Antiinflammatory and Analgesic Activities of Ethanol Extract and Isolated Compounds from Millettia pulchra

The metabolomics analysis of cecal contents elucidates significant metabolites involved in the therapeutic effects of total flavonoids derived from Sonchus arvensis L. in male C57BL/6 mice with ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC), an inflammatory disease affecting the colon and rectal mucosa, is characterized by chronic and heterogeneous behavior of unknown origin. The primary cause of UC is chronic inflammation, which is closely linked to the development of colorectal cancer. Sonchus arvensis L. (SAL), a plant consumed worldwide for its nutritional and medicinal properties, holds significance in this context. In this study, we employed the total flavone in SAL as a treatment for male C57BL/6 mice with UC. The cecal contents metabolic profile of C57BL/6 mice in different groups, including UC (group ML; n = 5), UC treated with aspirin (group AN; n = 5), UC treated with the total flavone in SAL (group FE; n = 5), and healthy male C57BL/6 mice (group CL; n = 5), was examined using UHPLC-Triple-TOF-MS. Through the identification of variations in key metabolites associated with UC and the exploration of their underlying biological mechanisms, our understanding of the pathological processes underlying this condition has been enhanced. This study identified a total of seventy-three metabolites that have a significant impact on UC. Notably, the composition of total flavone in SAL, a medication used for UC treatment, differs from that of aspirin due to the presence of four distinct metabolites (13,14-Dihydro-15-keto-PGE2, Prostaglandin I2 (PGI2), (20R,22R)-20,22-dihydroxycholesterol, and PS (18:1(9Z)/0:0)). These metabolites possess unique characteristics that set them apart. Moreover, the study identified a total of eleven pathways that were significantly enriched in mice with UC, including Aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, Valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis, Linoleic acid metabolism, PPAR signaling pathway, mTOR signaling pathway, Valine, leucine and isoleucine degradation, Lysine degradation, VEGF signaling pathway, Melanogenesis, Endocrine and other factor-regulated calcium reabsorption, and Cocaine addiction. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the metabolic variations in UC following total flavonoids of SAL therapy and provide valuable insights for the treatment of UC.Keywords: Ulcerative colitis; Total flavonoids of Sonchus arvensis L.; Key metabolites; Metabonomics; Cecal contents of male C57BL/6 mice.

Shikimic Acid Regulates the NF-κB/MAPK Signaling Pathway and Gut Microbiota to Ameliorate DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis

Shikimic acid (SA) is a compound extracted from the plant anise and has anti-inflammatory effects. However, any impact on intestinal inflammation or mechanisms involved has not been investigated. The present study used a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced mouse colitis model to investigate the effects of SA on intestinal inflammation. Intragastric administration of SA slowed DSS-induced weight loss, reduced disease activity index (DAI) score, enhanced the intestinal barrier, reduced the destruction of the colonic structure, inhibited the phosphorylation of key proteins in MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways, inhibited the expression of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β, and MPO (P < 0.05), decreased IFN-γ expression (P < 0.05), and increased immunoglobulin IgG content (P < 0.05). After 50 mg/kg SA treatment, the content of Bacteroidetes increased and Proteobacteria decreased in the cecal feces of mice with colitis (P < 0.05) and the richness of gut species increased. In conclusion, SA could improve intestinal inflammation and enhance intestinal immunity, indicating its suitability as a therapeutic candidate.

Involvement of GABAergic and Serotonergic Systems in the Antinociceptive Effect of Jegosaponin A Isolated from Styrax japonicus

The antinociceptive activity of the flower extracts of Styrax japonicus was confirmed in our previous study. However, the key compound for analgesia has not been distinguished, and the corresponding mechanism is obscure. In this study, the active compound was isolated from the flower by multiple chromatographic techniques and structurally illustrated using spectroscopic methods and referring to the related literature. The antinociceptive activity of the compound and the underlying mechanisms were investigated using animal tests. The active compound was determined to be jegosaponin A (JA), which showed significant antinociceptive responses. JA was also shown to possess sedative and anxiolytic activities but no anti-inflammatory effect, implying the association of the antinociceptive effects with the sedative and anxiolytic activities. Further antagonists and calcium ionophore tests showed that the antinociceptive effect of JA was blocked by flumazenil (FM, antagonist for GABA-A receptor) and reversed by WAY100635 (WAY, antagonist for 5-HT_1A receptor). Contents of 5-HT and its metabolite (5-HIAA) increased significantly in the hippocampus and striatum tissues after JA administration. The results indicated that the antinociceptive effect of JA was regulated by the neurotransmitter system, especially GABAergic and serotonergic systems.

Effects of climate change on the geographical distribution and potential distribution areas of 35 Millettia Species in China

Climate change has an extremely important impact on the geographic distribution of plants. The genus Millettia is an important plant resource in China and is widely used in medicine and ornamental industries. Due to the continuous changes of climate and the development and utilization of plant resources of the genus Millettia, it is of great significance to systematically investigate the geographic distribution of plants of the Millettia and their potential distribution under climate change. DIVA-GIS software was used to analyze 3492 plant specimens of 35 species of genus Millettia in the herbarium, and the ecological geographic distribution and richness of Millettia were analyzed, and the MaxEnt model was used to analyze the current and potential distribution in the future. The results show that the genus Millettia is distributed in 30 provinces in China, among which Yunnan and Guangdong provinces are the most distributed. Our model determines that precipitation in the driest month and annual temperature range are the most important bioclimatic variables. Future climate changes will increase the suitable habitat area of M. congestiflora by 16.75%, but other cliff beans Suitable habitats for vines will decrease significantly: M. cinereal by 47.66%, M. oosperma by 39.16%, M. pulchra by 36.04%, M. oraria by - 29.32%, M. nitida by 22.88%, M. dielsiana by 22.72%, M. sericosema by 19.53%, M. championii by 7.77%, M. pachycarpa by 7.72%, M. speciose by 2.05%, M. reticulata by 1.32%. Therefore, targeted measures should be taken to protect and develop these precious plant resources.

Quantification and Optimization of Ethanolic Extract Containing the Bioactive Flavonoids from Millettia pulchra Radix

Millettia pulchra is traditionally used for treating diseases, including joint pain, fever, anemia, and allergies. It is also a potential resource of natural flavonoid derivatives, which represents major constituents of this plant. This study aimed to isolate the major compounds from M. pulchra radix, develop and validate the HPLC-PDA method to determine their contents, and optimize its extraction. Four major flavonoid derivatives (karanjin, lanceolatin B, 2”,2”-dimethylpyrano-[5″,6″:7,8]-flavone, and pongamol) were isolated using silica gel column chromatography, crystallization techniques in large amounts with high purities (>95%). A simple, accurate high-performance liquid chromatography–photodiode array (HPLC–PDA) detection method has been developed and validated with significantly statistical impacts according to International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. The Response Surface Methodology (RSM), Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models were employed to predictive performance and optimization of the extraction process. The optimized conditions for the extraction of major flavonoids were: extraction time (twice), solvent/material ratio (9.5), and ethanol concentration (72.5%). Our research suggests an effective method, which will be helpful for quality control in the pharmaceutical development of this species.

Pharmacological and computer-aided studies provide new insights into Millettia peguensis Ali (Fabaceae)

Millettia peguensis, popular for its ethnopharmacological uses, was employed to evaluate its different pharmacological properties in this study. The analgesic studies of the plant have been performed by acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin-induced licking tests respectively, whereas the antidiarrheal experiment was done by castor oil-induced diarrheal test. Besides, antioxidant, cytotoxic, antimicrobial, thrombolytic evaluations were performed by DPPH scavenging with phenol content determination, brine shrimp lethality, disc diffusion and clot lysis methods respectively. Moreover, in silico study of the phytoconstituents was carried out by molecular docking and ADME/T analysis.

The methanol extract of Millettia peguensis (MEMP) revealed significant biological activity in the analgesic and antidiarrheal test (p < 0.001) compared to the standards. Antioxidant assay displayed promising IC₅₀ values (15.96 μg/mL) with the total phenol content (65.27 ± 1.24 mg GAE/g). In the cytotoxicity study, the LC₅₀ value was found to be 1.094 μg/mL. Besides, MEMP was highly sensitive to the bacteria but less liable to clot lysis. Furthermore, phytoconstituents exposed potential binding affinity towards the selected receptors, whereas the ADME/T properties indicated the drug likeliness of the plant. The outcomes of these findings suggest the therapeutic potential of this plant against pain, diarrhea, inflammation, and tissue toxicity.

Protective effects of Lizhong decoction on ulcerative colitis in mice by suppressing inflammation and ameliorating gut barrier

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Lizhong Decoction (LZD) is a classical prescription firstly recorded in "Shanghan Lun". It has been used to clinically treat ulcerative colitis (UC) for thousands of years. However, its mechanism is not clear up to now.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The goal of this study was to assess the amelioration of LZD on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice and further clarify its mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The ulcerative colitis model induced by DSS was successfully established and applied to evaluate the intervention effect after oral administration of LZD. Furthermore, the expression of key targets in inflammatory signaling pathways and intestinal tight junction proteins were investigated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis.

RESULTS

The results showed that all doses of LZD could notably improve DSS-induced colon lesions, reduce histological scores, prolong colon length and increase body weight. Colonic inflammation in UC mice was significantly alleviated by inhibiting the activities of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), reducing the yield of nitric oxide (NO) and inflammatory cytokines such as interferon-γ (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and along with promoting the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) after LZD treatment. Furthermore, LZD remarkably down-regulated the level of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) mRNA and up-regulated the expression of tight junction proteins (zonula occluden-1, occludin and claudin-1) in UC mice.

CONCLUSION

In summary, this study indicated that LZD could notably improve UC symptoms by suppressing inflammation and ameliorating gut barrier, which provided scientific basis for its clinical application in the future.

Flavonoids and Stilbenoids of the Genera Dracaena and Sansevieria: Structures and Bioactivities

The genera Dracaena and Sansevieria (Asparagaceae, Nolinoideae) are still poorly resolved phylogenetically. Plants of these genera are commonly distributed in Africa, China, Southeast Asia, and America. Most of them are cultivated for ornamental and medicinal purposes and are used in various traditional medicines due to the wide range of ethnopharmacological properties. Extensive in vivo and in vitro tests have been carried out to prove the ethnopharmacological claims and other bioactivities. These investigations have been accompanied by the isolation and identification of hundreds of phytochemical constituents. The most characteristic metabolites are steroids, flavonoids, stilbenes, and saponins; many of them exhibit potent analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiproliferative, and cytotoxic activities. This review highlights the structures and bioactivities of flavonoids and stilbenoids isolated from Dracaena and Sansevieria.

Revisiting Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Pathology, Treatments, Challenges and Emerging Therapeutics Including Drug Leads from Natural Products

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic and life-long disease characterized by gastrointestinal tract inflammation. It is caused by the interplay of the host's genetic predisposition and immune responses, and various environmental factors. Despite many treatment options, there is no cure for IBD. The increasing incidence and prevalence of IBD and lack of effective long-term treatment options have resulted in a substantial economic burden to the healthcare system worldwide. Biologics targeting inflammatory cytokines initiated a shift from symptomatic control towards objective treatment goals such as mucosal healing. There are seven monoclonal antibody therapies excluding their biosimilars approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for induction and maintenance of clinical remission in IBD. Adverse side effects associated with almost all currently available drugs, especially biologics, is the main challenge in IBD management. Natural products have significant potential as therapeutic agents with an increasing role in health care. Given that natural products display great structural diversity and are relatively easy to modify chemically, they represent ideal scaffolds upon which to generate novel therapeutics. This review focuses on the pathology, currently available treatment options for IBD and associated challenges, and the roles played by natural products in health care. It discusses these natural products within the current biodiscovery research agenda, including the applications of drug discovery techniques and the search for next-generation drugs to treat a plethora of inflammatory diseases, with a major focus on IBD.

A comprehensive review on ethnomedicine, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicity of Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers

Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers. is a well-known plant in Ayurveda and named "Sarwa wranvishapaka" for its property to heal wounds. Traditionally, it is practiced for impotency, asthma, dyspepsia, hemorrhoids, syphilis gonorrhea, rheumatism, enlargement of kidney and spleen. It is an important component of herbal preparations like Tephroli and Yakrifti used to cure liver disorders. Various phytocompounds including pongamol, purpurin, purpurenone, tephrosin, bulnesol, tephrostachin, β-sitosterol, and so on have been reported. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that the plant have wound healing, antileishmanial, anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antifertility, antispermatogenic, anti-diarrheal, diuretic, and insecticidal properties. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitory action reported from this plant aids its utilization for the development of drugs for Alzheimer's and dementia neurological disorders. Among the known active compounds of T. purpurea, tephrostachin is responsible for antiplasmodial activity, tephrosin, pongaglabol, and semiglabrin exerts antiulcer activity while quercetin, rutin, β-sitosterol, and lupeol are mainly responsible for its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. From different toxicological studies, concentrations up to 2,000 mg/kg were considered safe. The present review comprehensively summarizes the ethnomedicine, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of T. purpurea. Further research on elucidation of the structure-function relationship among active compounds, understanding of multi-target network pharmacology and clinical applications will intensify its therapeutic potential.

Modulation of LPS-induced inflammation in RAW264.7 murine cells by novel isoflavonoids from Millettia pulchra

Millettia pulchra is a renowned anti-inflammatory herbal medicine in southeast provinces of China. However, the underlying anti-inflammation mechanism remained incompletely understood. Herein, four new isoflavones, pulvones A-D and eleven reported constituents were isolated from the stems of Millettia pulchra with their structures being elucidated by HRMS and NMR analysis. The anti-inflammatory activities of pulvones A and C were further evaluated due to the better inhibitory activity on nitric oxide production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and no obvious cytotoxicity to RAW264.7 cells. Western blot showed that pulvones A significantly decreased the levels of iNOS and COX-2 proteins and pulvones C only decreased the level of iNOS protein. ELISA analysis demonstrated that pulvones A inhibited the production of both interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-1β while pulvones C showed better suppression effect on IL-1β production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Then, their potential inhibitory effects on NF-κB pathway were tested in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Immunofluorescence and western blot assay showed that pulvones A and C reduced the nuclear translocation of NF-κB(p65) and interrupted IκB phosphorylation. The ADP-Glo™ kinase assay showed pulvones A and C could directedly inhibit the IKKβ kinase activity with the inhibitory rate of 40%, which were also verified by docking study. Collectively, these results suggested that pulvones A and C's anti-inflammatory effects were relevant to the interruption of NF-κB activation by inhibiting IKKβ kinase.

Modification of the lead molecule: Tryptophan and piperidine appended triazines reversing inflammation and hyeperalgesia in rats

The structural optimization of the molecules making them to fit into the active site pocket of COX-2 occupying the same space as covered by the natural substrate arachidonic acid helped in the emergence of compound 10 as an efficacious anti-inflammatory agent. Selective for COX-2 over COX-1, compound 10 exhibited IC₅₀ 0.02 µM for COX-2 and reversed acetic acid induced inflammation in rats by 73% when used at 10 mg kg^-1 dose and the same dose of the compound also rescued the animals from inflammatory phase of formalin induced hyperalgesia. As evidenced by the results of molecular modeling studies supported by the nuclear Overhauser enhancement data, the appropriate geometry of the molecule in the active site pocket of COX-2 contributing to its H-bond/hydrophobic interactions with Ser530, Trp387 and Tyr385 seems responsible for the enzyme inhibitory activity of the compound.

The extract from the roots of Rose odorata sweet var. gigantean (Coll. et Hemsl.) Rehd. et Wils attenuates DSS-induced ulcerative colitis by regulating the Nrf2/NF-κB signaling pathways

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic non-specific inflammatory bowel disease. Many natural medicines or ethnic drugs have been proven to be effective and beneficial in the treatment of UC. Among these, the root of Rose odorata sweet var. gigantean (Coll. et Hemsl.) Rehd. et Wils. (ROS), a kind of Yi nationality medicine called “GU-GONG-GUO,” has been shown to be useful as a therapeutic agent for sputum and diarrhea. However, the effects and mechanisms of ROS extract (ROE) on UC remain relatively unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the protective effects and the underlying mechanisms of ROE on UC. First, we established a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced experimental colitis mouse model and then evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of ROE in vivo. Then, RAW264.7 cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the presence or absence of ROE to explore its mechanisms in vitro. It was found that ROE attenuated DSS-induced colon length shortening, body weight loss, and colonic pathological damage. Furthermore, ROE inhibited the activity of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and malondialdehyde (MDA). Also, ROE decreased several LPS-induced inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in RAW264.7. In addition, ROE inhibited the expression of p-NF-κB, p-IKKα/β, and Keap1 proteins and increased the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins. Our study suggested that ROE prevented DSS-induced colitis though the Nrf2/NF-κB pathway. Overall, it can be concluded that ROE may be a promising and effective agent for UC.

To evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of ROE in vivo and in vivo by activating Nrf2/Nf-κB pathway.

Agarwood Extract Mitigates Intestinal Injury in Fluorouracil-Induced Mice

Agarwood is used to treat gastrointestinal diseases. Although our previous studies demonstrated that agarwood ethanol extract produced by the whole-tree agarwood-inducing technique (WTAAE) improves intestinal peristalsis, the intestinal protective effect of WTAAE remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of WTAAE on the intestinal injury induced by fluorouracil (5-FU) and explore its potential mechanism. Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice were given agarwood ethanol extracts (AAEs) (details in materials part), including WTAAE (0.71, 1.42 and 2.84 g/kg), wild agarwood ethanol extract (WAAE) and burning-chisel-drilling agarwood ethanol extract (FBAAE) (2.84 g/kg). A colon injury model was induced by 5-FU. After 14 d of treatment, the histopathology and biochemical and molecular parameters were measured. Our results indicated that WTAAE enhanced the intestinal advancing rate and alleviated the severity of colon injury similar the WAAE and better than FBAAE. Simultaneously, WTAAE reduced the nitric oxide (NO) concentration and increased the glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. WTAAE also reduced the levels of interleukin-17 (IL-17) and IL-33 and elevated the level of IL-10. Furthermore, WTAAE upregulated the mRNA expression of the nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2-antioxidant response element (Nrf2-ARE) pathway and downregulated the mRNA levels of the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) pathway. WTAAE had a mitigating effect on intestinal damage, suggesting that it could be used as an intestinal protective and adjuvant therapy drug for intestinal injury induced by chemical drugs.

Protective effects of pterostilbene on ulcerative colitis in rats via suppressing NF-κB pathway and activating PPAR-γ

Our study aimed to investigate the protective effects and potential mechanisms of pterostilbene on rats with ulcerative colitis (UC). We established 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) induced colitis rat model. Rats were randomly divided into three groups, including control group, model group, and pterostilbene group (30 mg/kg). Disease activity index (DAI) including body weight, stool consistency, and gross bleeding was measured. The concentration of superoxide dismutases (SODs), glutathione superoxide (GSH-px), malondialdehyde (MDA), and methylpropanediol (MPO) in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The levels of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-17, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor–alpha (TNF-α) in serum were also analyzed by ELISA kits. Histological evaluations of colons were conducted. The levels of peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor–γ (PPAR-γ), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), ZO-1, and Occludin were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Compared with model group, pterostilbene notably suppressed the production of TNF-α, IL-17, IL-1β, IL-6, MDA and MPO in serum, and markedly increased the SOD and GSH-Px activity in serum. Pterostilbene significantly attenuated macroscopic damage and histological injury, when compared with model rats. Furthermore, pterostilbene also markedly activated the expression of PPAR-γ, ZO-1, and Occludin, and suppressed the expression of NF-κB. The protective effects of pterostilbene might be associated with suppression of NF-κB and activation of PPAR-γ. Pterostilbene might be a promising therapeutic agent for colitis treatment.

Evaluation on Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Total Flavonoids from Juniperus sabina

The leaves of Juniperus sabina (Cupressaceae) are used in traditional Uygur medicine for the treatment of rheumatism and arthritic pain. This study aimed to investigate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of total flavonoids from leaves of Juniperus sabina (JSTF) on rodents. The anti-inflammatory activity was investigated using the carrageenan, egg albumin, or histamine-induced rat paw edema as well as xylene-induced ear edema, capillary permeability, and cotton pellet granuloma while the antinociceptive activity was evaluated using the mouse writhing, formalin, and hot-plate tests. JSTF (125, 250, 500 mg/kg) significantly inhibited xylene-induced ear edema in mice (inhibition ratio as 16.22%, 40.67%, and 51.78%, respectively) and also significantly ameliorated acetic acid increased vascular permeability in mice (inhibition ratio as 11.63%, 32.56%, and 53.49%, respectively). JSTF (250 and 500 mg/kg) gave significant reduction of carrageenin-induced paw oedema at the interval of 1 h and 5 h. Administration of JSTF (500 mg/kg) caused a significant anti-inflammatory effect against oedema induced by egg albumin or histamine at the interval of 0.5 h and 4 h, and both which induced the paw oedema were also inhibited by JSTF (250 mg/kg) at a point in 1, 2, or 3 h after the inflammation. Furthermore, JSTF (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg) produced time-course increase in pain threshold in hot-plate test also. JSTF produced concentration-dependent inhibition on cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) or 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) activities in vitro, and their IC₅₀ values were 31.92 and 129.26 μg/mL, respectively. Moreover, JSTF significantly caused a significant dose-dependent inhibition on acetic acid induced writhing response in mice (inhibition ratio as 23.27%, 36.91%, and 50.76%, respectively). JSTF also significantly ameliorated formalin-induced pain in mice in the late phase on dose-dependent way. These results confirms the clinical use of J. sabina for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in ethnomedicine, and its effective mechanism will be further studied in the future.

NF-κB and Nrf2 pathways contribute to the protective effect of Licochalcone A on dextran sulphate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis in mice

Licochalcone A (Lico A) is a characteristic chalcone isolated from licorice root which is widely recognized in traditional Chinese medicine for the ability of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-parasitic and anti-cancer. The present study was aimed to investigate the effect of Lico A on dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in a mouse model which was induced by administration of 3% DSS in drinking water. Mice were then treated with Lico A (20, 40 and 80 mg/kg, p.o.) or 0.9% saline (20 ml/kg, p.o.) for 17 days. The results showed that treatment with Lico A significantly reduced the colon length, histological damage scores, and colonic myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in a dose-dependent manner as compared to the UC control group. Besides, Lico A significantly decreased the oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines, downregulated nuclear transcription factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway and upregulated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway. Collectively, Lico A is effective in alleviating DSS-induced colitis in mice and the mechanism is associated with its inhibition of NF-κB-regulated pro-inflammatory signaling and activation of Nrf2-regulated cytoprotective protein expression.

Maydis Stigma Elicits Analgesia and Blocks Edema in Mice and Inhibits Inflammation in Macrophages

Maydis Stigma (MS) is an herb traditionally used in many parts of the world. Previous studies have reported that MS plays a role in several biological activities, including antidiabetic and anticancer activities. However, the effects of a MS ethanolic extract (MSE) on the anti-inflammatory cellular mechanism remain unclear. Here, we investigated the anti-inflammatory properties of MSE and its molecular mechanism both in vitro and in vivo. The effects of MSE on the production of inflammatory mediators, cytokines, and related proteins and the identification of target genes were determined using LPS-stimulated macrophages. We also determined the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of MSE by examining acetic acid-induced writhing responses and xylene-induced ear edema in mice. Our results indicated that MSE markedly decreased iNOS and COX-2 levels without causing cytotoxicity and suppressed the secretion of NO in LPS-stimulated macrophages. MSE also inhibited the production of proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-[Formula: see text], IL-6, and IL-1[Formula: see text], and induced the expression of HO-1. Moreover, MSE treatment significantly reduced the LPS-stimulated activation of MAPK, NF-[Formula: see text]B, and AP-1. Furthermore, MSE exerted an analgesic effect on the acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing response test and an anti-inflammatory effect on xylene-induced ear edema in ICR mice. Finally, we investigated the components of MSE using UPLC-ESI-MS and found that it contains the maysin as a marker component. Overall, these observations demonstrate that MSE has anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects both in vitro and in vivo, which may provide new scientific evidence for its use as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of inflammation.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Aqueous Extract from the Seeds of Orychophragmus violaceus against Liver Injury in Mice and HepG2 Cells

Orychophragmus violaceus (O. violaceus) is a kind of edible wild herb in north China and its seeds have medical potential, however, the effect of O. violaceus seeds on liver injury and the mechanism of action remains poorly understood. Thus, the purpose of the present study is to investigate the effect of O. violaceus seeds on liver injury and further explore the molecular mechanism of the beneficial effects using aqueous extract from the seeds of O. violaceus (AEOV). Mice were orally administrated with saline, AEOV, and biphenyldicarboxylate for 4 days, and were then injected subcutaneously with 0.1% carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) dissolved in corn oil. Sixteen hours later, mice were sacrificed and blood samples were collected. Then, the serum was separated and used for biochemical assay. Livers were excised and were routinely processed for histological examinations. Enzyme activities and protein levels in liver homogenates were detected using commercial kits or by western blot analysis. Additionally, the hepatoprotective effect of AEOV in vitro was evaluated using epigoitrin, the major alkaloid compound isolated from AEOV. We found that AEOV attenuated liver injury induced by CCl₄ as evidenced by decreased levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aminotransferase (AST) in serum, improvement of liver histopathological changes, and substantial attenuation of oxidative stress and inflammation via regulation of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) and nuclear factor κB (NFκB) pathways. These effects of AEOV were comparable to that of biphenyldicarboxylate which was commonly used as a hepatoprotective reference. Moreover, pretreatment of HepG2 cells with epigoitrin improved cell viability, decreased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity, attenuated the NFκB pathway, and elevated the Nrf2 pathway after exposure to H₂O₂. These results suggest that AEOV could effectively prevent CCl₄-induced liver injury in mice via regulating the Nrf2 and NFκB pathways, and reveal the cytoprotective effects of epigoitrin against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress in HepG2 cells.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Carboxymethyl Pachyman in Fluorouracil-Treated CT26-Bearing Mice

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is the chemotherapeutic agent of first choice for the treatment ofcolorectal cancer, however, treatment-related liver toxicity remains a major concern. Thereby, it is desirable to search for novel therapeutic approaches that can effectively enhance curative effects and reduce the toxic side effects of 5-FU. Carboxymethyl Pachyman (CMP) exhibits strong antitumor properties, but the antitumor and hepatoprotective effects of CMP and the molecular mechanisms behind these activities, are however poorly explored. Thereby, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of CMP in 5-FU-treated CT26-bearing mice, and further explore the underlying mechanism(s) of action. Initially, a CT26 colon carcinoma xenograft mice model was established. The immune organ indexes, blood indicators, liver tissue injury, and indicators associated with inflammation, antioxidant and apoptosis were then measured. Our results showed that CMP administration increased the tumor inhibitory rates of 5-FU and, meanwhile, it reversed reduction of peripheral white blood cells (WBC) and bone marrow nucleated cells (BMNC), increase of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and decrease of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), GSH-Px and glutathione(GSH) induced by 5-FU. Moreover, CMP in combination with 5-FU alleviated severe liver injury induced by 5-FU via reducing the levels of ROS, IL-1β, and IL-6, decreasing expression of p-IκB-α, NF-κB, p-NF-κB, pp38 and Bax, and elevating levels of Nrf2, GCL, HO-1 and Bcl-2. Collectively, these outcomes suggested that CMP effectively enhanced the curative effects of 5-FU and simultaneously reduced the liver injuries induced by 5-FU in CT26-bearing mice, and the mechanism may be associated with regulation of NF-κB, Nrf2-ARE and MAPK/P38/JNK pathways.

Aqueous extract of Cordyceps sinensis potentiates the antitumor effect of DDP and attenuates therapy-associated toxicity in non-small cell lung cancer via IκBα/NFκB and AKT/MMP2/MMP9 pathways

Cordyceps sinensisis reported as an invigorant with pleiotropic biological effects that has potential for tumor therapy.

Bioactive benzofuran-chalcanes as potential NQO1 inducers from Millettia pulchra (Benth) kurzvar-laxior (Dunn) Z.Wei

Five chalcanes ((α'R)-2, α'-dimethoxy-furano-[4″, 5'': 3', 4'] chalcane, (α'R, βR)-2', α', β-trimethoxy-furano-[4″, 5'': 3', 4'] chalcane, (α'S, βR)-2', α', β-trimethoxy-furano-[4″, 5'': 3', 4'] chalcane, (α'R, βR)-2', β-dimethoxy-α'-hydroxyethoxy-furano-[4″, 5'': 3', 4'] chalcane, (α'S, βR)-2', β-dimethoxy-α'-hydroxyethoxy-furano-[4″, 5'': 3', 4'] chalcane) and a flavonoid glycoside (3', 7-dihydroxy-6-methoxy-4', 5'-methylenedioxyisoflavone 6-O-β-D- glucopyranoside), together with 15 known components, were isolated from the leaves of Millettia pulchra (Benth) Kurzvar-laxior (Dunn) Z. Wei, a traditional Zhuang medicine. Their chemical structures were established by extensive analysis of NMR, mass spectrometry and ECD spectra. Furthermore compounds (α'R, βR)-2', β-dimethoxy-α'-hydroxyethoxy-furano-[4″, 5'': 3', 4'] chalcane, (α'S, βR)-2', β-dimethoxy-α'-hydroxyethoxy-furano-[4″, 5'': 3', 4'] chalcane, quercetin, methyl 2-O-β-D-glucopyranosylbenzoate, 6,7-dimethoxy-3',4'-methylenedioxyisoflavone and lyoniresinol were suggested to be potential chemopreventive agents because of their significant activity in inducing NQO1 ([NAD(P)H quinine oxidoreductase 1], a phase II metabolism enzyme).

An efficient transformation of furano-hydroxychalcones to furanoflavones via base mediated intramolecular tandem O-arylation and C-O bond cleavage: a new approach for the synthesis of furanoflavones

A new and efficient potassium carbonate mediated intramolecular tandem O-arylation followed by C-O bond cleavage of furano-hydroxychalcones is described. The treatment of furano-hydroxychalcones pongamol (1a) and ovalitenone (2a) with potassium carbonate in DMF led to the direct formation of the furanoflavones lanceolatin B (3ab) and pongaglabrone (4ab) in excellent yields. This is the first report on the cyclization of furano-hydroxychalcones via C-O bond cleavage (demethoxylation) to produce furanoflavonoids.