Cudrania Tricuspidata Extract and Its Major Constituents Inhibit Oxidative Stress-Induced Liver Injury

Pharmacological Potential of Kaempferol, a Flavonoid in the Management of Pathogenesis via Modulation of Inflammation and Other Biological Activities

Natural products and their bioactive compounds have been used for centuries to prevent and treat numerous diseases. Kaempferol, a flavonoid found in vegetables, fruits, and spices, is recognized for its various beneficial properties, including its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. This molecule has been identified as a potential means of managing different pathogenesis due to its capability to manage various biological activities. Moreover, this compound has a wide range of health-promoting benefits, such as cardioprotective, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and anti-diabetic, and has a role in maintaining eye, skin, and respiratory system health. Furthermore, it can also inhibit tumor growth and modulate various cell-signaling pathways. In vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated that this compound has been shown to increase efficacy when combined with other natural products or drugs. In addition, kaempferol-based nano-formulations are more effective than kaempferol treatment alone. This review aims to provide detailed information about the sources of this compound, its bioavailability, and its role in various pathogenesis. Although there is promising evidence for its ability to manage diseases, it is crucial to conduct further investigations to know its toxicity, safety aspects, and mechanism of action in health management.

Optimizing the Fermentation Conditions of Cudrania tricuspidata Fruit Using Bacillus amyloliquefaciens for Anti-Inflammatory Activity and GC-MS-Based Volatile Component Characteristics

The aim of this study is to optimize the performance conditions used for maximum anti-inflammatory activity and to clarify in vitroanti-inflammatory properties of fermented C. tricuspidata fruit. Based on the single-factor experiment and Box-Behnken design, the optimized fermentation conditions of C. tricuspidata fruit for maximum anti-inflammatory activity were 3.8 d fermentation period, 8.4% (v/w) inoculation concentration, and 29.2°C fermentation temperature. Under optimal conditions, anti-inflammatory activity-based nitric oxide of fermented C. tricuspidata fruit reached 93.9%. Moreover, this study provides a theoretical basis and experimental data containing β-hexosaminidase and reactive oxygen species for the medical use and industrialization of C. tricuspidata fruit fermentation. Interestingly, the results of GC-MS analysis confirmed that fermented C. tricuspidata fruits detect volatile components different from unfermented C. tricuspidata fruits. We suggested that this volatile component may have been involved in the anti-inflammatory reaction, but scientific verification of this is needed later. Therefore, an in-depth study of volatile components detected from fermented C. tricuspidata fruits will need to be conducted later.

Systemic Review of Clot Retraction Modulators

Through a process termed clot retraction, platelets cause thrombi to shrink and become more stable. After platelets are activated via inside-out signaling, glycoprotein αIIbβIII binds to fibrinogen and initiates a cascade of intracellular signaling that ends in actin remodeling, which causes the platelet to change its shape. Clot retraction is also important for wound healing. Although the detailed molecular biology of clot retraction is only partially understood, various substances and physiological conditions modulate clot retraction. In this review, we describe some of the current literature pertaining to clot retraction modulators. In addition, we discuss compounds from Cudrania trucuspidata, Arctium lappa, and Panax ginseng that diminish clot retraction and have numerous other health benefits. Caffeic acid and diindolylmethane, both common in plants and vegetables, likewise reduce clot retraction, as do all-trans retinoic acid (a vitamin A derivative), two MAP4K inhibitors, and the chemotherapeutic drug Dasatinib. Conversely, the endogenous anticoagulant Protein S (PS) and the matricellular protein secreted modular calcium-binding protein 1 (SMOC1) both enhance clot retraction. Most studies aiming to identify mechanisms of clot retraction modulators have focused on the increased phosphorylation of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein and inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor I and the decreased phosphorylation of various phospholipases (e.g., phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase Cγ2 (PLCγ2), c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and (PI3Ks). One study focused on the decreased phosphorylation of Sarcoma Family Kinases (SFK), and others have focused on increased cAMP levels and the downregulation of inflammatory markers such as thromboxanes, including thromboxane A2 (TXA2) and thromboxane B2 (TXB2); prostaglandin A2 (PGE2); reactive oxygen species (ROS); and cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme activity. Additionally, pregnancy, fibrinolysis, and the autoimmune condition systemic lupus erythematosus all seem to affect, or at least have some relation with, clot retraction. All the clot retraction modulators need in-depth study to explain these effects.

Elucidation of scandenolone as anti-cancer activity through impairment of the metabolic and signaling vulnerabilities in prostate cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most prevalent men's cancer in America and Western countries. No effective therapies are currently available for PCa aggressiveness, including castration-resistant progression (CRPC). This study aims at evaluation of the prospective efficacy and the molecular mechanism of scandenolone (SCA), a natural isoflavone, in PCa progression. SCA suppressed cell viability and progression and induced apoptosis in PCa cells. SCA inhibited the expression of lipogenesis and cholesterogenesis related key genes. Through inhibition of these metabolic genes, SCA decreased the levels of fatty acids, lipid droplets and cholesterols in PCa cells. Moreover, SCA enhanced the expression of antioxidant factors, including Nrf2, HO-1, catalase and SOD-1, and reduced the ROS levels in PCa cells. Substantially, SCA displayed the potential efficacy on CRPC tumors. This paper offers a new insight into the underlying molecular basis of SCA in PCa cells. By coordinated impairment of the metabolic and signaling vulnerabilities, including lipogenesis, cholesterogenesis, ROS and the AR/PSA axis, SCA could be applied as a novel and promising remedy to cure malignant PCa.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Kaempferol: A Review of the Dietary Sources, Bioavailability, Mechanisms of Action, and Safety

The liver is the body's most critical organ that performs vital functions. Hepatic disorders can affect the physiological and biochemical functions of the body. Hepatic disorder is a condition that describes the damage to cells, tissues, structures, and functions of the liver, which can cause fibrosis and ultimately result in cirrhosis. These diseases include hepatitis, ALD, NAFLD, liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, hepatic failure, and HCC. Hepatic diseases are caused by cell membrane rupture, immune response, altered drug metabolism, accumulation of reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, and cell death. Despite the breakthrough in modern medicine, there is no drug that is effective in stimulating the liver function, offering complete protection, and aiding liver cell regeneration. Furthermore, some drugs can create adverse side effects, and natural medicines are carefully selected as new therapeutic strategies for managing liver disease. Kaempferol is a polyphenol contained in many vegetables, fruits, and herbal remedies. We use it to manage various diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and cancers. Kaempferol is a potent antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory effects, which therefore possesses hepatoprotective properties. The previous research has studied the hepatoprotective effect of kaempferol in various hepatotoxicity protocols, including acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity, ALD, NAFLD, CCl₄, HCC, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute liver injury. Therefore, this report aims to provide a recent brief overview of the literature concerning the hepatoprotective effect of kaempferol and its possible molecular mechanism of action. It also provides the most recent literature on kaempferol's chemical structure, natural source, bioavailability, and safety.

Molecular networking-guided strategy for the pharmacokinetic study of herbal medicines: Cudrania tricuspidata leaf extracts

In this study, the pharmacokinetic profiles of the bioactive components in the leaf extract of the medicinal herb, Cudrania tricuspidate, were investigated using an MS/MS-based molecular networking system. To identify the major active components of the C. tricuspidate leaf extract (CLE), HPLC-DAD analysis was conducted with a standard mixture of six flavonoids (rutin, isoquercitrin, nicotiflorin, kaempferol 3-O-glucoside, quercetin, and kaempferol). The unknown peaks were determined via molecular networking analysis using the mass dataset obtained by liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF/MS). For the subsequent pharmacokinetic study, CLE (1 g/kg) was orally administered to rats, and plasma samples were collected. The product ion mass data of plasma samples using LC-QTOF/MS were obtained and subjected to molecular networking analysis. The resulting molecular networking map indicated that the glucuronide metabolites of quercetin and kaempferol were the major circulating species. Accordingly, quercetin and kaempferol were determined following β-glucuronidase treatment, and their pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated. These findings indicate that the proposed molecular network-based approaches are potential and efficient methods for the pharmacokinetic study of herbal medicines.

Inhibitory Effects of 6,8-Diprenylorobol on Endometriosis Progression in Humans by Disrupting Calcium Homeostasis and Mitochondrial Function

6,8-Diprenylorobol is a flavonoid compound extracted from Cudrania tricuspidata. It has various biological functions, such as inhibiting melanin synthesis and inducting cell death in cancerous cells. In addition, Cudrania tricuspidata is known to be effective in female diseases, and previous studies have shown anticancer effects in cervical cancer, a female reproductive disease. Outside of that, Cudrania tricuspidata has various physiological effects. However, the effect of 6,8-diprenylorobol is not well known in other benign and chronic diseases, even in endometriosis, which commonly arises in the female reproductive tract. In the present study, we determined the inhibitory effects of 6,8-diprenylorobol on the growth of endometriosis VK2/E6E7 and End1/E6E7 cells. Results indicated that 6,8-diprenylorobol suppressed cellular proliferation and increased the disruption of the cell cycle, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), generation of reactive oxygen species, and Ca²⁺ homeostasis in both endometriosis cells. However, the proliferation of normal stromal cells isolated from endometrial tissue was not altered by 6,8-diprenylorobol. The change in Ca²⁺ levels was estimated in fluo-4- or rhod-2-stained VK2/E6E7 and End1/E6E7 cells after the treatment of the intracellular calcium regulators 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB) and ruthenium red (RUR) with 6,8-diprenylorobol. A combination of 6,8-diprenylorobol with each regulator decreased the calcium accumulation in endometriosis cells. Furthermore, Western blot analysis indicated that 6,8-diprenylorobol inactivated AKT pathways, whereas it activated P38 MAPK pathways. In addition, 6,8-diprenylorobol decreased mitochondrial respiration, leading to the reduction in ATP production in VK2/E6E7 and End1/E6E7 cells. Collectively, our results suggested that 6,8-diprenylorobol might be a potential therapeutic agent or adjuvant therapy for the management of endometriosis.

Old wine in new bottles: Kaempferol is a promising agent for treating the trilogy of liver diseases

As a source of various compounds, natural products have long been important and valuable for drug development. Kaempferol (KP) is the most common flavonol with bioactive activity and has been extracted from many edible plants and traditional Chinese medicines. It has a wide range of pharmacological effects on inflammation, oxidation, and tumour and virus regulation. The liver is an important organ and is involved in metabolism and activity. Because the pathological process of liver diseases is extremely complicated, liver diseases involving ALD, NASH, liver fibrosis, and HCC are often complicated and difficult to treat. Fortunately, there have been many reports that KP has a good pharmacological effect on a series of complex liver diseases. To fully understand the mechanism of KP and provide new ideas for its clinical application in the treatment of liver diseases, this article reviews the pharmacological mechanism and potential value of KP in different studies involving various liver diseases. In the trilogy of liver disease, high concentrations of ROS stimulate peroxidation and activate the inflammatory signal cascade, which involves signalling pathways such as MAPK/JAK-STAT/PERK/Wnt/Hipp, leading to varying degrees of cell degradation and liver damage. The development of liver disease is promoted in an inflammatory environment, which is conducive to the activation of TGF-β1, leading to increased expression of pro-fibrosis and pro-inflammatory genes. Inflammation and oxidative stress promote the formation of tumour microenvironments, and uncontrolled autophagy of cancer cells further leads to the development of liver cancer. The main pathway in this process is AMPK/PTEN/PI3K-Akt/TOR. KP can not only protect liver parenchymal cells through a variety of antioxidant and anti-apoptotic mechanisms but also reduces the immune inflammatory response in the liver microenvironment, thereby preventing cell apoptosis; it can also inhibit the ER stress response, prevent inflammation and inhibit tumour growth. KP exerts multiple therapeutic effects on liver disease by regulating precise signalling targets and is expected to become an emerging therapeutic opportunity to treat liver disease in the future.

Efficacy and Safety of the Cudrania tricuspidata Extract on Functional Dyspepsia: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Multicenter Study

Cudrania tricuspidata is a folk remedy used to treat inflammation in patients with tumors or liver damage. This study investigated the efficacy of Cudrania tricuspidata extract (CTE) for relieving the symptoms of functional dyspepsia. In an 8-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 100 adults with any condition featured in the Rome IV criteria and a Gastrointestinal Symptoms Scale (GIS) score ≥4 were randomly allocated to take either a placebo (maltodextrin) or a 50 mg CTE tablet, which equally included celluloses, magnesium stearate, and silicon dioxide, twice daily, 20 January 2020, and 3 August 2020. Among the 83 participants finally analyzed, the CTE group was associated with a significant reduction in the gastrointestinal symptom rating scale (day 0: 8.0 ± 5.2, day 28: 4.7 ± 3.9, and day 56: 2.3 ± 2.4, p < 0.001, respectively) in comparison with the control group (day 0: 8.1 ± 4.7, day 28: 7.8 ± 5.7, and day 56: 7.5 ± 6.6, p > 0.05) after adjusting for smoking, drinking, eating habits, stress levels, and caffeine intake. The CTE group resulted in significant improvements of GIS, Nepean Dyspepsia Index (Korean version), and functional dyspepsia-related quality of life over time. There were no different adverse events (p = 0.523). These findings suggest that CTE is safe and efficacious for alleviating gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with functional dyspepsia.

Formulation Optimization of Sucrose-Free Hard Candy Fortified with Cudrania tricuspidata Extract

The aim of the study is to define the optimal formulation of sucrose-free hard candy using D-optimal mixture design as the base for the incorporation of Cudrania tricupidata fruit. Hard candy was produced using three different polyols: isomalt, maltitol syrup, and xylitol. This study examined the effects of polyol mixtures as sucrose and corn syrup substitutes on physicochemical (moisture, color, soluble solid (SSC)), hardness, and sensory features of hard candies. These three polyols had notable effects on quality characteristics in addition to their effects on L* value. Xylitol had an undesirable effect on moisture content and hardness, resulting in decreased texture acceptability, but improved color and clarity. Given the results of our experiments and optimization of variables, we determined that 90.21% isomalt, 8.63% maltitol syrup, and 1.16% xylitol produced a sugar-free candy with high desirability (0.894).

The Potential Antioxidant Activity and Characterization of Bioactive Compounds of Stahlianthus involucratus

Stahlianthus involucratus (S. involucratus) has anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and antipyretic activities; however, there are no literature reports on its antioxidant capacity. This study presents a comparative assessment of the polyphenols contents, flavonoids contents, and antioxidant activity of the aqueous and methanol extracts of S. involucratus (ASI and MSI). Moreover, the expression of oxidative stress-related genes in H₂O₂-induced H9c2 cells pretreated with the MSI was measured by RT-qPCR, and furthermore, MSI were characterized by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS. The results indicated that the MSI had higher antioxidant contents and antioxidant capacity, and MSI could inhibit H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress in H9c2 cells by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS characterized 15 phenolic compounds from the MSI. In conclusion, S. involucratus has the potential antioxidant capacity.

Antioxidant Role of Kaempferol in Prevention of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are noxious to cells because their increased level interacts with the body's defense mechanism. These species also cause mutations and uncontrolled cell division, resulting in oxidative stress (OS). Prolonged oxidative stress is responsible for incorrect protein folding in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), causing a stressful condition, ER stress. These cellular stresses (oxidative stress and ER stress) are well-recognized biological factors that play a prominent role in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC is a critical global health problem and the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality. The application of anti-oxidants from herbal sources significantly reduces oxidative stress. Kaempferol (KP) is a naturally occurring, aglycone dietary flavonoid that is present in various plants (Crocus sativus, Coccinia grandis, Euphorbia pekinensis, varieties of Aloe vera, etc.) It is capable of interacting with pleiotropic proteins of the human body. Efforts are in progress to develop KP as a potential candidate to prevent HCC with no adverse effects. This review emphasizes the molecular mechanism of KP for treating HCC, targeting oxidative stress.

Role of Flavonoids in the Treatment of Iron Overload

Iron overload, a high risk factor for many diseases, is seen in almost all human chronic and common diseases. Iron chelating agents are often used for treatment but, at present, most of these have a narrow scope of application, obvious side effects, and other disadvantages. Recent studies have shown that flavonoids can affect iron status, reduce iron deposition, and inhibit the lipid peroxidation process caused by iron overload. Therefore, flavonoids with iron chelating and antioxidant activities may become potential complementary therapies. In this study, we not only reviewed the research progress of iron overload and the regulation mechanism of flavonoids, but also studied the structural basis and potential mechanism of their function. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of flavonoids as plant iron chelating agents are discussed to provide a foundation for the prevention and treatment of iron homeostasis disorders using flavonoids.

Total Synthesis of the Neuroprotective Agent Cudraisoflavone J

Cudraisoflavone J (1), isolated from Cudrania tricuspidata, is a potent neuroprotective compound with a chiral center. Herein, we report the first total synthesis of racemic cudraisoflavone J (1) using a Claisen rearrangement and a Suzuki coupling reaction as the key steps. Racemic secondary alcohol was kinetically resolved to give (+)- and (-)-cudraisoflavone J with up to 97 and 88% enantiomeric excess, respectively. The modified Mosher's method was used to elucidate the absolute configuration of naturally occurring cudraisoflavone J.

Cudrania tricuspidata Root Extract Prevents Methylglyoxal-Induced Inflammation and Oxidative Stress via Regulation of the PKC-NOX4 Pathway in Human Kidney Cells

Diabetic nephropathy is a microvascular complication induced by diabetes, and methylglyoxal (MGO) is a reactive carbonyl species causing oxidative stress that contributes to the induction of inflammatory response in kidney cells. Cudrania tricuspidata (CT), cultivated in Northeast Asia, has been used as traditional medicine for treating various diseases, including neuritis, liver damage, and cancer. In this study, we determined whether a CT root extract (CTRE) can prevent MGO-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and inflammation and assessed underlying mechanisms using a kidney epithelial cell line, HK-2. We observed that CTRE inhibited MGO-induced ROS production. Additionally, CTRE ameliorated the activation of MGO-induced inflammatory signaling pathways such as p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and c-JUN N-terminal kinase (JNK). Consistent with these results, expressions of p-nuclear factor-kappa B (NFκB) and inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin- (IL-) 1β, and IL-6, were decreased when compared with MGO-only exposed HK-2 cells. CTRE alleviated the MGO-induced decrease in nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) and antioxidant enzyme mRNA expressions. MGO induced the expression of NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4); CTRE pretreatment inhibited this induction. Further studies revealed that the NOX4 expression was inhibited owing to the suppression of MGO-induced protein kinase C (PKC) activation following CTRE treatment. Collectively, our data suggest that CTRE attenuates MGO-induced inflammation and oxidative stress via inhibition of PKC activation and NOX4 expression, as well as upregulating the Nrf2-antioxidant enzyme pathway in HK-2 cells.

Design and synthesis of 7-O-1,2,3-triazole hesperetin derivatives to relieve inflammation of acute liver injury in mice

Based on the previous research results of our research group, to further improve the anti-inflammatory activity of hesperetin, we substituted triazole at the 7-OH branch of hesperetin. We also evaluated the anti-inflammatory activity of 39 new hesperetin derivatives. All compounds showed inhibitory effects on nitric oxide (NO) and inflammatory factors in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cells. Compound d5 showed a strong inhibitory effect on NO (half maximal inhibitory concentration = 2.34 ± 0.7 μM) and tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and (IL-6). Structure-activity relationships indicate that 7-O-triazole is buried in a medium-sized hydrophobic cavity that binds to the receptor. Compound d5 can also reduce the reactive oxygen species production and significantly inhibit the expression of inducible NO synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 through the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway. In vivo results indicate that d5 can reduce liver inflammation in mice with acute liver injury (ALI) induced by CCI₄. In conclusion, d5 may be a candidate drug for treating inflammation associated with ALI.

5-Caffeoylquinic acid ameliorates oxidative stress-mediated cell death via Nrf2 activation in hepatocytes

CONTEXT

5-Caffeoylquinic acid (5-CQA) is one of the most abundant compounds found in natural foods including coffee.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated whether 5-CQA had a cytoprotective effect through the NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-antioxidant response element (ARE) signalling pathway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nrf2 activation in response to 5-CQA treatment at the concentration of 10-100 μM is evaluated by Western blotting of Nrf2 and ARE reporter gene assay as well as its target gene expression in HepG2 cells. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH) levels were measured in the tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced hepatocytes to examined cytoprotective effect of 5-CQA (10-100 μM). The specific role of 5-CQA on Nrf2 activation was examined using Nrf2 knockout cells or Nrf2 specific inhibitor, ML-385.

RESULTS

Nuclear translocation of Nrf2 is increased by 5-CQA in HepG2 cells which peaked at 6 h. Consequently, 5-CQA significantly increases the ARE reporter gene activity and downstream antioxidant proteins, including glutamate cysteine ligase (GCL), hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1), NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1, and Sestrin2. Nrf2 deficiency or inhibition completely antagonized ability of 5-CQA to induce HO-1 and GCL expression. Cells pre-treated with 5-CQA were rescued from tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced ROS production and GSH depletion. Nrf2 activation by 5-CQA was due to increased phosphorylation of MAPKs, AMPK and PKCδ.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, our results demonstrate that as a novel Nrf2 activator, 5-CQA, may be a promising candidate against oxidative stress-mediated liver injury. Additional efforts are needed to assess 5-CQA, as a potential therapeutic in liver diseases in vivo and in humans.

Cudraflavanone B Isolated from the Root Bark of Cudrania tricuspidata Alleviates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Responses by Downregulating NF-κB and ERK MAPK Signaling Pathways in RAW264.7 Macrophages and BV2 Microglia

A prenylated flavonoid, cudraflavanone B, is isolated from Cudrania tricuspidata. In this study, we investigated its anti-inflammatory and anti-neuroinflammatory effects in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 and BV2 cells. In our initial study of the anti-inflammatory effects of cudraflavanone B the production of nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 was attenuated in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 and BV2 cells. These inhibitory effects were related to the downregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2. In addition, cudraflavanone B suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α in LPS-induced RAW264.7 and BV2 cells. Moreover, the evaluation of the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of cudraflavanone B revealed that the compound attenuated the nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathway in LPS-induced RAW264.7 and BV2 cells. In addition, cudraflavanone B inhibited the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways in these LPS-stimulated cells. Thus, cudraflavanone B suppressed nuclear factor-κB, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase mitogen-activated protein kinase mediated inflammatory pathways, demonstrating its potential in the treatment of neuroinflammatory conditions.

Gastroprotective Effects of Cudrania tricuspidata Leaf Extracts by Suppressing Gastric cAMP and Increasing Gastric Mucins

Cudrania tricuspidata has been used as an East Asian folk remedy to treat various symptoms. Recently, scientific evidence of the efficacy of C. tricuspidata has emerged. The objective of this study was to elucidate protective role of C. tricuspidata in the gastric mucosa using pylorus-ligated Sprague-Dawley rats and primary parietal cells. C. tricuspidata ethanol extracts attenuated gastric mucosal damage, secretion, and juice acidity in pylorus-ligated rats; however, it did not affect expression of gastric acid-related genes [muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M3 receptor (M3R), histamine H2-receptors (H2R), and cholecystokinin-2/gastrin receptors (CCK2R)] or serum gastrin concentrations. Furthermore, extracts greatly reduced levels of gastric cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and significantly increased mRNA levels of gastric-type mucins (MUC5AC and MUC6). To identify the mode of action of C. tricuspidata extract in regulating gastric acid secretion, intracellular cAMP and mRNA for H2R, M3R, and CCK2R were measured in primary parietal cells. mRNA levels of H2R, M3R, and CCK2R did not significantly differ following treatment with C. tricuspidata extract, whereas cAMP induced by the H2R-specific agonist was significantly decreased. C. tricuspidata may therefore reduce gastric acid secretion by inhibiting H2R activity rather than regulating mRNA expression. These finding suggest that ethanol extracts of C. tricuspidata inhibit H2R-related gastric acid secretion and increase gastric mucus to help prevent gastric mucosal damage. Therefore, C. tricuspidata extract has potential to be used in foods and medicines to prevent diseases related to gastric mucosal damage, such as gastritis and functional dyspepsia.