Chemical characterization of main bioactive constituents in Paeonia ostii seed meal and GC-MS analysis of seed oil

Exploring the Effect of Active Components in Oil Tree Peony Seed Meal on Swine Disease Resistance and its Potential Mechanisms Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking

This study aims to explore the feasibility of using network pharmacology and molecular docking technology to predict the effects of active components from oil tree peony seed meal (PSM) on swine diseases. Ten active components of PSM were screened Screening through literature search and network pharmacology standards, including Betulinic acid, Quercetin, Kaempferol, Luteolin, Isorhamnetin, Hydroxygenkwanin, Hederagenin, Benzoyl Paeoniflorin, Albiflorin, Paeoniflorin. Ten types of swine diseases were selected, including African Swine Fever, Aftosa, Swine Vesicular Disease, Transmissible Gastroenteritis, Swine Streptococcal Infection, Blue Aural Disease, Swine Infectious Atrophic Rhinitis, Swine Influenza, Swine Erysipelas, Swine Epidemic Encephalitis. The results showed that the average number of cross genes between the potential target genes of PSM active components and each swine disease target gene accounted for 7.64 % of the total number of swine disease target genes. The GO enrichment analyses showed that putative targets exist in endosomes, lysosomes, cell membranes, nerves, growth factor activity, receptor tyrosine kinase binding, enzyme binding, growth factor binding, transcription coactivator binding, oxidoreductase activity, prostaglandin E receptor activity and insulin receptor substrate binding. The KEGG enrichment analysis results showed that these putative genes were involved in various cancer progression pathways, signaling pathways, and hormone regulatory pathways. A total of 8 core targets were obtained through protein-protein interaction networks analysis, including Protein Kinase CAMP-Activated Catalytic Subunit Alpha (PRKACA), Non-Receptor Tyrosine Kinase (SRC), Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 (MAPK1), E1A Binding Protein P300 (EP300), Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1 Subunit Alpha (HIF1A), Phosphatidylinositol-4,5-Bisphosphate 3-Kinase Catalytic Subunit Beta (PIK3CB), C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) and Estrogen Receptor 2 (ESR2). The HIF-1 signaling pathway was found to be associated with all 10 selected swine diseases. The PD-L1 expression, and PD-1 checkpoint pathway in cancer, and thyroid hormone signaling pathway were not only enriches the core target with a quantity of 7, but also associated with 9 Swine diseases. In addition, the molecular docking results indicate that the core ingredients have strong affinity with hub genes. The research suggests that the active components of PSM may intervene in swine diseases through multiple components, targets, and pathways.

Mechanistic exploration of bioactive constituents in Gnetum gnemon for GPCR-related cancer treatment through network pharmacology and molecular docking

G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) are integral membrane proteins that have gained considerable attention as drug targets, particularly in cancer treatment. In this study, we explored the capacity of bioactive compounds derived from Gnetum gnemon (GG) for the development of of pharmaceuticals targeting GPCRs within the context of cancer therapy. Integrated approach combined network pharmacology and molecular docking to identify and validate the underlying pharmacological mechanisms. We retrieved targets for GG-derived compounds and GPCRs-related cancer from databases. Subsequently, we established a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network by mapping the shared targets. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were employed to predict the mechanism of action of these targets. Molecular docking was conducted to validate our findings. We identified a total of 265 targets associated with GG-derived bioactive compounds for the treatment of GPCRs-related cancer. Functional enrichment analysis revealed the promising therapeutic effects of these targets on GPCRs-related cancer pathways. The PPI network analysis identified hub targets, including MAPK3, SRC, EGFR, STAT3, ESR1, MTOR, CCND1, and PPARG, which demonstrate as treatment targets for GPCRs-related cancer using GG-derived compounds. Additionally, molecular docking experiments demonstrated the strong binding affinity of gnetin A, gnetin C, (-)-viniferin, and resveratrol dimer, thus inhibiting MAPK3, SRC, EGFR, and MTOR. Survival analysis established the clinical prognostic relevance of identified hub genes in cancer. This study presents a novel approach for comprehending the therapeutic mechanisms of GG-derived active compounds and thereby paving the way for their prospective clinical applications in the field of cancer treatment.

Production of Margarine Fat Containing Medium- and Long-Chain Triacylglycerols by Enzymatic Interesterification of Peony Seed Oil, Palm Stearin and Coconut Oil Blends

This paper reports the preparation of margarine fat using Lipozyme TL IM as a catalyst and peony seed oil (PSO), palm stearin (PS) and coconut oil (CO) as raw materials. The results indicate that there were no significant changes in fatty acid composition before or after interesterification of the oil samples. However, the total amount of medium- and long-chain triglycerides (MLCTs) increased from 2.92% to 11.38% in sample E1 after interesterification, mainly including LaLaO, LaMO, LaPM, LaOO, LaPO and LaPP. Moreover, the slip melting point (SMP) of sample E1 decreased from 45.9 °C (B1) to 33.5 °C. The solid fat content (SFC) of all the samples at 20 °C was greater than 10%, indicating that they could effectively prevent oil exudation. After interesterification, the samples exhibited a β' crystal form and could be used to prepare functional margarine.

Flavonoids as dual-target inhibitors against α-glucosidase and α-amylase: a systematic review of in vitro studies

Diabetes mellitus remains a major global health issue, and great attention is directed at natural therapeutics. This systematic review aimed to assess the potential of flavonoids as antidiabetic agents by investigating their inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase and α-amylase, two key enzymes involved in starch digestion. Six scientific databases (PubMed, Virtual Health Library, EMBASE, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and WHO Global Index Medicus) were searched until August 21, 2022, for in vitro studies reporting IC50 values of purified flavonoids on α-amylase and α-glucosidase, along with corresponding data for acarbose as a positive control. A total of 339 eligible articles were analyzed, resulting in the retrieval of 1643 flavonoid structures. These structures were rigorously standardized and curated, yielding 974 unique compounds, among which 177 flavonoids exhibited inhibition of both α-glucosidase and α-amylase are presented. Quality assessment utilizing a modified CONSORT checklist and structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis were performed, revealing crucial features for the simultaneous inhibition of flavonoids against both enzymes. Moreover, the review also addressed several limitations in the current research landscape and proposed potential solutions. The curated datasets are available online at https://github.com/MedChemUMP/FDIGA .

Comprehensive comparison of different parts of Paeonia ostii, a food-medicine plant, based on untargeted metabolomics, quantitative analysis, and bioactivity analysis

Introduction

Paeonia ostii T. Hong & J.X. Zhang (s.s.) (Chinese name, Fengdan) is a widely cultivated food-medicine plant in China, in which root bark, seed kernels, and flowers are utilized for their medicinal and edible values. However, other parts of the plant are not used efficiently, in part due to a poor understanding of their chemical composition and potential biological activity.

Methods

Untargeted ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time of flight-mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) metabolomics was applied to characterize the metabolic profiles of 10 different parts of P. ostii.

Results and discussion

A total of 160 metabolites were alternatively identified definitely or tentatively, which were significantly different in various plant parts by multivariate statistical analysis. Quantitative analysis showed that underutilized plant parts also contain many active ingredients. Compared with the medicinal part of root bark, the root core part still contains a higher content of paeoniflorin (17.60 ± 0.06 mg/g) and PGG (15.50 ± 2.00 mg/g). Petals, as an edible part, contain high levels of quercitrin, and stamens have higher methyl gallate and PGG. Unexpectedly, the ovary has the highest content of methyl gallate and rather high levels of PGG (38.14 ± 1.27 mg/g), and it also contains surprisingly high concentrations of floralalbiflorin I. Paeoniflorin (38.68 ± 0.76 mg/g) is the most abundant in leaves, and the content is even higher than in the root bark. Branches are also rich in a variety of catechin derivatives and active ingredients such as hydrolyzable tannins. Seed kernels also contain fairly high levels of paeoniflorin and albiflorin. Fruit shells still contain a variety of components, although not at high levels. Seed coats, as by-products removed from peony seeds before oil extraction, have high contents of stilbenes, such as trans-gnetin H and suffruticosol B, showing significant potential for exploitation. Except for the seed kernels, extracts obtained from other parts exhibited good antioxidant activity in DPPH, ABTS, and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays (0.09-1.52 mmol TE/g). Five compounds (gallic acid, PGG, trans-resveratrol, kaempferol, and quercitrin) were important ingredients that contributed to their antioxidant activities. Furthermore, P. ostii seed cakes were first reported to possess agonistic activity toward CB1/CB2 receptors. This study provides a scientific basis for the further development and utilization of P. ostii plant resources.

Effects of dietary fermented peony seed dreg on the laying performance, albumen quality, antioxidant capacity, and n-3 PUFA-enriching property of laying hens

Introduction

It is of great importance to seek agro-industrial byproducts that can serve as unconventional or alternative feedstuffs for poultry, especially those that are substitutive sources of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), as this will contribute to alleviating feed shortage pressure and improving poultry performance and product quality. In this study, the effects of dietary fermented peony seed dreg (FPSD) on the production performance of hens and fatty acid composition of meat and egg yolk were evaluated.

Methods

A total of 480 54-week-old Xinyang chickens were divided into 5 groups: control (basal diet); 5% peony seed dreg (PSD); and 5%, 7% and 9% FPSD, and each group consisted of 6 replicates with 16 birds per replicate. Production performances were recorded daily, and egg quality, serum parameters, antibody titers and fatty acid profile in the muscle and yolk were measured at 64 weeks of age.

Results and discussion

Egg production, feed conversion ratio and egg albumen quality were improved (p < 0.05) by 5% and 7% FPSD groups compared to 5% PSD and the control diet. Immune status was not influenced by PSD, but antibody titres against H7N9 and ND were improved by FPSD diets during most of the experimental periods. Dietary 5% and 7% FPSD increased (p < 0.05) serum high density lipoprotein concentrations and glutathione peroxidase actives. Total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in meat and yolk increased gradually, while the total saturated fatty acids (SFA) and the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio decreased gradually with increasing dietary FPSD levels. In conclusion, up to 7% dietary FPSD has the potential use to be utilized as a supplement in Xinyang laying hen diets to produce n-3 PUFA-enriched meat and eggs and positively affect production performance and health status.

Integrating network pharmacology analysis and pharmacodynamic evaluation for exploring the active components and molecular mechanism of moutan seed coat extract to improve cognitive impairment

Paeonia suffruticosa (Moutan) is a traditional medicinal plant in China. Its seed coat is rich in resveratrol oligomer, especially suffruticosol B (SB). Previous studies had shown that the seed coat extracts of Paeonia suffruticosa (PSCE) had good cholinesterase inhibitory activity and neuroprotective effect, but the effective dose range was unknown, and the pharmacodynamic components and molecular mechanism of PSCE had not been discussed. The current study aimed to screen the pharmacodynamic components in PSCE and investigate the improvement effect of PSCE and the selected SB on scopolamine-induced cognitive dysfunction in mice and its mechanism. The results of high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics analysis showed that suffruticosol B (SB) and trans-gnetin H (GH) might be the main active components of PSCE; PSCE might improve cognitive dysfunction through p53, HIF-1, MAPK, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways, while SB and GH might improve cognitive dysfunction through HIF-1 signaling pathway. SB and GH had good molecular docking activity with the target of HIF-1 signaling pathway. The pharmacodynamic activities of PSCE and SB were further verified by behavioral experiments. PSCE and SB could improve the recognition ability of familiar and new objects and shorten the escape latency in the Morris Water Maze test (PSCE 120 mg∙kg-1, p < 0.05; SB 60 mg∙kg-1, p < 0.01); PSCE and SB could increase Ach and GSH levels, enhance the activities of ChAT, SOD and CAT, decrease the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, and decrease the activity of AChE. In conclusion, the results indicated that PSCE might exert pharmacodynamic activity through multiple components, targets, and pathways, and SB and GH might be the main active components of PSCE. PSCE and SB might improve cognitive dysfunction by regulating cholinergic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. These results indicated that PSCE and SB might be potential anti-AD drug candidates, providing a scientific basis for the development and utilization of Moutan bark.

Chemistry, Biosynthesis and Pharmacology of Viniferin: Potential Resveratrol-Derived Molecules for New Drug Discovery, Development and Therapy

Viniferin is a resveratrol derivative. Resveratrol is the most prominent stilbenoid synthesized by plants as a defense mechanism in response to microbial attack, toxins, infections or UV radiation. Different forms of viniferin exist, including alpha-viniferin (α -viniferin), beta-viniferin (β-viniferin), delta-viniferin (δ-viniferin), epsilon-viniferin (ε-viniferin), gamma-viniferin (γ-viniferin), R-viniferin (vitisin A), and R2-viniferin (vitisin B). All of these forms exhibit a range of important biological activities and, therefore, have several possible applications in clinical research and future drug development. In this review, we present a comprehensive literature search on the chemistry and biosynthesis of and the diverse studies conducted on viniferin, especially with regards to its anti-inflammatory, antipsoriasis, antidiabetic, antiplasmodic, anticancer, anti-angiogenic, antioxidant, anti-melanogenic, neurodegenerative effects, antiviral, antimicrobial, antifungal, antidiarrhea, anti-obesity and anthelminthic activities. In addition to highlighting its important chemical and biological activities, coherent and environmentally acceptable methods for establishing vinferin on a large scale are highlighted to allow the development of further research that can help to exploit its properties and develop new phyto-pharmaceuticals. Overall, viniferin and its derivatives have the potential to be the most effective nutritional supplement and supplementary medication, especially as a therapeutic approach. More researchers will be aware of viniferin as a pharmaceutical drug as a consequence of this review, and they will be encouraged to investigate viniferin and its derivatives as pharmaceutical drugs to prevent future health catastrophes caused by a variety of serious illnesses.

The Optimization of Extraction Process, Antioxidant, Whitening and Antibacterial Effects of Fengdan Peony Flavonoids

Flavonoids have important biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant and whitening, which is a potential functional food raw material. However, the biological activity of Fengdan peony flavonoid is not particularly clear. Therefore, in this study, the peony flavonoid was extracted from Fengdan peony seed meal, and the antioxidant, antibacterial and whitening activities of the peony flavonoid were explored. The optimal extraction conditions were methanol concentration of 90%, solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:35 g:mL, temperature of 55 °C and time of 80 min; under these conditions, the yield of Fengdan peony flavonoid could reach 1.205 ± 0.019% (the ratio of the dry mass of rutin to the dry mass of peony seed meal). The clearance of Fengdan peony total flavonoids to 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical, hydroxyl radical and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) free radical could reach 75%, 70% and 97%, respectively. Fengdan peony flavonoid could inhibit the growth of the Gram-positive bacteria. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of Fengdan peony flavonoid on S. aureus, B. anthracis, B. subtilis and C. perfringens were 0.0293 mg/mL, 0.1172 mg/mL, 0.2344 mg/mL and 7.500 mg/mL, respectively. The inhibition rate of Fengdan peony flavonoid on tyrosinase was 8.53-81.08%. This study intensely illustrated that the antioxidant, whitening and antibacterial activity of Fengdan peony total flavonoids were significant. Fengdan peony total flavonoids have a great possibility of being used as functional food materials.

In Vitro Selective Antibacterial and Antiproliferative Effects of Ethanolic Extracts from Cambodian and Philippine Plants Used in Folk Medicine for Diarrhea Treatment

Bacterial diarrhea remains a global health problem, especially in developing tropical countries. Moreover, dysbiosis caused by diarrheagenic bacteria and inappropriate antimicrobial treatment has been associated with intestinal carcinogenesis. Despite the rich tradition of the use of herbs for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders in Cambodian and Philippine folk medicine, many of them have not yet been systematically studied for their in vitro selective inhibitory effects on intestinal bacteria and cells. In the present study, in vitro inhibitory activities of 35 ethanolic extracts derived from 32 Cambodian and Philippine medicinal plants were determined by broth microdilution method against 12 pathogenic bacteria. Furthermore, cytotoxicity against intestinal cancer cells (Caco-2 and HT-29) using thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide cytotoxicity assay and safety to six beneficial intestinal bacteria (bifidobacteria and lactobacilli) and intestinal normal cells (FHs 74 Int) were determined for the antimicrobially active extracts. Selectivity indices (SIs) were calculated among the averages of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50), and 80% inhibitory concentrations of proliferation (IC80) for each type of the tested agents. The extracts of Artocarpus blancoi (Elmer) Merr. (Moraceae), Ancistrocladus tectorius (Lour.) Merr. (Ancistrocladaceae), and Pentacme siamensis (Miq.) Kurz (Dipterocarpaceae) produced significant growth-inhibitory effects (MICs = 32-512 μg/ml) against intestinal pathogenic bacteria at the concentrations nontoxic to normal intestinal cells (IC80 values >512 μg/ml; SIs = 0.11-0.2). Moreover, the extract of P. siamensis (Miq.) Kurz was relatively safe to beneficial bacteria (MICs ≥512 μg/ml; SI = 0.1), and together with A. blancoi (Elmer) Merr., they selectively inhibited intestinal cancer cells (IC50 values ≥51.98 ± 19.79 μg/ml; SIs = 0.3 and 0.6). Finally, a strong selective antiproliferative effect on cancer cells (IC50 values 37.89 ± 2.68 to 130.89 ± 13.99 μg/ml; SIs = 0.5) was exerted by Ehretia microphylla Lam. (Boraginaceae), Lagerstroemia cochinchinensis Pierre ex Gagnep. (Lythraceae), and Melastoma saigonense (Kuntze) Merr. (Melastomataceae) (leaves with flower buds). The results suggest that the above-mentioned species are promising materials for the development of new selective antibacterial and antiproliferative agents for the treatment of infectious diarrhea and associated intestinal cancer diseases. However, further research is needed regarding the isolation and identification of their active constituents.

Toxicological Evaluation of Piceatannol, Pterostilbene, and ε-Viniferin for Their Potential Use in the Food Industry: A Review

The application of stilbenes in the food industry is being considered because of their biological activities. Piceatannol, pterostilbene and ε-viniferin have awakened the industry’s interest. However, before they can be commercialized, we must first guarantee their safety for consumers. The present work reviews the toxicological studies performed with these stilbenes. A wide variety of studies has demonstrated their cytotoxic effects in both cancer and non-cancerous cell lines. In contrast, although DNA damage was detected by some authors, in vitro genotoxic studies on the effects of piceatannol, pterostilbene, and ε-viniferin remain scarce. None of the three reviewed substances have been evaluated using the in vitro tests required by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) as the first step in genotoxicity testing. We did not find any study on the toxic effects of these stilbenes in vivo. Thus, more studies are needed to confirm their safe use before they can be authorized as additive in the food industry.

Microscopic Characteristic and Chemical Composition Analysis of Three Medicinal Plants and Surface Frosts

The accumulation of chemical constituents of some medicinal plants, such as Paeonia ostii T. Hong et J. X. Zhang, Houpoëa officinalis (Rehder and E. H. Wilson) N. H. Xia and C. Y. Wu. and Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC, can precipitate on the surface and form frosts after natural or artificial intervention. The characteristics of these three medicinal plants and their frosts were analyzed by light microscope, polarizing microscope, stereomicroscope, and metalloscope. The results of ordinary Raman of P. ostii and H. officinalis showed that the frosts of P. ostii matched paeonol, while that of H. officinalis matched magnolol and honokiol. In P. ostii and its frost, 19 peaks were identified by UPLC-Q/TOF-MS, and the main component was paeonol. Eleven components were identified in H. officinalis and its frosts, and the main components were magnolol and honokiol. A. lancea and its frosts were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), 21 were identified, and its main components were hinesol and β-eudesmol. These three medicinal plants accumulate compounds and precipitate frosts on the surface. The results show that the components of the frosts provide a basis for quality evaluation and research on similar medicinal plants, and reveals the scientific connotation of "taking the medicinal materials' precipitated frosts as the best" of P. ostii, H. officinalis, and A. lancea, to some extent.