The Comparative Study of the Therapeutic Effects and Mechanism of Baicalin, Baicalein, and Their Combination on Ulcerative Colitis Rat

Exploring the gut microbiota mediated biotransformation of Senecio scandens Buch.-Ham.: Insights from metabolite spectrum with UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS and bioinformatics analysis of gut microbiota metabolites

Senecio scandens Buch.-Ham., a traditional Chinese medicine commonly used clinically, exhibits various pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antiviral, and antibacterial activities. However, its water extracts' chemical components and metabolites are inadequately understood, limiting further research. In this study, the chemical components and metabolism processes of Senecio scandens, both in vivo (plasma, feces, urine, and bile) and in vitro (gut microbiota and liver microsomes), were characterized based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with hybrid quadrupole-orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry. Additionally, metabolites detectable in fecal samples and intestinal microbiota incubated but absent in liver microsomes were identified as characteristic metabolites of intestinal microbiota. The targets of the characteristic metabolites of intestinal microbiota were collected, followed by exploration of potential pathways through KEGG enrichment analysis. As a result, a total of 133 chemical components were preliminarily identified, including 35 organic acids, 21 alkaloids, 19 flavonoids and their glycosides, 17 phenylpropanoids, 10 jacaranda ketones, and 31 other compounds. Notably, 12 of these were potentially novel compounds. In addition, 39 prototype components in rats and 109 metabolites were identified and characterized, including 102 in vivo and 52 metabolites in vitro (51 in rat gut microbiota and 24 in rat liver microsomes). The main metabolic pathways include oxidation, reduction, hydrolysis, methylation, glucuronidation, sulfonation, and acetylation reactions. Furthermore, KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that the characteristic metabolites of intestinal microbiota may be related to the ErbB, FoxO, mTOR, and MAPK signaling pathways, exhibiting anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects. In summary, the chemical components and metabolites of Senecio scandens were comprehensively identified using a rapid and accurate method, providing a scientific basis for the in-depth study of the material basis and its clinical application of Senecio scandens.

Inhibitory Efficacy of Main Components of Scutellaria baicalensis on the Interaction between Spike Protein of SARS-CoV-2 and Human Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme II

Blocking the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and the human angiotensin-converting enzyme II (hACE2) protein serves as a therapeutic strategy for treating COVID-19. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatments containing bioactive products could alleviate the symptoms of severe COVID-19. However, the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants has complicated the process of developing broad-spectrum drugs. As such, the aim of this study was to explore the efficacy of TCM treatments against SARS-CoV-2 variants through targeting the interaction of the viral spike protein with the hACE2 receptor. Antiviral activity was systematically evaluated using a pseudovirus system. Scutellaria baicalensis (S. baicalensis) was found to be effective against SARS-CoV-2 infection, as it mediated the interaction between the viral spike protein and the hACE2 protein. Moreover, the active molecules of S. baicalensis were identified and analyzed. Baicalein and baicalin, a flavone and a flavone glycoside found in S. baicalensis, respectively, exhibited strong inhibitory activities targeting the viral spike protein and the hACE2 protein, respectively. Under optimized conditions, virus infection was inhibited by 98% via baicalein-treated pseudovirus and baicalin-treated hACE2. In summary, we identified the potential SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors from S. baicalensis that mediate the interaction between the Omicron spike protein and the hACE2 receptor. Future studies on the therapeutic application of baicalein and baicalin against SARS-CoV-2 variants are needed.

Dietary flavonoids-microbiota crosstalk in intestinal inflammation and carcinogenesis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is currently the third leading cancer and commonly develops from chronic intestinal inflammation. A strong association was found between gut microbiota and intestinal inflammation and carcinogenic risk. Flavonoids, which are abundant in vegetables and fruits, can inhibit inflammation, regulate gut microbiota, protect gut barrier integrity, and modulate immune cell function, thereby attenuating colitis and preventing carcinogenesis. Upon digestion, about 90% of flavonoids are transported to the colon without being absorbed in the small intestine. This phenomenon increases the abundance of beneficial bacteria and enhances the production of short-chain fatty acids. The gut microbe further metabolizes these flavonoids. Interestingly, some metabolites of flavonoids play crucial roles in anti-inflammation and anti-tumor effects. This review summarizes the modulatory effect of flavonoids on gut microbiota and their metabolism by intestinal microbe under disease conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease, colitis-associated cancer (CAC), and CRC. We focus on dietary flavonoids and microbial interactions in intestinal mucosal barriers as well as intestinal immune cells. Results provide novel insights to better understand the crosstalk between dietary flavonoids and gut microbiota and support the standpoint that dietary flavonoids prevent intestinal inflammation and carcinogenesis.

Multi-omics revealed the mechanisms of Codonopsis pilosula aqueous extract in improving UC through blocking abnormal activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICALRELEVANCE

Codonopsis pilosula (DS), a traditional Chinese medicine, had been used to regulate the immune, digestive and circulatory systems of the human, as well as protect the gastrointestinal tract, improve lung function.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of study was to explore the effects and mechanism of Codonopsis pilosula aqueous extract (DS) intervention in improving ulcerative colitis (UC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

UC model rats were established using combination of TNBS and ethanol. Tissue samples were collected for transcriptome and metabolomics analysis. Network pharmacology was performed on DS to identify bioactive compounds. Western blot was used to detect the key proteins involved in UC pathogenesis and PI3K/AKT pathways.

RESULTS

DS exerted the preventive and therapeutic effects in improving UC via inhibiting abnormal inflammatory responses and promoting antioxidant capacity. Levels of intestinal barrier, oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators were improved to nearly normal level in vivo by DS. Metabolome profiles showed that DS could restore the metabolic disorders associated with the UC pathogenesis. Further transcriptome results showed that DS mainly alleviate UC through inhibiting PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, and various related genes that dramatically expressed in UC Model rats were downregulated by DS. Typically, network pharmacology analysis identified that Glycitein was the hub compounds that involved in the mechanism of DS in improving UC.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show that Codonopsis pilosula (DS) was an potential excellent material in treating of UC depending on its suitable concentration. Possible therapeutic mechanisms of the DS involved in mitigating colonal inflammation, restoring metabolic disorders, promoting antioxidant capacity, and especially blocking the activation of PI3K/Akt pathway.

The progression of inorganic nanoparticles and natural products for inflammatory bowel disease

There is a growing body of evidence indicating a close association between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and disrupted intestinal homeostasis. Excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), along with an increase in M1 proinflammatory macrophage infiltration during the activation of intestinal inflammation, plays a pivotal role in disrupting intestinal homeostasis in IBD. The overabundance of ROS/RNS can cause intestinal tissue damage and the disruption of crucial gut proteins, which ultimately compromises the integrity of the intestinal barrier. The proliferation of M1 macrophages contributes to an exaggerated immune response, further compromising the intestinal immune barrier. Currently, intestinal nanomaterials have gained widespread attention in the context of IBD due to their notable characteristics, including the ability to specifically target regions of interest, clear excess ROS/RNS, and mimic biological enzymes. In this review, we initially elucidated the gut microenvironment in IBD. Subsequently, we delineate therapeutic strategies involving two distinct types of nanomedicine, namely inorganic nanoparticles and natural product nanomaterials. Finally, we present a comprehensive overview of the promising prospects associated with the application of nanomedicine in future clinical settings for the treatment of IBD (graphic abstract). Different classes of nanomedicine are used to treat IBD. This review primarily elucidates the current etiology of inflammatory bowel disease and explores two prominent nanomaterial-based therapeutic approaches. First, it aims to eliminate excessive reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species. Second, they focus on modulating the polarization of inflammatory macrophages and reducing the proportion of pro-inflammatory macrophages. Additionally, this article delves into the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease using inorganic metal nanomaterials and natural product nanomaterials.

The effect and mechanism of Huangqin-Baishao herb pair in the treatment of dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis

Background

The haungqing (Scutellariae Radix) and baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) herb pair (HBHP) is a common prescribed herbal formula or is added to other traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescriptions to treat ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the underlying mechanism is unclear.

Purpose

Elucidate the efficacy and potential mechanism of HBHP against UC.

Methods

First, The UC model of mice induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) was established. The mice were randomly divided into Control group, DSS group, SASP group (390 mg/kg), and HPHP group (1.95 g/kg), with 8 mice per group. Drugs were administrated via oral gavage for 7 days. Then, Disease activity index (DAI), length of the colon, histopathology, and changes in inflammatory cytokines in colonic tissues were analyzed to assess the effect of HBHP on UC. Besides, Network pharmacology was applied to identify the active compounds, core targets of HBHP in the treatment of UC, and the corresponding signaling pathways to explore the underlying mechanisms. Finally, Western blot (WB), immunohistochemistry (IHC) and molecular docking were performed to validate the results.

Results

HBHP significantly reduced DAI score and decreased colon length shortening in DSS-induced UC mice. The administration of HBHP was able to effectively alleviated mucosal ulceration and epithelial destruction. In addition, HBHP treatment obviously - reduced the expressions of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in colon tissues (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). 35 bioactive compounds and 290 HBHP targets related to UC were obtained. Among them 3 key active compounds (baicalein, panicolin, and norwogonin) with higher degree values in the drug-compound-target network and 21 hub genes (STAT3, JAK2, SRC, AKT1, PIK3CA, and VEGFA, etc.) were identified. KEGG enrichment analysis suggested that HBHP's mechanisms mainly involve the JAK-STAT pathway. Abnormal activation of JAK/STAT signaling is believed to be involved in the pathogeneses of UC. Notably, WB and IHC showed that HBHP significantly down-regulated the protein expression levels of p-JAK2 (p < 0.05) and p-STAT3 (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). JAK2 and STAT3 might be core targets for the action of HBHP; this possibility was also supported by molecular docking.

Conclusions

HBHP could alleviate DSS-induced UC, reduce tissue inflammation, and its mechanism might primarily be achieved by inhibiting JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Meanwhile, our work revealed that network pharmacology combined with experimental verification is a cogent means of studying the mechanism of TCM.

Detrimental Impacts of Pharmaceutical Excipient PEG400 on Gut Microbiota and Metabolome in Healthy Mice

Polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG400) is a widely used pharmaceutical excipient in the field of medicine. It not only enhances the dispersion stability of the main drug but also facilitates the absorption of multiple drugs. Our previous study found that the long-term application of PEG400 as an adjuvant in traditional Chinese medicine preparations resulted in wasting and weight loss in animals, which aroused our concern. In this study, 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing technology was used to analyze the diversity of gut microbiota, and LC-MS/MS Q-Exactive Orbtriap metabolomics technology was used to analyze the effect of PEG400 on the metabolome of healthy mice, combined with intestinal pathological analysis, aiming to investigate the effects of PEG400 on healthy mice. These results showed that PEG400 significantly altered the structure of gut microbiota, reduced the richness and diversity of intestinal flora, greatly increased the abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila), increased the proportion of Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes, and reduced the abundance of many beneficial bacteria. Moreover, PEG400 changed the characteristics of fecal metabolome in mice and induced disorders in lipid and energy metabolism, thus leading to diarrhea, weight loss, and intestinal inflammation in mice. Collectively, these findings provide new evidence for the potential effect of PEG400 ingestion on a healthy host.

The traditional herbal medicines mixture, Banhasasim-tang, relieves the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome via modulation of TRPA1, NaV1.5 and NaV1.7 channels

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The cause of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder, remains unclear. Banhasasim-tang (BHSST), a traditional herbal medicines mixture, mainly used to treat GI-related diseases, may have a potential in IBS treatment. IBS is characterized by abdominal pain as the main clinical symptom, which seriously affects the quality of life.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We conducted a study to evaluate the effectiveness of BHSST and its mechanisms of action in treating IBS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We evaluated the efficacy of BHSST in a zymosan-induced diarrhea-predominant animal model of IBS. Electrophysiological methods were used to confirm modulation of transient receptor potential (TRP) and voltage-gated Na⁺ (NaV) ion channels, which are associated mechanisms of action.

RESULTS

Oral administration of BHSST decreased colon length, increased stool scores, and increased colon weight. Weight loss was also minimized without affecting food intake. In mice administered with BHSST, the mucosal thickness was suppressed, making it similar to that of normal mice, and the degree of tumor necrosis factor-α was severely reduced. These effects were similar to those of the anti-inflammatory drug-sulfasalazine-and antidepressant-amitriptyline. Moreover, pain-related behaviors were substantially reduced. Additionally, BHSST inhibited TRPA1, NaV1.5, and NaV1.7 ion channels associated with IBS-mediated visceral hypersensitivity.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, the findings suggest that BHSST has potential beneficial effects on IBS and diarrhea through the modulation of ion channels.

Huangqin Decoction ameliorates ulcerative colitis by regulating fatty acid metabolism to mediate macrophage polarization via activating FFAR4-AMPK-PPARα pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Huangqin Decoction (HQD), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula chronicled in Shang Han Lun, is safe and effective for treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC).

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the effect of HQD against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC mice by regulating gut microbiota and metabolites, and further explore the mechanism of fatty acid metabolism on macrophage polarization.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Based on 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC mice model, clinical symptoms observation (body weight, DAI, and colon length) and histological inspection were used to evaluate the efficacy of HQD and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from HQD-treated mice. The gut microbiota and metabolites were detected by 16S rRNA sequencing and metabolomics analysis. The parameters of fatty acid metabolism, macrophage polarization, and FFAR1/FFAR4-AMPK-PPARα pathway were analyzed by immunofluorescence analysis, western blotting, and real-time PCR. Then, the effects of FFAR1 and FFAR4 on macrophage polarization were examined by agonists based on LPS-induced RAW264.7 cell model.

RESULTS

The results showed that FMT, like HQD, ameliorated UC by improving weight loss, restoring colon length, and reducing DAI scores and histopathological scores. Besides, HQD and FMT both enhanced the richness of gut microbiota, and modulated intestinal bacteria and metabolites to achieve a new balance. Untargeted metabolomics analysis revealed that fatty acids, especially long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs), dominated in HQD against DSS-induced UC by regulating the gut microenvironment. Further, FMT and HQD recovered the expression of fatty acid metabolism-related enzymes, and simultaneously activated FFAR1/FFAR4-AMPK-PPARα pathway but suppressed NF-κB pathway. Combined with cell experiment, HQD and FMT promoted macrophage polarization from M1 toward M2, which were well associated with anti-inflammatory cytokines and combined with the activated FFAR4.

CONCLUSIONS

The mechanism of HQD against UC was related to regulating fatty acid metabolism to mediate M2 macrophage polarization by activating the FFAR4-AMPK-PPARα pathway.

Histomorphological and Immunohistochemical Study of Dacomitinib-Induced Ileal Mucositis in Rats with the Possible Protection by Baicalin

Introduction

Gastrointestinal (GIT) mucositis is a common problem associated with chemotherapy. Dacomitinib is a chemotherapeutic drug that treats nonsmall cell lung cancer. It irreversibly binds to the receptors at the ileal epithelial cells, leading to mucosal injury. Baicalin (BA) is a flavonoid with anti-inflammatory, antifibrosis, and antibarrier disruption properties.

Aim

This work aimed to investigate the possible protective effects of BA on dacomitinib-induced ileal mucositis in rats by histological and immunohistochemical studies.

Materials and Methods

60 Wistar rats (8-12 weeks) were used (180-200 g) and divided into 6 groups (10 rats each). Group 1: Control; Group 2 (dacomitinib): Rats received dacomitinib 7.5 mg/kg/day orally; Group 3 (dacomitinib + carboxyl methylcellulose [CMC]): Rats received dacomitinib 7.5 mg/kg/day and 0.5% CMC orally; Group 4 (dacomitinib + BA low dose): Rats received low-dose BA 30 mg/kg/day and 7.5 mg/kg/day dacomitinib orally; Group 5 (dacomitinib + BA mid dose): Rats received mid-dose BA 60 mg/kg/day and 7.5 mg/kg/day dacomitinib orally; Group 6 (dacomitinib + BA high dose): Rats received high-dose BA 100 mg/kg/day and 7.5 mg/kg/day dacomitinib orally.

Results

Dacomitinib group showed short villi, desquamated epithelium, congested blood vessels, inflammatory cellular infiltrations, dilated lacteals, and wide spaces between the crypts. There is a significant increase in collagen fibers and number of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive cells. Further, there were lost epithelial cadherin (E-cadherin) and epidermal growth factor receptor immunohistochemical reaction. The previous findings were ameliorated by BA in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusion

BA has a protective effect through its anti-inflammatory, antifibrosis, and antibarrier disruption effects. Hence, BA is considered as a promising new drug for the treatment of chemotherapy-associated GIT problems, especially dacomitinib.

The Pharmacological Efficacy of Baicalin in Inflammatory Diseases

Baicalin is one of the most abundant flavonoids found in the dried roots of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SBG) belonging to the genus Scutellaria. While baicalin is demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antitumor, antibacterial, anticonvulsant, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective effects, its low hydrophilicity and lipophilicity limit the bioavailability and pharmacological functions. Therefore, an in-depth study of baicalin's bioavailability and pharmacokinetics contributes to laying the theoretical foundation for applied research in disease treatment. In this view, the physicochemical properties and anti-inflammatory activity of baicalin are summarized in terms of bioavailability, drug interaction, and inflammatory conditions.

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic markers of the scorching degree of Scutellariae Radix related to the variation patterns of flavonoids and carbohydrates

Scutellariae Radix (SR) is a common herb in Asia and Europe. In the clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine, the raw SR is often stir-baked to partly scorch to reduce the side effects (stomach discomfort, diarrhea, etc.) but enhance some desired effects (such as the hemostatic activity). The scorching degree is crucial to assure the safety and efficacy of the scorched SR. Under-scorching is insufficient to adapt the adverse and favorable activities, while over-scorching can destroy all activities. Up to now, the scorching degree of SR is still determined by the manual observation of colors. Since the visual judgement is vulnerable to personal knowledge and experience, it is difficult to control the optimization and consistence of the scorching degree of SR. This research was designed to explore the potential indicators that can exactly reflect the scorching degree of SR and be measured objectively and quantitatively. A total of 15 morphological and chemical properties as well as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were included to profile the variations of the SR slices that were stir-baked at different temperatures for different times. According to the principal component analysis and statistical tests, 10 properties showed close relationships with the scorching degree of SR. As the increase of the heating time at the same heating temperature, the yield, L*, a*, b*, sucrose, baicalin and wogonoside decreased continuously and showed the monotone variation patterns. Meanwhile, 5-HMF, baicalein and wogonin showed the inflection variation patterns, which means these properties increased in the earlier stage but decreased in the later stage during the scorching process. FTIR spectra also revealed the variations of flavonoids and carbohydrates. The scorching degree of SR can be determined by the intuitive observation of FTIR spectral peaks at 1738 cm^-1, 1705 cm^-1, 1611 cm^-1, 1586 cm^-1, 1450 cm^-1, 1410 cm^-1 and 1023 cm^-1. In summary, FTIR spectroscopy can be used for the rapid assessment of the scorching degree of SR, while the contents of flavonoid glycosides and aglycones may be used as the quality criteria of the scorched SR.

Therapeutic Mechanism of Baicalin in Experimental Colitis Analyzed Using Network Pharmacology and Metabolomics

Background

Baicalin is an important active flavonoid isolated from the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis (S. baicalensis), a well-known traditional Chinese herb used in treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The objectives of this study were to assess the potential benefit of baicalin in experimental colitis, as well as to investigate metabolic biomarkers of experimental colitis in conjunction with network pharmacology.

Methods

Using a widely utilized network pharmacology technique, baicalin's targets and pathways were predicted. Simultaneously, experimental colitis was induced by intrarectal administration of TNBS. Histopathology examinations were performed to confirm pathological changes. Plasma samples were examined by using an untargeted metabolomics technique based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) to screen differential metabolites and associated metabolic pathways. Additionally, network pharmacology and integrated analysis of metabolomics were used to identify the primary targets.

Results

Through network pharmacology research, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin 6 (IL6), serine/threonine-protein kinase (AKT1), and other 7 proteins were found to be the main targets of baicalin against IBD. The untargeted metabolomics results showed that 47 metabolites in glycerophospholipids and sphingolipid metabolism were involved as key pathways in the experimental colitis model group. 19 metabolites, including Sphingomyelin (SM d42:2, SM d42:1, SM d34:1), Lysophosphatidic acids (LPA 18:4), 1-Palmitoylglycerophosphocholine, and 17(18)-EpETE were demonstrated as key metabolites for baicalin to exert effects. Moreover, udp-glucose ceramide glucosyltransferase (UGCG), sphingomyelin synthase 1 (SGMS1), and sphingosine kinase (SPHK1) were predicted as sphingolipids-linked targets of baicalin against experimental colitis by integrative analysis.

Conclusion

Based on these results, it implies that sphingolipid metabolism and sphingolipid signaling pathway might be acted as therapeutic mechanism for baicalin against experimental colitis.

Bilayer fixed-dose combination tablet for curcumin microparticles and piroxicam and in vitro evaluation

Aim: In the present work, fixed-dose combination of bilayer tablets for piroxicam as and curcumin as immediate-release and sustained-release layer (SRL) respectively for management of inflammatory response. Materials & methods: The SRL include Curcumin polycaprolactone microparticles from spray drying. The tablet layers include Pearlitol 200SD, Microcrystalline cellulose PH101, Aerosil 200, talc each layer. Results: SEM studies confirm spherical microparticles. PXRD and DSC studies confirm the amorphous microparticles. In vitro studies exhibit, an immediate release and sustained release for Piroxicam and Curcumin after 2 h. Cellular uptake studies on RAW 264.7 cells confirm the complete internalization of microparticles. Conclusion: Therefore, it was concluded that microparticles can be formulated into a unit dosage form for the management of inflammation.

Therapeutic Potential of Bioactive Components from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi in Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Colorectal Cancer: A Review

Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SBG), an herbal medicine with various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiviral, antibacterial, and antioxidant activities, is effective in treatment of colitis, hepatitis, pneumonia, respiratory infections, and allergic diseases. This herbal medicine consists of major active substances, such as baicalin, baicalein, wogonoside, and wogonin. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) comprises a group of inflammatory conditions of the colon and small intestine, with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis being the main types. IBD can lead to serious complications, such as increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), one of the most common cancers worldwide. Currently, there is no cure for IBD, and its incidence has been increasing over the past few decades. This review comprehensively summarizes the efficacy of SBG in IBD and CRC and may serve as a reference for future research and development of drugs for IBD and cancer treatment.

A novel strategy for active compound efficacy status identification in multi-tropism Chinese herbal medicine (Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi) based on multi-indexes spectrum-effect gray correlation analysis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Bioactive substance identification is always the focal point and the main challenge in Chinese herbal medicine (CHM). Most CHM present multiple efficacies and multiple tropisms, which has improved the application accuracy of CHM, and is worthy of further study. In this article, the concept of "multi-tropism efficacy of CHM" has been proposed for the first time. In addition, it is hypothesized that the different components in CHM can be classified based on their efficacy status.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The spectrum-effect relationship between the fingerprint and efficacy was established to identify the efficacy status of components. This provided a practical, efficient and accurate way to identify the bioactive substances from a complex CHM system.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The network pharmacology approach was applied to preliminarily analyze the potential antibacterial compounds and mechanisms of HQ. Furthermore, its chemical fingerprint was established and the characteristic peaks were identified by LC-MS/MS. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory bioactivities of HQ were determined to evaluate its pharmacological effect of heat-clearing and detoxification, and its anticoagulation activity was determined to evaluate its heat-clearing and tocolysis effects. The spectrum-effect relationships were assessed by gray correlation analysis to discriminate the status of active components in HQ with different efficacies.

RESULTS

Network pharmacology analysis revealed apigenin, wogonin, baicalein, acacetin, β-sitosterol, baicalin, eugenol, moslosooflavone, palmitic acid, oroxylin-A 7-O-glucuronide, and scutevulin as the potential active compounds responsible for the efficacy of HQ against both E. coli and S. aureus. The spectrum-effect relationship was utilized to reveal the orientation activities, with the results as follows: 1) The main basic-efficacy components in HQ with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anticoagulant effects were P5, P8, P9, P15, P18, P19, P20; while the general basic-efficacy components were P2, P3, P6, P7, P11, P14, P21, P22, P28. 2) The main efficacy-oriented components in HQ with antibacterial effects on E. coli were P1, P12, P17, while the general efficacy-oriented compound was P10, P24, P25, P26, P27; the main efficacy-oriented in HQ with antibacterial effects on S. aureus were P14 and the general efficacy-oriented components were P1, P12, P26, P29, P30, respectively. 3) The main efficacy-oriented components with anti-inflammatory activity were P14, P24, P25, P27, and P30, while the general efficacy-oriented components were P13, P23, P26. 4) The main efficacy-oriented compounds in HQ with effects on anticoagulation were P6 and P22; these acted by prolonging APTT through the intrinsic coagulation pathway and PT through the extrinsic coagulation pathway, respectively. 5) The pharmacodynamic status classification of Scutellaria baicalensis ingredients were confirmed by nine reference compounds exemplarily.

CONCLUSION

This work established a novel strategy for active compound efficacy status identification in multi-tropism Chinese herbal medicine (Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi) based on multi-indexes spectrum-effect gray correlation analysis, the method is scientific feasible and can be applied to the effective substances identification and quality control of other CHM.

Potential Therapeutic Mechanism of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi against Ankylosing Spondylitis Based on a Comprehensive Pharmacological Model

Background

Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SBG) has significant anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating activities and is widely used in the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. However, the mechanism of SBG in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) remains to be elucidated.

Methods

Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to AS were analyzed based on two GEO gene chips. The DEGs were merged with the data derived from OMIM, GeneCards, and PharmGKB databases to ascertain AS-related targets. Active components of SBG and their targets were acquired from the TCMSP database. After overlapping the targets of AS and SBG, the action targets were acquired. Subsequently, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and core target screening were conducted using the STRING database and Cytoscape software. Moreover, the DAVID platform was used to perform Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses of action targets. Finally, the affinity of major active components and core targets was validated with molecular docking.

Results

A total of 36 active components of SBG were acquired from TCMSP database. Among these, the main active components were baicalein, wogonin, and oroxylin A. The PPI network and screening showed TNF, IL-6, CXCL8, PTGS2, and VEGFA as core targets associated SBG against AS. GO and KEGG analyses indicated that SBG participated in various biological processes, via regulating IL-17, TNF, and NF-κB signaling pathways. Molecular docking results confirmed a strong binding activity between the main active components and the core targets.

Conclusion

The therapeutic mechanism of SBG associated with AS can be characterized as a multicomponent, multitarget, and multipathway mechanism. SBG may be a promising therapeutic candidate for AS.

Chaihu-Guizhi-Ganjiang Decoction is more efficacious in treating irritable bowel syndrome than Dicetel according to metabolomics analysis

Background

Chaihu-Guizhi-Ganjiang Decoction (CGGD) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription used to treat viral influenza. There is evidence that CGGD can be used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) but the potential mechanism of action and metabolites produced upon CGGD treatment remains elusive.

Methods

Patients with IBS were treated with pinaverium bromide (Dicetel™) and then CGGD after a washout period of 1 week. Both treatments lasted for 30 days. The efficacy and changes of metabolites in plasma after the two treatments were compared. Plasma samples were acquired before and after each treatment, and untargeted metabolics analysis was performed.

Results

Efficacy was measured according to the Rome IV criteria and TCM theory. Our results indicated that CGGD showed significantly better efficacy than Dicetel in the treatment of IBS utilizing each criterion. CGGD exerted greater effects on plasma metabolism than Dicetel. Dicetel treatment led to increased tryptophan metabolism (increased levels of 5-Hydroxyindoleacetaldehyde) and increased protein metabolism (increased levels of L-arginine). CGGD treatment significantly (p < 0.05) increased carnitine metabolism, with elevated levels of L-carnitine and acylcarnitine in plasma. Such changes in these metabolites could exert effects against IBS by improving gastrointestinal motility and suppressing pain, depression, and inflammation.

Conclusions

CGGD appeared to be more efficacious than Dicetel for treating patients with IBS. The findings provide a sound support for the underlying biomolecular mechanism of CGGD in the prevention and treatment of IBS.

Understanding the tonifying and the detoxifying properties of Chinese medicines from their impacts on gut microbiota and host metabolism: a case study with four medicinal herbs in experimental colitis rat model

BACKGROUND

Chinese medicines (CMs) have emerged as an alternative therapy for ulcerative colitis through reinforcing the vital qi and/or eliminating the pathogenic factors according to the traditional Chinese medicinal theory. Presystemic interactions of CMs with gut microbiota and the associated metabolic network shift are believed to be essential to achieve their holistic health benefits in traditional oral application.

METHODS

This study first employed 16S rDNA-based microbial profiling and mass spectrometry-based urinary metabolomics to simultaneously evaluate four single CMs frequently prescribed as main constituent herbs for alleviating UC, the tonic ginseng and Astragali Radix (AR) and the detoxifying Scutellaria Radix (SR) and Rhubarb, on a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis rat model, with aims to understanding the tonifying or detoxifying properties of CMs through clinical phenotypes, the common features and herb-specific signatures in gut microbial alterations and the associated host metabolic shifts. Colitis was induced in rats receiving 5% DSS for consecutive 7 days. Control group received water alone. Herbal groups received 5% DSS and respective herbal preparation by gavage once daily. Body weight, stool consistency, and rectal bleeding were recorded daily. Feces and urine were freshly collected at multiple time points. On day 7, blood and colon tissues were collected to determine anti-/pro-inflammatory cytokines levels, colonic myeloperoxidase activity, and histopathologic alterations.

RESULTS

Gut microbiome was more prone to herb intervention than metabolome and displayed increasing associations with metabolic dynamics. Although both the tonic and the detoxifying herbs alleviated colitis and caused some similar changes in DSS-induced microbiome and metabolome disturbance, the tonic herbs were more effective and shared more common microbial and metabolic signatures. The detoxifying herbs elicited herb-specific changes. Rhubarb uniquely affected phenylalanine metabolism and established high correlations between Akkermansia muciniphila and Parasutterella and hydroxyphenylacetylglycine and phenylbutyrylglycine, while SR caused significant elevation of steroidal glucuronides dehydropregnenolone glucuronide and estriol glucuronide, both displaying exclusive correlations with genus Acetatifactor.

CONCLUSION

Both tonic and detoxifying herbs tested ameliorated experimental colitis and elicited alternative microbial and host metabolic reprogramming. The findings highlight the importance of presystemic interactions with gut microbiota to host metabolic shifts and promote modern translation of tonic and detoxifying properties of CMs.

Scutellaria baicalensis georgi is a promising candidate for the treatment of autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune diseases a group of disorders elicited by unexpected outcome of lymphocytes self-tolerance failure, and the common members of which include multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and type 1 diabetes mellitus, etc. The pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases is not fully understood and the current therapeutic regimen’s inefficacy in certain cases coupled with low rates of success, exorbitant financial burden, as well as numerous side effects, which do open new avenues for the role of natural products as novel therapeutic agents for auto-inflammatory disorders. Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi is a well-known and widely-recognized herbal medicine with certain ameliorative effect on diverse inflammation-involved dysfunction. Though recent advances do highlight its potential to be applied in the fight against autoimmune diseases, the specific mechanism and the related opinion on the exploring possibility are still limited which hampered the further progress. Here in this timeline review, we traced and collected the evidence of how Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi and its bioactive contents, namely baicalin, baicalein, wogonoside and wogonin affect autoimmune diseases. Moreover, we also discussed the clinical implications and therapeutic potential of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi and its bioactive contents in autoimmune diseases treatment.

Systematic Evaluation of Randomized Clinical Trials of Huangqin Tang in Combination with Mesalazine for Ulcerative Colitis

Objective

To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of Huangqin Tang (HQT) combined with mesalazine for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC).

Methods

The China Knowledge Network, Wanfang Data, VIP, PubMed, SinoMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of UC with HQT in Chinese and English. The search time was from the establishment of the database to October 2021. The included literature was evaluated for data extraction and risk of bias, efficacy and safety were evaluated using the RevMan5.3 software, and the quality of evidence was evaluated using GRADE.

Results

Six studies with a total of 565 subjects were included, and a meta-analysis showed that HQT combined with mesalazine for UC significantly improved the cure rate (RR = 1.56, 95% CI [1.23, 1.98), P=0.0003) and overall efficacy rate (RR = 1.24, 95% CI [1.14, 1.35], P=0.00001), which significantly reduced the clinical symptom scores; however, all had high heterogeneity. HQT combined with mesalazine modulated the patients' serum IL-6, IL-10, IgA, and IgG levels. HQT combined with mesalazine for UC tended to reduce adverse effects; however, the difference was not statistically significant. All GRADE ratings of the quality of evidence were of low quality.

Conclusions

HQT combined with mesalazine in the treatment of UC significantly improved the cure rate and overall treatment efficiency and regulated the expression levels of serum IL-6, IL-10, IgA, and IgG.

Role of baicalin as a potential therapeutic agent in hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal disorders: A review

Baicalin is a natural bioactive compound derived from Scutellaria baicalensis, which is extensively used in traditional Chinese medicine. A literature survey demonstrated the broad spectrum of health benefits of baicalin such as antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, cardio-protective, hepatoprotective, renal protective, and neuroprotective properties. Baicalin is hydrolyzed to its metabolite baicalein by the action of gut microbiota, which is further reconverted to baicalin via phase 2 metabolism in the liver. Many studies have suggested that baicalin exhibits therapeutic potential against several types of hepatic disorders including hepatic fibrosis, xenobiotic-induced liver injury, fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis, cholestasis, ulcerative colitis, hepatocellular and colorectal cancer. During in vitro and in vivo examinations, it has been observed that baicalin showed a protective role against liver and gut-associated abnormalities by modifying several signaling pathways such as nuclear factor-kappa B, transforming growth factor beta 1/SMAD3, sirtuin 1, p38/mitogen-activated protein kinase/Janus kinase, and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinaseβ/adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase pathways. Furthermore, baicalin also regulates the expression of fibrotic genes such as smooth muscle actin, connective tissue growth factor, β-catenin, and inflammatory cytokines such as interferon gamma, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and IL-1β, and attenuates the production of apoptotic proteins such as caspase-3, caspase-9 and B-cell lymphoma 2. However, due to its low solubility and poor bioavailability, widespread therapeutic applications of baicalin still remain a challenge. This review summarized the hepatic and gastrointestinal protective attributes of baicalin with an emphasis on the molecular mechanisms that regulate the interaction of baicalin with the gut microbiota.

Demystifying phytoconstituent-derived nanomedicines in their immunoregulatory and therapeutic roles in inflammatory diseases

In the past decades, phytoconstituents have appeared as critical mediators for immune regulations among various diseases, both in eukaryotes and prokaryotes. These bioactive molecules, showing a broad range of biological functions, would hold tremendous promise for developing new therapeutics. The discovery of phytoconstituents' capability of functionally regulating immune cells and associating cytokines, suppressing systemic inflammation, and remodeling immunity have rapidly promoted the idea of their employment as anti-inflammatory agents. In this review, we discuss various roles of phyto-derived medicines in the field of inflammatory diseases, including chronic inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and acute inflammatory disease such as COVID-19. Nevertheless, traditional phyto-derived medicines often concurred with their clinical administration limitations, such as their lack of cell specificity, inefficient cytoplasmic delivery, and rapid clearance by the immune system. As alternatives, phyto-derived nano-approaches may provide significant benefits. Both unmodified and engineered nanocarriers present the potential to serve as phytoconstituent delivery systems to improve therapeutic physio-chemical properties and pharmacokinetic profiles. Thus, the development of phytoconstituents' nano-delivery designs, their new and perspective approaches for therapeutical applications are elaborated herein.

Pharmacological Effects of Polyphenol Phytochemicals on the Intestinal Inflammation via Targeting TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway

TLR4/NF-κB is a key inflammatory signaling transduction pathway, closely involved in cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and pro-inflammatory response. Toll like receptor 4 (TLR4), the first mammalian TLR to be characterized, is the innate immune receptor that plays a key role in inflammatory signal transductions. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), the TLR4 downstream, is the key to accounting for the expression of multiple genes involved in inflammatory responses, such as pro-inflammatory cytokines. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in humans is a chronic inflammatory disease with high incidence and prevalence worldwide. Targeting the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway might be an effective strategy to alleviate intestinal inflammation. Polyphenol phytochemicals have shown noticeable alleviative effects by acting on the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in intestinal inflammation. This review summarizes the pharmacological effects of more than 20 kinds of polyphenols on intestinal inflammation via targeting the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. We expected that polyphenol phytochemicals targeting the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway might be an effective approach to treat IBD in future clinical research applications.

Pharmacological agents for the prevention of colistin-induced nephrotoxicity

Background

Colistin is a polymyxin antibiotic which has been used for treatment of Gram-negative infections, but it was withdrawn due to its nephrotoxicity. However, colistin has gained its popularity in recent years due to the reemergence of multidrug resistant Gram-negative infections and drug-induced toxicity is considered as the main obstacle for using this valuable antibiotic.

Results

In total, 30 articles, including 29 animal studies and one clinical trial were included in this study. These compounds, including aged black garlic extract, albumin fragments, alpha lipoic acid, astaxanthin, baicalein, chrysin, cilastatin, colchicine, curcumin, cytochrome c, dexmedetomidine, gelofusine, grape seed proanthocyanidin extract, hesperidin, luteolin, lycopene, melatonin, methionine, N-acetylcysteine, silymarin, taurine, vitamin C, and vitamin E exhibited beneficial effects in most of the published works.

Conclusions

In this review, the authors have attempted to review the available literature on the use of several compounds for prevention or attenuation of colistin-induced nephrotoxicity. Most of the studied compounds were potent antioxidants, and it seems that using antioxidants concomitantly can have a protective effect during the colistin exposure.

Therapeutic effect of baicalin on inflammatory bowel disease: A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Baicalin (BI) is an important biologically active flavonoid isolated from the root of Scutellaria radix (Huang Qin). Traditionally Scutellaria radix was the common drug of dysentery. As the main flavonoid compound, there is a distribution tendency of baicalin to the intestinal tract and it has a protective effect on the gastrointestinal tract.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This review aims to compile up-to-date and comprehensive information on the efficacy of baicalin in vitro and in vivo, about treating inflammatory bowel disease. Relevant information on the therapeutic potential of baicalin against inflammatory bowel disease was collected from the Web of Science, Pubmed and so on. Additionally, a few books and magazines were also consulted to get the important information.

RESULTS

The mechanisms of baicalin against inflammatory bowel disease mainly include anti-inflammation, antioxidant, immune regulation, maintenance of intestinal barrier, maintenance of intestinal flora balance. Also, BI can relieve parts of extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs), and prevent colorectal cancer.

CONCLUSION

Baicalin determined the promising therapeutic prospects as potential supplementary medicines for the treatment of IBD.

Oral Chinese Herbal Medicine on Immune Responses During Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Cellular immune responses including lymphocyte functions and immune effector cells are critical for the control of coronavirus infection. Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) potentially has a therapeutic effect for treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Nevertheless, there are limited clinical practice suggestions on immunogenicity of the CHM against SARS-CoV-2. To assess the effect of oral CHM on immunogenicity and whether oral CHM improves the clinical parameters through the immunity profile during COVID-19, we performed the present study.

METHODS

For this systematic review and meta-analysis, 11 databases were searched for relevant studies assessing oral CHM for COVID-19 on November 20, 2020 (updated March 9, 2021). Primary outcomes mainly included immunity profiles. Secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality; the remission time of fever, cough, chest tightness, and fatigue. The random effect was used to estimate the heterogeneity of the studies. Summary relative risks, weight mean difference and standardized mean difference were measured with 95% confidence intervals. Modified Jadad scale and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale were used to assess the risk of bias of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies, respectively. The certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE approach.

RESULTS

We analyzed findings from 3,145 patients in 30 eligible studies. Compared with routine treatment, oral CHM, as an adjuvant medicine, improved lymphocyte counts, CD4+, and CD4+/CD8+ ratio with low quality of evidence; improved CD3+ with moderate quality of evidence; and reduced TNF-α with low certainty of evidence. Besides, oral CHM, as an adjuvant medicine reduced the time to clinical symptoms remission with a lower risk of all-cause mortality, compared with routine treatment alone.

CONCLUSION

CHM may be recommended as an adjuvant immunotherapy for disease modification and symptom relief in COVID-19 treatment. However, large RCTs objectively assessing the efficacy of CHM on immune responses in COVID-19 are needed to confirm our findings.

Baicalein suppresses lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury by regulating Drp1-dependent mitochondrial fission of macrophages

Acute lung injury (ALI) and its serious form, the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are devastating diseases without effective chemotherapy. Exuberant or uncontrolled proinflammation responses in the lung, also known as "cytokine storms", is one of the main culprits in the pathogenesis of organ failure, and anti-inflammatory therapy is essential to alleviate ALI/ARDS-associated injuries. Emerging evidence suggests that baicalein has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, the underlined mechanism of baicalein to mitigate inflammation in ALI remains unclear. Herein, we demonstrated a critical role for baicalein in suppressing the inflammatory response of LPS-activated macrophages. We found that mitochondria function was restored in the condition of baicalein. Interestingly, results showed that mitochondrial dysfunction positively correlates with inflammatory cytokine generation at each corresponding baicalein concentration. Further mRNA analysis revealed that baicalein mitigates mitochondrial defects via attenuation of dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) expression. These reprogrammed mitochondria prevent their function shift from the ATP synthesis to reactive oxygen species (ROS) production after the LPS challenge, thereby dampening NF-κB-dependent inflammatory cytokine transcription. Baicalein reduces the production of inflammatory mediators TNF-α, MIP-1, IL-6, and diminishes neutrophil influx and severity of endotoxin-mediated ALI. Taken together, our results show that baicalein may serve as a new clinical therapeutic strategy in ALI by modulating Drp1-induced mitochondrial impairment, restraining inflammatory responses, and reducing the severity of lung injury.

Preventive Effect of Lycopene in Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Ulcerative Colitis Mice through the Regulation of TLR4/TRIF/NF-κB Signaling Pathway and Tight Junctions

The preventive effect and molecular mechanism of lycopene (LP) in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice were evaluated. Compared to the DSS group, the LP prevention groups not only significantly inhibited the DSS-induced weight loss, decreased the disease activity index (DAI) score, increased the colon length, and improved inflammation in the colon but also significantly increased the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD),catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and glutathione (GSH) in the colon and reduced inflammatory cytokine, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Notably, when compared to the DSS group, the protein expression levels of TLR4, TRIF, and p-NF-κB p65 in the mice colon tissue were downregulated and those of tight junction-related proteins were upregulated in the LP + DSS group, with the most significant effect observed in the 10 mg/kg LP + DSS group. These results confirmed that the upregulation of tight junction-related protein expression after blocking the TLR4/TRIF/NF-κB signaling pathway may be one of the mechanisms through which LP prevents UC.

Baicalin-Zinc Complex Alleviates Inflammatory Responses and Hormone Profiles by Microbiome in Deoxynivalenol Induced Piglets

This study aimed to investigate the beneficial effect of baicalin–zinc complex (BZN) on intestinal microorganisms in deoxynivalenol (DON)-challenged piglets and the association between intestinal microorganisms and host immunity and hormone secretion. Forty weaned piglets were randomly divided into four treatments with 10 piglets in each treatment: (1) control (Con) group (pigs fed basal diet); (2) DON group (pigs fed 4 mg DON/kg basal diet); (3) BZN group (pigs fed 0.5% BZN basal diet); and (4) DBZN group (pigs fed 4 mg DON/kg and 0.5% BZN basal diet). The experiment lasted for 14 days. The BZN supplementation in DON-contaminated diets changed the intestinal microbiota composition and increased intestinal microbial richness and diversity of piglets. The BZN supplementation in DON-contaminated diets also alleviated the inflammatory responses of piglets and modulated the secretion of hormones related to the growth axis. Moreover, microbiota composition was associated with inflammatory and hormone secretion. In conclusion, BZN alleviated inflammatory response and hormone secretion in piglets, which is associated with the intestinal microbiome.

Antiviral Properties of Baicalin: a Concise Review

Baicalin is one of the bioactive flavonoid glycosides isolated from the dried root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, Lamiaceae, with antiviral properties. In recent years, the antiviral activity of baicalin has been widely investigated to explore its molecular mechanism of action. In this mini-review, the molecular mechanisms of action of baicalin as an antiviral agent are evaluated, which included three categories: the inhibition or stimulation of JAK/STAT, TLRs, and NF-κB pathways; up or down modulation of the expression levels of IFN, IL, SOCS1/3, PKR protein, Mx1 protein, and AP-1 protein; and inhibition of cell apoptosis caused by virus infection. In addition, clinical studies of baicalin are also discussed. This literature search suggested that baicalin can serve as a potential candidate for the development of a novel broad-spectrum antiviral drug.

"Longitudinal Fecal Microbiome Study of Total Body Irradiated Mice Treated With Radiation Mitigators Identifies Bacterial Associations With Survival"

Total body irradiation (TBI) has been demonstrated to alter the intestinal microbiome, but the effects of successful small molecule ionizing radiation mitigators on the intestinal microbiome are not well-known. Our survival experiments examined the effects of anti-cell death radiation mitigators on and in conjunction with the host's microbiota. Mice received 9.25 Gy TBI and then were administered radiation mitigators 24 hours later. Passed stool were collected pre-irradiation, then on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, 21, and 30 post-irradiation for 16S rRNA gene (V4 region) sequencing. The Cox proportional hazards (CPH) model was fit with taxonomic composition (time varying covariates) and treatment as predictors. In the first experiment, mice were administered drugs for "granulocyte stimulation and anti-apoptosis" in four protocol combinations: JP4-039 (anti-apoptosis), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF, granulopoietic precursor cell stimulator), both mitigators, and control. Survival improved relative to control (30.0%) for G-CSF (80%, p-value = 0.025), G-CSF/JP4-039 (70%, p-value = 0.084), but not for JP4-039 (50.0%). In the second experiment, mice were administered mitigation drugs "inhibiting programmed cell death" pathways: JP4-039 (anti-apoptosis), necrostatin-1 (anti-necroptosis), and baicalein (anti-ferroptosis), in eight combinations. The survival of JP4-039/baicalein (60.0%, p-value = 0.010) and JP4-039/baicalein/necrostatin-1 (60.0%, p-value = 0.06) treatment combinations were significantly different from the control (26.7%). The JP4-039/necrostatin-1 (46.7%) and baicalein/necrostatin-1 (40.0%) and singlet treatment combinations (26.7%) were not significantly different from the control. Despite differences between the baseline microbiota compositions of the two experiments, consistent changes in composition after irradiation were found: Lactobacillus decreased post-irradiation, relative to baseline. By day 7, microbiota perturbations had incompletely reversed, and no drug-specific differences were identifiable. The CPH model identified Lactobacillus and members of Ruminococcaceae, including Ruminococcus, as protective and Akkermansia as deleterious. By day 30, the microbiota of surviving mice had not returned to baseline, but the differences between experiments suggest the resultant microbiota composition of the survivors are stochastic or batch specific in nature, rather than a requirement for survival. In conclusion, the study determined that key taxa identified in fecal samples, when applied towards the prediction of TBI survival, improves the survival model relative to treatment information alone.

Exploration of the potential mechanism of Banxia Xiexin Decoction for the effects on TNBS-induced ulcerative colitis rats with the assistance of network pharmacology analysis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Banxia Xiexin Decoction (BXD), an ancient TCM prescription originating from Treatise on Febrile Diseases (Shang Han Lun) of the Han Dynasty, has been widely used in modern clinical practice, especially for gastrointestinal diseases, including ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the modern decoction method of BXD differs from that of the original method. Thus, an exploration of the influence of the different decoction methods on the pharmacological effects is interesting and significant.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to systematically compare the pharmacological effects of extracts of BXD on TNBS induce UC rats that were prepared by different methods, the ancient method and the modern method. The findings may provide important information for the further mechanical exploration of the classical prescription, contributing to the rational application and enhancing the understanding of BXD in modern applications or scientific research.

METHODS

Fifty-four SD rats were randomly divided into the following nine groups at n = 6/group: control group; model group; salicylazosulfapyridine group; BXD ancient extraction method's low-dose group (BXD-AED-L, 3.6 g BXD-AED/kg), medium-dose group (BXD-AED-M, 7.2 g BXD-AED/kg), and high-dose group (BXD-AED-H, 14.4 g BXD-AED/kg); and BXD modern extraction method's low-dose group (BXD-MED-L, 1 g BXD-MED/kg), medium-dose group (BXD-MED-M, 2 g BXD-MED/kg), and high-dose group (BXD-MED-H, 4 g BXD-MED/kg). All the groups, except the control group, were rectally injected with 70 mg/kg ethanol solution containing TNBS (2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid) to establish the UC models. The pharmacological evaluations including disease activity index, colon weight index, macroscopic and histological evaluation of colon damage, and inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-4, IL-10, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6)were measured. In the network pharmacology analysis, the "herbs-components-targets-disease" network was constructed and visually analyzed with which the targets with a strong correlation with UC were screened out.

RESULTS

The results showed that both BXD-AED and BXD-MED might alleviate the severity of UC with different degrees according to the majority of indices that were evaluated. At similar doses, the BXD-AED groups performed better compared with the BXD-MED groups. With the assistance of the network pharmacology analysis, some key active components (quercetin, baicalein, wogonin, and baicalin) related to the anti-UC/inflammation were screened out. The contents of the components in BXD-AED were higher than those in BXD-MED. The joint results of the study indicated that BXD, an ancient TCM compound prescription, is an effective drug candidate for the modern treatment of UC.

Discovery of natural 15-LOX small molecule inhibitors from Chinese herbal medicine using virtual Screening, biological evaluation and molecular dynamics studies

Chinese herbal medicines (CHM) are frequently used to treat different types of inflammatory diseases and 15-Lipoxygenase (15-LOX) is a critical target enzyme for treating various inflammatory diseases. In this study, natural 15-LOX inhibitors were identified in CHM using an approach of virtual screening combined with the biological assays. First, an in-house Chinese medicine database containing 360 compounds was screened using a virtual screening approach based on pharmacophore and molecular docking to uncover several novel potential 15-LOX inhibitors. Secondly, the inhibitory effect of virtual screening hits against the 15-LOX enzyme was validated in an in vitro enzyme inhibition assay. Then, a tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) release assay was carried out to explore the anti-inflammatory response of the active compounds. Furthermore, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and binding free energy calculation were applied to analyze the process of inhibitors binding and also compared the mode of binding of the inhibitors by using the Molecular Mechanics-Generalized Born Surface Area (MM/GBSA) method. Finally, licochalcone B and eriodictyol were confirmed as inhibitors of the 15-LOX enzyme with IC₅₀ values of 9.67 and 18.99 μM, respectively. In vitro cell-based assay showed that licochalcone B and eriodictyol inhibited the release of TNF-α factor in RAW264.7 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in a dose-dependent manner. Molecular dynamics and binding free energy analysis showed that the two 15-LOX-ligand systems immediately attained equilibrium with almost 1 Å fluctuation, the calculated binding free energies were found around -18.89 and -12.96 kcal/mol for licochalcone B and eriodictyol, respectively. Thr412, Arg415, Val420, Thr429, Ile602 and Trp606 were the main amino acid residues for the inhibition of 15-LOX enzyme activity. The current study confirms that licochalcone B and eriodictyol are 15-LOX inhibitors and can suppress the release of the TNF-α factor in RAW264.7 cells stimulated by LPS, thus providing a basis for the follow-up research and development for 15-LOX inhibitors.

Systems pharmacology and transcriptomics reveal the mechanisms of Sanhuang decoction enema in the treatment of ulcerative colitis with additional Candida albicans infection

Background

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an important inflammatory phenotype in bowel disease (IBD), which is caused by multiple potential factors, including fungal dysbiosis. Candida albicans (C. albicans) was confirmed to be an important factor promoting the occurrence and development of UC. Sanhuang decoction (SHD) has been used for UC therapy in China for thousand of years, although its core active constituents and pharmacological mechanism remain undefined.

Methods

In this work, a murine model of UC with C. albicans colonization was established with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) and C. albicans intragastric administration. The major bioactive constituents and potential mechanism of SHD against UC with fungal dysbiosis were comprehensively examined by combining systems pharmacology and in vivo transcriptomics.

Results

SHD attenuated C. albicans burden, reduced DAI, increased mucosal integrity and relived systemic inflammation in UC mice. Systems pharmacology analysis identified 9 core bioactive ingredients and 45 hub targets of SHD against UC. Transcriptomics analysis confirmed 370 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) after SHD treatment, which were mainly enriched in inflammatory and immune response related signaling pathways. Toll-like receptor and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway were screened out as the candidate targets involved in the action of SHD on fungal dysbiosis-associated UC, which were consistent with the findings in systems pharmacology. The expression of TLR4, IL-1β, NF-κB, PI3K and Akt proteins were stimulated by C. albicans, and partially reversed by SHD in UC mice.

Conclusion

These findings suggested SHD could be a candidate for the treatment of fungal dysbiosis-associated UC via TLR4-NF-κB and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13020-021-00487-2.

Microenvironment Activatable Nanoprodrug Based on Gripper-like Cyclic Phenylboronic Acid to Precisely and Effectively Alleviate Drug-induced Hepatitis

Drug-induced hepatitis (DIH), which seriously interferes with disease treatment, is one of the most common reasons for termination of new drugs during preclinical studies or post-marketing surveillance. Although antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents are promising, their nonspecific distribution and insolubility limit their application. Therefore, precise drug release at the disease site is an important way to alleviate DIH and avoid side effects.

Methods: A gripper-like hydrophilic cyclic phenylboronic acid (cPBA) was synthesized and a nanoprodrug (cPBA-BE) was established by coupling cPBA with hydrophobic baicalein (BE). The stimuli-responsive release properties and therapeutic effect of cPBA-BE on drug-injured hepatocyte were investigated. The biodistribution and therapeutic effect of cPBA-BE both in acetaminophen-induced acute hepatitis model and rifampicin-induced chronic hepatitis model were further evaluated.

Results: cPBA-BE conjugate could self-assemble into nanoprodrug with cPBA as the hydrophilic external layer and BE as the hydrophobic core. In HepaRG cells, cPBA-BE showed stronger cellular uptake. Due to the H₂O₂- and acid-sensitivity, cPBA-BE could achieve adequate BE release, significantly resist the depletion of GSH, mitochondrial dysfunction, downregulation of inflammation and cell apoptosis in the acetaminophen injured HepaRG cells. Biodistribution showed that cPBA-BE specifically increased the concentration of BE in the liver of DIH mice. cPBA-BE could alleviate acetaminophen-induced acute hepatitis or rifampicin-induced chronic hepatitis more effectively through relieving the oxidative stress, inflammation and block the neutrophil infiltration in liver.

Conclusions: cPBA is expected to be a good platform for constructing injectable nanoprodrug with both H₂O₂ and pH-responsive properties by coupling a wide range of drugs containing o-diol. In this study, the nanoprodrug cPBA-BE was determined to be effective for alleviating the DIH.

Molecular Targets and Mechanisms of Scutellariae radix-Coptidis rhizoma Drug Pair for the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking

This study aims to analyze the targets of the effective active ingredients of Scutellariae radix-Coptidis rhizoma drug pair (SCDP) in ulcerative colitis (UC) by network pharmacology and molecular docking and to explore the associated therapeutic mechanism. The effective active ingredients and targets of SCDP were determined from the TCMSP database, and the drug ingredient-target network was constructed using the Cytoscape software. The disease targets related to UC were searched in GeneCards, DisGeNET, OMIM, and DrugBank databases. Then, the drug ingredient and disease targets were intersected to construct a protein-protein interaction network through the STRING database. The Metascape database was used for the Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses of the predicted targets of SCDP for UC. The Autodock software was used for molecular docking between the main active ingredient and the core target to evaluate the binding ability. SCDP has 43 effective active ingredients and 134 intersection targets. Core targets included AKT1, TP53, IL-6, VEGFA, CASP3, JUN, TNF, MYC, EGFR, and PTGS2. GO functional enrichment analysis showed that biological process was mainly associated with a cytokine-mediated signaling pathway, response to an inorganic substance, response to a toxic substance, response to lipopolysaccharide, reactive oxygen species metabolic process, positive regulation of cell death, apoptotic signaling pathway, and response to wounding. KEGG enrichment analysis showed main pathway concentrations were related to pathways in cancer, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, bladder cancer, IL-17 signaling pathway, apoptosis, p53 signaling pathway, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. The drug active ingredient-core target-key pathway network contains 41 nodes and 108 edges, of which quercetin, wogonin, baicalein, acacetin, oroxylin A, and beta-sitosterol are important active ingredients; PTGS2, CASP3, TP53, IL-6, TNF, and AKT1 are important targets; and the pathways involved in UC treatment include pathways in cancer, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic, apoptosis, IL-17 signaling pathway and herpes simplex infection. The active ingredient has a good binding capacity to the core target. SCDP key active ingredients are mainly quercetin, wogonin, baicalein, acacetin, oroxylin A, and beta-sitosterol, which function mainly by regulating targets, such as PTGS2, CASP3, TP53, IL-6, TNF, and AKT1, and are associated with multiple signaling pathways as pathways in cancer, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, apoptosis, IL-17 signaling pathways.

Yu Shi An Chang Fang Ameliorates TNBS-Induced Colitis in Mice by Reducing Inflammatory Response and Protecting the Intestinal Mucosal Barrier

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease that is related to the occurrence of colon cancer. This study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanism by which Yu Shi An Chang Fang (YST) treated UC. 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) was used to construct the UC model. The body weight, fecal viscosity, and fecal bleeding of all mice were recorded every day to calculate the DAI value. The pathological changes in colon tissues were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) reflecting inflammation and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) reflecting oxidative stress in colon tissues were all measured by their assay kits. The mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in colon tissues was detected by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR). The expression of proteins related to pyroptosis and the colonic mucosal barrier was analyzed by Western blot. As a result, TNBS caused decreases in body weight and colon lengths, triggered serious histological damage, promoted inflammation, oxidative stress, and pyroptosis, and destroyed the colonic mucosal barrier. The above changes caused by TNBS in colitis mice could be partially reversed by YST. In conclusion, YST ameliorates TNBS-induced UC in mice by reducing the inflammatory response and protecting the intestinal mucosal barrier.

A four-component combination derived from Huang-Qin Decoction significantly enhances anticancer activity of irinotecan

Huang-Qin Decoction (HQD) is a classic prescription for diarrhea in Chinese medicine treatment. Recent studies have demonstrated that HQD and its modified formulation PHY906 could ameliorate irinotecan (CPT-11) induced gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity and enhance its anticancer therapeutic efficacy. Nevertheless, which constituents in HQD are effective is still unclear so far. The study aims to screen out the key bioactive components combination from HQD that could enhance the anticancer effect of CPT-11. First, the potential bioactive constituents were obtained through system pharmacology strategy. Then the bioactivity of each constituent was investigated synthetically from the aspects of NCM460 cell migration, TNF-α release of THP-1-derived macrophage and MTT assay in HCT116 cell. The contribution of each constituent in HQD was evaluated using the bioactive index E_i, which taken the content and bioactivity into comprehensive consideration. And then, the most contributing constituents were selected out to form a key-component combination. At last, the bioefficacy of the key-component combination was validated in vitro and in vivo. As a result, a key-component combination (HB4) consisting of four compounds baicalin, baicalein, glycyrrhizic acid and wogonin was screened out. In vitro assessment indicated that HB4 could enhance the effect of CPT-11 on inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis in HCT116. Furthermore, the in vivo study confirmed that HB4 and HQD have similar pharmacological activity and could both enhance the antitumor effect of CPT-11 in HCT116 xenograft model. Meanwhile, HB4 could also reduce the CPT-11 induced GI toxicity.

SARS-CoV-2 Mpro: A Potential Target for Peptidomimetics and Small-Molecule Inhibitors

The uncontrolled spread of the COVID-19 pandemic caused by the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 during 2020-2021 is one of the most devastating events in the history, with remarkable impacts on the health, economic systems, and habits of the entire world population. While some effective vaccines are nowadays approved and extensively administered, the long-term efficacy and safety of this line of intervention is constantly under debate as coronaviruses rapidly mutate and several SARS-CoV-2 variants have been already identified worldwide. Then, the WHO's main recommendations to prevent severe clinical complications by COVID-19 are still essentially based on social distancing and limitation of human interactions, therefore the identification of new target-based drugs became a priority. Several strategies have been proposed to counteract such viral infection, including the repurposing of FDA already approved for the treatment of HIV, HCV, and EBOLA, inter alia. Among the evaluated compounds, inhibitors of the main protease of the coronavirus (Mpro) are becoming more and more promising candidates. Mpro holds a pivotal role during the onset of the infection and its function is intimately related with the beginning of viral replication. The interruption of its catalytic activity could represent a relevant strategy for the development of anti-coronavirus drugs. SARS-CoV-2 Mpro is a peculiar cysteine protease of the coronavirus family, responsible for the replication and infectivity of the parasite. This review offers a detailed analysis of the repurposed drugs and the newly synthesized molecules developed to date for the treatment of COVID-19 which share the common feature of targeting SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, as well as a brief overview of the main enzymatic and cell-based assays to efficaciously screen such compounds.

Investigation on the function tropism of Tiaoqin and Kuqin (different specification of Scutellaria baicalensis) by comparing their curative effect on different febrile disease model

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Scutellaria baicalensis (S. baicalensis) is the root of S. baicalensis Georgi. In traditional Chinese medicine it is divided into Tiaoqin (TQ, 1-3 years old) and Kuqin (KQ, more than 3 years old). However, the differences in TQ and KQ efficacy and their exact mechanisms are still unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to clarify the difference in the efficacy of TQ and KQ in relation to different fever types (damp heat and hyperpyrexia) by using rat models, as well as to determine the primary molecular mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study compared the compositional content of TQ and KQ by UPLC-MS/MS. Then, rat models of hyperpyrexia (HP, LPS) and damp heat (DH, high-fat and high-sugar diet feeding + fumigation in artificial climate chamber + E. coli injection) were established and their clinical symptoms, blood biochemistry, histopathological sections, cell cytokines and protein expression were compared following treatment with TQ or KQ. Finally, the mechanisms underpinning the differences observed for TQ and KQ were determined by measuring the components of these treatments in different target organs.

RESULTS

This study identified 31 compounds in the water extracts of both TQ and KQ, which differed significantly in their relative content. TQ and KQ showed different functional tropism in HP and DH model rats. Baicalin, wogonoside, oroxin A, baicalein, wogonin and oroxylin A appeared to be the basic functional components responsible for the functional tropism hypothesis, while the remaining compounds appeared to be the efficacy-oriented components. In addition, the difference in pharmacodynamics between TQ and KQ may be related to their absorption in vivo, which was consistent with the hypothesis of functional tropism proposed in this work.

CONCLUSION

In this study we adopted TQ and KQ-different specifications of Scutellaria baicalensis with similar chemical components-as a case study to systematically reveal the functional tropism of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM). The results showed that TQ and KQ contain the basic functional components to enable the basic function of 'clearing heat', while the variation in compositional content may result in their different therapeutic effects. A greater understanding and utilisation of the functional tropism of CHM would enormously improve the accuracy and scientific basis for the application of CHM medication, as well as in promoting the multi-function mechanism of CHM and guiding new drug development of CHM.

Baicalin triggers apoptosis, inhibits migration, and enhances anti-tumor immunity in colorectal cancer via TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway

Aberrant activation of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway is closely implicated in colorectal cancer (CRC) growth, metastasis, and immune escape. In the present study, we reported natural derived compound of baicalin (BA), an efficient inhibitor of NF-κB, with good anti-tumor effect on CRC. CCK8 and colony formation assays showed that Baicalin significantly inhibit viability and proliferation in HCT-116 and CT26 cells. Additionally, Baicalin dramatically triggers mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in both HCT-116 and CT-26 cells, which is evidenced by loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and elevated cellular reactive oxygen species level. Treatment with Baicalin suppresses migration and invasion of CT26 cells by impairing TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. What's more, administration of Baicalin significantly retarded tumor growth rate in a subcutaneous xenograft tumor mouse model of CT26 cells. Treatment with Baicalin could ameliorate tumor immunosuppressive environment by downregulation of PD-L1 expression and proportion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and upregulation of percent of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells in CT26 tumors, thus improving anti-tumor immunity. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that baicalin triggers apoptosis, inhibits migration, and enhances anti-tumor immunity in colorectal cancer via TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, suggesting it might serve as a potential candidate drug for the treatment of CRC. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: In the present study, we reported natural derived compound of baicalin (BA), an efficient inhibitor of NF-κB, with good anti-tumor effect on CRC. We demonstrated that baicalin triggers mitochondria-mediated apoptosis, inhibits migration, and improves anti-tumor immunity in colorectal cancer via TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Baicalein Inhibits Streptococcus mutans Biofilms and Dental Caries-Related Virulence Phenotypes

Dental caries, the most common oral disease, is a major public healthcare burden and affects more than three billion people worldwide. The contemporary understanding of the need for a healthy microbiome and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance has resulted in an urgent need to identify compounds that curb the virulence of pathobionts without microbial killing. Through this study, we have demonstrated for the first time that 5,6,7-trihydroxyflavone (Baicalein) significantly downregulates crucial caries-related virulence phenotypes in Streptococcus mutans. Baicalein significantly inhibited biofilm formation by Streptococcus mutans UA159 (MBIC50 = 200 μM), without significant growth inhibition. Notably, these concentrations of baicalein did not affect the commensal S. gordonii. Strikingly, baicalein significantly reduced cell surface hydrophobicity, autoaggregation and acid production by S. mutans. Mechanistic studies (qRT-PCR) showed downregulation of various genes regulating biofilm formation, surface attachment, quorum sensing, acid production and competence. Finally, we demonstrate the potential translational value of baicalein by reporting synergistic interaction with fluoride against S. mutans biofilms.

Oroxylin A is a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2-spiked pseudotyped virus blocker obtained from Radix Scutellariae using angiotensin-converting enzyme II/cell membrane chromatography

The current worldwide outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has been declared a public health emergency. The angiotensin‐converting enzyme II (ACE2) has been reported as the primary host‐cell receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), the causative virus of COVID‐19. In this study, we screened ACE2 ligands from Radix Scutellariae and investigated its suppressive effect on SARS‐CoV‐2 spiked pseudotyped virus in vitro. HEK293T cells stably expressing ACE2 receptors (ACE2 cells) were used to provide the receptor for the ACE2/cell membrane chromatography (CMC) method used for analysis. The SARS‐CoV‐2‐spiked pseudotyped virus was used to examine the anti‐viropexis effect of the screened compounds in ACE2 cells. Molecular docking and the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay were used to determine the binding properties. Oroxylin A exhibited an appreciable suppressive effect against the entrance of the SARS‐CoV‐2‐spiked pseudotyped virus into ACE2 cells, which showed good binding to ACE2 as determined using SPR and CMC. Oroxylin A was shown to be a potential candidate in the treatment for COVID‐19 by virtue of its blocking the entrance of SARS‐CoV‐2 into ACE2 cells by specifically binding to the ACE2 receptor.

Baicalin and the liver-gut system: Pharmacological bases explaining its therapeutic effects

With the development of high-throughput screening and bioinformatics technology, natural products with a range of pharmacological targets in multiple diseases have become important sources of new drug discovery. These compounds are derived from various plants, including the dried root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, which is often used as a traditional Chinese herb named Huangqin, a popular medication used for thousands of years in China. Many studies have shown that baicalin, an extract from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, exerts various protective effects on liver and gut diseases. Baicalin plays a therapeutic role mainly by mediating downstream apoptosis and immune response pathways induced by upstream oxidative stress and inflammation. During oxidative stress regulation, PI3K/Akt/NRF2, Keap-1, NF-κB and HO-1 are key factors associated with the healing effects of baicalin on NAFLD/NASH, ulcerative colitis and cholestasis. In the inflammatory response, IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, MIP-2 and MIP-1α are involved in the alleviation of NAFLD/NASH, cholestasis and liver fibrosis by baicalin, as are TGF-β1/Smads, STAT3 and NF-κB. Regarding the apoptosis pathway, Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 are key factors related to the suppression of hepatocellular carcinoma and attenuation of liver injury and colorectal cancer. In addition to immune regulation, PD-1/PDL-1 and TLR4-NF-κB are correlated with the alleviation of hepatocellular carcinoma, ulcerative colitis and colorectal cancer by baicalin. Moreover, baicalin regulates intestinal flora by promoting the production of SCFAs. Furthermore, BA is involved in the interactions of the liver-gut axis by regulating TGR5, FXR, bile acids and the microbiota. In general, a comprehensive analysis of this natural compound was conducted to determine the mechanism by which it regulates bile acid metabolism, the intestinal flora and related signaling pathways, providing new insights into the pharmacological effects of baicalin. The mechanism linking the liver and gut systems needs to be elucidated to draw attention to its great clinical importance.

Predicting multi-enzyme inhibition in the arachidonic acid metabolic network by Heritiera fomes extracts

Heritiera fomes is a mangrove plant with a rich history of ethnomedicinal usage against chronic inflammation. Biochemical analyses of H. fomes have exposed a plethora of bioactive phytochemicals that contribute to this therapeutic effect by perturbing enzymes of a complex inflammatory network mediated by arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism. This study is the first instance of utilizing cheminformatic approaches to elucidate a molecular linkage between these phytochemical interventions and the multi-enzyme AA metabolic network regulation. Analysis of the simulations reflects H. fomes as a functional reservoir of multiple safe and potent natural anti-inflammatory compounds. The investigation suggests two phytocompounds extracted from the plant: a sesquiterpene lactone and a flavone glycoside, as candidate inhibitors of multiple catalytic checkpoints of the inflammatory network. The outcomes of this research act as a primary guideline for future laboratory and clinical testing of anti-inflammatory potentials of H. fomes as an exploitable source of safe and potent drug-like molecules.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Baicalein ameliorates ionizing radiation-induced injuries by rebalancing gut microbiota and inhibiting apoptosis

AIMS

Ionizing radiation (IR) induces injuries to the hematopoietic and intestinal systems, which are the leading cause of death. Baicalein, a plant-derived flavonoid, shows anti-oxidative stress, anti-apoptosis, anti-inflammation effects in many diseases. In this study, we evaluated the effects and mechanism of baicalein on IR induced intestinal and hematopoietic injuries.

MAIN METHODS

Mice were divided into three groups: Control, IR and IR + Baicalein. All of mice were intraperitoneally administered with 100 mg/kg baicalein or normal saline for 1 h before IR, and then a day post-IR. The changes in intestinal structure, function and molecular expression were observed by pathological experiments and western blot. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed to analyze gut microbiota and further predicted metabolic pathways through Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis. Hematopoietic function was evaluated by peripheral blood cells count and by flow cytometry analysis of hematopoietic cells composition.

KEY FINDINGS

Baicalein improved intestinal structure and the ability of proliferation and regeneration after mice exposed to IR, in which the rebalance of gut microbial composition played an important role. KEGG results showed that p53-related apoptotic pathways played important roles in the composition changes of gut microbiota. Then we observed that baicalein inhibited the activation of p53 and p53 mediated mitochondrial apoptosis and death receptor apoptosis in the intestine. In addition, IR induced injuries to hematopoietic system also could be ameliorated by baicalein.

SIGNIFICANCE

These results provide new insights into the mechanism of baicalein and support the potential of baicalein as a radioprotective medicine.

Anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities in vitro of Shuanghuanglian preparations and bioactive ingredients

Human infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and there is no cure currently. The 3CL protease (3CLpro) is a highly conserved protease which is indispensable for CoVs replication, and is a promising target for development of broad-spectrum antiviral drugs. In this study we investigated the anti-SARS-CoV-2 potential of Shuanghuanglian preparation, a Chinese traditional patent medicine with a long history for treating respiratory tract infection in China. We showed that either the oral liquid of Shuanghuanglian, the lyophilized powder of Shuanghuanglian for injection or their bioactive components dose-dependently inhibited SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro as well as the replication of SARS-CoV-2 in Vero E6 cells. Baicalin and baicalein, two ingredients of Shuanghuanglian, were characterized as the first noncovalent, nonpeptidomimetic inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro and exhibited potent antiviral activities in a cell-based system. Remarkably, the binding mode of baicalein with SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro determined by X-ray protein crystallography was distinctly different from those of known 3CLpro inhibitors. Baicalein was productively ensconced in the core of the substrate-binding pocket by interacting with two catalytic residues, the crucial S1/S2 subsites and the oxyanion loop, acting as a “shield” in front of the catalytic dyad to effectively prevent substrate access to the catalytic dyad within the active site. Overall, this study provides an example for exploring the in vitro potency of Chinese traditional patent medicines and effectively identifying bioactive ingredients toward a specific target, and gains evidence supporting the in vivo studies of Shuanghuanglian oral liquid as well as two natural products for COVID-19 treatment.

Synergistic Effect of Berberine-Based Chinese Medicine Assembled Nanostructures on Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome In Vivo

Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) is one common chronic functional disease of the digestive system with limited treatments. The microbiota–gut–brain axis (MGBA) has a central function in the pathogeny of IBS-D, which includes the participation of many various factors, such as brain-gut peptides (BGPs), immune inflammation, and intestinal flora. Inspired by the drug combination in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), our previous study discovered that berberine (BBR) and baicalin (BA) could form natural self-assemblies as BA-BBR nanoparticles (BA-BBR NPs) and showed synergistic effects against IBS-D. Here, we investigated the synergistic effects of BA-BBR NPs on IBS-D model mice induced by chronic restraint stress plus Senna alexandrina Mill decoction with the influence on MGBA. BA-BBR NPs showed the best therapeutic effect on improving visceral hypersensitivity and diarrhea on IBS-D model mice, compared with BBR, BA, and BA/BBR mixture. Furthermore, BA-BBR NPs significantly (P<0.05) reduced the levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and choline acety transferase (CHAT) in colon tissues or of serum from BGPs; it lowered the expressions of the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) in colon tissues and changed the levels of basophil granulocyte (BASO) and leukomonocyte (LYMPH) in whole blood from immune inflammation; it altered the intestinal flora of Bacteroidia, Deferribacteres, Verrucomicrobia, Candidatus_Saccharibacteria, and Cyanobacteria from intestinal flora. In conclusion, BA-BBR NPs, after forming the natural self-assembly between BBR and BA, promoted the synergistic effect on IBS-D mice than the sum of BBR and BA effects, based to the formation of self-assemblies rather than the simple mixing. It further proved that synergistic effect of BA-BBR NPs on IBS-D mice might be related to BGPs, immune inflammation, and intestinal flora from three important interrelated components of MGBA. This study will provide a novel idea for the interpretation of TCM compatibility theory and provide the basis for BA-BBR NPs as a medicinal plant-derived natural and efficient nanomaterial for clinical use.