Phytochemistry, Pharmacology and Quality Control of Xiasangju: A Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula

Chromosome-level genome assembly of Prunella vulgaris L. provides insights into pentacyclic triterpenoid biosynthesis

Prunella vulgaris is one of the bestselling and widely used medicinal herbs. It is recorded as an ace medicine for cleansing and protecting the liver in Chinese Pharmacopoeia and has been used as the main constitutions of many herbal tea formulas in China for centuries. It is also a traditional folk medicine in Europe and other countries of Asia. Pentacyclic triterpenoids are a major class of bioactive compounds produced in P. vulgaris. However, their biosynthetic mechanism remains to be elucidated. Here, we report a chromosome-level reference genome of P. vulgaris using an approach combining Illumina, ONT, and Hi-C technologies. It is 671.95 Mb in size with a scaffold N50 of 49.10 Mb and a complete BUSCO of 98.45%. About 98.31% of the sequence was anchored into 14 pseudochromosomes. Comparative genome analysis revealed a recent WGD in P. vulgaris. Genome-wide analysis identified 35 932 protein-coding genes (PCGs), of which 59 encode enzymes involved in 2,3-oxidosqualene biosynthesis. In addition, 10 PvOSC, 358 PvCYP, and 177 PvUGT genes were identified, of which five PvOSCs, 25 PvCYPs, and 9 PvUGTs were predicted to be involved in the biosynthesis of pentacyclic triterpenoids. Biochemical activity assay of PvOSC2, PvOSC4, and PvOSC6 recombinant proteins showed that they were mixed amyrin synthase (MAS), lupeol synthase (LUS), and β-amyrin synthase (BAS), respectively. The results provide a solid foundation for further elucidating the biosynthetic mechanism of pentacyclic triterpenoids in P. vulgaris.

Anti-Tumor Effects and Toxicity Reduction Mechanisms of Prunella vulgaris: A Comprehensive Review

PURPOSE

To investigate and systematically describe the mechanism of action of Prunella vulgaris (P. vulgaris) against digestive system tumors and related toxicity reduction.

METHODS

This study briefly describes the history of medicinal food and the pharmacological effects of P. vulgaris, focusing on the review of the anti-digestive tumor effects of the active ingredients of P. vulgaris and the mechanism of its toxicity reduction.

RESULTS

The active ingredients of P. vulgaris may exert anti-tumor effects by inducing the apoptosis of cancer cells, inhibiting angiogenesis, inhibiting the migration and invasion of tumor cells, and inhibiting autophagy. In addition, P. vulgaris active ingredients inhibit the release of inflammatory factors and macrophages and increase the level of indicators of oxidative stress through the modulation of target genes in the pathway to achieve the effect of toxicity reduction.

CONCLUSION

The active ingredients in the medicine food homology plant P. vulgaris not only treat digestive system tumors through different mechanisms but also reduce the toxic effects. P. vulgaris is worthy of being explored more deeply.

Xiasangju alleviate metabolic syndrome by enhancing noradrenaline biosynthesis and activating brown adipose tissue

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a clinical condition associated with multiple metabolic risk factors leading to type 2 diabetes mellitus and other metabolic diseases. Recent evidence suggests that modulating adipose tissue to adaptive thermogenesis may offer therapeutic potential for MetS. Xiasangju (XSJ) is a marketed drug and dietary supplement used for the treatment of metabolic disease with anti-inflammatory activity. This study investigated the therapeutic effects of XSJ and the underlying mechanisms affecting the activation of brown adipose tissue (BAT) in MetS. The results revealed that XSJ ameliorated MetS by enhancing glucose and lipid metabolism, leading to reduced body weight and abdominal circumference, decreased adipose tissue and liver index, and improved blood glucose tolerance. XSJ administration stimulated catecholamine biosynthesis, increasing noradrenaline (NA) levels and activating NA-mediated proteins in BAT. Thus, BAT enhanced thermogenesis and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Moreover, XSJ induced changes in gut microbiota composition, with an increase in Oscillibacter abundance and a decrease in Bilophila, Candidatus Stoquefichus, Holdemania, Parasutterella and Rothia. XSJ upregulated the proteins associated with intestinal tight junctions corresponding with lower serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels to maintain NA signaling transport. In summary, XSJ may alleviate MetS by promoting thermogenesis in BAT to ultimately boost energy metabolism through increasing NA biosynthesis, strengthening intestinal barrier integrity and reducing low-grade inflammation. These findings suggest XSJ has potential as a natural therapeutic agent for the treatment of MetS.

Ethnopharmacology of five flowers herbal tea, a popular traditional beverage in Hong Kong and South China

BACKGROUND

It has been a long-standing tradition of using herbal tea for preventive and therapeutic healthcare in Hong Kong and South China and Five Flowers Tea is one of the most popular herbal teas. Based on the principle of traditional Chinese medicine, the pharmacological functions are to clear heat and dispel dampness in the body. Heat and dampness are thought to contribute to a range of health problems, especially during the hot and humid season in South China and Hong Kong. The most prevalent herbs in the formula contain bioactive compounds including flavonoids, alkaloids and terpenoids, which have a wide range of pharmacological properties including anti-inflammation, antivirus, antidiarrhoea, antibacteria, and antioxidation. However, with the composition varies widely, the ethnopharmacological benefits described may not be delivered uniformly. This study is to provide a comprehensive analysis on the composition of the Five Flowers Tea sold in Hong Kong and investigate the rationale behind the selection of herbs used in the formula. This study also provides information on the variation and quality of the Five Flowers Tea in the market.

METHODS

Thirty-three Five Flowers Tea samples were collected from various locations in Hong Kong. The size, texture, colour and organoleptic properties were documented. Macroscopic and molecular authentication methods were employed to identify the individual components.

RESULTS

Macroscopic identification revealed there were 23 herbs belonging to 18 plant families. The most prevalent herb was Bombax ceiba L., followed by Chrysanthemum morifolium. Ten adulterants and the existence of insect Lasioderma serricorne were confirmed by DNA barcoding techniques.

CONCLUSION

This study employed a comprehensive approach to authenticate the herbs in Five Flowers Tea samples collected from various locations in Hong Kong. Macroscopic and molecular methods were used to identify the herbs and adulterants. The findings revealed the varied composition in Five Flowers Tea and the occurrence of adulterants in some samples. This shows that quality assurance of Five Flowers Tea is essential for the effective use of this popular folk medicine.

New clinical application prospects of artemisinin and its derivatives: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Recent research has suggested that artemisinin and its derivatives may have therapeutic effects on parasites, viruses, tumors, inflammation and skin diseases. This study aimed to review clinical research on artemisinin and its derivatives except anti-malaria and explore possible priority areas for future development.

METHODS

Relevant articles in English and Chinese published before 28 October 2021 were reviewed. All articles were retrieved and obtained from databases including WanFang, PubMed/MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge International, Embase, OpenGrey, the Grey Literature Report, Grey Horizon, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Studies were selected for final inclusion based on predefined criteria. Information was then extracted and analyzed by region, disease, outcome, and time to identify relevant knowledge gaps.

RESULTS

Seventy-seven studies on anti-parasitic (35), anti-tumor (16), anti-inflammatory (12), anti-viral (8), and dermatological treatments (7) focused on the safety and efficacy of artemisinin and its derivatives. The anti-parasitic clinical research developed rapidly, with a large number of trials, rapid clinical progress, and multiple research topics. In contrast, anti-viral research was limited and mainly stayed in phase I clinical trials (37.50%). Most of the studies were conducted in Asia (60%), followed by Africa (27%), Europe (8%), and the Americas (5%). Anti-parasite and anti-inflammatory research were mainly distributed in less developed continents such as Asia and Africa, while cutting-edge research such as anti-tumor has attracted more attention in Europe and the United States. At the safety level, 58 articles mentioned the adverse reactions of artemisinin and its derivatives, with only one study showing a Grade 3 adverse event, while the other studies did not show any related adverse reactions or required discontinuation. Most studies have discovered therapeutic effects of artemisinin or its derivatives on anti-parasitic (27), anti-tumor (9), anti-inflammatory (9) and dermatological treatment (6). However, the efficacy of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) for parasitic diseases (non-malaria) is still controversial.

CONCLUSIONS

Recent clinical studies suggest that artemisinin and its derivatives may be safe and effective candidates for anti-tumor, anti-parasitic, anti-inflammatory and dermatological drugs. More phase II/III clinical trials of artemisinin and its derivatives on antiviral effects are needed.

The oligosaccharides of Xiasangju alleviates dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice by inhibiting inflammation

Xiasangju (XSJ) is a traditional Chinese herbal formula consisted of Prunella spica, Mulberry leaf and Chrysanthemi indici flos, which can be used to treat fever, headache and ulcer. To explore the effects of oligosaccharides from XSJ (OX) on colitis, we used dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) to establish colitis mouse models. After administration of OX with different doses on the control and colitis mice, we measured their body weights, disease activity indexes (DAI), lengths and histopathologic changes of colons, spleen indexes. The inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress-related factors in serum, and the intestinal microbial community in feces were also detected. We found that colitis mice with oral administration of OX showed higher body weights and lower levels of DAI and spleen index. Tissue damages induced by DSS were also alleviated by OX treatment. The colitis mice with OX treatment exhibited lower levels of AST, ALT, BUN, CR, MDA and a down-regulated expression of IL-6 and IL-1β, while the activity of SOD was up-regulated. Furthermore, OX improved the relative abundance of gut microbiota and restored the proportions of Bacteroidetes and Muribaculaceae. We found that oligosaccharides from XSJ alleviated the symptoms of colitis mice through its inhibitory effects on inflammation and oxidative stress, and also regulated the composition of intestinal flora, which indicates a beneficial role for patients with colitis.

Effects of dietary traditional Chinese medicine residues on growth performance, intestinal health and gut microbiota compositions in weaned piglets

Weaning stress can induce diarrhea, intestinal damage and flora disorder of piglets, leading to slow growth and even death of piglets. Traditional Chinese medicine residue contains a variety of active ingredients and nutrients, and its resource utilization has always been a headache. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of traditional Chinese medicine residues (Xiasangju, composed of prunellae spica, mulberry leaves, and chrysanthemum indici flos) on growth performance, diarrhea, immune function, and intestinal health in weaned piglets. Forty-eight healthy Duroc× Landrace × Yorkshire castrated males weaned aged 21 days with similar body conditions were randomly divided into 6 groups with eight replicates of one piglet. The control group was fed a basal diet, the antibiotic control group was supplemented with 75 mg/kg chlortetracycline, and the residue treatment groups were supplemented with 0.5%, 1.0%, 2.0% and 4.0% Xiasangju residues. The results showed that dietary Xiasangju residues significantly reduced the average daily feed intake, but reduced the diarrhea score (P < 0.05). The 1.0% and 2.0% Xiasangju residues significantly increased the serum IgM content of piglets, and the 0.5%, 1.0%, 2.0% and 4.0% Xiasangju residues significantly increased the serum IgG content, while the 1.0%, 2.0% and 4.0% Xiasangju residues significantly increased the sIgA content of ileal contents (P < 0.05). Dietary Xiasangju residues significantly increased the villus height and the number of villus goblet cells in the jejunum and ileum, and significantly decreased the crypt depth (P<0.05). The relative mRNA expression of IL-10 in the ileum was significantly increased in the 1% and 2% Xiasangju residues supplemented groups (P < 0.05), while IL-1β in the ileum was downregulated (P < 0.05). Xiasangju residues improved the gut tight barrier, as evidenced by the enhanced expression of Occludin and ZO-1 in the jejunum and ileum. The diets with 1% Xiasangju residues significantly increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus johnsonii, and 2% and 4% Xiasangju residues significantly increased the relative abundance of Weissella jogaeotgali (P < 0.05). Dietary supplementation with 0.5%, 1.0%, 2% and 4% with Xiasangju residues significantly decreased the relative abundance of Escherichia coli and Treponema porcinum (P < 0.05). In summary, dietary supplementation with Xiasangju residues improves intestinal health and gut microbiota in weaned piglets.

Quality consistency evaluation of commercial Prunellae Spica by integrating determination of secondary metabolites and saccharides

INTRODUCTION

Prunellae Spica (PS) is a commonly used medicinal herb in China. Secondary metabolites and saccharides are major bioactive components of PS. However, holistic quality consistency of commercial PS is ambiguous due to lack of comprehensive evaluation methods and reliable quality control markers.

OBJECTIVES

Integrating multiple chromatographic and chemometric methods to comprehensively evaluate the holistic quality of PS.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple-quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-TQ-MS/MS) was applied to quantify 12 secondary metabolites of PS. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array/evaporative light scattering detection (HPLC-PDA/ELSD) and high-performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC) methods were used to characterise the saccharides. Multivariate statistical analysis was adopted to evaluate the quality consistency of commercial PS and explore the potential quality control markers.

RESULTS

The contents of secondary metabolites and saccharides were significantly different among commercial PS. All samples could be classified into three groups with ferulic acid, protocatechualdehyde, gallic acid, ursolic acid/oleanolic acid, sucrose, p-coumaric acid, chlorogenic acid as the major contributing components responsible for the difference. The content of rosmarinic acid was correlated with that of betulinic acid, hyperposide, chlorogenic acid, rutin, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid and glucose, whereas polysaccharides, ferulic acid, protocatechualdehyde and ursolic acid/oleanolic acid, quercetin, sucrose and majority monosaccharides were not.

CONCLUSION

The holistic quality of commercial PS was inconsistent. Together with rosmarinic acid, ferulic acid, protocatechualdehyde, ursolic acid/oleanolic acid, polysaccharides and sucrose might be recommended as potential quality control markers for the holistic quality control of PS.