A new flavonol glycoside from the flowers of Hosta plantaginea with cyclooxygenases-1/2 inhibitory and antioxidant activities

Identification of bioactive ingredients and potential mechanisms of flowers of Hosta Plantaginea in treating pneumonia based on network pharmacology and experimental validation

Flowers of Hosta plantaginea (H. plantaginea), a widely utilized medicinal herb in Mongolian medicine, holds a significant historical background in terms of its medicinal applications. This herb is renowned for its ability to clear heat and detoxify the body, alleviate cough, and provide relief to the throat. However, the active ingredients and the potential mechanism of action remain ambiguity. The objective of this study was to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the efficacy of H. plantaginea in treating pneumonia, identify its active ingredients and unveil the pharmacological mechanism in the treatment of pneumonia. In vivo experiments demonstrate the plant's anti-pneumonia properties, while mass spectrometry analysis identifies 62 chemicals, with 14 absorbed into the bloodstream. Network pharmacology and Venn analysis reveal 195 targets of 52 active ingredients, with 49 gene targets common to H. plantaginea and pneumonia. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction and enrichment analysis highlight the key targets and pathways such as AKT, EGFR, IL-17. Western blotting confirms downregulation of these pathways, indicating the anti-inflammatory effects of H. plantaginea in treating acute lung injury. Our findings showed that the treatment of ALI with the H. plantaginea exerts its anti-inflammatory effects through multiple components, targets, and pathways. This study established a solid experimental foundation for investigating the various components, targets, and pathways involved in the treatment of pneumonia using H. plantaginea. It offers valuable insights from multiple perspectives and can serve as a reference for the clinical application of this plant in pneumonia treatment.

Chemical constituents isolated from Hosta ensata and their anti-inflammatory activities

A new phenol derivative, hostaphenol A (1), along with 16 known ones (2-17) were isolated from an ethanolic extract of the whole plants of Hosta ensata F. Maek. Their structures were elucidated by HRMS and NMR data as well as comparison with those reported in literature. The report of the first cyclopeptide and compounds 5, 6, 8, 10, 12-15, and 17 in the Asparagaceae family. Compound 2, as well as compounds 3, 4, 7, 9, 11, and 16 were reported for the first time from the Hosta genus and this plant, respectively. All compounds significantly reduced nitric oxide (NO) production at a concentration of 40 μM with no toxicity in RAW 264.7 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide. Among them, compounds 2-5 (40 μM) exerted obvious NO inhibitory activities, and their inhibition rate was exceeded 50%.

Extraction optimization and constituent analysis of total flavonoid from Hosta plantaginea (Lam.) Aschers flowers and its ameliorative effect on chronic prostatitis via inhibition of multiple inflammatory pathways in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Hosta plantaginea (Lam.) Aschers flowers (HPF) are well-known for their high flavonoid content, which contribute to their widely as traditional Chinese medicine for alleviating inflammation. Despite their recognized potential, information regarding the total flavonoid (TF) of HPF and its therapeutic application in treating chronic prostatitis (CP) remains unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We aimed to investigate the extraction optimization, constituent analysis, and alleviating effect of TF on CP as well as its potential mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The optimized extraction of TF from HPF was explored using response surface methodology with a Box-Behnken design model. The major flavonoids in TF were identified based on UHPLC-MS approach. Efficacy of TF (25 and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) on CP was evaluated in prostate antigen emulsion-induced autoimmune CP rat model by measuring prostatic index, the levels of leukocytes and lecithin bodies, as well as histopathological examination. The protein expression contents were detected by western blotting. Additionally, the antioxidant (DPPH and ABTS) and anti-inflammatory (cyclooxygenase 2, COX-2 inhibitory) effects of TF were also evaluated in vitro.

RESULTS

The optimized conditions for TF extraction were determined as 60% ethanol concentration, 30 mL/g liquid-to-solid ratio, 30 min extraction time, and 90 °C extraction temperature, and the extraction ratio is 65.98 ± 2.14%. A total of 15 major flavonoids in TF were characterized by comparison with reference standards. TF ameliorated the efficacy of CP in rats in a dose-independent manner, including reduced prostatic index and leukocytes levels, elevated lecithin body levels, ameliorated histopathological damage to prostate, and suppressed phosphorylated protein expressions of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) p65, inhibitor of NF-κB alpha (IκBα), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk), just another kinase 1 (JAK1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase B (Akt). Simultaneously, the IC50 of TF to DPPH, ABTS radicals, and COX-2 were 2.02, 1.79, and 0.0838 mg/mL, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

We first demonstrated that TF from HPF represents a promising candidate to alleviate CP through suppression of NF-κB, MAPKs, JAK-STAT, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways.

Therapeutic effect of Hosta plantaginea (Lam.) Aschers flowers on acute pharyngitis through inhibition of multi-inflammatory pathways in rats

BACKGROUND

Hosta plantaginea (Lam.) Aschers flower is a famous Mongolian folk medicine in China and has a therapeutic effect on acute pharyngitis (AP). However, the effect and potential mechanism of H. plantaginea flower on AP have not been fully elucidated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present work aimed to evaluate the effects and mechanisms of the crude extract of H. plantaginea flowers (HP) and its four fractions of petroleum ether fraction (HPA), ethyl acetate fraction (HPB), n-butanol fraction (HPC), and water residue (HPD) against AP in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A 15% ammonia-induced AP rat model in rats was established. Therapeutic effects of HP and HPA∼D in model rats were evaluated based on body weight, histopathological analysis, and inflammatory parameters, including tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), and IL-6. The protein expression of nuclear factor kappa-B p65 (NF-κB p65), inhibitor of NF-κB alpha (IκBα), c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) p38, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk), just another kinase 1 (JAK1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), and protein kinase B (Akt) were detected by a Western blotting assay.

RESULTS

HP, HPB, and HPC treatments markedly alleviated AP in rats by increasing body weight and improving pathological damages in pharyngeal tissues. In addition, HP, HPB, and HPC treatments significantly inhibited inflammation, including decreasing the levels of TNF-α, PGE2, IL-1β, and IL-6, and suppressing phosphorylated protein expression of p65, IκBα, JNK, p38, Erk, JAK1, STAT3, PI3K, and Akt in pharyngeal tissues of rats.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, HP, HPB, and HPC can attenuate pharynx injury in rats by suppressing inflammation via inhibition of NF-κB, MAPKs, JAK-STAT, and PI3K-Akt pathways, which supports the traditional use of H. plantaginea flowers.

Potential antioxidative components from Syringa oblata Lindl stems revealed by affinity ultrafiltration with multiple drug targets

Traditional Chinese medicine is the main source of natural products due to its remarkable clinical efficacy. Syringa oblata Lindl (S. oblata) was widely used because of its extensive biological activities. However, to explore the antioxidant components of S. oblata against tyrosinase, the experiments of antioxidation in vitro were employed. At the same time, the determination of TPC was also use to assess the antioxidant ability of CE, MC, EA and WA fractions and the liver protective activity of the EA fraction was evaluated by mice in vivo. Next, UF-LC-MS technology was performed to screen and identify the efficient tyrosinase inhibitors in S. oblata. The results showed that alashinol (G), dihydrocubebin, syripinin E and secoisolariciresinol were characterized as potential tyrosinase ligands and their RBA values were 2.35, 1.97, 1.91 and 1.61, respectively. Moreover, these four ligands can effectively dock with tyrosinase molecules, with binding energies (BEs) ranging from 0.74 to -0.73 kcal/mol. In addition, tyrosinase inhibition experiment was employed to evaluate the tyrosinase inhibition activities of four potential ligands, the result showed that compound 12 (alashinol G, IC50 = 0.91 ± 0.20 mM) showed the strongest activity to tyrosinase, followed by secoisolariciresinol (IC50 = 0.99 ± 0.07 mM), dihydrocubebin (IC50 = 1.04 ± 0.30 mM) and syripinin E (IC50 = 1.28 ± 0.23 mM), respectively. The results demonstrate that S. oblata might have excellent antioxidant activity, and UF-LC-MS technique is a effective means to filter out tyrosinase inhibitors from natural products.

Amelioration of chronic prostatitis by fractions of Mongolian medicine Hosta plantaginea flowers via inhibition of NF-κB, MAPKs, JAK-STAT, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Hosta plantaginea (Lam.) Aschers flower is an important Mongolian medicine beneficial in the treatment of chronic prostatitis (CP) in the absence of scientific evidence.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study was to reveal the therapeutical effects and potential mechanisms of H. plantaginea flowers extract (HP) and its different polarity fractions (HPA∼D) on autoimmune CP (ACP) model rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly assigned to 13 groups (n = 6/group). Except the sham group, all rats were injected with a mixture of prostate antigen and complete Freund's adjuvant on days 0, 7, and 21 to establish ACP model rats. Afterwards, ACP model rats were orally gavaged with HP or HPA∼D (1 and 4 g/kg of raw herbal material) or positive drug (Prostat, 200 mg/kg) daily from day 21 to day 50 for 30 days, while the sham and model groups were treated simultaneously with isopyknic of 0.3% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. Histopathological analysis, biochemical parameters, and protein expression of prostate tissues were investigated.

RESULTS

In comparison with the model group, all fraction groups experienced improved CP effects, including restored body weight, reduced prostate gland edema and prostate index, decreased prostatic leukocytes, increased prostatic lecithin bodies, and alleviated histopathological damage to prostate tissue. Furthermore, all fraction groups markedly inhibited the phosphorylated protein of nuclear factor kappa-B p65 (NF-κB p65), NF-κB inhibitor alpha (IκBα), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk), just another kinase 1 (JAK1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), and protein kinase B (Akt) than the model group.

CONCLUSION

All fractions of HP exerted significant anti-CP effects by inhibiting NF-κB, MAPKs, JAK-STAT and PI3K-Akt pathways in ACP model rats. These findings provide scientific evidence that H. plantaginea flowers can be used as a pivotal Mongolian medicine in clinical applications for the treatment of CP.

Anti-inflammatory constituents isolated from the flowers of Hosta plantaginea via suppression of the NF-κB signaling pathway in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages

Hosta plantaginea (Lam.) Aschers flower is traditionally used in China as an important herbal medicine for the treatment of inflammatory disease. The present study isolated one new compound, namely (3R)-dihydrobonducellin (1), and five known ones, p-hydroxycinnamic acid (2), paprazine (3), thymidine (4), bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (5), and dibutyl phthalate (6) from H. plantaginea flowers. These structures were elucidated from spectroscopic data. Among them, compounds 1-4 remarkably suppressed nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values of 19.88 ± 1.81, 39.80 ± 0.85, 19.03 ± 2.35, and 34.63 ± 2.38 μM, respectively. Furthermore, compounds 1 and 3 (20 μM) significantly decreased levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), and IL-6. Additionally, compounds 1 and 3 (20 μM) prominently reduced the phosphorylation protein level of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) p65. The present findings indicated that compounds 1 and 3 may be new candidates against inflammation via blocking the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Kaempferol 3-O-(2G-glucosylrutinoside)-7-O-glucoside isolated from the flowers of Hosta plantaginea exerts anti-inflammatory activity via suppression of NF-κB, MAPKs and Akt pathways in RAW 264.7 cells

Kaempferol 3-O-(2^G-glucosylrutinoside)-7-O-glucoside (KGG) has isolated from Hosta plantaginea flowers and possessed an inhibitory effect on cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), could be effective in inhibiting inflammation. However, the anti-inflammatory activity and mechanism of KGG remain unknown. In this study, for the first time, the anti-inflammatory effect of KGG and its potential molecular mechanisms were explored in cells. KGG had no cytotoxicity at concentrations of 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, and 40 μM by Cell Counting kit-8 assay in RAW 264.7 cells. Besides, KGG concentration-dependently (1.25, 2.5, and 5 μM) inhibited secretions of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), and IL-6 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Western blot showed that the phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) p65, inhibitor of NF-κB (IκB), p38 MAPK, c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk), and protein kinase B (Akt), together with inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and COX-2 were significantly attenuated by KGG (1.25, 2.5, and 5 μM) in a concentration-dependent relationship. Meanwhile, KGG remarkably enhanced the protein expression of IκB. Taken together, KGG may be one of bioactive phytochemicals from H. plantaginea flowers, and be an anti-inflammatory agent via inhibiting NF-κB, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and Akt signaling pathways.

Protection by Hosta ventricosa polysaccharides against oxidative damage induced by t-BHP in HepG2 cells via the JNK/Nrf2 pathway

Hosta ventricosa is a plant that can be used for medicine and diet. It has been proven to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antitumor activities, and one of its main constituents is polysaccharides. However, studies on polysaccharides of Hosta ventricosa are limited, and their physiological activities have not been clarified. Therefore, isolation, purification and characterization of Hosta ventricosa root polysaccharides (HVRPp-1) were performed in this research. Furthermore, the effect of HVRPp-1 on tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)-induced oxidative damage in HepG2 cells was investigated in vitro. The results showed that HVRPp-1 is a nonhomogeneous polysaccharide that could protect HepG2 cells from oxidative damage through the C-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway. In conclusion, this research proved the antioxidant mechanism of HVRPp-1 for the first time, providing a reliable theoretical basis for basic research on Hosta ventricosa polysaccharides and the possibility of their application in functional foods.

Anti-inflammatory effects of flavonoids and phenylethanoid glycosides from Hosta plantaginea flowers in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages through inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway

Background

The flower of Hosta plantaginea (Lam.) Aschers has traditionally been used in China as an important Mongolian medicine for the treatment of inflammatory diseases with limited scientific evidence. In previous studies, 16 flavonoids and 3 phenylethanoid glycosides (1–19) were isolated from the ethanolic extract of H. plantaginea flowers. Nevertheless, the anti-inflammatory effects of these constituents remain unclear. In the present study, the anti-inflammatory effects of these 19 constituents and their underlying mechanisms were assessed in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages.

Methods

The viability of RAW 264.7 macrophages was detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Meanwhile, nitric oxide (NO) production was measured by Griess assay, while the secretion of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and IL-6 in LPS-induced macrophages was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Furthermore, the protein expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 and phosphorylated NF-κB p65 was evaluated by Western blot analysis.

Results

All constituents effectively suppressed excessive NO production at a concentration of 40 μM with no toxicity to LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. Among them, five flavonoids (1, 4–6 and 15) and one phenylethanoid glycoside (17) remarkably prevented the overproduction of NO with median inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values in the range of 12.20–19.91 μM. Moreover, compounds 1, 4–6, 15 and 17 potently inhibited the secretion of TNF-α, PGE2, IL-1β and IL-6, and had a prominent inhibitory effect on the down-regulation of the phosphorylated protein level of NF-κB p65.

Conclusion

Taken together, compounds 1, 4–6, 15 and 17 may be useful in managing inflammatory diseases by blocking the NF-κB signaling pathway and suppressing the overproduction of inflammatory mediators.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12906-022-03540-1.

Hostaflavone A from Hosta plantaginea (Lam.) Asch. blocked NF-κB/iNOS/COX-2/MAPKs/Akt signaling pathways in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Hostaflavone A (HA) is a new flavonoid component isolated from the flower of Hosta plantaginea (Lam.) Asch., which is commonly used as a folk herbal to treat inflammatory diseases in China. Nevertheless, the anti-inflammatory effect of HA remains unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This work aimed to evaluate the HA with anti-inflammatory activity and mechanism in RAW 264.7 macrophages activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Anti-inflammatory effect of HA was evaluated by measuring of cell viability, nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and IL-6 levels in RAW 264.7 cells. In parallel, the HA action mechanism of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65, inhibitor of NF-κB (IκB), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk), p38, and protein kinase B (Akt) were detected by Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

HA has no cytotoxicity at concentrations as high as 40 μM. Besides, HA concentration-dependently clearly suppressed the overproduction of NO, PGE2, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in RAW 264.7 cells induced by LPS. In addition, HA remarkably reduced the upregulation of phosphorylated NF-κB p65, phosphorylated IκB, phosphorylated JNK, phosphorylated Erk and phosphorylated p38, together with iNOS and COX-2 protein expressions in a concentration-dependent manner.

CONCLUSION

HA blocked the LPS activated inflammation via suppressing NF-κB, iNOS, COX-2, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and Akt pathways in RAW 264.7 cells, and might be a new anti-inflammatory agent.

The anti-hyperuricemic effect of flavonoid extract of saffron by-product and its pharmacokinetics in rats after oral administration

Only the dried stigma of the saffron, a flower deemed as the most valuable spice globally, is utilized for industrial production. Hence, there exists a growing interest in utilizing saffron floral bio-residues. The anti-hyperuricemic activity of a flavonoid extract from saffron floral bio-residues was assessed in potassium oxonate-induced hyperuricemia mice. In addition, an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry method was established and validated to determine the pharmacokinetics of five main flavonoids and three phase-II metabolites in rat plasma after oral administration of the flavonoid extract for the first time. Compared with pharmacokinetic parameters of kaempferol-3-O-sophoroside, the most abundant flavonoid in the extract, and its aglycone kaempferol, we observed that coexisting compounds significantly reduced the absorption, accelerated the excretion of kaempferol-3-O-sophoroside, while significantly increasing the absorption and prolonging the residence time of kaempferol in the flavonoid extract. These results suggest the promising potential of the flavonoid extract from saffron floral bio-residues as an anti-hyperuricemic agent. Kaempferol was absorbed in plasma at high concentrations owing to the biotransformation of kaempferol glycosides in vivo.

Plantanone C attenuates LPS-stimulated inflammation by inhibiting NF-κB/iNOS/COX-2/MAPKs/Akt pathways in RAW 264.7 macrophages

The flowers of Hosta plantaginea (Lam.) Aschers are commonly used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases in traditional Chinese medicine with limited scientific evidence. Plantanone C (PC) is a new phytochemical isolated from H. plantaginea flowers; nevertheless, the anti-inflammatory effect remains unknown. Herein, we aimed to study the anti-inflammatory effects of PC and its underlying molecular mechanisms in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The cell viability of PC-treated RAW 264.7 macrophage was measured by the Cell Counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. The anti-inflammatory effect of PC was investigated by measuring the levels of inflammatory mediators and pro-inflammatory cytokines using the Griess reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Furthermore, the mechanism of action of PC was evaluated by Western blot analysis. The results showed that PC was not cytotoxic at concentrations as high as 40 μM. Furthermore, PC potently suppressed LPS-stimulated overproduction of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and IL-6 in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Western blot demonstrated that PC remarkably suppressed the phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) p65, inhibitor of NF-κB (IκB), c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk), p38, and protein kinase B (Akt), as well as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) in a concentration-dependent manner. Taken together, these findings suggest that PC exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting NF-κB, iNOS, COX-2, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and Akt signaling pathways in RAW 264.7 macrophages.

Gastroprotective activity of kaempferol glycosides from Malvaviscus arboreus Cav

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Malvaviscus arboreus is traditionally used in Mexico and Central America for culinary and medicinal purposes. Leaves and flowers of this species are commonly used for preparation of salads, herbal teas and herbal dyes. Panamanian, Guatemalan and Mexican healers use this medicinal plant for the management of fever, respiratory complications, dysentery, liver and gallbladder problems, stomachache and gastritis between other health troubles.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Considering the traditional use of M. arboreous as well as its content in flavonoids and other polyphenols, the objective of this work was to evaluate the gastroprotective effect of an aqueous extract and identify the potential bio-active principles from flowers of this species.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Fresh flowers of Malvaviscus arboreus were collected, dried, and macerated with water. The aqueous extract (ExAq) was partitioned using an immiscible mixture of water and ethyl acetate, giving an aqueous (MaAq) and organic (MaEA) fractions. The gastroprotective effect was carried out using an ethanol-induced gastric ulcer experimental test in male rats. While tween 20 was used as a negative control, famotidine (10 mg/kg) and L-arginine (300 mg/kg) were used as positive controls. Compounds 1 and 2 were isolated by several chromatographic techniques and the chemical characterization was carried out by means of the analysis of the NMR spectra in one and two dimensions.

RESULTS

The integrate extract (ExAq) to 250, 500 and 750 mg/kg showed gastroprotective effect with high levels of 97.8%, 79.5% and 91.1% respectively. The organic fraction (MaEA) displayed a protection of 91.2%, 96.0% and 99.4% when it was evaluated at 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg respectively. Comparison of these results with famotidine at 10 mg/kg (83% of gastroprotection) indicated that ethyl acetate fraction showed a better gastroprotection. The bio-guided separation of this organic mixture, allowed obtaining the most active fraction (C1F4, 60 mg/kg) which was finally purified to obtain two glycosylated flavonols: kaempferol 3-O-D-sophoroside (1) and kaempferol 3-O-D-sambubioside (2). This mixture of flavonoids (40 y 60 mg/kg) showed 93.7 and 92% of gastroprotective activity respectively.

CONCLUSION

This study allowed demonstrating that an aqueous extract and its organic fraction (MaEA) from M. arboreous contain glycosylated flavonoids (1 and 2) which are responsible of the gastroprotective properties of M. arboreous. These results will be used in the future development of a standardized treatment useful in the therapeutic management of gastric ulcers.

Dendropanax dentiger (Harms) Merr. root and its major constituents exert therapeutic effect on adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The root of Dendropanax dentiger (Harms) Merr. is a pivotal folk Chinese medicine against rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with no scientific validation.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study was conducted to explore the anti-RA effect of the D. dentiger extract on complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) in rats and identified its major bio-constituents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Dendropanax dentiger roots extracts (127.5, 255.0 and 510.0 mg/kg, once daily) were orally at day 7 post-administration adjuvant and lasting for 22 days. The therapeutic effects of D. dentiger roots extract on AIA rats were investigated by body weight growth, arthritis score, thymus and spleen indices, and histopathological analysis. Moreover, the levels of rheumatoid factor (RF), C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) were also evaluated. Finally, the major constituents were isolated and identified from D. dentiger roots extract with COX-2 inhibitory and antioxidant activities.

RESULTS

Dendropanax dentiger roots extract remarkably alleviated the histological lesions of knee joint, increased body weight growth, decreased arthritis score, and reduced thymus and spleen indices in model rats. In parallel, the levels of RF, CRP, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, COX-2, 5-LOX and MMP-2 were observably downregulated, while the levels of IL-4 and IL-10 were prominently upregulated in D. dentiger roots extract-treated rats. Meanwhile, 14 compounds were isolated and identified from D. dentiger roots extract, and four phenol derivatives (1, 4, 6 and 7) exhibited remarkable COX-2 inhibitory and antioxidant activities.

CONCLUSIONS

Dendropanax dentiger roots extract possessed persuasive anti-RA effect may be partly responsible for phenol derivatives via modulation of inflammatory biomarkers, and supports the traditional folk use of D. dentiger in China.

Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicological aspects of the genus Hosta (Liliaceae): A comprehensive review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The genus Hosta (Liliaceae family) represents an interesting source of natural bio-constituents, and the 50 species of this genus are widespread in the world. Five species have been used as traditional East Asian medicines for treating inflammation and pain-related diseases. However, the available data for this genus have not been comprehensively reviewed regarding their extracts and secondary metabolites.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present review aims to provide a deeper insight, better awareness and detailed knowledge of traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology along with toxicological aspects of the genus Hosta in the past decades (February 1964 to August 2020). In addition, the relevance among traditional uses, pharmacology and phytochemistry in folk medicines were extensively discussed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The relevant information of Hosta species was obtained from several databases. Moreover, the medical books, PhD and MSc dissertations in Chinese were also used to perform this work.

RESULTS

Comprehensive analysis of the afore-mentioned databases, medical books and dissertations confirmed that ethnomedical uses of Hosta genus plants had been recorded in China, Japan, Korea and other countries. To date, only eight species have been studied for chemical constituents, and a total of 200 secondary metabolites (not include essential oil constituents), including steroids, flavonoids, alkaloids, furan derivatives, phenylpropanoids, phenethyl derivatives, terpenoids, aliphatics, and others. The crude extracts and isolated chemical constituents exhibited anti-inflammatory and analgesic, antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-viral, acetylcholinesterase inhibitory, antimicrobial, anti-chronic prostatitis, and other effects. Moreover, only the n-butanol fraction of H. ventricosa (Salisb.) Stearn roots showed moderate acute toxicity in mice. In addition, the relevance among traditional uses, pharmacology and phytochemistry in folk medicines were extensively discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

Hosta spp. are plants rich in steroids and flavonoids with valuable medicinal properties; though, there are several gaps in understanding the traditional uses in the current available data. More high scientific quality preclinical studies with new methodology are necessary to assess the safety, efficacy and mechanism of these plants.

Extraction of Phenolics and Flavonoids from Four Hosta Species Using Reflux and Ultrasound-Assisted Methods with Antioxidant and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activities

The total phenolic and flavonoid contents (TPC and TFC) from the genus Hosta with antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities were reported for the first time. Sixteen extracts from the aboveground and underground parts of the four Hosta species, including H. plantaginea, H. ventricosa, H. ensata, and H. albofarinosa, using reflux extraction (RE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) techniques have high TPC and TFC with good antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. Furthermore, no significant differences on extraction yields, TPC, and TFC were found between RE and UAE techniques. Additionally, extracts from the aboveground parts of the four Hosta species had higher TPC, TFC, antioxidant, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities compared to the underground parts by means of RE or UAE techniques. Lastly, the extracts of H. albo-marginata displayed a very remarkable α-glucosidase inhibitory activity compared to the positive control acarbose. The relationships of sixteen extracts of the four Hosta species were analyzed by RE and UAE techniques between extraction yields, TPC, TFC, antioxidant activity, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. The present study demonstrated that H. plantaginea, H. ventricosa, H. ensata, and H. albofarinosa could be new sources of natural antioxidants and antidiabetes for pharmaceutical and industrial purposes.

Phytochemical Analysis, Anti-inflammatory, and Antioxidant Activities of Dendropanax dentiger Roots

Dendropanax dentiger root is a traditional medicinal plant in China and used to treat inflammatory diseases for centuries, but its phytochemical profiling and biological functions are still unknown. Thus, a rapid, efficient, and precise method based on ultra high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) was applied to rapidly analyse the phytochemical profiling of D. dentiger with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities in vitro. As a result, a total of 78 chemical compositions, including 15 phenylpropanoids, 15 alkaloids, 14 flavonoids, 14 fatty acids, 7 phenols, 4 steroids, 4 cyclic peptides, 3 terpenoids, and 2 others, were identified or tentatively characterized in the roots of D. dentiger. Moreover, alkaloid and cyclic peptide were reported from D. dentiger for the first time. In addition, the ethanol crude extract of D. dentiger roots exhibited remarkable anti-inflammatory activity against cyclooxygenase- (COX-) 2 inhibitory and antioxidant activities in vitro. This study is the first to explore the phytochemical analysis and COX-2 inhibitory activity of D. dentiger. This study can provide important phytochemical profiles and biological functions for the application of D. dentiger roots as a new source of natural COX-2 inhibitors and antioxidants in pharmaceutical industry.

Isolation and characterization of flavonoid derivatives with anti-prostate cancer and hepatoprotective activities from the flowers of Hosta plantaginea (Lam.) Aschers

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The flower of Hosta plantaginea (Lam.) Aschers (Liliaceae) is a traditional medicinal material in Mongolian medicine for treating sore throat, hoarseness, pulmonary fever, and toxic fever in folk. The present work investigated anti-prostate cancer and hepatoprotective activities of flavonoid derivatives from H. plantaginea (Lam.) Aschers.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To isolate and identify the chemicals of H. plantaginea (Lam.) Aschers for anti-prostate cancer and hepatoprotective activities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Active chemicals were isolated and purified from H. plantaginea (Lam.) Aschers by chromatographic methods, and their structures were established on spectroscopic analysis and references. These compounds were evaluated for their anti-prostate cancer activities using the LNCaP prostate cancer cells, and assayed for their hepatoprotective activities on CCl₄-induced injury of human L-O2 cells, respectively.

RESULTS

Four new flavonol-lignan heterodimers (1-4), together with nine known flavonoid derivatives (5-13) were isolated from this plant for the first time. Among them, some compounds exhibited moderate anti-prostate cancer and hepatoprotective activities.

CONCLUSION

Compounds 1, 2, 5, and 6 showed anti-prostate cancer activities using the LNCaP prostate cancer cells with IC₅₀ values of 17.84, 33.26, 54.13, and 81.55 μg/mL, and compounds 3, 4, 8, and 9 exhibited moderate hepatoprotective activities, respectively. A preliminary structure-activity relation was summarized in this paper.

Diuretic and Antidiuretic Activities of Ethanol Extract and Fractions of Lagopsis supina in Normal Rats

Lagopsis supina is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine and used as an agent for diuresis in China for centuries. This is the first time to evaluate the diuretic activity of the ethanol extract of L. supina (LS) and its four fractions (LSA, LSB, LSC, and LSD) in normal rats. After the administration of LS-H, LS-M, LSB-H, and LSC-L, the urine output of the rats was significantly increased, while the urine excretion was significantly reduced after treatment with LSB-L. The urine Na+ excretion was remarkably increased with LS-H, LS-M, LSA-H, LSA-L, LSB-H, LSC-L, and LSD-L, and the urine K+ excretion was significantly increased after administration of LS-H and LSB-H. Moreover, the urine Na+ and K+ excretion was significantly reduced after treatment with LSC-H and LSD-H. However, the urine pH values and urine and serum Na+-K+-ATPase levels did not show remarkable change after administration of LS or its four fractions in comparison with the control group. On the contrary, LS and its four fractions can suppress the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), including ADH arrest by LSB-H, LSB-L, LSC-L, LSD-L, and LSD-H and ALD arrest by LSD-L, as well as promote ANP release by LS-M, LSB-H, LSC-H, and LSD-H, while furosemide can suppress only arrest of ADH within 24 h compared with the control group. In addition, LS and its four fractions did not change the urine and serum TNF-α and IL-6 levels in normal rats within 24 h. This study will provide a quantitative basis for explaining the natural medicinal use of LS as a diuretic agent for edema and promoting the diuretic process.

Rapid Analysis of the Chemical Compositions in Semiliquidambar cathayensis Roots by Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography and Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Semiliquidambar cathayensis Chang was a traditional medicinal plant and used to treat rheumatism arthritis and rheumatic arthritis for centuries in China with no scientific validation, while only 15 components were reported. Thus, a rapid, efficient, and precise method based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) was applied in both positive- and negative-ion modes to rapidly analysis the main chemical compositions in S. cathayensis for the first time. Finally, a total of 85 chemical compositions, including 35 alkaloids, 12 flavonoids, 7 terpenoids, 5 phenylpropanoids, 9 fatty acids, 7 cyclic peptides, and 10 others were identified or tentatively characterized in the roots of S. cathayensis based on the accurate mass within 5 ppm error. Moreover, alkaloid, flavonoid, phenylpropanoid, and cyclic peptide were reported from S. cathayensis for the first time. This rapid and sensitive method was highly useful to comprehend the chemical compositions and will provide scientific basis for further study on the material basis, mechanism and clinical application of S. cathayensis roots.

Steroidal glycosides from the underground parts of Hosta ventricosa and their anti-inflammatory activities in mice

Two new pregnane glycosides, 2α, 3β-dihydroxy-5α-pregn-16-en-20-one-3-O-{α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)]-β-D-galactopyranoside} (1) and 2α, 3β-dihydroxy-5α-pregn-16-en-20-one-3-O-{β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-[β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-galactopyranoside}(2), have been isolated along with two known spirostanol saponins from the underground parts of Hosta ventricosa. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of chemical and spectral evidence. The anti-inflammatory activities of these steroidal glycosides were evaluated using a xylene-induced ear edema model. Our results indicated that the compounds exhibited promising anti-inflammatory activities.

Lagopsis supina exerts its diuretic effect via inhibition of aquaporin-1, 2 and 3 expression in a rat model of traumatic blood stasis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Lagopsis supina has been used as a traditional medicinal herb for centuries in China. In folk medicine, it is used for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis (PBCRBS), anti-inflammatory and diuretic activities. Modern pharmacological investigation have shown that L. supina have an improvement in blood and lymphatic microcirculation, myocardioprotective, and antioxidative activities. Although the pharmacological research of L. supina was more, there was no report on the diuretic activity.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study was to evaluate the diuretic activity and the underlying mechanism of an ethanol extract of L. supina (LS) in a rat model of traumatic blood stasis (TBS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

There were 30 male Sprague-Dawley rats that were randomly assigned to the control group, TBS group, and LS group (10 animals in each group). LS was administered orally (460 mg/kg) once daily for 7 successive days. The control group and TBS group were given an equal amount of 0.3% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-Na). For the efficacy evaluation, the urine output volume, the urinary electrolyte concentrations (Na⁺, K⁺, Cl^- and Ca²⁺) and pH value, the levels of angiotensin II (Ang II), atriopeptin (ANP), anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) and aldosterone (ALD), as well as aquaporin (AQP)-1, 2 and 3 protein expressions were detected in a rat model of TBS. The protein expressions of AQP-1, 2 and 3 were detected by quantitative immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

In the efficacy evaluation, rat models treated with LS showed a significant increase in the total urine output (p < 0.01). The urinary electrolyte and the acid-base disturbances, including the decrease of Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ levels and the Na⁺/K⁺ value together with the increase in the Cl^- level and the pH value, in the urine of the LS group were compared with the TBS group. Moreover, the levels of Ang II, ADH and ALD of rat model were decreased after being treated with LS (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01), while the ANP level was increased (p < 0.05). In addition, the results of the quantitative IHC and the Western blot analysis showed that the expression levels of AQP-1, 2 and 3 proteins decreased significantly compared with those of the TBS group.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first reported notable diuretic effect by LS, which probably was through the suppression of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and the regulation of the signaling pathways of AQP-1, 2 and 3 protein expressions. Based on our results, we conclude that L. supina carries out its diuretic effect mainly by down-regulating the levels of AQP-1, 2 and 3 expressions in TBS rat model. These data also embody the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) application principle of Huo xue li shui. These findings suggest that LS may warrant further evaluation as a possible agent for the diuretic drug in clinical applications. Further research is underway to elucidate the active compounds responsible for the diuretic activity of LS.

Hosta plantaginea (Lam.) Aschers (Yuzan): an overview on its botany, traditional use, phytochemistry, quality control and pharmacology

Hosta plantaginea (Lam.) Aschers, as a traditional folk medicine, has been widely used both as a single herb and in prescriptions in Asia mainly due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. A total of 101 compounds including steroids, flavonoids, alkaloids and others have been isolated from H. plantaginea. Modern pharmacology has revealed that H. plantaginea possesses various therapeutic effects such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antibacterial effects both in vitro and in vivo. Although a number of reports on the chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of this plant are available, there is limited research on the bioactive constituents and the mechanism of the biological activities of H. plantaginea. Thus, it is essential to strengthen the research on bioactive constituents and their mechanisms as well as their structure–function relationships in H. plantaginea. Up to now, only three compounds have been established for the quality control of H. plantaginea. However, a comprehensive review on the botany, traditional use, phytochemistry, quality control and pharmacology information about this plant has not been reported so far; thus, a systematic and comprehensive review is very necessary. Therefore, this paper provided a comprehensive overview on the botany, traditional use, phytochemistry, quality control and pharmacology of H. plantaginea and also provided evidence for its further research and clinical applications.

A comprehensive overview on the botany, traditional use, phytochemistry, quality control and pharmacology of H. plantaginea is reported, providing evidence for its further research and clinical applications.