Morroniside Inhibits H2O2-Induced Podocyte Apoptosis by Down-Regulating NOX4 Expression Controlled by Autophagy In Vitro

Integrated serum pharmacochemistry, network pharmacology, and pharmacokinetics to clarify the effective components and pharmacological mechanisms of the proprietary Chinese medicine Jinkui Shenqi Pill in treating kidney yang deficiency syndrome

The proprietary Chinese medicine Jinkui Shenqi Pill (PCM-JKSQP) is a classic compound used for the effective clinical treatment of kidney yang deficiency syndrome (KYDS), a metabolic disease accompanied by kidney injury. However, its active ingredients and therapeutic mechanisms are not clear. This study employed serum pharmacochemistry, network pharmacology, and pharmacokinetics (PK) to identify the bioactive components of PCM-JKSQP and preliminarily clarify its mechanism in treating KYDS. One hundred and forty chemical components of PCM-JKSQP, 47 (20 parent compouds and 27 metabolites) of which were absorbed into the blood, were identified by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS). The topological parameters of network pharmacology and high concentrations in blood found six parent components as PK markers (cinnamic acid, paeonol, loganin, morroniside, apigenin, and poricoic acid A). PK analysis further identified these six compounds as active ingredients. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis and molecular docking simulation predicted and verified eight core targets (TP53, ESR1, CTNNB1, EP300, EGFR, AKT1, ERBB2, and TNF). Most were concentrated in the MAPK, HIF-1, and PI3K-AKT signaling pathways, indicating that these six active ingredients may mainly exert therapeutic effects through these three pathways via their core targets. The PK results also showed these six components were absorbed quickly, although cinnamic acid and paeonol were rapidly metabolized, with a short half-life and retention time. Loganin and morroniside did not have high peak concentrations, and apigenin and poricoic acid A had long retention times. This study provides a new overall perspective for exploring the bioactive components and mechanisms underlying the effects of PCM-JKSQP in treating KYDS.

Bioactivities of morroniside: A comprehensive review of pharmacological properties and molecular mechanisms

Morroniside (MOR) is an iridoid glycoside and the main active principle of the medicinal plant, Cornus officinalis Sieb. This phytochemical is associated with numerous health benefits due to its antioxidant properties. The primary objective of the present study was to assess the pharmacological effects and underlying mechanisms of MOR, utilizing published data obtained from literature databases. Data collection involved accessing various sources, including PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and SpringerLink. Our findings demonstrate that MOR can be utilized for the treatment of several diseases and disorders, as numerous studies have revealed its significant therapeutic activities. These activities encompass anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, lipid-lowering capability, anticancer, trichogenic, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective, osteoprotective, renoprotective, and cardioprotective effects. MOR has also shown promising benefits against various neurological ailments, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injury, cerebral ischemia, and neuropathic pain. Considering these therapeutic features, MOR holds promise as a lead compound for the treatment of various ailments and disorders. However, further comprehensive preclinical and clinical trials are required to establish MOR as an effective and reliable therapeutic agent.

Iridoids modulate inflammation in diabetic kidney disease: A review

In recent years, preclinical research on diabetic kidney disease (DKD) has surged to the forefront of scientific and clinical attention. DKD has become a pervasive complication of type 2 diabetes. Given the complexity of its etiology and pathological mechanisms, current interventions, including drugs, dietary modifications, exercise, hypoglycemic treatments and lipid-lowering methods, often fall short in achieving desired therapeutic outcomes. Iridoids, primarily derived from the potent components of traditional herbs, have been the subject of long-standing research. Preclinical data suggest that iridoids possess notable renal protective properties; however, there has been no summary of the research on their efficacy in the management and treatment of DKD. This article consolidates findings from in vivo and in vitro research on iridoids in the context of DKD and highlights their shared anti-inflammatory activities in treating this condition. Additionally, it explores how certain iridoid components modify their chemical structures through the regulation of intestinal flora, potentially bolstering their therapeutic effects. This review provides a focused examination of the mechanisms through which iridoids may prevent or treat DKD, offering valuable insights for future research endeavors. Please cite this article as: Zhou TY, Tian N, Li L, Yu R. Iridoids modulate inflammation in diabetic kidney disease: A review. J Integr Med. 2024; 22(3): 210-222.

Morroniside improves AngII-induced cardiac fibroblast proliferation, migration, and extracellular matrix deposition by blocking p38/JNK signaling pathway through the downregulation of KLF5

Myocardial fibrosis (MF), which is an inevitable pathological manifestation of many cardiovascular diseases in the terminal stage, often contributes to severe cardiac dysfunction and sudden death. Morroniside (MOR) is the main active component of Cornus officinalis with a variety of biological activities. This study was designed to explore the efficacy of MOR in MF and to investigate its pharmacological mechanism. The viability of MOR-treated human cardiac fibroblast (HCF) cells with or without Angiotensin II (AngII) induction was assessed with Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8). The migration of AngII-induced HCF cells was appraised with a transwell assay. Gelatin zymography analysis was adopted to evaluate the activities of MMP2 and MMP9, while immunofluorescence assay was applied for the estimation of Collagen I and Collagen III. By means of western blot, the expressions of migration-, fibrosis-, and p38/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signal pathway-related proteins were resolved. The transfection efficacy of oe-Kruppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) was examined with reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot. In this study, it was found that MOR treatment inhibited AngII-induced hyperproliferation, migration, and fibrosis of HCF cells, accompanied with decreased activities of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), Fibronectin, and α-SMA, which were all reversed by KLF5 overexpression. Collectively, MOR exerted protective effects on MF by blocking p38/JNK signal pathway through the downregulation of KLF5.

Inspiring Tactics with the Improvement of Mitophagy and Redox Balance for the Development of Innovative Treatment against Polycystic Kidney Disease

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is the most common genetic form of chronic kidney disease (CKD), and it involves the development of multiple kidney cysts. Not enough medical breakthroughs have been made against PKD, a condition which features regional hypoxia and activation of the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) pathway. The following pathology of CKD can severely instigate kidney damage and/or renal failure. Significant evidence verifies an imperative role for mitophagy in normal kidney physiology and the pathology of CKD and/or PKD. Mitophagy serves as important component of mitochondrial quality control by removing impaired/dysfunctional mitochondria from the cell to warrant redox homeostasis and sustain cell viability. Interestingly, treatment with the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α) agonist could reduce the pathology of PDK and might improve the renal function of the disease via the modulation of mitophagy, as well as the condition of gut microbiome. Suitable modulation of mitophagy might be a favorable tactic for the prevention and/or treatment of kidney diseases such as PKD and CKD.

Profilin1 is required for prevention of mitotic catastrophe in murine and human glomerular diseases

The progression of proteinuric kidney diseases is associated with podocyte loss, but the mechanisms underlying this process remain unclear. Podocytes reenter the cell cycle to repair double-stranded DNA breaks. However, unsuccessful repair can result in podocytes crossing the G1/S checkpoint and undergoing abortive cytokinesis. In this study, we identified Pfn1 as indispensable in maintaining glomerular integrity - its tissue-specific loss in mouse podocytes resulted in severe proteinuria and kidney failure. Our results suggest that this phenotype is due to podocyte mitotic catastrophe (MC), characterized histologically and ultrastructurally by abundant multinucleated cells, irregular nuclei, and mitotic spindles. Podocyte cell cycle reentry was identified using FUCCI2aR mice, and we observed altered expression of cell-cycle associated proteins, such as p21, p53, cyclin B1, and cyclin D1. Podocyte-specific translating ribosome affinity purification and RNA-Seq revealed the downregulation of ribosomal RNA-processing 8 (Rrp8). Overexpression of Rrp8 in Pfn1-KO podocytes partially rescued the phenotype in vitro. Clinical and ultrastructural tomographic analysis of patients with diverse proteinuric kidney diseases further validated the presence of MC podocytes and reduction in podocyte PFN1 expression within kidney tissues. These results suggest that profilin1 is essential in regulating the podocyte cell cycle and its disruption leads to MC and subsequent podocyte loss.

Neuroprotective strategies for neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain damage: Current status and challenges

Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD) is a prominent contributor to both immediate mortality and long-term impairment in newborns. The elusive nature of the underlying mechanisms responsible for neonatal HIBD presents a significant obstacle in the effective clinical application of numerous pharmaceutical interventions. This comprehensive review aims to concentrate on the potential neuroprotective agents that have demonstrated efficacy in addressing various pathogenic factors associated with neonatal HIBD, encompassing oxidative stress, calcium overload, mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, inflammatory response, and apoptosis. In this review, we conducted an analysis of the precise molecular pathways by which these drugs elicit neuroprotective effects in animal models of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (HIBD). Our objective was to provide a comprehensive overview of potential neuroprotective agents for the treatment of neonatal HIBD in animal experiments, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the feasibility of clinical translation and establishing a solid theoretical foundation for the clinical management of neonatal HIBD.

Research progress on Cornus officinalis and its active compounds in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a kidney disorder secondary to diabetes and is one of the main diabetic microvascular complications. As the number of diabetic patients grows, DN has become the leading cause of chronic kidney disease in China. Unfortunately, no definitive cure currently exists for DN. Cornus officinalis (CO), frequently utilized in clinical settings for diabetes mellitus treatment, has proven vital in both preventing and treating DN. This article explores the pathogenesis of DN and how CO and its active compounds regulate glucose and lipid metabolism, exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, inhibit oxidative stress, regulate podocytes, and manage autophagy. The mechanism and role of and its active compounds in the treatment of DN are discussed.

Morroniside inhibits Beclin1-dependent autophagic death and Bax-dependent apoptosis in cardiomyocytes through repressing BCL2 phosphorylation

Morroniside can prevent myocardial injury caused by ischemia and hypoxia, which can be used to treat acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Hypoxia can cause apoptosis and autophagic death of cardiomyocytes. Morroniside has the ability to inhibit apoptosis and autophagy. However, the relationship between Morroniside-protected cardiomyocytes and two forms of death is unclear. The effects of Morroniside on the proliferation, apoptosis level, and autophagic activity of rat cardiomyocyte line H9c2 under hypoxia were first observed. Next, the roles of Morroniside in the phosphorylation of JNK and BCL2, BCL2-Beclin1, and BCL2-Bax complexes as well as mitochondrial membrane potential in H9c2 cells were evaluated upon hypoxia. Finally, the significance of BCL2 or JNK in Morroniside-regulated autophagy, apoptosis, and proliferation in H9c2 cells was assessed by combining Morroniside and BCL2 competitive inhibitor (ABT-737) or JNK activator (Anisomycin). Our results showed that hypoxia promoted autophagy and apoptosis of H9c2 cells, and inhibited their proliferation. However, Morroniside could block the effect of hypoxia on H9c2 cells. In addition, Morroniside could inhibit JNK phosphorylation, BCL2 phosphorylation at the Ser70 and Ser87 sites, and the dissociation of BCL2-Beclin1 and BCL2-Bax complexes in H9c2 cells upon hypoxia. Moreover, the reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential in H9c2 cells caused by hypoxia was improved by Morroniside administration. Importantly, the inhibited autophagy, apoptosis, and promoted proliferation in H9c2 cells by Morroniside were reversed by the application of ABT-737 or Anisomycin. Overall, Morroniside inhibits Beclin1-dependent autophagic death and Bax-dependent apoptosis via JNK-mediated BCL2 phosphorylation, thereby improving the survival of cardiomyocytes under hypoxia.

Polydatin Ameliorates High Fructose-Induced Podocyte Oxidative Stress via Suppressing HIF-1α/NOX4 Pathway

Long-term high fructose intake drives oxidative stress, causing glomerular podocyte injury. Polydatin, isolated from Chinese herbal medicine Polygonum cuspidatum, is used as an antioxidant agent that protects kidney function. However, it remains unclear how polydatin prevents oxidative stress-driven podocyte damage. In this study, polydatin attenuated high fructose-induced high expression of HIF-1α, inhibited NOX4-mediated stromal cell-derived factor-1α/C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (SDF-1α/CXCR4) axis activation, reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in rat glomeruli and cultured podocytes. As a result, polydatin up-regulated nephrin and podocin, down-regulated transient receptor potential cation channel 6 (TRPC6) in these animal and cell models. Moreover, the data from HIF-1α siRNA transfection showed that high fructose increased NOX4 expression and aggravated SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis activation in an HIF-1α-dependent manner, whereas polydatin down-regulated HIF-1α to inhibit NOX4 and suppressed SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis activation, ameliorating high fructose-induced podocyte oxidative stress and injury. These findings demonstrated that high fructose-driven HIF-1α/NOX4 pathway controlled podocyte oxidative stress damage. Intervention of this disturbance by polydatin could help the development of the therapeutic strategy to combat podocyte damage associated with high fructose diet.

Beclin1- and Atg13-dependent autophagy activation and morroniside have synergistic effect on osteoblastogenesis

Morroniside is known to improve osteoporosis by promoting osteoblastogenesis. The activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling is a significant mechanism in morroniside-promoted osteoblastogenesis. It is well known that protective autophagy is an important factor in osteoblastogenesis. However, the activation of mTOR signaling can inhibit autophagy. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between mTOR signaling and autophagy in morroniside-regulated osteoblastogenesis. In this study, we investigated the effect of morroniside on the autophagic activity (LC3 conversion rate, LC3-puncta formation, and autophagosome number) of differentiated osteoblast precursors (MC3T3-E1 cells). Then, we identified the roles of mTOR knockdown in morroniside-regulated alterations of autophagy and osteogenic parameters in MC3T3-E1 cells. Next, mTOR knockdown and overexpression were used to observe the roles of mTOR in morroniside-regulated alterations of autophagic molecules (Atg7, Atg13, and Beclin1). Subsequently, the additional value of the above autophagic molecules on morroniside-regulated osteogenic parameters in MC3T3-E1 cells was analyzed based on lentiviral transduction. Finally, combined with morroniside and TAT-Beclin1, the roles of Beclin1 upregulation in the in vivo effects of morroniside was investigated. Our experimental data showed that morroniside promoted both the mTOR activity and autophagy in MC3T3-E1 cells. Morroniside-upregulated autophagic activity and Atg13 or Beclin1 protein level in MC3T3-E1 cells were enhanced by mTOR knockdown. Furthermore, Morroniside-upregulated Atg13 and Beclin1 expression was reversed by mTOR overexpression. Importantly, autophagy upregulation with overexpression of the autophagic gene, Atg13 or BECN1 (gene form of Beclin1), significantly promoted osteoblastogenesis regulated by morroniside. The promotional effect of morroniside on bone microarchitecture, bone mass, and bone parameters (including trabecular bone area and OCN expression in trabecular bone) in ovariectomized (OVX) mice was enhanced by TAT-Beclin1 administration. In conclusion, the autophagy-enhancing drugs related to Beclin1 or Atg13 may be an effective adjuvant therapy in the treatment of osteoporosis with morroniside.

Potential therapeutic effects of natural compounds targeting autophagy to alleviate podocyte injury in glomerular diseases

Podocyte injury is a common cause of proteinuric kidney diseases. Uncontrollable progressive podocyte loss accelerates glomerulosclerosis and increases the risk of end-stage renal disease. To date, owing to the complex pathological mechanism, effective therapies for podocyte injury have been limited. Accumulating evidence supports the indispensable role of autophagy in the maintenance of podocyte homeostasis. A variety of natural compounds and their derivatives have been found to regulate autophagy through multiple targets, including promotes nuclear transfer of transcription factor EB and lysosomal repair. Here, we reviewed the recent studies on the use of natural compounds and their derivatives as autophagy regulators and discussed their potential applications in ameliorating podocyte injury. Several known natural compounds with autophagy-regulatory properties, such as quercetin, silibinin, kaempferol, and artemisinin, and their medical uses were also discussed. This review will help in improving the understanding of the podocyte protective mechanism of natural compounds and promote their development for clinical use.

Morroniside attenuates nucleus pulposus cell senescence to alleviate intervertebral disc degeneration via inhibiting ROS-Hippo-p53 pathway

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (IVDD) which is highly prevalent within the elderly population, is a leading cause of chronic low back pain and disability. Nucleus pulposus (NP) cell senescence plays an indispensable role in the pathogenesis of IVDD. Morroniside is a major iridoid glycoside and one of the quality control metrics of Cornus officinalis Siebold & Zucc (CO). An increasing body of evidence suggests that morroniside and CO-containing formulae share many similar biological effects, including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-apoptotic properties. In a previous study, we reported that Liuwei Dihuang Decoction, a CO-containing formula, is effective for treating IVDD by targeting p53 expression; however, the therapeutic role of morroniside on IVDD remains obscure. In this study, we assessed the pharmacological effects of morroniside on NP cell senescence and IVDD pathogenesis using a lumbar spine instability surgery-induced mouse IVDD model and an in vitro H2O2-induced NP cell senescence model. Our results demonstrated that morroniside administration could significantly ameliorate mouse IVDD progression, concomitant with substantial improvement in extracellular matrix metabolism and histological grading score. Importantly, in vivo and in vitro experiments revealed that morroniside could significantly reduce the increase in SA-β-gal activities and the expression of p53 and p21, which are the most widely used indicators of senescence. Mechanistically, morroniside suppressed ROS-induced aberrant activation of Hippo signaling by inhibiting Mst1/2 and Lats1/2 phosphorylation and reversing Yap/Taz reduction, whereas blockade of Hippo signaling by Yap/Taz inhibitor-1 or Yap/Taz siRNAs could antagonize the anti-senescence effect of morroniside on H2O2-induced NP cell senescence model by increasing p53 expression and activity. Moreover, the inhibition of Hippo signaling in the IVD tissues by morroniside was further verified in mouse IVDD model. Taken together, our findings suggest that morroniside protects against NP cell senescence to alleviate IVDD progression by inhibiting the ROS-Hippo-p53 pathway, providing a potential novel therapeutic approach for IVDD.

Morroniside Protects Human Granulosa Cells against H2O2-Induced Oxidative Damage by Regulating the Nrf2 and MAPK Signaling Pathways

Morroniside is the main ingredient of Cornus officinalis and has a variety of biological activities including antioxidative effects. Ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) are responsible for regulating the development and atresia of follicles, which are susceptible to oxidative stress. In this study, we determined whether morroniside can inhibit the oxidative stress of GCs induced by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), leading to improved oocyte quality. The oxidative damage and apoptosis of ovarian GCs cultured in vitro were induced by the addition of H₂O₂. After pretreatment with morroniside, the levels of ROS, MDA, and 8-OHdG in ovarian GCs were significantly decreased. Morroniside significantly upregulated p-Nrf2 and promoted the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, which transcriptionally activated antioxidant SOD and NQO1. In addition, morroniside significantly regulated the levels of apoptosis-related proteins Bax, Bcl-2, cleaved caspase-9, and cleaved caspase-3 via the p38 and JNK pathways. These results suggest that morroniside can reduce the oxidative damage and apoptosis of ovarian GCs induced by H₂O₂.

Inhibition of Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4 attenuates cell apoptosis and oxidative stress in a rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome through the activation of Nrf-2/HO-1 signaling pathway

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive endocrine disorder in reproductive-aged women. In this study, a rat model of PCOS was established by subcutaneous injection of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). NOX4 was highly expressed in PCOS rat ovaries, while its specific role in PCOS remains unclear. Lentivirus-mediated shRNA targeting NOX4 inhibited oxidative stress by reducing ROS, 4-HNE and MDA levels, and increasing SOD and GPX activities in rat ovaries. NOX4 deficiency increased Bcl-2 levels and decreased Bax, cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-9 levels and DHEA-induced cell apoptosis in rat ovaries. Similar to the in vivo results, NOX4 silencing inhibited oxidative stress and cell apoptosis in DHEA-treated rat granulosa cells. Moreover, NOX4 silencing promoted Nrf-2 translocation, and the expression of Nrf-2 and HO-1 both in vivo and in vitro. Thus, NOX4 deficiency may ameliorate PCOS in rats by reducing oxidative stress and cell apoptosis via activating the Nrf-2/HO-1 signal pathway.

Effect of morroniside on the transcriptome profiles of rat in injured spinal cords

We have previously reported that morroniside promoted motor activity after spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. However, the mechanism by which morroniside induces recovery of injured spinal cord (SC) remains unknown. In the current study, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was employed to evaluate changes of gene expressions at the transcriptional level of the injured spinal cords in morroniside-administrated rats. Principal component analysis, analysis of enriched Gene Ontology (GO), enrichment analyses Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway, and other bioinformatics analyses were executed to distinguish differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The results of RNA-seq confirmed the anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of morroniside on injured SC tissues, and provided the basis for additional research of the mechanisms involving the protective effects of morroniside on SCI.

Corni Fructus Alleviates UUO-Induced Renal Fibrosis via TGF-β/Smad Signaling

Renal fibrosis is a type of chronic kidney disease (CKD) induced by infiltration of inflammatory cells, myofibroblast accumulation, and ECM production in the kidney. From a long time ago, Corni Fructus (CF) is known to supplement the liver and kidney with its tepid properties. In this study, we investigated the renal protective mechanism of CF, which is known to supplement the kidney, in rat model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). After inducing UUO through surgery, the group was separated ( $n=8$ ) and the drug was administered for 2 weeks; normal rats (normal), water-treated UUO rats (control), CF 100 mg/kg-treated UUO rats (CF100), and CF 200 mg/kg-treated UUO rats (CF200). As a result of histopathological examination of kidney tissue with H&E, MT, and PAS staining, it was confirmed that the infiltration of inflammatory cells and the erosion of collagen were relatively decreased in the kidneys treated with CF. Also, CF significantly reduced the levels of MDA and BUN in serum. As a result of confirming the expression of the factors through western blotting, CF treatment significantly reduced the expression of NADPH oxidase and significantly regulated the AMPK/LKB1/NF-κB pathway associated with inflammation. In addition, it downregulated the expression of major fibrotic signaling factors, such as α-SMA, collagen I, MMP-2, and TIMP-1, and significantly regulated the TGF-β1/Smad pathway, which is known as a major regulator of renal fibrosis. Taken together, these findings indicate that CF can alleviate renal fibrosis by regulating the TGF-β1/Smad pathway through inhibition of oxidative stress in UUO.

The regulation of the TLR4/NF-κB and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways is involved in the inhibition of lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation and oxidative reactions by morroniside in RAW 264.7 macrophages

Morroniside, a major iridoid glycoside isolated from Cornus officinalis, has a variety of beneficial pharmacological properties. Although morroniside has recently been reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, the detailed mechanism has not yet been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of morroniside on inflammatory and oxidative stress activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Our results indicated that morroniside pretreatment significantly inhibited the LPS-induced phagocytic activity and release of pro-inflammatory factors, which was associated with blocking the expression of their regulatory genes. Morroniside also markedly suppressed the expression of myeloid differentiation factor 88 as well as Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and attenuated the translocation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) to the nucleus in LPS-treated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Furthermore, morroniside prevented the binding of LPS to the TLR4 on the cell surface. In addition, morroniside abolished reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and enhanced the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) following activation of nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. However, zinc protoporphyrin, a specific inhibitor of HO-1, reversed the morroniside-mediated inhibition of inflammatory response in LPS-treated RAW 264.7 macrophages. In conclusion, our findings suggest that morroniside exerts LPS-induced anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects by targeting the TLR4/NF-κB and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Taken together, our findings suggest that morroniside interacted structurally and electrochemically with TLR4/MD2 complex, consequently can be a potential functional agent to prevent inflammatory and oxidative damage.