Furylhydroquinones and miscellaneous compounds from the roots of Lithospermum erythrorhizon and their anti-inflammatory effect in HaCaT cells

The effects of Jawoongo soap on skin improvement

BACKGROUND

Jawoongo is used to treat and prevent skin issues such as dry and keratinization disorders, burns, trauma, pigmentation, scarring, and inflammatory skin conditions. In this study, the efficacy and safety of 0.47% Jawoongo extract-containing soap (JAUN-CS) were assessed in terms of skin improvement effects such as cleansing, moisturizing, sebum secretion management, and skin elasticity enhancement.

METHODS

Twenty healthy adult men and women aged 20-60 years old took part in the study. Before and after using JAUN-CS, the participants were divided into groups, and various skin improvement effects were measured utilizing machines such as the Corneometer, Tewameter TM 300, and Visioscan. A dermatologist analyzed the product's safety in accordance with Frosch & Kligman and the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association (CTFA) rules.

RESULTS

Using JAUN reduced the amount of base and point makeup by 25.7% and 76.7%, respectively. Also, JAUN showed a great facial exfoliation effect by removing the old and lifted skin keratins by 84.7% and 20.3%, respectively. Impurities in facial pores decreased by 58%, too. Furthermore, JAUN increased the moisture content of deep skin and skin surface by 3.5% and 74.0%, and skin elasticity by 2.8%. Skin tone, skin texture, skin radiance, and skin barrier all showed improvements of 3.3%, 20.0%, 15.0%, and 115.2%, respectively. Lastly, cleansing with JAUN successfully enhanced the condition of the youth triangle by 7.6%, while TEWL significantly decreased by 52.7%. Neither the JAUN nor the control group soap showed any adverse reactions, such as erythema or allergies, during the testing period.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study demonstrated that JAUN is safe for human use and has various skin-improving properties, making Jawoongo a promising natural material for the development of functional cosmetics in the future.

Systematical targeted multicomponent characterization and comparison of Arnebiae Radix and its three confusing species by offline two-dimensional liquid chromatography/LTQ-Orbitrap mass spectrometry

Arnebiae Radix, commonly known as "Zicao," can be easily confused with other compounding species, posing challenges for its clinical use. Here, we developed a comprehensive strategy to systematically characterize the diverse components across Arnebiae Radix and its three confusing species. First, an offline two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2D-LC) system integrating hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) and reverse phase (RP) separations was established, enabling effective separation and detection of more trace constituents. Second, a polygonal mass defect filtering (MDF) workflow was implemented to screen target ions and generate a precursor ion list (PIL) to guide multistage mass (MSn) data acquisition. Third, a three-step characterization strategy utilizing diagnostic ions and neutral losses was developed for rapid determination of molecular formulas, structure classes, and compound identification. This approach enabled systematic characterization of Arnebiae Radix and its three confusing species, with 437 components characterized including 112 shikonins, 22 shikonfurans, 144 phenolic acids, 131 glycosides, 18 flavonoids, and 10 other compounds. Additionally, 361, 230, 340, and 328 components were identified from RZC, YZC, DZC, and ZZC, respectively, with 142 common components and 30 characteristic components that may serve as potential markers for distinguishing the four species. In summary, this is the first comprehensive characterization and comparison of the phytochemical profiles of Arnebiae Radix and its three confusing species, advancing our understanding of this herbal medicine for quality control.

Molecular Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Ointment of Xuzhou Qufu Shengji in Infected Wounds

Background

Xuzhou Qufu Shengji Ointment (QFSJO) has been used in hospital and private medication for more than 30 years to treat the infective wounds after trauma. However, molecular investigation is lacking. This study used rats to explore the healing mechanism of QFSJO in promoting wound healing in human.

Methods

One circular incision was individually generated on the back of 30 rats in three groups and challenged with 10⁸ CFU (0.3 mL) of Staphylococcus aureus. Then, one of the trauma groups was treated with QFSJO gauze, and the control group was covered with a piece of Vaseline gauze, while the western medicine group was treated with erythromycin in a similar way. The dressing change of all the groups was performed once a day for three weeks. The anti-inflammation and proangiogenesis of QFSJO were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The levels of angiogenesis associated factors, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF), hydroxyproline, and hemoglobin, were measured according to ELISA. The immunohistochemistry of CD31 and CD34 expression in granulation tissue was demonstrated and quantitatively analyzed for angiogenesis in granulation tissue in sites.

Results

A faster wound healing ratio was observed in QFSJO-dressing-treated group than Vaseline- and erythrocin-treated groups. ELISA results showed that QFSJO promoted VEGF and b-FGF levels significantly in early stage of wound healing. QFSJO dressing group also showed an enhanced hydroxyproline and hemoglobin in granulation tissue. The expressions of CD31 and CD34 in granulation tissue of QFSJO group were higher than in the Vaseline and erythrocin groups.

Conclusion

QFSJO improved the healing rate of the infective wounds by promoting the angiogenesis of granulation tissue and inhibiting the inflammation of the trauma tissue. Our finding suggests that QFSJO is able to help angiogenic capillary sprouts for collagen accumulates in the granulation tissue.

Synthesis of 2-acetal-1,3-enynes by Sonogashira reaction of bromovinyl acetals with alkynes: application to the formal synthesis of a glucagon antagonist

The preparation of functionalized 1,3-enynes bearing an acetal moiety at the 2-position has been studied through Sonogashira reaction of bromovinyl acetals with various alkyl- and aryl-substituted terminal alkynes.