Neuroprotective Effects of Cornus officinalis on Stress-Induced Hippocampal Deficits in Rats and H2O2-Induced Neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma Cells

New neuroprotective derivatives of cinnamic acid by biotransformation

Microbial transformation is extensively utilized to generate new metabolites in bulk amounts with more specificity and improved activity. As cinnamic acid was reported to exhibit several important pharmacological properties, microbial transformation was used to obtain its new derivatives with enhanced biological activities. By manipulating the 2-stage fermentation protocol of biotransformation, five metabolites were produced from cinnamic acid. Two of them were new derivatives; N-propyl cinnamamide 2̲ and 2-methyl heptyl benzoate 3̲ produced by Alternaria alternata. The other 3 metabolites, p-hydroxy benzoic acid 4̲, cinnamyl alcohol 5̲ and methyl cinnamate 6̲, were produced by Rhodotorula rubra, Rhizopus species and Penicillium chrysogeneum, respectively. Cinnamic acid and its metabolites were evaluated for their cyclooxygenase (COX) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activities. Protection against H2O2 and Aβ1-42 induced-neurotoxicity in human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells was also monitored. Metabolite 4̲ was more potent as a COX-2 inhibitor than the parent compound with an IC50 value of 1.85 ± 0.07 μM. Out of the tested compounds, only metabolite 2̲ showed AChE inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 8.27 μM. These results were further correlated with an in silico study of the binding interactions of the active metabolites with the active sites of the studied enzymes. Metabolite 3̲ was more potent as a neuroprotective agent against H2O2 and Aβ1-42 induced-neurotoxicity than catechin and epigallocatechin-3-gallate as positive controls. This study suggested the two new metabolites 2̲ and 3̲ along with metabolite 4̲ as potential leads for neurodegenerative diseases associated with cholinergic deficiency, neurotoxicity or neuroinflammation.

Fermented foods: Harnessing their potential to modulate the microbiota-gut-brain axis for mental health

Over the past two decades, whole food supplementation strategies have been leveraged to target mental health. In addition, there has been increasing attention on the ability of gut microbes, so called psychobiotics, to positively impact behaviour though the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Fermented foods offer themselves as a combined whole food microbiota modulating intervention. Indeed, they contain potentially beneficial microbes, microbial metabolites and other bioactives, which are being harnessed to target the microbiota-gut-brain axis for positive benefits. This review highlights the diverse nature of fermented foods in terms of the raw materials used and type of fermentation employed, and summarises their potential to shape composition of the gut microbiota, the gut to brain communication pathways including the immune system and, ultimately, modulate the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Throughout, we identify knowledge gaps and challenges faced in designing human studies for investigating the mental health-promoting potential of individual fermented foods or components thereof. Importantly, we also suggest solutions that can advance understanding of the therapeutic merit of fermented foods to modulate the microbiota-gut-brain axis.

Neuroprotective Effects of Heat-Killed Levilactobacillus brevis KU15152 on H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress

This study proposed to demonstrate the neuroprotective effects of heat-killed Levilactobacillus brevis KU15152. Heat-killed L. brevis KU15152 showed antioxidant activity similar to that of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG, in terms of radical scavenging activity. To evaluate the neuroprotective effects, conditioned medium (CM) obtained by incubating heat-killed bacteria in intestinal cells (HT-29) was used through gut-brain axis. CM from L. brevis KU15152 protected neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y) against H2O2-induced oxidative stress. Pretreatment with CM significantly alleviated the morphological changes induced by H2O2. Heat-killed L. brevis KU15152 showed an increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in HT-29 cells. L. brevis KU15152-CM remarkably downregulated the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, while upregulating the expression of BDNF and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in SH-SY5Y cells. Furthermore, L. brevis KU15152-CM reduced caspase-3 activity following H2O2 treatment. In conclusion, L. brevis KU15152 can be potentially used as food materials to avoid neurodegenerative diseases.

Protective Effects and Mechanisms of Pectolinarin against H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress in SH-SY5Y Neuronal Cells

This study aims to investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of pectolinarin against oxidative stress-induced cell damage in SH-SY5Y cells. Neurodegenerative diseases-such as Alzheimer's disease-are potentially associated with oxidative stress, which causes excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage DNA and proteins in neuronal cells. The results of this study demonstrate that pectolinarin can scavenge hydroxyl and nitric oxide radicals in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, pectolinarin significantly increased cell viability while reducing ROS production and LDH release in the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced control group. Additionally, Pectolinarin recovered protein expression from H2O2-altered levels back to close-to-normal SH-SY5Y cell levels for components of the oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis pathways-such as nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), kelch-like ECH-associated protein (Keap1), anti-heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), B-cell lympho-ma-2 (Bcl-2) protein, and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax). These findings suggest that pectolinarin has the potential to be used as a plant material for functional foods to be applied in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, by mitigating oxidative stress-induced damage to neuronal cells.

The protective effects of sesamol and/or the probiotic, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, against aluminum chloride-induced neurotoxicity and hepatotoxicity in rats: Modulation of Wnt/β-catenin/GSK-3β, JAK-2/STAT-3, PPAR-γ, inflammatory, and apoptotic pathways

Introduction: Aluminium (Al) is accumulated in the brain causing neurotoxicity and neurodegenerative disease like Alzheimer's disease (AD), multiple sclerosis, autism and epilepsy. Hence, attenuation of Al-induced neurotoxicity has become a "hot topic" in looking for an intervention that slow down the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Objective: Our study aims to introduce a new strategy for hampering aluminum chloride (AlCl3)-induced neurotoxicity using a combination of sesamol with the probiotic bacteria; Lactobacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus) and also to test their possible ameliorative effects on AlCl3-induced hepatotoxicity. Methods: Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 10/group) which are control, AlCl3, AlCl3 + Sesamol, AlCl3 + L. rhamnosus and AlCl3 + Sesamol + L. rhamnosus. We surveilled the behavioral, biochemical, and histopathological alterations centrally in the brain and peripherally in liver. Results: This work revealed that the combined therapy of sesamol and L. rhamnosus produced marked reduction in brain amyloid-β, p-tau, GSK-3β, inflammatory and apoptotic biomarkers, along with marked elevation in brain free β-catenin and Wnt3a, compared to AlCl3-intoxicated rats. Also, the combined therapy exerted pronounced reduction in hepatic expressions of JAK-2/STAT-3, inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-6, NF-κB), fibrotic (MMP-2, TIMP-1, α-SMA) and apoptotic markers, (caspase-3), together with marked elevation in hepatic PPAR-γ expression, compared to AlCl3 -intoxicated rats. Behavioral and histopathological assessments substantiated the efficiency of this combined regimen in halting the effect of neurotoxicity. Discussion: Probiotics can be used as an add-on therapy with sesamol ameliorate AlCl3 -mediated neurotoxicity and hepatotoxicity.

Neuroprotective effects of hydroponic ginseng fermented by Lactococcus lactis KC24 in oxidatively stressed SH-SY5Y cells

BACKGROUND

Panax ginseng Meyer, a traditional herb in Asia, contains bioactive compounds such as polyphenolic compounds, flavonoids, and ginsenosides. Furthermore, fermentation with probiotics can promote the biofunctional activities of ginseng. This study's object was to investigate the neuroprotective effect of hydroponic ginseng against hydrogen peroxide (H₂ O₂ )-induced cytotoxicity and its effect on the fermentation time.

RESULTS

Nonfermented hydroponic ginseng (HNF) was fermented with Lactococcus lactis KC24 at 37 °C for 12 h (H12F) or 24 h (H24F). As fermentation progressed, the content of ginsenosides Rd and F2 increased slightly. The viability of cells pretreated with H₂ O₂ -exposed nonfermented soil-cultivated ginseng (SNF), HNF, H12F, and H24F gradually improved. In addition, a similar cytotoxicity trend was observed for the level of lactate dehydrogenase released. Fermentation with L. lactis KC24 also enhanced the protective effect of HNF in all assays related to the neuroprotective pathway. In other words, superoxide dismutase and catalase messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels were upregulated in H24F-treated cells. Similarly, H24F also upregulated the mRNA and protein expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor to the highest observed concentration. Moreover, the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was the lowest after H24F pretreatment in H₂ O₂ -induced SH-SY5Y cells. Attenuating the cytotoxicity in H₂ O₂ -induced SH-SY5Y cells, H24F markedly reduced caspase-3 and -9 mRNA expression and caspase-3 activity.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that HNF exhibited higher neuroprotection than SNF, which was enhanced after fermentation. This study demonstrates that H12F and H24F can be potential ingredients for developing healthy functional foods and pharmaceutical materials. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Dissecting the molecular mechanisms underlying the antidepressant activities of herbal medicines through the comprehensive review of the recent literatures

Depression is clinically defined as a mood disorder with persistent feeling of sadness, despair, fatigue, and loss of interest. The pathophysiology of depression is tightly regulated by the biosynthesis, transport and signaling of neurotransmitters [e.g., serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, or γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)] in the central nervous system. The existing antidepressant drugs mainly target the dysfunctions of various neurotransmitters, while the efficacy of antidepressant therapeutics is undermined by different adverse side-effects. The present review aimed to dissect the molecular mechanisms underlying the antidepressant activities of herbal medicines toward the development of effective and safe antidepressant drugs. Our strategy involved comprehensive review and network pharmacology analysis for the active compounds and associated target proteins. As results, 45 different antidepressant herbal medicines were identified from various in vivo and in vitro studies. The antidepressant mechanisms might involve multiple signaling pathways that regulate neurotransmitters, neurogenesis, anti-inflammation, antioxidation, endocrine, and microbiota. Importantly, herbal medicines could modulate broader spectrum of the cellular pathways and processes to attenuate depression and avoid the side-effects of synthetic antidepressant drugs. The present review not only recognized the antidepressant potential of herbal medicines but also provided molecular insights for the development of novel antidepressant drugs.

Soy yogurt using Lactobacillus plantarum 200655 and fructooligosaccharides: neuroprotective effects against oxidative stress

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Lactobacillus plantarum 200655 and fructooligosaccharides (FOS) on soymilk fermentation and the neuroprotective effects of fermented soymilk (FS). The addition of FOS did not affect the physicochemical properties during fermentation. It helped that L. plantarum 200655 survive for 21 days of storage at 4 °C. FOS increased the β-glucosidase activity of L. plantarum 200655, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activities, such as radical scavenging and reducing power of FS. In addition, FS with FOS exerted neuroprotective effects in SH-SY5Y cells against H2O2-induced oxidative stress. FS with 3% and 5% FOS (FS3 and FS5) significantly increased cell viability and gene expression of neuronal markers, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor and tyrosine hydroxylase. Moreover, FS3 and FS5 significantly reduced lactate dehydrogenase release and the gene expression of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, caspase-9, and caspase-3. These results indicated that FS3 and FS5, with enhanced antioxidant properties, could protect SH-SY5Y cells against H2O2-induced damage. Therefore, soymilk fermented with L. plantarum 200655 and FOS can be used as a prophylactic functional food with neuroprotective effects against oxidative stress.

Pharmacokinetic and metabolomic studies with a BIO 300 Oral Powder formulation in nonhuman primates

BIO 300, a pharmaceutical formulation of genistein, is being developed as a radiation countermeasure to treat hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome (H-ARS) and the delayed effects of acute radiation exposure (DEARE). Several studies have affirmed its safety and efficacy in alleviating the damaging effects of ionizing radiation. However, dose optimization of any drug has always been an important area of research because unnecessarily high drug doses may result in serious complications. In this study, we assessed the pharmacokinetics (PK) and metabolic profiles of two different doses of a novel solid-dosage formulation of BIO 300 (BIO 300 Oral Powder; 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg), when administered orally to nonhuman primates (NHPs). While the T_max values of both doses remained the same, the area under the curve at 48 h (AUC_0-48) was tripled by doubling the dose. Additionally, we monitored serum samples for global metabolomic/lipidomic changes using high resolution mass spectrometry followed by functional pathway analysis prior to and at various time points up to 48 h post drug administration. Interestingly, the metabolomic profiles of sera from NHPs that received the lower dose demonstrated a transient perturbation in numerous metabolites between the 4 and 12 h time points. Eventually, the metabolite abundance reverted to near-normal by 48 h. These study results are consistent with our previous studies focused on the PK and metabolomic analysis for parenteral and oral aqueous nanosuspension formulations of BIO 300. This study affirms that administration of a single dose of up to 200 mg/kg of BIO 300 Oral Powder is safe in NHPs and conferred no metabolomic-mediated safety features.

Clinical and Preclinical Studies of Fermented Foods and Their Effects on Alzheimer’s Disease

The focus on managing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is shifting towards prevention through lifestyle modification instead of treatments since the currently available treatment options are only capable of providing symptomatic relief marginally and result in various side effects. Numerous studies have reported that the intake of fermented foods resulted in the successful management of AD. Food fermentation is a biochemical process where the microorganisms metabolize the constituents of raw food materials, giving vastly different organoleptic properties and additional nutritional value, and improved biosafety effects in the final products. The consumption of fermented foods is associated with a wide array of nutraceutical benefits, including anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-apoptotic, anti-cancer, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, immunomodulatory, and hypocholesterolemic properties. Due to their promising health benefits, fermented food products have a great prospect for commercialization in the food industry. This paper reviews the memory and cognitive enhancement and neuroprotective potential of fermented food products on AD, the recently commercialized fermented food products in the health and food industries, and their limitations. The literature reviewed here demonstrates a growing demand for fermented food products as alternative therapeutic options for the prevention and management of AD.

Cell Model of Depression: Reduction of Cell Stress with Mirtazapine

Depression is a very prevalent and complex disease. This condition is associated with a high rate of relapse, making its treatment a challenge. Thus, an intensive investigation of this disease and its treatment is necessary. In this work, through cell viability assays (MTT and neutral red assays) and alkaline comet assays, we aimed to test the induction of stress in human SH-SY5Y cells through the application of hydrocortisone and hydrogen peroxide and to test the reversal or attenuation of this stress through the application of mirtazapine to the cells. Our results demonstrated that hydrogen peroxide, and not hydrocortisone, can induce cellular stress, as evidenced by DNA damage and a global cellular viability reduction, which were alleviated by the antidepressant mirtazapine. The establishment of a cellular model of depression through stress induction is important to study new possibilities of treatment of this disease using cell cultures.

Aqueous extracts of Corni Fructus protect C2C12 myoblasts from DNA damage and apoptosis caused by oxidative stress

BACKGROUND

Although the various pharmacological effects of Corni Fructus are highly correlated with its antioxidant activity, the blocking effect against oxidative stress in muscle cells is not clear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of aqueous extracts of Corni Fructus (CFE) against oxidative stress caused by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in murine skeletal C2C12 myoblasts.

METHODS AND RESULTS

MTT assay for cell viability, DCF-DA staining for reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, Comet assay for DNA damage, annexin V-FITC and PI double staining for apoptosis, JC-1 staining and caspase assay for monitor mitochondrial integrity, and western blotting for related protein levels were conducted in H₂O₂ oxidative stressed C2C12 cells. Our results showed that CFE pretreatment significantly ameliorated the loss of cell viability and inhibited apoptosis in H₂O₂-treated C2C12 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. DNA damage induced by H₂O₂ was also markedly attenuated in the presence of CFE, which was associated with suppression of ROS generation. In addition, H₂O₂ reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and caused downregulation of Bcl-2 and upregulation of Bax expression, although these were abrogated by CFE pretreatment. Moreover, CFE blocked H₂O₂-induced cytosolic release of cytochrome c, activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3, and degradation of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, the present results demonstrate that CFE could protect C2C12 cells from H₂O₂-induced damage by eliminating ROS generation, thereby blocking mitochondria-mediated apoptosis pathway. These results indicate that CFE has therapeutic potential for the prevention and treatment of oxidative stress-mediated myoblast injury.

An Overview of Traditional Uses, Phytochemical Compositions and Biological Activities of Edible Fruits of European and Asian Cornus Species

Cornus species are widely distributed in central and southern Europe, east Africa, southwest Asia, and America. Several species are known for edible fruits, especially Cornus mas and Cornus officinalis. These delicious fruits, characterized by their remarkable nutritional and biological values, are widely used in traditional medicine. In contrast to the other edible Cornus species, C. mas and C. officinalis are the most studied for which little information is available on the main phytochemicals and their biological activities. Fruits are characterised by several classes of secondary metabolites, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, anthocyanins, tannins, triterpenoids, and iridoids. The available phytochemical data show that the different classes of metabolites have not been systematically studied. However, these edible species are all worthy of interest because similarities have been found. Thus, this review describes the traditional uses of Cornus species common in Europe and Asia, a detailed classification of the bioactive compounds that characterize the fruits, and their beneficial health effects. Cornus species are a rich source of phytochemicals with nutritional and functional properties that justify the growing interest in these berries, not only for applications in the food industry but also useful for their medicinal properties.

Screening and Identification of Antidepressant Active Ingredients from Puerariae Radix Extract and Study on Its Mechanism

Objective. Depression is a common mental disease with long course and high recurrence rate. Previous studies showed that Puerariae Radix and its extracts have powerful antidepressant effects in recent years. The study proposed an integrated strategy, combining network pharmacology and molecular pharmacology experiment to investigate the mechanisms of the antidepressant active ingredients from Puerariae Radix. Methods. TCMSP database, GeneCards database, Venny 2.1, UniProt database, STRING database, Cytoscape 3.7.2, and Metascape database were used to screen the active chemical components, antidepressant-related genes, and core targets, convert the abbreviated gene names in batch, search and predict the interaction between proteins, and construct the PPI network of Puerariae Radix. KEGG pathway and GO biological process enrichment and biological annotation were used to select antidepressant core gene targets. The MTT method was used to detect the effect of puerarin on the damage of PC12 cells induced by corticosterone. The DCFH-DA probe and ROS assay kit were utilized to detect the production of ROS in PC12 cells. PI/Annexin V was used to detect the apoptotic rate of puerarin on PC12 cells. Western blotting was used to verify the regulation of puerarin on the key targets of AKT1, FOS, CASP3, STAT3, and TNF-α in PC12 cells. Results and Conclusion. Eight main active components, 64 potential antidepressant gene targets, and 15 core antidepressant gene targets were obtained. 35 signaling pathways and 52 biological processes related to antidepressant effect of Puerariae Radix were identified. Puerarin was the active ingredient derived from Puerariae Radix which exhibited the antidepression effect by improving the viability of cell, reducing cell apoptosis, regulating ROS production, increasing protein expressions of AKT1 and FOS, and reducing protein expressions of CASP3, STAT3, and TNF-α. The study revealed the pharmacodynamic material basis and possible antidepressant mechanism of Puerariae Radix and provided new theoretical basis and ideas for antidepressant research.

Iridoids, Flavonoids, and Antioxidant Capacity of Cornus mas, C. officinalis, and C. mas × C. officinalis Fruits

The fruits of Cornus mas and Cornus officinalis have been known and appreciated in folk medicine for years and have a high biological value, which is mainly connected with their polyphenols and iridoids content. However, hybrids of C. mas × C. officinalis have not been investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the iridoids, anthocyanins, and flavonols content, and antioxidant capacity of Cornus mas, Cornus officinalis, and C. mas × C. officinalis. Iridoids and flavonoids were quantified by the High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method. Antioxidant capacity (AC) was measured using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH^•), 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethyl benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS^•+), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) tests. Total phenolic content (TPC) was evaluated using the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent. Among the C. mas cultivars and C. officinalis genotypes, there was considerable variation in the content of iridoids, flavonoids, and AC. Interspecific hybrids C. mas × C. officinalis contained more iridoids than C. mas and more anthocyanins than C. officinalis and additionally had higher AC and TPC than C. officinalis and most C. mas. AC, TPC, and the presence of iridoids, anthocyanins, and flavonols in hybrids C. mas × C. officinalis are reported for the first time. The Cornus species deserve special attention due to their highly biologically active substances, as well as useful medicinal properties.

Active Components and Pharmacological Effects of Cornus officinalis: Literature Review

Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc. (Shanzhuyu), a herb and food plant in east Asia, has the properties of tonifying the liver and kidney, and nourishing the essence according to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine. C. officinalis has been commonly used to treat asthenia diseases, liver, and kidney diseases, and reproductive system diseases since ancient times. The objectives of this article were to review the pharmacological effects and phytochemistry of C. officinalis. We conducted a literature review of the pharmacological effects of C. officinalis by different systems and compared the effects with the traditional usages, discussed the research status and potential blanks to be filled. The experimental studies showed that C. officinalis extract and its active components had various pharmacological effects such as anti-oxidation, anti-apoptosis, anti-inflammation, anti-diabetes, anti-osteoporosis, immunoregulation, neuroprotection, and cardiovascular protection, but clinical studies are still needed to assess whether the reported pharmacological activities have confirmed efficacy.

Antiosteoarthritic Effect of Morroniside in Chondrocyte Inflammation and Destabilization of Medial Meniscus-Induced Mouse Model

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative disease that results in joint inflammation as well as pain and stiffness. A previous study has reported that Cornus officinalis (CO) extract inhibits oxidant activities and oxidative stress in RAW 264.7 cells. In the present study, we isolated bioactive compound(s) by fractionating the CO extract to elucidate its antiosteoarthritic effects. A single bioactive component, morroniside, was identified as a potential candidate. The CO extract and morroniside exhibited antiosteoarthritic effects by downregulating factors associated with cartilage degradation, including cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2), matrix metalloproteinase 3 (Mmp-3), and matrix metalloproteinase 13 (Mmp-13), in interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β)-induced chondrocytes. Furthermore, morroniside prevented prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and collagenase secretion in IL-1β-induced chondrocytes. In the destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM)-induced mouse osteoarthritic model, morroniside administration attenuated cartilage destruction by decreasing expression of inflammatory mediators, such as Cox-2, Mmp3, and Mmp13, in the articular cartilage. Transverse microcomputed tomography analysis revealed that morroniside reduced DMM-induced sclerosis in the subchondral bone plate. These findings suggest that morroniside may be a potential protective bioactive compound against OA pathogenesis.

Mode of Action of Shan-Zhu-Yu (Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc.) in the Treatment of Depression Based on Network Pharmacology

Background

Although the traditional Chinese medicine Shan-Zhu-Yu may be efficacious against depression, its mechanism of action is unknown. In this study, we aimed to explore the possible mechanisms of action of Shan-Zhu-Yu in the treatment of depression using network pharmacology.

Methods

The active ingredients and targets of Shan-Zhu-Yu were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Database (TCMSP) database and converted into gene names using UniProt. Then, the target genes of depression were collected using GeneCards and OMIM. Drug disease intersection genes were obtained using a Venn tool, and a protein-protein interaction network was constructed using STRING. Cytoscape was used to construct an active ingredients-targets-drug-disease network. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were performed using DAVID. Furthermore, Autodock was used to evaluate drug and target binding and explore possible molecular mechanisms.

Results

We identified 9721 disease genes, 13 active ingredients, 50 target genes, and 48 drug disease intersecting genes. The results of the GO enrichment analysis suggested that Shan-Zhu-Yu affects the activity of G protein-coupled amine, neurotransmitter, steroid hormone, nuclear, and G protein-coupled neurotransmitter receptors in the treatment of depression by acting on hormone and nuclear receptor binding. The main signaling pathways were associated with neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, calcium, cGMP-PKG, apoptosis, estrogen, p53, and AGE-RAGE. Molecular docking confirmed that the active components of Shan-Zhu-Yu (e.g., telocinobufagin and β-sitosterol) docked suitably with NR3C1, Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3. Shan-Zhu-Yu may exert its therapeutic effects on depression via multiple targets and pathways.

Conclusions

The present study elucidates that Shan-Zhu-Yu suppresses the expression of Bax and caspase-3 and promotes that of NR3C1 and Bcl-2 through neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction and apoptosis signaling pathways. Therefore, Shan-Zhu-Yu is a potential treatment option for depression, and the results of this study will provide new reference points for future experimental research and a scientific basis for its widespread clinical application.

Efficacy and Safety of Combined Extracts of Cornus officinalis and Ribes fasciculatum for Body Fat Reduction in Overweight Women

Obesity is a medical condition that presents excessive fat accumulation with high risk of serious chronic diseases. The aim of this clinical trial is to investigate the anti-obesity effects of Cornus officinalis (CO) and Ribes fasciculatum (RF) on body fat reduction in Korean overweight women. A total of 147 overweight female participants enrolled in double-blinded clinical trial for 12 weeks and 76 participants completed the clinical study. Participants were treated with four CO and RF mixture (COEC; 400 mg per tablet) or four placebo tablets once a day. Obesity associated parameters (body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, body fat percentage and body fat mass) and safety assessment were analyzed. After 12 weeks of COEC treatment, primary outcomes such as body fat percentage (0.76% vs. 0.01%; p = 0.022) and mass (1.1 kg vs. 0.5 kg; p = 0.049) were significantly decreased. In addition, the results were statistically significant between the COEC and placebo groups, strongly indicated that COEC had anti-obesity effects on overweight women. Secondary outcomes—including body weight, waist and hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, body mass index and computed tomography measurement of visceral fat area, subcutaneous fat area, total abdominal fat area and visceral-to-subcutaneous fat ratio—were reduced in COEC-treated group, but no statistical differences were found between the COEC and placebo groups. The safety assessment did not differ between the two groups. These results suggest that treatment of COEC extract reduces body fat percentage and mass in Korean overweight women, indicating it as a protective functional agent for obesity.

Antiadipogenic Effects of Mixtures of Cornus officinalis and Ribes fasciculatum Extracts on 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes and High-Fat Diet-Induced Mice

Medicinal plants have been used worldwide as primary alternative healthcare supplements. Cornus officinalis (CO) and Ribes fasciculatum (RF) are traditional medicinal plants applied in East Asia to treat human diseases such as hepatitis, osteoporosis, oxidative stress and allergy. The aim of this study was to examine the anti-obesity effect of CO and RF on preadipocyte 3T3-L1 cells in vitro and high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity mice in vivo. Combination treatment of CO and RF in differentiated 3T3-L1 cells inhibited adipocyte differentiation through downregulation of adipogenesis-associated genes such as CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (Cebpa), fatty acid binding protein 4 (Fabp4), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (Pparg) and sterol regulatory element binding protein (Srebp1). In vivo animal models showed that a mixture of CO and RF inhibited HFD-induced weight gain, resulting in decreased abdominal visceral fat tissues and fatty hepatocyte deposition. In addition, CO+RF treatment decreased HFD-induced adipogenesis-associated genes in abdominal white fat tissue. These results suggest that administration of a CO and RF mixture prevented adipocyte differentiation and lipid accumulation in preadipocyte cells and HFD-induced body weight in obesity mice. Therefore, combined therapy of CO and RF may be a protective therapeutic agent against obesity.