C14-polyacetylenol glycosides from the roots of Codonopsis pilosula

Advancements in the investigation of chemical components and pharmacological properties of Codonopsis: A review

Species of the genus Codonopsis (Campanulaceae) have a long history of application, acclaimed for its edible and therapeutic attributes. Scholarly inquiries into Codonopsis span botany, phytochemistry, quality assurance, pharmacodynamics, and toxicity, revealing a rich and comprehensive body of knowledge. This study synthesizes information from esteemed scientific databases like SciFinder, PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Chinese herbal classics to create a thorough scientific conceptual and theoretical framework for Codonopsis research. In this article, the phytochemical composition includes saccharides, polyacetylenes, polyenes, flavonoids, alkaloids, lignans, terpenoids, and organic acids was summarized. To date, over 350 monomeric compounds have been isolated and identified from Codonopsis, with recent studies primarily focusing on polysaccharides, aromatic derivatives, lignans, and polyacetylenes. Codonopsis exhibits broad pharmacological activities across various systems, including immune, blood, cardiovascular, central nervous, and digestive systems, with no significant toxicity or adverse effects reported. The existing research, focusing on various extracts and active parts without identifying specific active molecules, complicates the understanding of the mechanisms of action. There is an urgent need to advance research on the chemical composition and pharmacological effects to fully elucidate its pharmacodynamic properties and the basis of its material composition. Such efforts are crucial for the rational development, utilization, and clinical application of this herb.

Codonopsis pilosula water extract delays D-galactose-induced aging of the brain in mice by activating autophagy and regulating metabolism

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Codonopsis pilosula (C. pilosula), also called "Dangshen" in Chinese, is derived from the roots of Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf. (C. pilosula), Codonopsis pilosula var. Modesta (Nannf.) L.D.Shen (C. pilosula var. modesta) or Codonopsis pilosula subsp. Tangshen (Oliv.) D.Y.Hong (C. pilosula subsp. tangshen), is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine. It has been regularly used for anti-aging, strengthening the spleen and tonifying the lungs, regulating blood sugar, lowering blood pressure, strengthening the body's immune system, etc. However, the mechanism, by which, C. pilosula exerts its therapeutic effects on brain aging remains unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanisms of the protective effects of C. pilosula water extract (CPWE) on the hippocampal tissue of D-galactose-induced aging mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this research, plant taxonomy has been confirmed in the "The Plant List" database (www.theplantlist.org). First, an aging mouse model was established through the intraperitoneal injections of D-galactose solution, and low-, medium-, and high-dose CPWE were administered to mice by gavage for 42 days. Then, the learning and memory abilities of the mice were examined using the Morris water maze tests and step-down test. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to visualize histopathological damage in the hippocampus. A transmission electron microscope was used to observe the ultrastructure of hippocampal neurons. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to examine the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), the marker protein of astrocyte activation, and autophagy-related proteins, including microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) and sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1)/p62, in the hippocampal tissues of mice. Moreover, targeted metabolomic analysis was performed to assess the changes in polar metabolites and short-chain fatty acids in the hippocampus.

RESULTS

First, CPWE alleviated cognitive impairment and ameliorated hippocampal tissue damage in aging mice. Furthermore, CPWE markedly alleviated mitochondrial damage, restored the number of autophagosomes, and activated autophagy in the hippocampal tissue of aging mice by increasing the expression of LC3 protein and reducing the expression of p62 protein. Meanwhile, the expression levels of the brain injury marker protein GFAP decreased. Moreover, quantitative targeted metabolomic analysis revealed that CPWE intervention reversed the abnormal levels of L-asparagine, L-glutamic acid, L-glutamine, serotonin hydrochloride, succinic acid, and acetic acid in the hippocampal tissue of aging mice. CPWE also significantly regulated pathways associated with D-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism, nitrogen metabolism, arginine biosynthesis, alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolisms, and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis.

CONCLUSIONS

CPWE could improve cognitive and pathological conditions induced by D-galactose in aging mice by activating autophagy and regulating metabolism, thereby slowing down brain aging.

Polyacetylenes with xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity from the medicinal and edible fruits of Cyclocodon lancifolius (Roxburgh) Kurz

Five new polyacetylene derivatives (1-5), cyclocodonlandiynosides A-E, and eight known analogues (6-13) were isolated and identified from the fruits of Cyclocodon lancifolius. Their structures were established via spectroscopic and chemical methods, including NMR, HRESIMS, enzymatic hydrolysis, Mo2(OAc)4-induced circular dichroism and sugar derivatization. Compound 1 contains a nitrogenous fragment, which was rarely found in C14 polyacetylenes. Compounds 3 and 4 are polyacetylene glucosides possessing novel aglycones. All the isolated polyacetylenes (except 12) were screened for their xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitory activity. All the tested compounds, at the concentration of 62.5 μg/mL, showed XO inhibiting effects. Among them, 13 and 3 showed the most potent XO inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 87.65 and 96.32 μM, compared to the positive control allopurinol with an IC50 value of 19.25 μM.

Insights into Genus Codonopsis: From past Achievements to Future Perspectives

Codonopsis plants, as a kind of medicinal and edible herb, have a long history of application and have been widely concerned by pharmacists and biologists. In this article, the species diversity, taxonomy and distribution, ethnic medicinal records, chemical composition, pharmacological activity, and quality evaluation methods of Codonopsis species were systematically reviewed. In addition, the research progress of Codonopsis plants using biotechnology in recent years was summarized. The phytochemistry and biological activities of Codonopsis are widely evaluated. To date, more than 350 compounds have been isolated from Codonopsis. Codonopsis pilosula polysaccharides are important functional components and biomarkers. Lobetyolin, atractylenolide III, tangshenoside I, and oligosaccharide can be considered as characteristic index components to evaluate the quality of Codonopsis plants. Although recent experimental evidence has confirmed the pharmacological value of this genus, its quality control, resource development and utilization, and active ingredient synthesis mechanisms are not well studied. In particular, molecular biology research is still in its infancy, but its application prospects are broad, and it is a hot spot for future research on Codonopsis. Therefore, it is urgent to conduct a detailed study on the single level of phytochemistry, pharmacology, and molecular biology of Codonopsis to establish a scientific evaluation system and modern medication guidelines. The multi-angle, multi-level, and multi-aspect integrated association analysis is also an inevitable trend for the future in-depth study of Codonopsis plants. This research status was summarized in order to provide a broader scientific research idea and theoretical reference for the in-depth study of Codonopsis.

A review of the botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, analysis method and quality control, processing methods, pharmacological effects, pharmacokinetics and toxicity of codonopsis radix

Codonopsis Radix, a traditional Chinese medicine in China, has great medicinal and scientific value. Moreover, it can also be used as a health product in daily diet. This paper reviews the botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, analysis method and quality control, processing methods, pharmacological effects, pharmacokinetics and toxicity related to Codonopsis Radix. The information of Codonopsis Radix is obtained from scientific databases (such as Baidu Scholar, CNKI, Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, and SciFinder Scholar), Chinese herbal classics, Chinese Pharmacopoeia, PhD and MSc dissertations, and so on. The chemical components mainly include alkaloids, alkynes and polyacetylenes, flavonoids, lignans, steroids, terpenoids, organic acids, volatile oils, saccharides and other components, which have a wide range of neuroprotective effects, protection of gastrointestinal mucosa and anti-ulcer, regulation of body immunity, anti-tumor, endocrine regulation, improvement of hematopoietic function, cardiovascular protection, anti-aging and antioxidant effects. In conclusion, this paper summarizes in depth the shortcomings of the current research on Codonopsis Radix and proposes corresponding solutions. At the same time, this paper provides theoretical support for further research on the biological function and potential clinical efficacy of Codonopsis Radix.

Qihuzha granule attenuated LPS-induced acute spleen injury in mice via Src/MAPK/Stat3 signal pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Qihuzha granule (QHZG), is one of traditional Chinese patent medicines composed of eleven edible medicinal plant, which has been used in the clinic for the treatment of indigestion and anorexia in children caused by deficiency of the spleen and stomach. Yet it is noteworthy that QHZG has therapeutic effect on recurrent respiratory tract infection (RRTI) in children. However, its potential molecular mechanisms remained unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect and potential mechanism of QHZG on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced acute spleen injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The acute spleen injury model was induced by intraperitoneal injection of LPS (10 mg/kg) and safe doses of QHZG was administered by gavage once a day for 23 days before LPS treatment. Serum inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-1β, IFN-γ, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were tested by ELISA. Related protein levels were detected by Western blotting. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was employed to observe the histological alterations. The distribution of macrophages and neutrophils in the mouse spleen was examined by immunofluorescence analysis.

RESULTS

QHZG pretreatment significantly abolished the increased secretion of cytokines such as interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-1β, IFN-γ, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), which were attributable to LPS treatment. Immunofluorescence staining and Histological analysis of spleen tissue revealed the protective effect of QHZG against LPS-induced acute spleen injury in mice. Further study indicated that pretreatment with QHZG significantly inhibited LPS-induced phosphorylation of Src. Accordingly, the increased phosphorylation of Src downstream components (JNK, ERK, P38 and STAT3) induced by LPS was remarkably diminished by QHZG, suggesting the involvement of Src/MAPK/STAT3 pathway in the inhibitory effects of QHZG on spleen injury in mice.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated that QHZG protected mice from LPS-induced acute spleen injury via inhibition of Src/MAPK/Stat3 signal pathway. These results suggested that QHZG might serve as a new drug for the treatment of LPS-stimulated spleen injury.

Polyacetylene Glycosides: Isolation, Biological Activities and Synthesis

Polyacetylene glycosides (PAGs) constitute a relatively small class of secondary metabolites characterized by the presence of a sugar unit anomerically connected to a polyacetylene. These compounds are found in fungi, seaweed, and more often in plants. PAGs exhibit a wide range of biological and pharmacological activities and, as a result, the literature of these compounds has grown exponentially in recent years.

Anticancer Properties of Lobetyolin, an Essential Component of Radix Codonopsis (Dangshen)

Lobetyolin (LBT) is a polyacetylene glycoside found in diverse medicinal plants but mainly isolated from the roots of Codonopsis pilosula, known as Radix Codonopsis or Dangshen. Twelve traditional Chinese medicinal preparations containing Radix Codonopsis were identified; they are generally used to tonify spleen and lung Qi and occasionally to treat cancer. Here we have reviewed the anticancer properties of Codonopsis extracts, LBT and structural analogs. Lobetyolin and lobetyolinin are the mono- and bis-glucosylated forms of the polyacetylenic compound lobetyol. Lobetyol and LBT have shown activities against several types of cancer (notably gastric cancer) and we examined the molecular basis of their activity. A down-regulation of glutamine metabolism by LBT has been evidenced, contributing to drug-induced apoptosis and tumor growth inhibition. LBT markedly reduces both mRNA and protein expression of the amino acid transporter Alanine-Serine-Cysteine Transporter 2 (ASCT2). Other potential targets are proposed here, based on the structural analogy with other anticancer compounds. LBT and related polyacetylene glycosides should be further considered as potential anticancer agents, but more work is needed to evaluate their efficacy, toxicity, and risk-benefit ratio.

Extraction, purification, structural characteristics and biological properties of the polysaccharides from Codonopsis pilosula: A review

Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf., as a well-known homology plant of medicine and food, has the function of replenishing the Qi, strengthening the spleen and tonifying the lung, nourishing the blood and engendering the liquid in traditional Chinese medicine. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that the C. pilosula polysaccharides (CPPs) are one of the major and representative pharmacologically active macromolecules and present multiple biological activities both in vitro and in vivo methods, such as immunomodulatory, antitumor, antioxidant, neuroprotective, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-fatigue, hypoglycemic, anti-hypoxia, renoprotective, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, and prebiotic. The purpose of the present review is to provide comprehensively and systematically reorganized information in the extraction and purification, structure characterization, biological activities and the underlying mechanisms of action as well as toxicities of CPPs to support their therapeutic potentials and sanitarian functions. New valuable insights for the future researches regarding CPPs were also proposed in the fields of therapeutic agents and functional foods.

Quantum Mechanics-Based Structure Analysis of Cyclic Monoterpene Glycosides from Rhodiola rosea

NMR- and MS-guided metabolomic mining for new phytoconstituents from a widely used dietary supplement, Rhodiola rosea, yielded two new (+)-myrtenol glycosides, 1 and 2, and two new cuminol glycosides, 3 and 4, along with three known analogues, 5-7. The structures of the new compounds were determined by extensive spectroscopic data analysis. Quantum mechanics-driven ¹H iterative full spin analysis (QM-HiFSA) decoded the spatial arrangement of the methyl groups in 1 and 2, as well as other features not recognizable by conventional methods, including higher order spin-coupling effects. Expanding applied HiFSA methodology to monoterpene glycosides advances the toolbox for stereochemical assignments, facilitates their structural dereplication, and provides a more definitive reference point for future phytochemical and biological studies of R. rosea as a resilience botanical. Application of a new NMR data analysis software package, CT, for QM-based iteration of NMR spectra is also discussed.

Sulfur-enriched alkaloids from the root of Isatis indigotica

Five new sulfur-enriched alkaloids isatithioetherins A-E (1-5), and two pairs of scalemic enantiomers (+)- and (-)-isatithiopyrin B (6a and 6b) and isoepigoitrin and isogoitrin (7a and 7b), along with the known scalemic enantiomers epigoitrin and goitrin (8a and 8b), were isolated and characterized from an aqueous extract of the Isatis indigotica roots. Their structures were determined by extensive spectroscopic data analysis, including 2D NMR and theoretical calculations of electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra based on the quantum-mechanical time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT). Compounds 1-5 represent a novel group of sulfur-enriched alkaloids, biogenetically originating from stereoselective assemblies of epigoitrin-derived units. Isolation and structure characterization of 6a and 6b support the postulated biosynthetic pathways for the diastereomers 9a and 9b via a rare thio-Diels-Alder reaction. Compounds 2 and 4 showed antiviral activity against the influenza virus A/Hanfang/359/95 (H3N2, IC50 0.60 and 1.92 μmol/L) and the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1, IC50 3.70 and 2.87 μmol/L), and 2 also inhibited Coxsackie virus B3 (IC50 0.71 μmol/L).

C19-Diterpenoid alkaloid arabinosides from an aqueous extract of the lateral root of Aconitum carmichaelii and their analgesic activities

Eight new C₁₉-diterpenoid alkaloid arabinosides, named aconicarmichosides E–L (1–8), were isolated from an aqueous extract of the lateral roots of Aconitum carmichaelii (Fu Zi). Their structures were determined by spectroscopic and chemical methods including 2D NMR experiments and acid hydrolysis. Compounds 1–8, together with the previously reported four neoline 14-O-arabinosides from the same plant, represent the only examples of glycosidic diterpenoid alkaloids so far. At a dose of 1.0 mg/kg (i.p.), as compared with the black control, compounds 1, 2, and 4–6 exhibited analgesic effects with >65.6% inhibitions against acetic acid-induced writhing of mice. Structure–activity relationship was also discussed.

Three New Polyynes from Codonopsis pilosula and Their Activities on Lipid Metabolism

Three new polyynes, named choushenpilosulynes A–C (1–3), were isolated from an 85% aqueous EtOH extract of the roots of Codonopsis pilosula cultivated in Xundian County of Yunnan province, China. Their structures, including the absolute configuration of the glucose residue in 1 and 2, were determined by spectroscopic analysis and gas chromatography (GC). In addition, biological evaluation shows that all the compounds can inhibit the expression of the squalene monooxygenase (SQLE) gene in HepG2 cells, suggesting that these compounds may be involved in lipid metabolism.

8,4'-Oxyneolignane glucosides from an aqueous extract of "ban lan gen" (Isatis indigotica root) and their absolute configurations

Three pairs of glycosidic 8,4'-oxyneolignane diastereoisomers, named isatioxyneolignosides A-F (1-6), were isolated from an aqueous extract of Isatis indigotica roots. Their structures and absolute configurations were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis and enzyme hydrolysis. The validity of ΔδC8-C7 values to distinguish threo and erythro aryl glycerol units and Cotton effects at 235±5 nm to determine absolute configurations at C-8 in 1-6 and their aglycones (1a-6a) are discussed.

Diglycosidic indole alkaloid derivatives from an aqueous extract of Isatis indigotica roots

Six new indole alkaloid diglycosides named isatigotindolediosides A-F (1-6), along with three known analogs (7-9), were isolated from an aqueous extract of the Isatis indigotica roots (ban lan gen). Their structures including the absolute configurations were determined by comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis, combined with enzyme or acid hydrolysis, and comparison of experimental circular dichroism (CD) and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. In the preliminary assays, compounds 3, 5, and 8 showed antiviral activity against Coxsackie virus B3.

Indole alkaloid sulfonic acids from an aqueous extract of Isatis indigotica roots and their antiviral activity

Six new indole alkaloid sulfonic acids (1-6), together with two analogues (7 and 8) that were previously reported as synthetic products, were isolated from an aqueous extract of the Isatis indigotica root. Their structures including the absolute configurations were determined by spectroscopic data analysis, combined with enzyme hydrolysis and comparison of experimental circular dichroism and calculated electronic circular dichroism spectra. In the preliminary assay, compounds 2 and 4 showed antiviral activity against Coxsackie virus B3 and influenza virus A/Hanfang/359/95 (H3N2), respectively.