Traditional Chinese Medicine of Angelicae Pubescentis Radix: A Review of Phytochemistry, Pharmacology and Pharmacokinetics

Columbianadin suppresses glioblastoma progression by inhibiting the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant glioma among brain tumors with low survival rate and high recurrence rate. Columbianadin (CBN) has pharmacological properties such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, thrombogenesis-inhibiting and anti-tumor effects. However, it remains unknown that the effect of CBN on GBM cells and its underlying molecular mechanisms. In the present study, we found that CBN inhibited the growth and proliferation of GBM cells in a dose-dependent manner. Subsequently, we found that CBN arrested the cell cycle in G0/G1 phase and induced the apoptosis of GBM cells. In addition, CBN also inhibited the migration and invasion of GBM cells. Mechanistically, we chose network pharmacology approach by screening intersecting genes through targets of CBN in anti-GBM, performing PPI network construction followed by GO analysis and KEGG analysis to screen potential candidate signaling pathway, and found that phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Protein Kinase-B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway was a potential target signaling pathway of CBN in anti-GBM. As expected, CBN treatment indeed inhibited the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in GBM cells. Furthermore, YS-49, an agonist of PI3K/Akt signaling, partially restored the anti-GBM effect of CBN. Finally, we found that CBN inhibited GBM growth in an orthotopic mouse model of GBM through inhibiting PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Together, these results suggest that CBN has an anti-GBM effect by suppressing PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, and is a promising drug for treating GBM effectively.

A new coumarin glucoside from Angelica pubescens

A new coumarin glucoside named angelol A-3'-β-D-glucoside and four known compounds (2-5) were isolated from the root of Angelica pubescens. Their chemical structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods involving HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR. The absolute configuration of compound 1 was confirmed by the CD experiment. All compounds were tested for nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory activity in vitro. The results showed that all compounds exhibited weak to moderate inhibition activities of NO production except compound 5.

Duhuo Jisheng decoction alleviates neuroinflammation and neuropathic pain by suppressing microglial M1 polarization: a network pharmacology research

BACKGROUND

Neuropathic pain (NP) is the most prevalent form of chronic pain resulting from nerve damage or injury. Despite the widespread use of Duhuo Jisheng decoction (DHJSD) in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat chronic pain, the mechanism underlying its analgesic action remains unclear.

METHODS

Using network pharmacology, we obtained DHJSD and NP-related target information from public databases to construct protein-protein interactions (PPI) and compound-target networks based on common target genes. These networks were further analyzed using gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG). The interaction between molecules was verified through molecular docking using AutoDock Tools software. Additionally, we treated a chronic constriction injury (CCI) rat model with DHJSD and determined the mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT). We used an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit to determine the levels of inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, qRT-PCR was employed to analyze ACHE, NOS2, MAPK3, PTGS2, AKT1, and PPARG mRNA expression, and immunofluorescence was used to evaluate changes in microglia.

RESULTS

Our screening of compounds and targets identified 252 potential targets of DHJSD associated with NP. PPI analysis, along with GO and KEGG analyses, revealed that the potential mechanism of DHJSD in NP treatment may be related to inflammatory reactions, the IL-17 signaling pathway, MAP kinase activity, and endocrine activity. Based on molecular docking, the core target showed significant affinity for DHJSD's active components. Moreover, DHJSD treatment repaired the CCI-induced inflammatory reaction in the spinal cord while regulating the expression of ACHE, NOS2, MAPK3, PTGS2, AKT1, and PPARG mRNA. Immunofluorescence results indicated that the active components of DHJSD may regulate microglial M1 polarization to improve neuroinflammation, PPARG may have been involved in the process.

CONCLUSION

The multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway actions of DHJSD provide new insights into its therapeutic mechanism in NP.

Behavioral, Electrophysiological, and Toxicological Responses of Plutella xylostella to Extracts from Angelica pubescens

Plutella xylostella L. is a destructive pest affecting cruciferous vegetables, causing massive economic losses worldwide. Plant-based insecticides are considered promising insect control agents. The Angelica pubescens extract inhibited female oviposition, with an oviposition deterrence index (ODI) of 61.65% at 12.5 mg/mL. We aimed to identify the bioactive compounds in A. pubescens extract. The compounds from A. pubescens extract were analyzed using LC-MS techniques. The toxicity and behavioral responses of larvae and adults of P. xylostella to ten compounds were investigated. We found that the caryophyllene oxide and 3,4-dimethoxycinnamic acid inhibited female oviposition; the ODIs were 98.31% and 97.59% at 1.25 mg/mL, respectively. The A. pubescens extract, caryophyllene oxide, and 3,4-dimethoxycinnamic acid caused larval mortality, with LC₅₀ values of 21.31, 4.56, and 5.52 mg/mL, respectively. The EAG response of females was higher than that of males under A. pubescens extract conditions, while the EAG response of males was higher than that of females in caryophyllene oxide and 3,4-dimethoxycinnamic acid conditions. The A. pubescens extract and caryophyllene oxide showed repellent activity against both female and male adults, while the 3,4-dimethoxycinnamic acid did not elicit any notable behavioral responses from P. xylostella adults. A. pubescens extract and caryophyllene oxide are potential insecticides, oviposition deterrents, and behavioral regulators against P. xylostella, and they could be potential candidates for the development of biological insecticides to control P. xylostella.

Osthole: A potential AMPK agonist that inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome activation by regulating mitochondrial homeostasis for combating rheumatoid arthritis

BACKGROUND

Osthole (OST), a characteristic coumarin compound in Angelicae pubescentis radix (APR), has shown potent efficacy in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but its specific targets and potential mechanism are limited.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to explore the potential targets and molecular mechanisms of OST against RA using computer-assisted techniques in combination with RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) inflammation model and CIA rat model.

METHODS

Network pharmacology and molecular docking were applied to initially predict the potential targets of OST for the treatment of RA. Thereafter, TNFα was used to stimulate FLS to build an in vitro model of inflammation, combined with RNA-seq technology and molecular biology such as qPCR to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects and related mechanisms of OST. Finally, the anti-RA effect of OST was demonstrated by establishing a CIA rat model.

RESULTS

The network model results showed that the anti-RA effect of OST was mainly related to its anti-inflammatory effect, and AMPK was identified as a potential target for the potency of OST. In the TNFα-induced FLS cells, OST inhibited the secretion of FLS inflammatory factors, which was attributed to the ability of OST to activate AMPK to inhibit the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Further, it was observed that the activation of AMPK by OST facilitated mitochondrial biogenesis, and corrected abnormal mitochondrial dynamics in FLS, which was favoured to the restoration of mitochondrial homeostasis, and further promoted the occurrence of apoptosis and the decrease of ROS in FLS. Consistent with in vivo studies, administration of OST significantly improved joint deformity and toe erythema, reduced arthritis index scores and inhibited synovial inflammation in CIA rats.

CONCLUSION

Our study proposed for the first time that AMPK, served as a potential target of OST, positively participated in the anti-RA therapeutic effect of OST. By regulating mitochondrial homeostasis and function, OST can effectively inhibit the activation of inflammasome and the secretion of inflammatory factors in vitro and in vivo, and finally achieve beneficial effects in the treatment of RA, which provides support and greater possibility to make further efforts on pharmacological research and clinical application of OST.

Determination of Five Coumarins in Angelicae Pubescentis Radix from Different Origins by HPTLC-Scanning

The HPTLC method is widely used in the field of quality evaluation and component analysis of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This work developed an HPTLC method to determine the five effective components of osthole, columbianadin, isoimperatorin, oxypeucedanin, and imperatorin in Angelicae Pubescentis Radix (APR) from twelve different origins, and the quality difference was analyzed by comprehensive factor analysis and cluster analysis. The results showed that the calibration curves of five components exhibited good linearity within the linear ranges (0.8-4.0 μg). The RSD of precision was 1.06%-1.21%, and the repeatability and stability tests were good. The results of cluster analysis showed that the APR from 12 different areas was divided into two categories, and at the same time, it was found that the quality of Dazhou in Sichuan and Huating in Gansu was better than in other areas. In this study, a simple, rapid, and efficient method for quality evaluation of TCM was established by the HPTLC method.

Comparison of Pharmacokinetic Profiles of 14 Major Bioactive Components in Normal and Arthritic Model Rats after Oral Administration of Angelicae pubescentis Radix by UPLC-MS/MS

An ultraperformance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was established to simultaneously determine 14 compounds of Angelicae pubescentis Radix (APR) in normal and arthritis rat plasma in which chloramphenicol and daidzein were used as the internal standards. After protein precipitation with acetonitrile, separation was carried out on a Thermo Hypersil GOLD C₁₈ column using gradient elution with 0.1% formic acid aqueous and acetonitrile consisting as the mobile phase at a flowing rate of 0.3 mL/min. A Thermo TSQ QUANTIS triple quadrupole mass spectrometer was used to detect 14 compounds in positive/negative ion exchange mode and this study was the first to investigate the pharmacokinetic changes of the active compounds in rats under the pathological state of arthritis. The method was verified and the results showed that the intra- and interday precision, accuracy, matrix effect, and extraction recovery were all acceptable, and the analytes were stable under different storage conditions. In addition, the pharmacokinetic behaviors of the 14 compounds were significantly different in model rats compared with normal rats. This indicated that the pharmacokinetic behavior of drugs will vary with the pathological state of the body, which suggested that individualized and reasonable drug administration plans should be formulated for different pathological states in clinical practice. This study provided a scientific basis and data support for better understanding the pharmacodynamic substance basis and clinical application of APR against arthritis.

Screening 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors from selected traditional Chinese medicines and isolation of the active compounds from Polygoni Cuspidati Rhizoma by an on-line bioactivity evaluation system

To identify natural products as new prototypes for 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), 12 traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), were selected for screening their 5-LOX inhibition activities. The results showed that all of the methanol extracts of 12 selected TCMs possessed inhibitory activities of 5-LOX at 200 μg/mL, of which six extracts of the TCMs showed significant inhibitory effects with IC₅₀ values ranged from 33.2 ± 1.4 μg/mL to 153.5 ± 1.7 μg/mL, and the extract of Polygoni Cuspidati Rhizoma (RPC) was the most active sample. An on-line UPLC-PDA-MSⁿ -5-LOX-FLD method was applied to further identify the potential 5-LOX inhibitory constituents in RPC extracts, which resulted in the identification of 7 components with 5-LOX-binding activities. Finally, four compounds (polydatin, resveratrol, emodin-8-O-glucoside and emodin) were successfully purified from RPC extracts. The 5-LOX inhibition action was assayed in vitro, and the results showed that these compounds possessed potent inhibitory effects against 5-LOX with IC₅₀ values of 15.3 ± 2.1, 4.5 ± 1.2, 23.8 ± 0.4 and 11.8 ± 1.5 μg/mL, respectively. This was the first study to reveal the 5-LOX inhibitory constituents of RPC, and the present investigation might provide a valuable approach for the rapid discovery of natural inhibitors from TCMs.

A novel method for investigating the mechanism of anti-rheumatoid arthritis activity of Angelicae pubescentis Radix by integrating UHPLC-QTOF/MS and network pharmacology

The study aimed to establish a strategy to elucidate the in vivo constituents of Angelicae pubescentis Radix (APR, also known as Duhuo) and reveal the probable mechanisms underlying the anti-rheumatoid arthritis activity of APR. APR, first recorded in Shennong Bencao Jing, is mainly used to treat Bi syndrome. Eleven absorbed components of APR were successfully identified using the Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) rat model and the UHPLC-QTOF/MS technique. Two active ingredients (osthole, and columbianadin) and five corresponding targets (PTGS1, PTGS2, RXRA, CCNA2 and ACHE) were found to construct a compound-protein interaction network in RA. In addition, a non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) pathway, which was related to anti-RA activity, was eventually identified by KEGG analysis. Subsequently, molecular docking was performed by establishing a mixed matrix network including the absorbed component, corresponding target, and signaling pathway with two key compounds (osthole and columbianadin) and two important targets (PTGS2 and PTGS1). The result of molecular docking is in agreement with the network pharmacology (NP).

System pharmacology analysis to decipher the effect and mechanism of active ingredients combination from herb couple on rheumatoid arthritis in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Traditional herb couple Angelicae pubescentis radix (APR) and Notopterygii rhizoma et radix (NRR), composition of two traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, has been used clinically in China for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) over years. APR and NRR contain coumarins and phenolic acids, which have been reported to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The active ingredients combination (AIC) and potential therapeutic mechanism of APR and NRR (AN) herb couple remain unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify the AIC and elucidate the underlying mechanism of AIC on RA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Firstly, a novel strategy of in vitro experiments, computational analysis, UPLC-QTOF-MS and UPLC-QQQ-MS was established to confirm the optimum ratio of AN herb couple samples and identified the AIC. Then, the anti-arthritis effects of the optimal herb couple and AIC were studied with Collagen II induced rheumatoid arthritis (CIA) rats in vivo. Finally, an integrated model of network pharmacology, metabolomics, gut microbiota analysis and biological techniques were applied to clarify the underlying mechanism through a comprehensive perspective.

RESULTS

AN7:3 herb couple was regarded as the optimal ratio of AN herbal samples, and AIC was screened as osthole, columbianadin, notopterol, isoimperatorin, psoralen, xanthotoxin, bergapten, nodakenin and bergaptol respectively. Additionally, AIC exerted similar therapeutic effects as AN 7:3 in CIA rats. Moreover, AIC ameliorated RA might via regulating MAPK signaling pathway, altering metabolic disorders and gut microbiome involved autoimmunity.

CONCLUSIONS

our findings provided scientific evidence to support that AIC of AN herb couple could be used as a prebiotic agent for RA. Importantly, this research provided a systematic and feasible strategy to optimize the proportion of medicinal materials and screen AIC from multi-component traditional Chinese herb couples or Chinese medicine formulae. Moreover, it provided a comprehensive perspective to discover AIC, clarify the overall effects and understand the mechanisms for natural products through the perspective of database and multi-omics integration.

Immunosuppressive effect of Columbianadin on maturation, migration, allogenic T cell stimulation and phagocytosis capacity of TNF-α induced dendritic cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Angelicae pubescentis radix (APR) has a long history in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in China. It has the effects of dispelling wind to eliminate dampness, removing arthralgia and stopping pain in the Chinese Pharmacopeia, but its mechanisms was unclear. Columbianadin (CBN) was one of the main bioactive compounds of APR, and has many pharmacological effects. But the immunosuppressive effect of CBN on DCs and the potential mechanism needed to be explored.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The study was aimed to clarify the immunosuppressive effect of CBN on maturation, migration, allogenic T cell stimulation and phagocytosis capacity of TNF-α induced DCs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Bone marrow-derived DCs were obtained and cultured from C57BL/6 mice in accordance with protocol. The phenotypic study (CD11c, CD40, CD80, CD86 and MHC Ⅱ) were measured by flow cytometry. FITC-dextran were uptaked by DCs and the change of endocytosis activity were mediated by acquired mannose receptor. Transwell chambers were used to detect the migration ability of DCs. Mixed leukocyte reaction (MLR) assay was used to detect the allostimulatory ability of CBN on TNF-α stimulated DCs. The secretion of cytokines and chemokines was measured by ELISA Kit. TLRs gene and MAPKs/NF-κB protein expression were checked by qRT-PCR and Western blot.

RESULTS

CBN inhibited the maturation of TNF-α-induced DCs while maintaining phagocytosis capabilities. Additionally, CBN inhibited the migration of TNF-α stimulated DCs, which related to reduce the production of chemokines (MCP-1, MIP-1α). Notably, CBN could suppress the proliferation of CD4⁺T cells by inhibiting DCs maturation, and decrease the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 production. Furthermore, CBN inhibited mRNA expression of TLR2, TLR7 and TLR9 in TNF-α-activated DCs. Meanwhile, the phosphorylation of p38, JNK1/2 and NF-κB protein were significantly inhibited in CBN treated DCs.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings provided novel insights into the pharmacological activity of CBN. They also indicated that inhibition DCs maturation owning to the immunosuppressive effect of CBN. CBN was expected as a potential immunosuppressant and TLRs/MAPKs/NF-κB pathway may be an important mechanism for CBN's immunosuppressive activity.

Graphene Assisted in the Analysis of Coumarins in Angelicae Pubescentis Radix by Dispersive Liquid-Liquid Microextraction Combined with 1H-qNMR

The content of active components in traditional Chinese medicine is relatively small, and it is difficult to detect some trace components with modern analytical instruments, so good pretreatment and extraction are very important in the experiment. Graphene was introduced by a dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction method based on solidification of floating organic drop (DLLME-SFO) with graphene/1-dodecyl alcohol used as the extractant, and this method, combined with quantitative proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H-qNMR), was used to simultaneously qualitative and quantitative osthole, columbianadin and isoimperatorin in Angelicae Pubescentis Radix. In this experiment, a magnetic stirrer was used for extraction, all NMR spectra were recorded on a Bruker Advance III 600 MHz spectrometer with dimethyl sulfoxide-d₆ (DMSO-d₆) as deuterated solvent and pyrazine as the internal standard. The influencing factors and NMR parameters in the extraction process were investigated and optimized. In addition, the methodology of the established method was also examined. The quantitative signals of osthole, columbianadin and isoimperatorin were at a chemical shift of δ6.25–δ6.26 ppm, δ6.83–δ6.85 ppm, and δ6.31–δ6.32 ppm. The linear ranges of osthole, columbianadin and isoimperatorin were all 0.0455–2.2727 mg/mL, and R² were 0.9994, 0.9994 and 0.9995, respectively. The limits of detection of osthole, columbianadin and isoimperatorin were 0.0660, 0.0720, 0.0620 mg, and the limits of quantification of osthole, columbianadin and isoimperatorin were 0.2201, 0.2401, 0.2066 mg/mL. The solution had good stability and repeatability within 24 h. The recoveries of osthole, columbianadin and isoimperatorin were 102.26%, 99.89%, 103.28%, respectively. The established method is simple and easy to operate, which greatly reduces the cumbersome pretreatment of samples and has high extraction efficiency.

Effectiveness of Columbianadin, a Bioactive Coumarin Derivative, in Perturbing Transient and Persistent INa

Columbianadin (CBN) is a bioactive coumarin-type compound with various biological activities. However, the action of CBN on the ionic mechanism remains largely uncertain, albeit it was reported to inhibit voltage-gated Ca²⁺ current or to modulate TRP-channel activity. In this study, whole-cell patch-clamp current recordings were undertaken to explore the modifications of CBN or other related compounds on ionic currents in excitable cells (e.g., pituitary GH₃ cells and HL-1 atrial cardiomyocytes). GH₃-cell exposure to CBN differentially decreased peak or late component of voltage-gated Na⁺ current (I_Na) with effective IC₅₀ of 14.7 or 2.8 µM, respectively. The inactivation time course of I_Na activated by short depolarization became fastened in the presence of CBN with estimated K_D value of 3.15 µM. The peak I_Na diminished by 10 µM CBN was further suppressed by subsequent addition of either sesamin (10 µM), ranolazine (10 µM), or tetrodotoxin (1 µM), but it was reversed by 10 µM tefluthrin (Tef); however, further application of 10 µM nimodipine failed to alter CBN-mediated inhibition of I_Na. CBN (10 µM) shifted the midpoint of inactivation curve of I_Na to the leftward direction. The CBN-mediated inhibition of peak I_Na exhibited tonic and use-dependent characteristics. Using triangular ramp pulse, the hysteresis of persistent I_Na enhanced by Tef was noticed, and the behavior was attenuated by subsequent addition of CBN. The delayed-rectifier or erg-mediated K⁺ current was mildly inhibited by 10 µM CBN, while it also slightly inhibited the amplitude of hyperpolarization-activated cation current. In HL-1 atrial cardiomyocytes, CBN inhibited peak I_Na and raised the inactivation rate of the current; moreover, further application of 10 µM Tef attenuated CBN-mediated decrease in I_Na. Collectively, this study provides an important yet unidentified finding revealing that CBN modifies I_Na in electrically excitable cells.

Bu-Shen-Huo-Xue Decoction Ameliorates Diabetic Nephropathy by Inhibiting Rac1/PAK1/p38MAPK Signaling Pathway in High-Fat Diet/Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice

Diabetic nephropathy (DN), a leading cause of end-stage renal disease, is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide and the development of new drugs to treat DN is urgently required. Bu-Shen-Huo-Xue (BSHX) decoction is a traditional Chinese herbal formula, made according to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, and has been used clinically to treat DN. In the present study, we established a high-fat diet/streptozotocin-induced diabetic mouse model and treated the mice with BSHX decoction to verify its therapeutic effects in vivo. Ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) was applied to analyze the chemical composition and active compounds of BSHX decoction. Markers of podocyte epithelial-mesenchymal transition and the Rac1/PAK1/p38MAPK signaling pathway were evaluated to investigate the mechanism underlying function of BSHX decoction. BSHX decoction effectively alleviated diabetic symptoms, according to analysis of the renal function indicators, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, serum uric acid, and urinary albumin excretion rate, as well as renal histopathology and ultrastructural pathology of DN mice. We identified 67 compounds, including 20 likely active compounds, in BSHX decoction. The podocyte markers, nephrin and podocin, were down-regulated, while the mesenchymal markers, α-SMA and FSP-1, were up-regulated in DN mouse kidney; however, the changes in these markers were reversed on treatment with BSHX decoction. GTP-Rac1 was markedly overexpressed in DN mice and its levels were significantly decreased in response to BSHX decoction. Similarly, levels of p-PAK1 and p-p38MAPK which indicate Rac1 activation, were reduced on treatment with BSHX decoction. Together, our data demonstrated that BSHX decoction ameliorated renal function and podocyte epithelial-mesenchymal transition via inhibiting Rac1/PAK1/p38MAPK signaling pathway in high-fat diet/streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Further, we generated a quality control standard and numerous potential active compounds from BSHX decoction for DN.