A polysaccharide from Dendrobium huoshanense prevents hepatic inflammatory response caused by carbon tetrachloride

Traditional uses, chemical compositions and pharmacological activities of Dendrobium: A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Dendrobium is a kind of medicine food homology plant. Dendrobium has long been used to strengthen "Yin" and tonify five viscera.

AIM OF THIS REVIEW

This paper presents a systematic review of the folk usage, chemical composition and pharmacological activity of Dendrobium, aiming to provide a reference for subsequent in-depth understanding and better exploitation of health food, medicine, and natural products.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Available information about the genus Dendrobium was collected via Web of Science, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, APA-Psy Articles, Google Scholar, Connected Papers, Springer Search, and KNCI. The keywords for this article are Dendrobium, traditional use, chemical diversity and pharmacological activity. Use the "Dictionary of Chinese Ethnic Medicine" to provide 23 kinds of Dendrobium with medicinal value, the Latin name of Dendrobium is verified by the Flora of China (www.iplant.cn), and its species distribution and related information are collected.

RESULTS

There are 78 species of Dendrobium in China, 14 of which are endemic to China. At present, 450 compounds including sesquiterpenoids, lignans compounds, phenolic compounds, phenanthrene compounds, bibenzyls, polysaccharides and flavonoids have been isolated and identified from at least 50 species of Dendrobium. Among them, bibenzyls and polysaccharides are the main active components, phenolics and lignans are widely distributed, sesquiterpenes are the most common chemical constituents in genus Dendrobium plants. The most popular research objects are Dendrobium officinale and Dendrobium huoshanense.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on traditional folk uses, chemical composition and pharmacological studies, Dendrobium is considered a promising medicinal and edible plant with multiple pharmacological activities. In addition, a large number of clinical applications and further studies on single chemical components based on the diversity of chemical structures should be conducted, which will lay the foundation for the scientific utilization of genus Dendrobium.

The effects of Dendrobium species on the metabolic syndrome: A review

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is known as a global health challenge with different types of health conditions such as hypertension, hyperglycemia, the increasing prevalence of obesity, and hyperlipidemia. Despite much recent scientific progress, the use of traditional herbal medicines with fewer side effects is increasing worldwide. Dendrobium, the second-largest orchid genus, has been used as a natural source of drugs for the treatment of MetS. The beneficial effects of Dendrobium, including anti-hypertension, anti-hyperglycemia, anti-obesity, and anti-hyperlipidemic against MetS have been shown in the scientific evidence. The anti-oxidant and lipid-lowering effects of Dendrobium modulate hyperlipidemia via reducing lipid accumulation and maintaining lipid metabolism. Restoring pancreatic beta cells and regulating the insulin signaling pathway are involved in its antidiabetic properties. The hypotensive effects contribute to increasing nitric oxide (NO) generation and inhibiting extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling. More research projects, especially clinical trials, are needed to investigate the safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of Dendrobium in patients. This review article provides, for the first time, comprehensive information about the efficacy of different species of Dendrobium. The described species can be a source of medicines for the treatment of MetS, which are reported in various evidence.

Natural polysaccharides as potential anti-fibrotic agents: A review of their progress

Fibrosis, as a common disease which could be found in nearly all organs, is normally initiated by organic injury and eventually ended in cellular dysfunction and organ failure. Currently, effective and safe therapeutic strategies targeting fibrogenesis still in highly demand. Natural polysaccharides derived from natural resources possess promising anti-fibrosis potential, with no deleterious side effects. Based on the etiology and pathogenesis of fibrosis, this review summarizes the intervention effects and mechanisms of natural polysaccharides in the prevention and treatment of fibrosis. Natural polysaccharides are able to regulate each phase of the fibrogenic response, including primary injury to organs, activation of effector cells, the elaboration of extracellular matrix (ECM) and dynamic deposition. In addition, polysaccharides significantly reduce fibrosis levels in multiple organs including heart, lung, liver and kidney. The investigation of the pathogenesis of fibrosis indicates that mechanisms including the inhibition of TGF-β/Smad, NF-κB, HMGB1/TLR4, cAMP/PKA signaling pathways, MMPs/TIMPs system as well as microRNAs are promising therapeutic targets. Natural polysaccharides can target these mediators or pathways to alleviate fibrosis. The information reviewed here offer new insights into the understanding the protective role of natural polysaccharides against fibrosis, help design further experimental studies related to polysaccharides and fibrotic responses, and shed light on a potential treatment for fibrosis.

Dendrobium huoshanense C.Z.Tang et S.J.Cheng: A Review of Its Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology

Dendrobium huoshanense, a traditional medicinal and food homologous plant, belongs to the family Orchidaceae and has a long history of medicinal use. It is reported that the stem of D. huoshanense has a variety of bioactive ingredients such as polysaccharides, flavonoids, sesquiterpenes, phenols, etc. These bioactive ingredients make D. huoshanense remarkable for its pharmacological effects on anti-tumor, immunomodulation, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and anticataract activities. In recent years, its rich pharmacological activities have attracted extensive attention. However, there is no systematic review focusing on the chemical compositions and pharmacological effects of D. huoshanense. Therefore, the present review aims to summarize current research on the chemical compositions and pharmacological activities of D. huoshanense. This study provides valuable references and promising ideas for further investigations of D. huoshanense.

Comparative Proteome and Phosphoproteome Analyses Reveal Different Molecular Mechanism Between Stone Planting Under the Forest and Greenhouse Planting of Dendrobium huoshanense

The highly esteemed Chinese herb, Dendrobium huoshanense, whose major metabolites are polysaccharides and alkaloids, is on the verge of extinction. The stone planting under the forest (SPUF) and greenhouse planting (GP) of D. huoshanense are two different cultivation methods of pharmaceutical Dendrobium with significantly differences in morphology, metabolites content and composition, and medication efficacy. Here, we conducted proteomics and phosphoproteomics analyses to reveal differences in molecular mechanisms between SPUF and GP. We identified 237 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) between the two proteomes, and 291 modification sites belonging to 215 phosphoproteins with a phosphorylation level significantly changed (PLSC) were observed. GO, KEGG pathway, protein domain, and cluster analyses revealed that these DEPs were mainly localized in the chloroplast; involved in processes such as posttranslational modification, carbohydrate transport and metabolism, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis; and enriched in pathways mainly including linoleic acid metabolism, plant-pathogen interactions, and phenylpropanoid, cutin, suberin, and wax biosynthesis. PLSC phosphoproteins were mainly located in the chloroplast, and highly enriched in responses to different stresses and signal transduction mechanisms through protein kinase and phosphotransferase activities. Significant differences between SPUF and GP were observed by mapping the DEPs and phosphorylated proteins to photosynthesis and polysaccharide and alkaloid biosynthesis pathways. Phosphorylation characteristics and kinase categories in D. huoshanense were also clarified in this study. We analyzed different molecular mechanisms between SPUF and GP at proteomic and phosphoproteomic levels, providing valuable information for the development and utilization of D. huoshanense.

A Systematic Review on Polysaccharides from Dendrobium Genus: Recent Advances in the Preparation, Structural Characterization, Bioactive Molecular Mechanisms, and Applications

Dendrobium polysaccharides (DPSs) have aroused people's increasing attention in recent years as a result of their outstanding edible and medicinal values and non-toxic property. This review systematically summarized recent progress in the different preparation techniques, structural characteristics, modification, various pharmacological activities and molecular mechanisms, structure-activity relationships, and current industrial applications in the medicinal, food, and cosmetics fields of DPSs. Additionally, some recommendations for future investigations were provided. A variety of methods were applied for the extraction and purification of DPSs. They possessed primary structures (e.g., glucomannan, rhamnogalacturonan I type pectin, heteroxylan, and galactoglucan) and conformational structures (e.g., random coil, rod, globular, and a slight triple-helical). And different molecular weights, monosaccharide compositions, linkage types, and modifications could largely affect DPSs' bioactivities (e.g., immunomodulatory, anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, gastrointestinal protective, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant activities). It was worth mentioning that DPSs were significant pharmaceutical remedies and therapeutic supplements especially due to their strong immunity enhancement abilities. We hope that this review will lay a solid foundation for further development and applications of Dendrobium polysaccharides.

Assessing the geographical distribution of 76 Dendrobium species and impacts of climate change on their potential suitable distribution area in China

The geographical distribution of plant resources is of great significance for studying the origin, distribution, and evolution of species. Climate and geographical factors help shape the distribution of plant species. Dendrobium is a commonly used traditional medicine and a precious economic crop in China. Owing to the over-exploitation and increasing medicinal demand of Dendrobium species plants, systematic investigation of the geographical distribution of the plants and analysis of their potential distribution under climate change are important for protecting Dendrobium plants. We adopted DIVA-GIS to analyze the georeferenced records of 76 species of the Dendrobium species collected from 2166 herbarium records. We analyzed the eco-geographical distribution and species richness of the genus Dendrobium to simulate the distribution of current and future scenarios using MaxEnt. The results revealed the distribution of Dendrobium in 30 provinces of China, with species abundance in Yunnan, Guangxi, Guangdong, and Hainan. Our model identified the following bioclimatic variables: precipitation in the driest months and the warmest seasons, isothermality, and range of annual temperature. Among them, annual precipitation is the most crucial bioclimatic variable affecting the distribution of 16 selected Dendrobium species. The change of climate in the future will lead to an increase in habitat suitability for some Dendrobium species as follows: D. officinal 2.12%, D. hancockii by 6.00%, D. hercoglossum by 8.25%, D. devonianum by 7.71%, D. henryi by 9.40%, and D. hainanense by 13.70%. By contrast, habitat suitability will dramatically decrease for other Dendrobium species: D. chrysotoxum by 0.89%, D. chrysanthum by 12.68%, D. fimbriatum by 5.07%, D. aduncum by 11.44%, D. densiflorum by 18.47%, D. aphyllum by 8.05%, D. loddigesii by 16.45%, D. nobile by 5.41%, D. falconeri by 8.73%, and D. moniliforme by 10.61%. The reduction of these species will be detrimental to the medicinal and economic value of the genus Dendrobium. Therefore, targeted development and reasonable management strategies should be adopted to conserve these valuable resources.

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.

Chromosome-scale assembly of the Dendrobium chrysotoxum genome enhances the understanding of orchid evolution

As one of the largest families of angiosperms, the Orchidaceae family is diverse. Dendrobium represents the second largest genus of the Orchidaceae. However, an assembled high-quality genome of species in this genus is lacking. Here, we report a chromosome-scale reference genome of Dendrobium chrysotoxum, an important ornamental and medicinal orchid species. The assembled genome size of D. chrysotoxum was 1.37 Gb, with a contig N50 value of 1.54 Mb. Of the sequences, 95.75% were anchored to 19 pseudochromosomes. There were 30,044 genes predicted in the D. chrysotoxum genome. Two whole-genome polyploidization events occurred in D. chrysotoxum. In terms of the second event, whole-genome duplication (WGD) was also found to have occurred in other Orchidaceae members, which diverged mainly via gene loss immediately after the WGD event occurred; the first duplication was found to have occurred in most monocots (tau event). We identified sugar transporter (SWEET) gene family expansion, which might be related to the abundant medicinal compounds and fleshy stems of D. chrysotoxum. MADS-box genes were identified in D. chrysotoxum, as well as members of TPS and Hsp90 gene families, which are associated with resistance, which may contribute to the adaptive evolution of orchids. We also investigated the interplay among carotenoid, ABA, and ethylene biosynthesis in D. chrysotoxum to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of the short flowering period of orchids with yellow flowers. The reference D. chrysotoxum genome will provide important insights for further research on medicinal active ingredients and breeding and enhances the understanding of orchid evolution.

Carbonized biosorbent assisted matrix solid-phase dispersion microextraction for active compounds from functional food

In this study, mangosteen peel based activated carbon was prepared and first applied as adsorbent in matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) for simultaneously extraction of flavonoids from Dendrobium huoshanense prior to their separation and determination by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS). The MSPD-UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS method was validated exhaustively. Good linearities (r² ≥ 0.9929) were obtained for all target analytes. The limits of detection was in the range of 0.00387-0.159 μg/g. Satisfactory recoveries of six target compounds were between 80.02 and 99.49% and 85.32-99.86% for the low and high spiked level, respectively. Furthermore, relative to other common sorbent, the prepared mangosteen peel based activated carbon was less expensive and more environmentally-friendly. Consequently, the proposed method was a simple, efficient, low-cost, eco-friendly, time-saving and sensitive approach that could be successfully applied to the extraction and determination of flavonoids compounds in complex matrix.

Erianin induces triple-negative breast cancer cells apoptosis by activating PI3K/Akt pathway

BACKGROUND

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a refractory subtype of breast cancer, 25-30% of which have dysregulation in the PI3K/AKT pathway. The present study investigated the anticancer effect of erianin on TNBC cell line and its underlying mechanism.

METHODS

After treatment with erianin, MTT assay was employed to determine the MDA-MB-231 and EFM-192A cell proliferation, the nucleus morphological changes were observed by DAPI staining. The cell cycle and apoptotic proportion were detected by flow cytometry. Western blot was performed to determine the cell cycle and apoptosis-related protein expression and PI3K pathways. Finally, the antiproliferative activity of erianin was further confirmed by adding or not adding PI3K agonists SC79.

RESULTS

Erianin inhibited the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 and EFM-192A cells in a dose-dependent manner, the IC50 were 70.96 and 78.58 nM, respectively. Erianin could cause cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase, and the expressions of p21 and p27 were up-regulated, while the expressions of CDK1 and Cyclin B1 were down-regulated. Erianin also induced apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway, with the up-regulation of the expression of Cyto C, PARP, Bax, active form of Caspase-3, and Caspase-9. Furthermore, p-PI3K and p-Akt expression were down-regulated by erianin. After co-incubation with SC79, the cell inhibition rate of erianin was decreased, which further confirmed that the attenuated PI3K/Akt pathway was relevant to the pro-apoptotic effect of erianin.

CONCLUSIONS

Erianin can inhibit the proliferation of TNBC cells and induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, which may ascribe to the abolish the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway.

Dendrobium huoshanense Polysaccharides Prevent Inflammatory Response of Ulcerative Colitis Rat through Inhibiting the NF-κB Signaling Pathway

The polysaccharides of the Chinese herbal medicine Dendrobium huoshanense exhibit anti-inflammatory effects in multiple organs through regulating the immune responses. In the present study, we constructed ulcerative colitis (UC) model rats using dextran sulfate sodium to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of D. huoshanense polysaccharides (DHP). After oral administration of DHP for two weeks, the indices of UC symptoms, including the ratio of colon weight to length, Disease Activity Index (DAI), and Colon Mucosal Damage Index (CMDI), all decreased significantly compared with the UC model group. The histological sections also revealed better cell orders in DHP treatments than in the UC model rats. Moreover, in treatment with high dose of DHP (200 mg/kg), the treatment efficacy arrived the similar levels to those in the treatment with 300 mg/kg sulfasalazine, which is a typical medicine to treat UC. These results indicated that DHP has a high efficacy to treat UC in model rats. Furthermore, serum levels of interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-17, and transforming growth factor-β were assessed using the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method, and the levels of nuclear factor-κB in colon tissue sections were determined using the immunohistochemical method. The results showed that all these indices decreased significantly after administration of DHP in UC model rats, which might be the mechanisms underlying the DHP-suppressed UC inflammation. Overall, this study indicated that DHP might be directly used to treat UC and is a promising source to develop novel drugs against UC.

Merging Reagent Modulation and Remote Anchimeric Assistance for Glycosylation: Highly Stereoselective Synthesis of α-Glycans up to a 30-mer

The efficient synthesis of long, branched, and complex carbohydrates containing multiple 1,2-cis glycosidic linkages is a long-standing challenge. Here, we report a merging reagent modulation and 6-O-levulinoyl remote anchimeric assistance glycosylation strategy, which is successfully applied to the first highly stereoselective synthesis of the branched Dendrobium Huoshanense glycans and the linear Longan glycans containing up to 30 contiguous 1,2-cis glucosidic bonds. DFT calculations shed light on the origin of the much higher stereoselectivities of 1,2-cis glucosylation with 6-O-levulinoyl group than 6-O-acetyl or 6-O-benzoyl groups. Orthogonal one-pot glycosylation strategy based on glycosyl ortho-alkynylbenzoates and ortho-(1-phenylvinyl)benzoates has been demonstrated in the efficient synthesis of complex glycans, precluding such issues as aglycon transfer inherent to orthogonal one-pot synthesis based on thioglycosides.

Toxicological Evaluation and Hepatoprotective Efficacy of Rosmarinic Acid-Rich Extract from Ocimum basilicum L

Exposure to carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induces acute and chronic liver injuries as well as oxidative stress in rats. The present study was designed to evaluate the in vivo toxicity of rosmarinic acid-rich extract from Ocimum basilicum (RAE). The acute and subchronic oral toxicity of RAE was evaluated in Albinos mice. Hepatotoxicity was induced by the administration of CCl4-induced hepatic injury in rats. The hepatoprotective effect of RAE on aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, bilirubin, total protein, albumin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, plasmatic glucose, urea, creatinine, and malondialdehyde was determined in CCl4-intoxicated rat. The extract did not produce treatment-related signs of toxicity or mortality in any of the animals tested during acute as well as subchronic toxicity studies. The administration of CCl4 resulted in marked increase in plasma hepatic enzymes (p < 0.001) and significant decrease of total protein (p < 0.001) and albumin (p < 0.001) when compared to normal. The RAE at 200 mg/kg body weight lowered significantly (p < 0.001) plasma enzyme activities of liver, which is designation of hepatoprotective action of extract. The phenolic extract exerts a significant increase in total protein (p < 0.001), and albumin (p < 0.001), accompanied with a marked reduction in the levels of malondialdehyde (p < 0.001), as compared to CCl4-treated group. Our study suggests that RAE may be used as a hepatoprotective agent against toxic effects caused by CCl4 and other chemical agents in the liver.

Elevation of secondary metabolites production through light-emitting diodes (LEDs) illumination in protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) of Dendrobium hybrid orchid rich in phytochemicals with therapeutic effects

Gas-chromatography-mass-spectrometry revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds with anticancer properties in protocorm-like-body (PLB) cultures of a Dendrobium hybrid orchid (Dendrobium Enopi x Dendrobium Pink Lady). Pre-illumination of red fluorescent light lessened the stimulating effects of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on secondary metabolites production among in vitro PLB cultures, possibly due to habituation. The highest flavonoid content of 16.79 μmol/ g of fresh weight (FW) was achieved under blue-red (1:1) LED for PLBs pre-treated with white LED for more than 3 subculture cycles. Phenolics content significantly reduced as PLBs pre-cultured under red fluorescent light for 2 subculture cycles were exposed to LED illuminations, where far red LED resulted in the lowest total phenolic content (18.85 μmol/ g FW). High intensity green LED (16.9 μmol/s) enhanced the accumulation of phenolics while amino acids such as L-leucine, glycine and proline exhibited no significant stimulating effect for secondary metabolites production.

A review of isolation methods, structure features and bioactivities of polysaccharides from Dendrobium species

Dendrobium, orchid, is a traditional Chinese herb medicine applied extensively as tonic and precious food for thou-sands of years recorded in ancient Chinese medical book "Shen Nong's Materia Medica". It's well known that bioactivities are usually related to the ingredients' basis. Based on the previous research, Dendrobium species contain amino acid, sesquiterpenoids, alkaloids and polysaccharides. As the bioactive substances, carbohydrate shows extensive activities in antitumor, antiglycation, immune-enhancing, antivirus, antioxidant, antitumor and etc. Therefore, as the main biologically active substance, the exact structures and latent activities of polysaccharides from Dendrobium species are widely focused on. In this review, we focus on the advancements of extraction methods and diversity of structures and bioactivities of polysaccharides obtained from Dendrobium species.

Resource, chemical structure and activity of natural polysaccharides against alcoholic liver damages

Many natural polysaccharides from bio-resources hold advantages of multi-functions, high efficiency, non-toxicity or low side effect, and have strong potentials in protection against alcoholic liver damages. This review summarized the bio-resources, chemical and structural characteristics of natural polysaccharides with potentials in inhibition against alcoholic liver damages, and also emphasized knowledge on correlations between their chemical structure and function. Approximately 95 species were confirmed in generation of hepatoprotective polysaccharides. Products as crude polysaccharides originated from 17 species were sum up despite the indetermination of their accurate structure. Additional four polysaccharides were described for their known chemical structures. Possible roles of hepatoprotective polysaccharides were provided with evidence on antioxidant promotion, lipids regulation, apoptosis inhibition and anti-inflammation, as well as confirmations in immune enhancement, iron removal and anti-fibrosis when currently treated against the alcoholic liver damages. To sum up, this overview could serve to guide development and utilization of natural hepatoprotective polysaccharides.

Dendrobium officinale polysaccharides protected against ethanol-induced acute liver injury in vivo and in vitro via the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway

Alcohol-induced liver injury is characterized by strong inflammation. Polysaccharides separated from herbs can prevent ethanol-induced liver injury. Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo leaves (D. officinale) are a new food resource that contains a certain amount of polysaccharide. However, the hepatoprotective effects and the potential mechanisms of D. officinale polysaccharide (DOP) remain unknown. Thus, this study aimed to assess the hepatoprotective effects and potential mechanism in vivo and in vitro of DOP. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used to establish alcohol-induced liver injury models through the oral gavage of absolute alcohol (5 mL/kg) after the oral administration of DOP (400 and 100 mg/kg) for 30 days. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used for the histological assessments of hepatocyte degeneration, and the AST and ALT levels in the serum and liver tissue were measured. The inflammatory markers were evaluated using ELISA and immunohistochemistry. The potential mechanism of DOP in alcohol-induced liver cell (LO2) injury in vitro was further identified. Results showed that DOP clearly decreased the AST in the serum and hepatic tissue, obviously reduced the production of inflammatory cytokines (such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α), and can successfully inhibit NF-κB phosphorylation in vivo. In vitro experiments indicated that DOP increased the LO2 cell viability; prevented LDH release prominently; reduced the secretion of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α; and reversed the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, caspase 1, NLRP3, p-NF-κB, and TLR4. Overall, DOP can alleviate ethanol-induced acute liver injury via the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Lomatogonium Rotatum for Treatment of Acute Liver Injury in Mice: A Metabolomics Study

Lomatogonium rotatum (L.) Fries ex Nym (LR) is used as a traditional Mongolian medicine to treat liver and bile diseases. This study aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of LR on mice with CCl₄-induced acute liver injury through conventional assays and metabolomics analysis. This study consisted of male mice (n = 23) in four groups (i.e., control, model, positive control, and LR). The extract of whole plant of LR was used to treat mice in the LR group. Biochemical and histological assays (i.e., serum levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST), and histological changes of liver tissue) were used to evaluate LR efficacy, and metabolomics analysis based on GC-MS and LC-MS was conducted to reveal metabolic changes. The conventional analysis and metabolomic profiles both suggested that LR treatment could protect mice against CCl₄-induced acute liver injury. The affected metabolic pathways included linoleic acid metabolism, α-linolenic acid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, CoA biosynthesis, glycerophospholipid metabolism, the TCA cycle, and purine metabolism. This study identified eight metabolites, including phosphopantothenic acid, succinic acid, AMP, choline, glycerol 3-phosphate, linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, and DHA, as potential biomarkers for evaluating hepatoprotective effect of LR. This metabolomics study may shed light on possible mechanisms of hepatoprotective effect of LR.

Dendrobium sonia polysaccharide regulates immunity and restores the dysbiosis of the gut microbiota of the cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice

To recognize the potential medicinal value of the Dendrobium sonia, polysaccharide (DSP) was extracted, purified, and investigated for its immunomodulatory activity. In vitro, DSP was shown to enhance the viability (MTT assay) and phagocytosis of macrophages. In cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice, DSP increased serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IFN-γ (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, ELISA), and ameliorated the imbalance of the community of gut microbiota as detected by 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. These results suggest that DSP might be beneficial for patients under immunosuppressed conditions.

Discrimination of Different Species of Dendrobium with an Electronic Nose Using Aggregated Conformal Predictor

A method using electronic nose to discriminate 10 different species of dendrobium, which is a kind of precious herb with medicinal application, was developed with high efficiency and low cost. A framework named aggregated conformal prediction was applied to make predictions with accuracy and reliability for E-nose detection. This method achieved a classification accuracy close to 80% with an average improvement of 6.2% when compared with the results obtained by using traditional inductive conformal prediction. It also provided reliability assessment to show more comprehensive information for each prediction. Meanwhile, two main indicators of conformal predictor, validity and efficiency, were also compared and discussed in this work. The result shows that the approach integrating electronic nose with aggregated conformal prediction to classify the species of dendrobium with reliability and validity is promising.

Inhibitory effect of different Dendrobium species on LPS-induced inflammation in macrophages via suppression of MAPK pathways

Dendrobii Caulis (DC), named 'Shihu' in Chinese, is a precious herb in traditional Chinese medicine. It is widely used to nourish stomach, enhance body fluid production, tonify "Yin" and reduce heat. More than thirty Dendrobium species are used as folk medicine. Some compounds from DC exhibit inhibitory effects on macrophage inflammation. In the present study, we compared the anti-inflammatory effects among eight Dendrobium species. The results provided evidences to support Dendrobium as folk medicine, which exerted its medicinal function partially by its inhibitory effects on inflammation. To investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of Dendrobium species, mouse macrophage cell line RAW264.7 was activated by lipopolysaccharide. The nitric oxide (NO) level was measured using Griess reagent while the pro-inflammatory cytokines were tested by ELISA. The protein expressions of inducible NO synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) phosphorylation were evaluated by Western blotting analysis. Among the eight Dendrobium species, both water extracts of D. thyrsiflorum B.S.Williams (DTW) and D. chrysotoxum Lindl (DCHW) showed most significant inhibitory effects on NO production in a concentration-dependent manner. DTW also significantly reduced TNF-α, MCP-1, and IL-6 production. Further investigations showed that DTW suppressed iNOS and COX-2 expression as well as ERK and JNK phosphorylation, suggesting that the inhibitory effects of DTW on LPS-induced macrophage inflammation was through the suppression of MAPK pathways. In conclusion, D. thyrsiflorum B.S.Williams was demonstrated to have potential to be used as alternative or adjuvant therapy for inflammation.

Protective effect of an arabinogalactan from black soybean against carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver injury in mice

In vivo hepatoprotective effect of a novel arabinogalactan (AG) from black soybean on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced acute liver injury was evaluated for the first time. Our results showed that administration of AG could significantly attenuate the increase in the levels of alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase in the serum caused by CCl4 treatment. AG treatment not only significantly elevated the levels of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase; but also increased the levels of non-enzyme antioxidants (glutathione and total antioxidant capacity in liver tissues) when compared with CCl4-induced acute liver injury model. In addition, AG significantly reduced lipid peroxidation levels in liver tissues. The hepatoprotective effect of high-dose of AG was comparable to that of silymarin, which served as a positive standard. This study indicated that AG had a protective effect on CCl4-induced acute liver injury.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Polysaccharides Isolated from Dendrobium officinale against Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury in Mice via Regulation of the Nrf2-Keap1 Signaling Pathway

The effect of polysaccharides isolated from Dendrobium officinale (DOP) on acetaminophen- (APAP-) induced hepatotoxicity and the underlying mechanisms involved are investigated. Male Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice were randomly assigned to six groups: (1) control, (2) vehicle (APAP, 230 mg/kg), (3) N-acetylcysteine (100 mg/kg), (4) 50 mg/kg DOP, (5) 100 mg/kg DOP, and (6) 200 mg/kg DOP. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels in the serum and glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in the liver were determined after the death of the mice. The histological examination of the liver was also performed. The effect of DOP on the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1- (Keap1-) nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway was evaluated using Western blot analysis and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The results showed that DOP treatment significantly alleviated the hepatic injury. The decrease in ALT and AST levels in the serum and ROS, MDA, and MPO contents in the liver, as well as the increases in GSH, CAT, and T-AOC in the liver, were observed after DOP treatment. DOP treatment significantly induced the dissociation of Nrf2 from the Nrf2-Keap1 complex and promoted the Nrf2 nuclear translocation. Subsequently, DOP-mediated Nrf2 activation triggered the transcription and expressions of the glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic (GCLC) subunit, glutamate-cysteine ligase regulatory subunit (GCLM), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and NAD(P)H dehydrogenase quinone 1 (NQO1) in APAP-treated mice. The present study revealed that DOP treatment exerted potentially hepatoprotective effects against APAP-induced liver injury. Further investigation about mechanisms indicated that DOP exerted the hepatoprotective effect by suppressing the oxidative stress and activating the Nrf2-Keap1 signaling pathway.

Subchronic and Genetic Safety Assessment of a New Medicinal Dendrobium Species: Dendrobium Taiseed Tosnobile in Rats

Dendrobium Taiseed Tosnobile is a new species of herba dendrobii (Shi-Hu) that was developed by crossbreeding D. tosaense and D. nobile. Its pharmacological activity and active component have been reported, but its subchronic toxicity and genetic safety have not yet been investigated. This study assessed the 90-day oral toxicity and genetic safety of the aqueous extracts of D. Taiseed Tosnobile (DTTE) in male and female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Eighty rats were divided into four groups, each consisting of ten male and ten female rats. DTTE was given orally to rats at 800, 1600, or 2400 mg/kg for 90 consecutive days, and distilled water was used for the control group. Genotoxicity studies were performed using a bacterial reverse mutation assay and in vivo mammalian cell micronucleus test in ICR mice and analyzed using flow cytometry. Throughout the study period, no abnormal changes were observed in clinical signs and body weight or on ophthalmological examinations. Additionally, no significant differences were found in urinalysis, hematology, and serum biochemistry parameters between the treatment and control groups. Necropsy and histopathological examination indicated no treatment-related changes. Based on results, the no-observed-adverse-effect level of DTTE is greater than 2400 mg/kg in SD rats.

Seabuckthorn berry polysaccharide protects against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in mice via anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities

The berries of Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) are traditional medicinal foods that have been used by Tibetans and Mongolians for thousands of years. The polysaccharides are the main components of Seabuckthorn berries, possessing immune stimulating, anti-cancer and anti-fatigue activities. The present study focused on evaluating the protective effects and mechanisms of Seabuckthorn berry polysaccharide (SP) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced hepatotoxicity. Mice were orally administrated with 50, 100 and 200 mg kg^-1 of SP once daily for 14 consecutive days prior to CCl₄ challenge. Pretreatment with SP significantly decreased alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and total bilirubin (TBIL) levels, while increasing the levels of prealbumin (PALB) in the CCl₄-challenged mice, which were accompanied by diminished liver injuries, increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities, increased GSH levels, and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) content. The pretreatment with SP also markedly reduced the CCl₄-induced expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and nitric oxide (NO). Furthermore, the pretreatment with SP decreased hepatic Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression and inhibited the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in the CCl₄-challenged mice. These results suggest that the pretreatment with SP protected against CCl₄-induced liver damage via its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. SP might be suitable for functional foods and natural drugs in preventing CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity.

High-Density Genetic Map Construction and Stem Total Polysaccharide Content-Related QTL Exploration for Chinese Endemic Dendrobium (Orchidaceae)

Plants of the Dendrobium genus are orchids with not only ornamental value but also high medicinal value. To understand the genetic basis of variations in active ingredients of the stem total polysaccharide contents (STPCs) among different Dendrobium species, it is of paramount importance to understand the mechanism of STPC formation and identify genes affecting its process at the whole genome level. Here, we report the first high-density single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) integrated genetic map with a good genome coverage of Dendrobium. The specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) technology led to identification of 7,013,400 SNPs from 1,503,626 high-quality SLAF markers from two parents (Dendrobium moniliforme ♀ × Dendrobium officinale ♂) and their interspecific F₁ hybrid population. The final genetic map contained 8, 573 SLAF markers, covering 19 linkage groups (LGs). This genetic map spanned a length of 2,737.49 cM, where the average distance between markers is 0.32 cM. In total, 5 quantitative trait loci (QTL) related to STPC were identified, 3 of which have candidate genes within the confidence intervals of these stable QTLs based on the D. officinale genome sequence. This study will build a foundation up for the mapping of other medicinal-related traits and provide an important reference for the molecular breeding of these Chinese herb.

Dendrobium: Sources of Active Ingredients to Treat Age-Related Pathologies

Dendrobium represents one of the most important orchid genera, ornamentally and medicinally. Dendrobiums are sympodial epiphytic plants, which is a name they are worthy of, the name coming from Greek origin: "dendros", tree, and "bios", life. Dendrobium species have been used for a thousand years as first-rate herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). They are source of tonic, astringent, analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory substances, and have been traditionally used as medicinal herbs in the treatment of a variety of disorders, such as, nourishing the stomach, enhancing production of body fluids or nourishing Yin. The Chinese consider Dendrobium as one of the fifty fundamental herbs used to treat all kinds of ailments and use Dendrobium tonic for longevity. This review is focused on main research conducted during the last decade (2006-2016) on Dendrobium plants and their constituents, which have been subjected to investigations of their pharmacological effects involving anticancer, anti-diabetic, neuroprotective and immunomodulating activities, to report their undeniable potential for treating age-related pathologies.

The medicinal and pharmaceutical importance of Dendrobium species

Plants of the Dendrobium genus, one of the largest in the Orchidaceae, manifest a diversity of medicinal effects encompassing antiangiogenic, immunomodulating, antidiabetic, cataractogenesis-inhibiting, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet aggregation, antifungal, antibacterial, antiherpetic, antimalarial, aquaporin-5 stimulating, and hemagglutininating activities and also exert beneficial actions on colonic health and alleviate symptoms of hyperthyroidism. The active principles include a wide range of proteinaceous and non-proteinaceous molecules. This mini-review discusses the latest advances in what is known about the medicinal and pharmaceutical properties of members of the Dendrobium genus and explores how biotechnology can serve as a conduit to mass propagate valuable germplasm for sustainable exploration for the pharmaceutical industry.