The Pharmacological Effects and Pharmacokinetics of Active Compounds of Artemisia capillaris

MrgX2-targeted ligand screening from Artemisia capillaris Thunb. extract and receptor-ligand interaction analysis based on MrgX2-HALO-tag/CMC

Artemisia capillaris Thunb. (A. capillaris) is a well-known traditional Chinese herbal medicine with a wide range of pharmacological effects, such as soothing the liver and gallbladder, heat clearance, and detoxifying. Hence, its extract is commonly added to various traditional Chinese medicine formulas. Traditional Chinese medicine injection (TCMI) is a mature pharmaceutical dosage form developed using TCM theory combined with modern science and technology. Notably, allergic reactions, especially pseudo‑allergic reactions (PARs), greatly limited the use of these injections. Therefore, screening pseudo‑allergic components in A. capillaris extract is clinically significant. In the present study, we proposed a two-dimensional screening and identification system based on mas-related G protein-coupled receptor X2-HALO-tag/cell membrane chromatography (MrgX2-HALO-tag/CMC) high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS); seven potential active components were screened from 75 % ethanol extract of A. capillaris: NCA, CA, CCA, 1,3-diCQA, ICA-B, ICA-A, and ICA-C. The receptor-ligand interactions between these seven compounds and MrgX2 protein were analyzed using frontal analysis and molecular docking technology. Furthermore, a mast cell degranulation-related assay was used to assess the pseudo‑allergic activity of these compounds. The screened compounds can serve as ligands of MrgX2, and this study provides a research basis for pseudo‑allergic reactions caused by TCMIs containing A. capillaris.

Optimized therapeutic potential of Yinchenhao decoction for cholestatic hepatitis by combined network meta-analysis and network pharmacology

BACKGROUND

Cholestatic hepatitis is recognized as a significant contributor to the development of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. As a well-known classic formula for the treatment of cholestatic hepatitis, Yinchenhao decoction (YCHD) is widely used in countries in Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea. However, in recent years, a risk of liver injury has been reported from Rheum palmatum L. and Gardenia jasmonoides J.Ellis which are the main ingredients of YCHD. Therefore, the question arises whether YCHD is still safe enough for the treatment of cholestatic hepatitis or whether an optimized ratio of ingredients should be applied. These is inevitable questions for the clinical application of YCHD.

PURPOSE

To provide a scientific basis for the clinical application of YCHD through a combination of meta-analysis and network pharmacology and to find the best ratio of components to ensure optimal therapeutic efficacy and safety. At the same time, a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of YCHD was explored.

METHODS

We retrieved relevant trials from various databases including PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP and Wanfang databases up to August 2023. After screening for inclusion and exclusion criteria, we assessed efficiency, ALT, AST, and TBIL as outcome parameters. The relevant data underwent a network meta-analysis using STATA 16.0 software. Based on network pharmacology, we screened the disease targets, active ingredients, and targets related to YCHD. The targets were visualized using Cytoscape 3.9.1. Then, potential mechanisms were explored based on bioinformatic techniques.

RESULTS

Twenty eligible studies were finally screened and a total of 1,591 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. The meta-analysis results indicated that TG-c (treatment group c) [(Artemisia capillaris Thunb. : Gardenia jasminoides J.Ellis : Rheum palmatum L. = 10:5:2-10:5:3) + CT] was the most promising therapeutic approach, demonstrating superior efficacy and notable improvements in both AST and TBIL levels. For ALT, TG-d [(Artemisia capillaris : Gardenia jasminoides : Rheum palmatum = 5:1:1-5:2:1) + CT] exhibited the greatest potential as optimal therapy option. Based on the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) values, TG-c was the best therapy in terms of efficiency and improvement in TBIL levels, while TG-d was the most effective in reducing ALT levels. For AST levels, TG-e [(Artemisia capillaris : Gardenia jasminoides : Rheum palmatum = 5:2:2-5:3:3) + CT] was the most effective therapy. The comprehensive analysis revealed that TG-c exhibited the most pronounced efficacy. Combined network pharmacology, GO enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis displayed that the key target genes of Artemisia capillaris, Rheum palmatum, and Gardenia jasminoides were closely involved in inflammation response, bile transport, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and regulation of leukocyte migration. Notably, bile secretion dominated the common pathway of the three herbs. On the other hand, Artemisia capillaris exhibited a unique mode of action by regulating the IL-17 signaling pathway, which may play a crucial role in its effectiveness.

CONCLUSION

Based on our findings, the optimal TG-C demonstrated the most favorable overall therapeutic efficacy by increasing the dosage of Artemisia capillaris while reducing the dosage of Gardenia jasminoides and Rheum palmatum. This is attributed to the potent ability of Artemisia capillaris. to effectively modulate the IL-17 signaling pathway, thereby exerting a beneficial therapeutic effect. Conversely, Gardenia jasminoides and Rheum palmatum may potentially enhance the activation of the NF-кB signaling pathway, thereby elevating the risk of hepatotoxicity.

Artemisia capillaris Thunb. Polysaccharide alleviates cholestatic liver injury through gut microbiota modulation and Nrf2 signaling pathway activation in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, cholestasis belongs to category of jaundice. Artemisia capillaris Thunb. has been widely used for the treatment of jaundice in TCM. The polysaccharides are the one of main active components of the herb, but its effects on cholestasis remain unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the protective effect and mechanism of Artemisia capillaris Thunb. polysaccharide (APS) on cholestasis and liver injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The amelioration of APS on cholestasis was evaluated in an alpha-naphthyl isothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced mice model. Then nuclear Nrf2 knockout mice, mass spectrometry, 16s rDNA sequencing, metabolomics, and molecular biotechnology methods were used to elucidate the associated mechanisms of APS against cholestatic liver injury.

RESULTS

Treatment with low and high doses of APS markedly decreased cholestatic liver injury of mice. Mechanistically, APS promoted nuclear translocation of hepatic nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2), upregulated downstream bile acid (BA) efflux transporters and detoxifying enzymes expression, improved BA homeostasis, and attenuated oxidative liver injury; however, these effects were annulled in Nrf2 knock-out mice. Furthermore, APS ameliorated the microbiota dysbiosis of cholestatic mice and selectively increased short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria growth. Fecal microbiota transplantation of APS also promoted hepatic Nrf2 activation, increased BA efflux transporters and detoxifying enzymes expression, ameliorated intrahepatic BA accumulation and cholestatic liver injury. Non-targeted metabolomics and in vitro microbiota culture confirmed that APS significantly increased the production of a microbiota-derived SCFA (butyric acid), which is also able to upregulate Nrf2 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that APS can ameliorate cholestasis by modulating gut microbiota and activating the Nrf2 pathway, representing a novel therapeutic approach for cholestatic liver disease.

The additive effect of herbal medicines on lifestyle modification in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is difficult to manage because of its complex pathophysiological mechanism. There is still no effective treatment other than lifestyle modification (LM) such as dietary modifications, regular physical activity, and gradual weight loss. Herbal medicines from traditional Chinese Medicine and Korean Medicine have been shown to be effective in the treatment of NAFLD based on many randomized controlled trials. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the additive effects of herbal medicines on LM in the treatment of NAFLD. Methods: Two databases (PubMed and Cochrane library) were searched using keywords related to NAFLD and herbal medicines. Then the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the therapeutic effects of herbal medicines combined with LM were selected. The pooled results were analyzed as mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for continuous data, and risk ratio (RR) with 95% CI for dichotomous data. Results and Discussion: Eight RCTs with a total of 603 participants were included for this review study. Participants were administered with multi-herbal formulas (Yiqi Sanju Formula, Tiaogan Lipi Recipe, and Lingguizhugan Decoction) or single-herbal extracts (Glycyrrhiza glabra L., Magnoliae offcinalis, Trigonella Foenum-graecum L. semen, Portulaca oleracea L., and Rhus Coriaria L. fructus) along with LM for 12 weeks. The meta-analysis showed a significant improvement in ultrasoundbased liver steatosis measured by odds ratio (OR) in the herbal medicine group than those with LM alone (OR = 7.9, 95% CI 0.7 to 95.2, p < 0.1). In addition, herbal medicines decreased the levels of aspartate transferase (MD -7.5, 95% CI -13.4 to -1.7, p = 0.01) and total cholesterol (MD -16.0, 95% CI -32.7 to 0.7, p = 0.06) more than LM alone. The meta-analysis partially showed clinical evidence supporting the additive benefits of herbal medicines for NAFLD in combination with LM. Whereas, it is necessary to provide a solid basis through higher-quality studies using a specific herbal medicine.

Photodegradation of the pure and formulated scoparone in liquid solutions: kinetics and mechanism

Scoparone (hereafter SPR) is a prominent candidate of plant-derived acaricide. The photodegradation of the pure SPR was first investigated under different light sources, initial concentrations, pH values, temperatures, organic solvents, aqueous media, and the photolytic characteristics of its formulation in pure water were also studied. The photodegradation rates of pure SPR under different light sources showed the following sequence: 28 W ultraviolet lamp (0.3045 h-1) > 500 W xenon lamp (0.1094 h-1) > 300 W xenon lamp (0.0312 h-1). Under the irradiation of 500 W xenon lamp, the lower initial SPR concentrations, higher pH value, and higher temperatures increased the photodegradation rates of SPR, especially, when the temperature increased higher than 35℃, the degradation rate of SPR increased slowly and maintained at a stable level, the pH and temperatures had small effects on the photodegradation of SPR. The photodegradation rates of pure SPR in organic decreased comparing to in aqueous media. The removal efficiency of 98% SPR technical material (TC) was higher than 5% SPR emulsifiable concentrate (EC) in pure water, indicating that the components present in formulated SPR greatly affected the photodegradation kinetics. Detecting the photoproducts by HPLC/ESI-MS indicated that three main types of reaction including photorearrangement, photohydrolysis, and photooxidation occurred in the photodegradation of SPR at aqueous solution. These results will be helpful for the rational use of SPR and provide a scientific reference for environmental risk evaluation of SPR.

Integrated network analysis and metabolomics reveal the molecular mechanism of Yinchen Sini decoction in CCl4-induced acute liver injury

Objective: Yinchen Sini decoction (YCSND), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, plays a crucial role in the treatment of liver disease. However, the bioactive constituents and pharmacological mechanisms of action remain unclear. The present study aimed to reveal the molecular mechanism of YCSND in the treatment of acute liver injury (ALI) using integrated network analysis and metabolomics. Methods: Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with Q-Exactive focus mass spectrum (UHPLC-QE-MS) was utilized to identify metabolites in YCSND, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was applied to evaluate the quality of four botanical drugs in YCSND. Cell damage and ALI models in mice were established using CCl4. 1H-NMR metabolomics approach, along with histopathological observation using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), biochemical measurements, and reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR), was applied to evaluate the effect of YCSND on CCl4- induced ALI. Network analysis was conducted to predict the potential targets of YCSND in ALI. Result: Our results showed that 89 metabolites in YCSND were identified using UHPLC-QE-MS. YCSND protected against ALI by reducing the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents and increasing those of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) both in vivo and in vitro. The 1H-NMRmetabolic pattern revealed that YCSND reversed CCl4-induced metabolic abnormalities in the liver. Additionally, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis identified five pathways related to liver injury, including the PI3K-AKT, MAPK, HIF-1, apoptosis, and TNF signaling pathways. Moreover, RT-qPCR showed YCSND regulated the inflammatory response (Tlr4, Il6, Tnfα, Nfκb1, Ptgs2, and Mmp9) and apoptosis (Bcl2, Caspase3, Bax, and Mapk3), and inhibited PI3K-AKT signaling pathway (Pi3k and Akt1). Combined network analysis and metabolomics showed a link between the key targets (Tlr4, Ptgs2, and Mmp9) and vital metabolites (choline, xanthine, lactate, and 3-hydroxybutyric acid) of YCSND in ALI. Conclusion: Overall, the results contribute to the understanding of the therapeutic effects of YCSND on ALI, and indicate that the integrated network analysis and metabolomics could be a powerful strategy to reveal the pharmacological effects of TCM.

Scoparone induces both apoptosis and ferroptosis via multiple mechanisms in non-small-cell lung cancer cells

The present study investigated the anti-tumour effects of scoparone, also known as 6,7-dimethoxycoumarin, in non-small-cell-lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. It was discovered that scoparone inhibited the proliferation and induced cell death of NSCLC cells. Scoparone induced both apoptosis and ferroptosis in NSCLC cells. Mechanically, scoparone treatment led to the FBW7-mediated ubiquitination and downregulation of Mcl-1. Moreover, scopaone induced Bax activation in a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent manner. Interestingly, scoparone also triggered ferroptosis, a novel form of cell death, as evidenced by upregulation of lipid peroxidation, ROS, and iron levels. The mechanism investigation showed that scoparone activated the ROS/JNK/SP1/ACSL4 axis to trigger ferroptosis in NSCLC cells. Overall, our data suggest that scoparone is a promising agent for the treatment of NSCLC.

Integration of pharmacodynamics, network pharmacology and metabolomics to elucidate effect and mechanism of Artemisia capillaris Thunb. in the treatment of jaundice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

As one of the most commonly used herbs, Artemisia capillaris Thunb. (ACT) display favorable effect in the treatment of jaundice. However, mechanism of ACT in the treatment of jaundice remains unclear at present, which limits its development and application.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate effect and mechanism of Artemisia capillaris Thunb. (ACT) in the treatment of jaundice using pharmacodynamics, network pharmacology and metabolomics.

METHODS

Effect of ACT in treating jaundice was evaluated by biochemical assays and pathological observation using the α-naphthyl isothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced mice. Jaundice-relieving mechanism of ACT was investigated by integration of network pharmacology and metabolomics.

RESULTS

After the mice with jaundice were administrated ACT extract for 9 days, compared to that of the model group, serum D-BIL, T-BIL and ALP levels of the mice in the low, medium, high dose of ACT group decreased by 39.81%, 15.30% and 16.92%; 48.06%, 42.54% and 36.91%; 26.90%, 12.34% and 16.90%, respectively. The pathologic study indicated that ACT improved the symptoms of liver injury of the mice with jaundice. The network of herb (i.e., ACT)-components-targets-disease (i.e., jaundice) was established, which consisted of 17 components classified in flavonoids, chromones, organic acids, terpenoids, and 234 targets related to treatment of jaundice. Metabolomics analysis showed that, compared to that in the model group, level of 8 differential metabolites were upregulated and level of 29 differential metabolites were downregulated in the mice liver in the ACT group, respectively. The main metabolic pathways involved in treatment of jaundice by ACT were pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, glutathione metabolism, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, primary bile acid biosynthesis in the liver, respectively. The integrated analysis of network pharmacology and metabolomics showed that 3α,7α,12α a-Trihydroxy-5β-cholanate, glycocholate, taurocholate, pantetheine 4'-phosphate, and d-4'-phosphopantothenate were the potential biomarkers for treatment of jaundice, and AKR1C4, ALDH2 and HSD11B were the potential drug targets in the treatment of jaundice by ACT.

CONCLUSION

The study based on metabolomics and network pharmacology indicated that ACT can display favorable jaundice-relieving effect by its multiple components regulating multiple biomarkers, multiple targets and multiple pathways, and may be a rational therapy for the treatment of jaundice.

Exploration of sodium homeostasis and pharmacokinetics in bile duct-ligated rats treated by anti-cirrhosis herbal formula plus spironolactone

Renal sodium retention is an essential indicator that is used for the prognosis of cirrhosis with ascites that requires diuretic treatment to restore sodium homeostasis. The diuretic effects of Yin-Chen-Hao-Tang (YCHT) alone or in combination with diuretics for sodium retention in patients with cirrhosis have not been investigated. This study aimed to investigate the diuretic effects and sodium retention caused by YCHT with spironolactone, from both the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic perspective, in bile duct-ligated rats. The HPLC method was validated and utilized for the pharmacokinetic analysis of rat urine. Urine samples were collected and analyzed every 4 hours for 32 h after oral administration of YCHT at 1 or 3 g/kg daily for 5 days in bile duct-ligated rats. A dose of 20 mg/kg spironolactone was also administered to pretreat the YCHT 1 g/kg or the 3 g/kg group on the 5th day to explore the interaction of the two treatments. Urine sodium, potassium, weight, volume, and spironolactone and canrenone levels were measured to investigate fluid homeostasis after the coadministration. The linearity, precision, and accuracy of the HPLC method were suitable for subsequent urinary pharmacokinetic analyses. The pharmacokinetic parameters in the 1 g/kg YCHT with spironolactone group revealed that the elimination half-life of the spironolactone metabolite, canrenone, was prolonged. In addition, the cumulative excretion amount, the area under the rate curve (AURC), and the maximum rate of excretion (Rmax) were significantly decreased when the spironolactone group was pretreated with 3 g/kg YCHT. Urinary sodium excretion elicited by spironolactone was suppressed by pretreatment with 1 or 3 g/kg YCHT. The 32-hour urine output was not altered by the administration of YCHT alone, but it was significantly decreased by 64.9% after the coadministration of YCHT with spironolactone. The interaction of spironolactone and YCHT was found to decrease urine sodium-potassium and water excretion, and this change was attributed to the decreased level of spironolactone metabolites and possibly the regulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system by obstructed cirrhosis. The dose adjustment of YCHT or diuresis monitoring should be noted when co-administering YCHT and spironolactone to treat hepatic diseases clinically.

Aqueous extract of Artemisia capillaris improves non-alcoholic fatty liver and obesity in mice induced by high-fat diet

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common chronic liver diseases and is a nutritional metabolic disease. Artemisia capillaris (AC) is the above-ground dried part of Artemisia capillaris Thunb. or Artemisia scoparia Waldst. et Kit., a natural medicinal plant with pharmacological effects of heat-clearing and biliary-promoting. In order to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Artemisia capillaris on NAFLD and obesity, experiments were conducted using aqueous extracts of Artemisia capillaris (WAC) to intervene in NAFLD models in vivo and in vitro. In vivo experiments were performed using HFD-fed (high fat diet) C57BL/6 mice to induce NAFLD model, and in vitro experiments were performed using oleic acid to induce HepG2 cells to construct NAFLD cell model. H.E. staining and oil red O staining of liver tissue were used to observe hepatocytes. Blood biochemistry analyzer was used to detect serum lipid levels in mice. The drug targets and mechanism of action of AC to improve NAFLD were investigated by western blotting, qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence. The results showed that C57BL/6 mice fed HFD continuously for 16 weeks met the criteria for NAFLD in terms of lipid index and hepatocyte fat accumulation. WAC was able to reverse the elevation of serum lipid levels induced by high-fat diet in mice. WAC promoted the phosphorylation levels of PI3K/AKT and AMPK in liver and HepG2 cells of NAFLD mice, inhibited SREBP-1c expression, reduced TG and lipogenesis, and decreased lipid accumulation. In summary, WAC extract activates PI3K/AKT pathway, reduces SREBP-1c protein expression by promoting AMPK phosphorylation, and decreases fatty acid synthesis and TG content in hepatocytes. AC can be used as a potential health herb to improve NAFLD and obesity.

Comparative and phylogenetic analysis of complete chloroplast genomes from five Artemisia species

Artemisia Linn. is a large genus within the family Asteraceae that includes several important medicinal plants. Because of their similar morphology and chemical composition, traditional identification methods often fail to distinguish them. Therefore, developing an effective identification method for Artemisia species is an urgent requirement. In this study, we analyzed 15 chloroplast (cp) genomes, including 12 newly sequenced genomes, from 5 Artemisia species. The cp genomes from the five Artemisia species had a typical quadripartite structure and were highly conserved across species. They had varying lengths of 151,132-151,178 bp, and their gene content and codon preferences were similar. Mutation hotspot analysis identified four highly variable regions, which can potentially be used as molecular markers to identify Artemisia species. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the five Artemisia species investigated in this study were sister branches to each other, and individuals of each species formed a monophyletic clade. This study shows that the cp genome can provide distinguishing features to help identify closely related Artemisia species and has the potential to serve as a universal super barcode for plant identification.

Bamboo Shoot and Artemisia capillaris Extract Mixture Ameliorates Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Colitis

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract and is characterized by recurrent chronic inflammation and mucosal damage of the gastrointestinal tract. Recent studies have demonstrated that bamboo shoot (BS) and Artemisia capillaris (AC) extracts enhance anti-inflammatory effects in various disease models. However, it is uncertain whether there is a synergistic protective effect of BS and AC in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis. In the current study, we tested the combined effects of BS and AC extracts (BA) on colitis using in vivo and in vitro models. Compared with control mice, oral administration of DSS exacerbated colon length and increased the disease activity index (DAI) and histological damage. In DSS-induced colitis, treatment with BA significantly alleviated DSS-induced symptoms such as colon shortening, DAI, histological damage, and colonic pro-inflammatory marker expression compared to single extracts (BS or AC) treatment. Furthermore, we found BA treatment attenuated the ROS generation, F-actin formation, and RhoA activity compared with the single extract (BS or AC) treatment in DSS-treated cell lines. Collectively, these findings suggest that BA treatment has a positive synergistic protective effect on colonic inflammation compared with single extracts, it may be a highly effective complementary natural extract mixture for the prevention or treatment of IBD.

Active Compounds Screening and Hepatoprotective Mechanism of Shuganning Injection Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation

Objective: The study aimed to analyze the core active compounds and the potential mechanism of Shuganning injection (SGNI) through network pharmacology with biological experiments. Methods: Active compounds and targets of SGNI were screened from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) and Targetnet database, whereas the liver disease-related targets were identified through the Genecards and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man databases. The “compound-target” and “protein-protein interaction” networks construction, core target identification, and pathway enrichment were then performed. Finally, the exploration of the mechanism of action for SGNI against acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury in the HepaRG cells and validation of three identified protein targets was also carried out through western blot assay, including tumor protein p53 (p53, TP53), transcription factor Jun (Jun), and Caspase 3 (CASP3). Results: The result showed that a total of 312 active compounds of SGNI and 408 liver disease-related targets, as well as 131 core targets were revealed through databases, such as prostaglandin G/H synthase 1, prostaglandin G/H synthase 2, and nuclear factor NF-kappa B (NF-kB) p65 subunit (RELA). The core targets of SGNI were involved in regulating hepatitis B signaling pathway, NF-kB signaling pathway, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway. Moreover, results of molecular docking in this study indicated that chlorogenic acid, geniposide, baicalin, indirubin, and ganoderic acid A could act on RELA, JUN, TP53, TNF, CASP3, Caspase 8 (CASP8) and nuclear factor NF-kB p105 subunit (NFKB1). Similarly, results of western blot revealed that SGNI reduced the expression of p53, Jun, and Caspase 3 proteins in HepaRG cells as compared with the APAP group ( P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). Conclusion: The present study verified the therapeutic effects and mechanism of SGNI on liver diseases and pointed out new directions for further research.