Anti-Oxidative Abilities of Essential Oils from Atractylodes ovata Rhizome

Atractylenolide II regulates the proliferation, ferroptosis, and immune escape of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by inactivating the TRAF6/NF-κB pathway

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common and lethal tumor worldwide. Atractylenolide II (AT-II) is a natural sesquiterpenoid monomer, with anti-tumor effect. To address the effect and mechanisms of AT-II on HCC. The role and mechanisms of AT-II were assessed through cell counting kit-8, flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunofluorescence, and western blot experiments in Hep3B and Huh7 cells. In vivo experiments were conducted in BALB/c nude mice using immunohistochemistry and western blot assays. AT-II decreased the cell viability of Hep3B and Huh7 cells with a IC50 of 96.43 µM and 118.38 µM, respectively. AT-II increased relative Fe2+ level, which was further promoted with the incubation of erastin and declined with the ferrostatin-1 in Hep3B and Huh7 cells. AT-II enhanced the level of ROS and MDA, but reduced the GSH level, and the expression of xCT and GPX4. AT-II elevated the percent of CD8+ T cells and the IFN-γ contents, and declined the IL-10 concentrations and the expression of PD-L1 in Hep3B and Huh7 cells. AT-II downregulated the relative protein level of TRAF6, p-p65/p-65, and p-IkBα/IkBα, which was rescued with overexpression of TRAF6. Upregulation of TRAF6 also reversed the effect of AT-II on proliferation, ferroptosis, and immune escape in Hep3B cells. In vivo, AT-II reduced tumor volume and weight, the level of GPX4, xCT, and PD-L1, and the expression of TRAF6, p-p65/p-65, and p-IkBα/IkBα, with the increased expression of CD8. AT-II modulated the proliferation, ferroptosis, and immune escape of HCC cells by downregulating the TRAF6/NF-κB pathway.

Extraction, Profiling, and Characterization of Phytosterols and Triterpenoids from Pili (Canarium ovatum Engl.) Pulp Oil Exhibiting Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties

Pili (Canarium ovatum Engl.), an indigenous tree found in the Philippines, is highly regarded for its fruit due to its high economic value. During processing, the pulp is often discarded as waste but contains considerable amounts of oil and bioactive minor lipid components. The present study explored the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of saponified diethyl ether extract of pili pulp oil and related this activity to the nature of compounds present in the extract through GCMS. The extract indicated the elution of 18 major compounds which are mostly cyclic triterpenic (α-and β-amyrin, lupenone, and β-amyrone) and phytosterol (β-sitosterol, brassicasterol, and stigmasterol) class of compounds. Characterization of the bioactivity of the extract showed high antioxidant activities measured by DPPH radical scavenging (EC₅₀: 74.45 ± 1.29 μg/mL) and lipid peroxidation inhibition (EC₅₀: 3.02 ± 0.06 μg/mL) activities that were comparable with that of α-tocopherol. Moreover, an observed bactericidal activity was demonstrated by the extract against E. coli and S. typhi with MIC values of 40 and 35 μg/mL, respectively. The observed bioactivity of the pili pulp oil extract can be attributed to these compounds which may provide desirable health benefits.

Neuroprotective Effects of the Psychoactive Compound Biatractylolide (BD) in Alzheimer's Disease

Mitochondria play a central role in the survival or death of neuronal cells, and they are regulators of energy metabolism and cell death pathways. Many studies support the role of mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative damage in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Biatractylolide (BD) is a kind of internal symmetry double sesquiterpene novel ester compound isolated from the Chinese medicinal plant Baizhu, has neuroprotective effects in Alzheimer's disease. We developed a systematic pharmacological model based on chemical pharmacokinetic and pharmacological data to identify potential compounds and targets of Baizhu. The neuroprotective effects of BD in PC12 (rat adrenal pheochromocytoma cells) and SH-SY5Y (human bone marrow neuroblastoma cells) were evaluated by in vitro experiments. Based on the predicted results, we selected 18 active compounds, which were associated with 20 potential targets and 22 signaling pathways. Compound-target, target-disease and target-pathway networks were constructed using Cytoscape 3.2.1. And verified by in vitro experiments that BD could inhibit Aβ by reducing oxidative stress and decreasing CytC release induced mPTP opening. This study provides a theoretical basis for the development of BD as an anti-Alzheimer's disease drug.

The antitumor properties of atractylenolides: Molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways

Drugs that exhibit a high degree of tumor cell selectivity while minimizing normal cell toxicity are an area of active research interest as a means of designing novel antitumor agents. The pharmacological benefits of Chinese herbal medicine-based treatments have been the focus of growing research interest in recent years. Sesquiterpenoids derived from the Atractylodes macrocephala volatile oil preparations exhibit in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity. Atracylenolides exhibit anti-proliferative, anti-metastatic, and immunomodulatory activity in a range of tumor cell lines in addition to being capable of regulating metabolic activity such that it is a promising candidate drug for the treatment of diverse cancers. The present review provides a summary of recent advances in Atractylenolide-focused antitumor research efforts.

Anti-Osteoporosis Effects of the Eleutherococcus senticosus, Achyranthes japonica, and Atractylodes japonica Mixed Extract Fermented with Nuruk

Vigeo is a mixture of fermented extracts of Eleutherococcus senticosus Maxim (ESM), Achyranthes japonica (Miq.) Nakai (AJN), and Atractylodes japonica Koidzumi (AJK) manufactured using the traditional Korean nuruk fermentation method. Although the bioactive effects of ESM, AJN, and AJK have already been reported, the pharmacological effects of Vigeo have not been proven. Therefore, in this study, we investigated whether Vigeo had inhivitory effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory bone loss in vivo and receptor activator of nuclear factor-B ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis and the related mechanism in vitro. Vigeo administration conferred effective protection against bone loss induced by excessive inflammatory response and activity of osteoclasts in LPS-induced inflammatory osteoporosis mouse model. In addition, Vigeo significantly suppressed the formation of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive osteoclasts induced by RANKL and inhibited F-actin formation and bone resorbing activity without any cytotoxicity. Moreover, Vigeo significantly inhibited RANKL-induced phosphorylation of p38, ERK, JNK, IκB, and AKT and degradation of IkB. Additionally, Vigeo strongly inhibited the mRNA and protein expression of c-FOS and NFATc1 and subsequently attenuated the expression of osteoclast specific marker genes induced by RANKL. We demonstrated for the first time the anti-osteoporosis effect of Vigeo, suggesting that it could be a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of osteoclast-mediated inflammatory bone diseases.

Pharmaceuticals targeting signaling pathways of endometriosis as potential new medical treatment: A review

Endometriosis (EM) is defined as endometrial tissues found outside the uterus. Growth and development of endometriotic cells in ectopic sites can be promoted via multiple pathways, including MAPK/MEK/ERK, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, NF-κB, Rho/ROCK, reactive oxidative stress, tumor necrosis factor, transforming growth factor-β, Wnt/β-catenin, vascular endothelial growth factor, estrogen, and cytokines. The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms include proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, migration, invasion, fibrosis, angiogenesis, oxidative stress, inflammation, and immune escape. Current medical treatments for EM are mainly hormonal and symptomatic, and thus the development of new, effective, and safe pharmaceuticals targeting specific molecular and signaling pathways is needed. Here, we systematically reviewed the literature focused on pharmaceuticals that specifically target the molecular and signaling pathways involved in the pathophysiology of EM. Potential drug targets, their upstream and downstream molecules with key aberrant signaling, and the regulatory mechanisms promoting the growth and development of endometriotic cells and tissues were discussed. Hormonal pharmaceuticals, including melatonin, exerts proapoptotic via regulating matrix metallopeptidase activity while nonhormonal pharmaceutical sorafenib exerts antiproliferative effect via MAPK/ERK pathway and antiangiogenesis activity via VEGF/VEGFR pathway. N-acetyl cysteine, curcumin, and ginsenoside exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects via radical scavenging activity. Natural products have high efficacy with minimal side effects; for example, resveratrol and epigallocatechin gallate have multiple targets and provide synergistic efficacy to resolve the complexity of the pathophysiology of EM, showing promising efficacy in treating EM. Although new medical treatments are currently being developed, more detailed pharmacological studies and large sample size clinical trials are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of these treatments in the near future.

Atractylon Treatment Attenuates Pulmonary Fibrosis via Regulation of the mmu_circ_0000981/miR-211-5p/TGFBR2 Axis in an Ovalbumin-Induced Asthma Mouse Model

Asthma-induced pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is an important public health concern that has few treatment options given its poorly understood etiology; however, the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) of pulmonary epithelial cells has been implicated to play an important role in inducing PF. Although previous studies have found atractylon (Atr) to have anti-inflammatory effects, whether Atr has anti-PF abilities remains unknown. The purpose of the current study was to validate the protective efficiency of Atr in both an animal model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma and an EMT model induced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) using TC-1 cells. The results of this study revealed that Atr treatment suppressed OVA-induced PF via fibrosis-related protein expression. Atr treatment suppressed OVA-induced circRNA-0000981 and TGFBR2 expression but promoted miR-211-5p expression. In vivo studies revealed that Atr suppressed TGF-β1-induced EMT and fibrosis-related protein expression via suppressing circRNA-0000981 and TGFBR2 expression. The results also suggested that the downregulation of circRNA-0000981 expression suppressed TGFBR2 by sponging miR-211-5p, which was validated by a luciferase reporter assay. Collectively, the findings of the present study suggest that Atr treatment attenuates PF by regulating the mmu_circ_0000981/miR-211-5p/TGFBR2 axis in an OVA-induced asthma mouse model.

Chemical Profile and Antioxidant Activity of the Oil from Peony Seeds (Paeonia suffruticosa Andr.)

Peony seed oil (PSO) is a novel vegetable oil developed from the seeds of Paeonia suffruticosa Andr. The present study aimed to make an overall investigation on the chemical profile and antioxidant activities of PSO for reasonable development and utilization of this new resource food. Chemical analysis revealed that PSO was characterized by an uncommon high portion of α-linolenic acid (>38%), fairly low ratio of n-6 to n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (0.69), and much higher content of γ-tocopherol than various conventional seed oils. In vitro assay indicated that PSO is a more potent scavenger of free radicals than extra virgin olive oil. Moderate intake of PSO exhibited obvious protection against various oxidative damages such as tetrachloromethane-induced acute liver injury in mice and diet-induced hyperlipidemia in rats. The changes in the key indicators of oxidative injury and fatty acid composition in the liver caused by PSO administration were measured, and the results demonstrated that antioxidant properties of PSO are closely related to their characteristic chemical composition. Consequently, the present study provided new evidence for the health implications of PSO, which deserves further development for medical and nutritional use against oxidative damages that are associated with various diseases.

Biatractylolide Modulates PI3K-Akt-GSK3β-Dependent Pathways to Protect against Glutamate-Induced Cell Damage in PC12 and SH-SY5Y Cells

Biatractylolide, isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of Atractylodes macrocephala, has shown various pharmacological activities such as antitumor and antioxidant activities. In this work, we aim to study the protective effect of biatractylolide on glutamate-induced rat adrenal pheochromocytoma cell (PC12) and human bone marrow neuroblastoma cell line (SH-SY5Y) injury and preliminarily explore its mechanism. The results showed that glutamate was cytotoxic with an inhibitory concentration 50% (IC50) of 8.5 mM in PC12 and 10 mM in SH-SY5Y cells. In this work, the preincubation with biatractylolide (10, 15, and 20 μM) observably improved cell viability, inhibited the apoptosis of cells induced by glutamate, and reduced the activity of LDH. AO staining revealed that apoptosis of cells was decreased. Additionally, the results of western blotting manifested that pretreatment with biatractylolide could downregulate GSK3β protein expression and upregulate p-Akt protein expression, thereby protecting PC12 and SH-SY5Y cells from injury. All these findings indicate that biatractylolide has a neuroprotective effect on glutamate-induced injury in PC12 and SH-SY5Y cells through a mechanism of the PI3K-Akt-GSK3β-dependent pathways.

Chemopreventive effects of atractylenolide II on mammary tumorigenesis via activating Nrf2-ARE pathway

In the studies of chemoprevention, the Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway has received widespread attention due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidation effects. Our previous study indicated that atractylenolide II, which is an active component of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz, is a potential activator of Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway. In this study, we observed that atractylenolide II significantly increased Nrf2 expressing, nuclear translocation and the expression of its downstream detoxifying enzymes, thus decreasing 17β-Estradiol induced malignant transformation in MCF 10A cells, and we found that atractylenolide II acted through JNK/ERK-Nrf2-ARE pathway. Furthermore, atractylenolide II significantly reduced N-Nitroso-N-methylurea induced tumor incidence, multiplicity and volume, with activation of Nrf2-ARE pathway and decreased inflammation and oxidative stress in rat mammary tissue. Collectively, our results suggested that atractylenolide II could protect against mammary tumorigenesis both in vivo and in vitro via activating Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway, which supported atractylenolide II as a novel chemopreventive agent of breast cancer.

Recuperating Lung Decoction Attenuates the Oxidative Stress State of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease by Inhibiting the MAPK/AP-1 Signal Pathway and Regulating γ-GCS

Purpose/Objective. To evaluate the effects of Recuperating Lung Decoction (RLD) on the indices of oxidative stress in a rat model of COPD and detect the indices of the MAPK/AP-1/γ-GCS signal pathway for a further survey of the possible targeting site of RLD. Methods/Materials. The rats of COPD were treated with RLD. The protein levels of glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) were measured. In addition, the levels of key signaling molecules (extracellular signal-regulated kinases [ERK], the c-jun N-terminal kinase [JNKs signal pathway], and p38 MAP kinase [p38MAPK], AP-1 proteins [C-fos, C-jun], and γ-glutamyl-cysteine synthetase [γ-GCS-h]) of the MAPK/AP-1/γ-GCS-h signal pathway were assessed. Results. After treatment, the protein level of GSH and the ratio of GSH/GSSG were increased and the amounts of 8-OHdG and 4-HNE were decreased significantly in lung tissues when compared with the nontreated COPD group. Further results showed that the RLD could effectively inhibit the MAPK pathway by inactivation of p38MAPK and ERK and could also downregulate the AP-1 and the γ-GCS-h genes expressions in both protein and mRNA levels. Conclusion. RLD might improve the state of oxidative stress by downregulation of the expression of γ-GCS-h gene by inhibition of the MAPK/AP-1 pathway, thereafter enhancing the ability of antioxidation in COPD.

Effects of an aqueous extract of dangguijagyagsan on serum lipid levels and blood flow improvement in ovariectomized rats

Dangguijagyagsan (DJS), a traditional herbal prescription, has long been used to treat menopause-related symptoms. We identified the cardioprotective effects of an aqueous extract of DJS using an ovariectomized (OVX) and ferric chloride- (FeCl-) induced carotid thrombosis rat model. Female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were ovariectomized or Sham-operated (Sham-control). The ovariectomized rats were divided into three groups: OVX with saline (OVX-control), aspirin 30 mg/kg/day (OVX-ASA), and DJS 100 mg/kg/day (OVX-DJS). The treatments were administered for 5 weeks. Then, blood samples were collected to analyze the serum lipid levels and platelet aggregation. The topical application of 40% FeCl₃ induced intravascular thrombosis, which was used to test thrombotic occlusion and for histological examination. Body weight and the levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) increased in the OVX rats. These effects were reduced by ASA and DJS treatment. In addition, ASA and DJS treatment significantly inhibited platelet aggregation. These treatments also increased time to occlusion and decreased both thrombus size and the presence of collagen fibers in surrounding vessel walls compared with the Sham-control and OVX-control groups. These results suggest that DJS has beneficial effects in terms of preventing cardiovascular disease in menopausal woman because it can reduce the serum lipid levels and improve blood flow by inhibiting platelet aggregation and thrombus formation.

Evaluation of In Vitro Anti-Inflammatory Activities and Protective Effect of Fermented Preparations of Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae on Intestinal Barrier Function against Lipopolysaccharide Insult

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a potent inducer of systemic inflammatory responses, is known to cause impairment of intestinal barrier function. Here, we evaluated the in vitro protective effect of an unfermented formulation of Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae (RAM), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine widely used in the treatment of many digestive and gastrointestinal disorders, and two fermented preparations of RAM, designated as FRAM-1 (prepared in Luria-Bertani broth) and FRAM-2 (prepared in glucose), on intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) against LPS insult. In general, fermented formulations, especially FRAM-2, but not unfermented RAM, exerted an appreciable protective effect on IECs against LPS-induced perturbation of membrane resistance and permeability. Both fermented formulations exhibited appreciable anti-inflammatory activities in terms of their ability to inhibit LPS-induced gene expression and induced production of a number of key inflammatory mediators and cytokines in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. However, in most cases, FRAM-2 exhibited stronger anti-inflammatory effects than FRAM-1. Our findings also suggest that suppression of nuclear factor- κ β (NF- κ β ) activity might be one of the possible mechanisms by which the fermented RAM exerts its anti-inflammatory effects. Collectively, our results highlight the benefits of using fermented products of RAM to protect against LPS-induced inflammatory insult and impairment in intestinal barrier function.

Wu-Chia-Pi solution attenuates carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic injury through the antioxidative abilities of its components acteoside and quercetin

Wu-Chia-Pi medicated wine, composed nine Chinese medicines soaked in 35% alcohol, is widely used in Asia for its health-promoting functions. However, long-term consumption of alcohol could result in liver dysfunction. In this study, Wu-Chia-Pi solution (WCPS) and extract (WCPE) were prepared by modification of the principals given by the Committee on Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy in Taiwan. The aim of this study was to explore the protective effect of WCPS against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver injury and to clarify its active component(s). Antioxidative effects of the test samples were evaluated via MDA inhibition, catalase activity and DPPH-scavenging assays. HPLC was used to analysis the active components. Results showed that WCPS (1 and 5 mL/kg) significantly prevented CCl₄-induced liver injury without chronic liver toxicity. Referring to the antioxidative activities, WCPE displayed significant MDA inhibitory and DPPH-scavenging activities with IC₅₀ values of 0.91 ± 0.03 and 0.60 ± 0.04 mg/mL, respectively. Catalase activity was also enhanced by treatment of WCPE, acteoside and quercetin. Therefore, we suggest that acteoside and quercetin are the major contributors to the antioxidative and hepatoprotective activities of WCPS, and a possible mechanism could be mediated through reduction of oxidative stress.

The roots of Atractylodes japonica Koidzumi promote adipogenic differentiation via activation of the insulin signaling pathway in 3T3-L1 cells

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a complex metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and hyperglycemia. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a key transcription factor and plays an important role in the regulation of genes involved in adipogenic differentiation, glucose metabolism and insulin signal transduction.

METHODS

In this study, the effects of the root extract of Atractylodes japonica Koidzumi (Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba, ARA) on the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and the possible mechanism of glucose transport were investigated. 3T3-L1 cells were cultured with insulin and ARA extract.

RESULTS

In 3T3-L1 cells, ARA extract significantly enhanced adipogenic differentiation and upregulated the expression of PPARγ genes and protein in a dose-dependent manner. ARA also promoted glucose transport by increasing the glucose transporter 4 (GLUT-4), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and insulin receptor substrates-1 (IRS-1) levels.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that ARA extract may be an attractive therapeutic agent for managing T2D via promoting the differentiation of adipocytes with the upregulation of PPARγ levels and the activation of the insulin signaling pathway.

Scutellaria baicalensis alleviates cantharidin-induced rat hemorrhagic cystitis through inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 overexpression

Cantharidin, an active component in mylabris, is used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat scabies and hepatoma, but accompanied by hemorrhagic cystitis. Evidence shows that cantharidin induces human bladder carcinoma cell death through COX-2 overexpression in vitro. In TCM, Scutellaria baicalensis is usually used to cure mylabris-induced hematuria. This work was undertaken to determine the mechanisms of cantharidin-induced rat hemorrhagic cystitis and explore the uroprotective effect of S. baicalensis. In vitro results showed cantharidin could induce cytotoxicity through prostaglandin (PG)E₂ overproduction of T24 cells. Boiling-water extract of S. baicalensis (SB-WE) could significantly inhibit PGE₂ production and COX-2 expression in lipo-polysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 cells, indicating obvious anti-inflammatory abilities. In vivo results indicated that cantharidin caused rat hemorrhagic cystitis with hematuria via c-Fos and COX-2 overexpression. SB-WE was given orally to cantharidin-treated rats, whereby hematuria level, elevated PGE₂ and COX-2 protein overexpression were significantly and dose-dependently inhibited by SB-WE. The anti-inflammatory components of SB-WE are baicalin and wogonin, whose contents were 200.95 ± 2.00 and 31.93 ± 0.26 μg/mg, respectively. In conclusion, cantharidin induces rat cystitis through c-Fos and COX-2 over-expression and S. baicalensis can prevent the resulting hematuria because of its anti-inflammatory effects.