Antitussive and expectorant activities of Potentilla anserina

Exploring the therapeutic potential of Potentilla fragarioides var. major (Rosaceae) extract in Alzheimer's disease using in vitro and in vivo models: A multi-faceted approach

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia and is caused by various factors including amyloid-beta (Aβ) aggregation. We investigated the pharmacological effects of the ethanol extract of Potentilla fragarioides var. major (Rosaceae) (EEPF) on AD-related pathogenesis, which remain elusive. We observed the effects of EEPF on Aβ disaggregation and free-radical scavenging activities for 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) using in vitro assays, evaluated the effects of EEPF on memory loss in two animal models, and examined the molecular regulatory mechanisms of EEPF using an antibody-protein microarray in EEPF-treated neuronal cell lines. EEPF inhibited Aβ aggregation in a concentration-dependent manner and enhanced free-radical scavenging activities for ABTS and DPPH. EEPF significantly inhibited memory impairment in the passive avoidance task, Y-maze test, and Morris water maze test in scopolamine-induced short-term memory loss mice and Aβ-injected AD-like mice. Nissl staining and immunohistochemistry for NeuN and Iba-1 confirmed the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of EEPF in both animal models. In H2O2-treated HT22 hippocampal cells, EEPF significantly prevented cell damage, enhanced CaMK2, and reduced ferric reductase. In lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV-2 microglia, EEPF significantly inhibited LPS-induced production of inflammatory factors, such as nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6, and decreased the phosphorylation of Smad3 and cyclin D3. High-performance liquid chromatography confirmed that EEPF has five major components: neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, polydatin, isochlorogenic acid A, and buddleoside, with amounts ranging across 1.91-9.41 mg/g. EEPF may be a promising drug for treatment of AD and AD-related brain disorders.

Phytochemical determination and mechanistic investigation of Polygala tenuifolia root (Yuanzhi) extract for bronchitis: UPLC-MS/MS analysis, network pharmacology and in vitro/in vivo evaluation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Bronchitis is a respiratory disease characterized by a productive cough. Polygala tenuifolia Willd., commonly known as Yuan zhi, is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine used for relieving cough and removing phlegm. Despite its historical use, studies are lacking on the effectiveness of P. tenuifolia in treating bronchitis. Furthermore, the molecular mechanisms underlying the action of its bioactive compounds remain unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to identify the main bioactive compounds responsible for the effects of P. tenuifolia liquid extract (PLE) in treating bronchitis and to elucidate the associated molecular mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The main chemical compounds in PLE were identified and determined using ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The antitussive, expectorant and anti-inflammatory activities of PLE were evaluated in an ammonia-induced mouse cough model, a tracheal phenol red excretion mouse model, and a xylene-induced ear swelling mouse model, respectively. A network pharmacology analysis was conducted to investigate the associated gene targets, gene ontology, and KEGG pathways related to the main bioactives in PLE targeting bronchitis. PLE and its five bioactive compounds were assessed for their potential anti-inflammatory activities in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Western blot analysis was conducted to elucidate the associated molecular mechanisms.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven compounds in PLE were identified, and twelve main compounds were further quantified in PLE using UPLC-MS/MS. PLE oral gavage administrations (0.6 and 0.12 mg/kg) for 7 days markedly reduced cough frequency, prolonged latency period of cough, reduced phlegm and inflammation in mice. The network pharmacology analysis identified 57 gene targets of PLE against bronchitis. The PI3K/AKT and MAPK signalling pathways were the top two modulated pathways. In RAW264.7 cells, PLE (12.5-50 μg/mL) significantly reduced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. PLE downregulated LPS-elevated protein targets in both PI3K/AKT and MAPK signaling pathways. In PLE, tenuifolin, polygalaxanthone ⅠⅠⅠ, polygalasaponin ⅩⅩⅤⅢ, tenuifoliside B, and 3,6'-Disinapoyl sucrose, were identified as the top five core components responsible for treating bronchitis. These compounds were also found to modulate the protein targets in the PI3K/AKT and MAPK signalling pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated the potential therapeutic effects of PLE on bronchitis by reducing cough, phlegm and inflammation. The anti-inflammatory action and molecular mechanisms of the 5 main bioactive compounds in PLE were partly validated through the in vitro assays. The findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying the traditional use of PLE for bronchitis.

A systematic review on botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Potentilla anserina L

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Potentilla Anserina Linnaeus, a traditional Chinese herb with ethnic characteristics, is considered a superior material by the people of Qinghai and Tibet. Traditionally, it has been used to invigorate the spleen, quench thirst, tonify the blood, astringing to stop bleeding, and relieve diarrhea. This is the reason for its frequent usage in treating spleen deficiency, diarrhea, and various bleeding disorders. At the same time, P. anserina is often consumed as food by the Tibetan people to obtain nourishment and health benefits.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

The present review provides a systematic description of P. anserina, covering its botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemical constituents, and various pharmacological activities of extracts. This overview aims to provide insights into research directions and potential applications of P. anserina.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Information on P. anserina was gathered through various sources, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Elsevier, CNKI, and Web of Science. In addition, information was available from native texts and prominent ethnopharmacologists.

RESULTS

So far, 154 different chemical substances have been isolated and identified from P. anserina, with tannins, flavonoids, and triterpenes accounting for the majority. Polysaccharides and triterpenes are the main material components responsible for the pharmacological activity of P. anserina. Research shows that P. anserina exhibits rich pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, antiviral, blood tonic, immune regulation, cardiovascular system treatment, diabetes treatment, and liver protection.

CONCLUSIONS

Some traditional applications of P. anserina have been confirmed. However, due to incomplete evaluation indicators and other reasons, further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to clarify its pharmacological evaluation, which remains a focus of future research. Additionally, we recommend that future studies concentrate on the quality control and safety evaluation of P. anserina to address research gaps and offer theoretical support for the plant's potential functions and clinical applications.

Effect of Potentilla anserina L. powder on gel properties and volatile flavor characteristics of silver carp surimi

BACKGROUND

Potentilla anserina L. is rich in various nutrients, active ingredients and unique flavor, comprising a natural nutrition and health food. However, its application in aquatic food has been rarely reported. Therefore, the effects of Potentilla anserina L. powder (PAP) on gel properties and volatile flavor profile of silver carp surimi were investigated.

RESULTS

The gel strength and water-holding capacity of the surimi gels were significantly improved (P < 0.05), and the whiteness and cooking loss of all the samples decreased slightly with the increase in PAP content. The addition of PAP shortened the relaxation time (T2) of the surimi gels and converted some of the free water into immobile or bound water, which resulted in a better immobilization of water in the surimi. Scanning electron microscopy images demonstrated that the network of surimi gels with PAP added was denser and had a smoother surface compared to the control. Volatile components (VCs) analysis showed that 33 VCs were identified in the surimi gel samples with different additions of PAP, among which aldehydes, alcohols and esters were the major VCs, accounting for more than 50% of the VCs in the surimi gels. PAP addition reduced the fishy and rancid flavor compounds in surimi gels, such as 1-propanol, 1-octen-3-ol, etc., and promoted the production of aldehydes, alcohols, esters and other flavor substances.

CONCLUSION

These results of the present study provide theoretical support for the investigation and development of new nutrient-health-flavored surimi products. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Nondestructive discrimination of Potentilla anserina L. from different production areas based on near-infrared spectroscopy

INTRODUCTION

The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Potentilla anserina L. can use both as food and medicine. At present, the market mainly depends on experience to identify the species and determine the production areas of P. anserina. To ensure the quality of P. anserina, it is essential to improve the level of quality control.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to establish a rapid and nondestructive discrimination model to identify P. anserina from different production areas by near-infrared spectroscopy.

METHODS

The spectra of complete P. anserina medicinal materials and their powder of the same variety from four production areas were collected, and principal component analysis discriminant analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were conducted based on different pretreatment methods and band selection methods. Then, the spectra of complete medicinal materials were converted into the spectra of medicinal powder for nondestructive identification.

RESULTS

The correct recognition rate (CRR) of the PLS-DA discriminant model was the best after spectral preprocessing using autoscaling and competitive adaptive reweighted sampling for band selection. The CRRs of the calibration set and validation set were 100%, the CRRs of the external test set were 95%, 90%, 82%, and 88%, respectively, and the CRRs of the transfer external test set were 84%, 80%, 82%, and 86%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

We realized the nondestructive and effective identification of P. anserina from different origins and laid a foundation for the industrialization and upgrading of TCM.

The genome sequence of the silverweed cinquefoil, Potentilla anserina L., 1753

We present a genome assembly from a specimen of Potentilla anserina (the silverweed cinquefoil; Streptophyta; eudicotyledons; Rosales; Potentilleae). The haploid genome sequence is 237 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into seven chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial and plastid genomes have also been assembled and are 294.6 and 155.6 kilobases in length respectively.

Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit. Attenuates the allergic airway inflammation of cold asthma via inhibiting the activation of TLR4-medicated NF-kB and NLRP3 signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit. (PT) has been demonstrated to be effective against the allergic airway inflammation (AAI) in clinical practices, especially in cold asthma (CA). Until now, the active ingredients, protective effect, and possible mechanism of PT against CA remain unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this investigation was to examine the therapeutic impact and elucidate the underlying mechanism of PT on the AAI of CA.

METHODS

The compositions of PT water extract were determined via the UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. The ovalbumin (OVA) and cold-water baths were used to induce CA in female mice. Morphological characteristic observations, expectorant effect, bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR), excessive mucus secretion, and inflammatory factors were used to uncover the treatment effect of PT water extract. In addition, the mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) mRNA and protein levels and the aquaporin 5 (AQP5) mRNA and protein levels were detected via qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and western blotting. Moreover, the protein expressions associated with the TLR4, NF-κB, and NLRP3 signaling pathway were monitored by western blot analysis.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight compounds were identified from PT water extract. PT showed significant therapeutic effects on mice with cold asthma in terms of expectorant activity, histopathological changes, airway inflammation, mucus secretion, and hyperreactivity. PT exhibited good anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo. The expression levels of MUC5AC mRNA and protein decreased significantly, while AQP5 expression levels increased significantly in the lung tissues of mice after administration with PT as compared to mice induced by CA. Furthermore, the protein expressions of TLR4, p-iκB, p-p65, IL-1β, IL-18, NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1, and ASC were markedly reduced following PT treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

PT attenuated the AAI of CA by modulating Th1- and Th2-type cytokines. PT could inhibit the TLR4-medicated NF-kB signaling pathway and activate the NLRP3 inflammasome to reduce CA. This study provides an alternative therapeutic agent of the AAI of CA after administration with PT.

The Identification of SQS/SQE/OSC Gene Families in Regulating the Biosynthesis of Triterpenes in Potentilla anserina

The tuberous roots of Potentilla anserina (Pan) are an edible and medicinal resource in Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China. The triterpenoids from tuberous roots have shown promising anti-cancer, hepatoprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we carried out phylogenetic analysis of squalene synthases (SQSs), squalene epoxidases (SQEs), and oxidosqualene cyclases (OSCs) in the pathway of triterpenes. In total, 6, 26, and 20 genes of SQSs, SQEs, and OSCs were retrieved from the genome of Pan, respectively. Moreover, 6 SQSs and 25 SQEs genes expressed in two sub-genomes (A and B) of Pan. SQSs were not expanded after whole-genome duplication (WGD), and the duplicated genes were detected in SQEs. Twenty OSCs were divided into two clades of cycloartenol synthases (CASs) and β-amyrin synthases (β-ASs) by a phylogenetic tree, characterized with gene duplication and evolutionary divergence. We speculated that β-ASs and CASs may participate in triterpenes synthesis. The data presented act as valuable references for future studies on the triterpene synthetic pathway of Pan.

Processed product (Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum) of Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit. Alleviates the allergic airway inflammation of cold phlegm via regulation of PKC/EGFR/MAPK/PI3K-AKT signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum (PRP) is a traditional processed product of Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Berit., which mainly used for treating cold asthma (CA). However, the mechanism of action of PRP for treating CA have not been fully elucidated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the core active constituents and the pharmacological mechanism of PRP against CA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ovalbumin (OVA) and cold water-induced cold asthma model were established in male mice. The effects of water extract from PRP were evaluated by general morphological observation, expectorant activity, airway hyperresponsiveness, mucus hypersecretion, inflammatory cytokines, etc. Additionally, the mRNA and protein expression of mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) and aquaporin 5 (AQP5) in vivo and in vitro were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC), qRT-PCR, and western blotting. The mechanisms of action were investigated through network pharmacology and transcriptomic, and validated through western blotting and molecular docking.

RESULTS

PRP exhibited a favorable expectorant activity, and significantly reduced the airway inflammation, mucus secretion, and hyperresponsiveness in cold asthma model. It also reduced the levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-8, and IL-13 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and IL-4 and total IgE in serum, while obviously increased the levels of IL-10 and IFN-γ in serum for asthmatic mice. Meanwhile, PRP also attenuated the pathological changes and mucus production in cold asthmatic mice. Moreover, the downregulation of MUC5AC and upregulation of AQP 5 were detected by western blotting and qRT-PCR after administration with PRP both in vivo and in vitro. PRP expectedly inhibited the protein expression of PKC-α, SRC, p-EGFR, p-ERK1/2, p-JNK, p-p38, p-PI3K, and p-Akt levels in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

These combined data showed that PRP suppressed the allergic airway inflammation of CA by regulating the balance of Th1 and Th2 cytokines and the possible involvement of the PKC/EGFR/MAPK/PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Pentadecanoic acid, licochalcone A, β-sitosterol, etc. were considered as main active ingredients of PRP against CA. This study provides a novel perspective of the classical herbal processed product PRP in the treatment of CA.

Optimization and Comparative Study of Different Extraction Methods of Sixteen Fatty Acids of Potentilla anserina L. from Twelve Different Producing Areas of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

In this study, supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE), and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) were applied to explore the most suitable extraction method for fatty acids of Potentilla anseris L. from 12 different producing areas of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Meanwhile, the important experimental parameters that influence the extraction process were investigated and optimized via a Box-Behnken design (BBD) for response surface methodology (RSM). Under optimal extraction conditions, 16 fatty acids of Potentilla anserina L. were analyzed via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection, using 2-(4-amino)-phenyl-1-hydrogen-phenanthrene [9,10-d] imidazole as the fluorescence reagent. The results showed that the amounts of total fatty acids in sample 6 by applying SFE, UAE, and MAE were, respectively, 16.58 ± 0.14 mg/g, 18.11 ± 0.13 mg/g, and 15.09 ± 0.11 mg/g. As an environmental protection technology, SFE removed higher amounts of fatty acids than did MAE, but lower amounts of fatty acids than did UAE. In addition, the contents of the 16 fatty acids of Potentilla anserina L. from the 12 different producing areas Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau were significantly different. The differences were closely related to local altitudes and to climatic factors that corresponded to different altitudes (e.g., annual mean temperature, annual mean precipitation, annual evaporation, annual sunshine duration, annual solar radiation.). The temperature indices, photosynthetic radiation, ultraviolet radiation, soil factors, and other factors were different due to the different altitudes in the growing areas of Potentilla anserina L., which resulted in different nutrient contents.

Investigation on the Expectorant Effect of Extracts from Primula veris L

BACKGROUND: At present, coughing can be regulated by medications such as dextromethorphan and codeine, which are associated with side effects, including drug drowsiness or dependency. Thus, there is an increasing demand for drugs that promote expectorant activities with fewer adverse effects. The root of Primula veris L. (Primulaceae) is an herbal medicine that has been used as an expectorant drug for thousands of years in folk medicine. AIM: The present study aims to create an in-depth pharmacological study of the expectorant activity of P. veris to create new drugs in different directions which are appropriate and promising. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The expectorant effect of thick extracts of the study plant was studied on the influence of the motor activity of the ciliated epithelium and the secretory function of the bronchi. The expectorant activities of the ethanol extracts of leaves and rhizomes with roots from P. veris were evaluated using classical animal models. The expectorant assay was performed with phenol red secretion in the mouse trachea. After gastric administration of the test extracts in mice, 2.5% phenol red solution was injected intraperitoneally. The trachea was dissected and the optical density of tracheal secretion was measured. RESULTS: The results of the studies showed that a thick extract of primrose rhizomes with roots has a high ability to secrete sputum, which is almost not inferior to the Hedelix drops comparator (ivy extract) – 126.6% and 146.4%, respectively. Extract from the leaves of P. veris is characterized by less pronounced activity, which, at a dose of 200 mg/kg, was 74.5%. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study provide evidence that P. veris can be used as an expectorant herbal medicine and that triterpene saponins may be the main active ingredients of Primula veris responsible for its bioactivities.

Chromosome-Level Genome Assembly Provides New Insights into Genome Evolution and Tuberous Root Formation of Potentilla anserina

Potentilla anserina is a perennial stoloniferous plant with edible tuberous roots in Rosaceae, served as important food and medicine sources for Tibetans in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP), China, over thousands of years. However, a lack of genome information hindered the genetic study. Here, we presented a chromosome-level genome assembly using single-molecule long-read sequencing, and the Hi-C technique. The assembled genome was 454.28 Mb, containing 14 chromosomes, with contig N50 of 2.14 Mb. A total of 46,495 protein-coding genes, 169.74 Mb repeat regions, and 31.76 Kb non-coding RNA were predicted. P. anserina diverged from Potentilla micrantha ∼28.52 million years ago (Mya). Furthermore, P. anserina underwent a recent tetraploidization ∼6.4 Mya. The species-specific genes were enriched in Starch and sucrose metabolism and Galactose metabolism pathways. We identified the sub-genome structures of P. anserina, with A sub-genome was larger than B sub-genome and closer to P. micrantha phylogenetically. Despite lacking significant genome-wide expression dominance, the A sub-genome had higher homoeologous gene expression in shoot apical meristem, flower and tuberous root. The resistance genes was contracted in P. anserina genome. Key genes involved in starch biosynthesis were expanded and highly expressed in tuberous roots, which probably drives the tuber formation. The genomics and transcriptomics data generated in this study advance our understanding of the genomic landscape of P. anserina, and will accelerate genetic studies and breeding programs.

Recent phytochemical and pharmacological advances in the genus Potentilla L. sensu lato - An update covering the period from 2009 to 2020

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Potentilla plants are still common herbal medicines used in folk medicine. This review provides an update of research undertaken on Potentilla from 2009 until 2020.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This comprehensive review considers biological updates, recent advances in phytochemical and pharmacological research, and toxicological reports on Potentilla sensu lato based on available data since 2009.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted using available databases including ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Google Scholar.

RESULTS

Until now, more than 210 new and known compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, triterpenes and phenolic compounds, have been confirmed and elucidated for numerous Potentilla species, i.e., in the underground and aerial parts of this genus. Modern pharmacology studies have revealed that those structures are responsible for a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, such as anti-neoplastic, antihyperglycemic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, antibacterial and anti-yeast effects.

CONCLUSIONS

However, in vitro studies must be re-considered due to the discovery of urolithins and their origins, including microbiota, which can lead to different results when applying Potentilla species and their extracts to in vivo conditions. Thus, future research should focus more on in vivo and particularly clinical studies to confirm the validity and safety of traditional uses. Particularly, the use of Potentilla alba extracts in the treatment of thyroid gland disorders should be further explored to confirm the underlying mechanism of their action, efficacy and safety. In addition, more clinical studies should focus on Potentilla erecta rhizome extracts for application as herbal remedies against dysentery, diarrhoea and inflammation of the skin.

Potentilla anserina L. developmental changes affect the rhizosphere prokaryotic community

Plant roots and soil prokaryotes primarily interact with each other in the rhizosphere. Changes in the rhizosphere prokaryotic structure are influenced by several factors. In this study, the community structure of the Potentilla anserina L. rhizosphere prokaryotes was identified and evaluated by high-throughput sequencing technology in different continuous cropping fields and developmental stages of the plant. In total, 2 archaeal (Euryarchaeota and Thaumarchaeota) and 26 bacterial phyla were identified in the P. anserina rhizosphere. The bacterial community was mainly composed of Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi, Gemmatimonadetes, Planctomycetes, Proteobacteria, and Verrucomicrobia. Moreover, the prokaryotic community structure of the rhizosphere varied significantly during plant development. Our results provide new insights into the dynamics of the P. anserina rhizosphere prokaryotic community and may provide useful information for enhancing the growth and development of P. anserina through artificial control of the soil prokaryotes.

A STUDY OF THE ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF PLANTS OF THE GENUS POTENTILLA L

In this work, a comparative assessment of the antiradical properties of some species of the genus Potentilla L. is carried out to identify the most promising in terms of further study. The aboveground part of P. chrysantha Trevir., P. canescens Bess., P. tergemina Sojak, P. erecta (L.) Raeusch., P. paradoxa Nutt. ex Tott. et Gray, P. approximata Bunge, as well as the aboveground and underground parts of P. anserina L. were used as a research object, collected in the vicinity of Tomsk. The antiradical activity of the extracts of the studied plants was evaluated spectrophotometrically, observing the kinetics of the recovery of the stable radical of the DPPH extract. The dependence of the antiradical activity on the concentration and stability of the studied extracts was examined using P. paradoxa as an example. The total amount of phenolic compounds and flavonoids in the studied extracts was estimated. The specific absorption coefficient of gallic acid was found to be 47.3. For the aboveground parts of seven Potentilla species, the antiradical activity of extracts on ethyl alcohol 40 and 70% is significant and is in a narrow range from 77.57 to 80.91% for extracts on ethyl alcohol 40%, in a slightly wider range from 70.99 to 86.58% for extracts on ethyl alcohol 70%. A wide range of antiradical activity from 14.80% (P. tergemina) to 70.40% (P. paradoxa) is observed for 95% ethyl alcohol extracts. The difference in the chemical composition of ethanol extracts of individual representatives of the genus Potentilla significantly affects the antiradical activity with an increase in the concentration of ethyl alcohol.

Kaji-Ichigoside F1 and Rosamultin Protect Vascular Endothelial Cells against Hypoxia-Induced Apoptosis via the PI3K/AKT or ERK1/2 Signaling Pathway

As a pair of differential isomers, Kaji-ichigoside F1 and Rosamultin are both pentacyclic triterpenoids isolated from the subterranean root of Potentilla anserina L., a plant used in folk medicine in western China as antihypoxia and anti-inflammatory treatments. We demonstrated that Kaji-ichigoside F1 and Rosamultin effectively prevented hypoxia-induced apoptosis in vascular endothelial cells. We established a hypoxia model, using EA.hy926 cells, to further explore the mechanisms. Hypoxia promoted the phosphorylation of AKT, ERK1/2, and NF-κB. In hypoxic cells treated with Kaji-ichigoside F1, p-ERK1/2 and p-NF-κB levels were increased, while the level of p-AKT was decreased. Treatment with Rosamultin promoted phosphorylation of ERK1/2, NF-κB, and AKT in hypoxic cells. Following the addition of LY294002, the levels of p-AKT, p-ERK1/2, and p-NF-κB decreased significantly. Addition of PD98059 resulted in reduced levels of p-ERK1/2 and p-NF-κB, while p-AKT levels were increased. Pharmacodynamic analysis demonstrated that both LY294002 and PD98059 significantly inhibited the positive effects of Kaji-ichigoside F1 on cell viability during hypoxia, consistent with the results of hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, DAPI staining, and flow cytometry. The antihypoxia effects of Rosamultin were remarkably inhibited by LY294002 but promoted by PD98059. In Kaji-ichigoside F1- and Rosamultin-treated cells, Bcl2 expression was significantly upregulated, while expression of Bax and cytochrome C and levels of cleaved caspase-9 and cleaved caspase-3 were reduced. Corresponding to pharmacodynamic analysis, LY294002 inhibited the regulatory effects of Kaji-ichigoside F1 and Rosamultin on the above molecules, while PD98059 inhibited the regulatory effects of Kaji-ichigoside F1 but enhanced the regulatory effects of Rosamultin. In conclusion, Kaji-ichigoside F1 protected vascular endothelial cells against hypoxia-induced apoptosis by activating the ERK1/2 signaling pathway, which positively regulated the NF-κB signaling pathway and negatively regulated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Rosamultin protected vascular endothelial cells against hypoxia-induced apoptosis by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and positively regulating ERK1/2 and NF-κB signaling pathways.

Construction and Chemical Profile on "Activity Fingerprint" of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium from Different Cultivars Based on HPLC-UV, LC/MS-IT-TOF, and Principal Component Analysis

Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (CRP), known as Chenpi (CP) in Chinese, is a medicinal food for health and fitness. In order to find out the characteristic activity chemicals distinguishing various cultivars of CRP and provide a reference for effective development of citrus resources, an “activity fingerprint” of CRP from 21 different cultivars was established based on the evaluation of antitussive and expectorant activities. There were 18 common peaks in the HPLC fingerprint, of which 3 flavonoid glycosides and 14 polymethoxyflavonoids (PMFs) were identified by LC/MS-IT-TOF. Furthermore, five characteristic chemicals were determined and similarity calculation with principal component analysis (PCA) was combined together to compare the similarity and difference among various cultivars. The results showed that some other cultivars were also similar to C. reticulata “Chachi” except for C. reticulata “Tangerina” and C. reticulata “Dahongpao” recorded in Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Most importantly, the peels of C. reticulata “Shiyueju,” C. reticulata “Ponkan,” C. reticulata “Tribute,” and C. reticulata “Bayueju,” traditionally rarely used for medicinal food, were highly similar to that of C. reticulata “Chachi” and rich in bioactive flavonoids, which can be considered the effective medicinal resources of CRP.

Protective Effect of Rosamultin against H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in H9c2 Cardiomyocytes

Rosamultin is one of the main active compounds isolated from Potentilla anserina L., which belongs to a triterpene compound. Few studies have examined the effect of rosamultin on oxidative stress and its molecular mechanism. The aim of this present study was to elucidate the protective effect of rosamultin on H₂O₂-induced oxidative damage and apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyocytes and its mechanism. The results showed that the pretreatment of rosamultin not only increased cell viability but also reduced the release of LDH and CK. Rosamultin inhibited a H₂O₂-induced decrease in SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px activities and an increase in MDA content. Meanwhile, ROS level, intracellular (Ca²⁺) fluorescence intensity, and apoptosis rate in the rosamultin pretreated group were markedly decreased compared with the model group. Rosamultin pretreatment significantly reversed the morphological changes and attenuated H₂O₂-induced apoptosis. Western blot analysis showed that rosamultin enhanced the expression of Bcl-2 and pCryAB and downregulated the expression of Bax, Cyt-c, Caspase-3, and Caspase-9 expression. Additionally, rosamultin might activate PI3K/Akt signal pathways and CryAB relative factors. Therefore, we suggest that rosamultin could have the potential for treating H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress injury through its antioxidant and antiapoptosis effect.

Protective effect of Potentilla anserina polysaccharide on cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity in vitro and in vivo

The aim of this research was to investigate the antioxidant and anti-apoptotic activities of Potentilla anserina polysaccharide (PAP) on kidney damage induced by cadmium (Cd) in vitro and in vivo. PAP has been suggested to have anti-oxidation, anti-apoptosis, immunoregulation, antimicrobial, antitussive, and expectorant abilities. In this study, PAP was extracted and the major components of PAP were analyzed. It was shown that PAP pretreatment remarkably improved redox homeostasis, both in human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells and in BALB/c mice. Administration of PAP attenuated the mitochondrial dysfunction, degeneration, and fibrosis of kidney induced by Cd. Furthermore, PAP exhibited anti-apoptotic activity, which involved regulating both the mitochondria-mediated intrinsic apoptotic pathway and the death receptor-initiated extrinsic pathway. These results suggest that PAP is a potential therapeutic agent for Cd-induced nephrotoxicity.