Antioxidant compounds from the leaves of Peucedanum japonicum thunb

The medicinal plant Peucedanum japonicum Thunberg: A review of traditional use, phytochemistry, and pharmacology

Peucedanum japonicum (the family Umbelliferae) is a perennial herbaceous plant with various crucial traditional values for coughs, colds, headaches, and inflammatory responses. For drug developments, the current research aims to offer an overview of the previous results in the three main aspects of traditional use, phytochemistry, pharmacological values, and molecular mechanisms regarding this medicinal species. By chromatographic analysis and separation, more than 120 isolated compounds have been obtained. Khellactone-type coumarins and phenolic compounds are the primary phytochemical classes with some coumarins, such as calipteryxin, praerutorin A, and pteryxin, being the main metabolites. Pharmacological activities of P. japonicum constituents included anticancer, antioxidative, antimicrobial, antiviral, antiplatelet, and tyrosine inhibitory activities, especially anti-inflammation and anti-obesity. It is worth mentioning that the obtained constituents joined to protect the neurons, bone, and urine systems, and exerted vasorelaxant. In general, the underlying mechanism of anti-inflammatory action can be explained by mitogen-activated protein kinase/nuclear factor-kappa B (MAPK/NF-κB) signaling pathway, whereas anti-obesity activity is deduced from regulating lipid metabolism-related genes. It also noted that pteryxin is the most active compound, but the clinical studies and synthesis of new derivatives containing enhanced medicinal values have been still limited, which should be improved.

Identification of Peucedanum japonicum Thunb. extract components and their protective effects against dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy

BACKGROUND

Peucedanum japonicum Thunb. (PJ) is a vegetable widely consumed in East Asia and is known to have anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the effect of PJ on muscle atrophy remains elusive.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the effect of PJ and its active compound on dexamethasone (DEX)-induced muscle atrophy.

METHODS

We performed qualitative and quantitative analysis of PJ using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), respectively. The efficacy of PJ and its main compound 4-caffeoylquinic acid (CQA) on muscle atrophy was evaluated in DEX-induced myotube atrophy and DEX-induced muscle atrophy in mouse myoblasts (C2C12) and C57BL/6 mice, in vitro and in vivo, respectively.

RESULTS

The UPLC-MS/MS and HPLC data showed that the concentration of 4-CQA in PJ was 18.845 mg/g. PJ and 4-CQA treatments significantly inhibited DEX-induced myotube atrophy by decreasing protein synthesis and glucocorticoid translocation to the nucleus in C2C12 myotubes. In addition, PJ enhanced myogenesis by upregulating myogenin and myogenic differentiation 1 in C2C12 cells. PJ supplementation effectively increased muscle function and mass, downregulated atrogenes, and decreased proteasome activity in C57BL/6 mice. Additionally, PJ effectively decreased the nuclear translocation of forkhead transcription factor 3 alpha by inhibiting glucocorticoid receptor.

CONCLUSION

Overall, PJ and its active compound 4-CQA alleviated skeletal muscle atrophy by inhibiting protein degradation. Hence, our findings present PJ as a potential novel pharmaceutical candidate for the treatment of muscle atrophy.

A new 3,4-dihydroisocoumarin and an antiinflammatory coumarin from the roots of Saposhnikovia divaricata (Turcz.) Schischk

Phytochemical investigation of the roots of Saposhnikovia divaricata (Turcz.) Schischk resulted in the isolation of twelve coumarin derivatives including one new 3,4-dihydroisocoumarin (1) and eleven known 3,4-unsubstituted coumarins (2-12). Structural elucidation of compounds 1-12 was established by 1D and 2D NMR spectra referring to the literature, together with high-resolution mass spectrometric analysis. LPS-induced RAW264.7 inflammatory cell model was used to determine the potential antiinflammation activity of all the isolated compounds in vitro. The results showed that compound 3 significantly inhibited the production of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NO in macrophages (IC50 = 4.54 ± 1.71 μM), more active than the positive control (L-NMMA).

Regional Variations in Peucedanum japonicum Antioxidants and Phytochemicals

Peucedanum japonicum has long been a staple in East Asian cuisine. In the context of traditional medicine, various members of the Peucedanum genus have been investigated for potential medicinal properties. In laboratory settings, some compounds derived from this plant have shown antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties-characteristics often associated with potential medicinal applications. This study aimed to determine which part of the P. japonicum plants cultivated on two Korean islands contains the most antioxidant compounds. This determination was made through assessments of total polyphenol content and total flavonoid content, coupled with evaluation of antioxidant activity via DPPH and ABTS assays. The results showed that the aerial parts contain a richer array of bioactive compounds and demonstrate superior antioxidant activity compared to their root counterparts in the plants from both islands. To characterize the phytochemicals underpinning this bioactivity, LC-MS/MS and HPLC analyses were carried out. These methods detected varying amounts of chlorogenic acid, peucedanol 7-O-glucoside, rutin, and peucedanol, with good separation and retention times. This study addresses the lack of research on the antioxidant activity of different parts of P. japonicum. The findings hold significance for traditional medicine, dietary supplements, and the development of functional foods. Understanding antioxidant distribution aids in the development of medicinal and nutritional applications, influences agricultural practices, and contributes to regional biodiversity-conservation efforts. The study's geographical scope provides insights into how location impacts the concentration of bioactive compounds in plants. Overall, the results contribute valuable data for future research in plant biology, biochemistry, and related fields.

A Review on the Morphology, Cultivation, Identification, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology of Kitagawia praeruptora (Dunn) Pimenov

Kitagawia praeruptora (Dunn) Pimenov, commonly known as Qianhu in China, is a widely used folk Chinese herbal medicine. This article reviews its botanical traits, ethnopharmacology, cultivation techniques, identification, phytochemical compositions, and pharmacological effects. Over 70 coumarin compounds, including simple coumarins, pyranocoumarins, and furanocoumarins, have been isolated within this plant. Additionally, K. praeruptora contains other components such as flavonoids, fatty acids, benzoic acids, and sterols. This information highlights the importance of utilizing active ingredients and excavating pharmacological effects. With its remarkable versatility, K. praeruptora exhibits a wide range of pharmacological effects. It has been found to possess expectorant and bronchodilator properties, cardiovascular protection, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, anti-tumor effects, and even antidiabetic properties. It is recommended to focus on the development of new drugs that leverage the active ingredients of K. praeruptora and explore its potential for new clinical applications and holistic utilization.

Inhibitory Activity of Natural cis-Khellactone on Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase and Proinflammatory Cytokine Production in Lipopolysaccharides-Stimulated RAW264.7 Cells

The pursuit of anti-inflammatory agents has led to intensive research on the inhibition of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) and cytokine production using medicinal plants. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of cis-khellactone, a compound isolated for the first time from the roots of Peucedanum japonicum. The compound was found to be a competitive inhibitor of sEH, exhibiting an IC50 value of 3.1 ± 2.5 µM and ki value of 3.5 µM. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations illustrated the binding pose of (-)cis-khellactone within the active site of sEH. The results suggest that binding of the inhibitor to the enzyme is largely dependent on the Trp336-Gln384 loop within the active site. Further, cis-khellactone was found to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines, including NO, iNOS, IL-1β, and IL-4. These findings affirm that cis-khellactone could serve as a natural therapeutic candidate for the treatment of inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory of disenecionyl cis-khellactone in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and the its inhibitory activity on soluble epoxide hydrolase

The objective of the present study was to investigate anti-inflammatory effects of disenecionyl cis-khellactone (DK) isolated from Peucedanum japonicum Thunberg, a traditional edible plant, in RAW264.7 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Anti-inflammatory effects of DK were analyzed using various techniques, including NO assay, Western blot analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), real-time PCR, and immunofluorescence staining. It was revealed that DK reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines including Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), Interleukin 1β (IL-1β), and Interleukin 6 (IL-6) in RAW264.7 cells stimulated with LPS. It was revealed that DK effectively downregulated expression levels of iNOS and COX-2 due to inhibition of NF-κB activation and suppressing the phosphorylation of p38 and jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation. Also, soluble epoxide hydrolase activity and expression were decreased by the proinflammatory inhibitor, DK. Finally, findings of this study suggest that DK isolated from P. japonicum might have potential as a therapeutic candidate for inflammatory diseases.

Characteristics of Phenolic Compounds in Peucedanum japonicum According to Various Stem and Seed Colors

Total polyphenol and total flavonoid assays were performed to characterize the relationships between the color of Peucedanum japonicum (PJ) seed coat and stem and the content of phytochemical compounds. The samples were divided into two groups based on their stem and seed coat color, with each group containing 23 samples. The stem color group was subdivided into green, light red, and red, whereas the seed coat color group was divided into light brown, brown, and dark brown. In the stem color group, the light red stems exhibited the highest content of phytochemical compounds, with levels over 10% higher than those of the stems of the other colors. Moreover, among the top ten samples with the highest total polyphenol content, eight samples were light red, and the light red group also exhibited the highest total flavonoid content among the examined color groups. In terms of the seed coat color, the plants grown from dark brown seeds exhibited the highest contents of both total polyphenols and total flavonoids. In conclusion, PJ plants with dark brown seeds and light red stems contained the highest levels of phytochemical compounds. Collectively, our findings provide a valuable basis for future seed selection of PJ for pharmaceutical purposes.

Therapeutic Potential of Peucedanum japonicum Thunb. and Its Active Components in a Delayed Corneal Wound Healing Model Following Blue Light Irradiation-Induced Oxidative Stress

Blue light is reported to be harmful to eyes by inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS). Herein, the roles of Peucedanum japonicum Thunb. leaf extract (PJE) in corneal wound healing under blue light irradiation are investigated. Blue-light-irradiated human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) show increased intracellular ROS levels and delayed wound healing without a change in survival, and these effects are reversed by PJE treatment. In acute toxicity tests, a single oral administration of PJE (5000 mg/kg) does not induce any signs of clinical toxicity or body weight changes for 15 days post-administration. Rats with OD (oculus dexter, right eye) corneal wounds are divided into seven treatment groups: NL (nonwounded OS (oculus sinister, left eye)), NR (wounded OD), BL (wounded OD + blue light (BL)), and PJE (BL + 25, 50, 100, 200 mg/kg). Blue-light-induced delayed wound healing is dose-dependently recovered by orally administering PJE once daily starting 5 days before wound generation. The reduced tear volume in both eyes in the BL group is also restored by PJE. Forty-eight hours after wound generation, the numbers of inflammatory and apoptotic cells and the expression levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) largely increase in the BL group, but these values return to almost normal after PJE treatment. The key components of PJE, identified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fractionation, are CA, neochlorogenic acid (NCA), and cryptochlorogenic acid (CCA). Each CA isomer effectively reverses the delayed wound healing and excessive ROS production, and their mixture synergistically enhances these effects. The expression of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) related to ROS, such as SOD1, CAT, GPX1, GSTM1, GSTP1, HO-1, and TRXR1, is significantly upregulated by PJE, its components, and the component mixture. Therefore, PJE protects against blue-light-induced delayed corneal wound healing via its antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects mechanistically related to ROS production.

Coumarins of Lovage Roots (Levisticum officinale W.D.J.Koch): LC-MS Profile, Quantification, and Stability during Postharvest Storage

Lovage (Levisticum officinale W.D.J. Koch) is a known aromatic apiaceous species that is widely used as a culinary and medicinal plant. Traditionally, more scientific attention has been paid to lovage volatiles, while other groups of compounds have been underutilized. In this study, metabolites of fresh lovage roots were investigated by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and 25 compounds were identified, including coumarins as basic components and minor hydroxycinnamates; most were detected for the first time in the plant. Four major coumarins (including apterin, xanthotoxin, isopimpinellin, and pimpinellin) were successfully separated by a validated HPLC-PDA method, and the fresh roots of seven lovage cultivars as well as the dry roots of commercial lovage were quantified. The coumarin content deviation was 1.7-2.9 mg/g in the fresh roots and 15-24 mg/g in the dry roots. A variation in the coumarin level was found during storage of the fresh lovage roots at chill and room temperatures, while storage of the dried roots at room temperature showed the lowest loss of target compounds. This new information about the metabolites of lovage indicates the prospects of the plant roots as a source of dietary coumarins.

Inhibition of influenza virus replication by Apiaceae plants, with special reference to Peucedanum japonicum (Sacna) constituents

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Apiaceae plants possess various pharmacological properties, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, anxiolytic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-convulsant, and anti-cancer activities; however, data on their antiviral activity are limited. Peucedanum japonicum, also known as Sacna, is a plant used as food and as a traditional folk medicine for treating coughs. However, the active components in the leaves of this plant are yet unexplored.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To assess Apiaceae plants, especially Peucedanum japonicum, with anti-viral activity, and the function and antiviral potential of Sacna constituents, considering the emergence of influenza virus strains resistant to the currently available drugs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We prepared grinds of the freeze-dried leaves and roots of the Apiaceae family and the hot water extracts. The antiviral activities of the extracts were determined by focus formation reduction assay. In the time-of-addition assay, the test medium containing Sacna extract at 2 mg/mL was added at -1 to 0 h (adsorption) or from 0 to 4, 4 to 8, or 0 to 8 h (replication). The Sacna extract was separated by reversed-phase flash column chromatography using an Isolera Spektra system. The antiviral activity of each fraction was then determined using the focus formation reduction assay. The active fraction was analyzed using an LC20ADXR high performance liquid chromatography system equipped with a microTOF-QII quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometer.

RESULTS

All examined extracts of Apiaceae plants showed anti-influenza activity. Sacna extract most strongly inhibited the replication of influenza viruses. Individual components of Sacna possess antiviral activities against the influenza A/PR/8/34 virus. Sacna was found to inhibit the multiplication of A (H1N1 and H3N2) types and B types of influenza viruses, including amantadine-resistant and oseltamivir-resistant viruses. Sacna also inhibited influenza infection during viral replication. However, Sacna did not inhibit influenza infection during cell adsorption and did not suppress hemagglutination inhibition or cell fusion. Further, our findings suggest that the antiviral compounds in Sacna include flavonoids (quercetin and luteolin) and other polyphenols (caffeic acid, hymecromone, and umbelliferone). Although several effective compounds in Sacna inhibit multiple steps of viral replication, caffeic acid, which was increased by heat treatment at the time of extraction, significantly inhibited only the late period of viral growth, similar to the Sacna extract, indicating that it is the major component responsible for the antiviral activity of Sacna.

CONCLUSIONS

Apiaceae plants possess antiviral activity. Caffeic acid is the major component responsible for the antiviral activity of Sacna. To our knowledge, this is the first report regarding the anti-influenza virus activity of Sacna. Overall, these results indicate that Sacna has potential as a novel treatment against influenza A and B viruses.

Rapid Identification of Peucedanum Praeruptorum Dunn and its Adulterants by Hand-Held near-Infrared Spectroscopy

Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn (PPD) is a traditional Chinese medical herb of high medical and economic value. However, PPD is often pretended by inexpensive plants. To establish an integrated methodology using hand-held near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) combined with chemical pattern recognition techniques to identify adulterated PPD products. The standard normal variate (SNV) was used to preprocess the original near-infrared spectra. Principal component analysis (PCA), linear discriminant analysis (LDA), and partial least squares regression analysis (PLSDA) were used to construct the recognition models. PCA analysis could not correctly distinguish PPD from non-PPD. However, based on absorbance in the spectral region of 1,405-2,442 nm and SVN pretreatment, the accuracy of the LDA model was above 90% at identifying genuine PPD. Compared with the LDA method, the PLSDA model is more stable and reliable, and its model prediction accuracy was 93.4%. The combination of near-infrared spectroscopy and chemometric methods based on a hand-held near-infrared spectrometer is an efficient, non-destructive, and reliable method for validating traditional Chinese medicine PPD. It can be used for rapid identification and quality evaluation of PPD in the field, medicinal material markets, and points of sale.

Complete chloroplast genome sequencing support Angelica decursiva is an independent species from Peucedanum praeruptorum

Peucedani Radix is the dry root of Peucedanum praeruptorum of the umbelliferous family, but the dry root of Angelica decursiva was also the source of Peucedani Radix in the past. As one of the most popular traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, the certified source of Peucedani Radix is still disputed. To better understand the relationship between A. decursiva and P. praeruptorum, we sequenced their chloroplast (cp) genomes. The gene structure, codon usage bias, repeat, simple sequence repeat (SSR), as well as their borders of inverted repeat (IR) regions of the two cp genomes are analyzed to identify potential genetic markers. Great variation is exhibited in the repeat sequences of IR, large single copy regions and the SSRs of the two cp genomes, which can be used as molecular markers to distinguish them. The phylogenetic analysis also indicates that they belong to two different genera in Apiaceae family: A. decursiva is an Angelica plant and P. praeruptorum is a Peucedanum plant. Our observations suggest that the two species are somewhere different in gene features, which contributes to support A. decursiva as an independent species from P. praeruptorum. The results also provide new evidence that A. decursiva should not be regarded as the certified source of Peucedani Radix in taxonomy.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-021-01097-w.

Peucedanum japonicum Thunberg and Its Active Components Mitigate Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Apoptosis after Urban Particulate Matter-Induced Ocular Surface Damage

We previously demonstrated that urban particulate matter (UPM) exposure decreases the migration activity and survival of human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs). Herein, we investigated the potential to improve the corneal wound-healing ability of Peucedanum japonicum Thunb. leaf extract (PJE) and its active components on UPM-induced ocular surface damage in vitro and in vivo. PJE effectively assisted wound healing without altering HCEC survival and enhanced catalase (CAT), heme oxygenase 1 (HO1) and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) antioxidant gene expression. A corneal wound was uniformly induced on the right eye in all experimental animals and divided into eight groups such as two control groups (wounded right eye group-NR and non-wounded left eye group-NL), UPM treated group and PJEs (25, 50, 100, 200, 400 mg/kg) treated groups. Corneal abrasion model rats exposed to UPM showed delayed wound healing compared to unexposed rats, but wound healing was dose-dependently enhanced by PJE oral administration. Seventy-two hours after wound generation, inflammatory cells, apoptotic cells and interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression were increased substantially after UPM exposure, but PJE treatment significantly reduced the wound to an almost normal level while enhancing re-epithelialization without changing corneal thickness. Next, we tried to identify the key molecules for enhancing wound healing through fractionation. The major compounds in the fraction, confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), were chlorogenic acid (CA), neochlorogenic acid (NCA) and cryptochlorogenic acid (CCA). Each type of CA isomers showed slightly different half maximal effective (EC50) and maximal effective (ECmax) concentrations, and their mixtures synergistically enhanced HCEC migration. Thus, corneal abrasion wound recovery after UPM exposure improved after PJE treatment, and the active PJE components were identified, providing an important basis to develop therapeutics for ocular surface damage using PJE.

SR-5, the specific ratio of Korean multi-herbal formula: An evaluation of antiulcerogenic effects on experimentally induced gastric ulcers in mice

Purpose

Previously, we demonstrated that the specific ratio of Korean multi-herbal formula (SR-5) exhibits hepatoprotective properties against ethanol-induced hepatic damage in rats. Chronic and excessive alcohol consumption is a major etiological factor involved in gastric disease and ulcer development induced by the inflammatory response and oxidative stress.

Methods

The present study evaluated the gastroprotective effects of SR-5 (100, 150, and 200 mg/kg) against hydrochloride acid/ethanol (HCl/EtOH)-induced and indomethacin/hydrochloride acid (INDO/HCl)-induced gastritis in a mouse model and the mechanisms involved.

Results

All the tested doses of SR-5 significantly inhibited gastric lesions in the HCl/EtOH-induced ulcer model mice. Similarly, all the tested doses of SR-5 significantly inhibited gastric lesions in the INDO/HCl-induced ulcer model mice. Furthermore, mice pretreated with SR-5 had significantly increased gastric levels of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants, namely, catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH), with concomitant reductions in malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels compared with those in the HCl/EtOH or INDO/HCl group. SR-5 suppressed the expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)/p65, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) to their normal values.

Conclusion

These findings are the first to demonstrate the powerful protective effect of SR-5 against gastric injury development and provide hope for clinical application.

Phospholipase Cγ Signaling in Bone Marrow Stem Cell and Relevant Natural Compounds Therapy

Excessive bone resorption has been recognized play a major role in the development of bone-related diseases such as osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Paget's disease of bone, and cancer. Phospholipase Cγ (PLCγ) family members PLCγ1 and PLCγ2 are critical regulators of signaling pathways downstream of growth factor receptors, integrins, and immune complexes and play a crucial role in osteoclast. Ca2+ signaling has been recognized as an essential pathway to the differentiation of osteoclasts. With growing attention and research about natural occurring compounds, the therapeutic use of natural active plant-derived products has been widely recognized in recent years. In this review, we summarized the recent research on PLCγ signaling in bone marrow stem cells and the use of several natural compounds that were proven to inhibit RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis via modulating PLCγ signaling pathways.

Acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activities of khellactone coumarin derivatives isolated from Peucedanum japonicum Thurnberg

Cholinesterase (ChE) and monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors have been attracted as candidate treatments for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Fifteen khellactone-type coumarins from the roots of Peucedanum japonicum Thunberg were tested for acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and MAO inhibitory activities. Compound 3′-angeloyl-4′-(2-methylbutyryl)khellactone (PJ13) most potently inhibited AChE (IC₅₀ = 9.28 µM), followed by 3′-isovaleryl-4′-(2-methylbutyroyl)khellactone (PJ15) (IC₅₀ = 10.0 μM). Compound senecioyl-4′-angeloyl-khellactone (PJ5) most potently inhibited BChE (IC₅₀ = 7.22 μM) and had the highest selectivity index (> 5.54), followed by 3′-senecioyl-4′-(2-methylbutyryl)khellactone (PJ10) and 3′,4′-disenecioylkhellactone (PJ4) (IC₅₀ = 10.2 and 10.7 μM, respectively). Compounds PJ13, PJ15, and PJ5 showed reversible and mixed-types of inhibition with K_i values of 5.98, 10.4 (for AChE), and 4.16 µM (for BChE), respectively. However, all 15 compounds weakly inhibited MAO-A and MAO-B. Molecular docking simulation revealed that PJ13 had a higher binding affinity (− 9.3 kcal/mol) with AChE than PJ15 (− 7.8 kcal/mol) or PJ5 (− 5.4 kcal/mol), due to the formation of a hydrogen bond with Tyr121 (distance: 2.52 Å). On the other hand, the binding affinity of PJ5 (− 10.0 kcal/mol) with BChE was higher than for PJ13 (− 7.7 kcal/mol) or PJ15 (− 8.1 kcal/mol), due to the formation of a hydrogen bond with Ser198 (distance: 2.05 Å). These results suggest that PJ13 and PJ5 are potential reversible selective inhibitors of AChE and BChE, respectively, for the treatment of AD.

Natural Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Compounds in Foodstuff or Medicinal Herbs Inducing Heme Oxygenase-1 Expression

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is an inducible antioxidant enzyme that catalyzes heme group degradation. Decreased level of HO-1 is correlated with disease progression, and HO-1 induction suppresses development of metabolic and neurological disorders. Natural compounds with antioxidant activities have emerged as a rich source of HO-1 inducers with marginal toxicity. Here we discuss the therapeutic role of HO-1 in obesity, hypertension, atherosclerosis, Parkinson's disease and hepatic fibrosis, and present important signaling pathway components that lead to HO-1 expression. We provide an updated, comprehensive list of natural HO-1 inducers in foodstuff and medicinal herbs categorized by their chemical structures. Based on the continued research in HO-1 signaling pathways and rapid development of their natural inducers, HO-1 may serve as a preventive and therapeutic target for metabolic and neurological disorders.

Antinociceptive effects of intrathecal cimifugin treatment: a preliminary rat study based on formalin test

Background

Cimifugin is one of the components of the root of Saposhnikovia divaricata. The extract derived from S. divaricata is traditionally used as an analgesic. This study was conducted to evaluate the analgesic effect of intrathecal cimifugin in the formalin test.

Methods

Male Sprague–Dawley rats (n = 20) were randomized into four groups for intrathecal administration of 70% dimethylsulfoxide and various doses of cimifugin (100 μg, 300 μg, and 1,000 μg). The typical flinch response after the injection of 5% formalin into the hind paw was assessed in two distinct phases: phase 1 until 10 min, and phase 2 from 10 min to 60 min. ED₅₀ values were calculated via linear regression.

Results

Intrathecal cimifugin significantly reduced the flinch response in both phases of the formalin test. Significant antinociceptive effects of cimifugin were found with the dose of 300 μg in phase 1 and the dose of 100 μg in phase 2. The ED₅₀ value (95% confidence intervals) of intrathecal cimifugin was 696.1 (360.8–1,342.8) μg during phase 1 and 1,242.8 (42.0–48,292.5) μg during phase 2.

Conclusions

Intrathecal cimifugin has an antinociceptive effect against formalin-induced pain. Cimifugin has an anti-inflammatory effect at low concentrations, and non-inflammatory analgesic effect at higher concentrations.

The Potential of Introduction of Asian Vegetables in Europe

Increasing longevity, along with an aging population in Europe, has caused serious concerns about diet-related chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers. As recently noted during the coronavirus pandemic, regular exercise and a robust immune system complemented by adequate consumption of fruit and vegetables are recommended due to their known health benefits. Although the volume of fresh vegetable consumption in the EU is barely growing, demand for diversified, nutritious, and exotic vegetables has been increasing. Therefore, the European market for fresh Asian vegetables is expected to expand across the EU member states, and the introduction of new vegetables has enormous potential. We conducted this review to address the high number and wide range of Asian vegetable species with a commercial potential for introduction into the current European vegetable market. Many of them have not received any attention yet. Four Asian vegetables: (1) Korean ginseng sprout, (2) Korean cabbage, (3) Coastal hog fennel and (4) Japanese (Chinese or Korean) angelica tree, are further discussed. All of these vegetables possess several health benefits, are increasingly in demand, are easy to cultivate, and align with current trends of the European vegetable market, e.g., vegetables having a unique taste, higher value, are decorative and small. Introducing Asian vegetables will enhance the diversity of nutritious horticultural products in Europe, associated with all their respective consumption benefits. Future research on the Asian vegetable market within Europe is needed. In addition, experimental studies of Asian vegetables under practical conditions for their production in different European environments are required. Economic, social, and ecological aspects also ought to be considered.

Isosamidin from Peucedanum japonicum Roots Prevents Methylglyoxal-Induced Glucotoxicity in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells via Suppression of ROS-Mediated Bax/Bcl-2

Methylglyoxal (MGO) is a highly reactive metabolite of glucose. Elevated levels of MGO induce the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cause cell death in endothelial cells. Vascular endothelial cell damage by ROS has been implicated in the progression of diabetic vascular complications, cardiovascular diseases, and atherosclerosis. In this study, the protective effect of isosamidin, isolated from Peucedanum japonicum roots, on MGO-induced apoptosis was investigated using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Among the 20 compounds isolated from P. japonicum, isosamidin showed the highest effectiveness in inhibiting MGO-induced apoptosis of HUVECs. Pretreatment of HUVECs with isosamidin significantly prevented the generation of ROS and cell death induced by MGO. Isosamidin prevented MGO-induced apoptosis in HUVECs by downregulating the expression of Bax and upregulating the expression of Bcl-2. MGO treatment activated mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), such as p38, c-Jun N terminal kinase (JNK), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). In contrast, pretreatment with isosamidin strongly inhibited the activation of p38 and JNK. Furthermore, isosamidin caused the breakdown of the crosslinks of the MGO-derived advanced glycation end products (AGEs). These findings suggest that isosamidin from P. japonicum may be used as a preventive agent against MGO-mediated endothelial dysfunction in diabetes. However, further study of the therapeutic potential of isosamidin on endothelial dysfunction needs to explored in vivo models.

Induction of Antioxidant Protein HO-1 Through Nrf2-ARE Signaling Due to Pteryxin in Peucedanum Japonicum Thunb in RAW264.7 Macrophage Cells

This study focused on exploring the nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor (Nrf2) active compound to avoid oxidative stress related to various diseases, such as obesity and diabetes mellitus. The activity of the Nrf2-ARE (antioxidant response element) signaling was evaluated by a reporter assay involving over five hundred various edible medicinal herbs, and the highest Nrf2 activity was found in the ethanol extract of Peucedanum japonicum leaves. The active compound in the extract was isolated by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the chemical structure was identical to pteryxin based on ¹H, ¹³C-NMR spectra and liquid chromatography/time-of-fright mass spectrometer (LC/TOF/MS). From the pteryxin, the transcription factor Nrf2 was accumulated in the nucleus and resulted in the expression of the antioxidant protein, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). In addition, the Nrf2 activity involving HO-1 expression due to coumarin derivatives was evaluated together with pteryxin. This suggested that the electrophilicity, due to the α,β-carbonyl and/or substituted acyl groups in the molecule, modulates the cysteine residue in Keap1 via the Michel reaction, at which point the Nrf2 is dissociated from the Keap1. These results suggest that pteryxin will be a useful agent for developing functional foods.

Effect of sec-O-glucosylhamaudol on mechanical allodynia in a rat model of postoperative pain

Background

This study was performed in order to examine the effect of intrathecal sec-O-glucosylhamaudol (SOG), an extract from the root of the Peucedanum japonicum Thunb., on incisional pain in a rat model.

Methods

The intrathecal catheter was inserted in male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 55). The postoperative pain model was made and paw withdrawal thresholds (PWTs) were evaluated. Rats were randomly treated with a vehicle (70% dimethyl sulfoxide) and SOG (10 μg, 30 μg, 100 μg, and 300 μg) intrathecally, and PWT was observed for four hours. Dose-responsiveness and ED50 values were calculated. Naloxone was administered 10 min prior to treatment of SOG 300 μg in order to assess the involvement of SOG with an opioid receptor. The protein levels of the δ-opioid receptor, κ-opioid receptor, and μ-opioid receptor (MOR) were analyzed by Western blotting of the spinal cord.

Results

Intrathecal SOG significantly increased PWT in a dose-dependent manner. Maximum effects were achieved at a dose of 300 μg at 60 min after SOG administration, and the maximal possible effect was 85.35% at that time. The medial effective dose of intrathecal SOG was 191.3 μg (95% confidence interval, 102.3–357.8). The antinociceptive effects of SOG (300 μg) were significantly reverted until 60 min by naloxone. The protein levels of MOR were decreased by administration of SOG.

Conclusions

Intrathecal SOG showed a significant antinociceptive effect on the postoperative pain model and reverted by naloxone. The expression of MOR were changed by SOG. The effects of SOG seem to involve the MOR.

Protective Effects of Peucedanum japonicum Extract against Osteoarthritis in an Animal Model Using a Combined Systems Approach for Compound-Target Prediction

Peucedanum japonicum Thunberg is an herbal medicine used to treat neuralgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory-related diseases. However, its effects on osteoarthritis (OA) and its regulatory mechanisms have not been investigated by network analysis. Here, we investigated the pharmacological effects of Peucedanum japonicum extract (PJE) on OA, by combining in vivo effective verification and network pharmacology prediction. Rats in which OA was induced by monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) were treated with PJE (200 mg/kg), and histopathological parameters, weight bearing distribution and inflammatory factors in serum and joint tissue were measured after 28 days of treatment. Additionally, in silico network analysis was used to predict holistic OA regulatory mechanisms of PJE. The results showed that PJE exerted potential protective effects by recovering hind paw weight bearing distribution, alleviating histopathological features of cartilage and inhibiting inflammatory mediator levels in the OA rat model. Furthermore, network analysis identified caspase-3 (CASP3), caspase-7 (CASP7), and cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) as potential target genes; in addition, the TNF (Tumor necrosis factor) signaling pathway was linked to OA therapeutic action. Our combined animal OA model and network analysis confirmed the therapeutic effects of PJE against OA and identified intracellular signaling pathways, active compounds and target genes linked to its therapeutic action.

Peucedanum japonicum extract attenuates allergic airway inflammation by inhibiting Th2 cell activation and production of pro-inflammatory mediators

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The root of Peucedanum japonicum Thunberg is traditionally used to treat coughs, colds, headache and inflammatory diseases in Korea and Japan. Its effects on allergic lung inflammation have not been investigated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the anti-asthmatic effects of Peucedanum japonicum extract (PJE) using a murine model of asthma and a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophage cell line.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mice underwent two rounds of sensitization with ovalbumin 1 week apart followed by four intranasal ovalbumin challenges on days 13-16. The control group received saline only. Two ovalbumin-sensitized groups were orally administered vehicle or PJE (200mg/kg) 5 days a week starting 1 week before the first ovalbumin sensitization. The third group was orally administered the asthma medication Montelukast (10mg/kg) on days 12-16. All animals were sacrificed on day 17. The lungs were assessed for histological features, inflammatory cell infiltration, Th2 cell activation and GATA-binding protein-3 (GATA-3) expression. The bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was assessed for type 2 cytokine levels. The effect of PJE on the in vitro Th2 polarization of naïve CD4⁺ splenocytes and the production of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines by LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells was evaluated.

RESULTS

PJE treatment inhibited OVA-induced inflammatory cell infiltration, eosinophilia, Th2 activation, and GATA-3 expression in the lung, reduced the interleukin (IL)-5 and IL-13 levels in BALF, down-regulated Th2 activation in vitro, and inhibited the macrophage production of inducible nitric oxide, cyclooxygenase-2, tumor necrosis factor-α, and IL-6.

CONCLUSION

PJE attenuated allergic airway inflammation by inhibiting Th2 cell activation and macrophage production of inflammatory mediators. Peucedanum japonicum may be candidate therapy for allergic lung inflammation.

Minor phenolics from Angelica keiskei and their proliferative effects on Hep3B cells

A new coumarin, (-)-cis-(3'R,4'R)-4'-O-angeloylkhellactone-3'-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (1) and two new chalcones, 3'-[(2E)-5-carboxy-3-methyl-2-pentenyl]-4,2',4'-trihydroxychalcone (4) and (±)-4,2',4'-trihydroxy-3'-{2-hydroxy-2-[tetrahydro-2-methyl-5-(1-methylethenyl)-2-furanyl]ethyl}chalcone (5) were isolated from the aerial parts of Angelica keiskei (Umbelliferae), together with six known compounds: (R)-O-isobutyroyllomatin (2), 3'-O-methylvaginol (3), (-)-jejuchalcone F (6), isoliquiritigenin (7), davidigenin (8), and (±)-liquiritigenin (9). The structures of the new compounds were determined by interpretation of their spectroscopic data including 1D and 2D NMR data. All known compounds (2, 3, and 6-9) were isolated as constituents of A. keiskei for the first time. To identify novel hepatocyte proliferation inducer for liver regeneration, 1-9 were evaluated for their cell proliferative effects using a Hep3B human hepatoma cell line. All isolates exhibited cell proliferative effects compared to untreated control (DMSO). Cytoprotective effects against oxidative stress induced by glucose oxidase were also examined on Hep3B cells and mouse fibroblast NIH3T3 cells and all compounds showed significant dose-dependent protection against oxidative stress.

Determination of the Absolute Configuration of Khellactone Esters from Peucedanum japonicum Roots

Sixteen new angular dihydropyranocoumarins (1-16) and 24 known compounds were isolated from the roots of Peucedanum japonicum Thunb. The absolute configuration of diacylkhellactone was established by partial hydrolysis, the Mosher method, and X-ray crystallography. In addition, ECD spectroscopy was used to assign the absolute configurations of several of the angular dihydropyranocoumarins. Enantiomers were detected by RP-HPLC using MTPA esters while acyl migration of the substituents was observed in cis-monoacylkhellactones.

Peucedanum japonicum Thunb. ethanol extract suppresses RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis

The constituents of Peucedanum japonicum Thunb. (PJ) exhibit biological and pharmacological activities, including anti-obesity, anti-oxidant and anti-allergic activities. The aim of the present study was to examine in vitro effects of PJ in RANKL-induced signaling pathways, which determine osteoclast differentiation. PJ ethanol extract (PEE) exhibited anti-osteoporotic activity by disrupting the phospholipase C (PLC)-Ca2+-c-Fos/cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB)-nuclear factor of activated T cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1) signaling pathway during osteoclastogenesis. Murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) were cultured and used to determine the effects of PJ in the receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL)-mediated osteoclastogenesis. The effects of PEE in the RANKL-mediated signaling cascade were evaluated using a standard in vitro osteoclastogenesis system. PEE treatment of BMMs significantly reduced the number of RANKL-mediated tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive multinucleated cells (P<0.05 for 5 and 10 µg/ml PEE, P<0.01 for 25 and 50 µg/ml PEE), without cytotoxic effects. Furthermore, the expression of differentiation-related marker genes, including TRAP, Oscar, Cathepsin K, dendrocyte expressed seven transmembrane protein, ATPase H+ Transporting V0 Subunit D2 and NFATc1, were markedly suppressed. PEE induced a transient increase in free cytoplasmic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]_i) mobilization via voltage-gated Ca2+ channels and PLC-sensitive pathways. Transient [Ca2+]_i increase consequently resulted in the suppression of c-Fos, CREB and NFATc1 activities. These findings highlight the potential use of PJ in treating bone disorders caused by osteoclast overgrowth.

Antinociceptive effect of intrathecal sec-O-glucosylhamaudol on the formalin-induced pain in rats

BACKGROUND

The root of Peucedanum japonicum Thunb., a perennial herb found in Japan, the Philippines, China, and Korea, is used as an analgesic. In a previous study, sec-O-glucosylhamaudol (SOG) showed an analgesic effect. This study was performed to examine the antinociceptive effect of intrathecal SOG in the formalin test.

METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were implanted with an intrathecal catheter. Rats were randomly treated with a vehicle and SOG (10 µg, 30 µg, 60 µg, and 100 µg) before formalin injection. Five percent formalin was injected into the hind-paw, and a biphasic reaction followed, consisting of flinching and licking behaviors (phase 1, 0-10 min; phase 2, 10-60 min). Naloxone was injected 10 min before administration of SOG 100 µg to evaluate the involvement of SOG with an opioid receptor. Dose-responsiveness and ED50 values were calculated.

RESULTS

Intrathecal SOG showed a significant reduction of the flinching responses at both phases in a dose-dependent manner. Significant effects were showed from the dose of 30 µg and maximum effects were achieved at a dose of 100 µg in both phases. The ED50 value (95% confidence intervals) of intrathecal SOG was 30.3 (25.8-35.5) µg during phase 1, and 48.0 (41.4-55.7) during phase 2. The antinociceptive effects of SOG (100 µg) were significantly reverted at both phases of the formalin test by naloxone.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate that intrathecal SOG has a very strong antinociceptive effect in the formalin test and it seems the effect is related to an opioid receptor.

Influence of LED light spectra on in vitro somatic embryogenesis and LC-MS analysis of chlorogenic acid and rutin in Peucedanum japonicum Thunb.: a medicinal herb

BACKGROUND

Peucedanum japonicum Thunb, an important medicinal herb is reported to possess pharmacological properties such as anti-obesity, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-diabetic and anti-platelet aggregation. The present study aimed to develop an in vitro plant regeneration system of P. japonicum via somatic embryogenesis and to analyse chlorogenic acid and rutin contents in a few commercially available plant products of P. japonicum in Japan and Taiwan markets, and tissue culture plants derived from somatic embryos.

RESULTS

Induction of somatic embryogenesis could be achieved when root derived calli after three subcultures were transferred from Murashige Skoog's salts and vitamins (MS basal) medium with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) (0.1-5 mg/L) to a medium with abscisic acid (ABA) (0.5-4 mg/L), or exposed to eight different light spectra provided by light-emitting diode (LED) sources. Concentrations of ABA and LED light spectra had an influence on number of somatic embryos induced and proliferation of callus. Development of secondary somatic embryos and conversion of embryos to plantlets was achieved on a medium with ABA, or their exposure to red or blue lights in a special incubation chamber. Four months old tissue culture plants derived from somatic embryos showed significantly higher levels of chlorogenic acid (10.5 mg/g dw) compared to commercial product sold in Japanese market (0.55 mg/g dw). However, rutin was absent in tissue culture plants in contrast to commercial sample (0.33 mg/g dw).

CONCLUSION

In this report, we describe in vitro plant regeneration system in P. japonicum via somatic embryogenesis and production of chlorogenic acid in tissue culture plants. The present study has application in further tissue culture propagation of elite plant material with high chlorogenic acid content, and identification of high yielding plants with the LC-MS method.

Prenylated Coumarins from Heracleum stenopterum, Peucedanum praeruptorum, Clausena lansium, and Murraya paniculata

Four hitherto unknown prenylated coumarins, namely 6″-O-β-D-apiofuranosylapterin (1), 4'-O-isobutyroylpeguangxienin (2), 6-(3-methyl-2-oxobutyroyl)-7-methoxycoumarin (3), and 6-hydroxycoumurrayin (4), were isolated from the ethanol extract of Heracleum stenopterum, Peucedanum praeruptorum, Clausena lansium, and Murraya paniculata, respectively. Their chemical structures were established on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis. Compound 2 exhibited in vitro cytotoxic activity against five human cancer cell lines (HL-60, A-549, SMMC-7721, MCF-7, and SW-480) with IC₅₀ values ranging from 15.9 to 23.2 μM.

Anti-adipogenic and anti-diabetic effects of cis-3',4'-diisovalerylkhellactone isolated from Peucedanum japonicum Thunb leaves in vitro

Peucedanum japonicum Thunb is a medicinal plant belonging to the family Umbelliferae. This study evaluated the anti-diabetic and anti-obesity effects of cis-3',4'-diisovalerylkhellactone (cDIVK) isolated from Peucedanum japonicum Thunb leaves. cDIVK (30 and 50μM) effectively inhibited adipocyte differentiation and fat accumulation, whereas it stimulated glucose uptake compared with the control in 3T3-L1 cells. cDIVK significantly increased AMPK activation and suppressed protein and mRNA expression of major adipogenic transcriptional factors such as C/EBPα, PPARγ and SREBP-1c in 3T3-L1 cells. In addition, cDIVK had potential α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. These results indicated that cDIVK may act as a natural dual therapeutic agent for diabetes and obesity.

Antioxidant effects of hydroalcoholic and polyphenolic extracts of Peucedanum pastinacifolium Boiss. & Hausskn

Antioxidant activity of Peucedanum pastinacifolium Boiss. & Hausskn aerial part hydroalcoholic extract (HAE) and polyphenolic extract (PPE) as well as their total phenolic and flavonoid contents were studied. Phenolic and flavonoid contents were respectively estimated as gallic acid and quercetin equivalents. The in vitro antioxidant activity of two extracts of P. pastinacifolium were evaluated by radical scavenging of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl radical (DPPH), chelating activity on ferrous ions, or ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. In addition, the in vivo antioxidant activity of hydroalcoholic extract was measured by FRAP assay. Total phenolic contents of PPE and HAE were 117.1 ± 6.2 and 44.3 ± 1.7 mg/g, respectively. Total flavonoid content of PPE (43.4 ± 2.1 mg/g) was found to be higher than that of HAE (8.0 ± 1.5 mg/g). In DPPH radical scavenging assay, HAE and PPE showed fifty percent inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values of 469.4 ± 9.3 μg/mL and 128.2 ± 5.5 μg/mL, respectively. Iron chelating activity assays indicated IC₅₀ values of 657.5 ± 13.2 μg/mL and 735.4 ± 16.1 μg/mL for HAE and PPE as opposed to ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) being 16.5 ± 0.8 μg/mL. PPE exhibited greater FRAP value (154.0 ± 1.8 μM) as compared with that of HAE being 69.3 ± 1.4 μM. In animal study, HAE showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in FRAP level when compared with that of control group. Our results showed that P. pastinacifolium possess antioxidant properties which most likely are exerted through free radical scavenging, chelating activity, and reducing power.

Suppression of TPA-induced cancer cell invasion by Peucedanum japonicum Thunb. extract through the inhibition of PKCα/NF-κB-dependent MMP-9 expression in MCF-7 cells

Metastatic cancers spread from their site of origin (the primary site) to other parts of the body. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), which degrades the extracellular matrix, is important in metastatic cancers as it plays a major role in cancer cell invasion. The present study examined the inhibitory effect of an ethanol extract of Peucedanum japonicum Thunb. (PJT) on MMP-9 expression and the invasion of MCF-7 breast cancer cells induced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). Western blot analysis, gelatin zymography, and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR revealed that PJT significantly suppressed MMP-9 expression and activation in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, PJT attenuated TPA-induced nuclear translocation and the transcriptional activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB. The results indicated that the PJT-mediated inhibition of TPA-induced MMP-9 expression and cell invasion involved the suppression of the PKCα/NF-κB pathway in MCF-7 cells. Thus, the inhibition of MMP-9 expression by PJT may have potential value as a therapy for restricting the invasiveness of breast cancer.

On-line comprehensive two-dimensional normal-phase liquid chromatography × reversed-phase liquid chromatography for preparative isolation of Peucedanum praeruptorum

A new on-line comprehensive preparative two-dimensional normal-phase liquid chromatography × reversed-phase liquid chromatography (2D NPLC × RPLC) system was developed for the separation of complicated natural products. It was based on the use of a silica gel packed medium-pressure column as the first dimension and an ODS preparative HPLC column as the second dimension. The two dimensions were connected with normal-phase (NP) and reversed-phase (RP) enrichment units, involving a newly developed airflow assisted adsorption (AAA) technique. The instrument operation and the performance of this NPLC × RPLC separation method were illustrated by gram-scale isolation of ethanol extract from the roots of Peucedanum praeruptorum. In total, 19 compounds with high purity were obtained via automated multi-step preparative separation in a short period of time using this system, and their structures were comprehensively characterized by ESI-MS, (1)H NMR, and (13)C NMR. Including two new compounds, five isomers in two groups with identical HPLC and TLC retention values were also obtained and identified by 1D NMR and 2D NMR. This is the first report of an NPLC × RPLC system successfully applied in an on-line preparative process. This system not only solved the interfacing problem of mobile-phase immiscibility caused by NP and RP separation, it also exhibited apparent advantages in separation efficiency and sample treatment capacity compared with conventional methods.

Traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of the genus Peucedanum: a review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The genus Peucedanum (Apiaceae) comprising more than 120 species is widely distributed in Europe, Asia and Africa. The ethnopharmacologial history of this genus indicated that some extracts of aerial and underground parts of several Peucedanum species have been used in folk medicine for treatment of various conditions, such as cough, cramps, pain, rheumatism, asthma and angina. This review focuses on ethnopharmacological uses of Peucedanum species, as well as the phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological studies on this genus. Through this review, I intend to highlight the known and potential effects of the Peucedanum species or their isolated compounds and show which traditional medicine uses have been supported by pharmacological investigations.

METHODS

Information on the Peucedanum species was collected from scientific journals, books, thesis and reports via a library and electronic search (using Google Scholar, Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science and ScienceDirect). This review covers the available literature from 1970 to the end of September 2013.

RESULTS

Although, there are about 120 species in this genus, so far many species have received no or little attention and most of pharmacological studies were performed on just about 20 species. Many phytochemical investigations on this genus confirmed that Peucedanum species are rich in essential oils and coumarins. The present review article shows that Peucedanum species have a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities and the most reported activities of Peucedanum plants come back to the presence of coumarins, flavonoids, phenolics and essential oils.

CONCLUSIONS

The present review confirms that some Peucedanum species have emerged as a good source of the traditional medicine for treatment of inflammation, microbial infections, cardiopulmonary diseases and provides new insights for further investigations on isolated compounds, especially on praeruptorins, to find novel therapeutics and aid drug discovery. However, for using Peucedanum species to prevent and treat various diseases, additional pharmacological studies to find the mechanism of action, safety and efficacy of them before starting clinical trials are required.

Biological activities and pharmacokinetics of praeruptorins from Peucedanum species: a systematic review

Praeruptorins belonging to the angular-type pyranocoumarins are bioactive constituents that have been isolated from some Peucedanum species such as P. praeruptorum, which is used in traditional Chinese medicine for treatment of cold, cough, upper respiratory infections, and so forth. Many reports have demonstrated that the beneficial pharmacological effects of P. praeruptorum root on cardiovascular, pulmonary, immune, and nervous system diseases were attributed to the presence of praeruptorins. The aim of this review is to explain the recent efforts of scientists in pharmacological screening of natural and synthetic praeruptorin derivatives, studying the mechanisms of some praeruptorins action, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and relevant structure-activity relationships. Based on reported data about the pharmacological properties of praeruptorins and semisynthetic derivatives of them, it is hopeful that in the near future more studies focus on the discovery of the new application and therapeutic uses of these bioactive compounds and understanding the specific mechanisms of them. The present discusses the reports on molecular and biological activities of praeruptorins of the genus Peucedanum, from 1976 onwards.

Antimicrobial and efflux pump inhibitory activity of caffeoylquinic acids from Artemisia absinthium against gram-positive pathogenic bacteria

Background

Traditional antibiotics are increasingly suffering from the emergence of multidrug resistance amongst pathogenic bacteria leading to a range of novel approaches to control microbial infections being investigated as potential alternative treatments. One plausible antimicrobial alternative could be the combination of conventional antimicrobial agents/antibiotics with small molecules which block multidrug efflux systems known as efflux pump inhibitors. Bioassay-driven purification and structural determination of compounds from plant sources have yielded a number of pump inhibitors which acted against gram positive bacteria.

Methodology/Principal Findings

In this study we report the identification and characterization of 4′,5′-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid (4′,5′-ODCQA) from Artemisia absinthium as a pump inhibitor with a potential of targeting efflux systems in a wide panel of Gram-positive human pathogenic bacteria. Separation and identification of phenolic compounds (chlorogenic acid, 3′,5′-ODCQA, 4′,5′-ODCQA) was based on hyphenated chromatographic techniques such as liquid chromatography with post column solid-phase extraction coupled with nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectroscopy. Microbial susceptibility testing and potentiation of well know pump substrates revealed at least two active compounds; chlorogenic acid with weak antimicrobial activity and 4′,5′-ODCQA with pump inhibitory activity whereas 3′,5′-ODCQA was ineffective. These intitial findings were further validated with checkerboard, berberine accumulation efflux assays using efflux-related phenotypes and clinical isolates as well as molecular modeling methodology.

Conclusions/Significance

These techniques facilitated the direct analysis of the active components from plant extracts, as well as dramatically reduced the time needed to analyze the compounds, without the need for prior isolation. The calculated energetics of the docking poses supported the biological information for the inhibitory capabilities of 4′,5′-ODCQA and furthermore contributed evidence that CQAs show a preferential binding to Major Facilitator Super family efflux systems, a key multidrug resistance determinant in gram-positive bacteria.