Hepatoprotective triterpenes from traditional Tibetan medicine Potentilla anserina

A systematic review on botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Potentilla anserina L

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Potentilla Anserina Linnaeus, a traditional Chinese herb with ethnic characteristics, is considered a superior material by the people of Qinghai and Tibet. Traditionally, it has been used to invigorate the spleen, quench thirst, tonify the blood, astringing to stop bleeding, and relieve diarrhea. This is the reason for its frequent usage in treating spleen deficiency, diarrhea, and various bleeding disorders. At the same time, P. anserina is often consumed as food by the Tibetan people to obtain nourishment and health benefits.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

The present review provides a systematic description of P. anserina, covering its botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemical constituents, and various pharmacological activities of extracts. This overview aims to provide insights into research directions and potential applications of P. anserina.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Information on P. anserina was gathered through various sources, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Elsevier, CNKI, and Web of Science. In addition, information was available from native texts and prominent ethnopharmacologists.

RESULTS

So far, 154 different chemical substances have been isolated and identified from P. anserina, with tannins, flavonoids, and triterpenes accounting for the majority. Polysaccharides and triterpenes are the main material components responsible for the pharmacological activity of P. anserina. Research shows that P. anserina exhibits rich pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, antiviral, blood tonic, immune regulation, cardiovascular system treatment, diabetes treatment, and liver protection.

CONCLUSIONS

Some traditional applications of P. anserina have been confirmed. However, due to incomplete evaluation indicators and other reasons, further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to clarify its pharmacological evaluation, which remains a focus of future research. Additionally, we recommend that future studies concentrate on the quality control and safety evaluation of P. anserina to address research gaps and offer theoretical support for the plant's potential functions and clinical applications.

Exploring the therapeutic potential of Potentilla fragarioides var. major (Rosaceae) extract in Alzheimer's disease using in vitro and in vivo models: a multi-faceted approach

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia and is caused by various factors including amyloid-beta (Aβ) aggregation. We investigated the pharmacological effects of the ethanol extract of Potentilla fragarioides var. major (Rosaceae) (EEPF) on AD-related pathogenesis, which remain elusive. We observed the effects of EEPF on Aβ disaggregation and free-radical scavenging activities for 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) using in vitro assays, evaluated the effects of EEPF on memory loss in two animal models, and examined the molecular regulatory mechanisms of EEPF using an antibody-protein microarray in EEPF-treated neuronal cell lines. EEPF inhibited Aβ aggregation in a concentration-dependent manner and enhanced free-radical scavenging activities for ABTS and DPPH. EEPF significantly inhibited memory impairment in the passive avoidance task, Y-maze test, and Morris water maze test in scopolamine-induced short-term memory loss mice and Aβ-injected AD-like mice. Nissl staining and immunohistochemistry for NeuN and Iba-1 confirmed the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of EEPF in both animal models. In H2O2-treated HT22 hippocampal cells, EEPF significantly prevented cell damage, enhanced CaMK2, and reduced ferric reductase. In lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BV-2 microglia, EEPF significantly inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced production of inflammatory factors, such as nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6, and decreased the phosphorylation of Smad3 and cyclin D3. High-performance liquid chromatography confirmed that EEPF has five major components: neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, polydatin, isochlorogenic acid A, and buddleoside, with amounts ranging across 1.91-9.41 mg/g. EEPF may be a promising drug for treatment of AD and AD-related brain disorders.

Effect of Potentilla anserina L. powder on gel properties and volatile flavor characteristics of silver carp surimi

BACKGROUND

Potentilla anserina L. is rich in various nutrients, active ingredients and unique flavor, comprising a natural nutrition and health food. However, its application in aquatic food has been rarely reported. Therefore, the effects of Potentilla anserina L. powder (PAP) on gel properties and volatile flavor profile of silver carp surimi were investigated.

RESULTS

The gel strength and water-holding capacity of the surimi gels were significantly improved (P < 0.05), and the whiteness and cooking loss of all the samples decreased slightly with the increase in PAP content. The addition of PAP shortened the relaxation time (T2) of the surimi gels and converted some of the free water into immobile or bound water, which resulted in a better immobilization of water in the surimi. Scanning electron microscopy images demonstrated that the network of surimi gels with PAP added was denser and had a smoother surface compared to the control. Volatile components (VCs) analysis showed that 33 VCs were identified in the surimi gel samples with different additions of PAP, among which aldehydes, alcohols and esters were the major VCs, accounting for more than 50% of the VCs in the surimi gels. PAP addition reduced the fishy and rancid flavor compounds in surimi gels, such as 1-propanol, 1-octen-3-ol, etc., and promoted the production of aldehydes, alcohols, esters and other flavor substances.

CONCLUSION

These results of the present study provide theoretical support for the investigation and development of new nutrient-health-flavored surimi products. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Heterogeneity of transport and metabolism of Tormentillae rhizoma constituents across human intestinal epithelium cellular model

Tormentilla erecta (L.) Raeusch is a widespread plant in Europe and Western Asia. Its rhizomes (Tormentilae rhizoma) are the main ingredient of herbal alcoholic beverages and can be used as a natural preservative in beer production. Apart from its unique taste qualities, therapeutic properties in gastrointestinal tract ailments are attributed to the tincture obtained from Tormentillae rhizoma. The presented research aimed to determine the mutual relationship between the components of Tormentillae tincture, present in popular alcoholic beverages, and intestinal epithelium (Caco-2 cell monolayers). A comprehensive qualitative and quantitative analysis of the tincture was performed, including the determination of condensed and hydrolyzable tannins as well as triterpenoids (UHPLC-DAD-MS/MS). Incubation of the tincture with Caco-2 monolayers has shown that only triterpenes pass through the monolayer, while condensed tannins are mainly bound to the monolayer surface. Ellagic acid derivatives were the only components of the Tormentillae tinctura being metabolized by cell monolayers to the compounds not previously described in the literature, which may be crucial in the treatment of intestinal diseases with inflammatory background.

Genome-Wide Bioinformatics Analysis of SWEET Gene Family and Expression Verification of Candidate PaSWEET Genes in Potentilla anserina

Sugars act as the main energy sources in many fruit and vegetable crops. The biosynthesis and transportation of sugars are crucial and especially contribute to growth and development. SWEET is an important gene family that plays a vital role in plants' growth, development, and adaptation to various types of stresses (biotic and abiotic). Although SWEET genes have been identified in numerous plant species, there is no information on SWEETs in Potentilla anserina. In the present study, we performed a comprehensive genome-wide bioinformatics analysis and identified a total of 23 candidate PaSWEETs genes in the Potentilla anserina genome, which were randomly distributed on ten different chromosomes. The phylogenetic analysis, chromosomal location, gene structure, specific cis-elements, protein interaction network, and physiological characteristics of these genes were systematically examined. The identified results of the phylogenetic relationship with Arabidopsis thaliana revealed that these PaSWEET genes were divided into four clades (I, II, III, and IV). Moreover, tissue-specific gene expression through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) validation exposed that the identified PaSWEETs were differentially expressed in various tissues (roots, stems, leaves, and flowers). Mainly, the relative fold gene expression in swollen and unswollen tubers effectively revealed that PaSWEETs (7, 9, and 12) were highly expressed (300-, 120-, and 100-fold) in swollen tubers. To further elucidate the function of PaSWEETs (7, 9, and 12), their subcellular location was confirmed by inserting them into tobacco leaves, and it was noted that these genes were present on the cell membrane. On the basis of the overall results, it is suggested that PaSWEETs (7, 9, and 12) are the candidate genes involved in swollen tuber formation in P. anserina. In crux, we speculated that our study provides a valuable theoretical base for further in-depth function analysis of the PaSWEET gene family and their role in tuber development and further enhancing the molecular breeding of Potentilla anserina.

Triterpenoids from the roots of Sanguisorba officinalis and their Nrf2 stimulation activity

Thirteen undescribed ursane-type triterpenoids, named as sangosides A-M (1-13), including two nor-ursanes, one split ring-ursane and ten ursanes, along with thirty-six known triterpenoids (14-49) were isolated and identified from the roots of Sanguisorba officinalis (Rosaceae). Their structures and absolute configurations were elucidated through spectroscopic data, single-crystal X-ray crystallography and electronic circular dichroism analysis. Their Nrf2 activation activity was evaluated in 293 T cells in vitro. Compounds 2, 5-7, 9-13, 19, 25, 26, 28-39, 41 and 46 showed significant Nrf2 agonistic effects compared with the control group at 25 μM, their cytotoxicity and dose-effect relationship were further studied in a dose-dependent manner. Their structure-activity relationships analysis suggested that the pentacyclic triterpenoids (10, 11, 30-34 and 41) contains two pairs of double bonds on the C & E rings and the ursane-type triterpenoids (25 and 26) with a carbonyl to C-2 and a hydroxyl group at C-3 all showed a considerably Nrf2 activation activity. These results suggested that S. officinalis was worthy of further investigation to find small molecule Nrf2 activators and facilitate their utilization as natural antioxidants.

Potentilla anserina polysaccharide alleviates cadmium-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis of H9c2 cells by regulating the MG53-mediated RISK pathway

Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in cadmium (Cd)-induced myocardial injury. Mitsugumin 53 (MG53) and its mediated reperfusion injury salvage kinase (RISK) pathway have been demonstrated to be closely related to myocardial oxidative damage. Potentilla anserina L. polysaccharide (PAP) is a polysaccharide with antioxidant capacity, which exerts protective effect on Cd-induced damage. However, it remains unknown whether PAP can prevent and treat Cd-induced cardiomyocyte damages. The present study was desgined to explore the effect of PAP on Cd-induced damage in H9c2 cells based on MG53 and the mediated RISK pathway. For in vitro evaluation, cell viability and apoptosis rate were analyzed by CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Furthermore, oxidative stress was assessed by 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) staining and using superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) kits. The mitochondrial function was measured by JC-10 staining and ATP detection assay. Western blot was performed to detect the expression of proteins related to MG53, the RISK pathway, and apoptosis. The results indicated that Cd increased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in H9c2 cells. Cd decreased the activities of SOD and CAT and the ratio of GSH/GSSG, resulting in decreases in cell viability and increases in apoptosis. Interestingly, PAP reversed Cd-induced oxidative stress and cell apoptosis. Meanwhile, Cd reduced the expression of MG53 in H9c2 cells and inhibited the RISK pathway, which was mediated by decreasing the ratio of p-Akt^Ser473/Akt, p-GSK3β^Ser9/GSK3β and p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2. In addition, Cd impaired mitochondrial function, which involved a reduction in ATP content and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and an increase in the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, cytoplasmic cytochrome c/mitochondrial cytochrome c, and Cleaved-Caspase 3/Pro-Caspase 3. Importantly, PAP alleviated Cd-induced MG53 reduction, activated the RISK pathway, and reduced mitochondrial damage. Interestingly, knockdown of MG53 or inhibition of the RISK pathway attenuated the protective effect of PAP in Cd-induced H9c2 cells. In sum, PAP reduces Cd-induced damage in H9c2 cells, which is mediated by increasing MG53 expression and activating the RISK pathway.

The Identification of SQS/SQE/OSC Gene Families in Regulating the Biosynthesis of Triterpenes in Potentilla anserina

The tuberous roots of Potentilla anserina (Pan) are an edible and medicinal resource in Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China. The triterpenoids from tuberous roots have shown promising anti-cancer, hepatoprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we carried out phylogenetic analysis of squalene synthases (SQSs), squalene epoxidases (SQEs), and oxidosqualene cyclases (OSCs) in the pathway of triterpenes. In total, 6, 26, and 20 genes of SQSs, SQEs, and OSCs were retrieved from the genome of Pan, respectively. Moreover, 6 SQSs and 25 SQEs genes expressed in two sub-genomes (A and B) of Pan. SQSs were not expanded after whole-genome duplication (WGD), and the duplicated genes were detected in SQEs. Twenty OSCs were divided into two clades of cycloartenol synthases (CASs) and β-amyrin synthases (β-ASs) by a phylogenetic tree, characterized with gene duplication and evolutionary divergence. We speculated that β-ASs and CASs may participate in triterpenes synthesis. The data presented act as valuable references for future studies on the triterpene synthetic pathway of Pan.

Phenols from Potentilla anserina L. Improve Insulin Sensitivity and Inhibit Differentiation in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes in Vitro

Potentilla anserina L., a well-known perennial herb, is widely used in traditional Tibetan medicine and used as a delicious food in humans. The present investigation reports on the activity of P. anserina phenols (PAP) in regulating glycolipid metabolism in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Insulin sensitivity tests showed that PAP improved insulin-stimulated glucose uptake by promoting the phosphorylation of serine/threonine kinase Akt. Moreover, an assay involving the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes demonstrated that PAP also decreased the accumulation of lipid droplets by suppressing the expression of adipokines during the differentiation process. In addition, the underlying mechanism from the aspects of energy metabolism and oxidative stress is also discussed. The improvement in energy metabolism was supported by an increase in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and intracellular ATP. Amelioration of oxidative stress was supported by decreased levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). In summary, our findings suggest that PAP can ameliorate the disorder of glycolipid metabolism in insulin resistant 3T3-L1 adipocytes by improving energy metabolism and oxidative stress and might be an attractive candidate for the treatment of diabetes.

Bioactive Properties of Bread Formulated with Plant-based Functional Ingredients Before Consumption and Possible Links with Health Outcomes After Consumption- A Review

Bread is a commonly consumed staple and could be a viable medium to deliver plant-based ingredients that demonstrate health effects. This review brings together published evidence on the bioactive properties of bread formulated with plant-based ingredients. Health effects associated with the consumption of bread formulated with plant-based functional ingredients was also reviewed. Bioactive properties demonstrated by the functional ingredients fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts and tea incorporated into bread include increased phenolic and polyphenolic content, increased antioxidant activity, and extension of bread shelf-life by impairment of lipid and protein oxidation. Acute health effects reported included appetite suppression, reduced diastolic blood pressure, improvements in glycaemia, insulinaemia and satiety effect. These metabolic effects are mainly short lived and not enough for a health claim. Longer term studies or comparison of those who consume and those who do not are needed. The incorporation of plant-based functional ingredients in bread could enhance the health-promoting effects of bread.

Optimization and Comparative Study of Different Extraction Methods of Sixteen Fatty Acids of Potentilla anserina L. from Twelve Different Producing Areas of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

In this study, supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE), and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) were applied to explore the most suitable extraction method for fatty acids of Potentilla anseris L. from 12 different producing areas of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Meanwhile, the important experimental parameters that influence the extraction process were investigated and optimized via a Box-Behnken design (BBD) for response surface methodology (RSM). Under optimal extraction conditions, 16 fatty acids of Potentilla anserina L. were analyzed via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection, using 2-(4-amino)-phenyl-1-hydrogen-phenanthrene [9,10-d] imidazole as the fluorescence reagent. The results showed that the amounts of total fatty acids in sample 6 by applying SFE, UAE, and MAE were, respectively, 16.58 ± 0.14 mg/g, 18.11 ± 0.13 mg/g, and 15.09 ± 0.11 mg/g. As an environmental protection technology, SFE removed higher amounts of fatty acids than did MAE, but lower amounts of fatty acids than did UAE. In addition, the contents of the 16 fatty acids of Potentilla anserina L. from the 12 different producing areas Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau were significantly different. The differences were closely related to local altitudes and to climatic factors that corresponded to different altitudes (e.g., annual mean temperature, annual mean precipitation, annual evaporation, annual sunshine duration, annual solar radiation.). The temperature indices, photosynthetic radiation, ultraviolet radiation, soil factors, and other factors were different due to the different altitudes in the growing areas of Potentilla anserina L., which resulted in different nutrient contents.

New Terpenoids from Potentilla freyniana Bornm. and Their Cytotoxic Activities

Two new A-ring contracted triterpenoids, madengaisu A and madengaisu B, and one undescribed ent-kaurane diterpenoid, madengaisu C, along with 20 known compounds were isolated from the roots of Potentilla freyniana Bornm. The structures were elucidated using extensive spectroscopic techniques, including 1D and 2D-NMR, HR-ESI-MS, ECD spectra, IR, and UV analysis. Moreover, all isolated constituents were evaluated for their anti-proliferative activity against RA-FLS cells and cytotoxic activities against the human cancer cell lines Hep-G2, HCT-116, BGC-823, and MCF-7. Ursolic acid and pomolic acid displayed moderate inhibitory activity in RA-FLS cells with IC₅₀ values of 24.63 ± 1.96 and 25.12 ± 1.97 μM, respectively. Hyptadienic acid and 2α,3β-dihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid 28-O-β-d-glucopyranoside exhibited good cytotoxicity against Hep-G2 cells with IC₅₀ values of 25.16 ± 2.55 and 17.66 ± 1.82 μM, respectively. In addition, 2α,3β-dihydroxyolean-13(18)-en-28-oic acid and alphitolic acid were observed to inhibit HCT-116 cells (13.25 ± 1.65 and 21.62 ± 0.33 μM, respectively), while madengaisu B and 2α,3β-dihydroxyolean-13(18)-en-28-oic acid showed cytotoxic activities against BGC-823 cells with IC₅₀ values of 24.76 ± 0.94 and 26.83 ± 2.52 μM, respectively, which demonstrated that triterpenes from P. freyniana may serve as therapeutic agents for RA and cancer treatment.

Construction of a Microfluidic Platform With Core-Shell CdSSe@ZnS Quantum Dot-Encoded Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Microspheres for Screening and Locating Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 Inhibitors From Fruits of Rosa roxburghii

The microfluidic platform is a versatile tool for screening and locating bioactive molecules from functional foods. Here, a layer-by-layer assembly approach was used to fabricate core-shell CdSSe@ZnS quantum dot encoded superparamagnetic iron oxide microspheres, which served as a carrier for matrix metalloproteinase-2. The matrix metalloproteinase-2 camouflaged magnetic microspheres was further incorporated into a homemade microfluidic platform and incubated with extracts of fruits of Rosa roxburghii. The flow rate of the microfluidic platform was tuned. The major influencing parameters on ligand binding, such as dissociate solvents, incubation pH, ion strength, temperature, and incubation time were also optimized by using ellagic acid as a model compound. The specific binding ligands were sent for structure elucidation by mass spectrometry. The absolute recovery of ellagic acid ranged from 101.14 to 102.40% in the extract of R. roxburghii under the optimal extraction conditions. The linearity was pretty well in the range of 0.009–1.00 mg·ml⁻¹ (R² = 0.9995). The limit of detection was 0.003 mg·ml⁻¹. The relative SDs of within-day and between-day precision were <1.91%. A total of thirteen ligands were screened out from fruits of R. roxburghii, which were validated for their inhibitory effect by enzyme assay. Of note, eleven new matrix metalloproteinase-2 inhibitors were identified, which may account for the antitumor effect of fruits of R. roxburghii.

Ursane-type triterpene oligoglycosides with anti-hepatosteatosis and anti-hyperlipidemic activity from the leaves of Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil

The methanol extract from the leaves of Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil. (Aquifoliaceae), popularly known as mate, maté, or yerba maté, inhibits the intracellular triglyceride accumulation in HepG2 cells and suppresses the plasma triglyceride elevation in olive oil-treated mice. Three new triterpene saponins, termed mateosides I (1), II (2), and III (3), were isolated from the extract along with 29 known compounds. The structures of 1-3 were elucidated based on chemical and spectroscopic evidence. Among the isolates, principal saponin constituents, 2 and matesaponins 1 (7) and 2 (9), potently inhibited the triglyceride accumulation in HepG2 cells simultaneously treated with oleic acid and high glucose. In vivo assay of the methanol extract of I. paraguariensis revealed that 7 and 9 showed anti-hyperlipidemic activities in olive oil-treated mice. These results suggested that the saponin constituents of I. paraguariensis could be valuable bioactive marker for the anti-obesogenic activity.

New pentacyclic triterpene from Potentilla atrosanguinea Lodd. as anticancer agent for breast cancer targeting estrogen receptor-α

One new (compound 3) along with two previously known ursane type triterpenoids (compounds 1 and 2) were purified by chromatographic techniques from ethyl acetate extract of aerial parts of Potentilla atrosanguniea and characterized by HRMS, 1 D and 2 D-NMR. Compounds 1 (ursolic acid), 2 (euscaphic acid) and 3 (3α,20α-dihydroxy 2-oxo-urs-12-en-28-oic acid) were tested for their antiproliferative activity along with standard bazedoxifene. Compounds 1 and 3 were found to be of higher activity (3.71 and 6.05 μg/mL) as compared to compound 2 and bazedoxifene (IC₅₀: 24.53 and 17.87 μg/mL). Anti-estrogenic activity of three compounds on breast cancer (BC) were studied in vitro by accessing their antiproliferative activity and binding with estrogen receptor alpha (ER-α). All three compounds have effective binding affinity towards ER-α and decreased cell growth by downregulating the expression of mRNA and its translational protein as tested by semi-qRT-PCR and western blotting. In terms of effectiveness compounds 1 and 3 were found more active due to their antiproliferative, and antiestrogenic activity as compared to standard bazedoxifene.

Rosamultin from Potentilla anserine L. exhibits nephroprotection and antioxidant activity by regulating the reactive oxygen species/C/EBP homologous protein signaling pathway

Rosamultin, a major bioactive constituent from Potentilla anserine L., has antioxidative and hepatoprotective activities. However, its protective effects on cisplatin-induced acute renal injury and the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In this work, rosamultin could enhance the viability of HEK293 cells treated by cisplatin. In vivo experiment showed that rosamultin effectively decreased kidney index, reduced blood urea nitrogen level, decreased urinary protein excretion, and ameliorated the histopathological damage and fibrosis of renal tissue induced by cisplatin. Besides, rosamultin showed no obvious toxicity in mice. SILAC-based quantitative proteomic analysis identified 4,461 proteins and eight proteins including C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) were markedly decreased in cisplatin-treated HEK293 cells when exposed to rosamultin. Biochemical experiments further discovered that rosamultin could inhibit p38 and JNK activation, and downregulate the levels of CHOP and proteins in its upstream PERK-eIF2α-ATF4 signaling pathway stimulated by cisplatin or tunicamycin. At the same time, rosamultin reduced the generation of intracellular ROS induced by cisplatin and enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, GSH, and CAT. Moreover, rosamultin markedly suppressed the expression of CHOP, apoptosis-associated proteins, and activation of p38 and JNK in renal tissue. These findings suggest that rosamultin might be a potential protectant against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity.

Pentacyclic Triterpenoid Saponins, Poterinasides A-J, from Silverweed Cinquefoil Roots Promising Hepatoprotective and Anti-inflammatory Agents

Silverweed cinquefoil roots, as dietary supplements, foods, and medicines, are widely used in western areas of China, specifically in Tibet Autonomous Region and Gansu and Qinghai Provinces. In this paper, 10 new natural pentacyclic triterpenoid saponins (1-10), named poterinasides A-J, along with 14 known compounds (11-24) were isolated and purified from silverweed cinquefoil roots. The chemical structures of 1-10 were established by extensive analysis of 1D and 2D NMR data and mass spectrometric data. Poterinasides A (1), B (2), and G (7) with the unique position of substituents on the E ring had never been discovered in natural products before. Saponins 1-8, 14, and 22 displayed potent hepatoprotective activities, and 1-8, 10, 11, 14, 16, 19, and 22-24 showed outstanding anti-inflammatory effects. On the basis of the present results, some structure-activity relationships were summarized, in which 3α-OH, 19β-CH₃, 20α-CH₃, 20β-CH₃, 21α-OH, and 30-OH groups in isolated pentacyclic triterpenoid saponins were found to strengthen the hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory activities, respectively. Further, the following pharmacophore-based virtual screening and docking studies on special targets proteins, SIRT1 and COX-2, revealed roughly similar results with the structure-activity relationships, and this combination method was used for the first time for active natural compound screening.

Recent advances in chemistry and bioactivity of Sargentodoxa cuneata

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The genus Sargentodoxa comprises only one species, Sargentodoxa cuneata (Oliv.) Rehd et al., widely distributed in the subtropical zone of China. The plant is extensively used in traditional medicine for treating arthritis, joint pains, amenorrhea, acute appendicitis and inflammatory intestinal obstruction. Pharmacological studies show anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, antimicrobial, and anti-sepsis activities.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This review aims to summarize the information about distribution, traditional uses, chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of S. cuneata, as an attempt to provide a scientific basis for its traditional uses and to support its application and development for new drug development.

METHODOLOGY

Scientific information of S. cuneata was retrieved from the online bibliographic databases, including Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, Springer Link, the Wiley online library, SciFinder, Baidu Scholar, China national knowledge infrastructure (CNKI) and WANFANG DATA (up to March 2020). We also search doctoral dissertations, master dissertations conference papers and published books. The keywords were used: "Sargentodoxa", "Da Xue Teng", "Hong Teng", "Xue Teng", "secondary metabolites", "chemical components", "biological activity", "pharmacology", "traditional uses".

OBSERVATIONS AND RESULTS

S. cuneata is utilized as valuable herbal medicines to treat various diseases in China. Over 110 chemical constituents have been isolated and identified from the stem of S. cuneata, including phenolic acids, phenolic glycosides, lignans, flavones, triterpenoids and other compounds. The extract and compounds of S. cuneata have a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities, including antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-sepsis and anti-arthritis effects, as well as protective activity against cerebrovascular diseases.

CONCLUSION

S. cuneata has a rich legacy for the treatment of many diseases, especially arthritis and sepsis, which is reinforced by current investigations. However, the present studies about bioactive chemical constituents and detail pharmacological mechanisms of S. cuneata were insufficient. Further studies should focus on these aspects in relation to its clinical applications. This review has systematically summarized the traditional uses, phytochemical constituents and pharmacological effects of S. cuneata, providing references for the therapeutic potential of new drug development.

Recent phytochemical and pharmacological advances in the genus Potentilla L. sensu lato - An update covering the period from 2009 to 2020

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Potentilla plants are still common herbal medicines used in folk medicine. This review provides an update of research undertaken on Potentilla from 2009 until 2020.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This comprehensive review considers biological updates, recent advances in phytochemical and pharmacological research, and toxicological reports on Potentilla sensu lato based on available data since 2009.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted using available databases including ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Google Scholar.

RESULTS

Until now, more than 210 new and known compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, triterpenes and phenolic compounds, have been confirmed and elucidated for numerous Potentilla species, i.e., in the underground and aerial parts of this genus. Modern pharmacology studies have revealed that those structures are responsible for a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, such as anti-neoplastic, antihyperglycemic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, antibacterial and anti-yeast effects.

CONCLUSIONS

However, in vitro studies must be re-considered due to the discovery of urolithins and their origins, including microbiota, which can lead to different results when applying Potentilla species and their extracts to in vivo conditions. Thus, future research should focus more on in vivo and particularly clinical studies to confirm the validity and safety of traditional uses. Particularly, the use of Potentilla alba extracts in the treatment of thyroid gland disorders should be further explored to confirm the underlying mechanism of their action, efficacy and safety. In addition, more clinical studies should focus on Potentilla erecta rhizome extracts for application as herbal remedies against dysentery, diarrhoea and inflammation of the skin.

Potentilla anserina L. developmental changes affect the rhizosphere prokaryotic community

Plant roots and soil prokaryotes primarily interact with each other in the rhizosphere. Changes in the rhizosphere prokaryotic structure are influenced by several factors. In this study, the community structure of the Potentilla anserina L. rhizosphere prokaryotes was identified and evaluated by high-throughput sequencing technology in different continuous cropping fields and developmental stages of the plant. In total, 2 archaeal (Euryarchaeota and Thaumarchaeota) and 26 bacterial phyla were identified in the P. anserina rhizosphere. The bacterial community was mainly composed of Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi, Gemmatimonadetes, Planctomycetes, Proteobacteria, and Verrucomicrobia. Moreover, the prokaryotic community structure of the rhizosphere varied significantly during plant development. Our results provide new insights into the dynamics of the P. anserina rhizosphere prokaryotic community and may provide useful information for enhancing the growth and development of P. anserina through artificial control of the soil prokaryotes.

Pentacyclic triterpenes with nitric oxide inhibitory activity from Potentilla chinensis

Three new ursane-type triterpenes (1-3) and twenty-one known triterpenoids (4-24) were isolated from the methanolic extract of the whole plants of Potentilla chinensis. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis of 1D and 2D NMR (HSQC, HMBC, COSY and ROESY) and HRESIMS data. The bioassay screening revealed the inhibitory effects on nitric oxide production of compounds 2, 5, 7, 9, 10, and 13-24 in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages.

Kaji-Ichigoside F1 and Rosamultin Protect Vascular Endothelial Cells against Hypoxia-Induced Apoptosis via the PI3K/AKT or ERK1/2 Signaling Pathway

As a pair of differential isomers, Kaji-ichigoside F1 and Rosamultin are both pentacyclic triterpenoids isolated from the subterranean root of Potentilla anserina L., a plant used in folk medicine in western China as antihypoxia and anti-inflammatory treatments. We demonstrated that Kaji-ichigoside F1 and Rosamultin effectively prevented hypoxia-induced apoptosis in vascular endothelial cells. We established a hypoxia model, using EA.hy926 cells, to further explore the mechanisms. Hypoxia promoted the phosphorylation of AKT, ERK1/2, and NF-κB. In hypoxic cells treated with Kaji-ichigoside F1, p-ERK1/2 and p-NF-κB levels were increased, while the level of p-AKT was decreased. Treatment with Rosamultin promoted phosphorylation of ERK1/2, NF-κB, and AKT in hypoxic cells. Following the addition of LY294002, the levels of p-AKT, p-ERK1/2, and p-NF-κB decreased significantly. Addition of PD98059 resulted in reduced levels of p-ERK1/2 and p-NF-κB, while p-AKT levels were increased. Pharmacodynamic analysis demonstrated that both LY294002 and PD98059 significantly inhibited the positive effects of Kaji-ichigoside F1 on cell viability during hypoxia, consistent with the results of hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, DAPI staining, and flow cytometry. The antihypoxia effects of Rosamultin were remarkably inhibited by LY294002 but promoted by PD98059. In Kaji-ichigoside F1- and Rosamultin-treated cells, Bcl2 expression was significantly upregulated, while expression of Bax and cytochrome C and levels of cleaved caspase-9 and cleaved caspase-3 were reduced. Corresponding to pharmacodynamic analysis, LY294002 inhibited the regulatory effects of Kaji-ichigoside F1 and Rosamultin on the above molecules, while PD98059 inhibited the regulatory effects of Kaji-ichigoside F1 but enhanced the regulatory effects of Rosamultin. In conclusion, Kaji-ichigoside F1 protected vascular endothelial cells against hypoxia-induced apoptosis by activating the ERK1/2 signaling pathway, which positively regulated the NF-κB signaling pathway and negatively regulated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Rosamultin protected vascular endothelial cells against hypoxia-induced apoptosis by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and positively regulating ERK1/2 and NF-κB signaling pathways.

Collagen synthesis-promoting and collagenase inhibitory activities of constituents isolated from the rhizomes of Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth

Three new acylated phenylethanoid glycosides, kurroaosides A (14), B (15), and C (16), and a new acylated cucurbitane-type triterpene glycoside, kurroaoside D (17), were isolated from a methanol extract of the rhizomes of Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth. (Plantaginaceae) along with 29 known isolates including 10 acylated phenylethanoid glycosides (18-27), three cucurbitane-type triterpene glycosides (32-34), and a nortriterpene glycoside (35). The structures of these new compounds (14-17), including their stereochemistry, were determined based on chemical and physicochemical evidence derived from NMR and MS analysis. Among the isolates, acylated iridoid glycosides, picrosides I (8), II (9), III (10), and IV (11) and 6-feruloylcatalpol (12), phenylethanoid glycosides (14-16), triterpene glycosides, cucurbitacin B 2-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (32) and 25-acetoxy-2-β-D-glucopyranosyloxy-3,16,20-trihydroxy-9-methyl-19-norlanosta-5-en-22-one (35), and an acetophenone glycoside, picein (36), significantly promoted collagen synthesis at 10-30 μM, with no cytotoxicity being observed at the effective concentrations. Furthermore, acylated phenylethanoid glycosides, calceolarioside A (19, IC₅₀ = 69.2 μM), plantamajoside (20, 51.8 μM), isoplantamajoside (21, 76.8 μM), and scroside E (23, 65.5 μM), exhibited collagenase inhibitory activity equivalent to that of positive agents caffeic acid (75.6 μM) and epigallocatechin 3-O-gallate (75.4 μM).

Investigation of In Vivo and In Vitro Pharmacokinetic Characteristics of Kaji-ichigoside F1 in Rats

Kaji-ichigoside F1, a pentacyclic triterpenoid saponin, exhibits various beneficial pharmacological effects. In this study, a simple, rapid, and specific high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for rapid quantification of kaji-ichigoside F1 in rat biological matrix was developed. Plasma was prepared by a single-step protein precipitation followed by separation of the analyte using an Inertsil ODS-3 column with a gradient mobile phase. Positive ion electrospray was used and selected reaction monitoring transitions were m/ z 673.27 → 511.15 for kaji-ichigoside F1 and m/ z 429.19 → 267.29 for morroniside, respectively. The developed method was validated with linear range of 20 to 10 000 ng/mL. All validation parameters were well within the acceptance limit based on the guidance of FDA. The validated method was successfully applied to analyze samples from the in vivo and in vitro pharmacokinetic studies in rats.

A Review of Biologically Active Natural Products from a Desert Plant Cistanche tubulosa

An Orobanchaceae plant Cistanche tubulosa (SCHENK) WIGHT (Kanka-nikujuyou in Japanese), which is one of the authorized plant resources as Cistanches Herba in both Japanese and Chinese Pharmacopoeias, is a perennial parasitic plant growing on roots of sand-fixing plants. The stems of C. tubulosa have traditionally been used for treatment of impotence, sterility, lumbago, and body weakness as well as a promoting agent of blood circulation. In recent years, Cistanches Herba has also been widely used as a health food supplement in Japan, China, and Southeast Asian countries. Here we review our recent studies on chemical constituents from the stems of C. tubulosa as well as their bioactivities such as vasorelaxtant, hepatoprotective, and glucose tolerance improving effects.

Potentides: New Cysteine-Rich Peptides with Unusual Disulfide Connectivity from Potentilla anserina

Cysteine-rich peptides (CRPs), which are disulfide-constrained peptides with 3 to 5 disulfide bonds and molecular weights of 2 to 6 kDa, are generally hyperstable and resistant to thermal, chemical, and enzymatic degradation. Herein, the discovery and characterization of a novel suite of CRPs, collectively named potentides pA1-pA16 from the root of the medicinal herb Potentilla anserina L, are described. Through a combination of proteomic and transcriptomic methods, it is shown that 35-residue potentide pA3, which is the most abundant member of potentides, exhibits high stability against heat, acidic, and proteolytic degradation. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that potentide precursor sequences contained four tandem repeats in the mature domain, which is the first report on tandem repeats being found in the Rosaceae family. Disulfide mapping showed that potentide pA3 displayed a novel disulfide connectivity of C1-C3, C2-C6, and C4-C5; a cystine motif that has not been reported in plant CRPs. Transcriptomic data mining and a neighbor-joining clustering analysis revealed 56 potentide homologues and their distribution in the families of Rosaceae and Ranunculaceae in angiosperm. Altogether, these results reveal a new plant CRP structure with an unusual cystine connectivity. Additionally, this study expands the families and structure diversity of CRPs as potentially active peptide pharmaceuticals.

Triterpenoids

Covering 2014. Previous review: Nat. Prod. Rep., 2017, 34, 90-122 This review covers the isolation and structure determination of triterpenoids reported during 2014 including squalene derivatives, lanostanes, holostanes, cycloartanes, cucurbitanes, dammaranes, euphanes, tirucallanes, tetranortriterpenoids, quassinoids, lupanes, oleananes, friedelanes, ursanes, hopanes, serratanes, isomalabaricanes and saponins; 374 references are cited.

Simultaneous Determination and Pharmacokinetics Study of Six Triterpenes in Rat Plasma by UHPLC-MS/MS after Oral Administration of Sanguisorba officinalis L. Extract

A selective and sensitive ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the determination of ziyuglycoside I (I), 3β,19α-dihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic-acid 28-β-d-glucopyranosyl ester (II), 3β-[(α-l-arabinopyranosyl) oxy]-urs-12,18(19)-dien-28-oic acid β-d-glucopyranosyl ester (III), rosamultin (IV), 1β-hydroxyeuscaphic acid (V) and alpinoside (VI) in rats after oral administration of Sanguisorba officinalis L. (S. officinalis) extract. The 3β,19α-dihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic-acid 28-β-d-glucopyranosyl ester, 3β-[(α-l-arabinopyranosyl) oxy]-urs-12,18(19)-dien-28-oic acid β-d-glucopyranosyl ester, rosamultin, 1β-hydroxyeuscaphic acid and alpinoside in rat plasma were the first report in the pharmacokinetics study in the present study. The analytes were quantified using the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode with the electrospray ion source in positive electrospray ionization. Plasma was extracted with ethyl acetate via liquid–liquid extraction. Bifendate was used as internal standard (IS). The current method was validated for linearity, intra-day and inter-day precisions, accuracy, extraction recovery, matrix effect and stability. The lower limits of quantification of ziyuglycoside I, 3β,19α-dihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic-acid 28-β-d-glucopyranosyl ester, 3β-[(α-l-arabinopyranosyl) oxy]-urs-12,18(19)-dien-28-oic acid β-d-glucopyranosyl ester, rosamultin, 1β-hydroxyeuscaphic acid and alpinoside were 6.1, 4.9, 1.3, 3.8, 1.5 and 5.7 ng/mL, respectively. Intra-day and inter-day precision and the accuracy of the assay were in range from −9.48 to 12.74%. The extraction recoveries of analytes and bifendate (IS) from rat plasma ranged from 77.17% to 92.48%. Six compounds could be rapidly absorbed into blood (T_max, 0.58–1.58 h), and then eliminated relatively slowly (t_1/2, 6.86–11.63 h). The pharmacokinetic results might contribute to further guide the clinical application of S. officinalis.

Protective effect of Potentilla anserina polysaccharide on cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity in vitro and in vivo

The aim of this research was to investigate the antioxidant and anti-apoptotic activities of Potentilla anserina polysaccharide (PAP) on kidney damage induced by cadmium (Cd) in vitro and in vivo. PAP has been suggested to have anti-oxidation, anti-apoptosis, immunoregulation, antimicrobial, antitussive, and expectorant abilities. In this study, PAP was extracted and the major components of PAP were analyzed. It was shown that PAP pretreatment remarkably improved redox homeostasis, both in human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells and in BALB/c mice. Administration of PAP attenuated the mitochondrial dysfunction, degeneration, and fibrosis of kidney induced by Cd. Furthermore, PAP exhibited anti-apoptotic activity, which involved regulating both the mitochondria-mediated intrinsic apoptotic pathway and the death receptor-initiated extrinsic pathway. These results suggest that PAP is a potential therapeutic agent for Cd-induced nephrotoxicity.

Hepatoprotective natural triterpenoids

Liver diseases are one of the leading causes of death in the world. In spite of tremendous advances in modern drug research, effective and safe hepatoprotective agents are still in urgent demand. Natural products are undoubtedly valuable sources for drug leads. A number of natural triterpenoids were reported to possess pronounced hepatoprotective effects, and triterpenoids have become one of the most important classes of natural products for hepatoprotective agents. However, the significance of natural triterpenoids has been underestimated in the hepatoprotective drug discovery, with only very limited triterpenoids being covered in the reviews of hepatoprotective natural products. In this paper, ca 350 natural triterpenoids with reported hepatoprotective effects in ca 120 references between 1975 and 2016 will be reviewed, and the structure-activity relationships of certain types of natural triterpenoids, if available, will be discussed. Patents are not included.

Quantitative Determination of Stilbenoids and Dihydroisocoumarins in Shorea roxburghii and Evaluation of Their Hepatoprotective Activity

A simultaneous quantitative analytical method for 13 stilbenoids including (-)-hopeaphenol (1), (+)-isohopeaphenol (2), hemsleyanol D (3), (-)-ampelopsin H (4), vaticanols A (5), E (6), and G (7), (+)-α-viniferin (8), pauciflorol A (9), hopeafuran (10), (-)-balanocarpol (11), (-)-ampelopsin A (12), and trans-resveratrol 10-C-β-d-glucopyranoside (13), and two dihydroisocoumarins, phayomphenols A₁ (14) and A₂ (15) in the extract of Shorea roxburghii (dipterocarpaceae) was developed. According to the established protocol, distributions of these 15 polyphenols (1-15) in the bark and wood parts of S. roxburghii and a related plant Cotylelobium melanoxylon were evaluated. In addition, the principal polyphenols (1, 2, 8, 13-15) exhibited hepatoprotective effects against d-galactosamine (d-galN)/lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced liver injury in mice at a dose of 100 or 200 mg/kg, p.o. To characterize the mechanisms of action, the isolates were examined in in vitro studies assessing their effects on (i) d-GalN-induced cytotoxicity in primary cultured mouse hepatocytes; (ii) LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in mouse peritoneal macrophages; and (iii) tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced cytotoxicity in L929 cells. The mechanisms of action of these polyphenols (1, 2, and 8) were suggested to be dependent on the inhibition of LPS-induced macrophage activation and reduction of sensitivity of hepatocytes to TNF-α. However, none of the isolates reduced the cytotoxicity caused by d-GalN.

Cytotoxic conjugates of betulinic acid and substituted triazoles prepared by Huisgen Cycloaddition from 30-azidoderivatives

In this work, we describe synthesis of conjugates of betulinic acid with substituted triazoles prepared via Huisgen 1,3-cycloaddition. All compounds contain free 28-COOH group. Allylic bromination of protected betulinic acid by NBS gave corresponding 30-bromoderivatives, their substitution with sodium azides produced 30-azidoderivatives and these azides were subjected to CuI catalysed Huisgen 1,3-cycloaddition to give the final conjugates. Reactions had moderate to high yields. All new compounds were tested for their in vitro cytotoxic activities on eight cancer and two non-cancer cell lines. The most active compounds were conjugates of 3β-O-acetylbetulinic acid and among them, conjugate with triazole substituted by benzaldehyde 9b was the best with IC50 of 3.3 μM and therapeutic index of 9.1. Five compounds in this study had IC50 below 10 μM and inhibited DNA and RNA synthesis and caused block in G0/G1 cell cycle phase which is highly similar to actinomycin D. It is unusual that here prepared 3β-O-acetates were more active than compounds with the free 3-OH group and this suggests that this set may have common mechanism of action that is different from the mechanism of action of previously known 3β-O-acetoxybetulinic acid derivatives. Benzaldehyde type conjugate 9b is the best candidate for further drug development.

Lignans and triterpenoids from Vitex negundo var. heterophylla and their biological evaluation

Three new phenylnaphthalene-type lignans, vitexnegheteroins E-G (1-3), and a new polyoxygenated ursane-type triterpene, vitexnegheteroin H (9), were isolated from the seeds of Vitex negundo var. heterophylla, together with ten known compounds. Their structures were established on the basis of extensive 1D and 2D NMR experiments, as well as their mass spectroscopic data. The absolute configurations of compounds 1 and 2 were determined by comparing their experimental ECD spectra with that calculated by the time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) method. The isolates were evaluated for their cytotoxicities against three human cancer cell lines, inhibitory activities on lipopolysaccharide-induced NO production in murine microglial BV-2 cells, and antioxidant activities for ABTS radical scavenging.

Hepatoprotective Limonoids from Andiroba (Carapa guianensis)

Three gedunin-type limonoids, gedunin (1), 6α-acetoxygedunin (2), and 7-deacetoxy-7-oxogedunin (3), which were isolated from the seed and flower oils of andiroba (Carapa guianensis Aublet, Meliaceae), exhibited hepatoprotective effects at doses of 25 mg/kg, p.o. against d-galactosamine (d-GalN)/lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced liver injury in mice. To characterize the mechanisms of action of 1-3 and clarify the structural requirements for their hepatoprotective effects, 17 related limonoids (1-17) isolated from the seed and/or flower oils of C. guianensis were examined in in vitro studies assessing their effects on (i) d-GalN-induced cytotoxicity in primary cultured mouse hepatocytes, (ii) LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in mouse peritoneal macrophages, and (iii) tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced cytotoxicity in L929 cells. The mechanisms of action of 1-3 are likely to involve the inhibition of LPS-induced macrophage activation and reduced sensitivity of hepatocytes to TNF-α; however, these compounds did not decrease the cytotoxicity caused by d-GalN. In addition, the structural requirements of limonoids (1-17) for inhibition of LPS-induced NO production in mouse peritoneal macrophages and TNF-α-induced cytotoxicity in L929 cells were evaluated.

Polyhydroxytriterpenoids and Phenolic Constituents from Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl Leaves

Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl leaves have been consumed in China as a health-promoting functional tea for centuries. Three new polyhydroxytriterpenoid glycosides named suspensanosides A-C (1-3), seven known polyhydroxytriterpenoids (4-10), and 12 known phenolics (11-22) were identified from F. suspensa leaves. Compounds 1-10, 15-17, and 22 have not been found in the Forsythia genus previously, whereas compound 14 was first reported to be isolated from the leaves of F. suspensa. All isolates were tested for their antiproliferative activities on BGC-823 and MCF-7 human tumor cell lines, whereas all phenolics were further investigated for their antioxidant activities by a DPPH assay. The results clearly demonstrate that triterpenoids, especially ursane-type triterpenoids, and the diverse phenolic components are crucial for the beneficial effects of F. suspensa leaves.

Dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitory activity of dimeric dihydrochalcone glycosides from flowers of Helichrysum arenarium

A methanol extract of everlasting flowers of Helichrysum arenarium L. Moench (Asteraceae) was found to inhibit the increase in blood glucose elevation in sucrose-loaded mice at 500 mg/kg p.o. The methanol extract also inhibited the enzymatic activity against dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV, IC50 = 41.2 μg/ml), but did not show intestinal α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. From the extract, three new dimeric dihydrochalcone glycosides, arenariumosides V-VII (2-4), were isolated, and the stereostructures were elucidated based on their spectroscopic properties and chemical evidence. Of the constituents, several flavonoid constituents, including 2-4, were isolated, and these isolated constituents were investigated for their DPP-IV inhibitory effects. Among them, chalconaringenin 2'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (16, IC50 = 23.1 μM) and aureusidin 6-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (35, 24.3 μM) showed relatively strong inhibitory activities.

Ursane-type nortriterpenes with a five-membered A-ring from Rubus innominatus

Two nortriterpenes (rubuminatus A and B), which contain a distinctive contracted a five-membered A-ring ursane-type skeleton, and six triterpenes along with 17 known triterpenes were isolated from the roots of Rubus innominatus S. Moore. These structures were determined to be 19α-hydroxy-2-oxo-nor- A(3)-urs-12-en-28-oic acid, 1β,19α-dihydroxy-2-oxo-nor-A(3)-urs-12-en-28-oic acid, 1β,2α,3α,19α-tetrahy droxyurs-12-en-23-formyl-28-oic acid, 1β,2α,3α,19α,23- pentahydroxyurs-11-en-28-oic acid, 1-oxo-siaresinolic acid, 2α,3α-dihydroxyolean-11,13(18)-dien-19β,28-olide, 1β,2α,3α-trihydroxy-19-oxo- 18,19-seco-urs-11,13(18)-dien-28-oic acid, and 2-O-benzoyl alphitolic acid based on extensive spectroscopic analyses. In vitro anti-inflammatory abilities to modulate the production of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages of the compounds were determined. Rubuminatus A and B, as well as 1-oxo-siaresinolic acid and 2α,3α-dihydroxyolean-11,13(18)-dien-19β,28-olide, exhibited significant inhibitory effects on these cytokines.