1
|
Current Trends in Toxicity Assessment of Herbal Medicines: A Narrative Review. Processes (Basel) 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/pr11010083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Even in modern times, the popularity level of medicinal plants and herbal medicines in therapy is still high. The World Health Organization estimates that 80% of the population in developing countries uses these types of remedies. Even though herbal medicine products are usually perceived as low risk, their potential health risks should be carefully assessed. Several factors can cause the toxicity of herbal medicine products: plant components or metabolites with a toxic potential, adulteration, environmental pollutants (heavy metals, pesticides), or contamination of microorganisms (toxigenic fungi). Their correct evaluation is essential for the patient’s safety. The toxicity assessment of herbal medicine combines in vitro and in vivo methods, but in the past decades, several new techniques emerged besides conventional methods. The use of omics has become a valuable research tool for prediction and toxicity evaluation, while DNA sequencing can be used successfully to detect contaminants and adulteration. The use of invertebrate models (Danio renio or Galleria mellonella) became popular due to the ethical issues associated with vertebrate models. The aim of the present article is to provide an overview of the current trends and methods used to investigate the toxic potential of herbal medicinal products and the challenges in this research field.
Collapse
|
2
|
A Breakthrough Point in Integrative Medical Research: Challenge of Treating Overlapping Symptoms in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders. Chin J Integr Med 2022; 28:554-559. [PMID: 35610498 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-022-3534-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are common disorders that are characterized by persistent and recurring gastrointestinal symptoms. Many patients with FGIDs have overlapping symptoms, which impaired the quality of life and ability to work of patients, and left a considerable impact on health-care systems and society. Chinese medicines (CMs) are commonly utilized by many patients with FGIDs. This article discusses the current status of diagnosis and treatment of FGIDs, the advantages and characteristics of CM treatment, and how integrated medicine can make a breakthrough in FGIDs diagnosis and treatment.
Collapse
|
3
|
Liang J, Li W, Jia X, Zhang Y, Zhao J. Transcriptome sequencing and characterization of Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus root reveals key genes involved in flavonoids biosynthesis. Genes Genomics 2020; 42:901-914. [PMID: 32519170 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-020-00953-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao is a traditional medicinal herb of Leguminosae since it contains bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, which have significant pharmacological effects on immunity and antioxidant. However, the scanty genomic and transcriptome resources of Astragalus membranaceus have hindered further exploration of its biosynthesis and accumulation mechanism. OBJECTIVE This project aim to further improve our understanding of the relationship between transcriptional behavior and flavonoids content of A. mongholicus. METHODS The accumulation of flavonoids and related gene expression in five different developmental stages (A: vegetative, B: florescence, C: fruiting, D: fruit ripening and E: defoliating stages) of A. mongholicus root were studied by combining UV spectrophotometry and transcriptomic techniques. The de novo assembly, annotation and functional evaluation of the contigs were performed with bioinformatics tools. RESULTS After screening and assembling the raw data, there were a total of 158,123 unigenes with an average length of 644.89 bp were finally obtained, which has 8362 unigenes could be jointly annotated by NR, SwissProt, eggNOG, GO, KEGG and Pfam databases. KEGG enrichment analysis was performed on differentially expressed genes(DEGs)in the four groups (A vs. B, B vs. C, C vs. D, D vs. E). The results showed that many DEGs in each group were significantly enriched to flavonoids biosynthesis related pathways. Among them, a number of 86 were involved in the biosynthesis of isoflavonoid (12), flavonoid (5) and phenylpropanoid (69). Further analysis of these DEGs revealed that the expression levels of key genes such as PAL, 4CL, CCR, COMT, DFR, etc. were all down-regulated at the fruiting stage, and then raised at the fruit ripening stage. This expression pattern was similar to the accumulation trend of total flavonoids content. CONCLUSIONS In summary, this comprehensive transcriptome dataset allowed the identification of genes associated with flavonoids metabolic pathways. The results laid a foundation for the biosynthesis and regulation of flavonoids. It also provided a scientific basis for the most suitable harvest time and resource utilization of A. mongholicus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianping Liang
- Department of Life Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China.
| | - Wenqian Li
- Department of Life Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiaoyun Jia
- Department of Life Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Life Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China
| | - Jianping Zhao
- Experiment mangement center, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, 030619, Shanxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Shan C, Wang C, Zhang S, Shi Y, Ma K, Yang Q, Wu J. Transcriptome analysis of Clinopodium gracile (Benth.) Matsum and identification of genes related to Triterpenoid Saponin biosynthesis. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:49. [PMID: 31941462 PMCID: PMC6964110 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-6454-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinopodium gracile (Benth.) Matsum (C. gracile) is an annual herb with pharmacological properties effective in the treatment of various diseases, including hepatic carcinoma. Triterpenoid saponins are crucial bioactive compounds in C. gracile. However, the molecular understanding of the triterpenoid saponin biosynthesis pathway remains unclear. RESULTS In this study, we performed RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis of the flowers, leaves, roots, and stems of C. gracile plants using the BGISEQ-500 platform. The assembly of transcripts from all four types of tissues generated 128,856 unigenes, of which 99,020 were mapped to several public databases for functional annotation. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified via the comparison of gene expression levels between leaves and other tissues (flowers, roots, and stems). Multiple genes encoding pivotal enzymes, such as squalene synthase (SS), or transcription factors (TFs) related to triterpenoid saponin biosynthesis were identified and further analyzed. The expression levels of unigenes encoding important enzymes were verified by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Different chemical constituents of triterpenoid saponins were identified by Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q-TOF-MS). CONCLUSIONS Our results greatly extend the public transcriptome dataset of C. gracile and provide valuable information for the identification of candidate genes involved in the biosynthesis of triterpenoid saponins and other important secondary metabolites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunmiao Shan
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine and Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230038, China.,Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230038, China
| | - Chenkai Wang
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine and Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230038, China.,Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230038, China
| | - Shengxiang Zhang
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine and Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230038, China.,Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230038, China
| | - Yuanyuan Shi
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine and Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230038, China.,Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230038, China
| | - Kelong Ma
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine and Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230038, China.,Clinical College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Qingshan Yang
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine and Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230038, China
| | - Jiawen Wu
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine and Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230038, China. .,Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230038, China. .,Synergetic Innovation Center of Anhui Authentic Chinese Medicine Quality Improvement, Hefei, 230012, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Khoomrung S, Wanichthanarak K, Nookaew I, Thamsermsang O, Seubnooch P, Laohapand T, Akarasereenont P. Metabolomics and Integrative Omics for the Development of Thai Traditional Medicine. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:474. [PMID: 28769804 PMCID: PMC5513896 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, interest in studies of traditional medicine in Asian and African countries has gradually increased due to its potential to complement modern medicine. In this review, we provide an overview of Thai traditional medicine (TTM) current development, and ongoing research activities of TTM related to metabolomics. This review will also focus on three important elements of systems biology analysis of TTM including analytical techniques, statistical approaches and bioinformatics tools for handling and analyzing untargeted metabolomics data. The main objective of this data analysis is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the system wide effects that TTM has on individuals. Furthermore, potential applications of metabolomics and systems medicine in TTM will also be discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sakda Khoomrung
- Center of Applied Thai Traditional Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol UniversityBangkok, Thailand.,Siriraj Metabolomics and Phenomics Center, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol UniversityBangkok, Thailand.,Systems and Synthetic Biology, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of TechnologyGothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kwanjeera Wanichthanarak
- Center of Applied Thai Traditional Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol UniversityBangkok, Thailand.,Siriraj Metabolomics and Phenomics Center, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol UniversityBangkok, Thailand
| | - Intawat Nookaew
- Center of Applied Thai Traditional Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol UniversityBangkok, Thailand.,Systems and Synthetic Biology, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of TechnologyGothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical SciencesLittle Rock, AR, United States
| | - Onusa Thamsermsang
- Center of Applied Thai Traditional Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol UniversityBangkok, Thailand
| | - Patcharamon Seubnooch
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol UniversityBangkok, Thailand
| | - Tawee Laohapand
- Center of Applied Thai Traditional Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol UniversityBangkok, Thailand
| | - Pravit Akarasereenont
- Center of Applied Thai Traditional Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol UniversityBangkok, Thailand.,Siriraj Metabolomics and Phenomics Center, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol UniversityBangkok, Thailand.,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol UniversityBangkok, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
The Use of Omic Technologies Applied to Traditional Chinese Medicine Research. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2017; 2017:6359730. [PMID: 28250795 PMCID: PMC5307000 DOI: 10.1155/2017/6359730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Revised: 10/23/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Natural products represent one of the most important reservoirs of structural and chemical diversity for the generation of leads in the drug development process. A growing number of researchers have shown interest in the development of drugs based on Chinese herbs. In this review, the use and potential of omic technologies as powerful tools in the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine are discussed. The analytical combination from each omic approach is crucial for understanding the working mechanisms of cells, tissues, organs, and organisms as well as the mechanisms of disease. Gradually, omic approaches have been introduced in every stage of the drug development process to generate high-quality Chinese medicine-based drugs. Finally, the future picture of the use of omic technologies is a promising tool and arena for further improvement in the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine.
Collapse
|
7
|
DNA Microarray-Based Screening and Characterization of Traditional Chinese Medicine. MICROARRAYS 2017; 6:microarrays6010004. [PMID: 28146102 PMCID: PMC5374364 DOI: 10.3390/microarrays6010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The application of DNA microarray assay (DMA) has entered a new era owing to recent innovations in omics technologies. This review summarizes recent applications of DMA-based gene expression profiling by focusing on the screening and characterizationof traditional Chinese medicine. First, herbs, mushrooms, and dietary plants analyzed by DMA along with their effective components and their biological/physiological effects are summarized and discussed by examining their comprehensive list and a list of representative effective chemicals. Second, the mechanisms of action of traditional Chinese medicine are summarized by examining the genes and pathways responsible for the action, the cell functions involved in the action, and the activities found by DMA (silent estrogens). Third, applications of DMA for traditional Chinese medicine are discussed by examining reported examples and new protocols for its use in quality control. Further innovations in the signaling pathway based evaluation of beneficial effects and the assessment of potential risks of traditional Chinese medicine are expected, just as are observed in other closely related fields, such as the therapeutic, environmental, nutritional, and pharmacological fields.
Collapse
|
8
|
Apaya MK, Chang MT, Shyur LF. Phytomedicine polypharmacology: Cancer therapy through modulating the tumor microenvironment and oxylipin dynamics. Pharmacol Ther 2016; 162:58-68. [PMID: 26969215 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2016.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Integrative approaches in cancer therapy have recently been extended beyond the induction of cytotoxicity to controlling the tumor microenvironment and modulating inflammatory cascades and pathways such as lipid mediator biosynthesis and their dynamics. Profiling of important lipid messengers, such as oxylipins, produced as part of the physiological response to pharmacological stimuli, provides a unique opportunity to explore drug pharmacology and the possibilities for molecular management of cancer physiopathology. Whereas single targeted chemotherapeutic drugs commonly lack efficacy and invoke drug resistance and/or adverse effects in cancer patients, traditional herbal medicines are seen as bright prospects for treating complex diseases, such as cancers, in a systematic and holistic manner. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of traditional medicine and its bioactive chemical constituents may aid the modernization of herbal remedies and the discovery of novel phytoagents for cancer management. In this review, systems-based polypharmacology and studies to develop multi-target drugs or leads from phytomedicines and their derived natural products that may overcome the problems of current anti-cancer drugs, are proposed and summarized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Karmella Apaya
- Molecular and Biological Agricultural Sciences Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan; Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Ting Chang
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Lie-Fen Shyur
- Molecular and Biological Agricultural Sciences Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan; Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Pharmacognosy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mishra P, Kumar A, Nagireddy A, Mani DN, Shukla AK, Tiwari R, Sundaresan V. DNA barcoding: an efficient tool to overcome authentication challenges in the herbal market. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2016; 14:8-21. [PMID: 26079154 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.12419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2014] [Revised: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/16/2015] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The past couple of decades have witnessed global resurgence of herbal-based health care. As a result, the trade of raw drugs has surged globally. Accurate and fast scientific identification of the plant(s) is the key to success for the herbal drug industry. The conventional approach is to engage an expert taxonomist, who uses a mix of traditional and modern techniques for precise plant identification. However, for bulk identification at industrial scale, the process is protracted and time-consuming. DNA barcoding, on the other hand, offers an alternative and feasible taxonomic tool box for rapid and robust species identification. For the success of DNA barcode, the barcode loci must have sufficient information to differentiate unambiguously between closely related plant species and discover new cryptic species. For herbal plant identification, matK, rbcL, trnH-psbA, ITS, trnL-F, 5S-rRNA and 18S-rRNA have been used as successful DNA barcodes. Emerging advances in DNA barcoding coupled with next-generation sequencing and high-resolution melting curve analysis have paved the way for successful species-level resolution recovered from finished herbal products. Further, development of multilocus strategy and its application has provided new vistas to the DNA barcode-based plant identification for herbal drug industry. For successful and acceptable identification of herbal ingredients and a holistic quality control of the drug, DNA barcoding needs to work harmoniously with other components of the systems biology approach. We suggest that for effectively resolving authentication challenges associated with the herbal market, DNA barcoding must be used in conjunction with metabolomics along with need-based transcriptomics and proteomics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Mishra
- Department of Biology & Systematics, CSIR - Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Research Centre, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Amit Kumar
- Department of Biology & Systematics, CSIR - Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Research Centre, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Akshitha Nagireddy
- Department of Biology & Systematics, CSIR - Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Research Centre, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Daya N Mani
- Herbal Medicinal Products Department, CSIR - Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ashutosh K Shukla
- Biotechnology Division, CSIR - Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rakesh Tiwari
- Publication Division, CSIR - Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Velusamy Sundaresan
- Department of Biology & Systematics, CSIR - Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Research Centre, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Fong SYK, Efferth TH, Zuo Z. Modulation of the pharmacokinetics, therapeutic and adverse effects of NSAIDs by Chinese herbal medicines. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2014; 10:1711-39. [PMID: 25307559 DOI: 10.1517/17425255.2014.970167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Concomitant use of NSAIDs and Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) is frequent, yet summarized information on their interactions is lacking. AREAS COVERED A systematic review of literature in four evidence-based English databases was performed. Articles which reported CHMs altering the pharmacokinetics, therapeutic and adverse effects of NSAIDs were identified and summarized. Such interactions may lead to beneficial, detrimental or no change in outcomes. The current review covers four therapeutic effects of NSAIDs, including: i) anti-inflammatory; ii) analgesic; iii) antiplatelet, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular; and iv) anticancer effects and four adverse effects of NSAIDs, including: i) gastrointestinal ulcer; ii) nephrotoxicity; iii) hepatotoxicity; and iv) antiplatelet effects and bleeding. EXPERT OPINION While majority of CHMs demonstrated effectiveness in alleviating NSAIDs-induced adverse effects and potentiating the therapeutic effects, this review provides insights for development of CHMs as add-on medications to NSAIDs therapies. However, since limited information was from well-designed clinical trials, the findings are not yet conclusive and more clinical studies are warranted to provide guidance for healthcare professionals. In future, researches on interactions between NSAIDs and CHMs are expected to grow and modern approaches such as pharmacogenomics might enhance the throughput and accuracy of identifying clinically relevant interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Yui Kau Fong
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine , Shatin, New Territories , Hong Kong SAR
| | | | | |
Collapse
|