Linderae radix ethanol extract attenuates alcoholic liver injury via attenuating inflammation and regulating gut microbiota in rats

From ancient wisdom to modern science: Gut microbiota sheds light on property theory of traditional Chinese medicine

The property theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been practiced for thousands of years, playing a pivotal role in the clinical application of TCM. While advancements in energy metabolism, chemical composition analysis, machine learning, ion current modeling, and supercritical fluid technology have provided valuable insight into how aspects of TCM property theory may be measured, these studies only capture specific aspects of TCM property theory in isolation, overlooking the holistic perspective inherent in TCM. To systematically investigate the modern interpretation of the TCM property theory from multidimensional perspectives, we consulted the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 edition) to compile a list of Chinese materia medica (CMM). Then, using the Latin names of each CMM and gut microbiota as keywords, we searched the PubMed database for relevant research on gut microbiota and CMM. The regulatory patterns of different herbs on gut microbiota were then summarized from the perspectives of the four natures, the five flavors and the meridian tropism. In terms of the four natures, we found that warm-natured medicines promoted the colonization of specific beneficial bacteria, while cold-natured medicines boosted populations of some beneficial bacteria while suppressing pathogenic bacteria. Analysis of the five flavors revealed that sweet-flavored and bitter-flavored CMMs positively influenced beneficial bacteria while inhibiting harmful bacteria. CMMs with different meridian tropism exhibited complex modulative patterns on gut microbiota, with Jueyin (Liver) and Taiyin (Lung) meridian CMMs generally exerting a stronger effect. The gut microbiota may be a biological indicator for characterizing the TCM property theory, which not only enhances our understanding of classic TCM theory but also contributes to its scientific advancement and application in healthcare. Please cite this article as: Yang YN, Zhan JG, Cao Y, Wu CM. From ancient wisdom to modern science: Gut microbiota sheds light on property theory of traditional Chinese medicine. J Integr Med 2024; 22(4): 413-445.

A multi-omics study reveals the therapeutic effect of Linderae Radix water extract on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Linderae Radix (Lindera aggregata (Sims) Kosterm) is a traditional Chinese medicine known for its capability to regulate qi and relieve pain, particularly in the context of gastrointestinal disorders.

AIM OF THE STUDY

While our previous research has demonstrated the efficacy of the Linderae Radix water extract (LRWE) in the treatment of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D), the precise mechanisms remain elusive. This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the therapeutic effects of LRWE on IBS-D through multi-omics techniques.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

16 S rRNA gene sequencing combined with LC-MS metabolomics was employed to investigate the effect of LRWE on the gut microbiota and metabolites of IBS-D rats. Spearman correlation analysis was performed on the gut microbiota and metabolites.

RESULTS

LRWE administration significantly ameliorated IBS-D rats' symptoms, including diarrhea, visceral hypersensitivity, and low-grade intestinal inflammation. Gut microbiota analysis revealed that LRWE influenced the diversity of the gut microbiota in IBS-D rats by significantly reducing the relative abundance of Patescibacteria and Candidatus Saccharimonas, while increasing the relative abundance of Jeotgalicoccus. Serum metabolomic analysis identified 16 differential metabolites, associated with LRWE's positive effects on IBS-D symptoms, focusing on glyoxylate and dicarboxylic acid metabolism, and cysteine and methionine metabolism. Spearman analysis demonstrated a strong correlation between cecal microbiota composition and serum metabolite levels.

CONCLUSIONS

This study elucidates that LRWE plays a crucial role in the comprehensive therapeutic approach to IBS-D by restoring the relative abundance of gut microbiota and addressing the disturbed metabolism of endogenous biomarkers. The identified bacteria and metabolites present potential therapeutic targets for IBS-D.

Linderae Radix Ameliorates Cognitive Dysfunction by Inhibiting Neuroinflammation and Synaptic Damage in Alzheimer's Disease Models

Neuroinflammation and synaptic damage are important etiologies associated with the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Linderae Radix (LR) has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study investigated whether LR attenuates microglia activation-mediated neuroinflammation and synaptic degeneration and improves AD pathological phenotypes induced by amyloid beta oligomers (AβO) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) toxicity. For in vitro studies, we treated LR to AβO-stimulated HT22 cells or LR LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. For in vivo studies, we administered LR to mice and AβO was injected by stereotaxic to induce cognitive impairment, neuroinflammation, and synaptic loss. We found that LR increased the cell viability reduced by AβO. Moreover, LR inhibited pro-inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO), inducible NO synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and downregulated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling in BV2 cells. Behavioral assessments demonstrated that LR administration significantly improved cognitive decline induced by AβO-injection. Furthermore, we found that microglia activation increased, and the expression of synaptic proteins decreased in the hippocampus of the AβO-injected group, which was alleviated in the LR-treated group. These findings suggest that LR may be a potential candidate for protection against neuroinflammation and synaptic loss, and may prevent or delay AD progression.

A review on the chemical constituents and pharmacological efficacies of Lindera aggregata (Sims) Kosterm

Lindera aggregata (Sims) Kosterm. (L. aggregata), which belongs to the genus Lindera in the family Lauraceae, is widely distributed in Asia and the temperate, tropical regions of North America. Its roots and leaves have been used for thousands of years as traditional Chinese medicine and/or functional food. To further explore its underlying nutritional value, this review provided a comprehensive insight into chemical constituents and pharmacological effects on L. aggregata. The phytochemical investigation of different parts of L. aggregata led to the identification of up to 349 components belonging to sesquiterpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, essential oils, and other compounds. Among them, sesquiterpenoids, flavonoids, and alkaloids are assessed as representative active ingredients of L. aggregata. A wide variety of pharmacological effects of L. aggregata, such as anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-oxidant, have been proved in vitro and in vivo. In summary, this review aims to provide a scientific basis and reference for further research and utilization of L. aggregata and lay the foundation for developing functional foods with potential active ingredients for the prevention and management of related diseases.

The Ethanolic Extract of Lindera aggregata Modulates Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis and Alleviates Ethanol-Induced Acute Liver Inflammation and Oxidative Stress SIRT1/Nrf2/NF-κB Pathway

This study is an attempt to evaluate the therapeutic effect of the ethanolic extract of Lindera aggregata on the liver and intestinal microbiota in rats with alcohol-induced liver injury (ALI). Rats were treated with 70 mg probiotics, 1 g/kg, 2 g/kg, and 3 g/kg ethanolic extract of Lindera aggregata, respectively, for 10 days. We found that Lindera aggregata could significantly reduce the biochemical parameters in the serum of ALD rats. Lindera aggregata alleviates oxidative stress and inflammation by upregulating SIRT1 and Nrf2 and downregulating COX2 and NF-κB. The results of 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the medium dose of Lindera aggregata had the best effect on the growth of beneficial bacteria. Diversity analysis and LEfSe analysis showed that beneficial bacteria gradually occupied the dominant niche. The relative abundance of potential pathogens in the gut decreased significantly. We demonstrated that the ethanolic extract of Lindera aggregata can alleviate the oxidative stress and inflammation induced by alcohol through the SIRT1/Nrf2/NF-κB pathway and can modulate the disturbance of gut microbiota induced by alcohol intake.

Linderalactone Suppresses Pancreatic Cancer Development In Vitro and In Vivo via Negatively Regulating PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway

Linderalactone is one of the main extracts of Linderae Radix, which is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. There have been few studies on the antitumor effect of linderalactone in the past. In this study, we explored the anti-pancreatic cancer activity of linderalactone in vitro and in vivo. The  results showed that linderalactone inhibited the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Cell migration and invasion were significantly inhibited by linderalactone. The cell cycle was arrested in the G2/M phase, and the expression levels of cell cycle-associated proteins changed significantly with linderalactone treatment. In addition, linderalactone induced cell apoptosis and altered the expression of apoptotic markers, such as caspase 3 and PARP1. Mechanistically, linderalactone suppressed the PI3K/AKT  signaling pathway by downregulating the phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT. The xenograft study results were consistent with the in vitro results, and there was no obvious chemical toxicity. Thus, our research demonstrated that linderalactone exhibits antitumor activity against pancreatic cancer and may be developed as a potential anti-pancreatic cancer agent in the future.

Role of gut bacterial and non-bacterial microbiota in alcohol-associated liver disease: Molecular mechanisms, biomarkers, and therapeutic prospective

Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) comprises a spectrum of liver diseases that include: steatosis to alcohol-associated hepatitis, cirrhosis, and ultimately hepatocellular carcinoma. The pathophysiology and potential underlying mechanisms for alcohol-associated liver disease are unclear. Moreover, the treatment of ALD remains a challenge. Intestinal microbiota include bacteria, fungi, and viruses, that are now known to be important in the development of ALD. Alcohol consumption can change the gut microbiota and function leading to liver disease. Given the importance of interactions between intestinal microbiota, alcohol, and liver injury, the gut microbiota has emerged as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target. This review focuses on the potential mechanisms by which the gut microbiota may be involved in the pathogenesis of ALD and explains how this can be translated into clinical management. We discuss the potential of utilizing the gut microbiota signature as a biomarker in ALD patients. Additionally, we present an overview of the prospect of modulating the intestinal microbiota for the management of ALD.

Root Extract of Lindera aggregata (Sims) Kosterm. Modulates the Th17/Treg Balance to Attenuate DSS-Induced Colitis in Mice by IL-6/STAT3 Signaling Pathway

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, idiopathic and relapsing inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract that has a prolonged disease duration. Lindera aggregata (Sims) Kosterm. is a traditional Chinese herb which has been used to treat gastrointestinal diseases for thousand years. However, there are few reports about the application of L. aggregata in the treatment of UC at present. Herein, we investigated the therapeutic effect of the root extract of L. aggregata (LREE) against UC and explored its underlying mechanisms based on IL-6 signaling pathway and the balance of T helper (Th) 17 and regulatory T (Treg) cells. Results showed that LREE could not only decrease the production and secretion of IL-6, but also could inhibit the signal transduction of IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway. Moreover, LREE could significantly inhibit the differentiation of CD4⁺ T cells to Th17 cells in vitro and decrease the proportion of Th17 cells in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) of model mice in vivo. Besides, LREE could also alleviate the disease symptoms, reduce intestinal permeability and improve histopathological changes of colitis model mice. Together, LREE can significantly inhibit the production and secretion of IL-6, regulate IL-6/STAT3 signal transduction, and modulate the balance of Th17 and Treg cells and effectively attenuate UC.

Translational Approaches with Antioxidant Phytochemicals against Alcohol-Mediated Oxidative Stress, Gut Dysbiosis, Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction, and Fatty Liver Disease

Emerging data demonstrate the important roles of altered gut microbiomes (dysbiosis) in many disease states in the peripheral tissues and the central nervous system. Gut dysbiosis with decreased ratios of Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes and other changes are reported to be caused by many disease states and various environmental factors, such as ethanol (e.g., alcohol drinking), Western-style high-fat diets, high fructose, etc. It is also caused by genetic factors, including genetic polymorphisms and epigenetic changes in different individuals. Gut dysbiosis, impaired intestinal barrier function, and elevated serum endotoxin levels can be observed in human patients and/or experimental rodent models exposed to these factors or with certain disease states. However, gut dysbiosis and leaky gut can be normalized through lifestyle alterations such as increased consumption of healthy diets with various fruits and vegetables containing many different kinds of antioxidant phytochemicals. In this review, we describe the mechanisms of gut dysbiosis, leaky gut, endotoxemia, and fatty liver disease with a specific focus on the alcohol-associated pathways. We also mention translational approaches by discussing the benefits of many antioxidant phytochemicals and/or their metabolites against alcohol-mediated oxidative stress, gut dysbiosis, intestinal barrier dysfunction, and fatty liver disease.

Exploring the Active Components of Simotang Oral Liquid and Their Potential Mechanism of Action on Gastrointestinal Disorders by Integrating Ultrahigh-Pressure Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Linear Ion Trap-Orbitrap Analysis and Network Pharmacology

Simotang oral liquid (SMT), a well-known traditional Chinese medicine formula composed of four medicinal and edible plants, has been extensively used for treating gastrointestinal disorders (GIDs) since ancient times. However, the major active constituents and the underlying molecular mechanism of SMT on GIDs are still partially understood. Herein, the preliminary chemical profile of SMT was first identified by ultrahigh-pressure liquid chromatography coupled with linear ion trap-Orbitrap tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap). In total, 70 components were identified. Then, a network pharmacology approach integrating target prediction, pathway enrichment analysis, and network construction was adopted to explore the therapeutic mechanism of SMT. As a result, 170 main targets were screened out and considered as effective players in ameliorating GIDs. More importantly, the major hubs were found to be highly enriched in a calcium signaling pathway. Furthermore, 26 core SMT-related genes were identified, which may play key roles in ameliorating gastrointestinal motility. In conclusion, this work would provide valuable information for further development and clinical application of SMT.

Therapeutic Potential of Lindera obtusiloba: Focus on Antioxidative and Pharmacological Properties

Lindera obtusiloba (LO) BLUME from the genus Lindera (Lauraceae) is a medicinal herb traditionally used in Southeast Asian countries. Indigenously, extracts of different parts of the plant have been used to improve blood circulation and treat allergy, inflammation, rheumatism, and liver diseases. LO is a rich source of therapeutically beneficial antioxidative phytochemicals, such as flavonoids, butenolides, lignans and neolignans. Moreover, recent studies have unravelled the pharmacological properties of several newly found active constituents of LO, such as anti-inflammatory antioxidants (+)-syringaresinol, linderin A, anti-atherosclerotic antioxidant (+)-episesamin, anti-melanogenic antioxidants quercitrin and afzelin, cytotoxic 2-(1-methoxy-11-dodecenyl)-penta-2,4-dien-4-olide, (2Z,3S,4S)-2-(11-dodecenylidene)-3-hydroxy-4-methyl butanolide, anti-allergic koaburaside, (6-hydroxyphenyl)-1-O-beta-d-glucopyranoside and 2,6-dimethoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl-1-O-beta-d-glucopyranoside and the antiplatelet-activity compound Secolincomolide A. These findings demonstrate that LO can be a potential source of antioxidants and other prospective therapeutically active constituents that can lead to the development of oxidative stress-mediated diseases, such as cardiovascular disorders, neurodegenerative disorders, allergies, inflammation, hepatotoxicity, and cancer. Here, the antioxidant properties of different species of Lindera genus are discussed briefly. The traditional use, phytochemistry, antioxidative and pharmacological properties of LO are also considered to help researchers screen potential lead compounds and design and develop future therapeutic agents to treat oxidative stress-mediated disorders.

The Prebiotic-Like Effects of Coprinus comatus Polysaccharides on Gut Microbiota in Normal Mice and Those with Acute Alcoholic Liver Injury: A Comparative Study

This study aims to investigate the prebiotic-like effects of Coprinus comatus polysaccharides (CCP) on gut microbiota. Mice were divided into four groups: normal group (NG), alcohol group (AG), polysaccharides group (PG), and alcohol + polysaccharides group (APG). The gut microbiota structure of feces was analyzed by determining the V3-V4 region sequence in 16S rDNA. The results showed CCP could increase the diversity of gut microbiota. Compared with NG, PG had a significantly higher relative abundance of Firmicutes and Lactobacillaceae and a lower abundance of Rikenellaceae. These changes in gut microbiota result in positive effects on gut due to a series of prebiotic-like effects of CCP. At the same time, CCP could improve some adverse changes in gut microbiota caused by acute alcohol intake, such as the increased proportion of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Muribaculaceae, and Lachnospiraceae and the decreased proportion of Rikenellaceae. In conclusion, the CCP has certain prebiotic effects not only on normal mice but also on mice with acute alcoholic liver injury.

The Great Healing Potential Hidden in Plant Preparations of Antioxidant Properties: A Return to Nature?

The application of chemicals in industry and agriculture has contributed to environmental pollution and exposure of living organisms to harmful factors. The development of new pharmaceutical agents enabled successful therapy of various diseases, but their administration may be connected with side effects. Oxidative stress has been found to be involved into etiology of numerous diseases as well as harmful action of drugs and chemicals. For some time, plant origin substances have been studied as potential protective agents alleviating toxicity of various substances and symptoms of diseases. The aim of the current review was to present the diversity of the research performed during the last five years on animal models. The outcomes showed a huge protective potential inherent in plant preparations, including alleviating prooxidative processes, strengthening antioxidant defence, ameliorating immune parameters, and reversing histopathological changes. In many cases, plant origin substances were proved to be comparable or even better than standard drugs. Such findings let us suggest that in the future the plant preparations could make adjuvants or a replacement for pharmaceutical agents. However, the detailed research regarding dose and way of administration as well as the per se effects needs to be performed. In many studies, the last issue was not studied, and in some cases, the deleterious effects have been observed.

Characteristics of healthy and androgenetic alopecia scalp microbiome: Effect of Lindera strychnifolia roots extract as a natural solution for its modulation

OBJECTIVE

The human scalp harbours a vast community of microbiotal mutualists. Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), the most common form of hair loss in males, is a multifactorial condition involving genetic predisposition and hormonal changes. The role of microflora during hair loss remains to be understood. After having characterized the scalp microbiota of 12 healthy male subjects and 12 AGA male subjects (D0), the aim of this investigation was to evaluate the capacity of Lindera strychnifolia root extract (LsR) to restore a healthy bacterial and fungal scalp microflora after 83 days (D83) of treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The strategy used was based on high-throughput DNA sequencing targeting the encoding 16S ribosomal RNA for bacteria and Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 ribosomal DNA for fungi.

RESULTS

Test analysis of relative abundance comparing healthy and AGA subjects showed a significant increase of Cutibacterim acnes (P < 0.05) and Stenotrophomonas geniculata (P < 0.01) in AGA subjects. AGA scalp condition was also associated with a significant (P < 0.05) decrease of Staphylococcus epidermidis relative abundance. A lower proportion of Malassezia genus in samples corresponding to AGA scalps and an increase of other bacterial genera (Wallemia, Eurotium) were also noted. At the species level, mean relative abundance of Malassezia restricta and Malassezia globosa were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the AGA group. Eighty-three days of treatment induced a significant decrease in the relative abundance of C. acnes (P < 0.05) and S. geniculata (P < 0.01). S. epidermidis increased significantly (P < 0.05). At the same time, LsR treatment induced a significant increase in the proportion of M. restricta and M. globosa (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Data from sequencing profiling of the scalp microbiota strongly support a different microbial composition of scalp between control and AGA populations. Findings suggest that LsR extract may be a potential remedy for scalp microbiota re-equilibrium.

The effects of epigenetic modification on the occurrence and progression of liver diseases and the involved mechanism

Introduction: Epigenetic modification is a type of gene expression and regulation that does not involve changes in DNA sequences. An increasing number of studies have proven that epigenetic modifications play an important role in the occurrence and progression of liver diseases through the gene regulation and protein expressions of hepatocellular lipid metabolism, inflammatory reaction, cell proliferation, and activation, etc.Areas covered: In this study, we elaborated and analyzed the underlying functional mechanism of epigenetic modification in alcoholic liver disease (ALD), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), liver fibrosis (LF), viral hepatitis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and research progress of recent years.Expert opinion: The further understanding of epigenetic mechanisms that can regulate gene expression and cell phenotype leads to new insights in epigenetic control of chronic liver disease. Currently, hepatologists are exploring the role of DNA methylation, histone/chromatin modification, and non-coding RNA in specific liver pathology. These findings have led to advances in direct epigenetic biomarker testing of patient tissue or body fluid specimens, as well as quantitative analysis. Based on these findings, drug validation of some targets involved in the epigenetic mechanism of liver disease is gradually being carried out clinically.

Effects of Portulaca Oleracea Extract on Acute Alcoholic Liver Injury of Rats

The present study was envisaged to investigate the chemical constituents and the intervention effects of Portulaca oleracea extract (POE) on acute alcoholic liver injury of rats. The chemical composition of POE was detected by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Sixty male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups: Normal control (NC) group, acute alcoholic liver injury model group (ALI), low, medium and high dose of POE (25, 50, 100 mg/kg) groups and bifendate (BF, 3.75 mg/kg) group. Each group was given by intragastrical administration for 7 days. Alcoholic liver injury was induced in the experimental model by administering 50% ethanol at 8 mL/kg and repeated administration after 6 h, for a period of 7 days. The results showed that pretreatment with POE significantly reduced the ethanol-elevated serum level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and triglyceride (TG). The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) in liver were enhanced followed by administration of POE, while the content of nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) was found to decrease. Hepatic content of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) was also reduced by POE treatment. These results indicated that POE could increase the antioxidant capacity and relieve the inflammatory injury of the liver cells induced by ethanol. Meanwhile, in our study, POE reduced the expression of miR-122, acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC) 1 mRNA and protein and increased the expression of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) mRNA and protein in liver, which indicated that POE could improve the lipid metabolism disorder induced by ethanol. Our findings suggested that POE had protective effects on acute alcoholic liver injury of rats.