Pharmacological properties of total flavonoids in Scutellaria baicalensis for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases

A novel ultrasound-assisted enzyme extraction method of total flavonoids from Viticis Fructus and processed Viticis Fructus: Comparison of in vitro antioxidant activity

In this study, it is the first that the Viticis Fructus (VF) was used as the raw material for extracting total flavonoids using the ultrasound-assisted enzyme extraction (UAE) method. Response surface methodology was employed to determine the optimal extraction parameters. The optimal conditions were as follows: 60 % ethanol solution as the extract solvent, material-liquid ratio of 1:25, pH value of 4, enzyme addition amount of 1.5 %, enzymatic hydrolysis time of 30 min, enzymatic hydrolysis temperature of 40 ℃, and ultrasonic time of 50 min. Comparing the total flavonoid yield of VF and processed VF (PVF) extracted using different methods, it was observed that UAE resulted in a higher total flavonoid yield compared to traditional ultrasound extraction and enzyme extraction. Additionally, the total flavonoid yield of PVF extracted by all three methods was generally higher than that of VF. The PVF solution extracted by UAE also demonstrated better in vitro antioxidant activity compared to VF. These results suggest that UAE is an effective method to enhance the activity of natural total flavonoids. The study of the physicochemical properties and in vitro antioxidant activity of VF and PVF showed that the total flavonoid yield and antioxidant activity significantly increased after VF stir-frying, indicating that their efficacy can also be enhanced.

Wogonin ameliorates ER stress-associated inflammatory response, apoptotic death and renal fibrosis in a unilateral ureteral obstruction mouse model

Wogonin, a vital bioactive compound extracted from the medicinal plant, Scutellaria baicalensis, has been wildly used for its potential in mitigating the progression of chronic diseases. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a significant global health challenge due to its high prevalence, morbidity and mortality rates, and associated complications. This study aimed to assess the potential of wogonin in attenuating renal fibrosis and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms using a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mouse model as a CKD mimic. Male mice, 8 weeks old, underwent orally administrated of either 50 mg/kg/day of wogonin or positive control of 5 mg/kg/day candesartan following UUO surgery. NRK52E cells were exposed to tumor growth factors-beta (TGF-β) to evaluate the anti-fibrotic effects of wogonin. The results demonstrated that wogonin treatment effectively attenuated TGF-β-induced fibrosis markers in NRK-52E cells. Additionally, administration of wogonin significantly improved histopathological alterations and downregulated the expression of pro-fibrotic factors (Fibronectin, α-smooth muscle actin, Collagen IV, E-cadherin, and TGF-β), oxidative stress markers (Catalase, superoxide dismutase 2, NADPH oxidase 4, and thioredoxin reductase 1), inflammatory molecules (Cyclooxygenase-2 and TNF-α), and the infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages in UUO mice. Furthermore, wogonin treatment mitigated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-associated molecular markers (GRP78, GRP94, ATF4, CHOP, and the caspase cascade) and suppressed apoptosis. The findings indicate that wogonin treatment ameliorates key fibrotic aspects of CKD by attenuating ER stress-related apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress, suggesting its potential as a future therapeutic target.

Baicalin-loaded Polydopamine modified ZIF-8 NPs inhibits myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats

Baicalin (BAN) has shown promise in alleviating myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, yet its limited solubility and biocompatibility have hindered its application. Developing drug delivery systems is a promising strategy to enhance the therapeutic potential of BAN in the context of I/R injury. This study aims to prepare a BAN-loaded nanodrug system using polydopamine (PDA)-modified Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) as a carrier, with the goal of improving BAN's mitigating effects on I/R injury. We prepared the BAN nanoparticles (NPs) system, PZB NPs, using ZIF-8 as the carrier. The system was characterized in terms of morphology, particle size, zeta potential, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). We assessed the cytotoxicity of PZB NPs in H9c2 cells, investigated its effects and mechanisms in H/R-induced H9c2 cells, and evaluated its ability to alleviate myocardial I/R injury in rats. PZB NPs exhibited good dispersion, with a BAN loading efficiency of 26.43 ± 1.55%, a hydrated particle size of 102.21 ± 1.19 nm, and a zeta potential of -24.84 ± 0.07 mV. It displayed slow and sustained drug release in an acidic environment (pH 5.5). In vitro studies revealed that PZB NPs was non-cytotoxic and significantly enhanced the recovery of H/R injury H9c2 cell viability. PZB NPs suppressed cell apoptosis, activated the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, and cleared ROS. In vivo study demonstrated that PZB NPs significantly reduced infarct size, ameliorated fibrosis and improved heart function. The PZB NPs markedly enhances BAN's ability to alleviate I/R injury, both in vitro and in vivo, offering a promising drug delivery system for clinical applications.

Scutellarin-loaded pH/H2O2 dual-responsive polymer cyclodextrin mesoporous silicon framework nanocarriers for enhanced cancer therapy

Stimulus-responsive nanomaterials, particularly with targeting capabilities, have garnered significant attention in the cancer therapy. However, the biological safety of these innovative materials in vivo remains unknown, posing a hurdle to their clinical application. Here, a pH/H2O2 dual-responsive and targeting nano carrier system (NCS) was developed using core shell structure of Fe3O4 mesoporous silicon (MSN@Fe3O4) as main body, scutellarin (SCU) as antitumor drug and polymer cyclodextrin (PCD) as molecular switch (denoted as PCD@SCU@MSN@Fe3O4, abbreviated as NCS). The NCS, with an average particle size of 100 nm, displayed exceptional SCU loading capacity, a result of its uniform radial channel structure. The in vitro investigation under condition of pH and H2O2 indicated that NCS performed excellent pH/H2O2-triggered SCU release behavior. The NCS displayed a higher cytotoxicity against tumor cells (Huh7 and HCT116) due to its pH/H2O2 dual-triggered responsiveness, while the PCD@MSN@Fe3O4 demonstrated lower cytotoxicity for both Huh7 and HCT116 cells. In vivo therapeutic evaluation of NCS indicates significant inhibition of tumor growth in mouse subcutaneous tumor models, with no apparent side-effects detected. The NCS not only enhances the bioavailability of SCU, but also utilizes magnetic targeting technology to deliver SCU accurately to tumor sites. These findings underscore the substantial clinical application potential of NCS.

Scutellarin alleviates tensile stress-induced proliferation and migration of venous smooth muscle cells via mediating the p38 MAPK pathway

OBJECTIVE

Abnormal proliferation and migration of biomechanical force-induced venous smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is a major cause to limit the efficacy of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for coronary heart disease (CHD). Scutellarin is the main active ingredient of Erigeron Breviscapus, and has broad-spectrum pharmacological effects. Therefore, the present study was proposed to investigate the effect of Scutellarin on VSMCs under tensile stress.

METHODS

After interfering with VSMCs at different tensile stresses, the optimal tensile stress was screened. In a tensile stress environment, 100 μM Scutellarin and Hesperetin (p38 MAPK pathway activator) was used to treatment with VSMCs. CCK-8, EDU, Wound healing, flow cytometry and western blotting assays were used to detect cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins (Caspase3, Bcl2 and Bax).

RESULTS

Tensile stress with 10% significantly enhanced the activity, wound-healing ratio, and EDU+ cells of VSMCs, and decreased their apoptosis ratio. Moreover, it upregulated Bcl2 expression, and downregulated cleaved-Caspase3 and Bax expression of VSMCs. Hence, 10% tensile stress was selected to creates a tensile stress environment for VSMCs. Interestingly, 100 μM Scutellarin alleviated the effect of 10% tensile stress on the phenotype of VSMCs. Notably, 10% tensile stress increased the phosphorylation level of p38 MAPK (Thr180 +Tyr182) in VSMCs, which was restricted by Scutellarin. Further, Hesperetin restored the effect of Scutellarin on the phenotype of VSMCs.

CONCLUSION

Scutellarin alleviates tension stress-induced proliferation and migration of VSMCs via suppressing p38 MAPK pathway. Scutellarin may be used as an adjunctive strategy for future GABG treatment in CHD patients.

Targeting the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway with natural plants and phytochemical ingredients: A novel therapeutic method for combatting cardiovascular diseases

The aim of this article is to introduce the roles and mechanisms of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway in various cardiovascular diseases, such as myocardial fibrosis, cardiac hypertrophy, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and myocardial ischemiareperfusion. In addition, the effects of phytochemical ingredients and different natural plants, mainly traditional Chinese medicines, on the regulation of different cardiovascular diseases via the JAK2/STAT3 pathway are discussed. Surprisingly, the JAK2 pathway has dual roles in different cardiovascular diseases. Future research should focus on the dual regulatory effects of different phytochemical ingredients and natural plants on JAK2 to pave the way for their use in clinical trials.

Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verifications to Discover Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi's Effects on Joint Inflammation, Destruction, and Pain in Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, characterized by joint pain and a decline in physiological function. Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SB) is potentially effective against osteoarthritis because of its wide range of anti-inflammatory pharmacological activities. This study aimed to identify the mode of action of SB against osteoarthritis using network pharmacology prediction and experimental verification. Networks were constructed to key compounds, hub targets, and pathways essential for SB's effectiveness against osteoarthritis. Additionally, in vivo and in vitro tests were performed, including investigations on weight bearing in hind limbs, the acetic acid-induced writhing response, lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, and serum cytokine responses. We identified 15 active compounds and 14 hub targets, supporting the anti-osteoarthritis effects of SB. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis indicated that fluid shear stress, atherosclerosis, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-Akt signaling, and cellular senescence pathways were important. SB showed substantial anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and joint tissue-protective effects against osteoarthritis. Our study shows that SB has the potential value to be further investigated as a candidate material for the treatment of osteoarthritis in the future.

Efficacy and safety of the traditional herbal medication Chai-Ling-Tang (in China), Siryung-tang (in Republic of Korea) or Sairei-To (in Japan)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The herbal medicine designated Chai-Ling-Tang in China, Siryung-tang in South Korea, and Sairei-To (or Tsumura Saireito extract granules, TJ-114) in Japan is a complex polyherbal formulations with 12 plant components. It is used historically to treat Shaoyang syndrome, recorded in an ancient Chinese medical text "Treatise on Cold Damage Disorder" (Shanghan Lun). Chai-Ling-Tang formula combines two traditional Chinese herbal medicine prescriptions: Xiao-Chai-Hu-Tang and Wu-Ling-San (known as Sho-Saiko-To and Goreisan in Japan, and So Shi Ho Tang and Oreonsang in Korea, respectively). These traditional Chinese/Korean medicines and Kampo medicine have been used for more than 2000 years in East Asia, notably as regulators of body fluid homeostasis.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to evaluate clinical uses, pharmacological effects and unwanted effects of Sairei-To through a narrative literature survey. The main active phytoconstituents and their mechanism of actions are also collated based on the literature.

METHODS

Several databases including SciFinder and PubMed were searched in sourcing information using keywords corresponding to the medicinal treatment names and the corresponding plants and phytochemicals. Relevant textbooks, reviews, and digital documents (mostly in English) were consulted to collate all available scientific literature and to provide a complete science-based survey of the topic.

RESULTS

Sairei-To derives from ten plants and two fungi. The three major components are Bupleuri radix (Saiko), Pinelliae rhizoma (Hange), and Alismatis rhizoma (Takusha). The rest includes the species Scutellariae radix, Zizyphi fructus, Ginseng radix, Glycyrrhizae radix, Zingiberis rhizoma, Cinnamomi cortex, Atractylodis lanceae rhizoma, Poria sclerotium, and Polyporus sclerotium. The therapeutic uses of Sairei-To are very diversified, ranging from the treatment of autoimmune diseases, intestinal inflammatory disorders, edema, intestinal and kidney diseases, cancers, inflammatory skin pathologies, and other conditions such as reproductive failure. Sairei-To is considered as a safe and efficient medication, with potential rare unwanted side effects, notably lung injuries (pneumonitis essentially). Marked anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory effects of Sairei-To have been reported, generally associated to the action of saponins (saikosaponins, glycyrrhizin), terpenoids (alisols) and flavonoids (baicalin, oroxylin A).

CONCLUSION

Sairei-To is commonly used to treat inflammatory diseases and appears efficient to decrease the side effects of corticosteroids. Its immune-regulatory action is well recognized and exploited to treat certain skin lesions and chemotherapy-related toxic effects. The activity of the Sairei-To product relies on the synergistic action of its individual ingredients. Further studies are warranted to quantify the synergy of action inherent to this interesting botanical medication.

Analysis of quality differences between Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi and Scutellaria rehderiana Diels based on phytochemistry and bioactivity evaluation

Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SG) and Scutellaria rehderiana Diels (SD) belong to the same genus of Scutellaria in the Labiatae (Lamiaceae) family. SG is confirmed as the medicinal source according to the Chinese Pharmacopeia, but SD is often used as a substitute for SG due to its abundant plant resources. However, the current quality standards are far from sufficient to judge the quality differences between SG and SD. In this study, an integrated strategy of "biosynthetic pathway (specificity) - plant metabolomics (difference) - bioactivity evaluation (effectiveness)" was established to evaluate this quality differences. First, an ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q/TOF-MS/MS) method was developed for the identification of chemical components. The abundant components information was obtained and the characteristic constituents were screened according to the location in the biosynthetic pathway as well as species specificity. Then, plant metabolomics combined with multivariate statistical analysis to find differential components between SG and SD. The chemical markers for quality analysis were determined based on the differential and characteristic components, and the content of each marker was tentatively evaluated through the semi-quantitative analysis of UHPLC-Q/TOF-MS/MS. Finally, the anti-inflammatory activity of SG and SD was compared by measuring the inhibitory effect on the release of NO from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Under this analytical strategy, a total of 113 compounds were tentatively identified in both SG and SD, among which baicalein, wogonin, chrysin, oroxylin A 7-O-β-D-glucuronoside, pinocembrin and baicalin were selected as chemical markers due to their species characteristics and differentiation. The contents of oroxylin A 7-O-β-D-glucuronoside and baicalin was higher in SG, and the others were higher in SD. In addition, both SG and SD exhibited prominent anti-inflammatory activity, but SD was less effective. The analysis strategy combining phytochemistry and bioactivity evaluation realized the scientific evaluation of the intrinsic quality differences between SG and SD, which provides a reference for fully utilizing and expanding the medicinal resources, and also provides a reference for the comprehensive quality control of herbal medicines.

Baicalin-Current Trends in Detection Methods and Health-Promoting Properties

Baicalin (7-D-glucuronic acid-5,6-dihydroxyflavone) belongs to natural flavonoids extracted from the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis, the plant used in traditional Chinese medicine. It has been proven that baicalin has various pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, and anti-apoptotic ones. However, it is essential not only to determine the medical usefulness of baicalin, but also to find and develop the most effective methods for its extraction and detection. Therefore, the aim of this review was to summarize the current methods of detection and identification of baicalin and to present the medical applications of baicalin and the underlying mechanisms of its action. Based on the review of the latest literature, it can be concluded that liquid chromatography alone or together with mass spectrometry is the most commonly used method for the determination of baicalin. Recently, also new electrochemical methods have been established, e.g., biosensors with fluorescence, which have better detection limits, sensitivity, and selectivity.

Identification of three cultivated varieties of Scutellaria baicalensis using the complete chloroplast genome as a super-barcode

Scutellaria baicalensis has been one of the most commonly used traditional Chinese medicinal plants in China for more than 2000 years. The three new varieties cultivated could not be distinguished by morphology before flowering. It will hinder the promotion of later varieties. Chloroplast DNA has been widely used in species identification. Moreover, previous studies have shown that complete chloroplast genome sequences have been suggested as super barcodes for identifying plants. Therefore, we sequenced and annotated the complete chloroplast genomes of three cultivated varieties. The chloroplast genomes of SBW, SBR, and SBP were 151,702 bp, 151,799 bp, and 151,876 bp, which contained 85 protein-coding genes, 36 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. The analysis of the repeat sequences, codon usage, and comparison of chloroplast genomes shared a high degree of conservation. However, the sliding window results show significant differences among the three cultivated varieties in matK-rps16 and petA-psbJ. And we found that the matK-rps16 sequence can be used as a barcode for the identification of three varieties. In addition, the complete chloroplast genome contains more variations and can be used as a super-barcode to identify these three cultivated varieties. Based on the protein-coding genes, the phylogenetic tree demonstrated that SBP was more closely related to SBW, in the three cultivated varieties. Interestingly, we found that S. baicalensis and S. rehderiana are closely related, which provides new ideas for the development of S. baicalensis. The divergence time analysis showed that the three cultivated varieties diverged at about 0.10 Mya. Overall, this study showed that the complete chloroplast genome could be used as a super-barcode to identify three cultivated varieties of S. baicalensis and provide biological information, and it also contributes to bioprospecting.

Characterization of tangeretin as an activator of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/antioxidant response element pathway in HEK293T cells

Numerous studies have reported that tangeretin is a polymethoxylated flavone with a variety of biological activates, but little research has been done on the antioxidant mechanism of tangeretin. Hence, we investigated the effect of tangeretin on the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway and its potential molecular mechanisms by in vitro and in silico research. The results of molecular docking suggested that tangeretin bound at the top of the central pore of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) Kelch domain, and the hydrophobic and hydrogen bond interactions contributed to their stable binding. Herein, the regulation of Nrf2-ARE pathway by tangeretin was explored in the human embryonic kidney cell line HEK293T, which is relatively easy to be transfected. Upon binding to tangeretin, Nrf2 translocated to the nucleus of HEK293T cells, which in turn activated the Nrf2-ARE pathway. Luciferase reporter gene analysis showed that tangeretin significantly induced ARE-mediated transcriptional activation. Real-time PCR and Western blot assays showed that tangeretin induced the gene and protein expressions of Nrf2-mediated targets, including heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1), and glutamate-cysteine ligase (GCLM). In addition, tangeretin could effectively scavenge 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals. In summary, tangeretin may be a potential antioxidant via activating the Nrf2-ARE pathway.

The Pragmatism of Polyphenols and Flavonoids Application as Drugs, from an Academic Lab to a Pharmacy Shelf

Polyphenols and flavonoids, naturally occurring compounds found abundantly in plants, have gained considerable attention in recent years due to their potential health benefits. Research exploring their bioactive properties has revealed promising therapeutic applications in various diseases. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the intricate journey from academic laboratory discoveries to the availability of polyphenols and flavonoids as drugs on pharmacy shelves. It was shown that the transformation of these natural compounds into effective therapies is a promising avenue for enhancing human health. Yet, fully realizing this potential necessitates sustained scientific exploration, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and continued investment in research and development. This article underscores the importance of sustained collaboration and investment as key pillars of progress towards innovative and effective therapies.