Bergenin protects pancreatic beta cells against cytokine-induced apoptosis in INS-1E cells

Molecular Docking and Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion (ADME) Analysis: Examining the Binding Modes and Affinities of Myricetin With Insulin Receptor, Glycogen Synthase Kinase, and Glucokinase

Aim By using molecular docking analysis (MDA) to examine its interactions with important regulatory proteins linked to diabetes, such as glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β), insulin receptor (IR), and glucose kinase (GCK), this study seeks to explore the therapeutic potential of myricetin, a naturally occurring flavonoid. Objective The main goal is to determine potential effects on insulin signalling, GSK3β activity, and glucose metabolism by evaluating the binding affinities of myricetin with GCK, IR, and GSK3β through MDA. In order to assess the drug affinity of myricetin, the study also intends to perform absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) studies. Materials and methods To model the interaction between myricetin and the target proteins (GCK, IR, and GSK3β), we used molecular docking analysis with computational tools. ADME studies were also included in the study to evaluate drug affinity. Identification of binding sites, essential residues, and interaction stability were all part of the structural analysis. Results As evidence of possible interactions with these regulatory proteins, myricetin showed positive binding affinities with GCK, IR, and GSK3β. Strong interactions with important ligand recognition residues were seen in the docking into IR, indicating a potential impact on insulin signalling. Moreover, a strong binding affinity for GCK indicated potential effects on the metabolism of glucose. Studies using ADME confirmed the high drug affinity of myricetin. Conclusion This work sheds light on the multi-target potential of myricetin in the regulation of diabetes. It appears that it has the ability to influence glucose metabolism, suppress GSK3β activity, and regulate insulin signalling based on its interactions with IR, GSK3β, and GCK. Although these computational results show promise, more experimental work is necessary to confirm and fully understand the precise mechanisms that underlie myricetin's effects on the regulation of diabetes.

The traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of Bergenia purparescens: A review comments and suggestions

Bergenia purpurascens (B. purpurascens, Saxifragaceae) has been used to treat several diseases in different countries, such as lung diseases, stomach problems, rheumatic pains, boosting immunity etc. However, the information on phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of this plant has rarely been comprehensively and critically reported. This paper aims to study and evaluate its therapeutic potential, including the traditional uses and all the latest information of phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology. The main components of this plant are phenols compounds and the characteristic substance is bergenin.The results about modern pharmacology have shown that its pharmacological effects include antibacterial, antiviral, cough relieving, anti-inflammatory and so on. In addition, it could inhibit diabetic neuropathy, restore insulin secretion, treat cancer, protect liver and prevent Alzheimer's disease (AD). Thus, its therapeutic fields may be cancer, diabetic and AD in the future. The information will help to further update and study pharmacologic effect and action mechanism of this herb, which is more widely, effectively, and safely used in clinic.

Chemistry and Pharmacology of Bergenin or Its Derivatives: A Promising Molecule

Bergenin is a glycosidic derivative of trihydroxybenzoic acid that was discovered in 1880 by Garreau and Machelart from the rhizomes of the medicinal plant Bergenia crassifolia (currently: Saxifraga crassifolia—Saxifragaceae), though was later isolated from several other plant sources. Since its first report, it has aroused interest because it has several pharmacological activities, mainly antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. In addition to this, bergenin has shown potential antimalarial, antileishmanial, trypanocidal, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antinociceptive, antiarthritic, antiulcerogenic, antidiabetic/antiobesity, antiarrhythmic, anticancer, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective and cardioprotective activities. Thus, this review aimed to describe the sources of isolation of bergenin and its in vitro and in vivo biological and pharmacological activities. Bergenin is distributed in many plant species (at least 112 species belonging to 34 families). Both its derivatives (natural and semisynthetic) and extracts with phytochemical proof of its highest concentration are well studied, and none of the studies showed cytotoxicity for healthy cells.

Bergenin alleviates H2 O2 -induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in nucleus pulposus cells: Involvement of the PPAR-γ/NF-κB pathway

Bergenin is a C-glucoside of 4-O-methyl gallic acid with a variety of biological activities, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Herein, we investigated the involvement of bergenin in the protective effect against H₂ O₂ -induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in human nucleus pulposus cells (HNPCs) and the underlying mechanisms. HNPCs were cotreated with various concentrations of bergenin and 200 μM H₂ O₂ for 24 h. Cell viability was detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 and lactate dehydrogenase release assays. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) was evaluated utilizing 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein-diacetate. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities and glutathione (GSH) levels were measured to assess oxidative stress. Apoptosis was evaluated using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling and caspase-3/7 activity assays. Expression of protein was determined by western blotting. Results indicated that treatment with bergenin significantly alleviated H₂ O₂ -induced viability reduction and ROS overproduction in HNPCs in a dose-dependent manner. Bergenin alleviated H₂ O₂ -induced oxidative stress in HNPCs by increased activity of superoxide dismutase and level of glutathione peroxidase. H₂ O₂ -induced apoptosis and activity of caspase-3/7 were also suppressed by bergenin treatment in HNPCs. Western blotting showed that H₂ O₂ -induced decrease in expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) and increase in nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) were inhibited by bergenin. However, the inhibitory effect of bergenin on H₂ O₂ -induced viability reduction, oxidative stress and apoptosis were noticeably abrogated in PPAR-γ knockdown HNPCs. In conclusion, our results indicated that bergenin alleviates H₂ O₂ -induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in HNPCs by activating PPAR-γ and suppressing NF-κB pathway.

Bergenin - a biologically active scaffold: Nanotechnological perspectives

Bergenin, 4-O-methyl gallic acid glucoside, is a bioactive compound present in various plants belonging to different families. The present work compiles scattered information on pharmacology, structure activity relationship and nanotechnological aspects of bergenin, collected from various electronic databases such as Sci Finder, PubMed, Google scholar, etc. Bergenin has been reported to exhibit hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, neuroprotective, antiviral and antimicrobial activities. Molecular docking studies have shown that isocoumarin pharmacophore of bergenin is essential for its bioactivities. Bergenin holds a great potential to be used as lead molecule and also as a therapeutic agent for development of more efficacious and safer semisynthetic derivatives. Nanotechnological concepts can be employed to overcome poor bioavailability of bergenin. Finally, it is concluded that bergenin can be emerged as clinically potential medicine in modern therapeutics.