Protective effects of panax notoginseng saponins on cardiovascular diseases: a comprehensive overview of experimental studies

Discovery and Characterization of Panaxatriol as a Novel Thrombin Inhibitor from Panax notoginseng Using a Combination of Computational and Experimental Approaches

Thrombin is a crucial enzyme in the coagulation cascade, and inhibitors of thrombin have been extensively studied as potential antithrombotic agents. The objective of this study was to identify natural inhibitors of thrombin from Panax notoginseng and evaluate their biological activity in vitro and binding characteristics. A combined approach involving molecular docking, thrombin inhibition assays, surface plasmon resonance, and molecular dynamics simulation was utilized to identify natural thrombin inhibitors. The results demonstrated that panaxatriol directly inhibits thrombin, with an IC50 of 10.3 µM. Binding studies using surface plasmon resonance revealed that panaxatriol interacts with thrombin, with a KD value of 7.8 µM. Molecular dynamics analysis indicated that the thrombin-panaxatriol system reached equilibrium rapidly with minimal fluctuations, and the calculated binding free energy was - 23.8 kcal/mol. The interaction between panaxatriol and thrombin involves the amino acid residues Glu146, Glu192, Gly216, Gly219, Tyr60A, and Trp60D. This interaction provides a mechanistic basis for further optimizing panaxatriol as a thrombin inhibitor. Our study has shown that panaxatriol serves as a direct thrombin inhibitor, laying the groundwork for further research and development of novel thrombin inhibitors.

Analyzing noncovalent interactions between notoginseng saponins and lysozyme by deposition scanning intensity fading MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry

Analysis of noncovalent interactions between natural products and proteins is important for rapid screening of active ingredients and understanding their pharmacological activities. In this work, the intensity fading MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (IF-MALDI-MS) method with improved reproducibility was implemented to investigate the binding interactions between saponins from Panax notoginseng and lysozyme. The benchmark IF-MALDI-MS experiment was established using N,N',N″-triacetylchitotriose-lysozyme as a model system. The reproducibility of ion intensities in IF-MALDI-MS was improved by scanning the whole sample deposition with a focused laser beam. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of deposition scanning IF-MALDI-MS is 5.7%. Similar decay trends of the relative intensities of notoginseng saponins against increasing amounts of lysozyme were observed for all six notoginseng saponins. The half-maximal fading concentration (FC50) was calculated to quantitatively characterize the binding affinity of each ligand based on the decay curve. According to the FC50 values obtained, the binding affinities of the six notoginseng saponins were evaluated in the following order: notoginsenoside S > notoginsenoside Fc > ginsenoside Rb1 > ginsenoside Rd > notoginsenoside Ft1 > ginsenoside Rg1. The binding order was in accordance with molecular docking studies, which showed hydrogen bonding might play a key role in stabilizing the binding interaction. Our results demonstrated that deposition scanning IF-MALDI-MS can provide valuable information on the noncovalent interactions between ligands and proteins.

Panax Notoginseng Saponins Regulate Angiogenic Cytokines Through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway to Promote Fracture Healing in Ovariectomized Rats

Osteoporotic fractures seriously affect the quality of life of the elderly. Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) have the potential function of preventing osteoporosis. The Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is involved in the regulation of osteoporosis and has been proven to be related to VEGF secretion and angiogenesis. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the effects of PNS on ovariectomized rats with osteoporotic fracture through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and angiogenesis-related factors. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal control, fracture model, ovariectomized fracture model, low-dose PNS (100 mg/kg/d), and high-dose PNS (200 mg/kg/d). The ovariectomized rat fracture model was established. In low and high dose groups, PNS was administered intraperitoneally. The vascularization of fracture ends was detected in vitro by micro-CT on the 7th, 14th, and 21st day after modeling, and the area and number of blood vessels in the unit field of vision of the callus healing plane were seen by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The expression levels of PI3K, AKT1, mTOR, hypoxia inducible factor-1; VEGF: vascular endothelial growth factor (HIF-1), VEGF, Ang-1, VEGFR2, and angiopoietin like 2 Gene (ANGPTL2) were determined using Western blotting. In the PNS treatment group, the area of cortical bone increased, the area of callus decreased, and the number and area of blood vessels increased significantly when compared with the ovariectomized fracture model group. PNS regulates the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and promotes the expression of vascular-related cytokines (VEGF, Ang-1, VEGFR2, and ANGPTL2) in osteoporotic fractures. PNS may regulate the expression of vascular-related factors through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and promote the healing of osteoporotic fractures in ovariectomized rats.

Effects of Saponins on Lipid Metabolism: The Gut-Liver Axis Plays a Key Role

Unhealthy lifestyles (high-fat diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, too little exercise, etc.) in the current society are prone to cause lipid metabolism disorders affecting the health of the organism and inducing the occurrence of diseases. Saponins, as biologically active substances present in plants, have lipid-lowering, inflammation-reducing, and anti-atherosclerotic effects. Saponins are thought to be involved in the regulation of lipid metabolism in the body; it suppresses the appetite and, thus, reduces energy intake by modulating pro-opiomelanocortin/Cocaine amphetamine regulated transcript (POMC/CART) neurons and neuropeptide Y/agouti-related peptide (NPY/AGRP) neurons in the hypothalamus, the appetite control center. Saponins directly activate the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway and related transcriptional regulators such as peroxisome-proliferator-activated-receptors (PPAR), CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins (C/EBP), and sterol-regulatory element binding proteins (SREBP) increase fatty acid oxidation and inhibit lipid synthesis. It also modulates gut-liver interactions to improve lipid metabolism by regulating gut microbes and their metabolites and derivatives-short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), bile acids (BAs), trimethylamine (TMA), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), et al. This paper reviews the positive effects of different saponins on lipid metabolism disorders, suggesting that the gut-liver axis plays a crucial role in improving lipid metabolism processes and may be used as a therapeutic target to provide new strategies for treating lipid metabolism disorders.

Pharmacological effects of ginseng and ginsenosides on intestinal inflammation and the immune system

Intestinal inflammatory imbalance and immune dysfunction may lead to a spectrum of intestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and gastrointestinal tumors. As the king of herbs, ginseng has exerted a wide range of pharmacological effects in various diseases. Especially, it has been shown that ginseng and ginsenosides have strong immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory abilities in intestinal system. In this review, we summarized how ginseng and various extracts influence intestinal inflammation and immune function, including regulating the immune balance, modulating the expression of inflammatory mediators and cytokines, promoting intestinal mucosal wound healing, preventing colitis-associated colorectal cancer, recovering gut microbiota and metabolism imbalance, alleviating antibiotic-induced diarrhea, and relieving the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. In addition, the specific experimental methods and key control mechanisms are also briefly described.

Integrated metabolome and transcriptome analysis reveals the regulatory mechanism of low nitrogen-driven biosynthesis of saponins and flavonoids in Panax notoginseng

BACKGROUND

Nitrogen (N) is an important macronutrient involved in the biosynthesis of primary and secondary metabolites in plants. However, the metabolic regulatory mechanism of low-N-induced triterpenoid saponin and flavonoid accumulation in rhizomatous medicinal Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F. H. Chen remains unclear.

METHODS

To explore the potential regulatory mechanism and metabolic basis controlling the response of P. notoginseng to N deficiency, the transcriptome and metabolome were analysed in the roots.

RESULTS

The N content was significantly reduced in roots of N0-treated P. notoginseng (0 kg·N·667 m-2). The C/N ratio was enhanced in the N-deficient P. notoginseng. N deficiency promotes the accumulation of amino acids (L-proline, L-leucine, L-isoleucine, L-norleucine, L-arginine, and L-citrulline) and sugar (arabinose, xylose, glucose, fructose, and mannose), thus providing precursor metabolites for the biosynthesis of flavonoids and triterpenoid saponins. Downregulation of key structural genes (PAL, PAL3, ACC1, CHS2, PPO, CHI3, F3H, DFR, and FGT), in particular with the key genes of F3H, involved in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway possibly induced the decrease in flavonoid content with increased N supply. Notoginsenoside R1, ginsenoside Re, Rg1, Rd, F1, R1 + Rg1 + Rb1 and total triterpenoid saponins were enhanced in the N0 groups than in the N15 (15 kg·N·667 m-2) plants. Higher phosphoenolpyruvate (an intermediate of glycolyticwith pathway metabolism) and serine (an intermediate of photorespiration) levels induced by N deficiency possibly promote saponin biosynthesis through mevalonic acid (MVA) and methylerythritol (MEP) pathways. Genes (MVD2, HMGS, HMGR1, HMGR2, DXR, and HMGR1) encoding the primary enzymes HMGS, HMGR, DXR, and MVD in the MVA and MEP pathways were significantly upregulated in the N0-treated P. notoginseng. The saponin biosynthesis genes DDS, DDS, CYP716A52, CYP716A47, UGT74AE2, and FPS were upregulated in the N-deficient plants. Upregulation of genes involved in saponin biosynthesis promotes the accumulation of triterpenoid saponins in the N0-grown P. notoginseng.

CONCLUSIONS

N deficiency enhances primary metabolisms, such as amino acids and sugar accumulation, laying the foundation for the synthesis of flavonoids and triterpenoid saponins in P. notoginseng. F3H, DDS, FPS, HMGR, HMGS and UGT74AE2 can be considered as candidates for functional characterisation of the N-regulated accumulation of triterpenoid saponins and flavonoids in future.

Comparison of Protective Effect of Tri-circulator and Coenzyme Q10 on Myocardial Injury and the Mechanism Study by Zebrafish Model

Tri-Circulator (TC) is a product comprising coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), Salvia miltiorrhiza, and Panax notoginseng. Individually, each of these constituents has demonstrated protective effects on myocardial injury. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the protective efficacy of TC on heart function and compare the differential effects between CoQ10 and TC. Two myocardial injury models of zebrafish, the hypoxia-reoxygenation model (H/R) and the isoproterenol (ISO, a β-receptor agonist) model, were used in this experiment. The zebrafish subjects were divided into 4 groups: control, H/R, TC, and CoQ10. Heart rate, stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), ejection fraction (EF), fractional area change (FAC), and pericardial height were monitored to assess changes in heart function. The gene expression of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) was studied as markers of injury/stress. TC significantly suppresses elevated heart rate induced by H/R and prevents the decrease of heart rate induced by ISO. It alleviates the pericardial infusion induced by ISO, whereas CoQ10 does not possess a similar effect. Both TC and CoQ10 significantly inhibit the decline in SV, CO, EF, and FAC induced by H/R and ISO, and suppress the expression of ANP and BNP in cardiomyocytes induced by ISO. It is noteworthy that TC demonstrates a more pronounced effect on EF, FAC, ANP, and BNP gene expression compared to CoQ10. Both TC and CoQ10 have a protective effect on myocardial injury of zebrafish. However, TC exhibits a greater efficacy compared to CoQ10 alone in mitigating myocardial injury.

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by the Yi people in Mile, Yunnan, China

BACKGROUND

The Yi people are a sociolinguistic group living in Mile City, which is their typical settlement in southeastern Yunnan, China. Over the long history of using medicinal plants, the Yi people have accumulated and developed a wealth of traditional medicinal knowledge, which has played a vital role in their health care. However, only a few studies have been performed to systematically document the medicinal plants commonly used by the Yi people. This study provides fundamental data for the development and application of ethnomedicine as well as supports the conservation of the traditional medical knowledge of the Yi people.

METHODS

This study was conducted from May 2020 to August 2022 and involved five townships in Mile. Information regarding medicinal plants was obtained through semistructured interviews, key informant interviews, and participatory observation. The collected voucher specimens were identified using the botanical taxonomy method and deposited in the herbarium. Ethnobotanical data were analyzed using informant consensus factor, relative frequency of citation, and fidelity level.

RESULTS

In total, 114 informants distributed in five townships of Mile were interviewed. The Yi people used 267 medicinal plant species belonging to 232 genera and 104 families to treat various diseases. Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, and Fabaceae were the most commonly used plant families by the Yi people. In addition, herbs were most commonly used by the Yi people. Whole plants and roots were the preferred medicinal parts. Decoctions were the most common method of herbal medicine preparation. There are 49 different recorded diseases treated by Yi medicinal plants, and among them, respiratory diseases, rheumatism, traumatic injury, fractures, and digestive system diseases have the largest number of species used. A quantitative analysis demonstrated that plants such as Zingiber officinale, Lycopodium japonicum, Aconitum carmichaelii, Panax notoginseng, Cyathula officinalis, and Leonurus japonicus played crucial roles in disease prevention and treatment.

CONCLUSION

Traditional knowledge of medicinal plants is closely associated with the social culture of the local Yi people. The medicinal plants used for health care in the study area were diverse. Local healers were skilled at using medicinal plants to treat various diseases. Their treatment methods were convenient and unique, exhibiting distinctive regional characteristics. However, the inheritance of their traditional medicinal knowledge and protection of wild medicinal plant resources are facing serious challenges, including the decreasing number of local healers, aging of healers, lack of successors, and excessive harvesting of medicinal plant resources. This ethnobotanical survey provides a useful reference for the sustainable utilization and protection of medicinal plant resources in Mile and the inheritance of traditional medicinal knowledge of the Yi people.

Effects of Panax notoginseng Saponins Encapsulated by Polymerized Whey Protein on the Rheological, Textural and Bitterness Characteristics of Yogurt

Panax notoginseng saponins (PNSs) have been used as a nutritional supplement for many years, but their bitter taste limits their application in food formulations. The effects of PNS (groups B, C, and D contained 0.8, 1.0 and 1.2 mg/mL of free PNS, respectively) or Panax notoginseng saponin-polymerized whey protein (PNS-PWP) nanoparticles (groups E, F, and G contained 26.68, 33.35 and 40.03 mg/mL of PNS-PWP nanoparticles, respectively) on the rheological, textural properties and bitterness of yogurt were investigated. Group G yogurt showed a shorter gelation time (23.53 min), the highest elastic modulus (7135 Pa), higher hardness (506 g), higher apparent viscosity, and the lowest syneresis (6.93%) than other groups, which indicated that the yogurt formed a stronger gel structure. The results of the electronic tongue indicated that the bitterness values of group E (-6.12), F (-6.56), and G (-6.27) yogurts were lower than those of group B (-5.12), C (-4.31), and D (-3.79), respectively, which might be attributed to PNS being encapsulated by PWP. The results indicated that PWP-encapsulated PNS could cover the bitterness of PNS and improve the quality of yogurt containing PNS.

Comprehensive analysis of different types of ginsenosides in the different parts of American ginseng by targeted and nontargeted MS/MS scanning

To comprehensively study the ginsenosides distribution in the various tissues of American ginseng, the qualitative and quantitative-targeted and nontargeted mass spectroscopic methods were established using the high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with Qtrap triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (HPLC-QtrapQQQ-MS). The total ginsenosides of the root, stem, and leaf of American ginseng were determined by a colorimetric method, and the contents showed the order from high to low root, stem, and leaf. Eighty-two kinds of ginsenosides were detected in the different parts of American ginseng by enhanced mass scan-information-dependent data acquisition (IDA)-enhanced product ion (EPI) scan mode, including 69 from the root, 62 from the stem, and 48 from the leaf. An HPLC-multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) method was established, and 28 representative ginsenosides were further quantified in the three parts. Nearly all ginsenosides had the highest contents in the root and the lowest content in the leaf. Three types of ginsenosides (protopanaxadiol [PPD]-, protopanaxatiol [PPT]-, and oleanolic acid [OA]-types) were analyzed by precursor ion-IDA-EPI and MRM-IDA-EPI scan modes. Root had the most abundant ginsenosides in PPD- and PPT-type ginsenosides. Meanwhile, the OA-type ginsenosides are significantly enriched in the stem and leaf of American ginseng. The results provided a supplement to the quality assessment of American ginseng. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The distribution profile of ginsenosides in the parts of American ginseng is different. Except for the root, the stem, and leaf of American ginseng have the most abundant ginsenosides in oleanolic acid type. The results reported herein can help the manufacturers choose appropriate materials to extract the ginsenosides.

Supplementingand activating blood circulation method to treat vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia with posterior circulatory watershed infarction: a case report of two patients

Vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia (VBD), a rare posterior circulation vascular variant disease, is an important risk factor for many acute cerebrovascular diseases. An insufficient understanding of VBD often leads to misdiagnose. Two cases of VBD that were initially diagnosed as posterior circulation watershed infarction are reported here. Absence of common causes of stroke including hypoperfusion, blood system diseases, carotid and aortic dissection, and eosinophil elevation, the symptoms of the 2 patients met the diagnostic criteria of VBD. Both patients displayed symptoms that were in line with the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndrome pattern of "deficiency and blood stasis". Accordingly, they were comprehensively treated with Supplementingand activating blood circulation method. The clinical manifestations of the 2 patients were remarkably improved and no recurrence of watershed infarction was found in a 1-year follow-up. A detailed medical history and laboratory examination are capable of improving diagnostic accuracy of VBD. TCM treatment based on syndrome identification might be a promising candidate for VBD management.

SIRT1 Signaling Is Involved in the Vascular Improvement Induced by Moringa Oleifera Seeds during Aging

Vascular aging is linked to reduce NO bioavailability, endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation. We previously showed that a 4-week treatment of middle-aged Wistar rats (MAWRs, 46 weeks old) with Moringa oleifera seed powder (MOI, 750 mg/kg/day) improved vascular function. Here, we investigated the involvement of SIRT1 in MOI-induced vascular improvement. MAWRs were treated with a standard or MOI-containing diet. Young rats (YWR, 16 weeks old) were the controls and received a standard diet. The hearts and aortas were harvested to evaluate SIRT1 and FOXO1 expression via Western blot and/or immunostaining, SIRT1 activity via a fluorometric assay, and oxidative stress using the DHE fluorescent probe. In the hearts and aortas, SIRT1 expression, reduced in MAWRs compared to YWRs, was enhanced in MOI MAWRs. In the hearts, SIRT1 activity did not differ between YWRs and MAWRs, whereas it was increased in MOI MAWRs compared with them. In the aortas, SIRT1 activity decreased in MAWRs, and it was similar in the MOI MAWRs and YWRs. FOXO1 expression increased in the nuclei of MAWR aortas compared to YWR and was reversed in MOI MAWRs. Interestingly, MOI treatment normalized oxidative stress enhanced in MAWRs, in both the heart and aorta. These results demonstrate the protective role of MOI against cardiovascular dysfunction due to aging via enhanced SIRT1 function and subsequently reduced oxidative stress.

Self-Double-Emulsifying Drug Delivery System Enteric-Coated Capsules: A Novel Approach to Improve Oral Bioavailability and Anti-inflammatory Activity of Panax notoginseng Saponins

In this work, self-double-emulsifying drug delivery system enteric-coated capsules (PNS-SDE-ECC) were used to enhance the oral bioavailability and anti-inflammatory effects of Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS), which are rapidly biodegradable, poorly membrane permeable, and highly water-soluble compounds. The PNS-SDEDDS formulated by a modified two-step method spontaneously emulsified to W/O/W double emulsions in the outer aqueous solution, which significantly promoted the absorption of PNS in the intestinal tract. The release study revealed that PNS-SDE-ECC exhibited sustained release of PNS within 24 h and the stability study indicated that PNS-SDE-ECC were stable at room temperature for up to 3 months. Furthermore, compared to PNS gastric capsules, the relative bioavailability of NGR1, GRg1, GRe, GRb1, and GRd in PNS-SDE-ECC was increased by 4.83, 10.78, 9.25, 3.58, and 4.63 times, respectively. More importantly, PNS-SDE-ECC significantly reduced OXZ-induced inflammatory damage in the colon by regulating the expression of TNF-α, IL-4, IL-13, and MPO cytokines. Overall, the prepared PNS-SDE-ECC may serve as a viable vehicle for increasing the oral bioavailability of PNS and its anti-inflammatory action on ulcerative colitis.

Effects of Panax notoginseng Water Extract on Immune Responses and Digestive Enzymes in White Shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei

Panax notoginseng (Burk) F. H. Chen is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine commonly used in clinical applications. This study examined the effects of the Panax notoginseng water extract (PNWE) on the immune responses and digestive enzyme activity of Litopenaeus vannamei (L. vannamei). The PNWE (50, 100, and 200 μg (g shrimp)^-1) was injected into L. vannamei to analyze the immune response parameters, including the total haemocyte count (THC), granular haemocytes (GC), semi-granular haemocytes (SGC), hialin haemocyte (HC), the respiratory burst (RB), the phagocytic ratio (PR), the phagocytic index (PI), and phenoloxidase (PO). We evaluated the activity of the intestinal digestive enzymes (trypsin, chymotrypsin, amylase, and lipase), the histopathology, and the intestine Vibrio numbers. The results showed that different concentrations of the PNWE significantly increased THC, GC, SGC, PO and RB activity, the PR, and the PI of L. vannamei while reducing the HC. In addition, the PNWE also significantly increased the chymotrypsin, trypsin, and amylase activity of L. vannamei. Furthermore, 50 µg (g shrimp)^-1 of PNWE regulated the lipase activity. Additionally, different concentrations of the PNWE significantly reduced the Vibrio numbers in the intestine without damaging the hepatopancreas and intestine tissues. These results indicate that the PNWE improves the immune responses of L. vannamei by increasing the haemocyte count and regulating intestinal digestive enzymes.

Terpenoid natural products exert neuroprotection via the PI3K/Akt pathway

PI3K/Akt, an essential signaling pathway widely present in cells, has been shown to be relevant to neurological disorders. As an important class of natural products, terpenoids exist in large numbers and have diverse backbones, so they have a great chance to be identified as neuroprotective agents. In this review, we described and summarized recent research for a range of terpenoid natural products associated with the PI3K/Akt pathway by classifying their basic chemical structures of the terpenes, identified by electronic searches on PubMed, Web of Science for research, and Google Scholar websites. Only articles published in English were included. Our discussion here concerned 16 natural terpenoids and their mechanisms of action, the associated diseases, and the methods of experimentation used. We also reviewed the discovery of their chemical structures and their derivatives, and some compounds have been concluded for their structure–activity relationships (SAR). As a result, terpenoids are excellent candidates for research as natural neuroprotective agents, and our content will provide a stepping stone for further research into these natural products. It may be possible for more terpenoids to serve as neuroprotective agents in the future.

Mechanism-based targeting of cardiac arrhythmias by phytochemicals and medicinal herbs: A comprehensive review of preclinical and clinical evidence

Cardiac arrhythmias, characterized by an irregular heartbeat, are associated with high mortality and morbidity. Because of the narrow therapeutic window of antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs), the management of arrhythmia is still challenging. Therefore, searching for new safe, and effective therapeutic options is unavoidable. In this study, the antiarrhythmic effects of medicinal plants and their active constituents were systematically reviewed to introduce some possible candidates for mechanism-based targeting of cardiac arrhythmias. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library were searched from inception to June 2021 to find the plant extracts, phytochemicals, and multi-component herbal preparations with antiarrhythmic activities. From 7337 identified results, 57 original studies consisting of 49 preclinical and eight clinical studies were finally included. Three plant extracts, eight multi-component herbal preparations, and 26 phytochemicals were found to have antiarrhythmic effects mostly mediated by affecting K+ channels, followed by modulating Ca2+ channels, upstream target pathways, Nav channels, gap junction channels, and autonomic receptors. The most investigated medicinal plants were Rhodiola crenulata and Vitis vinifera. Resveratrol, Oxymatrine, and Curcumin were the most studied phytochemicals found to have multiple mechanisms of antiarrhythmic action. This review emphasized the importance of research on the cardioprotective effect of medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds to guide the future development of new AADs. The most prevalent limitation of the studies was their unqualified methodology. Thus, future well-designed experimental and clinical studies are necessary to provide more reliable evidence.

Pharmacological therapy to cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury: Focus on saponins

Secondary insult from cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) is a major risk factor for poor prognosis of cerebral ischemia. Saponins are steroid or triterpenoid glycosides with various pharmacological activities that are effective in treating CIRI. By browsing the literature from 2001 to 2021, 55 references involving 24 kinds of saponins were included. Saponins were shown to relieve CIRI by inhibiting oxidation stress, neuroinflammation, and apoptosis, restoring BBB integrity, and promoting neurogenesis and angiogenesis. This review summarizes and classifies several common saponins and their mechanisms in relieving CIRI. Information provided in this review will benefit researchers to design, research and develop new medicines to treat CIRI-related conditions with saponins.

Pharmacological Effect of Panax notoginseng Saponins on Cerebral Ischemia in Animal Models

Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS), bioactive compounds, are commonly used to treat ischemic heart and cerebral diseases in China and other Asian countries. Most previous studies of PNS have focused on the mechanisms underlying their treatment of ischemic cardiovascular diseases but not cerebral ischemic diseases. This study sought to explore the pharmacological mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of PNS in treating cerebral ischemic diseases. Different experimental cerebral ischemia models (including middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and the blockade of four arteries in rats, collagen-adrenaline-induced systemic intravascular thrombosis in mice, thrombosis of carotid artery-jugular vein blood flow in the bypass of rats, and hypoxia tolerance in mice) were used to investigate the mechanisms underlying the actions of PNS on cerebral ischemia. The results indicated that (1) PNS improved neurological function and reduced the cerebral ischemia infraction area in MCAO rats; (2) PNS improved motor coordination function in rats with complete cerebral ischemia (blockade of four arteries), decreased Ca²⁺ levels, and ameliorated energy metabolism in the brains of ischemia rats; (3) PNS reduced thrombosis in common carotid artery-jugular vein blood flow in the bypass of rats; (4) PNS provided significant promise in antistroke hemiplegia and hypoxia tolerance in mice. In conclusion, PNS showed antagonistic effects on ischemic stroke, and pharmacological mechanisms are likely to be associated with the reduction of cerebral pathological damage, thrombolysis, antihypoxia, and improvement in the intracellular Ca²⁺ overload and cerebral energy metabolism.

Anticoagulant activity analysis and origin identification of Panax notoginseng using HPLC and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy

INTRODUCTION

Panax notoginseng is one of the traditional precious and bulk-traded medicinal materials in China. Its anticoagulant activity is related to its saponin composition. However, the correlation between saponins and anticoagulant activities in P. notoginseng from different origins and identification of the origins have been rarely reported.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to analyze the correlation of components and activities of P. notoginseng from different origins and develop a rapid P. notoginseng origin identification method.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Pharmacological experiments, HPLC, and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy (variable selection) combined with chemometrics methods of P. notoginseng main roots from four different origins (359 individuals) in Yunnan Province were conducted.

RESULTS

The pharmacological experiments and HPLC showed that the saponin content of P. notoginseng main roots was not significantly different. It was the highest in main roots from Wenshan Prefecture (9.86%). The coagulation time was prolonged to observe the strongest effect (4.99 s), and the anticoagulant activity was positively correlated with the contents of the three saponins. The content of ginsenoside Rg₁ had the greatest influence on the anticoagulant effect. The results of spectroscopy combined with chemometrics show that the variable selection method could extract a small number of variables containing valid information and improve the performance of the model. The variable importance in projection has the best ability to identify the origins of P. notoginseng; the accuracy of the training set and the test set was 0.975 and 0.984, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This method is a powerful analytical tool for the activity analysis and identification of Chinese medicinal materials from different origins.

Determination of the Authenticity and Origin of Panax Notoginseng: A Review

Panax notoginseng, a traditional medicinal and edible plant, is widely used in medicine, health care, cosmetics, and other industries. Affected by the discrepancy between market supply and demand and price, the adulteration of P. notoginseng products with other plant-derived ingredients occurs at times. With the continuous development of technologies such as spectroscopy, chromatography, and DNA barcoding, the detection techniques for rapid and sensitive determination of the authenticity identification and origin of P. notoginseng have become more diversified to meet the needs of different regulatory goals and could effectively control practices that mislead consumers and promote false labeling. This review analyzes and summarizes the existing technologies for determining the authenticity and origin of P. notoginseng from these three aspects: morphological, chemical, and molecular biology methods from the literature since 2001; on this basis, the current problems and future research directions are discussed to provide a reference for the establishment of rapid and accurate methods to verify authenticity and origin to promote the further development and improvement of quality control technology systems for P. notoginseng.

Acute Thrombolytic Therapy Combined with the Green Channel Can Reduce the Thrombolytic Time and Improve Neurological Function in Acute Stroke Patients

Objective

To explore the effect of acute thrombolytic therapy combined with the green channel on the thrombolytic time and neurological function in acute stroke patients.

Methods

A total of 100 acute stroke patients admitted to our hospital from August 2016 to August 2019 were recruited as the research cohort. In experimental group, 50 patients were administered green channel combined with acute thrombolytic therapy, while the patients in control group were administered general therapy. The thrombolytic times, the muscle strength grades, the FMA scores, the Barthel index levels, the NIHSS and SSS scores, the SAS and SDS scores, the arterial pressure and heart rates, the total effective rates, the incidences of postoperative adverse reactions, and the satisfaction levels were compared between the two groups.

Results

The thrombolysis times in experimental group were shorter than those in control group. In experimental group, there were more patients with muscle strength grades 4 and 5 (P < 0.05), the FMA and Barthel index levels were higher, the NIHSS and SSS (P < 0.05) and the SAS and SDS scores were lower, the arterial pressure and heart rates were lower (P < 0.05), the incidence of postoperative adverse reactions was lower (P < 0.05), the total efficiency was higher (P < 0.05), and the satisfaction level was higher (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Acute thrombolytic therapy combined with the green channel can significantly reduce the thrombolytic time and improve the neurological function in acute stroke patients.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and production of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants

Medicinal plants are an important source of therapeutic compounds used in the treatment of many diseases since ancient times. Interestingly, they form associations with numerous microorganisms developing as endophytes or symbionts in different parts of the plants. Within the soil, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are the most prevalent symbiotic microorganisms forming associations with more than 70% of vascular plants. In the last decade, a number of studies have reported the positive effects of AMF on improving the production and accumulation of important active compounds in medicinal plants.In this work, we reviewed the literature on the effects of AMF on the production of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants. The major findings are as follows: AMF impact the production of secondary metabolites either directly by increasing plant biomass or indirectly by stimulating secondary metabolite biosynthetic pathways. The magnitude of the impact differs depending on the plant genotype, the AMF strain, and the environmental context (e.g., light, time of harvesting). Different methods of cultivation are used for the production of secondary metabolites by medicinal plants (e.g., greenhouse, aeroponics, hydroponics, in vitro and hairy root cultures) which also are compatible with AMF. In conclusion, the inoculation of medicinal plants with AMF is a real avenue for increasing the quantity and quality of secondary metabolites of pharmacological, medical, and cosmetic interest.

Notoginsenoside R1-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles targeting the site of injury through inflammatory cells improves heart repair after myocardial infarction

Notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1) is the main monomeric component extracted from the dried roots and rhizomes of Panax notoginseng, and exerts pharmacological action against myocardial infarction (MI). Owing to the differences in compound distribution, absorption, and metabolism in vivo, exploring a more effective drug delivery system with a high therapeutic targeting effect is crucial. In the early stages of MI, CD11b-expressing monocytes and neutrophils accumulate at infarct sites. Thus, we designed a mesoporous silica nanoparticle-conjugated CD11b antibody with loaded NGR1 (MSN-NGR1-CD11b antibody), which allowed NGR1 precise targeted delivery to the heart in a noninvasively manner. By increasing targeting to the injured myocardium, intravenous injection of MSN-NGR1-CD11b antibody nanoparticle in MI mice improved cardiac function and angiogenesis, reduced cell apoptosis, and regulate macrophage phenotype and inflammatory factors and chemokines. In order to further explore the mechanism of NGR1 protecting myocardium, cell oxidative stress model and oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) model were established. NGR1 protected H9C2 cells and primary cardiomyocytes against oxidative injury induced by H₂O₂ and OGD treatment. Further network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses suggested that the AKT, MAPK and Hippo signaling pathways were involved in the regulation of NGR1 in myocardial protection. Indeed, NGR1 could elevate the levels of p-Akt and p-ERK, and promote the nuclear translocation of YAP. Furthermore, LY294002 (AKT inhibitor), U0126 (ERK1/2 inhibitor) and Verteporfin (YAP inhibitor) administration in H9C2 cells indicated the involvement of AKT, MAPK and Hippo signaling pathways in NGR1 effects. Meanwhile, MSN-NGR1-CD11b antibody nanoparticles enhanced the activation of AKT and MAPK signaling pathways and the nuclear translocation of YAP at the infarcted site. Our research demonstrated that MSN-NGR1-CD11b antibody nanoparticle injection after MI enhanced the targeting of NGR1 to the infarcted myocardium and improved cardiac function. More importantly, our pioneering research provides a new strategy for targeting drug delivery systems to the ischemic niche.

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CD11b antibody modification enhanced the target of Mesoporous silica nanoparticles to injured myocardium.

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NGR1 promoted the survival of H9C2 against oxidative stress injury through PIK3/AKT, MAPK/ERK and YAP signaling pathways.

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NGR1 protected neonatal and adult cardiomyocytes from H₂O₂ and OGD induced oxidative stress damage.

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MSN-NGR1-CD11b antibody nanoparticles improved heart function by activating PIK3/AKT, MAPK/ERK and YAP signaling pathways.

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MSN-NGR1-CD11b antibody nanoparticles induced M2 polarization of macrophages and regulated the inflammatory factors.

Notoginsenoside R1 Regulates Ischemic Myocardial Lipid Metabolism by Activating the AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway

Ischemic heart diseases are responsible for more than one-third of all deaths worldwide. Radix notoginseng is widely used to treat ischemic heart disease in China and other Asian countries, and notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1) is its characteristic and large-amount ingredient. However, the potential molecular mechanisms of NGR1 in improving ischemic heart diseases are unclear. In this study, we combined pharmacological evaluation with network pharmacology, myocardial proteomics, and conventional molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to explore the cardio-protection mechanisms of NGR1. Our results revealed that NGR1 improved the echocardiographic, tissue pathological, and serum biochemical perturbations in myocardial ischemic rats. The network pharmacology studies indicated that NGR1 mainly regulated smooth muscle cell proliferation, vasculature development, and lipid metabolism signaling, especially in the PI3K/AKT pathway. Myocardial proteomics revealed that the function of NGR1 was focused on regulating metabolic and energy supply processes. The research combined reverse-docked targets with differential proteins and demonstrated that NGR1 modulated lipid metabolism in ischemic myocardia by interacting with mTOR and AKT. Conventional MD simulation was applied to investigate the influence of NGR1 on the structural stabilization of the mTOR and AKT complex. The results suggested that NGR1 can strengthen the affinity stabilization of mTOR and AKT. Our study first revealed that NGR1 enhanced the affinity stabilization of mTOR and AKT, thus promoting the activation of the AKT/mTOR pathway and improving lipid metabolic abnormity in myocardial ischemic rats.

Panax notoginseng extract and total saponin suppress diet-induced obesity and endoplasmic reticulum stress in epididymal white adipose tissue in mice

Background

Investigation on protective effects of Panax notoginseng against obesity and its related mechanisms is incomplete. Present study aimed to investigate the potential anti-obesity effect of the total saponins (PNS) and ethanolic extract of P. notoginseng (PNE).

Methods

Six-week-old male C57BL/6J mice received 45% kcal fat diet for 12 weeks to induce obesity. Oral administration of PNS and PNE at 20 mg/kg/day was applied for the last 4 weeks in the obese mice. Lipid profile was determined by ELISA. Histological examination was performed in liver and fat tissues. Protein levels were measured by Western blot.

Results

PNS and PNE did not cause weight loss. PNE but not PNS decreased the mass of epididymal and retroperitoneal white adipose tissue, accompanied by a reduction in adipocyte hypertrophy. PNS and PNE improved lipid profile by reducing the concentrations of triglyceride, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in plasma or liver samples. PNS and PNE also relieved fatty liver in obese mice. PNS and PNE inhibited expression and phosphorylation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-responsive proteins in hypertrophic adipose tissue.

Conclusions

PNS and PNE can regulate ER stress-mediated apoptosis and inflammation to alleviate obesity.

Panax notoginseng Saponins Alleviate Coronary Artery Disease Through Hypermethylation of the miR-194-MAPK Pathway

Background:Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) may have an inhibitory effect against coronary artery disease (CAD); however, the mechanism is unclear. Recent research has begun to evaluate the role of epigenetics in CAD. Our team found that hypomethylation of miR-194 could be an important mechanism of CAD.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of PNS against CAD and evaluate whether the mechanism is related to methylation of mi-R194.

Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled trial with a double-blind placebo design on 84 patients with CAD. Treatment was continued for 4 weeks, and the clinical effect of PNS on CAD was observed. Methylation of miR-194, its promoter, and the key nodes of the MAPK pathway were measured by pyrosequencing and qRT-PCR. We then conducted a pharmacological analysis of the active components of PNS. The effects of PNS on oxidized human umbilical vein endothelial cells and the methylation of miR-194, its promoter, and the key nodes of the MAPK pathway were measured in vitro through methylation-specific PCR (MSPCR), qRT-PCR, Western blot analysis, and annexin V/propidium iodide apoptosis assay.

Results: PNS improved symptoms of CAD. High-density lipoprotein and white blood cell count demonstrated significant changes after treatment in the PNS group. No significant difference was observed between miR-194 and mRNA MAPK, FAS, RAS, and FOS in the PNS group after treatment. However, some notable trends were observed in these genes. The targets of PNS were predicted by the pharmacological components. Some targets were found to be differentially expressed genes in CAD sequencing. Six genes, including MAPK1, RAS, and FASL, were common targets of PNS in CAD sequencing. Correlations were observed between genes in the interaction network and clinical parameters. In vitro experiments confirmed that PNS could change the methylation of miR-194, its promoter, and MAPK, FAS, RAS, and FOS. Intervention with PNS is likely to improve apoptosis.

Conclusion: We reported the regulation of miR-194 promoter, miR-194, and MAPK methylation by PNS through cell experiments and a randomized controlled trial. PNS can be used for intervention in CAD by targeting the miR-194 promoter-miR-194-MAPK signaling pathway.

Clinical Trial Registration: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/, NCT03083119.

Panax Notoginseng Saponins Combined with Dual Antiplatelet Drugs Potentiates Anti-Thrombotic Effect with Alleviated Gastric Injury in A Carotid Artery Thrombosis Rat Model

OBJECTIVE

To observe the combination effects of Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS)and dual antiplatelet drugs (DAPT), and to explore the mechanism via cyclooxygenase /prostaglandin pathway.

METHODS

Right carotid artery thrombosis was induced in Wistar rats by infiltration with 70% FeCl₃, and the animals were randomly divided into sham group, model group, DAPT group and PNS + DAPT group, intragastrically treated for 4 weeks. The cerebral pia mater microcirculation was observed in vivo after anesthetizing by anatomical microscope. The wet weight of carotid artery thrombosis was measured. Gastric mucosal injury was observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Platelet aggregation rate was detected with adenosine diphosphate -induced turbidimetry. Platelet CD62p expression was detected by flow cytometry. Concentrations of 6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha, prostaglandin E₂ in gastric mucosa and thromboxane B₂, 6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha, tissue plasminogen activator, plasminogen activator inhibitor, and fibrin fragment D in the plasma were measured by radioimmunoassay.

RESULTS

PNS and DAPT increased the blood flow volume of cerebral pia mater and decreased erythrocyte aggregation and leukocyte adhesion of model rats. Compared to DAPT, PNS and DAPT further reduced the weight of carotid artery thrombosis with enhanced inhibition of platelet aggregation, increased tissue plasminogen activator levels and decreased fibrin fragment D levels. PNS and DAPT alleviated gastric injury induced by dual antiplatelet drugs and upregulated the expression of 6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha in the gastric mucosa compared with DAPT.

CONCLUSIONS

PNS combined with DAPT increased anti-thrombosis effects of DAPT and mitigated DAPT-related gastric injury. The underlying mechanisms may be associated with enhanced antiplatelet aggregation and activation of the fibrinolytic system and up-regulation of 6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha expression in gastric mucosa.

The mechanism of the cytotoxic effect of Panax notoginseng extracts on prostate cancer cells

INTRODUCTION

Panax notoginseng (Burkill) F.H. commonly referred to as Sanqi, is a Chinese herb that has long been used to treat various conditions including blood disorders and cardiovascular diseases. While Panax notoginseng has been used as an anti-cancer medicinal herb in recent years, how it achieves this therapeutic effect has not been thoroughly elucidated. The purpose of this study was to reveal more about the mechanism of the cytotoxic effect of Panax notoginseng on prostate cancer (PCa) cells.

METHODS

Ethanol extract of Panax notoginseng root was authenticated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The cytotoxic activity of this herb against PCa cells was determined using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method, flow cytometry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

The assessment of cellular metabolic activity demonstrated that Panax notoginseng reduces the viability of LNCaP and 22Rv1 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Annexin-V binding flow cytometry assay showed that Panax notoginseng induces apoptosis in PCa cells. Cell cycle analysis by quantification of DNA content using flow cytometry showed that Panax notoginseng arrests the cell cycle at the G2/M phase in both LNCaP and 22Rv1 cells. Moreover, ELISA demonstrated that Panax notoginseng-treated PCa cells secrete significantly less tumor-promoting cytokine interleukin-4 (IL-4) to the supernatant compared with controls.

CONCLUSIONS

These results provide evidence for the cytotoxic effects of Panax notoginseng on PCa cell lines. This botanical is a promising candidate for the complementary and integrative medicine treatment of PCa and further studies are indicated to determine the anti-cancer mechanism of Panax notoginseng.

Protective effects of the notoginsenoside R1 on acute lung injury by regulating the miR-128-2-5p/Tollip signaling pathway in rats with severe acute pancreatitis

Notoginsenoside R1 (NG-R1), the extract and the main ingredient of Panax notoginseng, has anti-inflammatory effects and can be used in treating acute lung injury (ALI). In this study, we explored the pulmonary protective effect and the underlying mechanism of the NG-R1 on rats with ALI induced by severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). MiR-128-2-5p, ERK1, Tollip, HMGB1, TLR4, IκB, and NF-κB mRNA expression levels were measured using real-time qPCR, and TLR4, Tollip, HMGB1, IRAK1, MyD88, ERK1, NF-κB65, and P-IκB-α protein expression levels using Western blot. The NF-κB and the TLR4 activities were determined using immunohistochemistry, and TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and ICAM-1 levels in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) using ELISA. Lung histopathological changes were observed in each group. NG-R1 treatment reduced miR-128-2-5p expression in the lung tissue, increased Tollip expression, inhibited HMGB1, TLR4, TRAF6, IRAK1, MyD88, NF-κB65, and p-IκB-α expression levels, suppressed NF-κB65 and the TLR4 expression levels, reduced MPO activity, reduced TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and ICAM-1 levels in BALF, and alleviated SAP-induced ALI. NG-R1 can attenuate SAP-induced ALI. The mechanism of action may be due to a decreased expression of miR-128-2-5p, increased activity of the Tollip signaling pathway, decreased activity of HMGB1/TLR4 and ERK1 signaling pathways, and decreased inflammatory response to SAP-induced ALI. Tollip was the regulatory target of miR-128-2-5p.

Panax notoginseng Saponin Protects Against Diabetic Cardiomyopathy Through Lipid Metabolism Modulation

Background

People with diabetes are more likely to develop cardiovascular diseases. Lipotoxicity plays a key role in the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy. Panax notoginseng saponin (PNS) has been used to treat diabetes and obesity. However, the role of PNS in diabetic cardiomyopathy remains unclear.

Methods and Results

Diabetic db/db mice received high‐dose (200 mg/kg per day) or medium‐dose (100 mg/kg per day) PNS by gavage for 12 weeks until week 36. Lipid accumulation and cardiac function in diabetic mice were detected and possible mechanisms involved were explored. PNS significantly improved body weight, body fat content, serum lipids, adipocytokines, and antioxidative function in db/db mice. Lipid accumulation in adipose tissue, liver, and heart were also alleviated by PNS treatment. Cardiac function and mitochondrial structure were also improved by PNS. H9c2 cells were treated with palmitate acid, and PNS pretreatment reduced lipid accumulation, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, as well as improved mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate. Levels of proteins and expression of genes related to glucose and lipid metabolism, antioxidative function, and mitochondrial dynamics were also improved by PNS administration.

Conclusions

PNS attenuated heart dysfunction in diabetic mice by reducing lipotoxicity as well as modulating oxidative stress and improving mitochondrial function.

Lysozyme Improves the Inhibitory Effects of Panax notoginseng Saponins on Phenotype Transformation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells by Binding to Ginsenoside Re

Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) have been used to treat cardiovascular diseases for hundreds of years in China. Lysozyme can bind to exogenous compounds and promote their activity. Nevertheless, knowledge of whether there is a synergistic role between lysozyme and PNS is far from sufficient. In this study, we show that the mixture of PNS and lysozyme synergistically inhibited platelet derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB)-induced vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) viability, and in the five main components of PNS, GS-Re, but not GS-Rb1, NG-R1, GS-Rg1, or GS-Rd, reduced VSMC viability by combined application with lysozyme. Next, the supramolecular complexes formed by GS-Re and lysozyme were detected by mass spectrometry, and the binding ability increased with the concentration ratio of GS-Re to lysozyme from 4:1 to 12:1. In the supramolecular complexes, the relative contents of α-helix of lysozyme were increased, which was beneficial for stabilizing the structure of lysozyme. The 12:1 mixture of GS-Re and lysozyme (12.8 μmol/L GS-Re+1.067 μmol/L lysozyme) repressed PDGF-BB-induced VSMC viability, proliferation, and migration, which were associated with the upregulated differentiated markers and downregulated dedifferentiated markers. Finally, in CaCl₂-induced rodent abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) models, we found that the 12:1 mixture of GS-Re and lysozyme slowed down AAA progression and reversed phenotype transformation of VSMCs. Thus, Gs-Re combined with a small amount of lysozyme may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for vascular remodeling-associated cardiovascular diseases.

Physicochemical, Digestive, and Sensory Properties of Panax Notoginseng Saponins Encapsulated by Polymerized Whey Protein

Panax Notoginseng Saponins (PNS) may be beneficial to human health due to their bioactive function. The application of PNS in functional foods was limited due to the bitter taste and low oral bioavailability. PNS were encapsulated by polymerized whey protein (PWP) nanoparticles. The physicochemical, digestive, and sensory properties of the nanoparticles were investigated. Results showed that the nanoparticles had a particle size of 55 nm, the zeta potential of -28 mV, and high PNS encapsulation efficiency (92.94%) when the mass ratio of PNS to PWP was 1:30. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) results revealed that PNS were successfully encapsulated by PWP. The mainly intermolecular forces between PNS and PWP were hydrogen bonding and electrostatic attraction confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Results of simulated gastrointestinal digestion indicated that the PNS-PWP (1:30) nanoparticles had smaller average particle size (36 nm) after treatment with gastric fluids and increased particle size (75 nm) after treatment with intestinal fluids. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) micrographs reflected that the nanoparticles had irregular spherical structures. The encapsulated PNS exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) decreased bitterness compared to the non-encapsulated PNS confirmed by the electronic tongue. The results indicated that encapsulation of PNS with PWP could facilitate their application in functional foods.

Anti-Stroke Chinese Herbal Medicines Inhibit Abnormal Amyloid-β Protein Precursor Processing in Alzheimer's Disease

BACKGROUND

Chinese Herbal Medicines (CHMs), as an important and integral part of a larger system of medicine practiced in China, called Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), have been used in stroke therapy for centuries. A large body of studies suggest that some Chinese herbs can help reverse cognitive impairment in stroke patients, while whether these herbs also exert therapeutic benefits for Alzheimer's disease remains to be seen.

OBJECTIVE

To address this issue, we selected four types of CHMs that are commonly prescribed for stroke treatment in clinical practice, namely DengZhanXiXin (D1), TongLuoJiuNao (T2), QingKaiLing (Q3), and HuangQinGan (H4), and tested their effects on amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP) processing in vitro.

METHODS

AβPP, β-secretase (BACE1), and 99-amino acid C-terminal fragment of AβPP (C99) stably transfected cells were used for the tests of AβPP processing. The production of Aβ, activity of BACE1, neprilysin (NEP), and γ-secretase were assessed by ELISA, RT-PCR, and western blot.

RESULTS

By upregulating BACE1 activity, D1 increased Aβ production whereas decreased the ratio of Aβ 42/Aβ 40; by downregulating BACE1 activity and modulating the expression of γ-secretase, T2 decreased Aβ production and the ratio of Aβ 42/Aβ 40; by downregulating BACE1 activity, Q3 decreased Aβ production; H4 did not change Aβ production due to the simultaneously downregulation of BACE1 and NEP activity.

CONCLUSION

Our study indicates that these four anti-stroke CHMs regulate AβPP processing through different mechanisms. Particularly, T2 with relatively simple components and prominent effect on AβPP processing may be a promising candidate for the treatment of AD.

Majonoside-R2 Postconditioning Protects Cardiomyocytes Against Hypoxia/Reoxygenation Injury by Attenuating the Expression of HIF1α and Activating RISK Pathway

Reoxygenation of hypoxic cardiac myocytes can paradoxically induce myocardial injury and affect the recovery processes. Pharmacological postconditioning is an efficient strategy used in clinical practice that protects cardiomyocytes from hypoxia/reoxygenation (HR) injury. Natural products or foods have been known to possess effective cardioprotective properties. Majonoside-R2 (MR2) is a dominant saponin component of Vietnamese ginseng that has several biological effects. In this study, we evaluated the protective effect of MR2 on HR-stimulated cardiomyocytes and investigated the related molecular mechanisms. H9C2 cardiomyocytes were exposed to HR conditions with or without MR2 supplementation. Samples from experimental groups were used to analyze the expression of apoptosis- and activating reperfusion injury salvage kinase (RISK)-related factors in response to HR injury by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and Western blotting. Post-treatment, MR2 enhanced cell viability under HR conditions. We found that MR2 suppressed the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF1α) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1), modulated Akt/GSK3ß/cAMP response element-binding signaling, and regulated gene expression related to apoptosis (B cell lymphoma-extra-large [Bcl-xl], Bcl-2 homologous killer [Bak], Bcl-2 associated X [Bax], and connexin 43 [Cnx43]). Thus, the present findings demonstrate that MR2 protects cardiomyocytes against HR injury by suppressing the expression of HIF1α and activating the RISK pathway.

Role of Bioactive Constituents of Panax notoginseng in the Modulation of Tumorigenesis: A Potential Review for the Treatment of Cancer

Cancer is a leading cause of death, affecting people in both developed and developing countries. It is a challenging disease due to its complicated pathophysiological mechanism. Many anti-cancer drugs are used to treat cancer and reduce mortality rates, but their toxicity limits their administration. Drugs made from natural products, which act as multi-targeted therapy, have the ability to target critical signaling proteins in different pathways. Natural compounds possess pharmacological activities such as anti-cancer activity, low toxicity, and minimum side effects. Panax notoginseng is a medicinal plant whose extracts and phytochemicals are used to treat cancer, cardiovascular disorders, blood stasis, easing inflammation, edema, and pain. P. notoginseng's secondary metabolites target cancer's dysregulated pathways, causing cancer cell death. In this review, we focused on several ginsenosides extracted from P. notoginseng that have been evaluated against various cancer cell lines, with the aim of cancer treatment. Furthermore, an in vivo investigation of these ginsenosides should be conducted to gain insight into the dysregulation of several pathways, followed by clinical trials for the potential and effective treatment of cancer.

Chemical composition, quality control, pharmacokinetics, pharmacological properties and clinical applications of Fufang Danshen Tablet: A systematic review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Fufang Danshen Tablet (FDT) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula composed of three Chinese medicinal materials comprising Salviae Miltiorrhizar Radix et Rhizoma (Dan-Shen in Chinese), Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma (San-Qi), and Borneolum Syntheticum (Bing-Pian). It has been documented to exert significant effects in promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, and become a frequently used formula in the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

To systematically analyze and summarize the research findings concerning the chemical composition, quality control, pharmacokinetics, pharmacological properties, clinical applications, and toxicity of FDT, so as to point out some typical problems and provides opinions for future study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Literatures involving FDT were collected from online scientific databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang Data, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, Springer Link, SciFinder, and Google Scholar up to March 2021. All eligible studies are analyzed and summarized in this review.

RESULTS

This review summarizes reported results concerning the post-marketing quality and efficacy of FDT. Some problems are pointed out for FDT. Hereon we propose several directions for future study: (a) improvement of quality control based on exact overall chemical profiles, entire production process monitoring, and biopotency-associated multi-index content determination method; (b) clarification of functional mechanisms focused on pharmacokinetic profiles in human, interplay with gut microbiota, and integration of multi-omics technologies; (c) reconfirmation of clinical effectiveness and safety from large-scale clinical studies based on evidence-based medicine.

CONCLUSIONS

FDT is a typical TCM formula in treating cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, but there are also some troubles. Future studies should focus on the improvement of quality control, the clarification of functional mechanisms, as well as the reconfirmation of clinical effectiveness and safety.

The RIG-I Signal Pathway Mediated Panax notoginseng Saponin Anti-Inflammatory Effect in Ischemia Stroke

Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS), the main bioactive constituents of a traditional Chinese herb Panax notoginseng, were commonly used for ischemic stroke in China. However, the associated cellular and molecular mechanisms of PNS have not been well examined. This study aimed to decipher the underlying molecular target of PNS in the treatment of cerebral ischemia. The oxygen-glucose-deprived (OGD) model of rat brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) was used in this study. The alteration of gene expression in rat BMECs after PNS treatment was measured by microarray and indicated that there were 38 signaling pathways regulated by PNS. Among them, RIG-I receptor and related signaling molecules TNF receptor-associated factor 2 (Traf2) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) were significantly suppressed by PNS, which was verified again in OGD-induced BMECs measured by FQ-PCR and western blotting and in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rats measured by immunohistochemistry. The levels of TNF-α, IL-8, and the downstream cytokines regulated by RIG-I receptor pathway were also decreased by PNS. Meanwhile, the neurological evaluation, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and Evans blue staining were conducted to evaluate the effect of PNS in MCAO rats. Results showed PNS significantly improved functional outcome and cerebral vascular leakage. Flow cytometry showed the number of the inflammatory cells infiltrated in brain tissue was decreased in PNS treatment. Our results identified that RIG-I signaling pathway mediated anti-inflammatory properties of PNS in cerebral ischemia, which provided the novel insights of PNS application in clinics.

Protective Effects and Network Analysis of Ginsenoside Rb1 Against Cerebral Ischemia Injury: A Pharmacological Review

Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Currently, only a limited number of drugs are available for treating ischemic stroke. Hence, studies aiming to explore and develop other potential strategies and agents for preventing and treating ischemic stroke are urgently needed. Ginseng Rb1 (GRb1), a saponin from natural active ingredients derived from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), exerts neuroprotective effects on the central nervous system (CNS). We conducted this review to explore and summarize the protective effects and mechanisms of GRb1 on cerebral ischemic injury, providing a valuable reference and insights for developing new agents to treat ischemic stroke. Our summarized results indicate that GRb1 exerts significant neuroprotective effects on cerebral ischemic injury both in vivo and in vitro, and these network actions and underlying mechanisms are mediated by antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic activities and involve the inhibition of excitotoxicity and Ca2⁺ influx, preservation of blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity, and maintenance of energy metabolism. These findings indicate the potential of GRb1 as a candidate drug for treating ischemic stroke. Further studies, in particular clinical trials, will be important to confirm its therapeutic value in a clinical setting.

Ginsenoside Rb1 Alleviates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Injury by Downregulating miR-222 in WI-38 Cells

Pneumonia is a serious respiratory tract infection disease in children, which threatens to the health or life of children patients. Ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1) is a principle active ingredient extracted from the root of Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen with anti-inflammatory effect. Our study aimed to determine the effects and molecular mechanisms of Rb1 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory injury of lung fibroblasts WI-38 cells. Cell viability and apoptosis were evaluated by CCK-8 and flow cytometry, respectively. The production of inflammatory cytokines were measured by ELISA and RT-qPCR. miR-222 expression was examined by RT-qPCR. The expression levels of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65 and phosphorylated p65 were detected by western blot. We found that LPS stimulation induced WI-38 cell inflammatory injury by inhibiting cell viability, and inducing apoptosis and inflammatory cytokine production, while treatment with Rb1 significantly attenuated LPS-induced inflammatory injury in WI-38 cells. Additionally, Rb1 decreased LPS-induced upregulation of miR-222 and activation of the NF-κB pathway in WI-38 cells. Overexpression of miR-222 abolished the inhibitory effects of Rb1 on LPS-induced viability reduction, apoptosis, inflammatory cytokine production and activation of the NF-κB pathway. In conclusion, Rb1 alleviated LPS-induced inflammatory injury in WI-38 cells via downregulating miR-222 and inactivation of the NF-kB pathway.

Effect of Spray Drying Conditions on Physical Properties of Panax notoginseng Saponin (PNS) Powder and the Intra-Batch Dissolution Variability of PNS Hydrophilic Matrix Tablet

Purpose

Understanding raw material variability and its impact on product quality are crucial for developing robust pharmaceutical processes. This work aimed to study the effects of spray drying conditions on properties of the spray dried Panax notoginseng saponin (PNS) powders as well as the subsequent intra-batch dissolution variability of PNS hydrophilic matrix tablets.

Methods

The Plackett-Burman design was applied to screen the critical process parameters (CPPs). Then, the Box-Behnken design was used to investigate the relationship between the CPPs and the physiochemical properties of spray dried PNS powders. The PNS hydrophilic matrix tablets containing 57% spray dried PNS powders were directly compressed. The partial least squares (PLS) regression was used to uncover the hidden multivariate relationships among the CPPs, intermediate powder properties, and tablet quality attributes.

Results

The identified CPPs were the feed concentration, the inlet air temperature, and the atomization pressure. It was found that the CPPs exerted little impact on chemical properties of spray dried PNS powders, but had significant impact on physical properties, such as particle size, specific surface area, bulk density, hygroscopicity, and inter-particle porosity, etc. Latent variable modeling results revealed that the high inlet air temperature of spray drying process could produce PNS powders with low moisture content and high hygroscopicity, which were beneficial to reduce the intra-batch dissolution variability of PNS hydrophilic matrix tablets. Finally, a design space of the spray drying process was built in order to ensure the dissolution consistency.

Conclusion

Our research provided a reference for improving the spray drying conditions in order to ensure the dissolution consistency of the PNS hydrophilic matrix tablet.

Regulation of miRNAs by Natural Antioxidants in Cardiovascular Diseases: Focus on SIRT1 and eNOS

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the most common cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The potential benefits of natural antioxidants derived from supplemental nutrients against CVDs are well known. Remarkably, natural antioxidants exert cardioprotective effects by reducing oxidative stress, increasing vasodilation, and normalizing endothelial dysfunction. Recently, considerable evidence has highlighted an important role played by the synergistic interaction between endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) in the maintenance of endothelial function. To provide a new perspective on the role of natural antioxidants against CVDs, we focused on microRNAs (miRNAs), which are important posttranscriptional modulators in human diseases. Several miRNAs are regulated via the consumption of natural antioxidants and are related to the regulation of oxidative stress by targeting eNOS and/or SIRT1. In this review, we have discussed the specific molecular regulation of eNOS/SIRT1-related endothelial dysfunction and its contribution to CVD pathologies; furthermore, we selected nine different miRNAs that target the expression of eNOS and SIRT1 in CVDs. Additionally, we have summarized the alteration of miRNA expression and regulation of activities of miRNA through natural antioxidant consumption.

Notoginsenoside R1 attenuates breast cancer progression by targeting CCND2 and YBX3

Background:

Breast cancer (BC) is a common malignancy with highly female incidence. So far the function of notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1), the extract from Panax notoginseng, has not been clearly elucidated in BC.

Methods:

Optimal culture concentration and time of NGR1 were investigated by cell counting kit-8 assay. Cell proliferation ability was measured by colony formation assays. Transwell assay was used to detect the effect of NGR1 on cell migration and invasion. The apoptosis rate of cells between each group was measured by TUNEL assay.

Results:

NGR1 treatment has an inhibitory effect on proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis and a stimulating effect on cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) cells. The 50% growth inhibitory concentration for MCF-7 cells at 24 h was 148.9 mmol/L. The proportions of MCF-7 cells arrested in the G0/G1 phase were 36.94±6.78%, 45.06±5.60%, and 59.46±5.60% in the control group, 75, and 150 mmol/L groups, respectively. Furthermore, we revealed that NGR1 treatment attenuates BC progression by targeted downregulating CCND2 and YBX3 genes. Additionally, YBX3 activates phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway by activating kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene, which is an activator of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Conclusion:

These results suggest that NGR1 can act as an efficacious drug candidate that targets the YBX3/PI3K/Akt axis in patients with BC.

Neuroprotective mechanisms of mangiferin in neurodegenerative diseases

The central nervous system (CNS) regulates and coordinates an extensive array of complex processes requiring harmonious regulation of specific genes. CNS disorders represent a large burden on society and cause enormous disability and economic losses. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used for many years in the treatment of neurological illnesses, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, stroke, and depression, as the combination of TCM and Western medicine has superior therapeutic efficacy and minimal toxic side effects. Mangiferin (MGF) is an active compound of the traditional Chinese herb rhizome anemarrhenae, which has antioxidant, anti-inflammation, anti-lipid peroxidation, immunomodulatory, and anti-apoptotic functions in the CNS. MGF has been demonstrated to have therapeutic effects in CNS diseases through a multitude of mechanisms. This review outlines the latest research on the neuroprotective ability of MGF and the diverse molecular mechanisms involved.

Fermentation of Panax notoginseng root extract polysaccharides attenuates oxidative stress and promotes type I procollagen synthesis in human dermal fibroblast cells

BACKGROUND

Panax notoginseng is one of the most valuable traditional Chinese medicines. Polysaccharides in P. notoginseng has been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of human diseases. However the application of fermentation technology in Panax notoginseng is not common, and the mechanism of action of P. notoginseng polysaccharides produced by fermentation is still unclear. The specific biological mechanisms of fermented P. notoginseng polysaccharides (FPNP) suppresses H2O2-induced apoptosis in human dermal fibroblast (HDF) and the underlying mechanism are not well understood.

METHODS

In this study, the effects of water extracted and fermentation on concentration of polysaccharides in P. notoginseng extracts were analyzed. After the H2O2-induced HDF model of oxidative damage was established, and then discussed by the expression of cell markers, including ROS, MDA, SOD, CAT, GSH-Px and MMP-1, COL-I, ELN, which were detected by related ELISA kits. The expression of TGF-β/Smad pathway markers were tested by qRT-PCR to determine whether FPNP exerted antioxidant activity through TGF-β signaling in HDF cells.

RESULTS

The polysaccharide content of Panax notoginseng increased after Saccharomyces cerevisiae CGMCC 17452 fermentation. In the FPNP treatment group, ROS and MDA contents were decreased, reversed the down-regulation of the antioxidant activity and expression of antioxidant enzyme (CAT, GSH-Px and SOD) induced by H2O2. Furthermore, the up-regulation in expression of TGF-β, Smad2/3 and the down-regulation in the expression of Smad7 in FPNP treated groups revealed that FPNP can inhibit H2O2-induced collagen and elastin injury by activating TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

It was shown that FPNP could inhibit the damage of collagen and elastin induced by H2O2 by activating the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway, thereby protecting against the oxidative damage induced by hydrogen peroxide. FPNP may be an effective attenuating healing agent that protects the skin from oxidative stress and wrinkles.

Panax notoginseng preparations as adjuvant therapy for diabetic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Context: Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen (Araliaceae) preparations (PNP) are traditional Chinese medicines used as adjuvant therapeutics for diabetic kidney disease (DKD).Objective: To systematically review the efficacy of PNP as adjunct DKD therapy, including their effects on kidney function, serum lipid levels and fasting blood glucose levels.Methods: The databases PubMed, Embase, Medline, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, China Biology Medicine disc, Wanfang, VIP and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were systematically searched from the date of their inception until May 2019. Panax notoginseng, Panax notoginseng saponins, Lulutong, Xueshuantong and Xuesaitong were the key terms searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the combined use of PNP and conventional medicines (CM) versus CM for DKD were included. Data were pooled using random or fixed effect models depending on heterogeneity.Results: In total, 24 RCTs involving 1918 participants were analysed. Adjunct PNP with CM was associated with reduction of albuminuria (MD -26.89 mg, 95% CI: -33.35 to -20.42), proteinuria (MD -0.32 g/24 h, 95% CI: -0.36 to -0.27), serum creatinine (MD -4.52 μmol/L, 95% CI: -8.71 to -0.32), total cholesterol (MD -1.56 mmol/L, 95% CI: -2.33 to -0.78), triglycerides (TG) (MD -0.56 mmol/L, 95% CI: -0.80 to -0.31) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD -0.94 mmol/L, 95% CI: -1.49 to -0.40) compared with CM.Conclusions: This is the first meta-analysis investigating adjuvant PNP therapy for DKD. PNP apparently exerted beneficial effects on kidney function and improved the metabolism of serum lipids by CM. Further, well-conducted, high-quality trials on DKD patients are needed to provide high-quality evidence.

Genes Induced by Panax Notoginseng in a Rodent Model of Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Stroke is a cerebrovascular disease that results in decreased blood flow. Although Panax notoginseng (PN), a Chinese herbal medicine, has been proven to promote stroke recovery, its molecular mechanism remains unclear. In this study, middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was induced in rats with thrombi generated by thread and subsequently treated with PN. After that, staining with 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride was employed to evaluate the infarcted area, and electron microscopy was used to assess ultrastructural changes of the neurovascular unit. RNA-Seq was performed to determine the differential expressed genes (DEGs) which were then verified by qPCR. In total, 817 DEGs were identified to be related to the therapeutic effect of PN on stroke recovery. Further analysis by Gene Oncology analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes revealed that most of these genes were involved in the biological function of nerves and blood vessels through the regulation of neuroactive live receptor interactions of PI3K-Akt, Rap1, cAMP, and cGMP-PKG signaling, which included in the 18 pathways identified in our research, of which, 9 were reported firstly that related to PN's neuroprotective effect. This research sheds light on the potential molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of PN on stroke recovery.

The thromboprotective effect of traditional Chinese medicine Tongji 2 granules is dependent on anti-inflammatory activity by suppression of NF-κB pathways

Inflammation is a vital physiological response of the immune system meant to protect against the invasion of pathogens. However, accumulating evidence describes an intimate link between inflammation and thrombosis and cellular elements of the immune system of the immune system such as neutrophils and monocytes/macrophages are emerging as key players in the generation of a prothrombotic milieu suggesting that anti-inflammatory therapy may have a role in the management of thrombosis that is driven by inflammation. Tongji 2 (TJ2) is a traditional Chinese medication manufactured as granules by Tongji hospital of Tongji University (Shanghai, China) with known anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we examine the effects of TJ2 on inflammation and thrombosis. Our study shows that TJ2 modulates NF-κB activation and thus generates a prominent anti-inflammatory effect. Further, we use mouse models of thrombosis to demonstrate that TJ2 has a beneficial effect in both arterial and venous thrombosis that occurs in the absence of alterations in platelet activation or coagulation.

Notoginsenoside R1 counteracts mesenchymal stem cell-evoked oncogenesis and doxorubicin resistance in osteosarcoma cells by blocking IL-6 secretion-induced JAK2/STAT3 signaling

Tumor microenvironment is a critical participant in the initiation, progression and drug resistance of carcinomas, including osteosarcoma. Notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1) is a proverbial active ingredient of the traditional Chinese medicine Panax notoginseng (PN) and possess undeniable roles in several cancers. Nevertheless, its function in osteosarcoma and tumor microenvironment remains elusive. In the current study, exposure to NGR1 dose-dependently inhibited osteosarcoma cell viability and migration, and induced apoptosis. Furthermore, osteosarcoma cells that were incubated with conditioned medium (CM) from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) exhibited greater proliferation, migration capacity and MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression relative to control cells, which was reversed when BMSCs were treated with NGR1. Notably, administration with NGR1 antagonized CM-evoked doxorubicin resistance in osteosarcoma cells by decreasing cell viability and increasing cell apoptosis and caspase-3/9 activity. Mechanically, NGR1 suppressed IL-6 secretion from BMSCs, as well as the subsequent activation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling in osteosarcoma cells. In addition, blocking the JAK2 pathway by its antagonist AG490 reversed CM-induced osteosarcoma cell proliferation, migration and doxorubicin resistance. Moreover, exogenous supplementation with IL-6 engendered not only the reactivation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling but also muted NGR1-mediated efficacy against osteosarcoma cell malignancy and doxorubicin resistance. Collectively, NGR1 may directly restrain osteosarcoma cell growth and migration, or indirectly antagonize MSC-evoked malignancy and drug resistance by interdicting IL-6 secretion-evoked activation of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway. Consequently, the current study may highlight a promising therapeutic strategy against osteosarcoma by regulating tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment.

Panax Notoginseng Saponins suppresses TRPM7 via the PI3K/AKT pathway to inhibit hypertrophic scar formation in vitro

BACKGROUND

Hypertrophic scar (HS) formation, a type of dermal fibroproliferative condition, is a frequent complication in wound healing resulting from burns, severe trauma, and surgical procedures. The effects of Panax Notoginseng Saponins (PNS) on the HS formation remain relatively under-explored. Hence, this study was intended to interrogate anti-apoptosis and anti-fibrosis effects of PNS on the hypertrophic scar fibroblasts (HSFs) during HS formation and assess the involvement of TRPM7 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

METHODS

Using MTT and CCK-8 assays, we evaluated cell cytotoxicity and cell viability. Collagen I/III (col 1/3) and α-SMA expression levels were assessed through immunofluorescence and western blot, and cell migration, cell apoptosis and cell cycle were examined with applications of wound healing, TUNEL staining and flow cytometry. TRPM7, PI3K/AKT, TGF-β1 and related-proteins were quantified using RT-qPCR and western blot.

RESULTS

PNS administration could suppress TRPM7 expression and the viability of HSFs in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, PNS could restrain the HS formation and ECM deposition by decreasing col 1/3 and α-SMA synthesis, suppressing cell migration, and boosting apoptosis and G1 arrest. Notably, this study revealed that PNS inhibited PI3K/AKT activation in HSFs. Besides, knockdown of TRPM7 enhanced therapeutic effects of PNS on HSFs, but overexpression markedly reversed above mentioned effects of PNS on HSFs.

CONCLUSION

This study suggested that PNS hampered scar formation might via inhibiting ECM and stimulating cell apoptosis by modulating the PI3K/AKT signaling. Overall, these findings in the present study could support the use of PNS for preventing HS formation, and TRPM7 may be a novel molecular target for treating HS.