Structure of a new glycyrrhiza polysaccharide and its immunomodulatory activity

Evaluating the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant efficacy of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) used for management of inflammatory bowel disease: a comprehensive review

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic autoimmune condition whose pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated, and current treatments are not definitive and often carry several side effects. The Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) offers a new approach to conventional medicine. However, their clinical application and mechanisms remain limited.Objective: The aim of this review is to evaluate the anti-inflammatory, impact on microbiota and antioxidant efficacy of currently available CAM for IBD.Methods: The literature collection was obtained from Google Scholar, MEDLINE, PubMed and Web of Science (WOS). Studies in both human and animal models, published in English language between 2018 and 2024, were selected. Sixty-seven studies were included in the current review after inclusion and exclusion screening processes.Results: Mostly, studies showed significant anti-inflammatory, gut microbiota restoring, antioxidant effects of polyphenols, polysaccharides, emodin, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA; including butyrate, propionate and acetate), and probiotics although some contrasting results were noted. Current evidence shows that polyphenols exhibit the most consistent result in alleviating IBD pathophysiology, primarily due to their significant SCFA-elevating effect.Discussion: Future studies may focus on human studies, narrowing down on individual factors which may change natural product's metabolism. Further research studies are also essential to obtain therapeutic recommendations.

Cnidii fructus and Sophorae Flavescentis Radix polysaccharides inhibit SARS-CoV-2 entry by interfering with Spike protein-mediated membrane fusion

Polysaccharides derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) show potential as therapeutic agents in the treatment of viral infections. In this study, seventeen polysaccharides extracted from TCM were screened for their inhibitory effects on SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus (PsV) infection in ACE2-overexpressing HEK293T cells. The results revealed that Cnidii fructus polysaccharides (CFPs) and Sophorae Flavescentis Radix polysaccharides (SFPs) significantly inhibited PsV entry. Then, the effects of CFPs and SFPs on the authentic SARS-CoV-2 virus were studied. We found that CFPs and SFPs significantly inhibited cellular damage and virus invasion induced by both the Original SARS-CoV-2 strain and the Omicron variant in Vero E6 cells, without causing obvious cytotoxicity. In vivo studies demonstrated that CFPs and SFPs significantly protect mice against SARS-CoV-2 virus-induced mortality, along with reductions in viral load and lung injury. Time of addition (TOA) experiments indicated that CFPs and SFPs exert inhibitory effects during the pseudoviral pre-attachment and cell entry stages, with no substantial impacts after the PsV has entered the cells. Further mechanism studies showed that CFPs and SFPs inhibited syncytial formation primarily by suppressing the host cell surface membrane fusion process mediated by the Spike protein, without significantly affecting the endosome-mediated viral entry.

Preparation, structural property, and antioxidant activities of a novel pectin polysaccharide from the flowers of Hibiscus syriacus Linn

Introduction

Oxidative stress, triggered by an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cellular antioxidant defense mechanisms, is implicated in various pathological conditions. Plant-derived polysaccharides have gained significant attention as potential natural antioxidants due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and structural versatility.

Methods

This study focuses on the purification, structural characterization, and antioxidant activities of a novel pectin polysaccharide (HFPS) isolated from the flowers of Hibiscus syriacus Linn. HFPS was purified using anion-exchange chromatography. Its chemical composition, monosaccharide profile, molecular weight distribution, and structural properties were elucidated through various analytical techniques.

Results

HFPS exhibited a predominant acidic monosaccharide composition, with galacturonic acid as the major constituent, indicating its pectin nature. The free radical scavenging activity of HFPS against ABTS·, DPPḤ, and ·OH radicals was evaluated, demonstrating a positive correlation between its antioxidant capacity and concentration. Furthermore, HFPS effectively protected HepG2 cells against H2O2-induced oxidative stress by reducing ROS accumulation, modulating redox-related enzymes (Superoxide dismutase, Catalase, Glutathione peroxidase), and alleviating oxidative damage. Notably, HFPS upregulated the expression of antioxidant-related genes, including B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), while downregulating pro-apoptotic genes like Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and Caspase-3. These findings suggest that HFPS exerts its antioxidant effects by modulating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and redox homeostasis.

Discussion

This study contributes to the understanding of the structure-function relationships and antioxidant mechanisms of HFPS, highlighting its potential applications as a natural antioxidant in various fields.

Structural characterization and antioxidant activity evaluation of a polysaccharide from pink Auricularia cornea

An acidic polysaccharose (YL-D2N2) was isolated from crude polysaccharides of pink Auricularia cornea and characterized for its structural and antioxidant properties. YL-D2N2 consists of fucose, galactose, glucose, xylose, mannose and glucuronic acid in a molar ratio of 0.85: 1.50: 4.44: 27.52: 46.56: 19.13. It has a number-average molecular weight of about 52.811 kDa and a weight-average molecular weight of about 135.457 kDa. Structural characterization showed that YL-D2N2 consists of nine residues (Xylp-(1→, GlcpA-(1→, →2)-Xylp-(1→, →3)-Galp-(1→, →3)-Manp-(1→, →4)-GlcpA-(1→, →2,3)-Manp-(1→, →3,4)-Glcp-(1→, →3,6)-Manp-(1→), with a backbone of →3)-β-D-Manp-(1→, →2,3)-α-D-Manp-(1→, →3,6)-α-D-Manp-(1 → and side chains containing β-D-Xylp-(1 → and α-D-GlcpA-(1→. Notably, YL-D2N2 exhibits significant radical scavenging activity for superoxide anions, reaching 50.82 ± 0.64 % at a concentration of 3.2 mg/mL. Overall, YL-D2N2 exhibits a unique chemical structure and specialized applications for targeting superoxide anion radicals, providing valuable insights for further exploration of its structure-activity relationship.

Acidic polysaccharide from the edible insect Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis activates antiviral immunity to suppress norovirus infection

Edible insects are gaining attention as potential nutraceutical sources with immunomodulatory properties. This study reports purification and structural characterization of polysaccharides from Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis larvae (PBSL) with antiviral activity against murine norovirus. Four polysaccharide fractions purified from PBSL water extracts exhibited varying molecular weights (458.5-627.3 kDa) and monosaccharide compositions, including glucose (42.4-99.2 %), galactose (5.9-13.9 %), rhamnose (0.7-18.7 %), arabinose (3.8-5.4 %), and glucuronic acid (0-15.3 %). The immunomodulatory activity, assessed by interferon-β (IFN-β) production, positively correlated with higher galactose, mannose, rhamnose, and uronic acid contents. Among the fractions, PBS-P, eluted with 0.5 M NaCl, demonstrated superior in vitro antiviral activity with IFN-β production exceeding 8-fold compared to other fractions and 82-fold higher than PBSL water extract, confirming it as the main antiviral active component. Structural analysis revealed PBS-P backbone consisted of α-(1 → 4)-D-Glcp, α-(1 → 4,6)-D-Glcp, α-(1 → 4)-D-GlcpA, α-(1 → 3)-D-Galp and α-(1 → 4)-D-Manp residues, and branched chains of α-D-Glcp-(1→, and α-L-Arap-(1 → 2)-α-L-Rhap-(1 → residues. PBS-P suppressed norovirus replication by stimulating IFN-β, TNF-α, and activating NF-κB, STAT1/2, and TBK1-IRF3 pathways, and its oral administration reduced viral loads in infected mice intestines. This study provides the first report on the detailed structural feature of polysaccharide from an edible insect and its antiviral mechanism, highlighting its potential as a new antiviral agent.

A polysaccharide from Glycyrrhiza uralensis attenuates myocardial fibrosis via modulating the MAPK/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Myocardial fibrosis (MF) is a key factor endangering public health worldwide. Glycyrrhiza uralensis polysaccharide (GPS) exhibits various biological activities. However, its activity against MF has not been reported. Herein, a neutral polysaccharide (GPS-1-1) was isolated from GPS through column chromatography, its structure was characterized and potential mechanism regarding anti-MF activity was evaluated. Notably, the molecular weight of GPS-1-1 was 14.073 kDa, and the monosaccharides consist of glucose, arabinose and galactose, with a → 4)-α-d-glucopyranose (Glcp)-(1 → and →4, 6)-α-D-Glcp-(1 → backbone. Western blotting and immunofluorescence showed that GPS-1-1 inhibited the expression of fibrosis-related proteins, such as Collagen, Vimentin, Fibronectin and α-SMA in TGF-β1-induced fibrosis of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs), and inhibited the expression of TGF-β1-induced CFs migration ability and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9), thus inhibiting the deposition of extracellular matrix in CFs. Additionally, in vivo analysis showed that GPS-1-1 reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition in cardiac tissues of mice with MF, and it inhibited the expression of serum lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, and fibrosis-related factors. Combined transcriptomics, molecular docking and Western blotting analysis showed that platelet-derived growth factor subunit B (PDGFB) was involved in the anti-fibrosis process of GPS-1-1. Furthermore, qRT-PCR and Western blotting showed that GPS-1-1 inhibited the expression of MAPK/PI3K/AKT pathway related proteins, such as ERK, p-ERK, JNK, PI3K and p-PI3K in TGF-β1-induced CFs through PDGFB. Altogether, this study showed that GPS-1-1 inhibits the activation of the MAPK/PI3K/AKT pathway by down-regulating PDGFB expression to exert its anti-MF activity and its potential to be developed as a functional food and drug.

Edible thermosensitive chitosan/hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin hydrogel with natural licoricidin for enhancing oral health: Biofilm disruption and demineralization prevention

Dental caries, a widespread and significantly detrimental health condition, is characterized by demineralization, pain, compromised tooth functionality, and various other adverse effects. Licoricidin (LC), a natural isoflavonoid, demonstrates potent antimicrobial properties for maintaining oral health. However, its practical application is significantly hindered by its limited water solubility and susceptibility to removal within the oral environment. To tackle this issue, we developed a delivery oral system by an edible thermosensitive chitosan- disodium beta-glycerol phosphate pentahydrate (CS/β-GP) hydrogel to load LC/Hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) inclusion complexes. These hydrogels (LC/HP-β-CD/CS/β-GP) could solidify rapidly at oral temperature and sustainably release LC, thereby preventing its rapid clearance from the oral cavity. We confirmed the significant antibacterial activity of this hydrogel against Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus. Additionally, the HP-β-CD combination enhanced LC to penetrate bacterial biofilms and inhibit biofilm growth, leading to leakage of cellular proteins and DNA. Additionally, we studied the effect of LC/HP-β-CD/CS/β-GP on intracellular ROS levels and MMP, comprehensively exploring its antimicrobial mechanism. Furthermore, LC/HP-β-CD/CS/β-GP exhibited the ability to inhibit demineralization and demonstrated excellent biocompatibility. In summary, this study presented a safer approach to oral delivering bioactive substances, offering a promising strategy for enhanced oral health and safety.

Progress and prospect of polysaccharides as adjuvants in vaccine development

Vaccines are an effective approach to confer immunity against infectious diseases. Modern subunit vaccines offer more precise target and safe protection compared to traditional whole-pathogen vaccines. However, subunit vaccines require adjuvants to stimulate the immune system due to the less immunogenicity. Adjuvants strengthen immunogenicity by enhancing, modulating, and prolonging the immune response. Unfortunately, few adjuvants have sufficient potency and low enough toxicity for clinical use, highlighting the urgent need for new vaccine adjuvants with the characteristics of safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness. Notably, some natural polysaccharides have been approved as adjuvants in human vaccines, owing to their intrinsic immunomodulation, low toxicity, and high safety. Natural polysaccharides are mainly derived from plants, bacteria, and yeast. Partly owing to the difficulty of obtaining them, synthetic polysaccharides emerged in clinical trials. The immune mechanisms of both natural and synthetic polysaccharides remain incompletely understood, hindering the rational development of polysaccharide adjuvants. This comprehensive review primarily focused on several promising polysaccharide adjuvants, discussing their recent applications in vaccines and highlighting their immune-modulatory effects. Furthermore, the future perspectives of polysaccharides offer insightful guidance to adjuvant development and application.

Structural characteristics of a purified Evodiae fructus polysaccharide and its gastroprotection and relevant mechanism against alcohol-induced gastric lesions in rats

Evodiae fructus polysaccharide (EFP) has been previously shown to protect against alcohol-induced gastric lesions. However, which and how active fractions in EFP exert gastroprotection remains unclear. This study aimed to characterize the structure of the purified fraction (EFP-2-1) of EFP, and investigate its gastroprotection and underlying mechanisms. EFP-2-1 was obtained through column chromatography, and was characterized using instrumental analytical techniques. Gastroprotective effect of EFP-2-1 was evaluated using alcohol-induced gastric lesions in rats, and its mechanism was explored through proteomics, metabolomics and diversity sequencing. Results showed that EFP-2-1 had a molecular weight of 7.3 kDa, and consisted mainly of rhamnose, galacturonic acid, galactose and arabinose. Its backbone contained HG and RG-I domains, and branched with →5)-α-l-Araf-(1→, α-l-Araf-(1→ and →4)-β-d-Galp-(1→ residues. EFP-2-1 reduced gastric lesions and the levels of MDA, TNF-α and IL-6, activated PPARγ, primarily altered protein digestion and absorption and bile secretion metabolic pathways, regulated gut microbiota like Faecalibaculum and Lachnoclostridium, and increased short-chain fatty acids production. Correlations were observed among the gut microbiota, metabolites and biochemical indexes influenced by EFP-2-1. These findings suggest that EFP-2-1 is an active fraction of EFP for protecting against alcohol-induced gastric lesions, which may be linked to PPARγ activation, gut microbiota and serum metabolism.

MiR-221 on protective oxidative induced by selenium modified Codonopsis pilosula polysaccharide

Oxidative stress plays an important role in various diseases. miR-221 has been reported to regulate oxidative stress. However, the mechanism of miR-221 in regulating oxidative stress induced by sCPPS5 remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of miR-221 on oxidative stress induced by sCPPS5. The expression of SOD, CAT, MDA, LDH, MMP, caspase-3 activity and apoptosis were measured. In addition, the key signaling factors in the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway were determined by real-time PCR and Western blot. Mice were employed to evaluate the effects of sCPPS5 and the possible mechanism in vivo. sCPPS5 promoted the expression of SOD and CAT and activated Keap1-Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway inhibit the MDA content, MMP, caspase-3 activity, apoptosis and LDH release rate after transfection with miR-221 mimics and inhibitors. Consistently, sCPPS5 has the potential to enhance the expression of antioxidant enzymes as well as upregulate mRNA expression of crucial signal proteins in vivo. miR-221 on oxidative stress protection induced by sCPPS5 possibly through regulating the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway in macrophages.

Research progress of traditional Chinese medicine compound "Chaihu Shugan Powder" in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome

BACKGROUND

This paper aims to conduct a comprehensive and insightful review and analysis of the potential targets and corresponding pathways of Chaihu Shugan Powder (CSP) for the treatment of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) using a network pharmacology approach. The review will encompass traditional applications, active ingredients of Chinese medicines, clinical applications, pharmacological mechanisms, and active ingredients.

METHODS

The active ingredients, pharmacological mechanisms, and clinical applications of the herbal ingredients in the CSP formulation were summarized by searching the literature, and the main signaling pathways of the CSP formulation for the treatment of PMS were identified by network pharmacological studies.

RESULTS

CSP is a representative traditional Chinese medicine formula known for its liver detoxification properties and its effectiveness in alleviating depression. It is also recognized as one of the most widely used formulas for treating PMS. In this study, we systematically summarized the active ingredients and pharmacological mechanisms of the 7 traditional Chinese medicine components present in CSP. Through network pharmacology analysis, we identified 75 common targets of CSP relevant to the treatment of PMS. These targets were predominantly concentrated within 17 specific signaling pathways, elucidating the potential molecular mechanisms underlying CSP's therapeutic effects on PMS.

CONCLUSION

In this paper, we have reviewed CSP and PMS, investigated the potential targets and corresponding pathways of CSP for the treatment of PMS, and systematically summarized the active ingredients and pharmacological mechanisms of 7 herbal components. In addition, 17 pathways of CSP for PMS were identified for future research and clinical application. However, the specific mechanism of action of CSP for the treatment of PMS is only based on literature and online pharmacological studies, and no basic or clinical experiments have been conducted. In addition, CSP has many components with complex and varied interactions, and the effects of certain compounds may be overlooked. Based on the present findings, it is beneficial to further explore the mechanism of action of the new effector compounds and the prospect of their application in basic research and clinical trials. In conclusion, the revelation of new effector compounds and mechanisms of action is conducive to the further clinical application of CSP, the discovery of new targets for PMS, and the modernization of Chinese medicine.

Traditional Chinese herbal medicine: harnessing dendritic cells for anti-tumor benefits

Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) is being more and more used in cancer treatment because of its ability to regulate the immune system. Chinese Herbal Medicine has several advantages over other treatment options, including being multi-component, multi-target, and having fewer side effects. Dendritic cells (DCs) are specialized antigen presenting cells that play a vital part in connecting the innate and adaptive immune systems. They are also important in immunotherapy. Recent evidence suggests that Chinese Herbal Medicine and its components can positively impact the immune response by targeting key functions of dendritic cells. In this review, we have summarized the influences of Chinese Herbal Medicine on the immunobiological feature of dendritic cells, emphasized an anti-tumor effect of CHM-treated DCs, and also pointed out deficiencies in the regulation of DC function by Chinese Herbal Medicine and outlined future research directions.

Pomegranate flower polysaccharide improves mastitis in mice by regulating intestinal flora and restoring the blood-milk barrier

This study explored the inhibitory effect of pomegranate flower polysaccharide (PFPS) on mastitis through in vitro and in vivo models. PFPS is a new type of polysaccharide isolated and extracted from pomegranate flowers. The result revealed that PFPS consists of GalA, Ara, and Gal, and the residues consist of 1,4-GalpA, 1,4-Galp, and 1,3,6-Galp, which contain HG-type and RG-I-type pectin structural domains. In vitro studies showed that PFPS could inhibit LPS-enhanced phagocytosis of RAW 264.7 cells and the release of IL-1β, IL-10, and TNF-α. In vivo, studies showed that PFPS improved xylene-induced mouse ear swelling and carrageenan-induced mouse paw edema by inhibiting inflammatory factors. In the mouse mastitis model, PFPS significantly improved LPS-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in mammary tissue. Intestinal flora sequencing results showed that PFPS could effectively regulate the intestinal flora of mice, reduce the relative abundance of pathogenic bacteria Oscillospira and AF12, and increase the probiotics Blautia, Parabacteroides, Allobaculum, and Clostridiaceae_Clostridium. Therefore, PFPS ultimately played a role in preventing mastitis by regulating the intestinal flora and further improving the blood-milk barrier. This study provides a scientific basis for PFPS as a potential candidate drug for the treatment of mastitis.

In vivo pharmacokinetics of Glycyrrhiza uralensis polysaccharides

Glycyrrhiza uralensis polysaccharides (GUPS) are widely applied in biomedicine and functional food due to their multiple pharmacological activities and low toxicity. Despite their widespread use, the in vivo metabolic profile of GUPS remains poorly understood. To address this gap, we developed a quantitative analysis method that involves labeling GUPS with visible fluorescein (5-DTAF) and near-infrared (NIR) fluorescein (Cy7), resulting in stable conjugates with substitution degrees of 0.81% for 5-DTAF and 0.39% for Cy7. The pharmacokinetic studies showed a biphasic elimination pattern in the blood concentration-time curve following both intravenous and oral administration, consistent with a two-compartment model. Using fluorescence quantification and NIR imaging, we observed that GUPS was distributed to various tissues, exhibiting higher concentrations particularly in liver, kidney and lung. Excretion studies indicated that feces were the major excretion pathway of GUPS after oral administration (60.98%), whereas urine was the main pathway after intravenous administration (31.16%). Notably, GUPS could be absorbed rapidly by gut (Tmax 1 ± 0.61 h) and showed a biological half-time t1/2 26.4 ± 7.72 h after oral administration. Furthermore, the Caco-2 cells uptake studies illustrated that macropinocytosis and clathrin-mediated endocytosis were participated in the transport of GUPS in intestine epithelium. This comprehensive analysis of the in vivo pharmacokinetics of GUPS not only enhances our understanding of its metabolic pathways but also establishes a foundational basis for its clinical application, optimizing its therapeutic potential and safety profile.

Fingerprint profiling for quality evaluation and the related biological activity analysis of polysaccharides from Liuweizhiji Gegen-Sangshen beverage

Introduction

Liuweizhiji Gegen-Sangshen beverage (LGS) is popular in China, which has been used for alleviating alcohol-mediated discomfort and preventing alcoholic liver disease (ALD). This beverage is consisted of six herbal components that are known as functional foods and fruits. LGS is rich in polysaccharides, however, the activity and quality evaluation of LGS-derived polysaccharides remain unexplored. The purpose of this study is thus to establish a comprehensive quality control methodology for the assessment of LGS polysaccharides (LGSP) and to further explore the anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory as well as prebiotic effect of LGSP.

Methods

LGSP was extracted, followed by analysis of molecular weight distribution, monosaccharide content and structural characterization via integrating the application of high-performance size exclusion chromatography (HPSEC), 1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone-HPLC (PMP-HPLC), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) as well as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) techniques. The anti-oxidation activity of LGSP was determined by DPPH, ABTS, hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity and total antioxidant capacity. The anti-inflammation of LGSP were assessed on the RAW 264.7 cells. The effect of LGSP on growth of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Bifidobacterium adolescentis was evaluated.

Results

The results demonstrated that LGSP had two molecular weight distribution peaks, with the average molecular weights of (6.569 ± 0.12) × 104 Da and (4.641 ± 0.30) × 104 Da. LGSP was composed of 8 monosaccharides, with galacturonic acid, glucose rhamnose and galactose representing the highest molar ratios. Homogalacturonic acid (HG) type and rhamnosegalacturonic acid glycans I (RG-I) type and α-1,4-glucan were present in LGSP. LGSP concentration in LGS was 17.94 ± 0.28 mg/mL. Furthermore, fingerprint analysis combined with composition quantification of 10 batches of LGSP demonstrated that there was a high similarity among batches. Notably, LGSP exhibited anti-oxidant effect and inhibited expressions of pro-inflammatory factors (TNF-α and IL-6) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, LGSP remarkably promoted the proliferation of probiotics Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Bifidobacterium adolescentis, showing good prebiotic activity.

Discussion

The results of present study would be of help to gain the understanding of structure-activity relationship of LGSP, provide a reference for quality evaluation of bioactive LGSP, and facilitate development of unique health and functional products in the future.

A Comprehensive Review of Licorice: The Preparation, Chemical Composition, Bioactivities and Its Applications

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza) is a medicinal and food homologue of perennial plants derived from the dried roots and rhizomes of the genus Glycyrrhiza in the legume family. In recent years, the comprehensive utilization of licorice resources has attracted people's attention. It is widely utilized to treat diseases, health food products, food production, and other industrial applications. Furthermore, numerous bioactive components of licorice are found using advanced extraction processes, which mainly include polyphenols (flavonoids, dihydrostilbenes, benzofurans, and coumarin), triterpenoids, polysaccharides, alkaloids, and volatile oils, all of which have been reported to possess a variety of pharmacological characteristics, including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, neuroprotective, antidepressive, antidiabetic, antiparasitic, antisex hormone, skin effects, anticariogenic, antitussive, and expectorant activities. Thereby, all of these compounds promote the development of novel and more effective licorice-derived products. This paper reviews the progress of research on extraction techniques, chemical composition, bioactivities, and applications of licorice to provide a reference for further development and application of licorice in different areas.

Traditional Chinese Medicine in Regulating Tumor Microenvironment

Tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex and integrated system containing a variety of tumor-infiltrating immune cells and stromal cells. They are closely connected with cancer cells and influence the development and progression of cancer. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an important complementary therapy for cancer treatment in China. It mainly eliminates cancer cells by regulating TME. The aim of this review is to systematically summarize the crosstalk between tumor cells and TME, and to summarize the research progress of TCM in regulating TME. The review is of great significance in revealing the therapeutic mechanism of action of TCM, and provides an opportunity for the combined application of TCM and immunotherapy in cancer treatment.

Therapeutic and immune-regulation effects of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi polysaccharide on pseudorabies in piglets

Pseudorabies virus (PRV) can cause fatal encephalitis in newborn pigs and escape the immune system. While there is currently no effective treatment for PRV, Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi polysaccharides (SGP) and Rodgersia sambucifolia Hemsl flavonoids (RHF) are traditional Chinese herbal medicines with potential preventive and therapeutic effects against PRV infection. In order to explore which one is more effective in the prevention and treatment of PRV infection in piglets. We investigate the therapeutic effects of RHF and SGP in PRV-infected piglets using clinical symptom and pathological injury scoring systems. The immune regulatory effects of RHF and SGP on T lymphocyte transformation rate, cytokines, T cells, and Toll-like receptors were also measured to examine the molecular mechanisms of these effects. The results showed that SGP significantly reduced clinical symptoms and pathological damage in the lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys in PRV-infected piglets and the T lymphocyte conversion rate in the SGP group was significantly higher than that in the other treatment groups, this potential dose-dependent effect of SGP on T lymphocyte conversation. Serum immunoglobulin and cytokine levels in the SGP group fluctuated during the treatment period, with SGP treatment showing better therapeutic and immunomodulatory effects in PRV-infected piglets than RHF or the combined SGP + RHF treatment. In conclusion, RHF and SGP treatments alleviate the clinical symptoms of PRV infection in piglets, and the immunomodulatory effect of SGP treatment was better than that of the RHF and a combination of both treatments. This study provides evidence for SGP in controlling PRV infection in piglets.

Effects of glycyrrhiza polysaccharides on growth performance, meat quality, serum parameters and growth/meat quality-related gene expression in broilers

With growing restrictions on the use of antibiotics in animal feed, plant extracts are increasingly favored as natural feed additive sources. Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide (GP), known for its multifaceted biological benefits including growth promotion, immune enhancement, and antioxidative properties, has been the focus of recent studies. Yet, the effects and mechanisms of GP on broiler growth and meat quality remain to be fully elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the effects of GP on growth, serum biochemistry, meat quality, and gene expression in broilers. The broilers were divided into five groups, each consisting of five replicates with six birds. These groups were supplemented with 0, 500, 1,000, 1,500, and 2,000 mg/kg of GP in their basal diets, respectively, for a period of 42 days. The results indicated that from day 22 to day 42, and throughout the entire experimental period from day 1 to day 42, the groups receiving 1,000 and 1,500 mg/kg of GP showed a significant reduction in the feed-to-gain ratio (F:G) compared to the control group. On day 42, an increase in serum growth hormone (GH) levels was shown in groups supplemented with 1,000 mg/kg GP or higher, along with a significant linear increase in insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentration. Additionally, significant upregulation of GH and IGF-1 mRNA expression levels was noted in the 1,000 and 1,500 mg/kg GP groups. Furthermore, GP significantly elevated serum concentrations of alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and globulin (GLB) while reducing blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. In terms of meat quality, the 1,500 and 2,000 mg/kg GP groups significantly increased fiber density in pectoral muscles and reduced thiobarbituric acid (TBA) content. GP also significantly decreased cooking loss rate in both pectoral and leg muscles and the drip loss rate in leg muscles. It increased levels of linoleic acid and oleic acid, while decreasing concentrations of stearic acid, myristic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid. Finally, the study demonstrated that the 1,500 mg/kg GP group significantly enhanced the expression of myogenin (MyoG) and myogenic differentiation (MyoD) mRNA in leg muscles. Overall, the study determined that the optimal dosage of GP in broiler feed is 1,500 mg/kg.

Effect of dietary Glycyrrhiza polysaccharides on growth performance, hepatic antioxidant capacity and anti-inflammatory capacity of broiler chickens

The primary aim of this study was to investigate the impact of varying levels of dietary Glycyrrhiza polysaccharides (GPS) on the health status of broiler chickens. A total of 288 1-day-old Arbor Acres broilers were randomly assigned to four groups with six replicates, consisting of 12 chickens in each replicate. The control group (CON) was provided with the basal diet, while the experimental groups were administered 300, 600, and 900 mg/kg of GPS in the basal diet for 42 days. The results demonstrated a significant enhancement in average daily gain (ADG) as a result of GPS supplementation (P < 0.05). The dietary GPS significantly elevated total antioxidation capability (T-AOC) and the activity of antioxidant enzymes (P < 0.05), while effectively reducing the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the serum and liver (P < 0.05). Administration of GPS notably inhibited the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway (P < 0.05), decreased interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels (P < 0.05), and increased IL-4 and IL-10 levels (P < 0.05). Additionally, the expression of crucial regulators involved in liver lipid metabolism, including sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP-1), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) were significantly reduced (P < 0.05). In contrast, the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α) was significantly enhanced in the GPS-supplemented groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the supplementation of GPS positively influenced the growth performance, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacity of the liver, as well as liver lipid metabolism in broilers.

Interpreting the efficacy enhancement mechanism of Chinese medicine processing from a biopharmaceutic perspective

Chinese medicine processing (CMP) is a unique pharmaceutical technology that distinguishes it from natural medicines. Current research primarily focuses on changes in chemical components to understand the mechanisms behind efficacy enhancement in processing. However, this paper presents a novel perspective on the biopharmaceutics of CMP. It provides a comprehensive overview of the current research, emphasizing two crucial aspects: the role of 'heat' during processing and the utilization of processing adjuvants. The paper highlights the generation of easily absorbed components through the hydrolysis of glycosides by 'heat', as well as the facilitation of dissolution, absorption, and targeted distribution of active components through the utilization of processing adjuvants. From a biopharmaceutic perspective, this paper provides a lucid comprehension of the scientific foundation for augmenting the efficacy of CMP. Moreover, it proposes a three-dimensional research framework encompassing chemical reactions, phase transitions, and biopharmaceutical properties to further investigate the mechanisms involved in enhancing the efficacy of CMP.

Immunomodulatory Activity and Its Mechanisms of Two Polysaccharides from Poria cocos

Polyporaceae is an important fungal family that has been a source of natural products with a range of pharmaceutical activities in China. In our previous study, two polysaccharides, PCWPW and PCWPS, with significant antioxidant and antidepressant activity were obtained from Poria cocos. In this study, we evaluated their potential molecular mechanisms in the immunomodulation of macrophages. PCWPW and PCWPS were characterized by GC-MS analysis to contain 1,3-linked Glcp. ELISA assays results demonstrated that the secretion of TNF-α was significantly enhanced by PCWPW/PCWPS. RNA-seq data demonstrated that PCWPS treatment modulated the expression of immune-related genes in macrophages, which was further confirmed by RT-qPCR assays. The activation of TNF-α secretion was found to be mannose receptor (MR) dependent and suppressed by MR inhibitor pretreatment. Moreover, the amount of TNF-α cytokine secretion in PCWPW/PCWPS-induced RAW264.7 cells was decreased when pretreated with NF-κB or MAPK signaling pathway inhibitors. Collectively, our results suggested that PCWPW and PCWPS possessed immunomodulatory activity that regulates TNF-α expression through the NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway by binding to mannose receptors. Therefore, PCWPW and PCWPS isolated from Poria cocos have potential as drug candidates for immune-related disease treatment.

Protective effects of Emblica officinalis polysaccharide against lead induced liver injury in mice model

Heavy metal contamination especially lead (Pb) causes a serious threat to global public health. In the current study, we explored the protective and regulating effects of Emblica officinalis polysaccharide (EOP) in the liver against Pb-induced toxicity. According to our findings, EOP decreased the Pb-induced pathological lesions of liver and overall weight index in mice (p < 0.05). Following treatment with EOP, the levels of biological biomarkers for liver hepatic function (i.e., ALT and AST) were significantly decreased (p < 0.01) in a dose-dependent manner, consisted with histopathological changes. The key proteins involved in hepatic oxidative stress and apoptosis, including Nrf2, HO-1, Bcl-2, and Bax were quantified, which indicated EOP as an effective approach in protecting against the liver injury. Moreover, EOP treatment ameliorated the negative changes of liver metabolic profile (i.e., metabolites concentrations and metabolic patterns). In conclusion, EOP could protect the liver against oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by Pb poisoning, associated with the efficacy of ameliorating the negative changes in liver metabolic profile. Hence, the current findings recommend EOP as an efficient way for alleviating liver injury in lead poisoning.

Pharmacological Mechanisms and Adjuvant Properties of Licorice Glycyrrhiza in Treating Gastric Cancer

Licorice is a remarkable traditional Chinese medicine obtained from the dried root and rhizomes of the Glycyrrhiza genus, and t has been utilized in China for many centuries. It consists of more than 300 compounds that are mainly divided into triterpene saponins, flavonoids, polysaccharides, and phenolic components. The active compounds of licorice have been found to possess multiple biological activities, including antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, immunoregulatory, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective functions. In addition to providing a brief overview of licorice's adjuvant properties, this review describes and analyzes the pharmacological mechanisms by which licorice components function to treat gastric cancer. Furthermore, licorice compounds are also found to be potent adjuvant chemotherapy agents, as they can improve the quality of life of cancer patients and alleviate chemotherapy-induced adverse effects.

Glycyrrhiza polysaccharides inhibits PRRSV replication

Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide (GCP) is a natural plant active polysaccharide extracted from traditional Chinese medicine licorice. In this research, we studied the antiviral activity of glycyrrhiza polysaccharide against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), a virus of the Arteriviridae family, with a high rate of variation and has caused huge economic losses to the pig industry in various countries since its discovery. Our results show that GCP can inhibit PRRSV replication in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, GCP could inhibit the mRNA expression of receptor genes CD163 and NF-κB p65 and promote the mRNA expression of the SLA-7 gene. Because of these results, GCP can be used as a candidate drug to prevent and treat PRRS.

Preparation of nano-selenium from chestnut polysaccharide and characterization of its antioxidant activity

Chestnut is widely cultivated and has high nutritional value due to its richness in polysaccharides. In order to improve the antioxidant activity of chestnut polysaccharide, chestnut polysaccharide (CP) was extracted by ultrasonic-assisted water extraction and alcohol precipitation and purified by cellulose DEAE-52 exchange and Sephadex G-100 chromatography in this study. CP isolates were characterized by I₂-KI reaction, three-strand helical structure analysis, infrared spectrum analysis, and nuclear magnetic resonance detection. The results showed that CP is a pyrylan sugar with triple helical structure and connected by α-glycosidic bonds, with sugar residues 1,4-α-D-Glcp, 1,6-α-D-Galp, 1,5-α-L-Araf, 1,4-α-L-Rhap, and 1,4-β-D-Glcp in the CP backbone. After purification, the branching structure, rod, and spherical structure were significantly increased, with reduced lamellar structure. The in vitro scavenging rates of CP at 10 mg·mL^-1 against DPPH, hydroxyl radicals, and ABTS were 88.95, 41.38, and 48.16%, respectively. The DPPH free radical scavenging rate of purified polysaccharide fraction CP-1a was slightly enhanced, and the other rates showed a small decrease. Selenized chestnut polysaccharide (CP-Se) was prepared using nano-selenium method. The selenization method was optimized and stable Se-CP was obtained. When the concentration was 5 mg·mL^-1, Se-CP had significantly higher scavenging abilities 89.81 ± 2.33, 58.50 ± 1.60, and 40.66 ± 1.91% for DPPH, hydroxyl radical, and ABTS radicals, respectively, than those of CP. The results of this study provide insight into the effects purification and selenization of chestnut polysaccharide on antioxidant activity, and also provide a theoretical basis for the development of chestnut polysaccharide for use in functional foods or health products.

Research progress on the mechanisms underlying poultry immune regulation by plant polysaccharides

With the rapid development of poultry industry and the highly intensive production management, there are an increasing number of stress factors in poultry production. Excessive stress will affect their growth and development, immune function, and induce immunosuppression, susceptibility to a variety of diseases, and even death. In recent years, increasing interest has focused on natural components extracted from plants, among which plant polysaccharides have been highlighted because of their various biological activities. Plant polysaccharides are natural immunomodulators that can promote the growth of immune organs, activate immune cells and the complement system, and release cytokines. As a green feed additive, plant polysaccharides can not only relieve stress and enhance the immunity and disease resistance of poultry, but also regulate the balance of intestinal microorganisms and effectively alleviate all kinds of stress faced by poultry. This paper reviews the immunomodulatory effects and molecular mechanisms of different plant polysaccharides (Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz polysaccharide, Astragalus polysaccharides, Taishan Pinus massoniana pollen polysaccharide, and alfalfa polysaccharide) in poultry. Current research results reveal that plant polysaccharides have potential uses as therapeutic agents for poultry immune abnormalities and related diseases.

Preparation and Antioxidant Activity In Vitro of Fermented Tremella fuciformis Extracellular Polysaccharides

This study was aimed at increasing the capacity of fermented Tremella fuciformis extracellular polysaccharides (TEPS) for possible functional food applications. Thus, strain varieties, fermentation parameters and purification conditions, and the in vitro antioxidant activities of purified EPS fractions were investigated. An EPS high-yield strain Tf526 was selected, and the effects of seven independent fermentation factors (time, temperature, initial pH, inoculum size, shaking speed, carbon, and nitrogen source) on the EPS yield were evaluated. By single factor optimization test, yeast extract and glucose were chosen as nitrogen sources and carbon sources, respectively, and with initial pH of 6.0, inoculum size of 8%, shaking speed of 150 rpm, and culture at 25 °C for 72 h, the optimal yield of TEPS reached 0.76 ± 0.03 mg/mL. Additionally, A-722MP resin showed the most efficient decoloration ratio compared to six other tested resins. Furthermore, optimal decoloration parameters of A-722MP resin were obtained as follows: decoloration time of 2 h, resins dosage of 2 g, and temperature of 30 °C. Decoloration ratio, deproteinization ratio, and polysaccharide retention ratio were 62.14 ± 2.3%, 81.21 ± 2.13%, and 73.42 ± 1.96%, respectively. Furthermore, the crude TEPS was extracted and four polysaccharide fractions were isolated and purified as Tf1-a, Tf1-b, Tf2, and Tf3 by the DEAE-Sepharose FF column and the Sephasryl S100 column. In general, the antioxidant activities of the Lf1-a and Lf1-b were lower compared with Vc at the concentration of 0.1 to 3 mg/mL, but the FRAP assay, DPPH scavenging activity, and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity analysis still revealed that Tf1-a and Tf1-b possess significant antioxidant activities in vitro. At the concentration of 3 mg/mL, the reducing power of Lf1-a and Lf1-b reached 0.86 and 0.70, the maximum DPPH radical were 54.23 ± 1.68% and 61.62 ± 2.73%, and the maximum hydroxyl radicals scavenging rates were 58.76 ± 2.58% and 45.81 ± 1.79%, respectively. Moreover, there were significant correlations (r > 0.8) among the selected concentrations and antioxidant activities of TEPS major fractions Tf1-a and Tf1-b. Therefore, it is expected that Tf1-a and Tf1-b polysaccharide fractions from fermented TEPS may serve as active ingredients in functional foods.