1
|
Zhong Y, Li J, Zhu X, Huang N, Liu R, Sun R. A comprehensive review of bupleuri radix and its bioactive components: with a major focus on treating chronic liver diseases. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 330:118244. [PMID: 38663781 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/30/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Bupleuri Radix (BR) has been recognized as an essential herbal medicine for relieving liver depression for thousands of years. Contemporary research has provided compelling evidence of its pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, metabolic regulation, and anticancer properties, positioning it as a promising treatment option for various liver diseases. Hepatitis, steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer are among the prevalent and impactful liver diseases worldwide. However, there remains a lack of comprehensive systematic reviews that explore the prescription, bio-active components, and underlying mechanisms of BR in treating liver diseases. AIM OF THE REVIEW To summarize the BR classical Chinese medical prescription and ingredients in treating liver diseases and their mechanisms to inform reference for further development and research. MATERIALS AND METHODS Literature in the last three decades of BR and its classical Chinese medical prescription and ingredients were collated and summarized by searching PubMed, Wiley, Springer, Google Scholar, Web of Science, CNKI, etc. RESULTS: BR and its classical prescriptions, such as Xiao Chai Hu decoction, Da Chai Hu decoction, Si Ni San, and Chai Hu Shu Gan San, have been utilized for centuries as effective therapies for liver diseases, including hepatitis, steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. BR is a rich source of active ingredients, such as saikosaponins, polysaccharides, flavonoids, sterols, organic acids, and so on. These bioactive compounds exhibit a wide range of beneficial effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and lipid metabolism regulation. However, it is important to acknowledge that BR and its constituents can also possess hepatotoxicity, which is associated with cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes and oxidative stress. Therefore, caution should be exercised when using BR in therapeutic applications to ensure the safe and appropriate utilization of its potential benefits while minimizing any potential risks. CONCLUSIONS To sum up, BR, its compounds, and its based traditional Chinese medicine are effective in liver diseases through multiple targets, multiple pathways, and multiple effects. Advances in pharmacological and toxicological investigations of BR and its bio-active components in the future will provide further contributions to the discovery of novel therapeutics for liver diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhong
- The Second Hospital of Shandong University, 247 Beiyuan Ave, Jinan, Shandong, 250033, China.
| | - Jianchao Li
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 4655 Daxue Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250355, China.
| | - Xiaomin Zhu
- The Second Hospital of Shandong University, 247 Beiyuan Ave, Jinan, Shandong, 250033, China.
| | - Nana Huang
- The Second Hospital of Shandong University, 247 Beiyuan Ave, Jinan, Shandong, 250033, China; Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 4655 Daxue Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250355, China.
| | - Runping Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Rong Sun
- The Second Hospital of Shandong University, 247 Beiyuan Ave, Jinan, Shandong, 250033, China; Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ochi A, Fujii S, Ohta T, Uto T, Nuntawong P, Tanaka H, Morimoto S, Sakamoto S. Highly sensitive indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay based on a monoclonal antibody against saikosaponin b2 for quality control of Kampo medicines containing Bupleuri radix. J Nat Med 2024; 78:160-168. [PMID: 37804411 DOI: 10.1007/s11418-023-01753-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Saikosaponins are naturally occurring oleanane-type triterpenoids that are found in Bupleuri radix (root of Bupleurum falcatum) and exhibit a broad biological activity spectrum. Saikosaponin b2 (SSb2) is the main saikosaponin in Kampo medicine extracts and is a designated quality control marker for the same in the Japanese Pharmacopeia. Although some monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against saikosaponins have been produced to evaluate the quality of Bupleuri radix and related products, anti-SSb2 mAbs have not been used to quantify SSb2 in Kampo medicines. To address this knowledge gap, we herein established a new hybridoma cell line secreting a highly specific anti-SSb2 mAb and developed an indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (icELISA) based on this mAb for the detection of SSb2 in Bupleuri radix-containing Kampo medicines. The generated SSb2-recognized mAb exhibited high specificity to SSb2 in icELISA. The developed assay featured high sensitivity (linearity range = 1.95-125 ng/ml), accuracy, precision and reproducibility (coefficient of variation < 5%), and the thus determined SSb2 contents were strongly correlated with those obtained using liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometer. These results suggest that the anti-SSb2 mAb-based icELISA method can be used for the quality control and standardization of Kampo medicines containing Bupleuri radix.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akihiro Ochi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Fujii
- Faculty of Health Management, Nagasaki International University, 2825-7 Huis Ten Bosch, Sasebo, 859-3298, Japan
| | - Tomoe Ohta
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagasaki International University, 2825-7 Huis Ten Bosch, Sasebo, 859-3298, Japan
| | - Takuhiro Uto
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagasaki International University, 2825-7 Huis Ten Bosch, Sasebo, 859-3298, Japan
| | - Poomraphie Nuntawong
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Tanaka
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sanyo-Onoda City University, 1-1-1 Daigaku-Dori, Yamaguchi, 756-0884, Japan
| | - Satoshi Morimoto
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Seiichi Sakamoto
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Xu L, Cai C, Fang J, Wu Q, Zhao J, Wang Z, Guo P, Zheng L, Liu A. Systems pharmacology dissection of pharmacological mechanisms of Xiaochaihu decoction against human coronavirus. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:252. [PMID: 37475019 PMCID: PMC10357659 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-04024-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is still rage worldwide, there are still very limited treatments for human coronaviruses (HCoVs) infections. Xiaochahu decoction (XCHD), which is one of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescriptions in Qingfeipaidu decoction (QFPDD), is widely used for COVID-19 treatment in China and able to relieve the symptoms of fever, fatigue, anorexia, and sore throat. To explore the role and mechanisms of XCHD against HCoVs, we presented an integrated systems pharmacology framework in this study. METHODS We constructed a global herb-compound-target (H-C-T) network of XCHD against HCoVs. Multi-level systems pharmacology analyses were conducted to highlight the key XCHD-regulated proteins, and reveal multiple HCoVs relevant biological functions affected by XCHD. We further utilized network-based prediction, drug-likeness analysis, combining with literature investigations to uncover the key ani-HCoV constituents in XCHD, whose effects on anit-HCoV-229E virus were validated using cytopathic effect (CPE) assay. Finally, we proposed potential molecular mechanisms of these compounds against HCoVs via subnetwork analysis. RESULTS Based on the systems pharmacology framework, we identified 161 XCHD-derived compounds interacting with 37 HCoV-associated proteins. An integrated pathway analysis revealed that the mechanism of XCHD against HCoVs is related to TLR signaling pathway, RIG-I-like receptor signaling pathway, cytoplasmic DNA sensing pathway, and IL-6/STAT3 pro-inflammatory signaling pathway. Five compounds from XCHD, including betulinic acid, chrysin, isoliquiritigenin, schisandrin B, and (20R)-Ginsenoside Rh1 exerted inhibitory activity against HCoV-229E virus in Huh7 cells using in vitro CPE assay. CONCLUSION Our work presented a comprehensive systems pharmacology approach to identify the effective molecules and explore the molecular mechanism of XCHD against HCoVs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lvjie Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target Identification and Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Chuipu Cai
- Division of Data Intelligence, Department of Computer Science, Key Laboratory of Intelligent Manufacturing Technology of Ministry of Education, Shantou University, Shantou, China
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiansong Fang
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qihui Wu
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target Identification and Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target Identification and Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Pengfei Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target Identification and Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Lishu Zheng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, China CDC, Beijing, China.
- Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Ailin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target Identification and Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhu Y, Lai Y. Pharmacological properties and derivatives of saikosaponins-a review of recent studies. J Pharm Pharmacol 2023:7194607. [PMID: 37307427 DOI: 10.1093/jpp/rgad052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Saikosaponins (SSs) constitute a class of medicinal monomers characterised by a triterpene tricyclic structure. Despite their potential therapeutic effects for various pathological conditions, the underlying mechanisms of their actions have not been systematically analysed. Here, we mainly review the important anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antiviral mechanisms underlying SS actions. METHODS Information from multiple scientific databases, such as PubMed, the Web of Science, and Google Scholar, was collected between 2018 and 2023. The search term used was saikosaponin. KEY FINDINGS Numerous studies have shown that Saikosaponin A exerts anti-inflammatory effects by modulating cytokine and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and lipid metabolism. Moreover, saikosaponin D exerts antitumor effects by inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis and autophagy, and the antiviral mechanisms of SSs, especially against SARS-CoV-2, have been partially revealed. Interestingly, an increasing body of experimental evidence suggests that SSs show the potential for use as anti-addiction, anxiolytic, and antidepressant treatments, and therefore, the related molecular mechanisms warrant further study. CONCLUSIONS An increasing amount of data have indicated diverse SS pharmacological properties, indicating crucial clues for future studies and the production of novel saikosaponin-based anti-inflammatory, efficacious anticancer, and anti-novel-coronavirus agents with improved efficacy and reduced toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingchao Zhu
- Clinical Medical College of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu Lai
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wang X, Li S, Yu J, Wang W, Du Z, Gao S, Ma Y, Tang R, Liu T, Ma S, Fu Q, Deng X. Saikosaponin B2 ameliorates depression-induced microglia activation by inhibiting ferroptosis-mediated neuroinflammation and ER stress. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023:116729. [PMID: 37277081 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Saikosaponins B2 (SSB2) is one of the main active components isolated from Radix Bupleuri (Bupleurum chinense DC.), a herb widely used of traditional Chinese medicine. It has been used for the treatment of depression for more than two thousand years. However, the molecular mechanisms remain to be determined. AIM OF THE STUDY In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect and elucidated underlying molecular mechanisms of SSB2 in LPS-induced primary microglia and CUMS-induced mice model of depression. METHOD The effects of SSB2 treatment were investigated both in vitro and in vivo. The chronic unpredictable mild stimulation (CUMS) procedure was applied to establish the animal model of depression. Behavioural tests were used to evaluate the depressive-like behaviors in CUMS-exposed mice, including sucrose preference test, open field test, tail suspension test, and forced swimming test. The GPX4 gene of microglia was silenced using shRNA, and inflammatory cytokines were determined by Western Blot and immunofluorescence analysis. Endoplasmic reticulum stress and ferroptosis-related markers were detected by qPCR, flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. RESULT SSB2 reversed depressive-like behaviours in CUMS-exposed mice and relieved central neuroinflammation and ameliorated hippocampal neural damage. SSB2 alleviated LPS-induced activation of microglia through the TLR4/NF-κB pathway. LPS-induced ferroptosis, with increased levels of ROS, intracellular Fe2+, mitochondrial membrane potential, lipid peroxidation, GSH, SLC7A11, FTH, GPX4 and Nrf2, and decreased transcription levels of ACSL4 and TFR1, was attenuated with SSB2 treatment in primary microglia cells. GPX4 knockdown activated ferroptosis, induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and abrogated the protective effects of SSB2. Further, SSB2 attenuated ER stress, balanced calcium homeostasis, reduced lipid peroxidation and intracellular Fe2+ content by regulating the level of intracellular Ca2+. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggested that SSB2 treatment can inhibit ferroptosis, maintain calcium homeostasis, relieve endoplasmic reticulum stress and attenuate central neuroinflammation. SSB2 exhibited anti-ferroptosis and anti-neuroinflammatory effects through the TLR4/NF-κB pathway in a GPX4-dependent manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinmei Wang
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Shanshan Li
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233030, China; Anhui Province Engineering Technology Research Center of Biochemical Pharmaceutical, Bengbu, 233030, China.
| | - Jiayu Yu
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Wenlin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Zhuoqi Du
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Shuchun Gao
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Yin Ma
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Ruixin Tang
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Ting Liu
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Shiping Ma
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Qiang Fu
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Xueyang Deng
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Qiao Y, Zhang X, Li Z, Song Y, Sun Z. Assembly and comparative analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome of Bupleurum chinense DC. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:664. [PMID: 36131243 PMCID: PMC9490909 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08892-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bupleurum chinense(B. chinense) is a plant that is widely distributed globally and has strong pharmacological effects. Though the chloroplast(cp) genome of B. chinense has been studied, no reports regarding the mitochondrial(mt) genome of B. chinense have been published yet. RESULTS The mt genome of B.chinense was assembled and functionally annotated. The circular mt genome of B. chinense was 435,023 bp in length, and 78 genes, including 39 protein-coding genes, 35 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes, were annotated. Repeat sequences were analyzed and sites at which RNA editing would occur were predicted. Gene migration was observed to occur between the mt and cp genomes of B. chinense via the detection of homologous gene fragments. In addition, the sizes of plant mt genomes and their GC content were analyzed and compared. The sizes of mt genomes of plants varied greatly, but their GC content was conserved to a greater extent during evolution. Ka/Ks analysis was based on code substitutions, and the results showed that most of the coding genes were negatively selected. This indicates that mt genes were conserved during evolution. CONCLUSION In this study, we assembled and annotated the mt genome of the medicinal plant B. chinense. Our findings provide extensive information regarding the mt genome of B. chinense, and help lay the foundation for future studies on the genetic variations, phylogeny, and breeding of B. chinense via an analysis of the mt genome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yonggang Qiao
- College of Life Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China.
| | - Xinrui Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China
| | - Zheng Li
- College of Life Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China
| | - Yun Song
- College of Life Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China
| | - Zhe Sun
- College of Life Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Jia A, Yang X, Zou B, Li J, Wang Y, Ma R, Li J, Yao Y. Saikosaponins: A Review of Structures and Pharmacological Activities. Nat Prod Commun 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x221094908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Radix Bupleuri is a traditional medicine widely used in China and other Asian countries. Phytochemistry and pharmacology study reveal that saikosaponins(SSs) are the main bioactive compounds in Radix Bupleuri. SSs are complex compounds composed of triterpene aglycone and carbohydrate part containing 1-13 monosaccharides, which can be divided into seven types based on their structural characteristics. Many different kinds of SSs have been isolated from plants of Bupleurum L. SSs show a variety of biological activities, such as central nervous system protection, liver protection, antivirus, anti-tumor, anti-inflammation, hormone-like effects, and immune regulation functions. Due to their broad activity and favorable safety profile, SSs attract an increasing amount of attention in recent years. In this review, the structures of 86 SSs are summarized based on the different aglycones due to the diverse structures of saikosaponin(SS). The pharmacological effects and related mechanism of SSs are thoroughly reviewed, and perspectives for future research are further discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ao Jia
- School of pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Xinhe Yang
- School of pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Bin Zou
- School of pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Jia Li
- School of pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Yefeng Wang
- School of Public Health & Management, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Ruixia Ma
- School of pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Juan Li
- School of pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
- Key Laboratory of Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Yao Yao
- School of Basic Medical Science, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Glycyrrhizin: An alternative drug for the treatment of COVID-19 infection and the associated respiratory syndrome? Pharmacol Ther 2020; 214:107618. [PMID: 32592716 PMCID: PMC7311916 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Safe and efficient drugs to combat the current COVID-19 pandemic are urgently needed. In this context, we have analyzed the anti-coronavirus potential of the natural product glycyrrhizic acid (GLR), a drug used to treat liver diseases (including viral hepatitis) and specific cutaneous inflammation (such as atopic dermatitis) in some countries. The properties of GLR and its primary active metabolite glycyrrhetinic acid are presented and discussed. GLR has shown activities against different viruses, including SARS-associated Human and animal coronaviruses. GLR is a non-hemolytic saponin and a potent immuno-active anti-inflammatory agent which displays both cytoplasmic and membrane effects. At the membrane level, GLR induces cholesterol-dependent disorganization of lipid rafts which are important for the entry of coronavirus into cells. At the intracellular and circulating levels, GLR can trap the high mobility group box 1 protein and thus blocks the alarmin functions of HMGB1. We used molecular docking to characterize further and discuss both the cholesterol- and HMG box-binding functions of GLR. The membrane and cytoplasmic effects of GLR, coupled with its long-established medical use as a relatively safe drug, make GLR a good candidate to be tested against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, alone and in combination with other drugs. The rational supporting combinations with (hydroxy)chloroquine and tenofovir (two drugs active against SARS-CoV-2) is also discussed. Based on this analysis, we conclude that GLR should be further considered and rapidly evaluated for the treatment of patients with COVID-19.
Collapse
|
9
|
Comparative Analysis of the Complete Plastid Genome of Five Bupleurum Species and New Insights into DNA Barcoding and Phylogenetic Relationship. PLANTS 2020; 9:plants9040543. [PMID: 32331381 PMCID: PMC7238134 DOI: 10.3390/plants9040543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Bupleurum L. (Apiaceae) is a perennial and herbal genus, most species of which have high medicinal value. However, few studies have been performed using plastome data in this genus, and the phylogenetic relationships have always been controversial. In this study, the plastid genomes of Bupleurum chinense and Bupleurum commelynoideum were sequenced, and their gene content, order, and structure were counted and analyzed. The only three published Bupleurum species (B. boissieuanum, B. falcatum, and B. latissimum) and other fifteen allied species were selected to conduct a series of comparative and phylogenetic analyses. The genomes of B. chinense and B. commelynoideum were 155,869 and 155,629 bp in length, respectively, both of which had a typical quadripartite structure. The genome length, structure, guanine and cytosine (GC) content, and gene distribution were highly similar to the other three Bupleurum species. The five Bupleurum species had nearly the same codon usages, and eight regions (petN-psbM, rbcL-accD, ccsA-ndhD, trnK(UUU)-rps16, rpl32-trnL(UAG)-ccsA, petA-psbJ, ndhF-rpl32, and trnP(UGG)-psaJ-rpl33) were found to possess relatively higher nucleotide diversity, which may be the promising DNA barcodes in Bupleurum. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all Bupleurum species clustered into a monophyletic clade with high bootstrap support and diverged after the Chamaesium clade. Overall, our study provides new insights into DNA barcoding and phylogenetic relationship between Bupleurum and its related genera, and will facilitate the population genomics, conservation genetics, and phylogenetics of Bupleurum in Apiaceae.
Collapse
|
10
|
Ren D, Luo J, Li Y, Zhang J, Yang J, Liu J, Zhang X, Cheng N, Xin H. Saikosaponin B2 attenuates kidney fibrosis via inhibiting the Hedgehog Pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2020; 67:153163. [PMID: 31901891 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2019.153163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Renal interstitial fibrosis is a common pathway through which chronic kidney disease progresses to end-stage renal disease. There are currently no effective drugs available to treat kidney fibrosis, so traditional medicine is likely to be a candidate. The therapeutic potential of saikosaponin B2 (SSB2), a biologically active ingredient of Radix Bupleuri, on renal fibrosis has not been reported. METHODS A unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model was conducted to induce renal interstitial fibrosis in mice. SSB2's effect was valuated by histological staining and exploring the changes in expression of relative proteins and mRNAs. A conditional medium containing sonic hedgehog variant protein stimulating normal rat kidney interstitial fibroblast cells (NRK-49F) was used in an in vitro model to determine the possible mechanism. The molecular target of SSB2 was verified using several mutation plasmids. RESULTS SSB2 administration reduced kidney injury and alleviated interstitial fibrosis by decreasing excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix components in UUO mice. It could also reduce the expression of α-SMA, fibronectin and Gli1, a crucial molecule of the hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway both in vivo and in vitro. In NIH-3T3 cells simulated by conditional medium containing sonic hedgehog variant protein, SSB2 showed the ability to decrease the expression of Gli1 and Ptch1 mRNA. Using a dual-luciferase reporter assay, SSB2 suppressed the Gli-luciferase reporter activity in NIH-3T3 cells, and the IC50 was 0.49 μM, but had no effect on the TNF-α/NF-κB and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways, indicating the inhibition selectivity on the Hh signaling pathway. Furthermore, SSB2 failed to inhibit the Hh pathway activity evoked by ectopic expression of Gli2ΔN and Smo D473H, suggesting that SSB2 might potentially act on smoothened receptors. CONCLUSION SSB2 could attenuate renal fibrosis and decrease fibroblast activation by inhibiting the Hh signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dadui Ren
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, PR China
| | - Jia Luo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, PR China
| | - Yingxue Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, PR China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, PR China
| | - Jiahong Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, PR China
| | - Junqiu Liu
- Laboratory of Medicinal Plant Biotechnology, College of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, PR China
| | - Xuemei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, PR China
| | - Nengneng Cheng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, PR China.
| | - Hong Xin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Comparative Effect of Aqueous and Methanolic Bupleuri Radix Extracts on Hepatic Uptake of High-Density Lipoprotein and Identification of the Potential Target in HFD-Fed Mice. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 2019:9074289. [PMID: 31885672 PMCID: PMC6915136 DOI: 10.1155/2019/9074289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Our previous study found saikosaponin b2 (SSb2) increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) uptake in HepG2 cells. SSb2 is only found in aqueous Bupleuri Radix extract, and it is one of the secondary saponins derived from saikosaponin d (SSd), which exists in the methanolic extract. This study aimed to compare the effect of aqueous extract of Bupleuri Radix on hepatic uptake of HDL with methanolic extract and to reveal the underlying mechanism of enhancing HDL uptake in mice fed with high-fat diet (HFD). Cellular HDL uptake in each group was quantified by flow cytometry. Bioactive components bound to the HepG2 cytomembrane were detected with HPLC-DAD. RNA sequencing was performed to screen the underlying target on hepatic HDL-uptake, and western blotting was conducted to verify differential protein expression. Significant increases of HDL uptake by HepG2 cells were observed in all groups of aqueous extract of Bupleuri Radix, while no effect or negative effect was observed in the methanolic extract. Saikosaponin b1 (SSb1) and SSb2 were detected in the desorption elute of the aqueous extract from the HepG2 cytomembrane, while saikosaponin a (SSa) and SSd were not found. Remarkable upregulation of FGF21 in HFD-fed mice liver was affirmed after treatment with aqueous extract. This study suggested that aqueous Bupleuri Radix extract could promote hepatic HDL uptake in vitro but methanolic extract could not, and FGF21 might be the potential target.
Collapse
|
12
|
Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Ling Lee
- Department of Medicine, Cheng-Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Nursing, Oriental Institute of Technology, New Taipei City, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Fa-Kung Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cathy General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Peng-Hui Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
| |
Collapse
|