Simultaneous screening and analysis of antiplatelet aggregation active alkaloids from Rhizoma Corydalis

Effects and mechanism of Kedaling tablets for atherosclerosis treatment based on network pharmacology, molecular docking and experimental study

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Kedaling tablets (KDL) are a Chinese patented medicine derived from Corydalis yanhusuo (Y.H. Chou & Chun C.Hsu) W.T. Wang ex Z.Y. Su & C.Y. Wu (Papaveraceae). They are prescribed for the prevention of atherosclerosis (AS).

AIMS OF THIS STUDY

We sought to evaluate the effects of KDL treating AS, based on which we screen out the active components of KDL tablets, analyse the serum parameters of rats fed with KDL, and explore the possible mechanisms of action of KDL tablets in the treatment of AS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

ApoE knockout (ApoE-/-) mice fed a high-fat diet were used to establish an AS model. After KDL and atorvastatin tablets (ATV) treatment for 4 weeks, Movat and haematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining were used to evaluate aortic plaques. Further, we measured total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides (TG) in serum. Through ELISA, we measured the levels of proinflammatory factors in serum. The components of KDL were comprehensively analysed using UPLC-Q/TOF-MS. Mechanisms of action were investigated via protein-protein interaction network analysis, Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis and molecular docking. The expression of predicted targets in serum and aorta were then verified by ELISA.

RESULTS

Animal experiments confirmed that KDL could decrease the plaque area and the proportion of foam cells and collagenous fibres within the plaques of ApoE-/- mice. In addition, KDL regulated the levels of TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C and proinflammatory factors (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-17) associated with AS. UPLC-Q/TOF-MS analysis revealed 50 and 21 major components in the KDL tablets and serum of rats fed with KDL, respectively. A total of 255 potential core therapeutic targets were obtained, and the top eight key targets were screened out according to network pharmacology analysis. GO analysis revealed 883 biological processes, 136 cellular components and 202 molecular functions. KEGG analysis indicated that 177 signalling pathways, including lipid and AS, TNF, IL-17, TGF-β and other signalling pathways might be associated with AS. Molecular docking results showed that the main active components canadine, stylopine, tetrahydropalmatine and dehydrocorydaline had higher affinities for TNFA, TGFB1, and TGFB2. Furthermore, the favourable effects of KDL were mediated through the regulation of serum TGF-β and TNF-α levels in the serum and aorta of experimental animals.

CONCLUSIONS

KDL attenuated AS in ApoE-/- mice, which was associated with a suppression of inflammatory signalling through the TNF and TGF-β pathways.

Bracteatinine and isogroenlandicine, two new isoquinoline alkaloids isolated from Corydalis bracteata and their effect on platelet function

Two previously undescribed isoquinoline alkaloids, bracteatinine (1) and isogroenlandicine (2), together with four known alkaloids - coptisine (3), dehydrocorydaline (4), palmatine (5) and jatrorrhizine (6) were isolated from the aerial parts of Corydalis bracteata (Steph. Ex. Willd.) Pers. The structures of the compounds were elucidated using 1D and 2D NMR data along with HRESI-MS. The isolated new compounds bracteatinine and isogroenlandicine are close structural derivatives and isomers of corgoine and groenlandicine, respectively. Bracteatinine is also notable, being a representative of the rare 2-benzylisoquinoline alkaloids. Many natural products isolated from different plants are used as adjuvants, in addition to standard chemotherapy, in treatment of different cancers. Cancer-associated thrombosis remains a common complication and leading cause of mortality for cancer patients. Because platelets play the key role in thrombotic complications, we investigated effects of the isolated alkaloids 1-6 on platelet reactivity and showed that they did not significantly affect platelet function.

The composition, pharmacological effects, related mechanisms and drug delivery of alkaloids from Corydalis yanhusuo

Corydalis yanhusuo W. T. Wang, also known as yanhusuo, yuanhu, yanhu and xuanhu, is one of the herb components of many Chinese Traditional Medicine prescriptions such as Jin Ling Zi San and Yuanhu-Zhitong priscription. C. yanhusuo was traditionally used to relieve pain and motivate blood and Qi circulation. Now there has been growing interest in pharmacological effects of alkaloids, the main bioactive components of C. yanhusuo. Eighty-four alkaloids isolated from C. yanhusuo are its important bioactive components and can be characterized into protoberberine alkaloids, aporphine alkaloids, opiate alkaloids and others and proper extraction or co-administration methods modulate their contents and efficacy. Alkaloids from C. yanhusuo have various pharmacological effects on the nervous system, cardiovascular system, cancer and others through multiple molecular mechanisms such as modulating neurotransmitters, ion channels, gut microbiota, HPA axis and signaling pathways and are potential treatments for many diseases. Plenty of novel drug delivery methods such as autologous red blood cells, self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems, nanoparticles and others have also been investigated to better exert the effects of alkaloids from C. yanhusuo. This review summarized the alkaloid components of C. yanhusuo, their pharmacological effects and mechanisms, and methods of drug delivery to lay a foundation for future investigations.

Anti-cancer effect of palmatine through inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway in canine mammary gland tumor CMT-U27 cells

Canine mammary gland tumors (CMTs) are the most common and lethal cancers in female dogs. Dysregulated phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K)/AKT pathway reportedly was involved in the growth and metastasis of CMTs. However, there are few studies on therapeutic strategies for targeting the PI3K pathway in CMTs. In this study, we aimed to determine whether palmatine, a natural isoquinoline alkaloid with anti-cancer properties, could inhibit the growth of CMTs and whether the inhibitory effect was mediated through the PI3K/AKT pathway. Our in vitro experiments on CMT-U27, a CMT cell line, showed that palmatine reduced cell proliferation and induced cell death. Western blotting results revealed that palmatine decreased the protein expression of PI3K, PTEN, AKT, and mechanistic target of rapamycin in the PI3K/AKT pathway, which was supported by the results of immunocytochemistry. Additionally, palmatine suppressed the migration and tube formation of canine aortic endothelial cells as well as the migration of CMT U27 cells. Our in vivo results showed that palmatine inhibited tumor growth in a CMT-U27 mouse xenograft model. We observed a decreased expression of proteins in the PI3K/AKT pathway in tumor tissues, similar to the in vitro results. Furthermore, palmatine significantly disrupted the tumor vasculature and inhibited metastasis to adjacent lymph nodes. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that palmatine exerts anti-cancer effects against CMTs by inhibiting PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, suggesting that palmatine has potential as a canine-specific PI3K inhibitor for the treatment of CMTs.

Study on chemical constituents and fingerprints of Phellodendron amurense Rupr. based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry

The chemical constituents from Phellodendron amurense Rupr. were characterized systematically by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry method for collecting mass spectrometry data, and the fingerprints method was established, providing reference for its quality control. The chromatographic column was ACQUITY UPLC BEH-C18 (100 mm×2.1 mm, 1.7 μm). The mobile phase was acetonitrile-0.1% formic acid aqueous solution and the compounds from P. amurense Rupr. were identified by Qualitative Analysis 10.0 software, reference substance, retention time, mass spectrometry fragmentation pattern and database retrieval. Meanwhile, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry fingerprint methods of P. amurense Rupr. and Phellodendron chinense Schneid. were established by using the similarity evaluation system of chromatographic fingerprint of traditional Chinese medicine (2012 edition), and the differences were analyzed by multivariate statistical analysis methods. A total of 105 compounds were identified, including 102 alkaloids, two phenolic acids, and one lactone compound. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry fingerprint method was established with ideal precision, stability and repeatability, and 12 quality differential markers were recognized between the above two herbs. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method can be used for qualitative analysis of the constituents of Phellodendron amurense Rupr., providing reference for clarifying the material basis and promoting the clinical precision medication and quality evaluation of P. amurense Rupr.

Dehydrocorydaline alleviates sleep deprivation-induced persistent postoperative pain in adolescent mice through inhibiting microglial P2Y12 receptor expression in the spinal cord

During adolescence, a second period of central nervous system (CNS) plasticity that follows the fetal period, which involves sleep deprivation (SD), becomes apparent. SD during adolescence may result in abnormal development of neural circuits, causing imbalance in neuronal excitation and inhibition, which not only results in pain, but increases the chances of developing emotion disorders in adulthood, such as anxiety and depression. The quantity of surgeries during adolescence is also consistently on the rise, yet the impact and underlying mechanism of preoperative SD on postoperative pain remain unexplored. This study demonstrates that preoperative SD induces upregulation of the P2Y12 receptor, which is exclusively expressed on spinal microglia, and phosphorylation of its downstream signaling pathway p38Mitogen-activated protein/Nuclear transcription factor-κB (p38MAPK/NF-κB)in spinal microglia, thereby promoting microglia activation and microglial transformation into the proinflammatory M1 phenotype, resulting in increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines that exacerbate persisting postoperative incisional pain in adolescent mice. Both intrathecal minocycline (a microglia activation inhibitor) and MRS2395 (a P2Y12 receptor blocker) effectively suppressed microglial activation and proinflammatory cytokine expression. Interestingly, supplementation with dehydrocorydaline (DHC), an extract of Rhizoma Corydalis, inhibited the P2Y12/p38MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway, microglia activation, and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the model mice. Taken together, the results indicate that the P2Y12 receptor and microglial activation are important factors in persistent postoperative pain caused by preoperative SD in adolescent mice and that DHC has analgesic effects by acting on these targets.

Antithrombotic and antiplatelet effects of plant-derived compounds: a great utility potential for primary, secondary, and tertiary care in the framework of 3P medicine

Thromboembolism is the third leading vascular disease, with a high annual incidence of 1 to 2 cases per 1000 individuals within the general population. The broader term venous thromboembolism generally refers to deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and/or a combination of both. Therefore, thromboembolism can affect both – the central and peripheral veins. Arterial thromboembolism causes systemic ischemia by disturbing blood flow and oxygen supply to organs, tissues, and cells causing, therefore, apoptosis and/or necrosis in the affected tissues. Currently applied antithrombotic drugs used, e.g. to protect affected individuals against ischemic stroke, demonstrate significant limitations. For example, platelet inhibitors possess only moderate efficacy. On the other hand, thrombolytics and anticoagulants significantly increase hemorrhage. Contextually, new approaches are extensively under consideration to develop next-generation antithrombotics with improved efficacy and more personalized and targeted application. To this end, phytochemicals show potent antithrombotic efficacy demonstrated in numerous in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models as well as in clinical evaluations conducted on healthy individuals and persons at high risk of thrombotic events, such as pregnant women (primary care), cancer, and COVID-19-affected patients (secondary and tertiary care). Here, we hypothesized that specific antithrombotic and antiplatelet effects of plant-derived compounds might be of great clinical utility in primary, secondary, and tertiary care. To increase the efficacy, precise patient stratification based on predictive diagnostics is essential for targeted protection and treatments tailored to the person in the framework of 3P medicine. Contextually, this paper aims at critical review toward the involvement of specific classes of phytochemicals in antiplatelet and anticoagulation adapted to clinical needs. The paper exemplifies selected plant-derived drugs, plant extracts, and whole plant foods/herbs demonstrating their specific antithrombotic, antiplatelet, and fibrinolytic activities relevant for primary, secondary, and tertiary care. One of the examples considered is antithrombotic and antiplatelet protection specifically relevant for COVID-19-affected patient groups.

Uncovering the Effect and Mechanism of Rhizoma Corydalis on Myocardial Infarction Through an Integrated Network Pharmacology Approach and Experimental Verification

Background: Myocardial infarction (MI), characterized by reduced blood flow to the heart, is a coronary artery disorder with the highest morbidity and mortality among cardiovascular diseases. Consequently, there is an urgent need to identify effective drugs to treat MI. Rhizoma Corydalis (RC) is the dry tuber of Corydalis yanhusuo W.T. Wang, and is extensively applied in treating MI clinically in China. Its underlying pharmacological mechanism remains unknown. This study aims to clarify the molecular mechanism of RC on MI by utilizing network pharmacology and experimental verification.

Methods: Based on network pharmacology, the potential targets of the RC ingredients and MI-related targets were collected from the databases. Furthermore, core targets of RC on MI were identified by the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and analyzed with Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. Molecular docking was used to validate the binding affinity between the core targets and the bioactive components. Oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) was performed on H9c2 cells to mimic MI in vitro. A Cell Counting Kit-8 assay was used to assess the cardioprotective effect of the active ingredient against OGD. Western blot analysis and RT-qPCR were used to measure the cell apoptosis and inflammation level of H9c2 cells.

Results: The network pharmacology obtained 60 bioactive components of RC, 431 potential targets, and 1131 MI-related targets. In total, 126 core targets were screened according to topological analysis. KEGG results showed that RC was closely related to the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Protein kinase B (PKB, also called Akt) signaling pathway. The experimental validation data showed that tetrahydropalmatine (THP) pretreatment preserved cell viability after OGD exposure. THP suppressed cardiomyocyte apoptosis and inflammation induced by OGD, while LY294002 blocked the inhibition effect of THP on OGD-induced H9c2 cell injury. Moreover, the molecular docking results indicated that THP had the strongest binding affinity with Akt over berberine, coptisine, palmatine, and quercetin.

Conclusion: THP, the active ingredient of RC, can suppress OGD-induced H9c2 cell injury by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway, which in turn provides a scientific basis for a novel strategy for MI therapy and RC application.

Antiatherosclerotic effect of dehydrocorydaline on ApoE-/- mice: inhibition of macrophage inflammation

Despite improvements in cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes by cholesterol-lowering statin therapy, the high rate of CVD is still a great concern worldwide. Dehydrocorydaline (DHC) is an alkaloidal compound isolated from the traditional Chinese herb Corydalis yanhusuo. Emerging evidence shows that DHC has anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic benefits, but whether DHC exerts any antiatherosclerotic effects remains unclear. Our study revealed that intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of DHC in apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE^-/-) mice not only inhibited atherosclerosis development but also improved aortic compliance and increased plaque stability. In addition, DHC attenuated systemic and vascular inflammation in ApoE^-/- mice. As macrophage inflammation plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, we next examined the direct effects of DHC on bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) in vitro. Our RNA-seq data revealed that DHC dramatically decreased the levels of proinflammatory gene clusters. We verified that DHC significantly downregulated proinflammatory interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 mRNA levels in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, DHC decreased lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in BMDMs, as evidenced by the reduced protein levels of CD80, iNOS, NLRP3, IL-1β, and IL-18. Importantly, DHC attenuated LPS-induced activation of p65 and the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) pathway. Thus, we conclude that DHC ameliorates atherosclerosis in ApoE^-/- mice by inhibiting inflammation, likely by targeting macrophage p65- and ERK1/2-mediated pathways.

Rapid Quality Identification of Decoction Pieces of Crude and Processed Corydalis Rhizoma by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Coupled with Chemometrics

In order to identify the quality of crude and processed Corydalis Rhizoma decoction pieces, the research established a simple, fast, reliable, and validated near-infrared qualitative and quantitative model combined with chemometrics. 51 batches of crude and 40 batches of processed Corydalis Rhizoma from the Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces of China were collected and analyzed. Crude and processed Corydalis Rhizoma samples were crushed to obtain NIR spectra. The content of seven alkaloids in crude and processed Corydalis Rhizoma was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Pretreatment methods were screened such as normalization methods, offset filtering methods, and smoothing. Combined with partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and partial least squares (PLS), the qualitative and quantitative models of crude and processed Corydalis Rhizoma were established, and the correlation coefficient (R ²), root mean square error of calibration (RMSEC), and root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) were used as evaluation indexes. Tetrahydropalmatine was used as an example for screening pretreatment methods; the results showed that MSC combined with the second derivative and no smoothing and the model with the wavelength range of 10000-5000 cm^-1 had the best predictive ability and applied to all seven alkaloid components. Among them, the correlation coefficients were all higher than 0.99, and RMSEC and RMSEP were all less than 1%. The qualitative and quantitative model of the seven alkaloids in Corydalis Rhizoma can effectively identify the crude and processed Corydalis Rhizoma and determine the content of the seven alkaloids. By studying the NIR qualitative and quantitative models of crude and processed Corydalis Rhizoma, we can achieve rapid discrimination and quantitative prediction of crude and processed Corydalis Rhizoma. These methods can greatly improve the efficiency of traditional Chinese medicine analysis and provide a strong scientific basis for the quality identification and control of traditional Chinese medicine.

A new strategy for quality evaluation and control of Chinese patent medicine based on chiral isomer ratio analysis: With Yuanhuzhitong tablet as an example

Chiral compounds commonly exist in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), but little research on the quality control of TCM has been conducted. In this study, a new strategy is proposed, taking Yuanhuzhitong tablet [YHZT, consisting of Radix Angelicae Dahuricae and Rhizoma Corydalis (Yan Hu Suo, YHS)] for example, which is based on chiral isomer ratio analysis to monitor the production process of Chinese patent medicine companies. In the process of content determination for tetrahydropalmatine (THP) in YHZT from different companies, noticeable differences were observed in their chromatographic behaviors. It is known that THP has two enantiomers, naturally coexisting in YHS as a racemic mixture, so we prepared THP twice and subsequently performed chiral separation analysis using supercritical fluid chromatography. As a result, the peak area ratios of two enantiomers from different companies varied remarkably, demonstrating that some companies did not probably manufacture YHZT products in accordance with the prescription proportion, used inferior or extracted YSH crude materials in the production process, and added raw chemical medicine in the production to reach the standard and lower the costs. In conclusion, the peak area ratio of chiral isomers could be taken as a key quality index.

Pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and plasma protein binding rate of palmatine following intragastric and intravenous administration in rats using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

Palmatine is a natural isoquinoline alkaloid widely found in traditional Chinese medicines. In this study, a simple, sensitive and rapid ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the quantification of palmatine in the plasma and tissue samples in rats. Sample preparation involved a simple protein precipitation extraction technique using acetonitrile as the precipitating solvent. Chromatographic separation was accomplished on an ACQUITY UPLC BEH C18 column with a mobile phase of acetonitrile-5 mM ammonium acetate solution (70:30, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. Coptisine was selected as the internal standard. The protonated analytes were determined with MRM in the positive ion mode. The assay exhibited a linear dynamic range of 1.0-1000 ng/mL for palmatine in each biological matrix and the low limit of quantification was 1.0 ng/mL. Non-compartmental pharmacokinetic parameters indicated that there is a significant difference in the apparent distribution volume and half-life between intragastric and intravenous administration modes. Palmatine could be detected in different tissues and the content in liver and kidney is relatively high, suggesting that liver and kidney might be the targeting organs of palmatine. The plasma protein binding rate test showed that the percent binding of palmatine is medium, and was found to be higher in human than in rats.

Systematic review of the alkaloid constituents in several important medicinal plants of the Genus Corydalis

The genus Corydalis is a botanical source of various pharmaceutically active components. Its member species have been widely used in traditional medicine systems in Southeast Asia, especially in China for thousands of years. They have been administered to treat the common cold, hypertension, hepatitis, hemorrhage, edema, gastritis, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and neurological disorders. Analgesia is the most important effect of Corydalis products, which are relatively non-addictive and associated with low tolerance compared with other analgesics. Certain Corydalis species are rich in alkaloids, which have strong biological activity, and also contain coumarins, flavonoids, steroids, organic acids and other chemical components. These constituents have pharmacological efficacy against diseases of the nervous, cardiovascular and digestive systems. Numerous investigations have been performed on these plants and their components. Here, we systemically summarized the chemical constituents of important medicinal member species of Corydalis that have been reported since 1962. A total 381 alkaloids were enumerated, including 117 quaternary isoquinoline type, 60 Benzophenanthridine type, 37 aporphine type, 10 protopine type, 59 phthalide isoquinoline type, 52 simple isoquinoline-type, 25 lignin amides and 21 other alkaloids. Thus, we have provided a basis for further explorations into the pharmacologically active constituents of Corydalissp.(Papaveraceae) to develop medicines that exert strong effects, are relatively non-addictive, and result in few side effects.

Eleven isoquinoline alkaloids on inhibiting tissue factor activity: structure-activity relationships and molecular docking

Tissue factor (TF) which plays a key role in hemostasis and thrombosis appears to be an attractive target and medicinal plants having alkaloids inhibition TF activity benefit to cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of study is to explore further knowledge about alkaloids and TF. TF procoagulant activities were determined by the simplified chromogenic assay and their mRNA expression were then examined by reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction. Besides, the potential of TF/FVIIa binding with four representative alkaloids were analyzed by molecular docking. The results indicated that these isoquinoline alkaloids with various structures had a different effect on suppression of TF activity. Molecular docking showed four alkaloids including l-corydalmine, berberine, jatrorrhizine, and tetrahydropalmatine were stably posed in the active binding pocket of TF/FVIIa. The SARs analysis showed the structural difference including planar, quaternary nitrogen, and the peripheral functional groups at C-8, C-9, C-10, have strong effect on inhibition of TF activity, which provided effective methods to modify isoquinoline alkaloids for inhibiting TF activity. This study provides a further evidence for the cardiovascular protection of isoquinoline alkaloids, and has physiological significance in the clinical challenge to use isoquinoline alkaloids or their potential analogs in the treatment of CVD.

Natural compounds against cytotoxic drug-induced cardiotoxicity: A review on the involvement of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

Cardiotoxicity is a critical concern in the use of several cytotoxic drugs. Induction of apoptosis, inflammation, and autophagy following dysregulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway contributes to the cardiac damage induced by these drugs. Several natural compounds (NCs), including ferulic acid, gingerol, salvianolic acid B, paeonol, apigenin, calycosin, rutin, neferine, higenamine, vincristine, micheliolide, astragaloside IV, and astragalus polysaccharide, have been reported to suppress cytotoxic drug-induced cardiac injury. This article reviews these NCs that have been reported to have a protective effect against cytotoxic drug-induced cardiotoxicity through regulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Advances in phytochemical and modern pharmacological research of Rhizoma Corydalis

ABSRACTContext: Rhizoma Corydalis (RC) is the dried tubers of Corydalis yanhusuo (Y. H. Chou and Chun C. Hsu) W. T. Wang ex Z. Y. Su and C. Y. Wu (Papaveraceae). Traditionally, RC is used to alleviate pain such as headache, abdominal pain, and epigastric pain. Modern medicine shows that it has analgesic, anti-arrhythmia, and other effects.Objective: We provided an overview of the phytochemical and pharmacological properties of RC as a foundation for its clinical application and further research and development of new drugs.Methods: We collected data of various phytochemical and pharmacological effects of RC from 1982 to 2019. To correlate with existing scientific evidence, we used Google Scholar and the journal databases Scopus, PubMed, and CNKI. 'Rhizoma Corydalis', 'phytochemistry', and 'pharmacological effects' were used as key words.Results: Currently, more than 100 chemical components have been isolated and identified from RC, among which alkaloid is the pimary active component of RC. Based on prior research, RC has antinociceptive, sedative, anti-epileptic, antidepressive and anti-anxiety, acetylcholinesterase inhibitory effect, drug abstinence, anti-arrhythmic, antimyocardial infarction, dilated coronary artery, cerebral ischaemia reperfusion (I/R) injury protection, antihypertensive, antithrombotic, antigastrointestinal ulcer, liver protection, antimicrobial, anti-inflammation, antiviral, and anticancer effects.Conclusions: RC is reported to be effective in treating a variety of diseases. Current pharmacological studies on RC mainly focus on the nervous, circulatory, digestive, and endocrine systems, as well as drug withdrawal. Although experimental data support the beneficial effects of this drug, its physiological activity remains a concern. Nonetheless, this review provides a foundation for future research.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Jiuwei Zhenxin Granules in Treating Depression: An Overview

Depression is known as "Yu Zheng" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Jiuwei Zhenxin granules (JZG) is a type of TCM. According to TCM theory, it nourishes the heart and spleen, tonifies Qi, and tranquilizes the spirit, and may also has effects in the treatment of depression. Here, we systematically reviewed recent basic and clinical experimental studies of JZG and depression, including studies of the pharmacological mechanisms, active ingredients, and clinical applications of JZG in depression treatment. This review will deepen our understanding of the pharmacological mechanisms, drug interactions, and clinical applications of TCM prescriptions and provide a basis for the development of new drugs in the treatment of depression.

Determination of Selected Isoquinoline Alkaloids from Mahonia Aquifolia; Meconopsis Cambrica; Corydalis Lutea; Dicentra Spectabilis; Fumaria Officinalis; Macleaya Cordata Extracts by HPLC-DAD and Comparison of Their Cytotoxic Activity

Alkaloids have protective functions for plants and can play an important role in living organisms. Alkaloids may have a wide range of pharmacological activities. Many of them have cytotoxic activity. Nowadays, cancer has become a serious public health problem. Searching for effective drugs with anticancer activity is one of the most significant challenges of modern scientific research. The aim of this study was the investigation of cytotoxic activity of extracts obtained from Corydalis lutea root and herb, Dicentra spectabilis root and herb, Fumaria officinalis, Macleaya cordata leaves and herb, Mahonia aquifolia leaves and cortex, Meconopsis cambrica root and herb on FaDu, SCC-25, MCF-7, and MDA-MB-231 cancer cell lines. The cytotoxic activity of these extracts has not been previously tested for these cell lines. The aim was also to quantify selected alkaloids in the investigated extracts by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The analyses of alkaloid content were performed using HPLC in reversed phase (RP) mode using Polar RP column and mobile phase containing acetonitrile, water and ionic liquid (IL). Cytotoxic effect of the tested plant extracts and respective alkaloid standards were examined using human pharyngeal squamous carcinoma cells (FaDu), human tongue squamous carcinoma cells (SCC-25), human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF-7), human triple-negative breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MDA-MB-231). All investigated plant extracts possess cytotoxic activity against tested cancer cell lines: FaDu, SCC-25, MCF-7, and MDA-MB-231. The highest cytotoxic activity against FaDu, SCC-25, and MCF-7 cell lines was estimated for Macleaya cordata leaf extract, while the highest cytotoxic activity against MDA-MB-231 cell line was obtained for Macleaya cordata herb extract. Differences in cytotoxic activity were observed for extracts obtained from various parts of investigated plants. In almost all cases the cytotoxic activity of investigated plant extracts, especially at the highest concentration against tested cell lines was significantly higher than the activity of anticancer drug etoposide. Our investigations exhibit that these plant extracts can be recommended for further in vivo experiments to confirm their anticancer activity.

Potential target-related proteins in rabbit platelets treated with active monomers dehydrocorydaline and canadine from Rhizoma corydalis

BACKGROUND

Dehydrocorydaline (DHC) and canadine (THB) are two active alkaloid compounds in Corydalis yanhusuo (Y.H. Chou & Chun C. Hsu) W.T. Wang ex Z.Y. Su & C.Y. Wu (Papaveraceae) (Rhizoma Corydalis). DHC and THC were previously shown to exert anti-platelet aggregation effect dose-dependently, but their exact mechanisms had not yet been addressed. Therefore, it is essential to study the mechanisms of DHC and THB affecting on platelet's function.

PURPOSE

To investigate the anti-platelet effects and corresponding signal cascades of DHC and THB on platelet aggregation.

METHODS

Firstly, in vitro anti-platelet aggregation of DHC and THB induced by different agonists including thrombin (THR), adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and arachidonic acid (AA) were determined through turbidimetry method. Then the possible target-related platelet proteins after treated with DHC/THB were separated and identified by two dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and MALDI-TOF-MS/MS analysis, respectively. Finally, the signal cascades network induced by DHC/THB were predicted through functional analysis of these proteins along with the determination of platelet DAG concentration.

RESULTS

The platelet aggregation stimulated by THR, ADP and AA were inhibited by DHC and THB dose-dependently to a certain degree. Meanwhile, DHC and THB had the strongest effect on ADP- and THR-induced platelet aggregation respectively. In addition, treatment of these two compounds caused regulations of about sixty proteins in platelet, including cytoskeleton proteins, cell signaling proteins, proteins related to material energy metabolism, etc. CONCLUSIONS: Using proteomic analysis combined with platelet aggregation test and ELISA, this study was successful in exploring the possible mechanisms of DHC/THB on platelet aggregation. DHC might inhibit platelet aggregation by a mechanism involving the ADP receptors P2Y1 and P2Y12, and the effect of THB on platelet function may be related to its binding to THR receptor PAR1 for mediated Gi signaling pathway. These results provide fundamental information for the anti-thrombotic effect of RC.

Small molecules as inhibitors of PCSK9: Current status and future challenges

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) plays an important role in regulating lipoprotein metabolism by binding to low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDLRs), leading to their degradation. LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering drugs that operate through the inhibition of PCSK9 are being pursued for the management of hypercholesterolemia and reducing its associated atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Two PCSK9-blocking monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), alirocumab and evolocumab, were approved in 2015. However, the high costs of PCSK9 antibody drugs impede their prior authorization practices and reduce their long-term adherence. Given the potential of small-molecule drugs, the development of small-molecule PCSK9 inhibitors has attracted considerable attention. This article provides an overview of the recent development of small-molecule PCSK9 inhibitors disclosed in the literature and patent applications, and different approaches that have been pursued to modulate the functional activity of PCSK9 using small molecules are described. Challenges and potential strategies in developing small-molecule PCSK9 inhibitors are also discussed.

Metabolic profiles of corydaline in rats by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry

1. Corydaline, an isoquinoline alkaloid obtained from the rhizomes of Corydalis yanhusuo, exhibits anti-acetylcholinesterase, anti-angiogenic, anti-allergic and gastric-emptying activities. In this study, a rapid and reliable ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q/TOF-MS) method was developed and employed for the comprehensive study of the metabolites of corydaline in rats. 2. Altogether, 43 metabolites were identified in the plasma (11), bile (9), urine (34) and feces (21) of rats after oral administration of corydaline at a dose of 4.5mg/kg. 3. It was demonstrated that demethylation, hydroxylation, sulfation and glucuronidation were the major metabolic transformation pathways. Among these, two metabolites were identified as tetrahydropalmatine and isocorybulbine, and 33 phase I and phase II products were inferred to be new metabolites arising from the in vivo metabolism of corydaline. 4. Importantly, this research provides scientific and reliable support for full understanding of the metabolic profiles of corydaline and the results could help to elucidate its safety and efficacy.

Canadine from Corydalis turtschaninovii Stimulates Myoblast Differentiation and Protects against Myotube Atrophy

Cachexia and sarcopenia are the main causes of muscle atrophy. These result in a reduction in the muscle fiber area, myo-protein content, and muscle strength, with various molecular modulators being involved. Although several reports have proposed potential therapeutic agents, no effective treatments have been found for muscle atrophy. We searched for myogenic modulators from medicinal plants to treat muscle diseases. We isolated six alkaloids from Corydalis turtschaninovii and evaluated their myogenic potential by using the MyoD reporter gene assay in C2C12 cells. Among the tested compounds, canadine showed the strongest transactivation of MyoD and increased MHC expression during myogenesis. The activation of p38 MAP kinase and Akt are major mechanisms that contribute to the myogenesis by canadine. Canadine increased the number of multinucleated and cylinder-shaped myotubes during myogenesis of C2C12 myoblasts. To determine the preventive effect of canadine in cancer-induced muscle wasting, differentiated C2C12 myotubes were treated with conditioned media from CT26 colon carcinoma culture (CT26 CM) in the presence of canadine. Canadine ameliorated the muscle protein degradation caused by CT26-CM by down-regulating the muscle specific-E3 ligases, MAFbx/atrogin-1 and MuRF1. In this study, we found that canadine from C. turtschaninovii stimulates myogenesis and also inhibits muscle protein degradation. Therefore, we suggest canadine as a protective agent against muscle atrophy.