Antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic effects of the aqueous extracts from Glycine species and its bioactive compounds

Soybean meal peptide Gly-Thr-Tyr-Trp could protect mice from acute alcoholic liver damage: A study of protein-protein interaction and proteomic analysis

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a serious health threat. Soybean meal peptide (SMP) supplementation may protect against this damage; however, the potential mechanism underlying the specific sequence of SMPs is unclear. Protein-protein interaction and proteomic analyses are effective methods for studying functional ingredients in diseases. This study aimed to investigate the potential mechanism of action of the peptide Gly-Thr-Tyr-Trp (GTYW) on ALD using protein-protein interaction and proteomic analyses. These results demonstrate that GTYW influenced the targets of glutathione metabolism (glutathione-disulfide reductase, glutathione S-transferase pi 1, and glutathione S-transferase mu 2). It also regulated the expression of targets related to energy metabolism and amino acid conversion (trypsin-2, cysteine dioxygenase type-1, and F6SJM7). Amino acid and lipid metabolisms were identified based on Gene Ontology annotation. These results indicate that GTYW might affect alcohol-related liver disease signaling pathways. This study provides evidence of the protective and nutritional benefits of SMPs in ALD treatment.

Daidzein and Equol: Ex Vivo and In Silico Approaches Targeting COX-2, iNOS, and the Canonical Inflammasome Signaling Pathway

BACKGROUND

The inflammasome is a cytosolic multiprotein complex associated with multiple autoimmune diseases. Phytochemical compounds in soy (Glycine max) foods, such as isoflavones, have been reported for their anti-inflammatory properties.

AIM

the anti-inflammatory activity of DZ (daidzein) and EQ (equol) were investigated in an ex vivo model of LPS-stimulated murine peritoneal macrophages and by molecular docking correlation.

METHODS

Cells were pre-treated with DZ (25, 50, and 100 µM) or EQ (5, 10, and 25 µM), followed by LPS stimulation. The levels of PGE2, NO, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were analyzed by ELISA, whereas the expressions of COX-2, iNOS, NLRP3, ASC, caspase 1, and IL-18 were measured by Western blotting. Also, the potential for transcriptional modulation by targeting NF-κB, COX-2, iNOS, NLRP3, ASC, and caspase 1 was investigated by molecular docking.

RESULTS

The anti-inflammatory responses observed may be due to the modulation of NF-κB due to the binding of DZ or EQ, which is translated into decreased TNF-α, COX-2, iNOS, NLRP3, and ASC levels.

CONCLUSION

This study establishes that DZ and EQ inhibit LPS-induced inflammatory responses in peritoneal murine macrophages via down-regulation of NO and PGE2 generation, as well as the inhibition of the canonical inflammasome pathway, regulating NLRP3, and consequently decreasing IL-1β and IL-18 activation.

Luteolin-Rich Extract of Thespesia garckeana F. Hoffm. (Snot Apple) Contains Potential Drug-Like Candidates and Modulates Glycemic and Oxidoinflammatory Aberrations in Experimental Animals

The present study evaluated the polyphenolic contents and hypoglycemic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects of the diethyl ether fraction of Thespesia garckeana using various in vitro and in vivo models. Total phenol and flavonoid contents of the extract were $613.65\pm 2.38$ and $152.83\pm 1.56$  mg/100 g dry weight, respectively. The extract exhibited in vitro antioxidant activities against DPPH, FRAP, LPO, and ABTS with respective half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of $30.91\pm 0.23$ , $16.81\pm 0.51$ , $41.29\pm 1.82$ , and $42.39\pm 2.24$  μg/mL. In vitro anti-inflammatory studies using membrane stabilization, protein denaturation, and proteinase activities revealed the effectiveness of the extract with respective IC50 values of $54.45\pm 2.89$ , $93.62\pm 3.04$ , and $56.60\pm 2.34$  μg/mL, while in vitro hypoglycemic analysis of the extract revealed inhibition of α-amylase (IC50 $64.59\pm 3.29$  μg/mL) and enhancement of glucose uptake by yeast cells. Interestingly, the extract demonstrated in vivo hypoglycemic and anti-inflammatory effects in streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced diabetic and xylene-induced ear swelling models, respectively. In addition, the extract improved insulin secretion, attenuated pancreatic tissue distortion and oxidative stress, and increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and reduced glutathione (GSH), while reducing the concentration of LPO in the diabetic rats. A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis identified the presence of catechin ( $6.81e-1$  ppm), rutin ( $8.46e-1$  ppm), myricetin, apigenin ( $4.019e-1$  ppm), and luteolin (15.09 ppm) with respective retention times (RTs) of 13.64, 24.269, 27.781, 29.58, and 32.23 min, and these were subjected to a pharmacoinformatics analysis, which revealed their drug-likeness and good pharmacokinetic properties. A docking analysis hinted at the potential of luteolin, the most abundant compound in the extract, for targeting glucose-metabolizing enzymes. Thus, the present study provides preclinical insights into the bioactive constituents of T. garckeana, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and its potential for the treatment of diabetes.

Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Diabetic, Anti-Oxidant and Cytotoxicity Assays of South African Herbal Teas and Bush Tea Blends

South Africa is home to a variety of herbal teas, such as bush tea (Athrixia phylicoides DC.), honeybush tea (Cyclopia intermedia E. Mey and C. subternata Vogel), special tea (Monsonia burkeana Planch. ex Harv.), and rooibos tea (Aspalathus linearis (Burm.f.) R. Dahlgren) that are known to possess anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties. The objective of this study was to determine the in vitro anti-oxidant activity of selected tea blends using 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays, as well as to assess their anti-inflammatory properties using the 15-lipoxygenase inhibitory assay. Furthermore, the study measured glucose utilisation in C2C12 myotubes. Lastly, 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to test the safety of the tea extracts on Vero cells (African green monkey kidney cell line). Special tea and its blend with bush tea exhibited potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. The blending of bush tea with special tea at different ratios resulted in increased anti-oxidant activity. Although special tea had a level of cell toxicity, its toxicity was lowered during blending. All of the tea samples showed anti-diabetic effects, although with less potency as compared to insulin. The current investigation supports the use of blended herbal teas, and the positive anti-inflammatory effect of special tea warrants further research.

Medicinal plants utilized in Thai Traditional Medicine for diabetes treatment: Ethnobotanical surveys, scientific evidence and phytochemicals

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Diabetes mellitus remains the most lethal metabolic disease of contemporaneous times and despite the therapeutic arsenal currently available, research on new antidiabetic agents remains a priority. In recent years, the revitalization of Thai Traditional Medicine (TTM) became a clear priority for the Thai government, and many efforts have been undertaken to accelerate research on herbal medicines and their use in medical services in various hospitals. Additionally, and particularly in rural areas, treatment of diabetes and associated symptomatology frequently relies on herbal preparations recommended by practitioners of TTM. In the current work, medicinal plants used in Thailand for treating diabetes, as well as their hypoglycaemic pharmacological evidences and potential therapeutic use for diabetes-related complications were reviewed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ethnopharmacological information on the plant materials used in TTM for diabetes treatment was collected through literature search in a range of scientific databases using the search terms: diabetes, folk medicine, Thailand medicinal plants, traditional medicine. Information regarding scientific evidence on the antidiabetic effects of surveyed species was obtained considering not only the most common taxonomic designation, but also taxonomic synonyms, and including the keywords 'diabetes' and 'hypoglycaemic effect'.

RESULTS

A total of 183 species known to be used for diabetes management in TTM were reviewed, with 30% of them still lacking experimental evidences to support claims regarding the mechanisms and phytochemicals underlying their antidiabetic properties. Moreover, a total of 46 bioactives displaying effective antidiabetic effects have been isolated from 24 species, their underlying mechanism(s) of action being fully or partially disclosed.

CONCLUSIONS

We deliver the most extensive survey dealing with the ethnomedicinal knowledge of Thai medicinal plants utilized on diabetes management. We are certain that the current review will spark further research on Thai plants for the development of new standardized phytomedicines through drug discovery programmes.

Isolation and Identification of Antiarthritic Constituents from Glycine tabacina and Network Pharmacology-Based Prediction of Their Protective Mechanisms against Rheumatoid Arthritis

Glycine tabacina (Labill.) Benth is an edible medicinal herb for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment in folk medicine. Current phytochemical research on this dried herb led to the isolation of eight new coumestans, named glytabastan A-H (1-8), and twenty-three known compounds 9-31. Their structures were elucidated using spectroscopic methods. The antiarthritic activities of all isolates were evaluated, and the results showed that coumestans 1-6 and 8-10 could inhibit arthritic inflammation in vitro, while coumestans 1, 2, 9, and 10 significantly blocked the osteoclastogenesis induced by receptor activator of nuclear factor (NF) κB ligand (RANKL). Moreover, network pharmacological analysis revealed that the anti-RA effect of G. tabacina involved multitargets, multipathways such as PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling pathways, and various biological processes such as inflammatory response and cytokine-mediated signaling pathways. These results suggested that this species and its novel coumestans could serve as potential antiarthritic agents for functional food or medicinal use.

Dolichosin A, a coumestan isolated from Glycine tabacina, inhibits IL-1β-induced inflammation in SW982 human synovial cells and suppresses RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis: From network pharmacology to experimental pharmacology

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Glycine tabacina (Labill.) Benth has been used as a traditional Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and joint infection. It is also one of the sources of the renowned native herbal medicine 'I-Tiao-Gung' in Taiwan.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to investigate anti-arthritic effects and underlying mechanisms of dolichosin A (DoA), a coumestan compound isolated from G. tabacina, by the integration of network pharmacology and experimental pharmacology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Putative therapeutic targets and potential pharmacological mechanisms of DoA for RA treatment were predicted by network pharmacology approach. The regulated network of DoA acting on RA was constructed using Cytoscape 3.7.1. Anti-arthritic effects of DoA and predicted mechanisms were further validated using IL-1β-induced SW982 human synovial cell model and RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis model.

RESULTS

A regulatory network of DoA-targets-pathways-RA was successfully constructed using network pharmacology approach. In this network, 65 candidate targets of DoA related to its therapeutic effect on RA were identified and the functional enrichment analysis revealed that these candidate targets were significantly involved in 12 central signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT pathway, MAPK pathway and osteoclast differentiation. Furthermore, we found that DoA could significantly inhibit IL-1β-induced inflammation in SW982 human synovial cells, as evidenced by the decreased levels of pro-inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-6 and COX-2) and MMP-3. DoA also suppressed RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis in vitro, as evidenced by decreased number of TRAP-positive multinucleated osteoclasts and reduced TRAP activity. Further experimental mechanism evidence confirmed the predicted results of network pharmacology that the blockade of PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathways activation was closely associated with these regulated processes of DoA.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrated that DoA exhibited strong anti-arthritic activity through suppressing PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathways activation in activated synovial cells and osteoclasts, suggesting its potential as a hopeful candidate for the development of novel agents for the prevention and treatment of RA.

Exploring protective effect of Glycine tabacina aqueous extract against nephrotic syndrome by network pharmacology and experimental verification

Background

Glycine tabacina (Labill.) Benth, one of the traditional Chinese herbal medicines, has been used for treatment of nephritis, osteoporosis, rheumatism, and menopausal syndrome. The aim of this study was to illuminate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Glycine tabacina aqueous extract (GATE) in the treatment of nephrotic syndrome (NS).

Methods

UHPLC-DAD-MS/MS was used to analyze the chemical profile of GATE. Adriamycin (ADR)-induced NS mouse model and network pharmacology methods were conducted to explore the protective effect and mechanism of GATE on NS treatment.

Results

GATE administration significantly ameliorated symptoms of proteinuria and hyperlipidemia in NS mice, as evidenced by reduced excretion of urine protein and albumin, and decreased plasma levels of total cholesterol and triglyceride. Decreased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels in NS mice suggested that GATE could prevent renal function decline caused by ADR. GATE treatment also inhibited ADR-induced pathological lesions of renal tissues as indicated by periodic acid Schiff staining. Six flavonoids of GATE were identified by using UHPLC-DAD-MS/MS. Network pharmacology analysis indicated that the protection of GATE in treating NS might be associated with the regulation of oxidative stress and inflammation. In addition, the in vivo experiment validated that treatment with GATE markedly decreased reactive oxygen species production, malonaldehyde level, and increased superoxide dismutase activity both in plasma and renal tissues. TNF-α level in plasma and protein expression in kidney were significantly decreased in GATE treatment groups.

Conclusions

Combination of network pharmacology analysis and experimental verification revealed that GATE exerts anti-NS effect possibly through modulating oxidative stress and inflammation, suggesting the potential application of GATE or its derivatives in the prevention and treatment of NS and other related kidney diseases.

Synthesis, Structural Studies, and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory, Antidiabetic, and Antioxidant Activities of 2,3-Dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-ones Derived from Pyrazol-4-carbaldehyde and Anilines

A series of new quinazoline derivatives were designed and synthesized via a one-pot condensation reaction between isatoic anhydride and aromatic aldehydes with anilines using aluminum sulfate as a catalyst in refluxing ethanol. Their structures were confirmed by their physical, IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass spectroscopy data and evaluated for some biological effects, including the antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities as well as some in vivo hematological parameters. The ability of synthesized compounds in the inhibition of α-glucosidase was also investigated through the in silico study. The significant and important changes in some hematological tests were perceived. Notably, compound 4h showed more reducing effects on cholesterol and triglyceride levels. This molecule certainly has the potential to be developed as the antihyperlipemic compound. The tested compounds, in particular, compounds 4j and 4l, were found to be uniquely reducing blood sugar levels. The entire synthesized compounds showed the potent α-glucosidase inhibitory activity compared with acarbose as a standard material. Amongst, the compounds 4h and 4i showed the strongest enzyme inhibitory potentials than the standard drug acarbose. There was a good correlation between in vitro and in silico studies for ligands 4i and 4l. The majority of compounds presented a good radical scavenging activity, though the compound 4j exhibited the strongest activity, even to the standard of ascorbic acid. Further studies are required to determine whether these main compounds could be a potential treatment for diabetes and hyperlipidemia diseases.

Glycine tabacina ethanol extract ameliorates collagen-induced arthritis in rats via inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The whole plant of Glycine tabacina (Labill.) Benth has been used as a traditional herbal medicine to treat rheumatism, ostealgia and nephritis in China. It is also one of the sources of the renowned native herbal medicine 'I-Tiao-Gung' in Taiwan.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to investigate the anti-arthritic effect of ethanol extract of G. tabacina (GTE) in a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The chemical profile of GTE was analyzed by HPLC-UV. The CIA was induced in male Wistar rats by intradermal injection of bovine type II collagen at tail root, back and ankle joints. The rats were orally administrated daily with GTE (1.11, 2.22 and 4.44 g dry weight of herb powder per kg body weight) from day 0 and continued for 30 days. Swelling volume and thickness of paw, arthritis index, X-radiographs and histopathological changes were examined to assess the severity of arthritis. Furthermore, the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin1β (IL-1β), IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity and malonaldehyde (MDA) level were measured to preliminarily explore the possible mechanisms.

RESULTS

Oral administration of GTE significantly ameliorated the arthritic symptoms in CIA rat model, as indicated by the effects on paws swelling and arthritis index. X-radiographic analysis and histopathological examinations demonstrated that GTE effectively protected the bone and cartilage of joints from erosion, lesion and deformation. The efficacy of GTE treatment on CIA was comparable to that of indomethacin (positive drug). Besides, the overproduction of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α was remarkably inhibited in the serum of all GTE treatment groups. The restoration of serum T-SOD activity and MDA level proved that GTE administration alleviated the oxidative stress in CIA rats.

CONCLUSIONS

GTE exhibited strong anti-CIA activity through inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidation in rats, suggesting its potential preventive and therapeutic effects on rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Nutraceuticals and Diet-based Phytochemicals in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: From Whole Food to Components with Defined Roles and Mechanisms

BACKGROUND

Over the past decades, the development and use of an array of prescription medications have considerably improved the clinical management of type 2 diabetes mellitus and the quality of life of patients. However, as our knowledge of the associated risk factors and approaches to its management increases, the increasing roles of diet and the composition of the diet in the etiology and successful management of diabetes mellitus are being illuminated. Presently, a lot of attention is being given to nutraceuticals and certain phytochemicals that are integral parts of the human diet. It is believed that a clearer understanding of their roles may be crucial to 'non-invasive' or minimallyintrusive management, with regards to daily living of patients. In this review, an overview of nutraceutical components and phytochemicals that may be of benefit, or had been known to be beneficial in diabetes mellitus is given. Also, how the roles of such dietary components are evolving in the management of this disorder is highlighted. Lastly, the obstacles that need to be overcome before nutraceuticals can be considered as options for the clinical management of diabetes mellitus areconsidered.

CONCLUSION

Despite studies that demonstrate their efficacy, no nutraceutical or food-derived compound has been formally adopted as a direct replacement for any class of antidiabetic drugs.

Bioactivity of soy-based fermented foods: A review

For centuries, fermented soy foods have been dietary staples in Asia and, now, in response to consumer demand, they are available throughout the world. Fermentation bestows unique flavors, boosts nutritional values and increases or adds new functional properties. In this review, we describe the functional properties and underlying action mechanisms of soy-based fermented foods such as Natto, fermented soy milk, Tempeh and soy sauce. When possible, the contribution of specific bioactive components is highlighted. While numerous studies with in vitro and animal models have hinted at the functionality of fermented soy foods, ascribing health benefits requires well-designed, often complex human studies with analysis of diet, lifestyle, family and medical history combined with long-term follow-ups for each subject. In addition, the contribution of the microbiome to the bioactivities of fermented soy foods, possibly mediated through direct action or bioactive metabolites, needs to be studied. Potential synergy or other interactions among the microorganisms carrying out the fermentation and the host's microbial community may also contribute to food functionality, but the details still require elucidation. Finally, safety evaluation of fermented soy foods has been limited, but is essential in order to provide guidelines for consumption and confirm lack of toxicity.

Comparative study on anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of hydroponic ginseng and soil-cultured ginseng

Hydroponic ginseng (HPG) and soil-cultured ginseng (SCG) were extracted in 70% methanol to quantify relative content of 8 ginsenosides and polyphenolic compounds, and flavonoids to compare their antioxidative effects. Level of nitric oxide and inflammatory targets produced in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells were measured. 2-year-old HPG shoots contained highest levels of ginsenoside Rb2, Rb3, Rd, Re, and F1. Total polyphenol content was highest in shoots of HPG, followed by roots of HPG and SCG. HPG shoots had high radical scavenging activity and an elevated ability to inhibit linoleic acid oxidation. 2-year-old HPG shoots reduced nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 cells by 47%, whereas 6-year-old SCG roots reduced it by only 21%. HPG also significantly lowered mRNA expression of iNOS, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, as determined by RT-PCR, compared to SCGs. Therefore, HPG may have potential for utilization as an alternative to SCG, because of superior antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.