Frankincense and myrrh suppress inflammation via regulation of the metabolic profiling and the MAPK signaling pathway

Evaluation of anthelminthic and antiprotozoal activity of myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) methanolic extract

To treat and control parasitic infections, traditional medical remedies using plant products are utilized as antiparasitic agents rather than standard synthetic chemicals due to drug resistance. Myrrh, a resinous exudate of Commiphora myrrha (Burseraceae), is a powerful antioxidant with a variety of medicinal uses. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the myrrh methanolic extract (MyE) of three concentrations (100, 50, and 25 mg/ml) on the sporulation of oocysts and as an anthelminthic effector via in vitro study. Characterization of the plant was done by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The earthworm, Eisenia fetida, is used as a model worm to evaluate the anthelminthic activity of MyE. Eimeria labbeana-like oocysts are used as a model protozoan parasite in anticoccidial assays. The sporulation and inhibition (%) of E. labbeana-like were assessed by MyE compared to other chemical substances. FT-IR revealed the presence of twelve active compounds. Our results showed that paralysis and death of earthworms at MyE (100 mg/ml) were 7.88 ± 0.37 and 9.24 ± 0.60 min, respectively, which is more potency when compared to mebendazole (reference drug). In all treated worms, microscopic examinations revealed obvious surface architecture abnormality. This study shows that MyE affects oocysts sporulation in a dose-dependent manner. At 24 and 36 hr, a high concentration of MyE (100 mg/ml) inhibits sporulation by 90.95 and 87.17 %. At 36 hr, other concentrations of MyE (50 and 25 mg/ml), as well as amprolium, DettolTM, and phenol inhibits oocyst sporulation by 40.17 %, 29.34 %, 45.09 %, 85.11 %, and 61.58 %, respectively. According to our research, the MyE extract had powerful anthelmintic and anticoccidial properties.

Network Pharmacology Analysis on the Mechanism of Xihuangwan in Treating Rectal Cancer and Radiation Enteritis

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have shown that XihuangWan (XHW) is a kind of Chinese medicine with significant anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory activities. However, its mechanism for preventing and treating radiation proctitis in rectal cancer patients during radiotherapy remains unclear.

METHODS

This study employed the network pharmacology to establish a "drug-active ingredient-target genedisease" network via using TCMSP, SymMap, GeneCard, and OMIM databases. The PPI network was conducted by the String tool. The core targets of XHW in the treatment of rectal cancer and radiation enteritis were identified by topological analysis, and the functional annotation analysis and pathway enrichment analysis were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 61 active ingredients of XHW ingredients, 4607 rectal cancer-related genes, 5803 radiation enteritis-related genes, and 68 common targets of XHW in the treatment of rectal cancer and radiation enteritis were obtained. PTGS1 and NR3C2, as identified potential targets, were significantly associated with OS of colorectal cancer patients. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that bioinformatics annotation of these common genes was mainly involved in DNA-binding transcription factor, PI3K/Akt, TNF, HIF-1 signaling pathway, and colorectal cancer pathway.

CONCLUSION

The active ingredients of XHW, mainly including Quercetin, Ellagic acid, and Stigmasterol, might act on common targets of rectal cancer and radiation enteritis, such as PTGS1, NR3C2, IL-6, EGFR, HIF-1A, CASP3, BCL2, ESR1, MYC, and PPARG, and regulate multiple signaling pathways like PI3K-Akt, TNF, and HIF-1 to inhibit tumor proliferation, tumor angiogenesis, inflammatory responses, and oxidative stress, thereby achieving prevention and treatment of radiation enteritis in rectal cancer patients during radiotherapy. It provided an important reference for further elucidating the anti-inflammation and anti-tumor mechanism and clinical application of XHW.

The effects of massage with frankincense and myrrh oil in chronic low back pain: A three-arm randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

Chronic low back pain is a common problem that impairs the activities of daily life. Massage therapy is one of the non-pharmacological treatment modalities in chronic low back pain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of aromatherapy massage on pain and disability in patients with chronic low back pain.

METHODS

Data were collected between August-December 2020 in a physical therapy clinic of a university hospital. The control, massage and aromatherapy massage groups included 30, 31 and 30 patients, respectively. Two sessions of low back massage per week were applied to the aromatherapy group with frankincense and myyrh essential oils and to the placebo group with jojoba oil. Massage was not applied to the control group. Outcome measures were Visual Analogue Scale, Aberdeen Low Back Pain Scale and Roland-Morris Disability Scale.

RESULTS

In the results of study, the decrease in Visual Analogue Scale (p < 0.001), Aberdeen Low Back Pain Scale (p < 0.001) and Roland-Morris Disability Scale (p < 0.001) scores of the aromatherapy group was found to be statistically higher than the other two groups.

CONCLUSION

As a result, aromatherapy massage with frankincense and myyrh essential oils can be integrated to medical treatments to relieve pain and reduce disability in an individual's daily life in chronic low back pain.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04494165.

Lipoxygenase inhibitory synthetic derivatives of methyl gallate regulate gene expressions of COX-2 and cytokines to reduce animal model arthritis

Mammalian lipoxygenases (LOXs) are involved in the biosynthesis of mediators of anaphylactic reactions and have been implicated in cell maturation, the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma, atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, Alzheimer's disease and osteoporosis. Hence LOX inhibition in chronic conditions can lead to reducing the disease progression, which can be a good target for treating these diseases. The present study deals with designing methyl gallate derivatives and their anti-inflammatory effect by in silico, in vitro and in vivo methods. Designed derivatives were docked against LOX enzyme, and molecular dynamic simulations were carried out. Following the synthesis of derivatives, in vitro LOX inhibition assay, enzyme kinetics and fluorescence quenching studies were performed. One of the derivatives of methyl gallate (MGSD 1) was demonstrated as an anti-inflammatory agent for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in the animal model. Amelioration of Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA)-induced arthritis by methyl gallate and its derivative with a concentration of 10-40 mg.kg-1 has been assessed in vivo in a 28-day-long study. TNF-α and COX-2 gene expression were also studied. Methyl gallate synthetic derivatives (MGSDs) inhibited LOX with an IC50 of 100 nM, 304 nM, and 226 nM for MGSD 1, MGSD 2, and MGSD 3, respectively. Fluorescence quenching methods also prove their binding characteristics, and 200 ns simulations studies showed that the RMSDs for the entire complex were less than 2.8 Å. The in vivo results showed that methyl gallate was required approximately five times diclofenac for the same level of effect, and the synthesised (MGSD 1) compound required only approximately 1/12 of diclofenac for the same level of effect in in-vivo studies. The preeminent expression of COX-2 and TNF-α genes was significantly decreased after the treatment of the methyl gallate derivative. Hence, the in vivo results showed that the referenced synthetic derivative might have more arthritis-reducing properties than the parent compound methyl gallate and is more potent than the standard drug diclofenac, with no apparent induced toxicity.

Commiphora myrrh: a phytochemical and pharmacological update

Medicinal plants have a long track record of use in history, and one of them is Commiphora myrrh which is commonly found in the southern part of Arabia, the northeastern part of Africa, in Somalia, and Kenya. Relevant literatures were accessed via Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to give updated information on the phytochemical constituents and pharmacological action of Commiphora myrrh. It has been used traditionally for treating wounds, mouth ulcers, aches, fractures, stomach disorders, microbial infections, and inflammatory diseases. It is used as an antiseptic, astringent, anthelmintic, carminative, emmenagogue, and as an expectorant. Phytochemical studies have shown that it contains terpenoids (monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, and volatile/essential oil), diterpenoids, triterpenoids, and steroids. Its essential oil has applications in cosmetics, aromatherapy, and perfumery. Research has shown that it exerts various biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-microbial, neuroprotective, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, analgesic, anti-parasitic, and recently, it was found to work against respiratory infections like COVID-19. With the advancement in drug development, hopefully, its rich phytochemical components can be explored for drug development as an insecticide due to its great anti-parasitic activity. Also, its interactions with drugs can be fully elucidated.This review highlights an updated information on the history, distribution, traditional uses, phytochemical components, pharmacology, and various biological activities of Commiphora myrrh. Graphical summary of the phytochemical and pharmacological update of Commiphora myrrh.

Hydrogen-Rich Water Mitigates LPS-Induced Chronic Intestinal Inflammatory Response in Rats via Nrf-2 and NF-κB Signaling Pathways

Long-term exposure to low-dose lipopolysaccharide can impair intestinal barriers, causing intestinal inflammation and leading to systemic inflammation. Hydrogen-rich water possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions and exerts inhibitory effects on various inflammatory diseases. In this study, we investigated whether oral hydrogen-rich water could prevent lipopolysaccharide-induced chronic intestinal inflammation. An experimental model was established by feeding hydrogen-rich water, followed by the injection of lipopolysaccharide (200 μg/kg) in the tail vein of rats after seven months. ELISA, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and other methods were used to detect related cytokines, proteins related to the NF-κB and Nrf-2 signaling pathways, and tight-junction proteins to study the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of hydrogen-rich water. The obtained results show that hydrogen-rich water significantly increased the levels of superoxide dismutase and structural proteins; activated the Nrf-2 signaling pathway; downregulated the expression of inflammatory factors cyclooxygenase-2, myeloperoxidase, and ROS; and decreased the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. These results suggest that hydrogen-rich water could protect against chronic intestinal inflammation in rats caused by lipopolysaccharide-induced activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway by regulating the Nrf-2 signaling pathway.

The anti-inflammatory effect of myrrh ethanolic extract in comparison with prednisolone on an autoimmune disease rat model induced by silicate

Autoimmune disease is a complex chronic disease that triggers immune activation against autoantigens resulting in tissue damage. Epidemiological data showed that autoimmune diseases are increasing worldwide over the last decades owing to increased environmental pollution. This study investigates the therapeutic effect of myrrh as a natural medicine compared to prednisolone in the treatment of immune-mediated glomerulonephritis induced by silicate. The autoimmune disease model in rats was induced by injecting 5 mg crystalline sodium silicate suspension subcutaneously once weekly for 20 weeks, and then the rats were treated either with myrrh extract or prednisolone or with both for 6 weeks. Liver and kidney function tests, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry of TNF-α expression in kidney tissue were performed. The creatinine significantly elevated in silica-treated group and decreased in other treated groups. Histopathology of the kidney revealed improvement of glomerular and tubular basement thickness in all treated groups, but the inflammatory cell count slightly decreased in the group treated with myrrh than the other treated groups which showed a marked decrease. TNF-α expression was significantly decreased in all treated groups. Interestingly, the myrrh did not produce hepatic lesions and improve the side effect of prednisolone in the liver when taken in combination. Therefore, myrrh extract possessed anti-inflammatory properties and counteracted the side effect of prednisolone on the liver. Myrrh extract can serve as a conjunctive therapy with prednisolone to treat autoimmune diseases.

Current Perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicines and Active Ingredients in the Therapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading lethal tumors worldwide, and the treatment remains a great medical challenge. Surgery and chemotherapy are current standard curative methods for patients with HCC, but the prognosis is still dismal. Based on unique medical theories and rich practical experience, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been broadly employed to effectively treat HCC for a long history. Recently, systematic clinical trials have been well designed to study the efficacy of TCMs in the treatment of HCC, and the underlying antitumor mechanisms were also deeply explored. Here, we reviewed the published clinical evaluation of some commonly used TCMs in the treatment of HCC, and the related anti-HCC mechanisms through in vitro and in vivo study, promoting the modernization of TCM study in oncology for achieving a substantial reduction of HCC burden in the future.

Commiphora myrrh Supplementation Protects and Cures Ethanol-Induced Oxidative Alterations of Gastric Ulceration in Rats

Gastric ulceration is a multifactorial disease defined as a defect in the gastric wall that extends through the muscularis mucosae into the deeper layers of the wall. The most common cause of gastric ulceration is alcohol consumption. In the current study, rats were gavaged by ethanol to investigate the protective (before ethanol) and curative (after ethanol) ability of Commiphora myrrh (myrrh) oil and extract against gastric ulcer oxidative alterations induced by ethanol. Myrrh significantly improved ulcer index, histomorphology, and periodic acid Schiff (PAS) impaired by ethanol. In addition, myrrh improved the antioxidant potential of gastric mucosa through enhancement of nuclear factor related to erythroid 2 (Nrf2), total glutathione (GSH), reduced GSH, and oxidized glutathione (GSSG), along with significant reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Amelioration of gastric oxidative stress by myrrh enables gastric mucosa to counteract the ethanol’s inflammatory and apoptotic processes leading to improved gastric proliferation and healing. Interestingly, myrrh extract showed better protective and curative effects than myrrh oil against gastric ulceration.

The Therapeutic Effect of Myrrh (Commiphora molmol) and Doxorubicin on Diethylnitrosamine Induced Hepatocarcinogenesis in Male Albino Rats

BACKGROUND

This study was conducted to assess the therapeutic effect of Myrrh on Diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis (HCC) in male albino rats.

METHODS

Fifty male albino rats were divided into five groups (10 rats each).  Group 1 (control group) received distilled water. Group 2 (positive control) was injected intraperitoneally with DEN (55 mg/kg b.w) twice a week for two weeks, while group 3 (DOX) received doxorubicin i.p (10 mg/ kg b.w) after concomitant with DEN twice a week for four weeks.  Groups 4 and 5 received a low dose of Myrrh (250 mg/kg b.w) and a high dose of Myrrh (500 mg/kg b.w) respectively daily for four weeks after the induction with DEN. The sera were used to estimate the liver enzymes (ALT, AST, and ALP), Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and Tumor necrosis factor-ἁ (TNF-ἁ). Also, the liver tissues were collected to determine the oxidative stress markers in addition to the histopathological and immunohistochemical investigations.

RESULTS

The results showed that the induction of DEN causes a significant increase in the level of liver enzymes (ALT, AST, and ALP), AFP and TNF-ἁ as well as produce oxidative stress indicated by increasing of malondialdehyde (MDA) with the reduction in TAC and glutathione (GSH). Meanwhile, there are noticeable histopathological lesions with loss of hepatic architecture. This was accompanied by a significant increase of immunohistochemical markers; Caspase-3, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor β1(TGF- β1), and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) percentage area. The treatment of DEN rats with DOX reduced the alterations in most parameters. A marked amelioration of all parameters in a dose-dependent manner of Myrrh to the values almost near to those of the control group.

CONCLUSION

Our data revealed that Water extract of Myrrh (C. molmol) has a potential therapeutic effect in attenuation of HCC induced DEN.

Exposition of respiratory ailments from trace metals concentrations in incenses

Selected trace metals of importance in different incense before and after the smoldering process were assessed based on the recent respiratory ailments. Marketed perfumed and non-perfumed incense from different countries was separately analyzed using an Inductive coupled Plasma-Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS). A particulate analyzer measured the dispersed particulates (PM_2.5) in the indoor environment. The analysis revealed higher mean metals concentrations in the smoldered perfumed incense (1.98 µg g^-1) than in the non-smoldered and non-perfumed incense (0.59 µg g^-1). Pilot-scale experiments included the smoke dispersed in different sized-rooms, and the distance between the inhaler and the smoldering incense. Simultaneously, a questionnaire distributed to 300 residents from six sampling areas revealed the exposure of incense to human health. This study indicated significant attributes on (a) the room size and incense volume, (b) the permissible inmate's number in a room, (c) the distance between the inmate vicinity and the point of smoldering incense, (d) selectivity of incense, besides the outdoor environmental influence. Furthermore, this study revealed the various categories of respiratory ailments in residents in relation to the frequency of burning incense, prolonged smoke exposure, and the impact of burners although, earlier beneficial effects of incenses were evidenced. This study recommends preventive measures to human respiratory ailments from smoldering incense.

Qianliexin capsule exerts anti-inflammatory activity in chronic non-bacterial prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia via NF-κB and inflammasome

Qianliexin capsule (QLX) is a standardized traditional Chinese herbal preparation that has long been used to treat chronic non‐bacterial prostatitis (CNP) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This study investigated the anti‐inflammatory activity of QLX in improving lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with CNP and BPH. Rat models of CNP and BPH were induced by oestradiol or testosterone (hormonal imbalance) or chemical inflammation (carrageenan). QLX significantly relieved LUTS in CNP and BPH rat model by reducing prostate enlargement, epithelial thickness, pain response time, urine volume and bleeding time, and by improving prostatic blood flow. The expression of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)‐1β and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, the pro‐inflammatory transcription factor nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells (NF‐κB), and inflammasome components (NLRP3, caspase‐1 and ASC) in CNP and BPH tissues was reduced by QLX addition. QLX treatment was followed by reduced cellular malondialdehyde and increased superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity, consistent with antioxidant activity. Increases in Beclin‐1 expression and the LC3II/I ratio following QLX treatment indicated that autophagy had been induced. QLX relieved LUTS in CNP and BPH rat models by inhibiting inflammation. The underlying mechanisms included inhibition of inflammasome activation, NF‐κB activation, oxidant stress and autophagy.

Protective effects of myrrh essential oil on isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, Nrf2/HO-1 and apoptotic pathways

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Myrrh, a traditional remedy, is the stem resinous exudate of Commiphora molmol Engler (Burseraceae). The aromatic yellowish-brown oleoresin has a long history in folk and traditional medicine, in Saudi Arabia and the Arab world. Severe universal concern attributable to the high mortality is Myocardial Infarction (MI). Acute administration of Isoproterenol (ISO) is an established animal model to induce myocardial injury.

OBJECTIVE

The existing animal study was outlined to inspect the actions of Myrrh essential oil on cardiac functional, antioxidant status, apoptotic and inflammatory deviations in isoproterenol induced MI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Normal and Myrrh control animals were administered normal saline and Myrrh essential oil for thirty days orally, respectively. On the 29th and 30th day, the animals were injected by saline (s.c.). In the ISO control, the animals were administered saline orally for 30 days and then confronted with ISO (85 mg/kg s.c.) on 29th and 30th days. In the Myrrh Groups (IV and V), the animals were treated with Myrrh essential oil (50 and 100 mg/k) respectively for 30 days and injected with ISO (85 mg/kg, s.c.) on 29th and 30th days.

RESULTS

Animals experienced MI displayed functional blood pressure deviations, intensification in the heart to body weight ratio, myocytes indicative markers (CK-MB, CPK, LDH, cTnT, cTnI), lipid peroxidation (MDA), protein expression of Nrf2 and HO-1, apoptotic markers (Caspase 3,9), and inflammatory indicators. Conversely, animals pre-treated with Myrrh revealed obliteration of those elevations triggered by ISO induction, diminished elevated biochemical values and improved heart function.

CONCLUSION

Myrrh abstain effective cardio-protective action in MI model through improving the oxidative condition with myocytes and abolishing apoptotic as well as inflammatory responses.

Indian Medicinal Plants and Formulations and Their Potential Against COVID-19-Preclinical and Clinical Research

The cases of COVID-19 are still increasing day-by-day worldwide, even after a year of its first occurrence in Wuhan city of China. The spreading of SARS-CoV-2 infection is very fast and different from other SARS-CoV infections possibly due to structural differences in S proteins. The patients with severe diseases may die due to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by systemic inflammatory reactions due to the excessive release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines by the immune effector cells. In India too, it is spreading very rapidly, although the case fatality rate is below 1.50% (https://www.statista.com), which is markedly less than in other countries, despite the dense population and minimal health infrastructure in rural areas. This may be due to the routine use of many immunomodulator medicinal plants and traditional AYUSH formulations by the Indian people. This communication reviews the AYUSH recommended formulations and their ingredients, routinely used medicinal plants and formulations by Indian population as well as other promising Indian medicinal plants, which can be tested against COVID-19. Special emphasis is placed on Indian medicinal plants reported for antiviral, immunomodulatory and anti-allergic/anti-inflammatory activities and they are categorized for prioritization in research on the basis of earlier reports. The traditional AYUSH medicines currently under clinical trials against COVID-19 are also discussed as well as furtherance of pre-clinical and clinical testing of the potential traditional medicines against COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2. The results of the clinical studies on AYUSH drugs will guide the policymakers from the AYUSH systems of medicines to maneuver their policies for public health, provide information to the global scientific community and could form a platform for collaborative studies at national and global levels. It is thereby suggested that promising AYUSH formulations and Indian medicinal plants must be investigated on a priority basis to solve the current crisis.

Enhancement of Curcumin Anti-Inflammatory Effect via Formulation into Myrrh Oil-Based Nanoemulgel

Background: Curcumin (Cur) possesses a variety of beneficial pharmacological properties including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activities. Nevertheless, the low aqueous solubility and subsequent poor bioavailability greatly limits its effectiveness. Besides, the role of myrrh oil as an essential oil in treating inflammatory disorders has been recently demonstrated. The objective of the current investigation is to enhance Cur efficacy via developing Cur nanoemulgel, which helps to improve its solubility and permeability, for transdermal delivery. Methods: The formulated preparations (Cur gel, emulgel and nanoemulgel) were evaluated for their physical appearance, spreadability, viscosity, particle size, in vitro release and ex vivo drug permeation studies. The in vivo anti-inflammatory activity was estimated using the carrageenan-induced rat hind paw edema method. Results: The formulated Cur-loaded preparations exhibited good physical characteristics that were in the acceptable range of transdermal preparations. The release of Cur from gel, emulgel and nanoemulgel after 12 h was 72.17 ± 3.76, 51.93 ± 3.81 and 62.0 ± 3.9%, respectively. Skin permeation of Cur was significantly (p < 0.05) improved when formulated into nanoemulgel since it showed the best steady state transdermal flux (SSTF) value (108.6 ± 3.8 µg/cm²·h) with the highest enhancement ratio (ER) (7.1 ± 0.2). In vivo anti-inflammatory studies proved that Cur-loaded nanoemulgel displayed the lowest percent of swelling (26.6% after 12 h). Conclusions: The obtained data confirmed the potential of the nanoemulgel dosage form and established the synergism of myrrh oil and Cur as an advanced anti-inflammatory drug.

Boswellic Acid Synergizes With Low-Level Ionizing Radiation to Modulate Bisphenol Induced-Lung Toxicity in Rats by Inhibiting JNK/ERK/c-Fos Pathway

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a low molecular weight chemical compound that has a deleterious effect on the endocrine system. It was used in plastics manufacturing with injurious effects on different body systems. Occupational exposure to low-level ionizing radiation (<1 Gy) is shown to attenuate an established inflammatory process and therefore enhance cell protection. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the protective effect of boswellic acid (BA) accompanied by whole-body low-dose gamma radiation (γ-R) against BPA-induced lung toxicity in male albino rats. BPA intoxication induced with 500 mg/kg BW. Rats received 50 mg BA/kg BW by gastric gavage concomitant with 0.5 Gy γ-R over 4 weeks. The immunoblotting and biochemical results revealed that BA and/or γ-R inhibited BPA-induced lung toxicity by reducing oxidative damage biomolecules; (MDA and NADPH oxidase gene expression), inflammatory indices (MPO, TNF-α, IL-6, and gene expression of CXCR-4). Moreover, BA and or/γ-R ameliorated the lung inflammation via regulation of the JNK/ERK/c-Fos and Nrf2/ HO-1 signaling pathways. Interestingly, our data demonstrated that BA in synergistic interaction with γ-R is efficacious control against BPA-induced lung injury via anti-oxidant mediated anti-inflammatory activities.

Mechanisms Mediating Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Delta-Tocotrienol and Tart Cherry Anthocyanins in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

Chronic low-grade inflammation is a primary characteristic of obesity and can lead to other metabolic complications including insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Several anti-inflammatory dietary bioactives decrease inflammation that accompanies metabolic diseases. We are specifically interested in delta-tocotrienol, (DT3) an isomer of vitamin E, and tart cherry anthocyanins (TCA), both of which possess individual anti-inflammatory properties. We have previously demonstrated that DT3 and TCA, individually, reduced systemic and adipose tissue inflammation in rodent models of obesity. However, whether these compounds have combinatorial effects has not been determined yet. Hence, we hypothesize that a combined treatment of DT3 and TCA will have great effects in reducing inflammation in adipocytes, and that these effects are mediated via the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NFkB), a major inflammatory transcription factor. We used 3T3-L1 adipocytes and treated them with 1–5 µM doses of DT3 along with tart cherry containing 18–36 µg anthocyanin/mL, to assess effects on inflammation. Neither DT3 nor TCA, nor their combinations had toxic effects on adipocytes. Furthermore, pro-inflammatory markers interleukin-6 (IL-6) and p-65 (subunit of NFkB) were reduced at the protein level in media collected from adipocytes with both individual and combined treatments. Additionally, other downstream targets of NFkB including macrophage inflammatory protein 2 (Mip2), and Cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox2) were also significantly downregulated (p ≤ 0.05) when treated with individual and combined doses of DT3 and TCA with no additional combinatorial effects. In summary, DT3 and TCA individually, are beneficial in reducing inflammation with no additional combinatorial effects.

A discovery of screening markers for rheumatoid arthritis by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry: A metabolomic approach

AIM

This study aimed to discover serum metabolite biomarkers for potential use in screening for rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

The sera from 43 healthy controls (HCs) and 49 RA patients were globally analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography- tandem mass spectrometry. Molecular features (MFs) from samples were analyzed using volcano plots, partial least squares discriminant analysis, and variable importance in projection scores to select candidates. The spectra of candidate MFs were matched with the METLIN database. We confirmed the association between candidates and RA and analyzed the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

RESULTS

We selected a total of 57 candidate MFs that had a fold change ≥1.5, P value ≤.05, and over 80% of frequency. Among them, 18 MFs were identified as metabolites with the METLIN database. Six metabolites (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, androsterone sulfate, γ-linolenic acid, 9[E],11[E]-conjugated linoleic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and docosapentaenoic acid [22n-3]) out of the 18 were associated with mechanisms of RA and were selected as final candidates. ROC curve analysis revealed their area under the curve (AUC) values were all above 0.75 and the combined AUC of the six candidates was 0.89.

CONCLUSION

Using six candidates as a marker set showed potential in distinguishing RA patients from HCs, based on high AUC values. Therefore, we propose that a marker set of these six candidates has potential clinical application in RA screening.

Frankincense and myrrh and their bioactive compounds ameliorate the multiple myeloma through regulation of metabolome profiling and JAK/STAT signaling pathway based on U266 cells

BACKGROUND

Frankincense and myrrh are used as traditional anti-inflammatory and analgesic medicines in China. It has been reported that frankincense and myrrh have significant anti-tumor activities. The present study was designed to investigate the inhibitory efficacy of frankincense ethanol extracts (RXC), myrrh ethanol extracts (MYC), frankincense -myrrh ethanol extracts (YDC), frankincense -myrrh water extracts (YDS) and their main compounds on U266 human multiple myeloma cell line.

METHODS

The inhibition effects of cell proliferation was evaluated by MTT assays. Cell culture supernatant was collected for estimation of cytokines. Western blot analysis was designed to investigate the regulatory of JAK/STAT signal pathway. In addition, cell metabolomics based on the ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q-TOF-MS) had been established to investigate the holistic efficacy of frankincense and myrrh on U266 cells. Acquired data were processed by partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and orthogonal projection to latent structures squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) to identify potential biomarkers.

RESULTS

RXC, MYC significantly inhibited the proliferation of U266 cells at dose of 25-400 μg/mL, YDC and YDS at the dose of 12.5-400 μg/mL. 3-O-acetyl-α-boswellic acid, 3-acetyl-11 keto-boswellic acid and 11-keto-boswellic acid had the most significant anti- multiple myeloma activities in the 10 compounds investigated, therefore these 3 compounds were selected as representatives for Elisa assay and western blotting experiments. All the extracts and active compounds ameliorated the secretion of cytokines and down-regulated the expression of JAK/STAT signaling pathway-related proteins. Comparing RXC, MYC, YDC and YDS-treated U266 cells with vehicle control (DMSO), 13, 8, 7, 7 distinct metabolites and 2, 2, 3, 0 metabolic target pathways involved in amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, vitamin metabolism, arachidonic acid were identified, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together our results suggest that the frankincense and myrrh and their bioactive compounds inhibit proliferation of U266 multiple myeloma cells by regulating JAK/STAT signaling pathway and cellular metabolic profile.

Bactericidal activity of Myrrh extracts and two dosage forms against standard bacterial strains and multidrug-resistant clinical isolates with GC/MS profiling

Myrrh is the resinous exudate obtained by the incision in Commiphora molmol trees (Family Burseraceae). The bactericidal activity of its hexane extract was compared to its essential oil (MEO) using viable count technique against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Ps. aeruginosa). MEO exhibited a better activity with > 99.999% killing of both tested strains after 2 h contact time. MEO was tested using the same technique against four multidrug resistant isolates: S. aureus (MRSA, sputum), Escherichia coli (E. coli, urine), Ps. aeruginosa (wound) and Klebsiella pneumonia (K. pneumonia, sputum). Highest bactericidal activity was observed against Ps. aeruginosa while lowest was against K. pneumonia (99.59 and 54.04% killing, respectively after 2 h contact time). A cream and mouthwash were formulated using 5% v/v MEO. The cream showed a better activity against Ps. aeruginosa than S. aureus (95.11 and 86.76% killing, respectively after 2 h contact time). The in vitro treatment of ca 10⁷ CFU/ml S. aureus cells suspended in 10% saliva with the mouthwash produced ca 46% killing within the first 15 min reaching ca 99.999% after 30 min. Cytotoxic studies of both the essential oil and hexane extract on human liver cancer (Hep G2), human breast cancer (MCF-7) and colon cancer cell lines (HCT-116) revealed a promising in vitro activity. Highest activity was recorded for the essential oil on MCF-7 with IC₅₀ 10.93 ± 0.32 μg/ml. GC/MS analysis allowed the identification of 17 and 9 compounds representing 92.01 and 99.99% of the hexane extract and essential oil, respectively. Furano-eudesma-1,3-diene (15.99%) and 2-acetoxy-furano-diene (26.82%) were the major identified compounds in the hexane extract and essential oil, respectively. These results indicate that Myrrh essential oil is a promising antibacterial and cytotoxic agent that can be formulated in suitable dosage forms.

Seeing the Unseen of the Combination of Two Natural Resins, Frankincense and Myrrh: Changes in Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Activities

For the treatment of diseases, especially chronic diseases, traditional natural drugs have more effective therapeutic advantages because of their multi-target and multi-channel characteristics. Among many traditional natural medicines, resins frankincense and myrrh have been proven to be effective in the treatment of inflammation and cancer. In the West, frankincense and myrrh have been used as incense in religious and cultural ceremonies since ancient times; in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, they are used mainly for the treatment of chronic diseases. The main chemical constituents of frankincense and myrrh are terpenoids and essential oils. Their common pharmacological effects are anti-inflammatory and anticancer. More interestingly, in traditional Chinese medicine, frankincense and myrrh have been combined as drug pairs in the same prescription for thousands of years, and their combination has a better therapeutic effect on diseases than a single drug. After the combination of frankincense and myrrh forms a blend, a series of changes take place in their chemical composition, such as the increase or decrease of the main active ingredients, the disappearance of native chemical components, and the emergence of new chemical components. At the same time, the pharmacological effects of the combination seem magically powerful, such as synergistic anti-inflammation, synergistic anticancer, synergistic analgesic, synergistic antibacterial, synergistic blood-activation, and so on. In this review, we summarize the latest research on the main chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of these two natural resins, along with chemical and pharmacological studies on the combination of the two.

Neural Differentiation of Mouse Neural Stem Cells as a Tool to Assess Developmental Neurotoxicity of Drinking Water in Taihu Lake

In this study, we used neural stem cells (NSCs) as a toxicology tool to assess the potential developmental neurotoxicity of drinking water from Taihu Lake. We found that the condensed drinking water could inhibit the proliferation and differentiation of NSCs, especially the tap water. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography analysis showed that nickel was detected in the tap water with a high concentration. Our study revealed that nickel could inhibit NSCs proliferation and differentiation, which is induced not only by the intracellular reactive oxygen species generation, but also by the protein levels upregulation of p-c-Raf, p-MEK1/2 and p-Erk1/2 through the axon guidance signal pathways. These findings will provide a new way of research insight for investigation of nickel-induced neurotoxicity. Meanwhile, our test method confirmed the feasibility and reliability of stem cell assays for developmental neurotoxicity testing.

Mulberry leaf active components alleviate type 2 diabetes and its liver and kidney injury in db/db mice through insulin receptor and TGF-β/Smads signaling pathway

Mulberry leaf is one of the commonly used traditional Chinese medicines, has been shown to exert hypoglycemic effects against diabetes. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects and mechanism of mulberry leaf flavonoids (MF), polysaccharides (MP) and alkaloids (MA) on diabetic and its liver and kidney injury. The db/db mice was adopted and the results showed that the FBG (fasting blood glucose) of model group continued to increase and associated liver and kidney injury. After the intervention of MP and MA, the value of FBG exhibited the most obvious hypoglycemic effect. MF and MP have obvious improved effect on kidney injury, which reduced the content of mALB/Cre (microalbumin/creatinine) in urine and improved the tubular epithelial cells edematous and renal cystic epithelial thickening. While the MF and MA possessed a significant effect on liver damage, manifested in reducing the levels of ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and pathological changes of liver on db/db mice. Through metabolomics analysis, 13 endogenous potential biomarkers were identified in serum. The three effective components of mulberry can regulate the 13 potential biomarkers and the corresponding metabolic pathway. Collectively, the components of mulberry leaf have clear hypoglycemic effect and protective effect on liver and kidney injury and the effects are related to insulin receptor and TGF-β/Smads signaling pathway.

Baicalein alleviates tubular-interstitial nephritis in vivo and in vitro by down-regulating NF-κB and MAPK pathways

Tubular-interstitial nephritis (TIN) is characterized by tubular cell damage and inflammatory lesions of kidneys. Baicalein (BAI) is a flavonoid compound found in the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. The present study was undertaken to explore the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects of BAI on TIN patients and a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced TIN cell model. The expression levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor α in serum samples of TIN patients and culture supernatants of renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (RPTECs) were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Creatinine clearance was calculated using the Cockcroft-Gault equation. Activities of malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase were also determined. Viability and apoptosis of RPTECs were measured using MTT assay and Guava Nexin assay, respectively. qRT-PCR was performed to determine the expressions of Bax, Bcl-2, nuclear factor kappa B (IκBα), and p65. Protein levels of Bax, Bcl-2, IκBα, p65, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, extracellular regulated protein kinases, and p38 were analyzed using western blotting. We found that BAI reduced inflammation and oxidative stress in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, BAI alleviated the LPS-induced RPTECs viability inhibition and apoptosis enhancement, as well as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation. Phorbol ester, an activator of NF-κB, attenuated the effects of BAI on LPS-induced inflammatory cytokine expressions in RPTECs. In conclusion, BAI had anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects on TIN patients and LPS-induced RPTECs by down-regulating NF-κB and MAPK pathways.

Polysaccharides From Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat Ameliorate Colitis Rats via Regulation of the Metabolic Profiling and NF-κ B/TLR4 and IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathways

Studies have indicated that Chrysanthemum polysaccharides (CP) could prominently ameliorate colitis rats, but its possible mechanism remains unclear. In this study, the underlying mechanism of CP was explored by the metabolic profiling analysis and correlated signaling pathways. TNBS/ethanol induced colitis was used to investigate the intervention efficacy following oral administration of CP. The levels of cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, IFN-γ and IL-1β, and the activities of SOD, MPO, and MDA were determined. We also performed western-blot for p65, TLR4, p-JAK2, and STAT3 protein expression in the colon tissue to probe their mechanisms of correlated signaling pathways. What’s more, the metabolic changes in plasma and urine from colitis rats were investigated based on UPLC-Q-TOF/MS combined with Metabolynx^TM software. The potential biomarkers and metabolic pathways were also tentatively confirmed. The metabolic profiles of plasma and urine were clearly improved in model rats after oral administration of CP. Thirty-two (17 in serum and 15 in urine) potential biomarkers were identified. The endogenous metabolites were mainly involved in linoleic acid, retinol, arachidonic acid, glycerophospholipid and primary bile acid metabolism in plasma, and nicotinate and nicotinamide, ascorbate and aldarate, histidine and β-alanine metabolism in urine. After polysaccharides intervention, these markers turned back to normal level at some extent. Meanwhile, the elevated expression levels of pp65, TLR4, p-STAT3, and p-JAK2 were significantly decreased after treatment. Results suggested that CP would be a potential prebiotics for alleviation of TNBS-induced colitis. The study paved the way for the further exploration of the pathogenesis, early diagnosis and curative drug development of the colitis.

CD8+ T cells mediate the antitumor activity of frankincense and myrrh in hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

Tumor-promoting inflammation is an emerging hallmark of cancer, which participates in both cancer progression and immune escape. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a typical inflammation-related cancer with an extremely poor prognosis. Frankincense and myrrh are anti-inflammation agents commonly used in clinic. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether extract of frankincense and myrrh (FM) downregulates inflammatory microenvironment of HCC and thereby restores antitumor immune responses.

Methods

The water-decocting FM was obtained and quantified. HCC cell lines HCCLM3 and Hepa1-6 were used to evaluate the efficacy of FM targeting NF-κB and STAT3 signaling with western blot and qRT-PCR analysis. CD8⁺NKG2D⁺ cells were derived from human peripheral blood and were used for evaluation of immune cells-mediated inflammation and oncolysis on HCCLM3 cells. The antitumor efficacy of FM was investigated both in immune compromised and immune competent mice bearing subcutaneous HCC. Mice received daily oral gavage of FM at 60 mg/kg. Immune activity within tumor microenvironment (TME) was assessed by ELISpot assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Depletion of CD8⁺ T cells or NK cells was achieved by intraperitoneal injection of respective neutralizing antibody.

Results

FM significantly inhibited the activation of NF-κB and STAT3 signaling in HCC cells induced by cytokines (TNF-α or IL-6) and in co-culture system with CD8⁺NKG2D⁺ cells. Furthermore, FM sensitized HCC cells to CD8⁺NKG2D⁺ cells-mediated oncolysis. In HCC-bearing mice, FM at a non-toxic dose failed to reduce tumor growth in immune compromised mice, whereas it significantly inhibited tumor growth and prolonged life span in immune competent mice. While the number of IFN-γ-producing cells within TME was increased in mice treated with FM, the infiltration of CD8⁺ T cells and NK cells was not increased. Finally, we identified that depletion of CD8⁺ T cells rather than NK cells abrogated the antitumor activity of FM.

Conclusions

Our results show for the first time that CD8⁺ T cells mediate the antitumor activity of FM at a non-toxic dose. This may provide new insights to this ancient mysterious prescription in cancer therapy, which offers a novel and practical therapeutic strategy and the possibilities of combined immunotherapy for HCC as well as other inflammation-related cancers in clinic.

Is the pharmaceutical industry's preoccupation with the monotherapy drug model stifling the development of effective new drug therapies?

Drug discovery and development is heavily biased towards the development of monotherapies. Screening, testing, and evaluation of mono-entity drugs are generally much simpler than drug combinations, and are generally easier to get approval from the regulatory authorities for their clinical use. However, monotherapy drugs may not have optimal activity, may have associated toxicities, or may lose activity over time as their target develops resistance. Drug combinations, often developed from existing monotherapies, may have improved efficacy and/or be less toxic. Furthermore, the existing drugs which have lost efficacy due to the development of resistance can often be re-activated by combining them with other chemical entities. Thus, whilst the current climate for drug approval, registration, and clinical use drives the majority of drug development research towards the development of monotherapies, combinations are often a substantial improvement on the original drug. This commentary examines monotherapy and combinational therapy models and discusses the benefits and limitations of each model.

Interleukin-37: A crucial cytokine with multiple roles in disease and potentially clinical therapy

Interleukin (IL)-37, a new IL-1 family member, has received increasing attention in recent years. In the past decade, it has been determined that IL-37 is expressed in various normal cells and tissues and is regulated by inflammatory stimuli and pro-cytokines via different signal transduction pathways. Recently, it has been found that IL-37 is expressed in a variety of cancers, chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, and exerts anti-inflammatory effects. Moreover, a growing body of literature demonstrates that IL-37 plays a vital role in inhibiting both innate and adaptive immune responses as well as inflammatory reactions. In addition, IL-37 may prove to be a new and potentially useful target for effective cytokine therapy. Further evidence is needed to clarify in more detail the effects of IL-37 in experimental and clinical studies. Based on an extensive summary of published data, the aim of this review is to outline the current knowledge of IL-37, including the location, structure, expression, regulation and function, as well as the potential clinical applications of this cytokine.

A Combined Water Extract of Frankincense and Myrrh Alleviates Neuropathic Pain in Mice via Modulation of TRPV1

Frankincense and myrrh are widely used in clinics as a pair of herbs to obtain a synergistic effect for relieving pain. To illuminate the analgesia mechanism of frankincense and myrrh, we assessed its effect in a neuropathic pain mouse model. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) plays a crucial role in neuropathic pain and influences the plasticity of neuronal connectivity. We hypothesized that the water extraction of frankincense and myrrh (WFM) exerted its analgesia effect by modulating the neuronal function of TRPV1. In our study, WFM was verified by UHPLC-TQ/MS assay. In vivo study showed that nociceptive response in mouse by heat and capsaicin induced were relieved by WFM treatment. Furthermore, thermal hypersensitivity and mechanical allodynia were also alleviated by WFM treatment in a chronic constriction injury (CCI) mouse model. CCI resulted in increased TRPV1 expression at both the mRNA and protein levels in predominantly small-to-medium neurons. However, after WFM treatment, TRPV1 expression was reverted in real-time PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence experiments. Calcium response to capsaicin was also decreased in cultured DRG neurons from CCI model mouse after WFM treatment. In conclusion, WFM alleviated CCI-induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hypersensitivity via modulating TRPV1.

Metabolomic mechanisms of gypenoside against liver fibrosis in rats: An integrative analysis of proteomics and metabolomics data

Aims

To investigate mechanisms and altered pathways of gypenoside against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver fibrosis based on integrative analysis of proteomics and metabolomics data.

Methods

CCl₄-induced liver fibrosis rats were administrated gypenoside. The anti-fibrosis effects were evaluated by histomorphology and liver hydroxyproline (Hyp) content. Protein profiling and metabolite profiling of rats liver tissues were examined by isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) approach and gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) technology. Altered pathways and pivotal proteins and metabolites were searched by integrative analysis of proteomics and metabolomics data. The levels of some key proteins in altered pathways were determined by western blot.

Results

Histopathological changes and Hyp content in gypenoside group had significant improvements (P<0.05). Compared to liver fibrosis model group, we found 301 up-regulated and 296 down-regulated proteins, and 9 up-regulated and 8 down-regulated metabolites in gypenoside group. According to integrative analysis, some important pathways were found, including glycolysis or gluconeogenesis, fructose and mannose metabolism, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, lysine degradation, arginine and proline metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and sulfur metabolism. Furthermore, the levels of ALDH1B1, ALDH2 and ALDH7A1 were found increased and restored to normal levels after gypenoside treated (P<0.05).

Conclusions

Gypenoside inhibited CCl₄-induced liver fibrosis, which may be involved in the alteration of glycolysis metabolism and the protection against the damage of aldehydes and lipid peroxidation by up-regulating ALDH.