in murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) were measured by the Griess colorimetric method and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. Proteome profiler array was analyzed to evaluate 40 cytokines at protein level. In addition, interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) synthesis were analyzed using ELISA to confirm the result of the Proteome profiler array. The gene expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), TNF-α, IL-6, and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) were detected by quantitative real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT-PCR). Furthermore, the nuclear translocation of the NF-κB p50 and p65 subunits was detected with ELISA. RESULTS The secretions of NO, PGE(2) and the mRNA expression of iNOS, COX-2 were significantly inhibited, moreover, the protein and mRNA expressions of IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α were inhibited by preventing the nuclear translocation of the NF-κB p50 and p65 subunits. The proteome profiler array showed that 15 cytokines and chemokines involved in the inflammatory process were down-regulated by ZJP. CONCLUSION These results suggest that the anti-inflammatory properties of ethanol extract from ZJP might be the results from the inhibition of iNOS, COX-2, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α expression through preventing the nuclear translocation of the NF-κB p50 and p65 subunits in RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, these results provided evidence to understand the therapeutic effects of ZJP on gastritis, gastric ulcer, and other inflammatory diseases in clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang-Song Wang
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, PR China
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PAN XUEQIANG, WANG MANYUAN, WU YANCHUAN, LU XURAN, SHANG YAWEN, XU YONGSONG, ZHAI YONGSONG, LI JING, LI ZHAOXIA, GONG MUXIN. Identification of active ingredients in Wuzhuyu decoction improving migraine in mice by spectral efficiency association. Mol Med Rep 2012; 12:1524-34. [DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.3506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2014] [Accepted: 02/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Wang S, Wu X, Tan M, Gong J, Tan W, Bian B, Chen M, Wang Y. Fighting fire with fire: poisonous Chinese herbal medicine for cancer therapy. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2012; 140:33-45. [PMID: 22265747 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2011.12.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2011] [Revised: 12/22/2011] [Accepted: 12/23/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Following the known principle of "fighting fire with fire", poisonous Chinese herbal medicine (PCHM) has been historically used in cancer therapies by skilled Chinese practitioners for thousands of years. In fact, most of the marketed natural anti-cancer compounds (e.g., camptothecin derivatives, vinca alkaloids, etc.) are often known in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and recorded as poisonous herbs as well. Inspired by the encouraging precedents, significant researches into the potential of novel anticancer drugs from other PCHM-derived natural products have been ongoing for several years and PCHM is increasingly being recognized as a gathering place for promising anti-cancer drugs. The present review aimed at giving a rational understanding of the toxicity of PCHM and, especially, providing the most recent developments on PCHM-derived anti-cancer compounds. MATERIALS AND METHODS Information on the toxicity and safety control of PCHM, as well as PCHM-derived anti-cancer compounds, was gathered from the articles, books and monographs published in the past 20 years. RESULTS Based on an objective introduction to the CHM toxicity, we clarified the general misconceptions about the safety of CHM and summarized the traditional experiences in dealing with the toxicity. Several PCHM-derived compounds, namely gambogic acid, triptolide, arsenic trioxide, and cantharidin, were selected as representatives, and their traditional usage and mechanism of anti-cancer actions were discussed. CONCLUSIONS Natural products derived from PCHM are of extreme importance in devising new drugs and providing unique ideas for the war against cancer. To fully exploit the potential of PCHM in cancer therapy, more attentions are advocated to be focused on their safety evaluation and mechanism exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengpeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau 999078, China
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Ma BL, Yao MK, Han XH, Ma YM, Wu JS, Wang CH. Influences of Fructus evodiae pretreatment on the pharmacokinetics of Rhizoma coptidis alkaloids. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2011; 137:1395-1401. [PMID: 21855623 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2011.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2010] [Revised: 07/29/2011] [Accepted: 08/02/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Rhizoma coptidis is a traditional Chinese medicine with pharmacological properties. It is usually prescribed with Fructus evodiae as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulas. Here we report the influences of Fructus evodiae on the pharmacokinetics of the Rhizoma coptidis alkaloids and propose possible mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS Pharmacokinetic experiments were performed in rats. In vitro absorption experiments were performed in everted rat gut sacs, while in vitro metabolism experiments and determination of hepatic UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 1A1 mRNA expression were performed in rat liver microsomes. RESULTS Pretreatment with Fructus evodiae extract for two weeks decreased the systemic exposure of the Rhizoma coptidis alkaloids. This effect was not due to inhibition of absorption or enhanced hepatic phase I metabolism of the Rhizoma coptidis alkaloids. However, Fructus evodiae pretreatment enhanced both the activity and expression of hepatic UGT1A1. CONCLUSIONS The results showed that Fructus evodiae pretreatment decreased the systemic exposure of the Rhizoma coptidis alkaloids by inducing hepatic UGT1A1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing-Liang Ma
- Laboratory of Pharmacokinetics, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
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