Iridoid glycosides and lignans from the fruits of Gardenia jasminoides Eills

Chemical constituents from the stems of Ephedra intermedia and their α-glucosidase and AChE inhibitory effects

Five undescribed glycosides (1-5) and eight known compounds (6-13) were isolated from the stems of Ephedra intermedia. Their chemical structures were determined by analysis of NMR, ECD, and MS data. In addition, The in vitro bioactive assay, α-glucosidase and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activities, suggested that compounds 11 and 12 exhibited obvious inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase with the IC50 value of 49.51 ± 0.97 μM and 47.12 ± 0.98 μM, respectively, compounds 4 and 5 showed weak inhibitory effects on AChE at the concentration of 100 μM.

Bis-Iridoids: Occurrence, Chemophenetic Evaluation and Biological Activities-A Review

In this work, the first review paper about bis-iridoids was presented. In particular, their detailed occurrence, chemophenetic evaluation and biological activities were reported. To the best of our knowledge, two hundred and eighty-eight bis-iridoids have been evidenced so far, bearing different structural features, with the link between two seco-iridoids sub-units as the major one. Different types of base structures have been found, with catalpol, loganin, paederosidic acid, olesoide methyl ester, secoxyloganin and loganetin as the major ones. Even bis-irdioids with non-conventional structures like intra-cyclized and non-alkene six rings have been reported. Some of these compounds have been individuated as chemophenetic markers at different levels, such as cantleyoside, laciniatosides, sylvestrosides, GI-3, GI-5, oleonuezhenide, (Z)-aldosecologanin and centauroside. Only one hundred and fifty-nine bis-iridoids have been tested for their biological effects, including enzymatic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antitumoral and anti-inflammatory. Sylvestroside I was the compound with the highest number of biological tests, whereas cantleyoside was the compound with the highest number of specific biological tests. Bis-iridoids have not always shown activity, and when active, their effectiveness values have been both higher and lower than the positive controls, if present. All these aspects have been deeply discussed in this paper, which also shows some critical issues and even suggests possible arguments for future research, since there is still a lot unknown about bis-iridoids.

Exploring bitter characteristics of blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.) berries by sensory-guided analysis: Key bitter compounds and varietal differences

The taste of blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.) berries is wrapped in bitterness, and awareness about the essence of bitterness is lacking. In the current study, 7-ketologanin, sweroside and loganin were isolated and identified as key bitter compounds using sensory-guided analysis. The bitterness thresholds of these compounds were determined to be 11.9 μg/mL, 33.5 μg/mL and 60.2 μg/mL. Subsequently, the differences in bitterness among 16 blue honeysuckle varieties were evaluated. The wild varieties A1 and A2 exhibited the highest bitter intensity. 7-Ketologanin, with the highest concentration of 34.70-37.11 mg/100 g and taste activity values of 29.16-31.18 in A1 and A2, was first identified as a bitter contributor in blue honeysuckle. There was no significant difference in bitter intensity between the reconstitution model and the original sample, confirming the contribution of the three bitter compounds. This study lays the foundation for the bitter improvement and variety selection of blue honeysuckle resources.

A metabolomics study on the mechanisms of Gardeniae fructus against α-naphthylisothiocyanate-induced cholestatic liver injury

Gardeniae fructus (GF) is known for its various beneficial effects on cholestatic liver injury (CLI). However, the biological mechanisms through which GF regulates CLI have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to explore the potential mechanisms of GF against α-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced CLI. First, HPLC technology was used to analyze the chemical profile of the GF extract. Second, the effects of GF on serum biochemical indicators and liver histopathology were examined. Lastly, metabolomics was utilized to study the changes in liver metabolites and clarify the associated metabolic pathways. In chemical analysis, 10 components were identified in the GF extract. GF treatment regulated serum biochemical indicators in ANIT-induced CLI model rats and alleviated liver histological damage. Metabolomics identified 26 endogenous metabolites as biomarkers of ANIT-induced CLI, with 23 biomarkers returning to normal levels, particularly involving primary bile acid biosynthesis, glycerophospholipid metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, and arachidonic acid metabolism. GF shows promise in alleviating ANIT-induced CLI by modulating multiple pathways.

Three new flavonoid glycosides from the herbaceous stems of Ephedra intermedia

Phytochemical investigation of the n-butanol extracts of the herbaceous stems of Epheda intermedia led to the isolation of eight flavonoids that included three new flavonoid glycosides (1-3) and five previously reported analogues (4-8). Their structures have been identified on the basis of various spectral data. Besides, all the flavonoids were tested in vitro for their ability to inhibit α-glucosidase under the positive control of acarbose, and the results indicated that none of them exhibited significant inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase at 100 μM.

Phenolic Constituents with Glucose Uptake and GLUT4 Translocation Bioactivities from the Fruits of Cordia dichotoma

From the fruits of Cordia dichotoma, 11 new phenolic compounds, dichotomins A-K, were isolated, together with 19 known compounds. Through the analysis of detailed NMR data and HRESIMS data, the planar structures of all compounds were confirmed. Using NMR calculations, the absolute configuration of dichotomins A-K was elucidated by comparing their observed and computed electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. Dichotomin H (8) and dichotomin I (9) were determined as two pairs of enantiomers. The enantiomers of compounds 8 and 9 were separated using chiral-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the stereostructure of each enantiomer was determined by similarly calculating the ECD. Compounds 3, 5, 7, 17, 18, 23-25, and 27-30 increased glucose uptake by 1.04- to 2.85-folds at concentrations of 30 μg/mL. Further studies revealed that compounds 3 and 5 had a moderate effect on glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation activity in L6 cells. At 30 μg/mL, compound 3 significantly enhanced AMPK phosphorylation and GLUT4 expression. As a whole, compound 3 has the potential to be a drug candidate for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Chemical Constituents of the Fruits of Cornus Officinalis and Evaluation of their Neuroprotective Activity

The phytochemical investigation of the fruits of Cornus officinalis yielded a new phenolic acid derivative, neophenolic acid A (1), and a novel flavonoid glycoside, (2R)-naringenin-7-O-β-(6''-galloyl-glucopyranoside) (2 a), along with six known flavonoid glycosides (2 b-7). Their structures were determined by 1D, 2D NMR and HRESIMS data. The absolute configuration of 1 was established by ECD analysis. Compounds 1- 7 were evaluated for their neuroprotective activities against corticosterone (CORT)-induced injury in PC-12 cells. Compounds 1, 2 a, 2 b, 5, and 6 exhibited neuroprotective activities against CORT-induced neurotoxicity in PC-12 cells. The underlying mechanism study suggested that compounds 1, 2 a, 2 b, 5, and 6 were able to attenuate CORT-induced apoptosis and damage, increase the levels of MMP and decrease Ca2+ inward flow in PC-12 cells.

Chemical constituents from Acorus calamus with potent anti-diabetic and hepatoprotective activities

Three previously undescribed compounds, (+)-7S,8S-syringoylglycerol-7-O-3',4'-dihydroxylphenylethanol (1), (+)-2S,3R-piscidic acid 1-methyl-5-ethyl ester (2), and 2'S-2-acetyl-3-(2,3-dihydroxypropoxyl)furan (3), together with one new natural product, 7S,8S-4,7,8-trihydroxyl-methyl phenylpropionate (4) and a known lignan (7S,8R)-methyl-4',7-epoxy-3,3'-dimethoxy-4,9-dihydroxylignan-9'-oate (5), were isolated from the ethanol extract of Acorus calamus Linn. rhizomes. Their structures were determined based on extensive spectroscopic analyses and computational methods. All the isolated compounds were evaluated for their in vitro GK activating and hepatoprotective activities, and compound 5 exhibited significant GK activating activity at 10-5 mol/L, compound 3 exhibited moderate protective effects to APAP-induced injuries of HepG2 cells at 10-5 mol/L. Furthermore, molecular docking of compound 5 bound with GK was carried out to investigate the possible structural insights into the potential binding patterns.

Phanerosides A-X, Phenylpropanoid Esters of Sucrose from the Rattans of Phanera championii Benth

Twenty-four new phenylpropanoid esters of sucrose, phanerosides A-X (1-24), were isolated from an EtOH extract of the rattans of Phanera championii Benth. (Fabaceae). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis. A wide range of structural analogues were presented due to the different numbers and positions of acetyl substituents and the structures of phenylpropanoid moieties. Phenylpropanoid esters of sucrose were isolated from the Fabaceae family for the first time. Biologically, the inhibitory effects of compounds 6 and 21 on NO production in LPS-induced BV-2 microglial cells were better than that of the positive control, with IC₅₀ values of 6.7 and 5.2 μM, respectively. The antioxidant activity assay showed that compounds 5, 15, 17, and 24 displayed moderate DPPH radical scavenging activity, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 34.9 to 43.9 μM.

Metabolite Profiling of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis In Vitro Cultures with Different Levels of Differentiation

Gardenia jasminoides Ellis is an aromatic and medicinal plant of high economic value. Much research has focused on the phytochemistry and biological activities of Gardenia fruit extracts; however, the potential of the Gardenia plant in vitro cultures used as mass production systems of valuable secondary metabolites has been understudied. This paper presents data on metabolite profiling (GC/MS and HPLC), antioxidant activities (DPPH, TEAC, FRAP, and CUPRAC), and SSR profiles of G. jasminoides plant leaves and in vitro cultures with different levels of differentiation (shoots, callus, and cell suspension). The data show strong correlations (r = 0.9777 to r = 0.9908) between antioxidant activity and the concentrations of chlorogenic acid, salicylic acid, rutin, and hesperidin. Eleven co-dominant microsatellite simple sequence repeats (SSRs) markers were used to evaluate genetic variations (average PIC = 0.738 ± 0.153). All of the investigated Gardenia in vitro cultures showed high genetic variabilities (average Na = 5.636 ± 2.157, average Ne = 3.0 ± 1.095). This is the first report on a study on metabolite profiles, antioxidant activities, and genetic variations of G. jasminoides in vitro cultures with different levels of differentiation.

Ionones and lignans from the fresh roots of Rehmannia glutinosa

Nine undescribed compounds, together with 21 known components, were isolated from the fresh roots of Rehmannia glutinosa. Their structures were elucidated based on spectroscopic data analysis, and the absolute configurations of undescribed compounds were determined by comparison of their calculated and experimental electronic circular dichroic (ECD) spectra and interpretation of their optical rotation data. The α-glucosidase inhibitory effects of the isolated compounds were investigated and all of them exhibited slightly inhibitory activities.

Ten undescribed diterpenoid quinones derived from the Salvia miltiorrhiza

This study aimed to report the structure elucidation of the compounds isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza, and their biological evaluations. Ten undescribed diterpenoid quinones and 10 known analogues were isolated from the dried roots of S. miltiorrhiza. Their structures were elucidated by extensive analysis, including nuclear magnetic resonance, high-resolution mass spectra, and ultraviolet and infrared spectra. Their absolute configurations were determined by comparing the experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism spectra. In the evaluation of bioactivities, Salvianolactone acid I, epi-danshenspiroketallactone F, danshinspiroketallactone, grandifolia G, and 2H-Naphtho [1,8-bc]furan (10 μM) significantly increased cell viability and decreased the nuclear transport of p-P65 in lipopolysaccharide-induced bronchial epithelial cells. It was concluded that the diterpenoid quinones might belong to potent targeted lung-protective agents.

Lignans and terpenoids from the stem of Ephedra equisetina Bunge

Seven undescribed lignans, equiselignan A-F, and six undescribed terpenoids, equiseterpenoid A-E (including two pairs of enantiomers, (+/-)-equiselignan A and (+/-)-equiseterpenoid E), were isolated from the stems of Ephedra equisetina Bunge. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, and the absolute configurations of the undescribed compounds were determined by interpretation of their electronic circular dichroic (ECD) and optical rotation data. In β-hexosaminidase (β-Hex) release assay, anti-asthmatic activities of all of the compounds were evaluated by releasing β-Hex in C48/80-induced RBL-2H3 cells. The β-Hex release rates of equiselignan B and equiseterpenoid B were 0.86 ± 0.094 and 0.86 ± 0.012 by comparing with model group, whereupon equiselignan B and equiseterpenoid B exhibited significant anti-asthmatic activities.

A new ent-clerodane diterpene from Detarium microcarpum Guill. & Perr. and its protective potential for osteoporosis

A new clerodane diterpene, named 6α-hydroxy-3,13E-clerodien-15-oic acid (1), together with a known clerodane diterpene (2), four known labdane diterpenes (3-6), a triterpenoid (7), a known steroid (8), and two benzenoid compounds (9 and 10) were isolated from Detarium microcarpum Guill. & Perr. The structures of all obtained compounds were determined by chemical properties and spectroscopic evidence, accompanied by comparisons with data in the literature. Electronic circular dichroism (ECD) was performed for compounds 1-4 to confirm the absolute configuration. Compounds 1-3 and 8-10 were evaluated for the protective effect on osteoblasts. Compound 1 was observed to increase the proliferation of dexamethasone (DEX)-treated MC3T3-E1 cells significantly at 1 μM, which was comparable with the positive control geniposide at 10 μM. The results were further confirmed by flow cytometry analysis. In addition, compound 1 increased the level of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and mineralization in osteoblasts inhibited by DEX. Moreover, Compound 9 (vanillic acid) showed a pronounced inhibition (IC₅₀ 6.5 ± 0.6 μM) on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and 10 (4-O-methyl gallic acid) showed a good inhibition with IC₅₀ as 103.3 ± 2.2 μM, compared with the standard drug ibuprofen (IC₅₀ 54.2 ± 9.2 μM). Besides, compounds 1-3 and 8-10 were non-cytotoxic against MCF-7, NCI-H460, Hela, and BJ cell lines.

Efficacy and Safety of Re Du Ning Injection for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Re Du Ning, a traditional Chinese medicine injection, has been widely used for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, although without established systematic review evidence. This systematic review aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of Re Du Ning in the treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD).

Methods

We searched seven databases (PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, SinoMed, CNKI, WanFang, and the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry) up to November 1, 2021, to identify randomized controlled trials of Re Du Ning for AECOPD. Two researchers independently carried out literature screening and data extraction. Effects were measured by risk ratios (RRs) or mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The meta-analysis was completed by RevMan 5.4 software.

Results

Twenty-six studies met the eligibility criteria, with a total of 2284 patients. The findings of the meta-analysis indicated that the response rate of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group: RR = 1.14% and 95% CI: (1.09, 1.19). Significantly greater improvements in pulmonary function: FEV1: MD = 0.28 L, 95% CI: (0.20, 0.36); FEV1/FVC: MD = 8.63%, 95% CI: (4.68, 12.59); T-lymphocyte counts: CD4: MD = 6%, 95% CI: (2.44, 9.56); CD3: MD = 10.42%, 95% CI: (8.6, 12.24); CD4/CD8: MD = 0.38%, 95% CI: (0.32, 0.43); acid/base imbalance: PH: MD = 0.05, 95% CI: (0.01, 0.10); PaO2: MD = 9.02 mmHg, 95% CI: (11.11, 0.10), p=0.005; C-reactive protein: MD = -6.65 mg/L, 95% CI: (-10.97, -2.34); and PCT: MD = -0.28 μg/L, 95% (CI: -0.41, -0.15) were observed in patients receiving Re Du Ning compared with those receiving the control treatment. Re Du Ning did not significantly change the carbon dioxide partial pressure. All reported adverse reactions were mild.

Conclusion

Re Du Ning injection, as a complementary therapy to routine treatment, has better efficacy than Western medicine alone in relieving clinical symptoms, delaying pulmonary function decline, and improving inflammation indicators for AECOPD, with good safety. The evidence was limited by a lack of high-quality RCTs.