Cnidium monnieri: A Review of Traditional Uses, Phytochemical and Ethnopharmacological Properties

Chromosome-level genome assembly of Cnidium monnieri, a highly demanded traditional Chinese medicine

Cnidium monnieri, a medicinal herb of the Cnidium genus and the Apiaceae family, is among the most important traditional Chinese medicines and is widely distributed in China. However, to date, no C. monnieri-related genomic information has been described. In this study, we assembled the C. monnieri genome of approximately 1210.23 Mb with a contig N50 of 83.14 Mb. Using PacBio HiFi and Hi-C sequencing data, we successfully anchored 93.86% of the assembled sequences to 10 pseudochromosomes (2n = 20). We predicted a total of 37,460 protein-coding genes, with 97.02% of them being functionally annotated in Non-Redundant, Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, and other databases. In addition, we identified 2,778 tRNAs, 4,180 rRNAs, 258 miRNAs, and 1,700 snRNAs in the genome. This is the first reported C. monnieri genome. Hopefully, the availability of this chromosome-level reference genome provides a significant basis for upcoming natural product-related biosynthetic pathway assessment in C. monnieri.

Cnidii Fructus: A traditional Chinese medicine herb and source of antiosteoporotic drugs

BACKGROUND

Osteoporosis (OP) is a prevalent chronic metabolic bone disease for which limited countermeasures are available. Cnidii Fructus (CF), primarily derived from Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson., has been tested in clinical trials of traditional Chinese medicine for the management of OP. Accumulating preclinical studies indicate that CF may be used against OP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Comprehensive documentation and analysis were conducted to retrieve CF studies related to its main phytochemical components as well as its pharmacokinetics, safety and pharmacological properties. We also retrieved information on the mode of action of CF and, in particular, preclinical and clinical studies related to bone remodeling. This search was performed from the inception of databases up to the end of 2022 and included PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, the National Science and Technology Library, the China Science and Technology Journal Database, Weipu, Wanfang, the Web of Science and the China National Patent Database.

RESULTS

CF contains a wide range of natural active compounds, including osthole, bergapten, imperatorin and xanthotoxin, which may underlie its beneficial effects on improving bone metabolism and quality. CF action appears to be mediated via multiple processes, including the osteoprotegerin (OPG)/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANK), Wnt/β-catenin and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)/Smad signaling pathways.

CONCLUSION

CF and its ingredients may provide novel compounds for developing anti-OP drugs.

Osthole ameliorates early diabetic kidney damage by suppressing oxidative stress, inflammation and inhibiting TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Osthole is a natural active ingredient extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine Cnidium monnieri. It has been demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and anti-hyperglycemic properties. However, its effect on diabetic kidney disease (DKD) remains uncertain. This study aims to assess the preventive and therapeutic effects of osthole on DKD and investigate its underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

A streptozotocin/high-fat and high-sucrose diet induced Type 2 diabetic rat model was established. Metformin served as the positive drug control. Diabetic rats were treated with metformin or three different doses of osthole for 8 weeks. Throughout the treatment period, the progression of DKD was assessed by monitoring increases in urinary protein, serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, and uric acid, along with scrutinizing kidney pathology. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to detect inflammatory factors and oxidative stress levels. At the same time, immunohistochemical staining was utilized to evaluate changes in alpha-smooth muscle actin, fibronectin, E-cadherin, and apoptosis. The alterations in TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway were ascertained through western blot and immunofluorescence. Furthermore, we constructed a high glucose-stimulated HBZY-1 cells model to uncover its molecular protective mechanism.

RESULTS

Osthole significantly reduced fasting blood glucose, insulin resistance, serum creatinine, uric acid, blood urea nitrogen, urinary protein excretion, and glomerular mesangial matrix deposition in diabetic rats. Additionally, significant improvements were observed in inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and fibrosis levels. The increase of ROS, apoptosis and hypertrophy in HBZY-1 cells induced by high glucose was reduced by osthole. Immunofluorescence and western blot results demonstrated that osthole down-regulated the TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway and related protein expression.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that osthole exhibits potential preventive and therapeutic effects on DKD. It deserves further investigation as a promising drug for preventing and treating DKD.

Deciphering the virome of Chunkung (Cnidium officinale) showing dwarfism-like symptoms via a high-throughput sequencing analysis

BACKGROUND

Viruses have notable effects on agroecosystems, wherein they can adversely affect plant health and cause problems (e.g., increased biosecurity risks and economic losses). However, our knowledge of their diversity and interactions with specific host plants in ecosystems remains limited. To enhance our understanding of the roles that viruses play in agroecosystems, comprehensive analyses of the viromes of a wide range of plants are essential. High-throughput sequencing (HTS) techniques are useful for conducting impartial and unbiased investigations of plant viromes, ultimately forming a basis for generating further biological and ecological insights. This study was conducted to thoroughly characterize the viral community dynamics in individual plants.

RESULTS

An HTS-based virome analysis in conjunction with proximity sampling and a tripartite network analysis were performed to investigate the viral diversity in chunkung (Cnidium officinale) plants. We identified 61 distinct chunkung plant-associated viruses (27 DNA and 34 RNA viruses) from 21 known genera and 6 unclassified genera in 14 known viral families. Notably, 12 persistent viruses (7 DNA and 5 RNA viruses) were exclusive to dwarfed chunkung plants. The detection of viruses from the families Partitiviridae, Picobirnaviridae, and Spinareoviridae only in the dwarfed plants suggested that they may contribute to the observed dwarfism. The co-infection of chunkung by multiple viruses is indicative of a dynamic and interactive viral ecosystem with significant sequence variability and evidence of recombination.

CONCLUSIONS

We revealed the viral community involved in chunkung. Our findings suggest that chunkung serves as a significant reservoir for a variety of plant viruses. Moreover, the co-infection rate of individual plants was unexpectedly high. Future research will need to elucidate the mechanisms enabling several dozen viruses to co-exist in chunkung. Nevertheless, the important insights into the chunkung virome generated in this study may be relevant to developing effective plant viral disease management and control strategies.

The characteristics and molecular targets of antiarrhythmic natural products

Arrhythmia is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases. The search for new drugs to suppress various types of cardiac arrhythmias has always been the focus of attention. In the past decade, the screening of antiarrhythmic active substances from plants has received extensive attention. These natural compounds have obvious antiarrhythmic effects, and chemical modifications based on natural compounds have greatly increased their pharmacological properties. The chemical modification of botanical antiarrhythmic drugs is closely related to the development of new and promising drugs. Therefore, the structural characteristics and action targets of natural compounds with antiarrhythmic effects are reviewed in this paper, so that pharmacologists can select antiarrhythmic lead compounds from natural compounds based on the disease target - chemical structural characteristics.

Discovery of a traditional Chinese herbal combination for the treatment of atopic dermatitis: saposhnikoviae radix, astragali radix and cnidium monnieri

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a skin disease characterized by pruritus. The present study aimed to discover a herbal combination with anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory activities to treat AD. First, the anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory activities of herbs were evaluated by RBL-2H3 degranulation and HaCaT inflammatory models. Subsequently, the optimal proportion of herbs was determined by uniform design-response surface methodology. The effectiveness and synergistic mechanism was further verified. Cnidium monnieri (CM) suppressed β-hexosaminidase (β-HEX) release, saposhnikoviae radix (SR), astragali radix (AR), and CM inhibited the release of IL-8 and MCP-1. The optimal proportion of herbs was SR∶AR∶CM = 1: 2: 1. The in vivo experiments results indicated that the topical application of combination at high (2 ×) and low (1 ×) doses improved dermatitis score and epidermal thickness, and attenuated mast cell infiltration. Network pharmacology and molecular biology further clarified that the combination resisted AD by regulating the MAPK, JAK signaling pathways, and the downstream cytokines such as IL-6, IL-1β, IL-8, IL-10, and MCP-1. Overall, the herbal combination could inhibit inflammation and allergy, improving AD-like symptoms. The present study discovers a promising herbal combination, worthy of further development as a therapeutic drug for AD.

Contact Toxicity, Antifeedant Activity, and Oviposition Preference of Osthole against Agricultural Pests

Osthole, the dominant bioactive constituent in the Cnidium monnieri, has shown acute pesticidal activities. However, its detailed toxicity, antifeedant, and oviposition preference effects against agricultural pests have not been fully understood, limiting its practical use. This study aimed to investigate the contact toxicity, antifeedant activity, and oviposition preference of osthole against three agricultural pests (Tetranychus urticae, Myzus persicae, and Bactrocera dorsalis). Our results showed that the Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson (CMC) has a high osthole content of 11.4 mg/g. Osthole exhibited a higher level of acute toxicity against the T. urticae to four other coumarins found in CMC. It showed significant pesticidal activity against T. urticae and M. persicae first-instar nymphs and adults in a dose-dependent manner but not against B. dorsalis adults. Osthole exposure reduced the fecundity and prolonged the developmental time of the T. urticae and M. persicae. Leaf choice bioassays revealed potent antifeedant activity in the T. urticae and M. persicae. Furthermore, the female B. dorsalis showed a distinct preference for laying eggs in mango juice with 0.02 mg/mL osthole at 48 h, a preference that persisted at 96 h. These results provide valuable insights into the toxicity, repellent activity, and attractant activity of osthole, thereby providing valuable insights into its potential efficacy in pest control.

Extract of Sophorae flavescentis radix-Cnidii fructus couplet medicines treats vulvovaginal candidiasis by affecting the vaginal mucosal barrier

Aim: This study investigated the inhibition of extract of Sophorae flavescentis radix-Cnidii fructus couplet medicines (ESCC) on Candida albicans (C. albicans) in vitro and the effect of ESCC on the vaginal mucosal barrier in vivo. Materials & methods: Susceptibility testing was performed with C. albicans SC5314. A vulvovaginal candidiasis mouse model was successfully established. The plate method, Gram staining, hematoxylin and eosin staining and ELISA were used to detect relevant inflammatory indexes: IFN-γ, IL-1 and TNF-α. Quantitative real-time PCR and western blot were used to detect mucosal immune-related factors: MUC1, MUC4, DEFB1 and DEFB2. Results: ESCC was able to inhibit the proliferative activity of C. albicans, and it affected inflammation-related factors and indicators of vaginal mucosal immunity. Conclusion: ESCC showed potential value in the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Potential mechanisms of osthole against bladder cancer cells based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation

BACKGROUND

Osthole was traditionally used in treatment for various diseases. However, few studies had demonstrated that osthole could suppress bladder cancer cells and its mechanism was unclear. Therefore, we performed a research to explore the potential mechanism for osthole against bladder cancer.

METHODS

Internet web servers SwissTargetPrediction, PharmMapper, SuperPRED, and TargetNet were used to predict the Osthole targets. GeneCards and the OMIM database were used to indicate bladder cancer targets. The intersection of two target gene fragments was used to obtain the key target genes. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis was performed using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) database. Furthermore, we used gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses to explore the molecular function of target genes. AutoDock software was then used to perform molecular docking of target genes,osthole and co-crystal ligand. Finally, an in vitro experiment was conducted to validate bladder cancer inhibition by osthole.

RESULTS

Our analysis identified 369 intersection genes for osthole, the top ten target genes included MAPK1, AKT1, SRC, HRAS, HASP90AA1, PIK3R1, PTPN11, MAPK14, CREBBP, and RXRA. The GO and KEGG pathway enrichment results revealed that the PI3K-AKT pathway was closely correlated with osthole against bladder cancer. The osthole had cytotoxic effect on bladder cancer cells according to the cytotoxic assay. Additionally, osthole blocked the bladder cancer epithelial-mesenchymal transition and promoted bladder cancer cell apoptosis by inhibiting the PI3K-AKT and Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT3) pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that osthole had cytotoxic effect on bladder cancer cells and inhibited invasion, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition by inhibiting PI3K-AKT and JAK/STAT3 pathways in in vitro experiment. Above all, osthole might have potential significance in treatment of bladder cancer.

SUBJECTS

Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Molecular Biology.

Antifungal alkaloids from the branch-leaves of Clausena lansium Lour. Skeels (Rutaceae)

BACKGROUND

The rational utilization of botanical secondary metabolites is one of the strategies to reduce the application of chemical fungicides. The extensive biological activities of Clausena lansium indicate that it has the potential to develop botanical fungicides.

RESULTS

A systematic investigation on the antifungal alkaloids from C. lansium branch-leaves following bioassay-guided isolation was implemented. Sixteen alkaloids, including two new and nine known carbazole alkaloids, one known quinoline alkaloid and four known amides, were isolated. Compounds 4, 7, 12 and 14 showed strong antifungal activity on Phytophthora capsiciwith EC₅₀ values ranging from 50.67 to 70.82 μg mL^-1 . Compounds 1, 3, 8, 10, 11, 12 and 16 displayed different degrees of antifungal activity against Botryosphaeria dothidea with EC₅₀ values ranging from 54.18 to 129.83 μg mL^-1 . It was reported for the first time that these alkaloids had antifungal effects on P. capsici or B. dothidea, and their structure-activity relationships were further discussed systematically. Additionally, among all alkaloids, dictamine (12) had the strongest antifungal activities against P. capsici (EC₅₀  = 50.67 μg mL^-1 ) and B. dothidea (EC₅₀  = 54.18 μg mL^-1 ), and its physiological effects on P. capsici and B. dothidea also were further evaluated.

CONCLUSION

Capsicum lansium is a potential source of antifungal alkaloids, and C. lansium alkaloids had the potential as lead compounds of botanical fungicides in the development of new fungicides with novel action mechanism. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Exploring the mechanism of MP gel against skin photoaging based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation

OBJECTIVE

Long-term and high exposure to UV radiation can lead to the development of skin photoaging diseases. Therefore, there is an ongoing need for more natural and safe drugs to prevent or treat skin photoaging diseases.

METHODS

The Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform database were used to collect the active compounds and corresponding targets of Cnidii Fructus, Arnebiae Radix, Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Poria, and Borneolum. The GeneCards database and the NCBI Gene database were used to collect the targets of skin photoaging diseases. The STRING database was used to construct a protein-protein interaction network formed by the intersecting targets of drugs and diseases. The Metascape database was applied for Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis of the targets. Molecular docking between active compounds and targets was verified by Autodock. After that, the skin photoaging model of mice was established and treated with MP gel. The skin characterization on the back of mice was observed, and the ameliorative effect of MP gel on skin photoaging was evaluated by histological and epidermal thickness assays. The MDA content and SOD activity were measured. Caspase-3 expression in mouse skin tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay, and Western blot.

RESULTS

The results of network pharmacology experiments showed that the natural drugs have multi-component, multi-target therapeutic disease characteristics. The results of animal studies showed that MP gel improved the health of photoaged skin, promoted skin structural integrity, had antioxidant properties and significantly inhibited caspase-3 expression.

CONCLUSION

The experimental validation of the results of the preliminary network pharmacology analysis was carried out in animal experiments, which confirmed part of the mechanism of action of MP gel in the prevention and treatment of skin photoaging.

Osthole Antagonizes Microglial Activation in an NRF2-Dependent Manner

Microglia are neuroglia in the brain with an innate immune function and participate in the progress of neurodegenerative diseases. Osthole (OST) is a coumarin derivative extracted from Cnidium monnieri and bears a microglia-antagonizing ability. However, the underlying mechanism of the antagonism is not clear. The lipopolysaccharides-induced microglial BV2 cell line and amyloid-overexpressing fruit fly were used as models to study OST treatment. We found that OST treatment is sufficient to evoke NRF2 cascade under an LPS-induced inflammatory environment, and silencing NRF2 is sufficient to abolish the process. Moreover, we found that OST is sufficient to antagonize microglial activation in both LPS-induced BV2 cells and Aβ-overexpressing fruit flies, and silencing NRF2 abolishes OST's antagonism. Furthermore, OST treatment rescued survival, climbing, and the learning ability of Aβ-overexpressing fruit flies and relieved oxidative stress. In conclusion, we proved that OST antagonizes microglial activation induced by either LPS or Aβ and that NRF2 is necessary for OST's antagonism.

Two new chromones and a new coumarin from the fruit of Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson

Two new chromones named cnidimol G (1) and cnidimol H (2), one new coumarin, 7-methoxy-8-(3-methoxy-3-methyl-2-oxobutyl)coumarin (3), and twenty known compounds were isolated from MeOH extract of the fruit of Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson. The structures of compounds were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses including 1 D and 2 D NMR, HRESIMS, IR and UV. Anti-inflammatory activity of the selected isolated compounds were evaluated. Compounds 1 and 8 exhibited inhibitory activities against nitric oxide production.

Effects of osthole on osteoporotic rats: a systematic review and meta-analysis

CONTEXT

Cnidium monnieri Cusson (Apiaceae) has been used in traditional Asian medicine for thousands of years. Recent studies showed its active compound, osthole, had a good effect on osteoporosis. But there was no comprehensive analysis.

OBJECTIVE

This meta-analysis evaluates the effects of osthole on osteoporotic rats and provides a basis for future clinical studies.

METHODS

Chinese and English language databases (e.g., PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, Weipu Chinese Sci-tech periodical full-text database, and Chinese BioMedical Literature Database) were searched from their establishment to February 2021. The effects of osthole on bone mineral density, osteoclast proliferation, and bone metabolism markers were compared with the effects of control treatments.

RESULTS

To our knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis to evaluate osthole for the treatment of osteoporosis in rats. We included 13 randomized controlled studies conducted on osteoporotic rats. Osthole increased bone mineral density (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 3.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.08-4.09), the subgroup analysis showed that BMD significantly increased among rats in osthole <10 mg/kg/day and duration of osthole treatment >2 months. Osthole improved histomorphometric parameters and biomechanical parameters, also inhibited osteoclast proliferation and bone metabolism.

CONCLUSIONS

Osthole is an effective treatment for osteoporosis. It can promote bone formation and inhibit bone absorption.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic effects of Chi-Huang Solution in a murine model of allergic contact dermatitis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

In treating atopic dermatitis, multi-mode management is adopted, including trying to avoid the allergens, controlling and preventing secondary infections, and using drugs to control itching. At present, most of the commonly used anti-pruritic drugs in the clinic are single-target and lead to serious side effects. Many studies have shown that a variety of traditional Chinese medicines have significant anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic effects, and have the characteristics of multiple components, multiple targets, and multiple effects.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The study aimed to explore the anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic effects of the Chi-Huang Solution in a murine model of Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). This study considers the effectiveness of the Chi-Huang Solution for external use on skin to provide an experimental basis for the clinical development and application of Chinese medicine and related preparations for Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-two male SPF C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group (n = 6), ACD model group (n = 6), HAC control group (n = 6), and 4 Chi-Huang Solution groups (n = 6 in each group). With SADBE induce the murine model of ACD chronic pruritus, and initially evaluate whether the model is successful by counting scratching behavior, measuring the skin fold thickness and skin lesion score within 1 h. After treating the ACD model mice with deionized water, HAC, 1CH, 2CH, 3CH, and 4CH for 7 days, behavioral changes were used to evaluate the anti-pruritic effect. The skin fold thickness, skin lesion score, and spleen index were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of the Chi-Huang Solution. H.E. staining was used for the epidermal thickness measurement and pathological evaluation. RT-qPCR was used to analyze the mRNA expression of related inflammatory factors such as IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-33, IL-4, IL-17A, CXCL10, and its receptor CXCR3 in the skin of the lesion site, as well as to detect the mRNA expression of pruritus-related genes such as TRPV1, TRPA1, and GRP in DRG.

RESULTS

After the treatment of low-dose (0.1 g/mL) and medium-dose (0.2 g/mL) Chi-Huang Solution, the scratching times both decreased significantly (P < 0.05), meanwhile the medium-dose Chi-Huang Solution had an obvious effect on reducing scratches/scab score (P < 0.05). Moreover, no matter what dose it takes, all Chi-Huang Solution can alleviate the epidermal thickening (P < 0.05) and the infiltration of mast cells in the ACD murine model of ACD. It is worth mentioning that the count of mast cells in the dermis was significantly down-regulated after the treatment of medium-dose Chi-Huang Solution (P < 0.005). Furthermore, Chi-Huang Solution can significantly down-regulate the mRNA expression of related inflammatory factors in the skin, and reduce the mRNA expression of pruritus-related genes, such as TRPA1, TRPV1, and GRP in the spinal cord.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicated that Chi-Huang Solution for external use exhibits significant anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic effects on SADBE-induced ACD chronic pruritus murine models. Chi-Huang Solution might emerge as an effective drug for the treatment of CAD and high-dose Chi-Huang Solution (0.4 g/ml) has better comprehensive effects.

Network pharmacology and molecular docking-based prediction of active compounds and mechanisms of action of Cnidii Fructus in treating atopic dermatitis

BACKGROUND

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease that compromises the skin's barrier function and capacity to retain moisture. Cnidii Fructus (CF), the dried fruits of Cnidium monnieri, has long been used to treat atopic dermatitis (AD) in China. However, the anti-AD compounds and mechanisms of CF are not fully understood. In this study, we evaluated the active compounds and molecular targets of CF in treating AD.

METHODS

The Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database was used to acquire information regarding the compounds that occur in the herb. Targets of these compounds were predicted using the SwissTargetPrediction website tool. AD-related genes were collected from the GeneCards database. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway analysis of proteins that are targeted by active compounds of CF and encoded by AD-related genes were performed using Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery Bioinformatics Resources. A "compound-target" network was constructed and analyzed using Cytoscape Software. Molecular docking was performed using BIOVIA Discovery Studio Visualizer and AutoDock Vina.

RESULTS

We identified 19 active compounds in CF, 532 potential targets for these compounds, and 1540 genes related to AD. Results of GO enrichment indicated that CF affects biological processes and molecular functions, such as inflammatory response and steroid hormone receptor activity, which may be associated with its anti-AD effects. KEGG pathway analyses showed that PI3K-Akt signaling, calcium signaling, Rap1 signaling, and cAMP signaling pathways are the main pathways involved in the anti-AD effects of CF. Molecular docking analyses revealed that the key active compounds in CF, such as (E)-2,3-bis(2-keto-7-methoxy-chromen-8-yl)acrolein, ar-curcumene, and diosmetin, can bind the main therapeutic targets AKT1, SRC, MAPK3, EGFR, CASP3, and PTGS2.

CONCLUSIONS

Results of the present study establish a foundation for further investigation of the anti-AD compounds and mechanisms of CF and provide a basis for developing modern anti-AD agents based on compounds that occur in CF.

Two O-Methyltransferases Mediate Multiple Methylation Steps in the Biosynthesis of Coumarins in Cnidium monnieri

Coumarins with methoxy groups such as osthole (1), xanthotoxin (2), bergapten (3), and isopimpinellin (4) are typical bioactive ingredients of many medicinal plants. The methylation steps remain widely unknown. Herein, we report the discovery of two methyltransferases in the biosynthesis of O-methyl coumarins in Cnidium monnieri by transcriptome mining, heterologous expression, and in vitro enzymatic assays. The results reveal that (i) CmOMT1 catalyzes the methylation of osthenol (8) as the final step in the biosynthesis of 1, (ii) CmOMT2 shows the highest efficiency and preference for methylating xanthotoxol (11) to form 2, and (iii) CmOMT1 and CmOMT2 also efficiently transform bergaptol (10) and 8-hydroxybergapten (13) into 3 or 4, suggesting the CmOMTs mediate multistep methylations in the biosynthesis of linear furanocoumarins in C. monnieri.

Construction, Pesticidal Activities, Control Effects, and Detoxification Enzyme Activities of Osthole Ester/Amide Derivatives

Pesticide research and development has entered an era of safety, efficiency, and environmental friendliness. Discovery of effective active products directly or indirectly from plant secondary metabolites as pesticide candidates has been one of the current research focuses. Herein, two series of new ester and amide derivatives were prepared by structural modifications of a natural coumarin-type product osthole at its C-4' position. Their structures were characterized by IR, mp, ¹H NMR, and HRMS. Confirmation of steric configuration of seven compounds was based on single-crystal analysis. Against Tetranychus cinnabarinus Boisduval (Acari: Tetranychidae), (2'E)-3'-ethoxycarbonylosthole (4b) and (2'E)-3'-(n)hexyloxycarbonylosthole (4e) exhibited 3.2 and 3.1 times acaricidal activity of osthole, and particularly, they also showed 2.4 and 2.2 times control efficiency on the 5th day of osthole. Against Aphis citricola Van der Goot (Homoptera: Aphididae), (2'E)-3'-(p-CF₃)benzyloxycarbonylosthole (4w), (2'E)-3'-benzylaminocarbonylosthole (5f), and (2'E)-3'-phenylethylaminocarbonylosthole (5g) showed 1.9-2.1-fold aphicidal activity of osthole. Furthermore, the changes in two detoxification enzyme [carboxylesterase (CarE) and glutathione S-transferase (GST)] activities over time in treated T. cinnabarinus were investigated. These results can pave the foundation for future design and preparation of osthole derivatives as botanical agrochemicals.

Phytochemical Constituents and In vitro Pharmacological Response of Cnidium monnieri; A Natural Ancient Medicinal Herb

Background

Natural medicines are being used for the treatment of various disorders due to pharmacological, therapeutical, and nutraceuticals characteristics.

Objectives

Current research was planned to explore In vitro pharmacological response of phytochemical constituents extracted from C. monnieri’ seeds using aqueous ethanol (70%).

Methods

Qualitative and quantitative measurements for phytochemical constituents were performed following reference protocols. Then In vitro antioxidant potential, cytotoxic studies, antimicrobial, and spermicidal pharmacological response of C. monnieri extract were investigated.

Results

The results of High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy, and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) explored the presence of wide range of bioactive compounds with significant (p<.05) antioxidant activities. Cytotoxic studies revealed significant (p<.05) protective behavior of C. monnieri evaluated using CtDNA damage protection, against Salmonella typhi TA98 and TA100, RBCs membrane stabilizing and clot lysis assay. It was also found that selected herb has antibacterial and antifungal activities. The results of spermicidal study on human (n = 30) spermatozoa revealed significant (p<.05) contraceptive per vaginal behavior of this natural medicinal plant.

Conclusion

It could be concluded that C. monnieri showed significant pharmacological activities with non-toxic behavior, however In vivo study in animals and clinical trials are required to declare this natural herb as therapeutic agent.

Network-Pharmacology-Based Study on Active Phytochemicals and Molecular Mechanism of Cnidium monnieri in Treating Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignancy with a high mortality rate globally. For thousands of years, Cnidium monnieri has been used to treat human ailments and is regarded as a veritable treasure trove for drug discovery. This study has investigated the key active phytochemicals and molecular mechanisms of Cnidium monnieri implicated in curing HCC. We utilized the TCMSP database to collect data on the phytochemicals of Cnidium monnieri. The SwissTargetPrediction website tool was used to predict the targets of phytochemicals of Cnidium monnieri. HCC-related genes were retrieved from OncoDB.HCC and Liverome, two liver-cancer-related databases. Using the DAVID bioinformatic website tool, Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG enrichment analysis were performed on the intersecting targets of HCC-related genes and active phytochemicals in Cnidium monnieri. A network of active phytochemicals and anti-HCC targets was constructed and analyzed using Cytoscape software. Molecular docking of key active phytochemicals was performed with anti-HCC targets using AutoDock Vina (version 1.2.0.). We identified 19 active phytochemicals in Cnidium monnieri, 532 potential targets of these phytochemicals, and 566 HCC-related genes. Results of GO enrichment indicated that Cnidium monnieri might be implicated in affecting gene targets involved in multiple biological processes, such as protein phosphorylation, negative regulation of the apoptotic process, which could be attributed to its anti-HCC effects. KEGG pathway analyses indicated that the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, pathways in cancer, proteoglycans in cancer, the TNF signaling pathway, VEGF signaling pathway, ErbB signaling pathway, and EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance are the main pathways implicated in the anti-HCC effects of Cnidium monnieri. Molecular docking analyses showed that key active phytochemicals of Cnidium monnieri, such as ar-curcumene, diosmetin, and (E)-2,3-bis(2-keto-7-methoxy-chromen-8-yl)acrolein, can bind to core therapeutic targets EGFR, CASP3, ESR1, MAPK3, CCND1, and ERBB2. The results of the present study offer clues for further investigation of the anti-HCC phytochemicals and mechanisms of Cnidium monnieri and provide a basis for developing modern anti-HCC drugs based on phytochemicals in Cnidium monnieri.

Complete Chloroplast Genome of Cnidium monnieri (Apiaceae) and Comparisons with Other Tribe Selineae Species

Cnidium monnieri is an economically important traditional Chinese medicinal plant. In this study, the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of C. monnieri was determined using the Illumina paired-end sequencing, the GetOrganelle de novo assembly strategy, as well as the GeSeq annotation method. Our results showed that the cp genome was 147,371 bp in length with 37.4% GC content and included a large single-copy region (94,361 bp) and a small single-copy region (17,552 bp) separated by a pair of inverted repeat regions (17,729 bp). A total of 129 genes were contained in the cp genome, including 85 protein-coding genes, 36 tRNA genes, and eight rRNA genes. We also investigated codon usage, RNA editing, repeat sequences, simple sequence repeats (SSRs), IR boundaries, and pairwise Ka/Ks ratios. Four hypervariable regions (trnD-trnY-trnE-trnT, ycf2, ndhF-rpl32-trnL, and ycf1) were identified as candidate molecular markers for species authentication. The phylogenetic analyses supported non-monophyly of Cnidium and C. monnieri located in tribe Selineae based on the cp genome sequences and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences. The incongruence of the phylogenetic position of C. monnieri between ITS and cpDNA phylogenies suggested that C. monnieri might have experienced complex evolutions with hybrid and incomplete lineage sorting. All in all, the results presented herein will provide plentiful chloroplast genomic resources for studies of the taxonomy, phylogeny, and species authentication of C. monnieri. Our study is also conducive to elucidating the phylogenetic relationships and taxonomic position of Cnidium.

Computational Screening of the Natural Product Osthole and Its Derivates for Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Osthole (OS) is a natural coumarin with a long history of medicinal use in a variety of diseases, such as itch and menstrual disorders. In recent years, OS has been shown to treat inflammation and reduce the expression and activity of NF-κB, although its mechanism of action is still unclear. Overexpression of inflammatory cytokines can have many negative effects in the body, including inducing preterm labor; thus, the modulation of inflammation by OS and its derivatives may be able to delay preterm birth, increasing neonatal survival rates. The objectives of this study were to screen and identify the derivatives of OS with the highest potential for binding capacity to inflammatory mediators NF-κB, TNF-α, and ERK1, and to measure the drug-like properties of these compounds. GLIDE docking in Schrodinger Maestro software was used to calculate docking scores for a variety of semi-synthetic OS derivatives against three proteins involved in inflammation: NF-κB, TNF-α, and ERK1. Schrodinger Qikprop was also used to measure the pharmaceutically relevant properties of the compounds. The protonated demethoxy osthole 1 showed the highest docking of all the proteins tested, while the deprotonated demethoxy osthole 2 consistently had the lowest scores, denoting the importance of pH in the binding activity of this derivative. The lowest docking was at NF-κB, suggesting that this is less likely to be the primary target of OS. All of the screened derivatives showed high drug potential, based on their Qikprop properties. OS and its derivatives showed potential to bind to multiple proteins that regulate the inflammatory response and are prospective candidates for delaying preterm birth.

Desensitization of TRPV1 Involved in the Antipruritic Effect of Osthole on Histamine-Induced Scratching Behavior in Mice

Osthole has been isolated from the fruits of Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson, which has been used in Chinese traditional medicine to treat pruritic disorders for a long time. However, the antipruritic mechanism of osthole is not fully understood. In the present study, using calcium imaging, molecular docking, and animal scratching behavior, we analyzed the pharmacological effects of osthole on transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1). The results showed that osthole significantly induced calcium influx in a dose-dependent manner in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Osthole-induced calcium influx was inhibited by AMG9810, an antagonist of TRPV1. Osthole and the TRPV1 agonist capsaicin-induced calcium influx were desensitized by pretreatment with osthole. Furthermore, molecular docking results showed that osthole could bind to TRPV1 with a hydrogen bond by anchoring to the amino acid residue ARG557 in the binding pocket of TRPV1. In addition, TRPV1 is a downstream ion channel for the histamine H1 and H4 receptors to transmit itch signals. Osthole attenuated scratching behavior induced by histamine, HTMT (histamine H1 receptor agonist), and VUF8430 (histamine H4 receptor agonist) in mice. These results suggest that osthole inhibition of histamine-dependent itch may be due to the activation and subsequent desensitization of TRPV1 in DRG neurons.

Inhibitory Effect of Osthole from Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson on Fusarium oxysporum, a Common Fungal Pathogen of Potato

Fusarium wilt of potato is one of the most common diseases of potato in China, and is becoming a serious threat in potato production. It has been reported that osthole from Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson can inhibit plant pathogens. Here, we test the anti-fungal activity of C. monnieri osthole against Fusarium oxysporum in potatoes. The results showed that at a concentration of 5 mg/mL, osthole was able to obviously inhibit mycelial growth of F. oxysporum. We found that osthole caused changes of mycelial morphology, notably hyphal swelling and darkening. Osthole significantly reduced the spore germination of Fusarium by 57.40%. In addition, osthole also inhibited the growth of other pathogens such as Fusarium moniliforme J. Sheld, Thanatephorus cucumeris Donk, and Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissl, but not Alternaria solani Jonesetgrout and Valsa mali Miyabe and G. Yamada. Our results suggest that osthole has considerable potential as an agent for the prevention and treatment of potato Fusarium wilt.

Chemical compositon, antibacterial and antioxidant activities of Cnidium silaifolium ssp. orientale (Boiss.) Tutin essential oils

The chemical compositions of the essential oils (EOs) obtained by hydrodistillation from different parts of Cnidium silaifolium ssp. orientale (Boiss.) Tutin were analyzed both by GC-FID and GC/MS, simultaneously. One hundred nine compounds representing 90.1% of the total volatiles in the EOs were identified with the main characteristic compounds α-pinene (50.3%) in the root, germacrene D (20.3%) in the fruit, and β-caryophyllene (18.7%) in the aerial parts of C. silaifolium ssp. orientale. The antimicrobial activity against human pathogenic Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria was evaluated by the in vitro microdilution method. Antibacterial succeptibility was observed from the root and aerial part EOs against Staphylococcus aureus (0.039 and 0.156 mg/mL, respectively); while the fruit EO was most effective against Bacillus cereus at 0.07 mg/mL. The antioxidant capacities of the EOs were also evaluated by in vitro DPPH• and ABTS•+ scavenging assays, where no significant activity was observed compared to ascorbic acid and Trolox.

Ameliorative Effects of Osthole on Experimental Renal Fibrosis in vivo and in vitro by Inhibiting IL-11/ERK1/2 Signaling

Objectives: Natural product, osthole, has been proven to have a protective effect on organ fibrosis, including renal fibrosis. All of these studies are mainly focused on the regulation of TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. However, due to the pleiotropic roles of TGF-β/Smad signaling, direct TGF-β-targeted treatments are unlikely to be therapeutically feasible in clinic. Recently, the downstream IL-11/ERK1/2 signaling of TGF-β has become an attractive therapeutic target without upstream disadvantages. Based on that, this study was designed to identify the potential effects of osthole on IL-11/ERK1/2 signaling pathway in renal fibrosis.

Methods: The renal fibrosis model was established in vivo and in vitro, we investigated the effects of osthole on unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)-induced renal fibrosis and TGF-β-induced HK-2 cells. After preliminarily confirming the antifibrogenic effects of osthole and the link between its antifibrogenic effects and the inhibition of IL-11/ERK1/2 signaling, we applied a direct IL-11-induced HK-2 cells fibrosis model to further explore the inhibitory effects of osthole on IL-11/ERK1/2 signaling pathway.

Results: Our results confirmed that osthole can decrease the secretion of fibrosis proteins, such as α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I, and fibronectin, ameliorate experimental renal fibrosis in vivo and in vitro, and the effect was associated with suppressing TGF-β1/Smad signaling. More importantly, we found that IL-11/ERK1/2 signaling in UUO-induced renal fibrosis and TGF-β-induced HK-2 cell model was obviously upregulated, and osthole treatment also significantly inhibited the abnormal IL-11/ERK1/2 signaling activation. Given the direct link between TGF-β/Smad signaling and IL-11/ERK1/2 signaling pathway, we have verified that osthole has a direct inhibitory effect on IL-11/ERK1/2 signaling independent of TGF-β signaling by using an IL-11-induced HK-2 cells fibrosis model. Osthole treatment decreased the protein expression of α-SMA, collagen I and fibronectin without changing their mRNA levels in IL-11-induced HK-2 cells. Moreover, it was observed that the IL-11/ERK1/2 inhibitor, U0126, partly blocked the antifibrogenic effects of osthole.

Conclusion: In this study, we found that osthole has a previously unrecognized role in inhibiting IL-11/ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Our work demonstrated that the antifibrogenic effect of osthole is not only mediated by TGF-β/Smad2/3 signaling, but also directly mediated by IL-11/ERK1/2 signaling pathway independent of TGF-β1 signaling.

Dietary supplementation with daidzein and Chinese herbs, independently and combined, improves laying performance, egg quality and plasma hormone levels of post-peak laying hens

This experiment examined the separate and combined effects of daidzein (Da) and Chinese herbs (CH) on laying performance and egg quality of post-peak laying hens. Additionally, we explored potential mechanisms of action for these 2 additives by examining plasma hormone levels. After 4 wk of acclimation to caging, 60-week-old Hyline Brown hens (360) were selected and randomly divided into 4 groups with 6 replicates and 15 chickens per replicate. The following 4 dietary groups were utilized: 1) control group (basal diet); 2) Da group (basal diet + 0.03 kg/t DA); 3) CH group (basal diet +0.6 kg/t CH); 4) Da + CH group (basal diet + 0.03 kg/t Da + 0.6 kg/t CH). Data were analyzed in a completely randomized design with a 2×2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Egg production and FCR treatment averages were analyzed in the following 3 phases: wk 1-4, 5-8, and 1-8 of treatment administration. Results revealed that Da increased egg production but decreased FCR (P < 0.05) for wk 1-8 and especially during wk 5-8 (P < 0.05). CH decreased FCR in wk 1-4 and 5-8 (P < 0.05), but increased egg production only during wk 5-8 (P < 0.05). Da increased Haugh units (P < 0.05) on wk 4 and 8; CH increased Haugh units (P < 0.05) but decreased yolk ratio (P < 0.05) on wk 4 and 8. Da increased the plasma levels of T3, PROG, FSH, LH and E2 (P < 0.05); CH increased the plasma level of T3 (P < 0.05). Additionally, Da x CH interactions existed for albumen height, Haugh units, albumen ratio and the level of T3 on wk 8 (P < 0.05), indicating that the combination of Da and CH was more effective than administration of either of these dietary components independently. In conclusion, Da and CH, both independently and in combination, increase laying performance, egg quality and plasma hormones levels in post-peak laying hens. Therefore, these treatments may be able to provide prolonged economic benefits to aged laying hens.

Ameliorative effects of total coumarins from the fructus of Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cuss. on 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis in rats

Atopic dermatitis (AD), which is characterized by intense pruritus and serious inflammation, is a chronic skin disease. Modern studies have testified that the total coumarins from the fructus of Cnidium monnieri (TCFC) possess evident biological activities based on their coumarin compounds. The purpose of this manuscript is to investigate the effects of topical use of TCFC on immune response, inflammation, and skin barrier function in rats with 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD. Results indicated that the skin lesion scores of rats were obviously reduced after the management of TCFC, and the spleen and thymus indices also were markedly repressed. TCFC significantly inhibited the overproduction of TNF-α, interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13, thymic stromal lymphopoietin, and immunoglobulin E; the epidermal thickness and number of mast cells were notably decreased. The western blot experiment was conducted to determine the effects of TCFC on the mitogen-activated protein kinases signaling pathway. Results indicated that phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases, p38, and c-Jun amino-terminal kinases was significantly blocked by TCFC. In addition, TCFC could upregulate the expression of filaggrin in dorsal skin, which means that TCFC showed a protective effect on skin barrier disruption. Furthermore, TCFC downregulated the levels of IL-1β, IL-4, IL-31, and TSLP mRNA and upregulated the expression of filaggrin mRNA in the dorsal skin of rats. Our research demonstrated the ameliorative effects of TCFC on AD-like rats by inhibiting immune response and inflammation and recovering skin barrier function.

Bone anti-resorptive effects of coumarins on RANKL downstream cellular signaling: a systematic review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Members of the botanical families Apiaceae/Umbelliferae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae/Leguminosae, and Thymelaeaceae are rich in coumarins and have traditionally been used as ethnomedicines in many regions including Europe, Asia, and South America. Coumarins are a class of secondary metabolites that are widely present in plants, fungi, and bacteria and exhibit several pharmacological, biochemical, and therapeutic effects. Recently, many plants rich in coumarins and their derivatives were found to affect bone metabolism.

OBJECTIVE

To review scientific literature describing the mechanisms of action of coumarins in osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For this systematic review, the PubMed, Scopus, and Periodical Capes databases and portals were searched. We included in vitro research articles published between 2010 and 2020 that evaluated coumarins using osteoclastogenic markers.

RESULTS

Coumarins have been reported to downregulate RANKL-RANK signaling and various downstream signaling pathways required for osteoclast development, such as NF-κB, MAPK, Akt, and Ca²⁺ signaling, as well as pathways downstream of the nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFATc1), including tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), cathepsin K (CTSK), and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9).

CONCLUSIONS

Coumarins primarily inhibit osteoclast differentiation and activation by modulating different intracellular signaling pathways; therefore, they could serve as potential candidates for controlled randomized clinical trials aimed at improving human bone health.

Osthole Alleviates Neointimal Hyperplasia in Balloon-Induced Arterial Wall Injury by Suppressing Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation and Downregulating Cyclin D1/CDK4 and Cyclin E1/CDK2 Expression

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the most widely used therapy for treating ischemic heart disease. However, intimal hyperplasia and restenosis usually occur within months after angioplasty. Modern pharmacological researchers have proven that osthole, the major active coumarin of Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson, exerts potent antiproliferative effects in lung cancer cells, the human laryngeal cancer cell line RK33 and TE671 medulloblastoma cells, and its mechanism of action is related to cell cycle arrest. The goal of the present study was to observe the effect of osthole on vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation using platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB)-stimulated VSMCs isolated from rats and vascular balloon injury as models to further elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying this activity. We detected the relative number of VSMCs by the MTT assay and EdU staining and examined cell cycle progression by flow cytometry. To more deeply probe the mechanisms, the protein expression levels of PCNA, the cyclin D1/CDK4 complex and the cyclin E1/CDK2 complex in balloon-treated rat carotid arteries and the mRNA and protein expression levels of the cyclin D1/CDK4 and cyclin E1/CDK2 complexes in VSMCs were detected by real-time RT-PCR and western blotting. The data showed that osthole significantly inhibited the proliferation of VSMCs induced by PDGF-BB. Furthermore, osthole caused apparent VSMC cycle arrest early in G0/G1 phase and decreased the expression of cyclin D1/CDK4 and cyclin E1/CDK2. Our results demonstrate that osthole can significantly inhibit PDGF-BB-induced VSMC proliferation and that its regulatory effects on cell cycle progression and proliferation may be related to the downregulation of cyclin D1/CDK4 and cyclin E1/CDK2 expression as well as the prevention of cell cycle progression from G0/G1 phase to S phase. The abovementioned mechanism may be responsible for the alleviation of neointimal hyperplasia in balloon-induced arterial wall injury by osthole.

De novo transcriptome analysis of Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cuss and detection of genes related to coumarin biosynthesis

Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cuss (C. monnieri) is one of the most widely used traditional herbal medicines, exhibiting a wide range of pharmacological functions for treating asynodia, trichomonas vaginitis, and osphyalgia. Its important medicinal value comes from its abundance of coumarins. To identify genes involved in coumarin biosynthesis and accumulation, we analyzed transcriptome data from flower, leaf, root and stem tissues of C. monnieri. A total of 173,938 unigenes with a mean length of 1,272 bp, GC content of 38.79%, and N50 length of 2,121 bp were assembled using the Trinity program. Of these, 119,177 unigenes were annotated in public databases. We identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) based on expression profile analysis. These DEGs exhibited higher expression levels in flower tissue than in leaf, stem or root tissues. We identified and analyzed numerous genes encoding enzymes involved in coumarin biosynthesis, and verified genes encoding key enzymes using quantitative real-time PCR. Our transcriptome data will make great contributions to research on C. monnieri and provide clues for identifying candidate genes involved in coumarin metabolic pathways.

Anticoccidial Effect of Herbal Powder "Shi Ying Zi" in Chickens Infected with Eimeria tenella

Simple Summary

Herbal medicines are playing an increasingly important role in the control of poultry diseases. The present study demonstrated that the herbal powder “Shi Ying Zi” consisting of Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cuss, Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz., and sodium chloride could protect chickens from infection with Eimeria tenella through prophylactic or therapeutic administration. The “Shi Ying Zi” powder could improve the survival rate and relative growth rate with the anti-coccidial indexes of 165 (prophylactic effect) and 144 (therapeutic effect), which were equal to positive controls (monensin and sulfamlopyrazine). The “Shi Ying Zi” powder exhibits the potential to control E. tenella infection.

Abstract

Coccidiosis is one of the most economically important diseases affecting the poultry industry. Currently, anticoccidial drugs used in veterinary clinics show many deficiencies, and new control measures are urgently needed. This study presents an anticoccidial herbal powder “Shi Yin Zi”, which consists of Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cuss, Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz., and sodium chloride. In chickens infected with Eimeria tenella, supplementation with “Shi Yin Zi” powder for 3 d prior to infection or treatment with “Shi Yin Zi” powder after infection could improve the survival rate and relative growth rate and alleviate the pathological changes in the cecum, liver, and kidney. “Shi Yin Zi” powder could recover the levels of alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, albumin, and triglycerides in serum. The hemorrhage occurrence and total number of oocysts in feces were reduced. The anti-coccidial indexes reached 165 for the prophylactic effect and 144 for the therapeutic effect. The anti-coccidial effects were equal to positive controls (monensin and sulfamlopyrazine). These results suggest that “Shi Ying Zi” powder possesses a potent anticoccidial effect and exhibits the potential to control E. tenella infection.

The scientific elucidation of daodi medicinal materials

Daodi medicinal materials (DMMs), with unique characteristics and specific ecological growing environments, are recognized as high-quality medicinal products of Chinese medicinal materials (CMMs). The quality evaluation of CMMs is fundamental for standardization. The concept and application of DMMs have a long history as described in records in ancient books and rooted in practice and experience over generations. DMM is the specific term for pure, superior medicinal herbs with the following characteristics: optimum harvest season (reflecting the appropriate developmental stage of the plant), scrupulous processing, traditional preparation technology, etc. As DMM and high-quality medicinal products are traditionally thought to be closely related, modern scientific studies that confirm the association of these products are described. This article aims to clarify the scientific elucidation of DMMs.

Policies and Problems of Modernizing Ethnomedicine in China: A Focus on the Yi and Dai Traditional Medicines of Yunnan Province

Yunnan is a multiethnic province in southwest China, rich in Materia medica resources, and is popularly known as the kingdom of plants. Biomedicine and public health industry have been the industrial pillars of Yunnan since 2016, which is the important pharmaceutical industrial base for Dai and Yi medicine in China. This review of the Yunnan ethnic medicine industry describes some of the problems to be solved in the development of sustainable ethnomedicine in China. We investigated Chinese patent medicines (CPMs) declared as ethnomedicine on the drug instructions and identified 28 Dai patent medicines (DPMs) and 73 Yi patent medicines (YPMs) that were approved for clinical use in China. In further research, the clinical indications of these CPMs were determined, and the quality standard of medicinal materials and their usage frequencies in DPMs and YPMs were investigated. We also collected and analyzed the data on use of botanical and animal sources of medicines, the rare and endangered medicinal materials, and toxic medicines in DPMs and YPMs. The application of zootherapy in Yi traditional medicine was introduced from its abundant ancient documents and records; based on the "YaGei" theory in Dai traditional medicine, toxic medicines can be relatively safe in DPMs. However, for promoting the Yunnan traditional medicine industry, it is necessary to strengthen medical research to expand evidence-based clinical practice and balance ethnomedicine production and sustainable utilization of Materia medica resources, especially the animal sources of medicines, toxic medicines, and the protected wild resources reported in this survey. Only in this way can industrialization of ethnomedicine promote the improvement of human health.

Antipruritic Effect of Ethyl Acetate Extract from Fructus cnidii in Mice with 2,4-Dinitrofluorobenzene-Induced Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease characterized by intense pruritus and skin lesions. The exact cause of AD is not yet known and the available therapeutic strategies for AD are limited. Fructus cnidii is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine as an herb for treating chronic itch. However, the mechanism underlying the antipruritic effects of Fructus cnidii is not well understood. In the present study, we investigated the antipruritic effect of locally administered ethyl acetate extract from Fructus cnidii (EAEFC) to 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene- (DNFB-) induced AD in a mouse model. The scratching behavior, skin thickness, dermatitis score, weight, blood immunoglobulin E (IgE) level, and itch-related cytokine levels were subsequently monitored and evaluated. Results showed that EAEFC treatment attenuated the DNFB-induced AD-like symptoms by alleviating the skin lesions and decreasing the dermatitis score. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and toluidine blue (TB) staining analyses demonstrated that EAEFC mitigated the DNFB-induced increase in skin thickness and prevented the infiltration of mast cells. Behavioral tests showed that EAEFC decreased the DNFB-induced acute and chronic scratching behaviors. Furthermore, EAEFC reduced the levels of itch-related cytokines, such as thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), interleukin- (IL-) 17, IL-33, and IL-31, and the DNFB-induced boost in serum IgE. Collectively, these results suggest that EAEFC is a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of chronic itch in AD.

Medicinal plants/herbal supplements as female aphrodisiacs: Does any evidence exist to support their inclusion or potential in the treatment of FSD?

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Female Sexual Dysfunction is a complex condition with biopsychosocial origins. Plants traditionally used as aphrodisiacs may be promising as routes to develop therapeutic options which are lacking.

AIM

To distinguish the plants commonly used in (AP) on the market in the United States, and to evaluate their ethnobotanical and clinical evidence as a basis for their inclusion.

METHODS

This study is a narrative review of 53 species commonly found in AP on the market in the United States. Most species listed have anecdotal use as aphrodisiacs throughout history; therefore, a systematic search was done for clinical evidence. The primary outcome assessed is the clinical efficacy of plants in the treatment of libido desire disorders.

RESULTS

There is little to no evidence from the literature to substantiate claims of plants currently on the market as AP for female libido desire disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

The biggest problem in the literature is the lack of botanical verification and consistency in material across studies. Any botanical, commercial or otherwise must be tested for chemical markers exhibited by individual species; however, if no markers exist, work must first be done to determine these. Appropriate analytical techniques for this would include high pressure liquid chromatography, and mass spectroscopy. It would also be sufficient to taxonomically authenticate species provided the plant material. Further research should aim to standardize plant material and extraction methods utilized in order to compare studies effectively and allow for reproducibility to draw conclusions. While clear interest into investigation the aphrodisiac potential of plants exists, a translatable in vivo animal model does not. Clinical trials rely on patient reported outcomes to determine efficacy but cost and length of such trials deem a necessity for development of an animal model to first screen botanicals. We suggest development of screening tools utilizing the evident neurobiological underpinnings of FSD as the first step. In general, studies of plants currently used as ingredients for AP are severely lacking, and even so the evidence that exists is weak.

Osthole inhibits ovarian carcinoma cells through LC3-mediated autophagy and GSDME-dependent pyroptosis except for apoptosis

Ovarian carcinoma (OC) begins in the ovaries and remains a highly lethal malignancy. Despite great efforts have been made to fight against OC, there still remain limited therapeutic options owing to chemotherapy drug resistance and serious side effects. Osthole is a derivative of coumarin and extracted from Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson, which has been drawn more attention due to its high biological activity in various disease. However, the underlying mechanism of osthole in OC is still unclear. In this study, we aim to evaluate the mechanism of osthole against OC cells. Methodologically, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and LIVE/DEAD™ Cell Imaging experiments were employed to assess cell viability. 2',7'-Dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA) staining, flow cytometry, Hoechst staining, JC-1 staining assay and western blotting were performed to study apoptosis. Transmission electron microscopy, western blotting and monodansyl cadaverine (MDC) staining assay were used to study autophagy. Western blotting and microscopy image were employed to determine pyroptosis. Our results demonstrated that osthole could significantly suppress OC cells growth in a dose-dependent manner. We further proved that osthole could inhibit OC cells growth by mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. Meanwhile, we also discovered that osthole could trigger cell autophagy and lead to cell death. Furthermore, our study revealed that osthole could lead to pyroptosis through inducing the cleavage of gasdermin E (c-GSDME) level. Taken together, Osthole could significantly suppress the growth of OC cells and induce OC cells death via apoptosis, pyroptosis and autophagy, which is a promising new drug for the treatment of OC.

Phytochemistry, Ethnopharmacology, Pharmacokinetics and Toxicology of Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson

Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson (CMC) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine that has been widely grown and used in Asia. It is also known as "She chuang zi" in China (Chinese: ), "Jashoshi" in Japan, "Sasangia" in Korea, and "Xa sang tu" in Vietnam. This study aimed to provide an up-to-date review of its phytochemistry, ethnopharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology. All available information on CMC was collected from the Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicines, PubMed, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, and China Network Knowledge Infrastructure. The updated chemical structures of the compounds are those ones without chemical ID numbers or references from the previous review. A total of 429 chemical constituents have been elucidated and 56 chemical structures have been firstly identified in CMC with traceable evidence. They can be categorized as coumarins, volatile constituents, liposoluble compounds, chromones, monoterpenoid glucosides, terpenoids, glycosides, glucides, and other compounds. CMC has demonstrated impressive potential for the management of various diseases in extensive preclinical research. Since most of the studies are overly concentrated on osthole, more research is needed to investigate other chemical constituents.

Inhibitory Effect of Osthole from Cnidium monnieri on Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) Infection in Nicotiana glutinosa

The coumarin compound of osthole was extracted from Cnidium monnieri and identified by LC-MS and 1H- and 13C-NMR. Osthole was tested for anti-virus activity against tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) using the half-leaf method. The results showed that stronger antiviral activity on TMV infection appeared in Nicotiana glutinosa than that of eugenol and ningnanmycin, with inhibitory, protective, and curative effects of 72.57%, 70.26%, and 61.97%, respectively. Through observation of the TMV particles, we found that osthole could directly affect the viral particles. Correspondingly, the level of coat protein detected by Western blot was significantly reduced when the concentrations of osthole increased in tested plants compared to that of the control. These results suggest that osthole has anti-TMV activity and may be used as a biological reagent to control the plant virus in the half-leaf method.

Therapeutic Anabolic and Anticatabolic Benefits of Natural Chinese Medicines for the Treatment of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a bone disease characterized by increasing osseous fragility and fracture due to the reduced bone mass and microstructural degradation. Primary pharmacological strategies for the treatment of osteoporosis, hormone replacement treatment (HRT), and alendronate therapies may produce adverse side-effects and may not be recommended for long-term usage. Some classic and bone-specific natural Chinese medicine are very popularly used to treat osteoporosis and bone fracture effectively in clinical with their potential value in bone growth and development, but with few adverse side-effects. Current evidence suggests that the treatments appear to improve bone metabolism and attenuate the osteoporotic imbalance between bone formation and bone resorption at a cellular level by promoting osteoblast activity and inhibiting the effects of osteoclasts. The valuable therapies might, therefore, provide an effective and safer alternative to primary pharmacological strategies. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to comprehensively review these classic and bone-specific drugs in natural Chinese medicines for the treatment of osteoporosis that had been deeply and definitely studied and reported with both bone formation and antiresorption effects, including Gynochthodes officinalis (F.C.How) Razafim. & B.Bremer (syn. Morinda officinalis F.C.How), Curculigo orchioides Gaertn., Psoralea corylifolia (L.) Medik Eucommia ulmoides Oliv., Dipsacus inermis Wall. (syn. Dipsacus asperoides C.Y.Cheng & T.M.Ai), Cibotium barometz (L.) J. Sm., Velvet Antler, Cistanche deserticola Ma, Cuscuta chinensis Lam., Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson, Epimedium brevicornum Maxim, Pueraria montana (Lour.) Merr. and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge., thus providing evidence for the potential use of alternative Chinese medicine therapies to effectively treat osteoporosis.

A mixture of daidzein and Chinese herbs increases egg production and eggshell strength as well as blood plasma Ca, P, antioxidative enzymes, and luteinizing hormone levels in post-peak, brown laying hens

Dietary supplementation with the isoflavone, daidzein, has been shown to improve egg production in poultry. Additionally, providing Chinese herbs (CH) in the broiler diet has led to increased antioxidative enzyme activity. However, the combined effect of these dietary supplements on hen performance has not been examined. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine if dietary supplementation with a mixture of daidzein and CH would alter laying performance, egg quality, and blood plasma constituents of post-peak laying hens. At 59 wk of age, Hyline brown hens (240) were randomly allocated to 2 dietary groups and fed for 16 wk. The control group received the basal diet, and a treatment group was fed the basal diet that contained 0.02% of a mixture of daidzein and CH. Egg production and weight were recorded daily and egg quality data were collected at 75 wk of age. Blood plasma antioxidant activity, hormone levels, mineral (Ca and P) content, and osteocalcin content were determined at the end of the study. The results showed that laying rate, egg mass, and shell strength were greater in the daidzein-CH mixture group than the controls (P < 0.05). The plasma glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and luteinizing hormone levels were also greater in the daidzein-CH mixture group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The results of this study reveal that supplementing diets with a daidzein-CH mixture can improve laying performance perhaps by increasing plasma antioxidant activity, luteinizing hormone levels, and mineral content.

Apoptotic Pathway as the Therapeutic Target for Anticancer Traditional Chinese Medicines

Cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Apoptosis is a process of programmed cell death and it plays a vital role in human development and tissue homeostasis. Mounting evidence indicates that apoptosis is closely related to the survival of cancer and it has emerged as a key target for the discovery and development of novel anticancer drugs. Various studies indicate that targeting the apoptotic signaling pathway by anticancer drugs is an important mechanism in cancer therapy. Therefore, numerous novel anticancer agents have been discovered and developed from traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) by targeting the cellular apoptotic pathway of cancer cells and shown clinically beneficial effects in cancer therapy. This review aims to provide a comprehensive discussion for the role, pharmacology, related biology, and possible mechanism(s) of a number of important anticancer TCMs and their derivatives mainly targeting the cellular apoptotic pathway. It may have important clinical implications in cancer therapy.

Antipruritic Effect of Natural Coumarin Osthole through Selective Inhibition of Thermosensitive TRPV3 Channel in the Skin

Coumarin osthole is a dominant bioactive ingredient of the natural Cnidium monnieri plant commonly used for traditional Chinese herbal medicines for therapies and treatments including antipruritus and antidermatitis. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the action of osthole remains unclear. In this study, we report that osthole exerts an antipruritic effect through selective inhibition of Ca²⁺-permeable and thermosensitive transient receptor potential vanilloid 3 (TRPV3) cation channels that are primarily expressed in the keratinocytes of the skin. Coumarin osthole was identified as an inhibitor of TRPV3 channels transiently expressed in HEK293 cells in a calcium fluorescent assay. Inhibition of the TRPV3 current by osthole and its selectivity were further confirmed by whole-cell patch clamp recordings of TRPV3-expressing HEK293 cells and mouse primary cultured keratinocytes. Behavioral evaluation demonstrated that inhibition of TRPV3 by osthole or silencing by knockout of the TRPV3 gene significantly reduced the scratching induced by either acetone-ether-water or histamine in localized rostral neck skin in mice. Taken together, our findings provide a molecular basis for use of natural coumarin osthole from the C. monnieri plant in antipruritic or skin care therapy, thus establishing a significant role of the TRPV3 channel in chronic itch signaling or acute histamine-dependent itch sensation.

Anti-inflammatory activity of compounds from the rhizome of Cnidium officinale

Five new compounds, 9,3'-dimethoxyhierochin A (1), 6-oxo-trans-neocnidilide (2), (±)-(3E)-trans-6-hydroxy-7-methoxydihydroligustilide (3), (±)-cnidiumin (4), and 6-(1-oxopentyl)-salicylic acid methyl ester (5), together with twenty known compounds (6-25), were isolated from the rhizome of Cnidium officinale. The chemical structures of new compounds were established by NMR spectroscopic techniques, mass spectrometry, Mosher's method, and CD spectrum. Their anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. Compounds 7, 13, and 14 showed inhibitory effects with IC₅₀ values of 5.1, 24.5, and 27.8 μM, respectively. In addition, compounds 7, 13, and 14 reduced LPS-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein in a concentration-dependent manner.

Global Proteomics Deciphered Novel-Function of Osthole Against Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive cardiovascular-disease with high mortality lacking high-efficiency drug. Our efforts attempted to delineate therapeutic action of osthole produced by Angelica Pubescens Maxim, which has the capacity to treat PAH by exploiting an iTRAQ-based proteomic method. Excitingly, osthole was observed to significantly restore 98 of 315 differential proteins significantly modified by PAH progression. They were primarily annotated into 24 signaling pathways. Four mostly affected proteins (RPL15, Cathepsin S, Histone H3.3 and HMGB1) were experimentially validated which belonged to ribosome pathway, oxidative phosphorylation pathway, systemic lupus erythematosus pathway, complement and coagulation cascades pathway, whose modifications and modulations mostly accounted for therapeutic capacity of this compound against PAH. Altogether, our findings demonstrated that global proteomics is a promising systems-biology approach for deciphering therapeutic actions and associated mechanisms of natural products derived from traditional Chinese medicine. Importantly, osthole is supposed to be a candidate compound for new drug development to treat PAH.

A Review on Annona squamosa L.: Phytochemicals and Biological Activities

Annona squamosa L. (Annonaceae) is a fruit tree with a long history of traditional uses. A. squamosa is an evergreen plant mainly located in tropical and subtropical regions. Srikayas, the fruits of A. squamosa, are extensively used to prepare candies, ice creams and beverages. A wide range of ethno-medicinal uses has been related to different portions of A. squamosa, such as tonic, apophlegmatisant, cool medicine, abortient and heart sedative. Numerous research projects on A. squamosa have found that it has anticancer, anti-oxidant, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, hepatoprotective, antiparasitic, antimalarial, insecticidal, microbicidel and molluscicidal activities. Phytochemistry investigations on A. squamosa have considered annonaceous acetogenins (ACGs), diterpenes (DITs), alkaloids (ALKs) and cyclopeptides (CPs) as the main constituents. Until 2016, 33 DITs, 19 ALKs, 88 ACGs and 13 CPs from this species were reported. On the basis of the multiple researches on A. squamosa, this review strives to integrate available information on its phytochemicals, folklore uses and bioactivities, hoping to promote a better understanding of its medicinal values.

Protective Effect of Cymbopogon citratus Essential Oil in Experimental Model of Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury

To investigate the hepatoprotective effect of Cymbopogon citratus or lemongrass essential oil (LGO), it was used in an animal model of acute liver injury induced by acetaminophen (APAP). Swiss mice were pretreated with LGO (125, 250 and 500[Formula: see text]mg/kg) and SLM (standard drug, 200[Formula: see text]mg/kg) for a duration of seven days, followed by the induction of hepatotoxicity of APAP (single dose, 250[Formula: see text]mg/kg). The liver function markers alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma-glutamyl transferase were determined to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of the LGO. The livers were used to determine myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, nitric oxide (NO) production and histological analysis. The effect of LGO on leukocyte migration was evaluated in vitro. Anti-oxidant activity was performed by assessing the free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) in vitro. LGO pretreatment decreased significantly the levels of ALT, AST and ALP compared with APAP group. MPO activity and NO production were decreased. The histopathological analysis showed an improved of hepatic lesions in mice after LGO pretreatment. LGO inhibited neutrophil migration and exhibited anti-oxidant activity. Our results suggest that LGO has protective activity against liver toxicity induced by paracetamol.