Medicinal Value and Potential Therapeutic Mechanisms of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino and Its Derivatives: An Overview

The potential of Gynostemma pentaphyllum in the treatment of hyperlipidemia and its interaction with the LOX1-PI3K-AKT-eNOS pathway

Gynostemma pentaphyllum, a traditional Chinese medicine, is widely used to treat various diseases, but its therapeutic effects and mechanisms of action on hyperlipidemia remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the effects of Danshen leaf on hyperlipidemia through network pharmacology, molecular docking, and cellular experiments, elucidating its multifaceted mechanism of action within the LOX1-PI3K-AKT-eNOS pathway. First, the active ingredients and targets of G. pentaphyllum were screened using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database. Then, targets for hyperlipidemia were identified using the OMIM and GeneCards databases, and potential therapeutic targets for G. pentaphyllum in treating hyperlipidemia were determined. An active ingredient-target network was constructed using Cytoscape software, and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was built and visualized using the STRING database and Cytoscape software. Finally, GO functional and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were performed, and the predicted mechanisms were validated through molecular docking and cell experiments. 85 targets for G. pentaphyllum and 1556 for Hyperlipidemia were screened, with 53 common targets. Twenty-four active ingredients of G. pentaphyllum were found to be involved in the treatment of hyperlipidemia. Key nodes such as Rhamnazin, Isofucosterol, and quercetin, and targets NCOA2, NR3C2, PGR, and PPARG showed high relevance. In the PPI network, 8 nodes, including IL6, PPARG, and VEGFA, exhibited high centrality. GO functional and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses indicated that G. pentaphyllum may treat hyperlipidemia by influencing various biological functions and pathways, such as DNA-binding transcription factor binding, RNA polymerase II-specific DNA-binding transcription factor binding, and lipid and atherosclerosis. Cell experiments demonstrated that G. pentaphyllum significantly regulated the expression of key proteins in the LOX1-PI3K-AKT-eNOS pathway, thereby improving hyperlipidemia. G. pentaphyllum improves hyperlipidemia by mediating the LOX1-PI3K-AKT-eNOS pathway. This study provides a new theoretical basis and experimental evidence for applying G. pentaphyllum to treating hyperlipidemia.

Investigating the Anti-Inflammatory, Analgesic, and Chondroprotective Effects of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino in Osteoarthritis: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study

Osteoarthritis (OA) is an age-related disease characterized by inflammation, pain, articular cartilage damage, synovitis, and irreversible disability. Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino (GP), a herbal medicine traditionally used in East Asia for its anti-inflammatory properties, was investigated for its potential to modulate OA pathology and symptoms. This study evaluated GP's efficacy in inhibiting pain, functional decline, and cartilage destruction in monosodium iodoacetate-induced OA and acetic acid-induced writhing models. Additionally, the effects of GP on OA-related inflammatory targets were assessed via mRNA and protein expression in rat knee cartilage and lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 cells. The GP group demonstrated significant pain relief, functional improvement, and cartilage protection. Notably, GP inhibited key inflammatory mediators, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-3 and MMP-13, cyclooxygenase-2, and prostaglandin E receptor 2, surpassing the effects of active controls. These findings suggest that GP is a promising candidate for disease-modifying OA drugs and warrants further comprehensive studies.

Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy: the role of oxidative stress

Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is an autoimmune condition affecting the eyes, characterized by proptosis, extraocular muscle involvement, and in severe cases, vision impairment including diplopia, optic neuropathy, and potential blindness. The exact etiology of TAO remains elusive; however, increased oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant capacity are pivotal in its pathogenesis. Elevated oxidative stress not only directly damages orbital tissues but also influences thyroid function and autoimmune responses, exacerbating tissue destruction. This review explores the role of oxidative stress in TAO, elucidates its mechanisms, and evaluates the efficacy and limitations of antioxidant therapies in managing TAO. The findings aim to enhance understanding of oxidative stress mechanisms in TAO and propose potential antioxidant strategies for future therapeutic development.

A promising therapy for fatty liver disease: PCSK9 inhibitors

BACKGROUND

Fatty liver disease (FLD) poses a significant global health concern worldwide, with its classification into nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) contingent upon the presence or absence of chronic and excessive alcohol consumption. The absence of specific therapeutic interventions tailored to FLD at various stages of the disease renders its treatment exceptionally arduous. Despite the fact that FLD and hyperlipidemia are intimately associated, there is still debate over how lipid-lowering medications affect FLD. Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/ Kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a serine protease predominantly synthesized in the liver, which has a crucial impact on cholesterol homeostasis. Research has confirmed that PCSK9 inhibitors have prominent lipid-lowering properties and substantial clinical effectiveness, thereby justifying the need for additional exploration of their potential role in FLD.

PURPOSE

Through a comprehensive literature search, this review is to identify the relationship and related mechanisms between PCSK9, lipid metabolism and FLD. Additionally, it will assess the pharmacological mechanism and applicability of PCSK9 inhibitors (including naturally occurring PCSK9 inhibitors, such as conventional herbal medicines) for the treatment of FLD and serve as a guide for updating the treatment protocol for such conditions.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted using several electronic databases, including Pubmed, Medline, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang database and ClinicalTrials.gov, from the inception of the database to 30 Jan 2024. Key words used in the literature search were "fatty liver", "hepatic steatosis", "PCSK9", "traditional Chinese medicine", "herb medicine", "botanical medicine", "clinical trial", "vivo", "vitro", linked with AND/OR. Most of the included studies were within five years.

RESULTS

PCSK9 participates in the regulation of circulating lipids via both LDLR dependent and independent pathways, and there is a potential association with de novo lipogenesis. Major clinical studies have demonstrated a positive correlation between circulating PCSK9 levels and the severity of NAFLD, with elevated levels of circulating PCSK9 observed in individuals exposed to chronic alcohol. Numerous studies have demonstrated the potential of PCSK9 inhibitors to ameliorate non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), potentially completely alleviate liver steatosis, and diminish liver impairment. In animal experiments, PCSK9 inhibitors have exhibited efficacy in alleviating alcoholic induced liver lipid accumulation and hepatitis. Traditional Chinese medicine such as berberine, curcumin, resveratrol, piceatannol, sauchinone, lupin, quercetin, salidroside, ginkgolide, tanshinone, lunasin, Capsella bursa-pastoris, gypenosides, and Morus alba leaves are the main natural PCS9 inhibitors. Excitingly, by inhibiting transcription, reducing secretion, direct targeting and other pathways, traditional Chinese medicine exert inhibitory effects on PCSK9, thereby exerting potential FLD therapeutic effects.

CONCLUSION

PCSK9 plays an important role in the development of FLD, and PCSK9 inhibitors have demonstrated beneficial effects on lipid regulation and FLD in both preclinical and clinical studies. In addition, some traditional Chinese medicines have improved the disease progression of FLD by inhibiting PCSK9 and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Consequently, the inhibition of PCSK9 appears to be a promising therapeutic strategy for FLD.

Gypenoside A Protects Human Myocardial Cells from Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury via the circ_0010729/miR-370-3p/RUNX1 Axis

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is one of the major causes of cardiovascular disease. Gypenoside A (GP), the main active component of Gynostemma pentaphyllum, alleviates myocardial I/R injury. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the I/R injury. We explored the protective effect of GP on human cardiomyocytes (HCMs) via the circ_0010729/miR-370-3p/RUNX1 axis. Overexpression of circ_0010729 abolished the effects of GP on HMC, such as suppression of apoptosis and increase in cell viability and proliferation. Overexpression of miR-370-3p reversed the effect of circ_0010729 overexpression, resulting in the stimulation of HMC viability and proliferation and inhibition of apoptosis. The knockdown of miR-370-3p suppressed the effects of GP in HCMs. RUNX1 silencing counteracted the effect of miR-370-3p knockdown and maintained GP-induced suppression of apoptosis and stimulation of HMC viability and proliferation. The levels of RUNX1 mRNA and protein were reduced in cells expressing miR-370-3p. In conclusion, this study confirmed that GP alleviated the I/R injury of myocardial cell via the circ_0010729/miR-370-3p/RUNX1 axis.

Gypenosides suppress hepatocellular carcinoma cells by blocking cholesterol biosynthesis through inhibition of MVA pathway enzyme HMGCS1

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors with high morbidity and mortality. Targeting abnormal cholesterol metabolism is a potential therapeutic direction. Therefore, more natural drugs targeting cholesterol in HCC need to be developed. Gypenosides (Gyp), the major constituent of Gynostemma pentaphyllum, has been demonstrated to have pharmacological properties on anti-cancer, anti-obesity, and hepatoprotective. We investigated whether Gyp, isolated and purified by our lab, could inhibit HCC progression by inhibiting cholesterol synthesis. The present research showed that Gyp inhibited proliferation and migration, and induced apoptosis in Huh-7 and Hep3B cells. Metabolomics, transcriptomics, and target prediction all suggested that lipid metabolism and cholesterol biosynthesis were the mechanisms of Gyp. Gyp could limit the production of cholesterol and target HMGCS1, the cholesterol synthesis-related protein. Downregulation of HMGCS1 could suppress the progression and abnormal cholesterol metabolism of HCC. In terms of mechanism, Gyp suppressed mevalonate (MVA) pathway mediated cholesterol synthesis by inhibiting HMGCS1 transcription factor SREBP2. And the high expression of HMGCS1 in HCC human specimens was correlated with poor clinical prognosis. The data suggested that Gyp could be a promising cholesterol-lowering drug for the prevention and treatment of HCC. And targeting SREBP2-HMGCS1 axis in MVA pathway might be an effective HCC therapeutic strategy.

Gypenoside-14 Reduces Depression via Downregulation of the Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-kB) Signaling Pathway on the Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-Induced Depression Model

Neuroinflammation is a common pathogenetic sign of depression and is closely linked to the development of depression. Many clinical anti-inflammatory drugs act as antidepressants by reducing the neuroinflammatory response. Previous research found that gypenosides and their bioactive compound gypenoside-14 (GP-14) had neuroprotective effects against hypoxia-induced injury and reduced neuroinflammation-related high-altitude cerebral edema. Here we investigated the effects of GP-14 on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced depression-like behavior model. LPS (0.5 mg/kg) was injected into mice intraperitoneally for 7 consecutive days to induce depression-like behavior, which is considered a model for the exacerbation of depression. GP-14 in the amount of 100 mg/kg was simultaneously administered by gavage for 7 days. In the LPS-induced depression model, GP-14 not only attenuated depression-like behavior but also improved the anxiety-like behavior of the mice. Additionally, GP-14 treatment mitigated learning and cognitive decline in depressed mice. ELISA and immunofluorescence staining results revealed that GP-14 inhibited the upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and suppressed the activation of astrocytes induced with LPS, indicating its potent anti-inflammatory effect. GP-14 pretreatment in C8 cells and primary astrocytes can inhibit the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway and downregulate the levels of pro-inflammatory factors. In summary, our findings showed that GP-14 had significant anti-inflammation and anti-depression properties; thus, GP-14 could be a promising lead compound for treating depression.

Advances in the Bioactivities of Phytochemical Saponins in the Prevention and Treatment of Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by hardening and narrowing of arteries. AS leads to a number of arteriosclerotic vascular diseases including cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular disease and peripheral artery disease, which pose a big threat to human health. Phytochemicals are a variety of intermediate or terminal low molecular weight secondary metabolites produced during plant energy metabolism. Phytochemicals from plant foods (vegetables, fruits, whole grains) and traditional herb plants have been shown to exhibit multiple bioactivities which are beneficial for prevention and treatment against AS. Many types of phytochemicals including polyphenols, saponins, carotenoids, terpenoids, organic sulfur compounds, phytoestrogens, phytic acids and plant sterols have already been identified, among which saponins are a family of glycosidic compounds consisting of a hydrophobic aglycone (sapogenin) linked to hydrophilic sugar moieties. In recent years, studies have shown that saponins exhibit a number of biological activities such as anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, cholesterol-lowering, immunomodulation, anti-platelet aggregation, etc., which are helpful in the prevention and treatment of AS. This review aims to summarize the recent advances in the anti-atherosclerotic bioactivities of saponins such as ginsenoside, soyasaponin, astra-galoside, glycyrrhizin, gypenoside, dioscin, saikosaponin, etc.

Gypenoside XLIX Ameliorate High-Fat Diet-Induced Atherosclerosis via Regulating Intestinal Microbiota, Alleviating Inflammatory Response and Restraining Oxidative Stress in ApoE−/− Mice

A high-fat choline diet (HFCD)-induced atherosclerosis model in ApoE−/− mice was established to explore the anti-atherosclerotic effects of gypenoside XLIX (GPE). It was found that HFCD-induced atherosclerotic index such as dyslipidemia, atherosclerotic plaque, inflammation, and gut microbiota dysfunction could be reduced by GPE treatment. GPE treatment could decrease Verrucomicrobia, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria abundance, and increase Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes population. Moreover, the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio increased significantly after treatment with GPE. After treatment with GPE, the relative abundance of trimethylamine-producing intestinal bacteria Clostridioides and Desulfovibrionaceae decreased while butyrate-producing bacteria such as Eubacterium, Roseburia, Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Prevotella increased significantly. The GPE group demonstrated higher SCFAs concentrations in the fecal sample, such as Acetic Acid, Propionic Acid, and Butyric Acid. Further pathway analysis showed that 29 metabolic pathways were appreciably disturbed during GPE treatment, including citrate cycle (TCA cycle); galactose and glycero-lipid-metabolism biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, fatty acid biosynthesis. This study suggests that the anti-atherosclerotic effect of GPE is related to the substantial changes in intestinal microbiota and anti-inflammatory activity.

Gypenosides ameliorate high-fat diet-induced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis via farnesoid X receptor activation

Background

Gypenosides (Gyps), the major botanical component of Gynostemma pentaphyllum, was found to up-regulate the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) in a mouse model of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, the exact role of FXR and underlying mechanisms in Gyps-mediated effects on NASH remain to be elucidated.

Purpose

This study investigated whether Gyps attenuates NASH through directly activating FXR in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced NASH, and delineated the molecular pathways involved.

Study design

A mouse model of HFD-induced NSAH was used to examine effects of Gyps on NASH with obeticholic acid (OCA) as a positive control, and the role of FXR in its mechanism of action was investigated in wild-type (WT) and FXR knockout (KO) mice.

Methods

WT or FXR KO mice were randomly assigned into four groups: normal diet (ND) group as negative control, HFD group, HFD + Gyps group, or HFD + OCA group.

Results

Treatment with Gyps and OCA significantly improved liver histopathological abnormalities in HFD-induced NASH, reduced the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) activity score (NAS), and lowered hepatic triglyceride (TG) content compared with the HFD group. In agreement with these liver tissue changes, biochemical tests of blood samples revealed that alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), TG, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), fasting blood glucose (FBG), and fasting insulin (FINS) levels were significantly lower in the HFD + Gyps vs. HFD group. Furthermore, Gyps and OCA treatment significantly up-regulated hepatic FXR, small heterodimer partner (SHP), carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A), and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) expression, and significantly down-regulated sterol-regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP1), fatty acid synthetase (FASN), and stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) protein levels compared with the HFD group in WT mice but not in FXR KO mice. Notably, Gyps- and OCA-mediated pharmacological effects were significantly abrogated by depletion of the FXR gene in FXR KO mice.

Conclusion

Gyps ameliorated HFD-induced NASH through the direct activation of FXR and FXR-dependent signaling pathways.

Determination of Gypenoside A and Gypenoside XLIX in Rat Plasma by UPLC-MS/MS and Applied to the Pharmacokinetics and Bioavailability

In this work, a UPLC-MS/MS method was developed for the determination of gypenoside A and gypenoside XLIX in rat plasma. For chromatographic separation, a UPLC BEH C18 column was employed, the mobile phase comprised acetonitrile: water (w/0.1% formic acid), and the elution time was 4 min. Detection of each compound was enabled by electrospray ionization in negative-ion mode, and quantitative analysis was enabled by operating in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode by monitoring the transitions of m/z 897.5⟶403.3 for gypenoside A, m/z 1045.5⟶118.9 for gypenoside XLIX, and m/z 825.4⟶617.5 for the internal standard. The calibration curves for gypenoside A and gypenoside XLIX demonstrated excellent linearity (r > 0.995) over the range of 2–3000 ng/mL. The intraday and interday precisions of gypenoside A and gypenoside XLIX were within 14.9%, the intraday and interday accuracies ranged from 90.1% to 113.9%, the recoveries were all greater than 88.3%, and the matrix effect ranged from 87.1% to 94.1%. The developed method was successfully applied in the determination of the pharmacokinetics of gypenoside A and gypenoside XLIX. Gypenoside A and gypenoside XLIX had very short half-lives in rats, with oral t_1/2z of 1.4 ± 0.2 h and 1.8 ± 0.6 h, respectively, and low bioavailabilities (0.90% and 0.14%, respectively).

Gynostemma Glycosides Protect Retinal Ganglion Cells in Rats with Chronic High Intraocular Pressure by Regulating the STAT3/JAK2 Signaling Pathway and Inhibiting Astrocyte and Microglia Activation

Objective. To observe the protective effect of gynostemma glycosides on retinal ganglion cells in rats with chronically high intraocular pressure. Materials and Methods. A total of 60 rats were randomly divided into group A (the blank group, 10 rats) and chronic high IOP model group (50 rats). The IOP model group (IOP above 22 mmHg) was then randomly divided into an additional 5 groups (10 rats per group): group B (negative control group) treated with normal saline; group C treated with gynostemma glycosides 25 mg/(kg-d); group D treated with gynostemma glycosides 50 mg/(kg-d); group E treated with gynostemma glycosides 100 mg/(kg-d); and group F (positive control group) treated with VitB1 and VitB12. The eyes of each rat were monitored from day 1 to 14 (D1–D14). On day 14, rats were euthanized, after which retinal tissue and optic nerve were examined using real-time PCR, western blot, HE staining, LFB staining, and TUNEL assay. Results. Groups A, C, D, E, and F had significantly lower expression of CD11b, GFAP, Brn3α, and more TUNEL cells than in group B (all $P<0.05$ ). Moreover, the relative expression of STAT3 mRNA and JAK2 (mRNA and protein) in groups A, C, D, E, and F was significantly lower than in group B ( $P<0.05$ ), while in group E, the expression was lower than in group D ( $P<0.05$ ). Conclusion. Gynostemma glycosides protect retinal ganglion cells in rats with chronically high intraocular pressure possibly associated with the STAT3/JAK2 signaling pathway.

GP-14 protects against severe hypoxia-induced neuronal injury through the AKT and ERK pathways and its induced transcriptome profiling alteration

Gypenosides are major bioactive ingredients of G. pentaphyllum. In our previous study, we found that gypenosides had neuroprotective effects against hypoxia-induced injury. In the current study, we focused on the protective effects of gypenoside-14 (GP-14), which is one of the newly identified bioactive components, on neuronal injury caused by severe hypoxia (0.3% O₂). The results showed that GP-14 pretreatment alleviated the cell viability damage and apoptosis induced by hypoxia in PC12 cells. Moreover, GP-14 pretreatment also attenuated primary neuron injuries under hypoxic conditions. Additionally, GP-14 pretreatment significantly ameliorated neuronal damage in the hippocampal region induced by high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE). At the molecular level, GP-14 pretreatment reversed the decreased activities of the AKT and ERK signaling pathways caused by hypoxia in PC12 cells and primary neurons. To comprehensively explore the possible mechanisms, transcriptome sequencing was conducted, and these results indicated that GP-14 could alter the transcriptional profiles of primary neuron. Taken together, our results suggest that GP-14 acts as a neuroprotective agent to protect against neuronal damage induced by severe hypoxia and it is a promising compound for the development of neuroprotective drugs.

Integrated Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Analysis and Identification of Dammarenediol-II Synthase Involved in Saponin Biosynthesis in Gynostemma longipes

Gynostemma longipes contains an abundance of dammarane-type ginsenosides and gypenosides that exhibit extensive pharmacological activities. Increasing attention has been paid to the elucidation of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYPs) and UDP-dependent glycosyltransferases (UGTs) that participate downstream of ginsenoside biosynthesis in the Panax genus. However, information on oxidosqualene cyclases (OSCs), the upstream genes responsible for the biosynthesis of different skeletons of ginsenoside and gypenosides, is rarely reported. Here, an integrative study of the metabolome and the transcriptome in the leaf, stolon, and rattan was conducted and the function of GlOSC1 was demonstrated. In total, 46 triterpenes were detected and found to be highly abundant in the stolon, whereas gene expression analysis indicated that the upstream OSC genes responsible for saponin skeleton biosynthesis were highly expressed in the leaf. These findings indicated that the saponin skeletons were mainly biosynthesized in the leaf by OSCs, and subsequently transferred to the stolon via CYPs and UGTs biosynthesis to form various ginsenoside and gypenosides. Additionally, a new dammarane-II synthase (DDS), GlOSC1, was identified by bioinformatics analysis, yeast expression assay, and enzyme assays. The results of the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis proved that GlOSC1 could catalyze 2,3-oxidosqualene to form dammarenediol-II via cyclization. This work uncovered the biosynthetic mechanism of dammarenediol-II, an important starting substrate for ginsenoside and gypenosides biosynthesis, and may achieve the increased yield of valuable ginsenosides and gypenosides produced under excess substrate in a yeast cell factory through synthetic biology strategy.

A bioactive gypenoside (GP-14) alleviates neuroinflammation and blood brain barrier (BBB) disruption by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway in a mouse high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) model

BACKGROUND

Neuroinflammation caused by peripheral lipopolysaccharides (LPS) under hypoxia is a key contributor to the development of high altitude cerebral edema (HACE). Our previous studies have shown that gypenosides and their bioactive compounds prevent hypoxia-induced neural injuries in vitro and in vivo. However, their effect on neuroinflammation-related HACE remains to be illustrated. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of GP-14 in HACE mouse model.

METHODS

HACE mice were treated with GP-14 (100 and 200 mg/kg) for 7 days. After the treatments, the level of serum inflammation cytokines and the transcription of inflammatory factors in brain tissue were determined. The activation of microglia, astrocyte and the changes of IgG leakage and the protein levels of tight junction proteins were detected. Furthermore, the inflammatory factors and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway in BV-2 cells and primary microglia were detected.

RESULTS

GP-14 pretreatment alleviated both the serum and neural inflammatory responses caused by LPS stimulation combined with hypobaric hypoxia exposure. In addition, GP-14 pretreatment inhibited microglial activation, accompanied by a decrease in the M1 phenotype and an increase in the M2 phenotype. Moreover, the disruption of the blood brain barrier (BBB) integrity, including increased IgG leakage and decreased expression of tight junction proteins, was attenuated by GP-14 pretreatment. Based on the BV-2 and primary microglial models, the inflammatory response and activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway were also inhibited by GP-14 pretreatment.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, our results demonstrated that GP-14 exhibited prominent protective roles against neuroinflammation and BBB disruption in a mouse HACE model. GP-14 could be a potential choice for the treatment of HACE in the future.

First Report of Southern Root-Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) on Gynostemma pentaphyllum in China

Gynostemma pentaphyllum, belonging to Cucurbitaceae, is a herbaceous climbing plant with multiple medicinal values (Li et al., 2019). It has been planted in Pingli County (109.35 E, 32.39 N), Ankang, Shaanxi province, China for a long history with more than 3000 ha per year. In April 2021, typical root-knot nematode disease symptoms, stunting and galled roots with massive egg masses, were observed on local G. pentaphyllum plants in several gardens. Meloidogyne females and egg masses were dissected from the infected roots. The female was spherical in body shape with a project neck; the excretory pore was at level of or posterior to stylet knobs, 10-20 annules behind head; the perineal pattern had a high dorsal arch, sometimes square or trapezoidal in shape, without obvious lateral lines. The male head was not offset with body, head cap was of stepped outline and concaved at center of top end in lateral view; stylet knobs were prominent, usually demarcated from shaft. Morphological measurements of females (n=20) were: body length (L)= 851.78 ± 83.55 µm (700.15 µm to 986.48 µm); maximum body width (W)= 633.11 ± 71.69 µm (453.09 µm to 746.31 µm); stylet length (ST)= 14.81 ± 0.69 µm (13.31 µm to 15.76 µm); stylet knob height (STKH)= 1.54 ± 0.09 µm (1.45 µm to 1.81 µm); stylet knob width (STKW)= 3.61 ± 0.11 µm (3.38 µm to 3.87 µm); and distance from dorsal esophageal gland opening to the stylet (DGO)= 3.56 ± 0.13 µm (3.28 µm to 4.90 µm). Measurements of males (n=20) were: L=1756.96 ± 67.81 µm (1643.58 µm to 1862.14 µm); W=55.37 ± 1.28 µm (53.46 µm to 57.66 µm); ST= 22.75 ± 1.05µm (19.14 µm to 24.88 µm); STKH= 2.59 ± 0.14 µm (2.45 µm to 2.72 µm); STKW= 3.66 ± 0.13 µm (3.27 µm to 3.91 µm); and DGO= 3.52 ± 0.18 µm (3.38 µm to 4.72 µm). Measurements of second-stage juveniles (J2) (n=20) were: L= 418.99 ± 22.04 µm (376.89 µm to 450.66 µm); W= 14.77 ± 1.15 µm (13.03 µm to 17.77 µm); ST= 12.84 ± 0.45µm (12.05 µm to 13.75 µm); STKH= 1.44 ± 0.13 µm (1.14 µm to 1.71 µm); STKW= 2.25 ± 0.23 µm (1.81 µm to 2.76 µm); and DGO= 1.81 ± 0.31 µm (0.38 µm to 2.56 µm). The morphological characteristics of this nematode were consistent with Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White, 1919) Chitwood, 1949 (Williams, 1973; Eisenback and Hirschmann, 1981). Identification was further confirmed with DNA extracted from 20 individual females. Part of the rDNA spanning internal transcribed spacer (ITS) 1, 5.8S gene, and ITS2 was amplified with the pair of primers: rDNA-F/R (TTGATTACGTCCCTGCCCTTT/TTTCACTCGCCGTTACTAAGG) (Vrain et al., 1992). A 768 bp fragment (GenBank Accession No. MZ613806) was obtained, showing 100% identical (768 bp to 768 bp) to the known sequences of M. incognita (GenBank Accession Nos. MH113856, KC464469, and MT921010). Species identification was also confirmed by amplifying part of the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5 (nad5) from mitochondrial DNA with primers: NAD5-F/R (TATTTTTTGTTTGAGATATATTAG/CGTGAATCTTGATTTTCCATTTTT) (Janssen et al., 2016). The resulting 611 bp fragment was deposited in GenBank with Accession No. MZ613807. The fragment showed a highest identity of 99.67% (601 bp out of 611 bp) with sequences from other M. incognita isolates (GenBank Accession Nos. MW759707, MW759706, MW759705). Based on both morphological and molecular data, the root-knot nematode from G. pentaphyllum was identified as M. incognita. A pathogenicity test was carried out by inoculating 1500 J2 hatched from the egg masses dissected from the diseased roots to a 4-weeks-old healthy G. pentaphyllum seedling cultured in sterilized sandy soil in pot, 15 plants were inoculated and 5 non-inoculated plants served as controls. After maintained at 25°C for 6 weeks, all of the inoculated plant roots showed galling symptoms which were similar to those observed in the field. Nematodes were collected from root and soil, and an average reproduction factor value of 3.51 was obtained. While no galls were observed on the control plants. For further confirmation, all egg masses dissected from inoculated plants were identified to be M. incognita with its sequence specific primers Mi-F/Mi-R (GGGCAAGTAAGGATGCTCTGAC/CTTTCATAGCCACGTCGCGATC) (Ray et al., 1994). In this study, G. pentaphyllum has been identified as a new host of M. incognita, hence the occurrence status and control of root-knot disease on G. pentaphyllum caused by this pathogen would be new problems in production and need further study.

Prebiotic properties of jiaogulan in the context of gut microbiome

Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb that has been widely used in food and supplemental products. In the last 20 years, extensive research has been conducted to investigate the medicinal prospects of jiaogulan, and in this regard, more than 200 compounds have been isolated with various medicinal properties such as anticancer, anti-obesity, anti-inflammation, and antioxidation. In respect of potential benefits, jiaogulan market is likely growing, and various food items comprised of jiaogulan (beverage, sport drinks, cola, beer, tea, bread, and noodles) have been commercialized in the United States of America, China, and other Asian countries. More recently, there has been growing interest in the prebiotic potential of jiaogulan, especially at the interface of the gut microbiota. This review focuses on the prebiotic and therapeutic aspects of saponins and polysaccharides of jiaogulan tea by summarizing the literature on cancer, obesity, antioxidant activity, and immune-modulatory properties.

New dammarane-type glycosides from Gynostemma pentaphyllum and their lipid-lowering activity

Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino has a long history as food and diary supplement in China. At present, there are some products for hyperlipidemia in the market, including G. pentaphyllum tea, healthy wine and healthy food. In order to discover proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors, fourteen new triterpenoid saponins named gypenoside LXXXVIII-CI (1-14) along with six known compounds (15-20) were isolated from G. pentaphyllum. Their structures were elucidated by means of various spectroscopic techniques. Eight isolates were evaluated the inhibitory effect on PCSK9 in HepG2 cells. The results showed that three dammarane-type glycosides (2, 3, 15) remarkably reduced PCSK9 expression at 10 μM concentration. These findings suggested that G. pentaphyllum was worthy of further investigation to find small molecule PCSK9 inhibitors and facilitate their utilization as functional food ingredients.

Protective Effects of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (var. Ginpent) against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation and Motor Alteration in Mice

Gynostemma pentaphyllum (var. Ginpent) (GP) is a variety of Cucurbit with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in patients. In this manuscript, the main components present in the dry extract of GP have been identified using Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC/Q-TOF-MS). In addition, the anti-inflammatory action of GP was evaluated in animal models with acute peripheral inflammation and motor alteration induced by lipopolysaccharide. The results showed that GP dry extract is rich in secondary metabolites with potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. We found that the treatment with GP induced a recovery of motor function measured with the rotarod test and pole test, and a reduction in inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 measured with the ELISA test. The data collected in this study on the effects of GP in in vivo models may help integrate the therapeutic strategies of inflammatory-based disorders.

Medicinal Plants to Strengthen Immunity during a Pandemic

The development of new effective anti-coronavirus drugs and therapies is important, but it requires significant human, financial and, most importantly, time expenditures. The current pandemic is neither the first nor the last. Humanity has already accumulated considerable survival experience. We cannot do without prevention and epidemiological protection measures. This study reviews medicinal plants that grow in Northeast Asia and whose antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory characteristics are already known, also in the framework of the prevention and treatment of pneumonia of various etiologies. The need for a comprehensive approach to maintaining immunodefences, including functional foods and positive emotions, is emphasized. In the period of pandemics, it is important to research various areas that allow to us accumulate a critical mass of information and cope with the next global disease.

Gypenosides attenuate retinal degeneration in a zebrafish retinitis pigmentosa model

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a collection of heterogenous genetic retinal disorders resulting in cumulative retinal deterioration involving progressive loss of photoreceptors and eventually in total blindness. Oxidative stress plays a central role in this photoreceptor loss. Gypenosides (Gyp) are the main functional component isolated from the climbing vine Gynostemma pentaphyllum and have been shown to defend cells against the effects of oxidative stress and inflammation, providing protection in experimentally-induced optic neuritis. The zebrafish model has been used to investigate a range of human diseases. Previously we reported early retinal degeneration in a mutant zebrafish line carrying a point-nonsense mutation in the retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator interacting protein 1 (rpgrip1) gene that is mutated in RP patients. The current study investigated the potential protective effects of Gyp against photoreceptor degeneration in the Rpgrip1 deleted zebrafish. Rpgrip1 mutant zebrafish were treated with 5 μg/ml of Gyp in E3 medium from 6 h post fertilization (hpf) till 1 month post fertilization (mpf). Rpgrip1 mutant zebrafish treated with 5 μg/ml of Gyp showed a significant decrease by 68.41% (p = 0.0002) in photoreceptor cell death compared to that of untreated mutant zebrafish. Expression of antioxidant genes catalase, sod1, sod2, gpx1, gclm, nqo-1 and nrf-2 was significantly decreased in rpgrip1 mutant zebrafish eyes by 61.51%, 77.40%, 60.11%, 81.17%, 72.07%, 78.95% and 85.42% (all p < 0.0001), respectively, when compared to that of wildtype zebrafish; superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, and glutathione levels in rpgrip1 mutant zebrafish eyes were significantly decreased by 87.21%, 21.55% and 96.51% (all p < 0.0001), respectively. There were marked increases in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) by 2738.73% and 510.69% (all p < 0.0001), respectively, in rpgrip1 mutant zebrafish eyes; expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α was also significantly increased by 150.11%, 267.79% and 190.72% (all p < 0.0001), respectively, in rpgrip1 mutant zebrafish eyes, compared to that of wildtype zebrafish. Treatment with Gyp significantly counteracted these effects. This study indicates that Gyp has a potential role in the treatment of RP.