Systems Pharmacology Based Study of the Molecular Mechanism of SiNiSan Formula for Application in Nervous and Mental Diseases

Investigating the mechanism of Sinisan formula in depression treatment: a comprehensive analysis using GEO datasets, network pharmacology, and molecular docking

The herbal formula Sinisan (SNS) is a commonly used treatment for depression; however, its mechanism of action remains unclear. This article uses a combination of the GEO database, network pharmacology and molecular docking technologies to investigate the mechanism of action of SNS. The aim is to provide new insights and methods for future depression treatments. The study aims to extract effective compounds and targets for the treatment of depression from the T CMSP database. Relevant targets were searched using the GEO, Disgenet, Drugbank, PharmGKB and T T D databases, followed by screening of core targets. In addition, GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were performed to explore potential pathways for the treatment of depression. Molecular docking was used to evaluate the potential targets and compounds and to identify the optimal core protein-compound complex. Molecular dynamics was used to further investigate the dynamic variability and stability of the complex. The study identified 118 active SNS components and 208 corresponding targets. Topological analysis of P P I networks identified 11 core targets. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses revealed that the mechanism of action for depression involves genes associated with inflammation, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and the MAP K3 and P I3K-Akt signalling pathways. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations showed a strong binding affinity between these compounds and the screened targets, indicating promising biological activity. The present study investigated the active components, targets and pathways of SNS in the treatment of depression. Through a preliminary investigation, key signalling pathways and compounds were identified. These findings provide new directions and ideas for future research on the therapeutic mechanism of SNS and its clinical application in the treatment of depression.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Exploring the mechanism of Si-Ni-San against depression by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS integrated with network pharmacology: experimental research

Background

Depression is becoming an urgent mental health problem. Si-Ni-San has been widely used to treat depression, yet its underlying pharmacological mechanism is poorly understood. Thus, we aim to explore the antidepressant mechanism of Si-Ni-San by chemical analysis and in-silico methods.

Methods

Compounds in Si-Ni-San were determined by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS). Then, bioactive compounds were obtained from Traditional Chinese Medicines for Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform and SwissADME, and the potential targets of which were acquired from SwissTargetPrediction. Depression-related targets were collected from GeneCards. The intersection between compound-related targets and depression-related targets were screened out, and the overlapped targets were further performed protein-protein interaction, biological functional and pathway enrichment analysis. Finally, networks of Si-Ni-San against depression were constructed and visualized by Cytoscape.

Results

One hundred nineteen compounds in Si-Ni-San were determined, of which 24 bioactive compounds were obtained. Then, 137 overlapped targets of Si-Ni-San against depression were collected. AKT1, PIK3R1, PIK3CA, mTOR, MAPK1 and MAPK8 were the key targets. Furthermore, PI3K-Akt signalling pathway, serotonergic synapse, MAPK signalling pathway and neurotrophin signalling pathway were involved in the antidepressant mechanism of Si-Ni-San. It showed that components like sinensetin, hesperetin, liquiritigenin, naringenin, quercetin, albiflorin and paeoniflorin were the mainly key active compounds for the antidepressant effect of Si-Ni-San.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the key components, key targets and potential pharmacological mechanisms of Si-Ni-San against depression. These results indicate that Si-Ni-San is a promising therapeutic approach for treatment of depression, and may provide evidence for the research and development of drugs for treating depression.

Si-Ni-San reverses dietary fat absorption defects in a murine model of depression

Depression is often associated with fatigue/energy loss. However, we lack a detailed understanding of the factors explaining this association. In this study, we uncovered that depressed mice have a defect in fat absorption, resulting in weight loss and reduced circulating lipid levels. Si-Ni-San (SNS), a basic formula of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the treatment of depression, was found to not only alleviate depression-like behaviors, but also reverse the weight loss and dietary fat absorption of depressed mice. We found that SNS improved body weight and circulating lipid levels of depressed mice by up-regulating proteins [such as FFA uptake protein (CD36), TAG synthesis proteins (GPAT3, MOGAT2, DGAT1 and DGAT2) and chylomicron packaging proteins (MTP and APOB)] in the fat absorption pathway. Furthermore, cell-based results conducted with LPS-stimulated mouse MODE-K and human Caco-2 cells support that SNS, as well as Sinensetin (SIN) and Nobiletin (NOB), the two active components of the formula, have a role in regulating lipid absorption. Mechanistic studies revealed that SNS reverses body weight and fat absorption defects of depressed mice in part through the NR1D1/BMAL1/DGAT2 axis. These findings advance our understanding of the crosstalk between depression and energy loss, highlight the importance of gut function in disease management, and provide a basis for the application of SNS in the clinical treatment of depression and related disorders.

Shugan Hewei Decoction Alleviates Cecum Mucosal Injury and Improves Depressive- and Anxiety-Like Behaviors in Chronic Stress Model Rats by Regulating Cecal Microbiota and Inhibiting NLRP3 Inflammasome

Chronic stress is a significant cause of depression, anxiety, and intestinal mucosal injury. Gut microbiota disturbances are also associated with these disorders. Shugan Hewei Decoction (SHD), which is a traditional Chinese medicine formula developed by our team, has shown superior therapeutic effects in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and functional gastrointestinal diseases caused by chronic stress. In this study, we investigated the modulatory effect of SHD on the cecal microbiota and cecum mucosal NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in a chronic unpredictable stress (CUS)/social isolation rat model. After the SHD intervention, the CUS model rats showed improvements in their depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors, as well as sustained body weight growth and improved fecal characteristics. SHD improved the cecal microbiota diversity and changed the abundance of six microbial genera. A Spearman's correlation analysis showed a strong correlation between the NLRP3 inflammasome and CUS-perturbed cecal biomarker microbiota. SHD regulated the excessive expression of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-18 in the serum and cecum mucosa induced by CUS, as well as the activation of the Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-κB signaling cascades. Our results reveal the pharmacological mechanisms of SHD and provide a validated therapeutic method for the treatment of depression, anxiety, and cecum mucosal injury.

Potential mechanisms underlying the therapeutic roles of sinisan formula in depression: Based on network pharmacology and molecular docking study

BACKGROUND

The incidence of depression has been increasing globally, which has brought a serious burden to society. Sinisan Formula (SNSF), a well-known formula of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has been found to demonstrate an antidepressant effect. However, the therapeutic mechanism of this formula remains unclear. Thus, the present study aimed to explore the mechanism of SNSF in depression through network pharmacology combined with molecular docking methods.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Bioactive compounds, potential targets of SNSF, and related genes of depression were obtained from public databases. Essential ingredients, potential targets, and signaling pathways were identified using bioinformatics analysis, including protein-protein interaction (PPI), the Gene Ontology (GO), and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Subsequently, Autodock software was further performed for conducting molecular docking to verify the binding ability of active ingredients to targets.

RESULTS

A total of 91 active compounds were successfully identified in SNSF with the use of the comprehensive network pharmacology approach, and they were found to be closely connected to 112 depression-related targets, among which CREB1, NOS3, CASP3, TP53, ESR1, and SLC6A4 might be the main potential targets for the treatment of depression. GO analysis revealed 801 biological processes, 123 molecular functions, and 67 cellular components. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis indicated that neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, serotonergic synapse pathways, dopaminergic synapse pathways, and GABAergic synapse pathways might have played a role in treating depression. Molecular docking suggested that beta-sitosterol, nobiletin, and 7-methoxy-2-methyl isoflavone bound well to the main potential targets.

CONCLUSION

This study comprehensively illuminated the active ingredients, potential targets, primary pharmacological effects, and relevant mechanism of the SNSF in the treatment of depression. SNSF might exert its antidepressant effects by regulating the signaling pathway of 5-hydroxytryptamine, dopamine, GABA, and neuroactive ligand receptor interactions. Still, more pharmacological experiments are needed for verification.

Neuroprotective gain of Apelin/APJ system

Apelin is an endogenous ligand of G protein-coupled receptor APJ. In recent years, many studies have shown that the apelin/APJ system has neuroprotective properties, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative stress, anti-apoptosis, and regulating autophagy, blocking excitatory toxicity. Apelin/APJ system has been proven to play a role in various neurological diseases and may be a promising therapeutic target for nervous system diseases. In this paper, the neuroprotective properties of the apelin/APJ system and its role in neurologic disorders are reviewed. Further understanding of the pathophysiological effect and mechanism of the apelin/APJ system in the nervous system will help develop new therapeutic interventions for various neurological diseases.

Sinisan Protects Primary Hippocampal Neurons Against Corticosterone by Inhibiting Autophagy via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway

Objective: Corticosterone causes significant neurotoxicity in primary hippocampal neurons which is associated with depression. Dysfunctional autophagy is implicated in cognitive impairment and depressive-like behavior. The traditional Chinese medicine Sinisan (SNS) is highly effective in clinical treatment of depression. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying therapeutic effects of SNS are unknown. Purpose: The aim of this study was to elucidate the protective effect of SNS and the underlying mechanisms against corticosterone-induced neuronal damage. Study Design: The effects of serum derived from rats containing SNS (or untreated controls) on the expression of autophagy-related molecules in primary rat hippocampal neurons exposed to different concentrations of corticosterone for different intervals were explored. Methods: CCK-8 assay, LDH assay were used to analyze cell viability and LDH activity. Western blot, qRT-PCR, and immunofluorescence assays were used to determine protein and mRNA expression levels of molecules such as LC3, p62, Beclin1, ULK1, PI3K, p-PI3K, Akt p-Akt, mTOR, p-mTOR, p70S6, p-p70S6, 4ebp1 and p-4ebp1. Results: Corticosterone induced a dose- and time-dependent reduction in cellular viability. Moreover, corticosterone (100-400 μM) treatment for 24 h increased LC3-II/LC3-I protein ratio, increased Beclin1 and ULK1 protein expression levels, and decreased p62, PI3K, p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-mTOR, p-p70S6, and p-4ebp1 protein expression levels. Notably, SNS-containing serum reversed corticosterone-induced reduction of neuronal viability, and increased p62, PI3K, p-Akt, p-mTOR, p-p70S6, and p-4ebp1 protein and mRNA expression levels. In addition, SNS-containing serum decreased LC3-II/LC3-I protein ratio, and downregulated Beclin1, and ULK1 protein and mRNA expression in primary hippocampal neurons. Conclusion: SNS protects primary hippocampal neurons against corticosterone-induced neurotoxicity by preventing excessive autophagy through activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

Quantitative proteomic analysis of the liver reveals antidepressant potential protein targets of Sinisan in a mouse CUMS model of depression

In traditional Chinese medicine, the role of the liver in depression is highly valued, and liver-relieving drugs, such as Sinisan, are often used to treat depression; however, the mechanism whereby these drugs work remains unclear. The present study aimed to reveal possible antidepressant mechanisms of Sinisan (SNS) by analyzing hepatic proteomics in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) mice. Using the CUMS mouse model of depression, the antidepressant effects of SNS were assessed by the sucrose preference test (SPT) and forced swimming test (FST). Hepatic differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) after SNS treatment were investigated by tandem mass tag (TMT) based quantitative proteomics analysis. Then, a bioinformatics analysis of DEPs was conducted through hierarchical clustering, Venn analysis, Gene Ontology (GO) annotation enrichment, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment. DEP genes were further validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis and western blotting. Behavioral results demonstrated that SNS significantly increased sucrose intake in SPT and shortened the immobility time in FST in model mice. Eighty-two DEPs were identified, including 37 upregulated and 45 downregulated proteins, between model and SNS groups. Enrichment analysis of GO annotations indicated that SNS primarily maintained cellular iron ion homeostasis by iron ion transportation and regulated expression of some extracellular structural proteins for oxidation-reduction processes. KEGG and Venn analysis showed that mineral absorption, steroid hormone biosynthesis and metabolism might be the principal pathways through which SNS acts on depression. Furthermore, several proteins involved in the biosynthesis and metabolism of steroid hormone pathways were significantly up/downregulated by SNS, including CYP2B19, CYP7B1 (validated by qRT-PCR) and HSD3b5 (validated by qRT-PCR and western blotting). Our results indicate that SNS plays important roles in antidepressant actions by restoring DEPs, resulting in the biosynthesis and metabolism of steroid hormones. The current results provide novel perspectives for revealing potential protein targets of SNS in depression.

Exploration of the Two-Way Adjustment Mechanism of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma for Cardiovascular Diseases

AIM AND OBJECTIVE

Myocardial infarction, cerebral infarction, and other diseases caused by vascular obstruction have always jeopardized human life and health. Several reports indicate that Rhei Radix et Rhizoma has a good clinical effect in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Owing to the complexity of herbal medicine, the pharmacodynamic mechanism of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma is still unclear. The objectives of this study were to explore the two-way adjustment mechanism of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma and provide a new solution for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study used data mining, reverse pharmacophore matching, network construction, GO and KEGG Analysis, and molecular docking to investigate the two-way adjustment mechanism of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma. The methods used were based on systems pharmacology and big data analysis technology.

RESULTS

The results suggest that Rhei Radix et Rhizoma uses a two-way adjustment of activating blood circulation, as well as blood coagulation in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The components involved in activating blood circulation are mainly anthraquinone components. The corresponding targets are NOS2, NOS3, CALM1, and the corresponding pathways are calcium signaling pathway, VEGF signaling pathway, platelet activation, and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. For blood coagulation, the components are mainly tannin components; the corresponding targets are F2, F10, ELANE, and the corresponding pathways are the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, complement and coagulation cascades.

CONCLUSION

This study indicated that Rhei Radix et Rhizoma exerts the two-way adjustment of activating blood circulation and blood coagulation in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. It can make up for the side effects of the existing blood circulation drugs for cardiovascular disease, only activating blood circulation, and the uncontrollable large-area bleeding due to the long-term use of the drugs. This study provides a material basis for the development of new blood-activating drugs based on natural medicine.

Virtual Screening of the Multi-pathway and Multi-gene Regulatory Molecular Mechanism of Dachengqi Decoction in the Treatment of Stroke Based on Network Pharmacology

BACKGROUND

Stroke is ranked second among diseases that cause mortality worldwide. Owing to its complicated pathogenesis, no satisfactory treatment strategies for stroke are available. Dachengqi decoction (DCQD), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has been widely used in China for a long time, as it has a good effect on stroke. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this effect of DCQD is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

In the present study, we aimed to reveal and explore the multi-pathway and multi-gene regulatory molecular mechanism of Dachengqi decoction in the treatment of stroke.

METHODS

In this study, a network pharmacology method, in combination with oral bioavailability prediction and drug-likeness evaluation, was employed to predict the active ingredients of DCQD. The target genes of the active components and the traced pathways related to these target genes were predicted. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed using clusterProfiler software package on the R platform and ClueGo+CluePedia plug-ins. Finally, the key DCQD targets were verified using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

According to the ADME model, 52 active components were screened from 296 active components of DCQD. After prediction and screening, 215 stroke-related targets were obtained and analyzed via GO and KEGG analyses. GO analysis showed that DCQD targets were mainly involved in the regulation of oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, inflammation, and other biological processes. KEGG pathway analysis further revealed pathways involved in stroke, such as arachidonic acid metabolic, HIF-1 signaling pathway, estrogen signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, platelet activation pathway, VEGF signaling pathway, and cAMP signaling pathway. Network analysis revealed that DCQD might be involved in the regulation of lipid metabolism, blood pressure, inflammation, angiogenesis, neuroprotection, platelet aggregation, apoptosis, and oxidation in stroke treatment. GEO dataset analysis showed that DCQD's therapeutic effects might be exerted via the bidirectional regulation principle.

CONCLUSION

Based on the methods of network pharmacology and GEO analysis, it was found that, during stroke treatment, DCQD regulates and controls multiple genes and multiple pathways in a synergistic manner, providing a new strategy for stroke treatment.

Si-Ni-San Prevents Reserpine-Induced Depression by Inhibiting Inflammation and Regulating CYP450 Enzymatic Activity

Depression is becoming a major public health concern worldwide. Si-Ni-San (SNS) is a famous formula in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with potent antidepressant effects. However, the antidepressant mechanism of SNS has not been clearly elucidated. This study was performed to verify whether the antidepressant effects of SNS were related to its anti-inflammatory effects, the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymatic activity. In our study, behavioral tests such as the forced swim test, sucrose preference test and open-field test were evaluated to ensure the establishment of depressive rats. The levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the serum, liver, and hippocampus of rats were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Furthermore, the key proteins NF-κB, BDNF, and TrkB were analyzed by Western blot (WB) analysis in the hippocampus. In addition, CYP450 enzymatic activity analysis was performed using LC-MS/MS in conjunction with drug and statistics (DAS 3.0) after oral administration of six probe drugs. Our results showed that SNS attenuated reserpine-induced increases in IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α expression in the serum, liver, and hippocampus. The levels of NF-κB, BDNF, and TrkB in the hippocampus of depressive rats were also altered. According to the pharmacokinetic parameters, SNS had moderate inhibitory effects in the reserpine-induced depression model on CYP1A2, CYP2D1, CYP2E1, and CYP3A2, but no significant metabolic changes to CYP2C6 and CYP2D2. These findings suggested that SNS has a protective effect on reserpine-induced depressive rats, which may be related to the improvement of the inflammatory factors, the level of BDNF and the activity of CYP450 enzymes.

Dissection of Pharmacological Mechanism of Chinese Herbal Medicine Yihuo Huatan Formula on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systems Pharmacology-Based Study

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most common respiratory diseases. Yihuo Huatan Formula (YHF), as a proven Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM), has been verified to be effective in the treatment of stable COPD through years' of practice. Nevertheless, its working mechanism is still unclear. We sought to systematically decipher the mechanism of YHF for treating stable COPD using systems pharmacology-based method that integrates pharmacokinetic screening, target prediction, network analyses, GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. Firstly, a total of 1267 chemicals out of 15 herbal components were included in YHF chemical database. Among them, 180 potential active molecules were screened out through pharmacokinetic evaluation. Then 258 targets of the active molecules were predicted, of which 84 were chosen for further analyses. Finally, the network analyses and GO and KEGG enrichment methods suggested a therapeutic effect of YHF on the alleviation of airway inflammation, decrease of mucus secretion, maintenance of immune homeostasis and benefit of COPD comorbidities, by regulating multiple targets and pathways. The systems pharmacology-based approach helps to understand the underlying working mechanism of YHF in stable COPD from a holistic perspective, and offers an exemplification for systematically uncovering the action mechanisms of CHM.

A Systems Pharmacology-Based Study of the Molecular Mechanisms of San Cao Decoction for Treating Hypertension

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a longstanding history and has gained widespread clinical applications. San Cao Decoction (SCD) is an experience prescription first formulated by Prof. Duzhou Liu. We previously demonstrated its antihypertensive effects; however, to systematically explain the underlying mechanisms of action, we employed a systems pharmacology approach for pharmacokinetic screening and target prediction by constructing protein-protein interaction networks of hypertension-related and putative SCD-related targets, and Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery enrichment analysis. We identified 123 active compounds in SCD and 116 hypertension-related targets. Furthermore, the enrichment analysis of the drug-target network showed that SCD acts in a multidimensional manner to regulate PI3K-Akt-endothelial nitric oxide synthase signaling to maintain blood pressure. Our results highlighted the molecular mechanisms of antihypertensive actions of medicinal herbs at a systematic level.

SiNiSan Ameliorates the Depression-Like Behavior of Rats That Experienced Maternal Separation Through 5-HT1A Receptor/CREB/BDNF Pathway

Background: Early adverse life stress is an important dangerous factor in the development of psychiatric disorders, particularly depression. Available clinical antidepressant agents, such as fluoxetine, [a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)], are unsatisfactory because of their side effects. SiNiSan (SNS) is a classic Chinese medicine prescription regarded to disperse stagnated liver qi to relieve qi stagnation. Therefore, this study was designed to detect the effects and molecular mechanism of SNS treatment in rats subjected to maternal separation (MS). Method: Male neonatal Wistar rats were divided into six groups including control + ddH₂O, MS + ddH₂O, MS + fluoxetine (5 g/kg), MS + SNS -low dose (2.5 g/kg), MS + SNS -medium dose (5 g/kg), MS + SNS -high dose (10 g/kg). The volume of drugs and ddH2O in each group are according to the weight of rats every day (10 mL/kg). Each group comprised 16 pups with 8 young and 8 adult pups. Except for the control group, all MS groups were separated from their mothers for 4 h/day from 9:00 to 13:00 during postnatal days (PNDs) 1 to 21. After MS, the six groups were intragastrically administered with ddH2O, fluoxetine, and different doses of SNS until PND 28 (for young pups) and PND 56 (for adult pups). The pups were weighed every day, and depression-like behavior was assessed by sucrose preference test, open field test, and forced swimming test. Serotonin 1A (5-HT1A) receptor, phosphorylated protein kinase A (p-PKA) substrate, cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), p-CREB and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus were examined by Western blot, and in situ 5-HT1A receptor expression was measured by IHC. Results: Young and adult MS rats exhibited depression-like behavior. However, the depression-like behavior was ameliorated by SNS in both age groups. The levels of 5-HT1A receptor, p-CREB, and BDNF in the hippocampus were reduced in young and adult MS rats. SNS treatment significantly up-regulated the expression of 5-HT1A receptor, p-CREB, and BDNF in the hippocampus of adult MS rats. However, few significant effects on the protein expression were observed in the young MS rats. Conclusion: MS in infancy could develop depression-like behavior in young and adult. SNS treatment may perform antidepressant effects on young and adult MS rats through the BDNF/PKA/CREB pathway.

Identification and Analysis of Compound Profiles of Sinisan Based on 'Individual Herb, Herb-Pair, Herbal Formula' before and after Processing Using UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS Coupled with Multiple Statistical Strategy

Sinisan has been widely used to treat depression. However, its pharmacologically-effective constituents are largely unknown, and the pharmacological effects and clinical efficacies of Sinisan-containing processed medicinal herbs may change. To address these important issues, we developed an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS) method coupled with multiple statistical strategies to analyze the compound profiles of Sinisan, including individual herb, herb-pair, and complicated Chinese medicinal formula. As a result, 122 different constituents from individual herb, herb-pair, and complicated Chinese medicinal formula were identified totally. Through the comparison of three progressive levels, it suggests that processing herbal medicine and/or altering medicinal formula compatibility could change herbal chemical constituents, resulting in different pharmacological effects. This is also the first report that saikosaponin h/i and saikosaponin g have been identified in Sinisan.

Neuroprotective Role of Agmatine in Neurological Diseases

Background:

Neurological diseases have always been one of the leading cause of mobility and mortality world-widely. However, it is still lacking efficient agents. Agmatine, an endogenous polyamine, exerts its diverse biological characteristics and therapeutic potential in varied aspects.

Methods:

This review would focus on the neuroprotective actions of agmatine and its potential mechanisms in the setting of neurological diseases.

Results:

Numerous studies had demonstrated the neuroprotective effect of agmatine in varied types of neurological diseases, including acute attack (stroke and trauma brain injury) and chronic neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson's disease, Alz-heimer’s disease). The potential mechanism of agmatine induced neuroprotection includes anti-oxidation, anti-apoptosis, anti-inflammation, brain blood barrier (BBB) protection and brain edema prevention.

Conclusions:

The safety and low incidence of adverse effects indicate the vast potential therapeutic value of agmatine in the treatment of neurological diseases. However, most of the available studies relate to the agmatine are conducted in experi-mental models, more clinical trials are needed before the agmatine could be extensively clinically used

Systems Pharmacology Based Strategy for Q-Markers Discovery of HuangQin Decoction to Attenuate Intestinal Damage

The quality control research of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is lagged far behind the space of progress in modernization and globalization. Thus the concept of quality marker (Q-marker) was proposed recently to guide the quality investigations of TCM. However, how to discover and validate the Q-marker is still a challenge. In this paper, a system pharmacology based strategy was proposed to discover Q-marker of HuangQin decoction (HQD) to attenuate Intestinal Damage. Using this strategy, nine measurable compounds including paeoniflorin, baicalin, scutellarein, liquiritigenin, norwogonin, baicalein, glycyrrhizic acid, wogonin, and oroxylin A were screened out as potential markers. Standard references of these nine compounds were pooled together as components combination according to their corresponding concentration in HQD. The bioactive equivalence between components combination and HQD was validated using wound healing test and inflammatory factor determination experiment. The comprehensive results indicated that components combination is almost bioactive equivalent to HQD and could serve as the Q-markers. In conclusion, our study put forward a promising strategy for Q-markers discovery.