Evaluation of hepatocyteprotective and anti-hepatitis B virus properties of Cichoric acid from Cichorium intybus leaves in cell culture

Phytochemistry, pharmacological applications, and therapeutic effects of green synthesized nanomaterials using Cichorium species-a comprehensive review

Cichorium is a genus of potential medicinal herbs that finds widespread cultivation in regions spanning Asia and Europe. Belonging to the Asteraceae family, these plants are typically biennial or perennial in nature. Among the various explored varieties of chicory plants, the most commonly studied ones include Cichorium intybus, Cichorium endivia, and Cichorium pumilum. In Ayurveda, chicory has long been used as a remedy for many health problems. This versatile plant is renowned for its efficacy in managing conditions such as gallstones, gastroenteritis, sinus ailments, and the treatment of skin abrasions and wounds. Numerous bioactives, including polysaccharides, caffeic acid, flavonoids, coumarins, steroids, alkaloids, organic acids, triterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, and essential oils, are present, according to a thorough phytochemical examination. The phytochemicals isolated from chicory have displayed significant therapeutic activities, including antidiabetic effects, hepatoprotective benefits, anti-obesity properties, and anti-cancer potential, as extensively documented by numerous researchers. The incorporation of these bioactive compounds into one's diet as part of a healthy lifestyle has demonstrated considerable advantages for human well-being. Green synthesis is a recent technology in which plant extracts or phytochemicals are used for synthesizing nanoparticles since plant extracts are generally less toxic and contain capping and reducing agents. This review summarizes current developments in green synthesis employing phytoconstituents from Cichorium species and extracts from various plant parts and their application to scientific problems. In order to preserve lifestyles and cure human diseases, the investigation emphasizes the therapeutic effects of the chemical components and nanoparticles obtained from the extract of Cichorium species.

Comparison of Physicochemical, Antioxidant, and Cytotoxic Properties of Caffeic Acid Conjugates

Spectroscopic studies (FT-IR, Raman, 1H, and 13C NMR, UV-VIS) of caffeic acid (CFA) and its conjugates, i.e., caftaric acid (CTA), cichoric acid (CA), and cynarin (CY), were carried out. The antioxidant activity of these compounds was determined by a superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity assay and the hydroxyl radical (HO•) inhibition assay. The cytotoxicity of these compounds was performed on DLD-1 cell lines. The molecules were theoretically modeled using the B3LYP-6-311++G(d,p) method. Aromaticity indexes (HOMA, I6, BAC, Aj), HOMO and LUMO orbital energies and reactivity descriptors, NBO electron charge distribution, EPS electrostatic potential maps, and theoretical IR and NMR spectra were calculated for the optimized model systems. The structural features of these compounds were discussed in terms of their biological activities.

The Influence of Mesotrione on Human Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cells and Possibility of Its Toxicity Mitigation by Cichoric Acid

Mesotrione, as a widely used herbicide, is present in the environment in detectable amounts, causing serious damage. Here, we aimed to investigate the effect of mesotrione on Caco-2 cells and the possibility of its toxicity mitigation by cichoric acid. Therefore, we analyzed the cytotoxicity of both these compounds and the selected oxidative stress parameters, apoptosis and interaction of both the tested compounds with the cell membrane and their accumulation within the cells. In cytotoxicity studies, the stimulating activity of mesotrione was observed, and simultaneously, the inhibitory effect of cichoric acid was noticed. This effect was related to the results of oxidative stress analysis and apoptosis measurements. The activity level of key enzymes (glutathione peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase) in Caco-2 cells exposed to cichoric acid was higher as compared to that of the control. The treatment with mesotrione did not induce apoptosis in the Caco-2 cells. The penetration of the studied compounds into the Caco-2 cells was measured by using an HPLC methodology, and the results indicate mesotrione's high penetration capacity. The distribution of charge on the surface of the cell membranes changed under the influence of both compounds. Considering the mutual interactions of beneficial and potentially toxic food ingredients, it should be noted that, despite the observed favorable trend, cichoric acid is not able to overcome the toxic and cancer-stimulating effects of this pesticide.

Cichorium intybus L. “hairy” roots as a rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds

The present study aimed to determine the bioactive profile of various extracts of Cichorium intybus L. "hairy" roots. In particular, the total content of flavonoids as well as the reducing power, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of the aqueous and ethanolic (70%) extracts were evaluated. The total content of flavonoids the ethanolic extract of the dry "hairy" root reached up to 121.3 mg (RE)/g, which was twofold greater than in the aqueous one. A total of 33 diverse polyphenols were identified by the LC-HRMS method. The experimental results showed a high amount of gallic (6.103 ± 0.008 mg/g) and caffeic (7.001 ± 0.068 mg/g) acids. In the "hairy" roots, the presence of rutin, apigenin, kaempferol, quercetin, and its derivatives was found in concentrations of 0.201±0.003 - 6.710±0.052 mg/g. The broad spectrum of pharmacological activities (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, anticarcinogenic, etc.) of the key flavonoids identified in the chicory "hairy" root extract was predicted by the General Unrestricted Structure-Activity Relationships algorithm based on in the substances detected in the extract. The evaluation of the antioxidant activity showed that the EC₅₀ values of the ethanol and the aqueous extracts were 0.174 and 0.346 mg, respectively. Thus, the higher ability of the ethanol extract to scavenge the DPPH radical was observed. The calculated Michaelis and inhibition constants indicated that the ethanolic extract of C. intybus "hairy" roots is an efficient inhibitor of soybean 15-Lipoxygenase activity (IC₅₀ = 84.13 ± 7.22 μM) in a mixed mechanism. Therefore, the obtained extracts could be the basis of herbal pharmaceuticals for the therapy of human diseases accompanied by oxidative stress and inflammation, including the pandemic coronavirus disease COVID-19.

Discovery and structural characterization of chicoric acid as a SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein ligand and RNA binding disruptor

The nucleocapsid (N) protein plays critical roles in coronavirus genome transcription and packaging, representing a key target for the development of novel antivirals, and for which structural information on ligand binding is scarce. We used a novel fluorescence polarization assay to identify small molecules that disrupt the binding of the N protein to a target RNA derived from the SARS-CoV-2 genome packaging signal. Several phenolic compounds, including L-chicoric acid (CA), were identified as high-affinity N-protein ligands. The binding of CA to the N protein was confirmed by isothermal titration calorimetry, ¹H-STD and ¹⁵N-HSQC NMR, and by the crystal structure of CA bound to the N protein C-terminal domain (CTD), further revealing a new modulatory site in the SARS-CoV-2 N protein. Moreover, CA reduced SARS-CoV-2 replication in cell cultures. These data thus open venues for the development of new antivirals targeting the N protein, an essential and yet underexplored coronavirus target.

The potential of dandelion in the fight against gastrointestinal diseases: A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale Weber ex F. H. Wigg.), as a garden weed grown globally, has long been consumed as a therapeutic herb. Its folkloric uses include treatments of digestive disorders (dyspepsia, anorexia, stomach disorders, gastritis and enteritis) and associate complex ailments involving uterine, liver and lung disorders.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study aims to critically assess the current state of research and summarize the potential roles of dandelion and its constituents in gastrointestinal (GI) -protective actions. A focus is placed on the reported bioactive components, pharmacological activities and modes of action (including molecular mechanisms and interactions among bioactive substances) of dandelion products/preparations and derived active constituents related to GI protection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The available information published prior to August 2021 was reviewed via SciFinder, Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, Elsevier, Wiley On-line Library, and The Plant List. The search was based on the ethnomedical remedies, pharmacological activities, bioactive compounds of dandelion for GI protection, as well as the interactions of the components in dandelion with the gut microbiota or biological regulators, and with other ingested bioactive compounds. The key search words were "Taraxacum" and "dandelion".

RESULTS

T. coreanum Nakai, T. mongolicum and T. officinale are the most commonly used species for folkloric uses, with the whole plant, leaves and root of dandelion being used more frequently. GI-protective substances of dandelion include taraxasterol, taraxerol, caffeic acid, chicoric acid, chlorogenic acid, luteolin and its glucosides, polysaccharides, inulin, and β-sitosterol. Dandelion products and derived constituents exhibit pharmacological effects against GI disorders, mainly including dyspepsia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastritis, small intestinal ulcer, ulcerative colitis, liver diseases, gallstones, acute pancreatitis, and GI malignancy. The underlying molecular mechanisms may include immuno-inflammatory mechanisms, apoptosis mechanism, autophagy mechanism, and cholinergic mechanism, although interactions of dandelion's constituents with GI health-related biological entities (e.g., GI microbiota and associated biological modulators) or other ingested bioactive compounds shouldn't be ignored.

CONCLUSION

The review reveals some in vivo and in vitro studies on the potential of dandelion derived products as complementary and alternative medicines/therapeutics against GI disorders. The whole herb may alleviate some symptoms related GI immuno-inflammatory basing on the abundant anti-inflammatory and anti-oxide active substances. Dandelion root could be a nontoxic and effective anticancer alternative, owing to its abundant terpenoids and polysaccharides. However, research related to GI protective dandelion-derived products remains limited. Besides the need of identifying bioactive compounds/complexes in various dandelion species, more clinical studies are also required on the metabolism, bioavailability and safety of these substances to support their applications in food, medicine and pharmaceuticals.

Natural Compounds for Counteracting Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Advantages and Limitations of the Suggested Candidates

The booming prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adults and children will threaten the health system in the upcoming years. The "multiple hit" hypothesis is the currently accepted explanation of the complex etiology and pathophysiology of the disease. Some of the critical pathological events associated with the development of NAFLD are insulin resistance, steatosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis. Hence, attenuating these events may help prevent or delay the progression of NAFLD. Despite an increasing understanding of the mechanisms involved in NAFLD, no approved standard pharmacological treatment is available. The only currently recommended alternative relies on lifestyle modifications, including diet and physical activity. However, the lack of compliance is still hampering this approach. Thus, there is an evident need to characterize new therapeutic alternatives. Studies of food bioactive compounds became an attractive approach to overcome the reticence toward lifestyle changes. The present study aimed to review some of the reported compounds with beneficial properties in NAFLD; namely, coffee (and its components), tormentic acid, verbascoside, and silymarin. We provide details about their protective effects, their mechanism of action in ameliorating the critical pathological events involved in NAFLD, and their clinical applications.

Neuroprotection of chicoric acid in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease involves gut microbiota and TLR4 signaling pathway

Chicoric acid (CA), a polyphenolic acid obtained from chicory and purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), has been regarded as a nutraceutical to combat inflammation, viruses and obesity. Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder, and the microbiota-gut-brain axis might be the potential mechanism in the pathogenesis and development of PD. The results obtained in this study demonstrated that oral pretreatments of CA significantly prevented the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced motor dysfunctions and death of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons along with the inhibition of glial hyperactivation and the increment in striatal neurotrophins. 16S rRNA sequence results showed that CA significantly reduced MPTP-induced microbial dysbiosis and partially restored the composition of the gut microbiota to normal, including decreased phylum Bacteroidetes and genera Parabacteroide, as well as increased phylum Firmicutes, genera Lactobacillus and Ruminiclostridium. Besides, CA promoted colonic epithelial integrity and restored normal SCFA production. We also observed that proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-1β in the serum, striatum and colon were reduced by CA, indicating that CA prevented neuroinflammation and gut inflammation, in which the suppression of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway might be the underlying molecular mechanism. These findings demonstrated that CA had neuroprotective effects on MPTP-induced PD mice possibly via modulating the gut microbiota and inhibiting inflammation throughout the brain-gut axis.

The Neonicotinoid Thiacloprid Interferes with the Development, Brain Antioxidants, and Neurochemistry of Chicken Embryos and Alters the Hatchling Behavior: Modulatory Potential of Phytochemicals

Simple Summary

The present experiment was performed to investigate the toxic impact of thiacloprid (TH) on the brain of developing chicken embryos and also to measure its influence on the behavioral responses of hatchlings. The role of chicoric acid (CA) and rosmarinic acid (RA) in modulating the resulted effects was also investigated. TH resulted neurotoxic to chicken embryos and possibly neurotoxic to embryos of other vertebrates. Moreover, CA and RA exerted both an antioxidant and a neuroprotective effect on embryos.

Abstract

The present experiment was performed to investigate the toxic impact of thiacloprid (TH) on the brain of developing chicken embryos and also to measure its influence on the behavioral responses of hatchlings. The role of chicoric acid (CA) and rosmarinic acid (RA) in modulating the resulted effects was also investigated. The chicken eggs were in ovo inoculated with TH at different doses (0.1, 1, 10, and 100 ug/egg). TH increased the mortality and abnormality rates and altered the neurochemical parameters of exposed embryos dose-dependently. TH also decreased the brain level of monoamines and amino acid neurotransmitters and decreased the activities of acetylcholine esterase (AchE) and Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase. The brain activity of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) was diminished with downregulation of their mRNA expressions in the brain tissue. When TH was co-administered with CA and RA, the toxic impacts of the insecticide were markedly attenuated, and they showed a complementary effect when used in combination. Taken together, these findings suggested that TH is neurotoxic to chicken embryos and is possibly neurotoxic to embryos of other vertebrates. The findings also demonstrated the antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of CA and RA. Based on the present findings, the CA and RA can be used as invaluable ameliorative of TH-induced toxicity.

Valuable Hepatoprotective Plants - How Can We Optimize Waste Free Uses of Such Highly Versatile Resources?

Humans used plants for thousand of years as food, drugs, or fuel to keep homes warm. People commonly used fruits and roots, and other parts of the plant were often wasted. This review aims to discuss the potential of rational stem-to-stern use of three highly versatile and valuable plants with hepatoprotective properties. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum L. Gaertn.), artichoke (Cynara cardunculus), and chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) have well-characterized hepatoprotective properties. These plants have been chosen since liver diseases are significant diseases of concern worldwide, and all parts of plants can be potentially utilized. Artichoke and chicory are commonly used as food or dietary supplements and less often as phytodrugs. Various dietary supplements and phytodrugs prepared from milk thistle (MT) fruits/seeds are well-known to consumers as remedies supporting liver functions. However, using these plants as functional food, farm animal feed, is not well-described in the literature. We also discuss bioactive constituents present in various parts of these plants, their pharmacological properties. Distinct parts of MT, artichoke, and chicory can be used to prepare remedies and food for humans and animals. Unused plant parts are potentially wasted. To achieve waste-free use of these and many other plants, the scientific community needs to analyze the complex use of plants and propose strategies for waste-free technologies. The government must stimulate companies to utilize by-products. Another problem associated with plant use as a food or source of phytodrug is the overharvesting of wild plants. Consequently, there is a need to use more active cultivation techniques for plants.

Jeopardy of COVID-19: Rechecking the Perks of Phytotherapeutic Interventions

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the reason for worldwide pandemic, has already masked around 220 countries globally. This disease is induced by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Arising environmental stress, increase in the oxidative stress level, weak immunity and lack of nutrition deteriorates the clinical status of the infected patients. Though several researches are at its peak for understanding and bringing forward effective therapeutics, yet there is no promising solution treating this disease directly. Medicinal plants and their active metabolites have always been promising in treating many clinical complications since time immemorial. Mother nature provides vivid chemical structures, which act multi-dimensionally all alone or synergistically in mitigating several diseases. Their unique antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity with least side effects have made them more effective candidate for pharmacological studies. These medicinal plants inhibit attachment, encapsulation and replication of COVID-19 viruses by targeting various signaling molecules such as angiotensin converting enzyme-2, transmembrane serine protease 2, spike glycoprotein, main protease etc. This property is re-examined and its potency is now used to improve the existing global health crisis. This review is an attempt to focus various antiviral activities of various noteworthy medicinal plants. Moreover, its implications as prophylactic or preventive in various secondary complications including neurological, cardiovascular, acute kidney disease, liver disease are also pinpointed in the present review. This knowledge will help emphasis on the therapeutic developments for this novel coronavirus where it can be used as alone or in combination with the repositioned drugs to combat COVID-19.

Thiacloprid Induced Developmental Neurotoxicity via ROS-Oxidative Injury and Inflammation in Chicken Embryo: The Possible Attenuating Role of Chicoric and Rosmarinic Acids

Simple Summary

The current study was designed to evaluate the negative impact of thiacloprid (TH) on the brain tissue of developing chicken embryo models and to evaluate the modulatory effects of chicoric (CA) and rosmarinic (RA) acids. The eggs were injected in ovo with different doses of TH (0.1, 1, 10, and 100 μg/egg). TH significantly increased the oxidative damage in the brain of exposed embryos in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.001). TH significantly elevated the oxidative stress markers; protein carbonyl, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and DNA damage (p < 0.001). Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and NO significantly increased with overexpression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ; interferon gamma, TNF-α; tumor necrosis factor alpha, and IL-1β; interleukin-1 beta), stress-related and apoptotic genes (NF-KB, Caspase-3) in the brain tissue on both a biochemical and molecular levels (p < 0.05), while downregulating the expression of antiapoptotic Bcl-2. Co-treatment of CA and RA with TH markedly decreased the insecticide-induced toxicity with a prominent synergistic effect (p < 0.05). In conclusion, TH is suggested to be a possible neurotoxic to embryos of vertebrates and possibly humans. The study also revealed the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, genoprotective, and antiapoptotic properties of CA and RA against TH toxicity.

Abstract

Insecticides are widely employed in agriculture to control pests and as major factors for enhancing crop productivity. Thiacloprid (TH) is one of the most-used insecticides worldwide. In this study, the negative impact of TH on the brain tissue of developing chicken embryo models and the modulatory effect of chicoric (CA) and rosmarinic (RA) acids were investigated. The eggs were injected in ovo with different doses of TH (0.1, 1, 10, and 100 μg/egg). TH significantly increased the oxidative damage in the brain of exposed embryos in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). TH significantly elevated the oxidative stress markers; protein carbonyl, malondialdehyde content, and DNA damage (p < 0.05). Myeloperoxidase activity and nitric oxide significantly increased with overexpression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines (interferon gamma, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interleukin-1 beta) and stress-related and apoptotic genes (NF-KB, Caspase-3) in the brain tissue on both biochemical and molecular levels (p < 0.05), while downregulating the expression of antiapoptotic Bcl-2. Co-treatment of CA and RA with TH markedly decreased the insecticide-induced toxicity with a prominent synergistic effect (p < 0.05). In conclusion, TH is suggested to be a possible neurotoxic to embryos of vertebrates including human. The study also revealed the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, genoprotective, and antiapoptotic property of CA and RA against TH toxicity.

Echinacea in hepatopathy: A review of its phytochemistry, pharmacology, and safety

BACKGROUND

Echinacea, one of the most popular herbs with double function of immunity and anti-inflammatory activity, has now attracted much interest for a possible alternative for the treatment of hepatopathy. This review is aimed at providing a comprehensive overview of Echinacea regarding its chemical composition, pharmacological action against various hepatopathy, and safety.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of published articles was conducted to focus on original publications related to Echinacea and hepatopathy till the end of 2020 using various literature databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, PubMed, and Web of Science database.

RESULTS

Echinacea exhibited excellent activities in resisting a variety of hepatopathy induced by different causes in preclinical experiments and clinical trials by regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis, antioxidant defense mechanism, voltage-gated sodium channels, lipid metabolism, circadian rhythm, p38 MAPK signaling pathway, JNK signaling pathway, Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and Akt/GSK3 beta signaling pathways. The high efficacy of Echinacea is related to its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities. The main ingredients of Echinacea include caffeic acid derivatives, alkylamides, and polysaccharides, which have been well established in preclinical studies of liver diseases. Studies on acute and subacute toxicity show that Echinacea preparations are well-tolerated herbal medicines.

CONCLUSION

Echinacea may offer a novel potential strategy for clinical prevention and treatment of liver diseases and related diseases. Extensive studies are necessary to identify the underlying mechanisms and establish future therapeutic potentials of this herb. Well-designed clinical trials are still warranted to confirm the safety and effectiveness of Echinacea for hepatopathy.

Caffeic acid derivatives (CAFDs) as inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2: CAFDs-based functional foods as a potential alternative approach to combat COVID-19

BACKGROUND

SARS-CoV-2, an emerging strain of coronavirus, has affected millions of people from all the continents of world and received worldwide attention. This emerging health crisis calls for the urgent development of specific therapeutics against COVID-19 to potentially reduce the burden of this emerging pandemic.

PURPOSE

This study aims to evaluate the anti-viral efficacy of natural bioactive entities against COVID-19 via molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation.

METHODS

A library of 27 caffeic-acid derivatives was screened against 5 proteins of SARS-CoV-2 by using Molegro Virtual Docker 7 to obtain the binding energies and interactions between compounds and SARS-CoV-2 proteins. ADME properties and toxicity profiles were investigated via www.swissadme.ch web tools and Toxtree respectively. Molecular dynamics simulation was performed to determine the stability of the lead-protein interactions.

RESULTS

Our obtained results has uncovered khainaoside C, 6-O-Caffeoylarbutin, khainaoside B, khainaoside C and vitexfolin A as potent modulators of COVID-19 possessing more binding energies than nelfinavir against COVID-19 M^pro, Nsp15, SARS-CoV-2 spike S2 subunit, spike open state and closed state structure respectively. While Calceolarioside B was identified as pan inhibitor, showing strong molecular interactions with all proteins except SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein closed state. The results are supported by 20 ns molecular dynamics simulations of the best complexes.

CONCLUSION

This study will hopefully pave a way for development of phytonutrients-based antiviral therapeutic for treatment or prevention of COVID-19 and further studies are recommended to evaluate the antiviral effects of these phytochemicals against SARS-CoV-2 in in vitro and in vivo models.

First Insight into Nutraceutical Properties of Local Salento Cichorium intybus Varieties: NMR-Based Metabolomic Approach

BACKGROUND

Plants of genus Cichorium are known for their therapeutic and nutraceutical properties determined by a wealth of phytochemical substances contained in the whole plant. The aim of this paper was to characterize the metabolic profiles of local Salento chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) varieties ("Bianca", "Galatina", "Leccese", and "Otranto") in order to describe their metabolites composition together with possible bioactivity and health beneficial properties.

METHODS

The investigation was performed by 1H-NMR spectroscopy and Multivariate Analysis (MVA), by which the metabolic profiles of the samples were easily obtained and compared.

RESULTS

The supervised Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) analysis showed as "Bianca" and "Galatina" samples grouped together separated by "Leccese" and "Otranto" varieties. A different content of free amino acids and organic acids was observed among the varieties. In particular a high content of cichoric and monocaffeoyl tartaric acid was observed for the "Leccese" variety. The presence of secondary metabolites adds significant interest in the investigation of Cichorium inthybus, as this vegetable may benefit human health when incorporated into the diet.

CONCLUSIONS

The 1H-NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy) based characterization of Salento chicory varieties allowed us to determine the potential usefulness and nutraceutical properties of the product, also providing a method to guarantee its authenticity on a molecular scale.

Hepatoprotective Glucosyloxybenzyl 2-Hydroxy-2-isobutylsuccinates from Pleione yunnanensis

Nine new glucosyloxybenzyl 2-hydroxy-2-isobutylsuccinates, pleionosides M-U (1-9), and 12 known compounds (10-21) were isolated from the pseudobulbs of Pleione yunnanensis. Their structures and absolute configurations were established through a combination of HRESIMS and NMR data and supported by physical and chemical methods. Compounds 5, 6, 10, and 15 showed significant in vitro hepatoprotective activity against d-galactosamine (d-GalN)-induced toxicity in HL-7702 cells with increasing cell viability by 27%, 22%, 19%, and 31% compared to the model group (cf. bicyclol, 14%) at 10 μM, respectively. Compounds 4, 9, and 11 exhibited moderate hepatoprotective activity against N-acetyl-p-aminophenol (APAP)-induced toxicity in HepG2 cells with increasing cell viability by 9%, 16%, and 12% compared to the model group (cf. bicyclol, 9%) at 10 μM, respectively.

The Common Cichory (Cichorium intybus L.) as a Source of Extracts with Health-Promoting Properties-A Review

Natural products are gaining more interest recently, much of which focuses on those derived from medicinal plants. The common chicory (Cichorium intybus L.), of the Astraceae family, is a prime example of this trend. It has been proven to be a feasible source of biologically relevant elements (K, Fe, Ca), vitamins (A, B1, B2, C) as well as bioactive compounds (inulin, sesquiterpene lactones, coumarin derivatives, cichoric acid, phenolic acids), which exert potent pro-health effects on the human organism. It displays choleretic and digestion-promoting, as well as appetite-increasing, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial action, all owing to its varied phytochemical composition. Hence, chicory is used most often to treat gastrointestinal disorders. Chicory was among the plants with potential against SARS-CoV-2, too. To this and other ends, roots, herb, flowers and leaves are used. Apart from its phytochemical applications, chicory is also used in gastronomy as a coffee substitute, food or drink additive. The aim of this paper is to present, in the light of the recent literature, the chemical composition and properties of chicory.

Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) as a food ingredient - Nutritional composition, bioactivity, safety, and health claims: A review

Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) is a perennial herb from the Cichorium genus, Asteraceae family, and is worldwide cultivated. So far, chicory has been used mainly in animal feed, but also in several cases in the food industry: as salad, for teas and tea blends, for coffee supplementation, and as a source for the inulin production. Nowadays there is an increasing interest in chicory utilization for food production and supplementation. Some compounds present in chicory, such as polyphenols, inulin, oligofructose and sesquiterpene lactones may be considered as potential carriers of food functionality. This review describes nutritional, mineral and bioactive composition of the chicory plant and summarized the main biological activities associated with the presence of bioactive compounds in the different plant parts. Finally, the review explores possibilities of uses of chicory and its implementation in food products, with intention to design new functional foods.

Cichoric Acid Ameliorates Monosodium Urate-Induced Inflammatory Response by Reducing NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation via Inhibition of NF-kB Signaling Pathway

Gouty arthritis is characterized by the deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) within synovial joints and tissues due to increased urate concentrations. Here, we elucidated the role of the natural compound cichoric acid (CA) on the MSU crystal-stimulated inflammatory response. The THP-1-derived macrophages (THP-Ms) were pretreated with CA and then stimulated with MSU suspensions. The protein levels of p65 and IκBα, the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway by measuring the expression of its downstream inflammatory cytokines, and the activity of NLRP3 inflammasome were measured by western blotting and ELISA. CA treatment markedly inhibited the degradation of IκBα and the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway and reduced the levels of its downstream inflammatory genes such as IL-1β, TNF-α, COX-2, and PGE2 in the MSU-stimulated THP-M cells. Therefore, we infer that CA effectively alleviated MSU-induced inflammation by suppressing the degradation of IκBα, thereby reducing the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway and the NLRP3 inflammasome. These results suggest that CA could be a novel therapeutic strategy in averting acute episodes of gout.

Targeting the HIF-1α/Cav-1 Pathway with a Chicory Extract/Daidzein Combination Plays a Potential Role in Retarding Hepatocellular Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most rapidly growing solid cancers, that is characterized by hypoxia. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is a transcription factor that regulates tumor proliferation and metastasis. It induces caveolin-1 (Cav-1) expression, a glycoprotein found on the membrane surface, then Cav-1 triggers angiogenesis and metastasis in HCC.

OBJECTIVE

We hypothesize that targeting HIF-1α and consequently, Cav-1 using the antioxidant natural compound such as chicoric acid and a Cav-1 inhibitor daidzein (DAZ) could be a useful approach in the management of HCC. This study was conducted to investigate the possible therapeutic efficacy of standardized chicory leaf extract (SCLE) and DAZ via modulation of HIF-1α and Cav-1 in HCC rats.

METHODS

Diethyl nitrosamine (DENA) was used for HCC induction. After the induction period, four groups (10 rats for each) were treated with SCLE, DAZ, a combination of both, as well as sorafenib, all compared to the non-treated control. We assessed hepatic HIF-1α protein expression, Cav-1 gene expression, serum level of AFP, hepatic tissue content of VEGF, MMP-9, oxidative stress markers MDA and SOD.

RESULTS

DAZ, SCLE, and their combination, significantly down-regulated the expression of HIF-1α, Cav-1, and consequently dampened MMP-9, VEGF, hepatic content. It has been observed that the combination treatment showed a synergistic effect compared to either treatment alone. Importantly, the combination treatment exhibited a significantly more potent effect than sorafenib.

CONCLUSION

This study showed the potential role of the HIF-1α/Cav-1 pathway in HCC progression, moreover, SCLE and DAZ showed a potent efficacy in retarding HCC via modulation of this pathway.

Role of Nutraceuticals in COVID-19 Mediated Liver Dysfunction

COVID-19 is known as one of the deadliest pandemics of the century. The rapid spread of this deadly virus at incredible speed has stunned the planet and poses a challenge to global scientific and medical communities. Patients with COVID-19 are at an increased risk of co-morbidities associated with liver dysfunction and injury. Moreover, hepatotoxicity induced by antiviral therapy is gaining importance and is an area of great concern. Currently, alternatives therapies are being sought to mitigate hepatic damage, and there has been growing interest in the research on bioactive phytochemical agents (nutraceuticals) due to their versatility in health benefits reported in various epidemiological studies. Therefore, this review provides information and summarizes the juncture of antiviral, immunomodulatory, and hepatoprotective nutraceuticals that can be useful during the management of COVID-19.

Natural Products: Review for Their Effects of Anti-HBV

Hepatitis B is a global infectious disease, seriously endangering human health. Currently, there are mainly interferons and nucleoside analogues treatment of hepatitis B in the clinic, which have certain therapeutic effects on hepatitis B, but their side effects and drug resistance are increasingly prominent. Therefore, it is urgently needed to discover and develop new anti-HBV drugs, especially natural products, which have novel, high efficiency, and low toxicity anti-HBV compounds with novel antiviral mechanisms. In this manuscript, the natural products (polysaccharides and 165 compounds) with the activity of antihepatitis B virus are discussed according to their chemical classes, including 14 phenylpropanoids, 8 flavonoids,12 xanthones, 13 anthroquinones, 47 terpenoids, 6 alkaloids, 15 enediynes, 11 aromatics, 18 phenylalanine dipeptides compounds, and 13 others. In addition, the anti-HBV mechanism and targets of natural product were also discussed. The aim of this review is to report new discoveries about anti-HBV natural products and to provide reference for researchers.

Cichoric acid attenuates the toxicity of mesotrione. Effect on in vitro skin cell model

There is an important need to increase knowledge regarding the interactions between environmental contaminants and other compounds. Pesticides are an important group of food contaminants. By contrast, cichoric acid (CA) belongs to the category of desirable food ingredients with antioxidant and cytotoxic effects. The aim of the presented study was to test if CA may constitute a food ingredient, which eliminate stimulatory effect of pesticides on skin cancer cells and toxic effect of herbicides on fibroblasts. Therefore, we conducted cytotoxicity studies of environmentally relevant pesticide concentrations and the mixture of both compounds in melanoma and fibroblasts cells. We studied if CA combined with mesotrione change the oxidative stress parameters and apoptotic activity in treated cells. Obtained results indicate that CA exhibits cytotoxic activity against mesotrione-induced skin cancer development by influencing oxidative stress parameters and apoptosis. On the other hand CA inhibits prooxidative and proapoptotic activity of mesotrione in fibroblasts. Presented methods and obtained results could be a useful tool in the analysis of environmental contaminants toxicity and possible preventive activity of antioxidative plant- origin compounds.

Lemon balm and dandelion leaf extract synergistically alleviate ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity by enhancing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity

We investigated the effect of a 2:1 (w/w) mixture of lemon balm and dandelion extracts (LD) on ethanol (EtOH)-mediated liver injury and explored the underlying mechanisms. Administration of LD synergistically reduced relative liver weight and decreased the levels of serum biomarkers of hepatic injury. Histopathological and biochemical analyses indicated that LD synergistically attenuated hepatic accumulation of triacylglycerides (TGs) and restored the levels of mRNAs related to fatty acid metabolism. In addition, LD significantly reduced EtOH-induced hepatic oxidative stress by attenuating the reduction in levels of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) mRNA and enhancing antioxidant activity. Moreover, LD decreased the EtOH-mediated increase in levels of hepatic tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) mRNA. In vitro, LD significantly scavenged free radicals, increased cell viability against tert-butylhydroperoxide (tBHP), and transactivated Nrf2 target genes in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, LD decreased levels of pro-inflammatory mediators in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated Raw264.7 cells. Therefore, LD shows promise for preventing EtOH-mediated liver injury. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: There were no approved therapeutic agents for preventing and/or treating alcoholic liver diseases. In this study, a 2:1 (w/w) mixture of lemon balm and dandelion leaf extract (DL) synergistically ameliorated EtOH-induced hepatic injury by inhibiting lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Our findings will enable the development of a novel food supplement for the prevention or treatment of alcohol-mediated liver injury.

Preservation of Cichoric Acid Antioxidant Properties Loaded in Heat Treated Lactoferrin Nanoparticles

In the current research, a new cichoric acid (CA) encapsulation system was investigated. The optimal condition for the formation of lactoferrin-cichoric acid nanoparticles (LF-CA NPs) was determined by controlling the solution pH, the thermal treatment conditions, and the concentration of CA. Fluorescence indicated that the electrostatic force and the hydrophobic force were the main forces in the formation of LF-CA NPs. LF-CA NPs prepared under different conditions were spherical in shape with smaller particle sizes and good zeta potential demonstrating good colloidal stability. Especially, the prepared particle size of the LF-CA NPs at pH 7 and 95 °C was about 67.20 ± 1.86 nm. The circular dichroism (CD) and the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results showed that the combination of LF (lactoferrin) and CA affected the secondary structure of the LF. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results indicated that the addition of CA increased the thermal stability of LF. In vitro antioxidant experiments confirmed the antioxidant capacity of LF-CA NPs was better than CA. CA was successfully encapsulated into LF NPs with high encapsulated efficiency (97.87⁻99.87%) by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). These results showed that LF could be used as the wall material of CA with excellent nature.

Possible Mechanisms of the Prevention of Doxorubicin Toxicity by Cichoric Acid-Antioxidant Nutrient

Skin is the largest organ in the human body, and which protects organism against unfavorable external factors e.g., chemicals, environment pollutants, allergens, microorganisms, and it plays a crucial role in maintaining general homeostasis. It is also an important target of oxidative stress due to the activity of oxygen reactive species (ROS), which are constantly generated in the fibroblasts in response to exogenous or endogenous prooxidant agents. An example of such compound with proved prooxidant activity is Doxorubicin (DOX), which is an effective anticancer agent belongs in anthracycline antibiotic group. Increasingly frequent implementation of various strategies to reduce undesirable DOX side effects was observed. Very promising results come from the combination of DOX with dietary antioxidants from the polyphenol group of compounds, such as cichoric acid (CA) in order to lower oxidative stress level. The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of CA combined with DOX on the oxidative stress parameters in fibroblasts, which constitute the main cells in human skin. We also wanted to examine anti-apoptotic activity of CA in fibroblasts treated with selected concentrations of DOX. Results obtained from the combination of DOX with CA revealed that CA exhibits cytoprotective activity against DOX-induced damage by lowering oxidative stress level and by inhibiting apoptosis. The present finding may indicate that CA may serve as antioxidative and anti-apoptotic agent, active against DOX-induced damage.

Expression of microRNA let-7a positively correlates with hepatitis B virus replication in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues

Let-7a miRNA is downregulated in various cancers. However, in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV), the relationship between let-7a and HBV replication has not been fully elucidated. Liver specimens were collected from 23 HCC patients with chronically active HBV. The serum levels of the HBV antigens hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B virus e antigen (HBeAg), and the HBV antibodies, anti-HBs, anti-HBe and anti-hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) were measured using the microparticle enzyme immunoassay. Let-7a levels and HBV DNA copy numbers were measured by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and analyzed statistically. A let-7a specific antisense oligonucleotide was introduced to the HBV-producing cell line HepG2.2.15 and a change in HBV DNA copy numbers was assessed by qRT-PCR. HCC patients with highly active HBV replication (>10⁶ DNA copies/mL) showed higher levels of serum HBsAg and anti-HBc than patients with less active HBV replication (<10³ DNA copies/mL). The level of let-7a was lower in malignant tissues than in adjacent normal tissues. However, patients with highly active HBV replication demonstrated a significantly higher level of let-7a in hepatocarcinoma tissue than patients with less active HBV replication ( P < 0.05). A higher level of let-7a was observed in the HBV-producing cell line HepG2.2.15 than in HepG2 cells ( P < 0.05), and let-7a down-regulation by antisense oligonucleotides led to a reduction in HBV DNA copy numbers ( P < 0.05), indicating a correlation between the let-7a level and HBV replication. Down-regulation of let-7a reduces HBV replication and could prevent the development of HCC, suggesting it could be an effective therapeutic treatment for HBV infection. Impact statement Although interferon and nucleic acid analogues effectively suppress HBV replication in HBV patients, there is no treatment which eradicates the virus. Moreover, the therapeutic effect can be reduced by virus mutations or drug resistance. Let-7a is a miRNA initially found in the nematode as a master regulator of developmental processes, but also exists in humans. It has been reported that the transcription of let-7a was much lower in HCC than in normal liver tissues and specific miRNA could directly promote virus replication. Therefore we hypothesized that transcription of let-7a promotes HBV replication, which might compromise the therapeutic effects of antivirus treatments. In our present study, we demonstrated a correlation between let-7a transcription and HBV replication in surgical specimens obtained from patients with HCC, as well as in HCC cell lines. Our finding might be the base for a new approach to improve HBV infection treatments in the future.

Chicoric acid binds to two sites and decreases the activity of the YopH bacterial virulence factor

Chicoric acid (CA) is a phenolic compound present in dietary supplements with a large spectrum of biological properties reported ranging from antioxidant, to antiviral, to immunostimulatory properties. Due to the fact that chicoric acid promotes phagocytic activity and was reported as an allosteric inhibitor of the PTP1B phosphatase, we examined the effect of CA on YopH phosphatase from pathogenic bacteria, which block phagocytic processes of a host cell. We performed computational studies of chicoric acid binding to YopH as well as validation experiments with recombinant enzymes. In addition, we performed similar studies for caffeic and chlorogenic acids to compare the results. Docking experiments demonstrated that, from the tested compounds, only CA binds to both catalytic and secondary binding sites of YopH. Our experimental results showed that CA reduces activity of recombinant YopH phosphatase from Yersinia enterocolitica and human CD45 phosphatase. The inhibition caused by CA was irreversible and did not induce oxidation of catalytic cysteine. We proposed that inactivation of YopH induced by CA is involved with allosteric inhibition by interacting with essential regions responsible for ligand binding.

Metabolism of chicoric acid by rat liver microsomes and bioactivity comparisons of chicoric acid and its metabolites

Chicoric acid has recently become a hot research topic due to its potent bioactivities.