The Health Benefits of Emodin, a Natural Anthraquinone Derived from Rhubarb-A Summary Update

Evaluating anticancer activity of emodin by enhancing antioxidant activities and affecting PKC/ADAMTS4 pathway in thioacetamide-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in rats

Emodin is a naturally occurring anthraquinone derivative with a wide range of pharmacological activities, including neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory activities. We aim to assess the anticancer activity of emodin against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in rat models using the proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis biomarkers. After induction of HCC, assessment of the liver impairment and the histopathology of liver sections were investigated. Hepatic expression of both mRNA and protein of the oxidative stress biomarkers, HO-1, Nrf2; the mitogenic activation biomarkers, ERK5, PKCδ; the tissue destruction biomarker, ADAMTS4; the tissue homeostasis biomarker, aggregan; the cellular fibrinolytic biomarker, MMP3; and of the cellular angiogenesis biomarker, VEGF were measured. Emodin increased the survival percentage and reduced the number of hepatic nodules compared to the HCC group. Besides, emodin reduced the elevated expression of both mRNA and proteins of all PKC, ERK5, ADAMTS4, MMP3, and VEGF compared with the HCC group. On the other hand, emodin increased the expression of mRNA and proteins of Nrf2, HO-1, and aggrecan compared with the HCC group. Therefore, emodin is a promising anticancer agent against HCC preventing the cancer prognosis and infiltration. It works through many mechanisms of action, such as blocking oxidative stress, proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis.

The phytochemistry and pharmacology of three Rheum species: A comprehensive review with future perspectives

BACKGROUND

Rheum palmatum, R. tanguticum, and R. officinale, integral species of the genus Rheum, are widely used across global temperate and subtropical regions. These species are incorporated in functional foods, medicines, and cosmetics, recognized for their substantial bioactive components.

PURPOSE

This review aims to synthesize developments from 2014 to 2023 concerning the botanical characteristics, ethnopharmacology, nutritional values, chemical compositions, pharmacological activities, mechanisms of action, and toxicity of these species.

METHODS

Data on the three Rheum species were gathered from a comprehensive review of peer-reviewed articles, patents, and clinical trials accessed through PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and CNKI.

RESULTS

The aerial parts are nutritionally rich, providing essential amino acids, fatty acids, and minerals, suitable for use as health foods or supplements. Studies have identified 143 chemical compounds, including anthraquinones, anthrones, flavonoids, and chromones, which contribute to their broad pharmacological properties such as laxative, anti-diarrheal, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, cardiovascular, antidiabetic, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial effects. Notably, the materials science approach has enhanced understanding of their medicinal capabilities through the evaluation of bioactive compounds in different therapeutic contexts.

CONCLUSION

As medicinal and economically significant herb species, Rheum species provide both edible aerial parts and medicinal underground components that offer substantial health benefits. These characteristics present new opportunities for developing nutritional ingredients and therapeutic products, bolstering the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Emodin alleviates intestinal ischemia/reperfusion-induced lung injury by upregulating HO-1 expression via PI3K/AkT pathway

BACKGROUND

Emodin, a natural anthraquinone derivative found in various Chinese medicinal herbs, has been proved to be an effective therapeutic agent in the treatment of many diseases. However, its effect on lung injury after intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury remains unknown. This research was designed to investigate whether emodin protects against intestinal ischemia/reperfusion-induced lung injury and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms in vivo and in vitro.

METHODS

Intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury was induced by occluding the superior mesenteric artery in mice, and mouse lung epithelial-12 cells were subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation to establish an in vitro model.

RESULTS

Our data indicated that emodin treatment reduced intestinal ischemia/reperfusion-induced oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in lung tissues and alleviated lung injury. However, the protective effects of emodin on intestinal ischemia/reperfusion-induced lung injury were reversed by the protein kinase B inhibitor triciribine or the heme oxygenase-1 inhibitor tin protoporphyrin IX. The protein kinase inhibitor triciribine also downregulated the expression of heme oxygenase-1.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, our data suggest that emodin treatment protects against intestinal ischemia/reperfusion-induced lung injury by enhancing heme oxygenase-1 expression via activation of the PI3K/protein kinase pathway. Emodin may act as a potential therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of lung injury induced by intestinal ischemia/reperfusion.

In Vitro Toxicity Assessment of Cortinarius sanguineus Anthraquinone Aglycone Extract

Biocolourants could be a sustainable option for dyes that require fossil-based chemicals in their synthesis. We studied the in vitro toxicity of anthraquinone aglycone extract obtained from Cortinarius sanguineus fungus and compared it to the toxicity of its two main components, emodin and previously studied dermocybin. Cell viability, cytotoxicity, and oxidative stress responses in HepG2 liver and THP-1 immune cell lines were studied along with skin sensitisation. In addition, genotoxicity was studied with comet assay in HepG2 cells. Cellular viability was determined by MTT, propidium iodide, and lactate dehydrogenase assays, which showed that the highest doses of both the aglycone extract and emodin affected the viability. However, the effect did not occur in all of the used assays. Notably, after both exposures, a dose-dependent increase in oxidative stress factors was observed in both cell lines as measured by MitoSOX and dihydroethidium assays. C. sanguineus extract was not genotoxic in the comet assay. Importantly, both emodin and the extract activated the skin sensitisation pathway in the KeratinoSens assay, suggesting that they can induce allergy in humans. As emodin has shown cytotoxic and skin-sensitising effects, it is possible that the adverse effects caused by the extract are also mediated by it since it is the main component present in the fungus.

Emodin ameliorates acute radiation proctitis in mice by regulating AKT/MAPK/NF-κB/VEGF pathways

BACKGROUND

Emodin, a natural anthraquinone derivative isolated from the roots of Rheum officinale Baill, has many pharmacological effects including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial and anti-cancer. However, little is known about the effect of emodin on acute radiation proctitis (ARP). The present study was conducted to determine its effects and elucidate its mechanisms involving AKT/MAPK/NF-κB/VEGF pathways in ARP mice.

METHODS

Total 60 C57BL/6 mice were divided randomly into control group, ARP group, AKT inhibitor MK-2206 group, and different doses of emodin groups. ARP mice were induced by 27 Gy of 6 MV X-ray pelvic local irradiation. MK-2206 was given orally for 2 weeks on alternate days. Emodin was administered daily by oral gavage for 2 weeks. Subsequently, all mice were sacrificed on day 15. The rectal tissues were obtained for further tests. The general signs score and the pathological grade were used to evaluate the severity of ARP. The expression of NF-κB, VEGF and AQP1 were determined by immunohistochemistry and western blot. The expression of p-AKT, p-ERK, p-JNK, p-p38, Bcl-2 and Bax were assessed using western blot.

RESULTS

The worse general signs and damaged tissue structure of ARP mice were profoundly ameliorated by emodin. The expression of p-AKT, p-ERK, NF-κB, VEGF and AQP1 were significantly increased, resulting in the inflammation-induced angiogenesis in ARP mice. However, the expression of p-JNK and p-p38 were decreased, leading to the reduction of apoptosis in ARP mice. Excitedly, emodin reversed these changes, not only inhibited inflammation-induced angiogenesis, but also promoted apoptosis. Notably, the effects of emodin were similar to that of AKT inhibitor MK-2206, suggesting the involvement of AKT signaling in the effect of emodin.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that emodin attenuates ARP in mice, and the underlying mechanism might involve inhibition of the AKT/ERK/NF-κB/VEGF pathways and the induction of apoptosis mediated by JNK and p38.

Targeted remodeling of the human gut microbiome using Juemingzi (Senna seed extracts)

The genus Senna contains globally distributed plant species of which the leaves, roots, and seeds have multiple traditional medicinal and nutritional uses. Notable chemical compounds derived from Senna spp. include sennosides and emodin which have been tested for antimicrobial effects in addition to their known laxative functions. However, studies of the effects of the combined chemical components on intact human gut microbiome communities are lacking. This study evaluated the effects of Juemingzi (Senna sp.) extract on the human gut microbiome using SIFR® (Systemic Intestinal Fermentation Research) technology. After a 48-hour human fecal incubation, we measured total bacterial cell density and fermentation products including pH, gas production and concentrations of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The initial and post-incubation microbial community structure and functional potential were characterized using shotgun metagenomic sequencing. Juemingzi (Senna seed) extracts displayed strong, taxon-specific anti-microbial effects as indicated by significant reductions in cell density (40%) and intra-sample community diversity. Members of the Bacteroidota were nearly eliminated over the 48-hour incubation. While generally part of a healthy gut microbiome, specific species of Bacteroides can be pathogenic. The active persistence of the members of the Enterobacteriaceae and selected Actinomycetota despite the reduction in overall cell numbers was demonstrated by increased fermentative outputs including high concentrations of gas and acetate with correspondingly reduced pH. These large-scale shifts in microbial community structure indicate the need for further evaluation of dosages and potential administration with prebiotic or synbiotic supplements. Overall, the very specific effects of these extracts may offer the potential for targeted antimicrobial uses or as a tool in the targeted remodeling of the gut microbiome.

Marine-Derived Leads as Anticancer Candidates by Disrupting Hypoxic Signaling through Hypoxia-Inducible Factors Inhibition

The inadequate vascularization seen in fast-growing solid tumors gives rise to hypoxic areas, fostering specific changes in gene expression that bolster tumor cell survival and metastasis, ultimately leading to unfavorable clinical prognoses across different cancer types. Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF-1 and HIF-2) emerge as druggable pivotal players orchestrating tumor metastasis and angiogenesis, thus positioning them as prime targets for cancer treatment. A range of HIF inhibitors, notably natural compounds originating from marine organisms, exhibit encouraging anticancer properties, underscoring their significance as promising therapeutic options. Bioprospection of the marine environment is now a well-settled approach to the discovery and development of anticancer agents that might have their medicinal chemistry developed into clinical candidates. However, despite the massive increase in the number of marine natural products classified as 'anticancer leads,' most of which correspond to general cytotoxic agents, and only a few have been characterized regarding their molecular targets and mechanisms of action. The current review presents a critical analysis of inhibitors of HIF-1 and HIF-2 and hypoxia-selective compounds that have been sourced from marine organisms and that might act as new chemotherapeutic candidates or serve as templates for the development of structurally similar derivatives with improved anticancer efficacy.

Potential application of Nardostachyos Radix et Rhizoma-Rhubarb for the treatment of diabetic kidney disease based on network pharmacology and cell culture experimental verification

BACKGROUND

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of the serious complications of diabetes mellitus, and the existing treatments cannot meet the needs of today's patients. Traditional Chinese medicine has been validated for its efficacy in DKD after many years of clinical application. However, the specific mechanism by which it works is still unclear. Elucidating the molecular mechanism of the Nardostachyos Radix et Rhizoma-rhubarb drug pair (NRDP) for the treatment of DKD will provide a new way of thinking for the research and development of new drugs.

AIM

To investigate the mechanism of the NRDP in DKD by network pharmacology combined with molecular docking, and then verify the initial findings by in vitro experiments.

METHODS

The Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database was used to screen active ingredient targets of NRDP. Targets for DKD were obtained based on the Genecards, OMIM, and TTD databases. The VENNY 2.1 database was used to obtain DKD and NRDP intersection targets and their Venn diagram, and Cytoscape 3.9.0 was used to build a "drug-component-target-disease" network. The String database was used to construct protein interaction networks. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis and Gene Ontology analysis were performed based on the DAVID database. After selecting the targets and the active ingredients, Autodock software was used to perform molecular docking. In experimental validation using renal tubular epithelial cells (TCMK-1), we used the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay to detect the effect of NRDP on cell viability, with glucose solution used to mimic a hyperglycemic environment. Flow cytometry was used to detect the cell cycle progression and apoptosis. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of STAT3, p-STAT3, BAX, BCL-2, Caspase9, and Caspase3.

RESULTS

A total of 10 active ingredients and 85 targets with 111 disease-related signaling pathways were obtained for NRDP. Enrichment analysis of KEGG pathways was performed to determine advanced glycation end products (AGEs)-receptor for AGEs (RAGE) signaling as the core pathway. Molecular docking showed good binding between each active ingredient and its core targets. In vitro experiments showed that NRDP inhibited the viability of TCMK-1 cells, blocked cell cycle progression in the G0/G1 phase, and reduced apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner. Based on the results of Western blot analysis, NRDP differentially downregulated p-STAT3, BAX, Caspase3, and Caspase9 protein levels (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). In addition, BAX/BCL-2 and p-STAT3/STAT3 ratios were reduced, while BCL-2 and STAT3 protein expression was upregulated (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

NRDP may upregulate BCL-2 and STAT3 protein expression, and downregulate BAX, Caspase3, and Caspase9 protein expression, thus activating the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, inhibiting the vitality of TCMK-1 cells, reducing their apoptosis. and arresting them in the G0/G1 phase to protect them from damage by high glucose.

Potential of Plant-Derived Compounds in Preventing and Reversing Organ Fibrosis and the Underlying Mechanisms

Increased production of extracellular matrix is a necessary response to tissue damage and stress. In a normal healing process, the increase in extracellular matrix is transient. In some instances; however, the increase in extracellular matrix can persist as fibrosis, leading to deleterious alterations in organ structure, biomechanical properties, and function. Indeed, fibrosis is now appreciated to be an important cause of mortality and morbidity. Extensive research has illustrated that fibrosis can be slowed, arrested or even reversed; however, few drugs have been approved specifically for anti-fibrotic treatment. This is in part due to the complex pathways responsible for fibrogenesis and the undesirable side effects of drugs targeting these pathways. Natural products have been utilized for thousands of years as a major component of traditional medicine and currently account for almost one-third of drugs used clinically worldwide. A variety of plant-derived compounds have been demonstrated to have preventative or even reversal effects on fibrosis. This review will discuss the effects and the underlying mechanisms of some of the major plant-derived compounds that have been identified to impact fibrosis.

Topical rhubarb charcoal-crosslinked chitosan/silk fibroin sponge scaffold for the repair of diabetic ulcers improves hepatic lipid deposition in db/db mice via the AMPK signalling pathway

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is closely linked to metabolic syndrome, characterised by insulin resistance, hyperglycaemia, abnormal lipid metabolism, and chronic inflammation. Diabetic ulcers (DUs) comprise consequential complications that arise as a result of T2DM. To investigate, db/db mice were used for the disease model. The findings demonstrated that a scaffold made from a combination of rhubarb charcoal-crosslinked chitosan and silk fibroin, designated as RCS/SF, was able to improve the healing process of diabetic wounds in db/db mice. However, previous studies have primarily concentrated on investigating the impacts of the RSC/SF scaffold on wound healing only, while its influence on the entire body has not been fully elucidated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The silk fibroin/chitosan sponge scaffold containing rhubarb charcoal was fabricated in the present study using a freeze-drying approach. Subsequently, an incision with a diameter of 8 mm was made on the dorsal skin of the mice, and the RCS/SF scaffold was applied directly to the wound for 14 days. Subsequently, the impact of RCS/SF scaffold therapy on hepatic lipid metabolism was assessed through analysis of serum and liver biochemistry, histopathology, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting.

RESULTS

The use of the RCS/SF scaffold led to an enhancement in the conditions associated with serum glucolipid metabolism in db/db mice. An assessment of hepatic histopathology further confirmed this enhancement. Additionally, the qRT-PCR analysis revealed that treatment with RCS/SF scaffold resulted in the downregulation of genes associated with fatty acid synthesis, fatty acid uptake, triglyceride (TG) synthesis, gluconeogenesis, and inflammatory factors. Moreover, the beneficial effect of the RCS/SF scaffold on oxidative stress was shown by assessing antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation. Additionally, the network pharmacology analysis verified that the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signalling pathway had a vital function in mitigating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by utilizing R. officinale. The measurement of AMPK, sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP1), fatty acid synthase (FASN), and acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC) gene and protein expression provided support for this discovery. Furthermore, the molecular docking investigations revealed a robust affinity between the active components of rhubarb and the downstream targets of AMPK (SREBP1 and FASN).

CONCLUSION

By regulating the AMPK signalling pathway, the RCS/SF scaffold applied topically effectively mitigated hepatic lipid accumulation, decreased inflammation, and attenuated oxidative stress. The present study, therefore, emphasises the crucial role of the topical RCS/SF scaffold in regulating hepatic lipid metabolism, thereby confirming the concept of "external and internal reshaping".

Emodin suppresses adipogenesis of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells from aplastic anemia via increasing TRIB3 expression

BACKGROUND

Increasing evidence indicate that enhanced adipogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) could contribute to the adiposity alteration in marrow microenvironment of aplastic anemia (AA). Identifying small molecule drugs with role in inhibiting adipogenesis of BM-MSCs may represent a novel direction in AA therapy by improving BM-MSCs mediated marrow microenvironment.

METHODS

For the purpose, we isolated AA BM-MSCs through whole bone marrow cell culture, evaluated a series of small molecule drugs using the in vitro adipogenic differentiation model of BM-MSCs, and finally focused on emodin, a natural anthraquinone derivative. Subsequently, we systematically investigated the molecular mechanism of emodin in attenuating adipogenic process by means of microarray profiling, bioinformatics analysis and lentivirus-mediated functional studies and rescue assay.

RESULTS

We found that emodin presented significantly suppressive effect on the in vitro adipogenic differentiation of AA BM-MSCs. Further mechanistic investigation revealed that emodin could increase the expression of Tribbles homolog 3 (TRIB3) which exhibited remarkably decreased expression in AA BM-MSCs compared with the normal counterparts and was subsequently demonstrated as a negative regulator in adipogenesis of AA BM-MSCs. Besides, TRIB3 depletion alleviated the suppressive effect of emodin on the adipogenic differentiation of AA BM-MSCs.

CONCLUSION

Our findings propose that emodin mediated TRIB3 up-regulation alleviates the adipogenic capacity of AA BM-MSCs, and emodin could serve as a potential therapeutic regimen for AA therapy.

Thermosensitive hydrogel with emodin-loaded triple-targeted nanoparticles for a rectal drug delivery system in the treatment of chronic non-bacterial prostatitis

BACKGROUND

The complex etiology and pathogenesis underlying Chronic Non-Bacterial Prostatitis (CNP), coupled with the existence of a Blood Prostate Barrier (BPB), contribute to a lack of specificity and poor penetration of most drugs. Emodin (EMO), a potential natural compound for CNP treatment, exhibits commendable anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-fibrosis properties but suffers from the same problems as other drugs.

METHODS

By exploiting the recognition properties of lactoferrin (LF) receptors that target intestinal epithelial cells (NCM-460) and prostate epithelial cells (RWPE-1), a pathway is established for the transrectal absorption of EMO to effectively reach the prostate. Additionally, hyaluronic acid (HA) is employed, recognizing CD44 receptors which target macrophages within the inflamed prostate. This interaction facilitates the intraprostatic delivery of EMO, leading to its pronounced anti-inflammatory effects. A thermosensitive hydrogel (CS-Gel) prepared from chitosan (CS) and β-glycerophosphate disodium salt (β-GP) was used for rectal drug delivery with strong adhesion to achieve effective drug retention and sustained slow release. Thus, we developed a triple-targeted nanoparticle (NPs)/thermosensitive hydrogel (Gel) rectal drug delivery system. In this process, LF, with its positive charge, was utilized to load EMO through dialysis, producing LF@EMO-NPs. Subsequently, HA was employed to encapsulate EMO-loaded LF nanoparticles via electrostatic adsorption, yielding HA/LF@EMO-NPs. Finally, HA/LF@EMO-NPs lyophilized powder was added to CS-Gel (HA/LF@EMO-NPs Gel).

RESULTS

Cellular assays indicated that NCM-460 and RWPE-1 cells showed high uptake of both LF@EMO-NPs and HA/LF@EMO-NPs, while Raw 264.7 cells exhibited substantial uptake of HA/LF@EMO-NPs. For LPS-induced Raw 264.7 cells, HA/LF@EMO-NPs can reduce the inflammatory responses by modulating TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathways. Tissue imaging corroborated the capacity of HA/LF-modified formulations to breach the BPB, accumulating within the gland's lumen. Animal experiments showed that rectal administration of HA/LF@EMO-NPs Gel significantly reduced inflammatory cytokine expression, oxidative stress levels and fibrosis in the CNP rats, in addition to exerting anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway without obvious toxicity.

CONCLUSION

This triple-targeted NPs/Gel rectal delivery system with slow-release anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-fibrosis properties shows great potential for the effective treatment of CNP.

The haplotype-resolved genome assembly of autotetraploid rhubarb Rheum officinale provides insights into its genome evolution and massive accumulation of anthraquinones

Rheum officinale, a member of the Polygonaceae family, is an important medicinal plant that is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. Here, we report a 7.68-Gb chromosome-scale assembly of R. officinale with a contig N50 of 3.47 Mb, which was clustered into 44 chromosomes across four homologous groups. Comparative genomics analysis revealed that transposable elements have made a significant contribution to its genome evolution, gene copy number variation, and gene regulation and expression, particularly of genes involved in metabolite biosynthesis, stress resistance, and root development. We placed the recent autotetraploidization of R. officinale at ∼0.58 mya and analyzed the genomic features of its homologous chromosomes. Although no dominant monoploid genomes were observed at the overall expression level, numerous allele-differentially-expressed genes were identified, mainly with different transposable element insertions in their regulatory regions, suggesting that they functionally diverged after polyploidization. Combining genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics, we explored the contributions of gene family amplification and tetraploidization to the abundant anthraquinone production of R. officinale, as well as gene expression patterns and differences in anthraquinone content among tissues. Our report offers unprecedented genomic resources for fundamental research on the autopolyploid herb R. officinale and guidance for polyploid breeding of herbs.

The Potential of Natural Products in the Management of Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is one of the most prevalent diseases in the world, comprising a variety of disorders such as hypertension, heart attacks, Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD), dyslipidemias, strokes, coronary heart disease, and cardiomyopathies. The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that 22.2 million people will die from CVD in 2030. Conventional treatments for CVDs are often quite expensive and also have several side effects. This potentiates the use of medicinal plants, which are still a viable alternative therapy for a number of diseases, including CVD. Natural products' cardio-protective effects result from their anti-oxidative, anti-hypercholesterolemia, anti-ischemic, and platelet aggregation-inhibiting properties. The conventional therapies used to treat CVD have the potential to be explored in light of the recent increase in the popularity of natural goods and alternative medicine. Some natural products with potential in the management of cardiovascular diseases such as Allium sativum L., Ginkgo biloba, Cinchona ledgeriana, Ginseng, Commiphora mukul, Digitalis lanata, Digitalis purpurea L., Murrayakoenigii, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Polygonum cuspidatum, Fenugreek, Capsicum annuum, etc. are discussed in this article.

Ultrasound-assisted extraction of emodin from Rheum officinale Baill and its antibacterial mechanism against Streptococcus suis based on CcpA

Emodin was extracted from Rheum officinale Baill by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and ethanol was chosen as the suitable solvent through SEM and molecular dynamic simulation. Under the optimum conditions (power 541 W, time 23 min, liquid to material ratio 13:1 mL/g, ethanol concentration 83 %) predicted by RSM, the yield of emodin was 2.18 ± 0.11 mg/g. Moreover, ultrasound power and time displayed the significant effects on the extraction process. Extracting dynamics analysis indicated that the extraction process of emodin by UAE conformed to Fick's second diffusion law. The results of antibacterial experiments suggested that emodin can damage cell membrane and inhibit the expression of cps2A, sao, mrp, epf, neu and the hemolytic activity of S. suis. Biolayer interferometry and FT-IR multi-peak fitting assays demonstrated that emodin induced a secondary conformational shift in CcpA. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics confirmed that emodin bound to CcpA through hydrogen bonding (ALA248, GLU249, GLY129 and ASN196) and π-π T-shaped interaction (TYR225 and TYR130), and the mutation of amino acid residues affected the affinity of CcpA to emodin. Therefore, emodin inhibited the sugar utilization of S. suis through binding to CcpA, and CcpA may be a potential target to inhibit the growth of S. suis.

Underlying Mechanism of Traditional Herbal Formula Chuang-Ling-Ye in the Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcer through Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking

BACKGROUND

Chuang-Ling-Ye (CLY) has been clinically proven to be an effective Chinese medicine for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU).

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the possible mechanism of CLY in relation to DFU using network pharmacology and molecular docking.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Firstly, relevant targets of CLY against DFU were obtained from TCMSP, Swiss Target Prediction database and GEO database. Then, topological analysis was employed by Cytoscape to screen the top 6 core active ingredients and the top 8 hub targets. Furthermore, the OmicShare Tools were applied for gene ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) signaling pathway enrichment analysis. Finally, the results of network pharmacology were verified by molecular docking method.

RESULTS

CLY has 61 active compounds and 361 targets after de-duplication, and the top 8 hub targets were EGFR, TP53, CCND1, IL-1B, CREBBP, AR, PTGS2 and PGR. GO enrichment analysis is mainly related to signal transducer activity, receptor activity, and molecular transducer activity. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that these shared targets were primarily focused on AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, HIF-1 signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, and JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Molecular docking results showed that physciondiglucoside, 2-cinnamoyl-glucose and kinobeon A were well bound with EGFR, IL-1B, AR and PTGS2.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that CLY has anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory effects in the treatment of DFU through various constituents, multiple targets, and multiple pathways, which provides a valuable point of reference for future investigations on CLY.

Rhubarb charcoal-crosslinked chitosan/silk fibroin sponge scaffold with efficient hemostasis, inflammation, and angiogenesis for promoting diabetic wound healing

Diabetic patients often experience long-term risks due to chronic inflammation and delayed re-epithelialization during impaired wound healing. Although the severity of this condition is well known, the treatment options for diabetic wounds are limited. Rhubarb charcoal, a well-known traditional Chinese medicine, has been used to treat skin wounds for thousands of years. We produced a chitosan/silk fibroin sponge scaffold loaded with natural carbonized rhubarb and crosslinked it by freeze-drying to create a highly efficient RCS/SF scaffold. Rhubarb carbon and carboxymethyl chitosan exhibit antibacterial activity and promote wound healing. Owing to its 3D porous structure, this scaffold is antibacterial and pro-angiogenic. It also possesses remarkable properties, such as excellent swelling and biocompatibility. The supportive effect of carbonized rhubarb on mouse fibroblast migration is mediated at the cellular/tissue level by increased skin neovascularization and re-epithelization. Compared to the control group, RCS/SF scaffolds promoted faster healing, increased neovascularization, enhanced collagen deposition, and re-epithelialization within two weeks. The scaffold's pro-healing properties and efficient release of carbonized rhubarb, with rapid hemostatic and good sterilization effects, make it an outstanding candidate for treating diabetic wounds and novel therapeutic interventions for diabetic ulcers.

Aquaporin Expression and Regulation in Clinical and Experimental Sepsis

Sepsis is an inflammatory disorder caused by the host's dysfunctional response to infection. Septic patients present diverse clinical characteristics, and in the recent years, it has been the main cause of death in intensive care units (ICU). Aquaporins, membrane proteins with a role in water transportation, have been reported to participate in numerous biological processes. Their role in sepsis progression has been studied extensively. This review aims to examine recent literature on aquaporin expression and regulation in clinical sepsis, as well as established experimental models of sepsis. We will present how sepsis affects aquaporin expression at the molecular and protein level. Moreover, we will delve into the importance of aquaporin regulation at transcriptional, post-transcriptional, translational, and post-translational levels in sepsis by presenting data on aquaporin regulation by non-coding RNAs and selected chemical molecules. Finally, we will focus on the importance of aquaporin single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the setting of sepsis.

Emodin treatment of papillary thyroid cancer cell lines in vitro inhibits proliferation and enhances apoptosis via downregulation of NF‑κB and its upstream TLR4 signaling

Thyroid cancer is one of the most common types of endocrine malignancy. In addition to surgical treatment, it is very important to find new treatment methods. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of 1,3,8-trihydroxy-6-methylanthraquinone (emodin) on cellular NF-κB components and the upstream regulatory pathway of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling, as well as the invasion and migration of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) cells. The protein expression of NF-κB components p65 and p50 and their phosphorylated (p-) forms in the sections of PTC tissues was measured by individual immunohistochemical assays. PTC cell lines TPC-1 and IHH4 were exposed to 20 and 40 µM emodin for 24 h. The levels of the NF-κB components p65, p50, c-Rel, p-p65 and p-p50, elements in TLR4 signaling, including TLR4, MYD88 innate immune signal transduction adaptor (MyD88), interferon regulatory factor 3, AKT and MEK, and proliferative and apoptotic biomarkers, including c-Myc, cyclin D1, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, Bcl-2 and Bax, were evaluated by western blotting and immunofluorescent assays. The invasion and migration of PTC cell lines exposed to emodin were tested by plate colony and wound healing assay. Compared with hyperplasia tissue, the expression levels of NF-κB components p65 and p50, and p-p65 and p-p50 in PTC tissue were significantly increased. Treatment of PTC cell lines with emodin lead to significantly reduced levels of the aforementioned NF-κB components, accompanied by markedly downregulated TLR4 signaling. MYD 88-dependent and -independent pathways, are also significantly down-regulated. Downregulation of proliferative factors and activation of apoptotic factors were observed in the cell lines following treatment with emodin. Consequently, inhibition of the invasion and migration activities were observed in the emodin-treated PTC cells. Emodin could inhibit proliferation and promote apoptosis of PTC cells, which is dependent on the downregulation of cellular NF-κB and the TLR4 signaling pathway.

Nature-Derived Hollow Micron-Tubular Signal Tracers Conquering the Size Limitations for Multimodal Immunochromatographic Detection of Antibiotics

Developing signal tracers (STAs) with large size, multifunctionality, and high retention bioaffinity is believed to be a potential solution for achieving high-performance immunochromatographic assays (ICAs). However, the size limitations of STAs on strips are always a challenge because of the serious steric hindrance. Here, based on metal-quinone coordination and further metal etching, hollow micron-tubular STAs formed by natural alizarin and Fe3+ ions (named ALIFe) are produced to break through size limitations, provide more active sites, and achieve three-mode ICAs (ALIFe STAs-ICAs). Thanks to the special tubular morphology, ALIFe can successfully pass through the strip and provide an ideal signal intensity within 7 min at low mAb and probe dosages to achieve stable ICA analysis. Importantly, ALIFe shows excellent antibody enrichment and bioaffinity retention capability. With a proof-of-concept for streptomycin, the ALIFe STAs-ICAs showed the limit of detection (LOD) at 0.39 ng mL-1 for colorimetric mode, 0.32 ng mL-1 for catalytic mode, and 0.016 ng mL-1 for photothermal mode with total recoveries ranging from 80.46 to 121.59% in mike and honey samples. We anticipate that our study will help expand the ideas for the design of high-performance STAs with large size and broaden the practical application of ICA.

Aloe-Emodin Overcomes Anti-Cancer Drug Resistance to Temozolomide and Prevents Colony Formation and Migration in Primary Human Glioblastoma Cell Lines NULU and ZAR

Glioblastoma, the most dangerous and aggressive type of CNS tumor, appears resistant to many chemotherapy drugs. In the patient-derived glioma cell lines NULU and ZAR, which exhibit drug-resistant phenotypes, we investigated the effect of combined AE (Aloe-emodin) and TMZ (temozolomide) and found a significant additive inhibitory effect on cell growth and a promising cytotoxic effect on both cell lines compared to treatment with single agents. We also examined the effect of combined AE and TMZ treatment on the drug-resistance protein MGMT. The results suggest that using AE combined with traditional drugs restores drug resistance in both primary resistant cell lines (NULU and ZAR). Furthermore, migration assays and scratch tests showed that the combined use of AE and TMZ can slow down the colony formation and migration of glioblastoma cells. These convincing results suggest that AE could be a natural adjuvant agent to potentiate the effects of traditional drugs (TMZ) and overcome drug resistance in glioblastoma cells.

Emodin, a Natural Anthraquinone, Increases Uric Acid Excretion in Rats with Potassium Oxonate-Induced Hyperuricemia

The treatment of hyperuricemia and gout is mostly based on lowering serum uric acid levels using drugs, such as allopurinol, or increasing urinary excretion of uric acid. However, some patients still experience adverse reactions to allopurinol and turn to Chinese medicine as an alternative. Therefore, it is crucial to design a preclinical study to obtain more convincing data on the treatment of hyperuricemia and gout with Chinese medicine. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effect of emodin, a Chinese herbal extract, in a rat model of hyperuricemia and gout. In this study, we used 36 Sprague-Dawley rats, which were randomly divided into six groups for experimentation. Hyperuricemia was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injections of potassium oxonate. The efficacy of emodin in reducing serum uric acid levels was demonstrated by comparing the positive control group with groups treated with three different concentrations of emodin. The inflammatory profiles, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α levels, were unaffected by emodin treatment. In the experimental results, it was observed that the serum uric acid concentration in the vehicle control group was 1.80 ± 1.14, while the concentrations in the moderate and high concentration emodin groups were 1.18 ± 0.23 and 1.12 ± 0.57, resulting in no significant difference in uric acid concentration between these treatment groups and the control group, indicating that emodin has a therapeutic effect on hyperuricemia. The increase in the fractional excretion of uric acid (FEUA) demonstrated that emodin promoted urinary uric acid excretion without significantly affecting the inflammatory profile. Thus, emodin reduced the serum uric acid concentration to achieve effective treatment of hyperuricemia and gout by increasing urinary excretion. These results were supported by the measured serum uric acid and FEUA levels. Our data have potential implications for the treatment of gout and other types of hyperuricemia in clinical practice.

Understanding the mechanistic potential of plant based phytochemicals in management of postmenopausal osteoporosis

Postmenopausal osteoporosis, an epidemic disorder is defined as a loss in bone mineral density and a greater possibility of fractures in older women. It is a multifactorial disease under the control of various genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. Insufficiency of estrogen hormone, leads to postmenopausal osteoporosis. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), despite being the most effective treatment, it is associated with the risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular disorders. This review seeks to compile the most recent information on medicinal plants and natural compounds used to treat and prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis. Furthermore, the origin, chemical constituents and the molecular mechanisms responsible for this therapeutic and preventive effect are also discussed. Literature research was conducted using PubMed, Science direct, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Different plant extracts and pure compounds exerts their antiosteoporotic activity by inhibition of RANKL and upregulation of OPG. RANKL signaling regulates osteoclast formation, characterized by increased bone turnover and osteoprotegrin is a decoy receptor for RANKL thereby preventing bone loss from excessive resorption. In addition, this review also includes the chemical structure of bioactive compounds acting on NFκB, TNF α, RUNX2. In conclusion, we propose that postmenopausal osteoporosis could be prevented or treated with herbal products.

Phytochemicals as Invaluable Sources of Potent Antimicrobial Agents to Combat Antibiotic Resistance

Plants have been used for therapeutic purposes against various human ailments for several centuries. Plant-derived natural compounds have been implemented in clinics against microbial diseases. Unfortunately, the emergence of antimicrobial resistance has significantly reduced the efficacy of existing standard antimicrobials. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared antimicrobial resistance as one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity. Therefore, it is the need of the hour to discover new antimicrobial agents against drug-resistant pathogens. In the present article, we have discussed the importance of plant metabolites in the context of their medicinal applications and elaborated on their mechanism of antimicrobial action against human pathogens. The WHO has categorized some drug-resistant bacteria and fungi as critical and high priority based on the need to develope new drugs, and we have considered the plant metabolites that target these bacteria and fungi. We have also emphasized the role of phytochemicals that target deadly viruses such as COVID-19, Ebola, and dengue. Additionally, we have also elaborated on the synergetic effect of plant-derived compounds with standard antimicrobials against clinically important microbes. Overall, this article provides an overview of the importance of considering phytogenous compounds in the development of antimicrobial compounds as therapeutic agents against drug-resistant microbes.

Nature's Toolbox Against Tau Aggregation: An Updated Review of Current Research

Tau aggregation is a hallmark of several neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), frontotemporal dementia, and progressive supranuclear palsy. Hyperphosphorylated tau is believed to contribute to the degeneration of neurons and the development of these complex diseases. Therefore, one potential treatment for these illnesses is to prevent or counteract tau aggregation. In recent years, interest has been increasing in developing nature-derived tau aggregation inhibitors as a potential treatment for neurodegenerative disorders. Researchers have become increasingly interested in natural compounds with multifunctional features, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, resveratrol, and curcumin, since these molecules can interact simultaneously with the various targets of AD. Recent studies have demonstrated that several natural compounds can inhibit tau aggregation and promote the disassembly of pre-formed tau aggregates. Nature-derived tau aggregation inhibitors hold promise as a potential treatment for neurodegenerative disorders. However, it is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which these compounds exert their effects and their safety and efficacy in preclinical and clinical studies. Nature-derived inhibitors of tau aggregation are a promising new direction in the research of neurodegenerative complexities. This review focuses on the natural products that have proven to be a rich supply for inhibitors in tau aggregation and their uses in neurodegenerative complexities, including AD.

Emodin Regulates lncRNA XIST/miR-217 Axis to Protect Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Purpose

This study is aimed at investigating the effect of emodin on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) and mechanism.

Methods

Eighty healthy adult male SD rats (weighing 230-250 g) were utilized to establish I/R model, which were randomly divided into five groups (16 rats in each group): sham operation group, myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury group (I/R group), emodin group, emodin +NC group, and emodin +XIST group. The contents of CK, CK-MB, LDH, and HBDH in serum were determined by ELISA kit. LDH was detected by ELISA assay, SOD was detected by the xanthine oxidase method, and MDA was detected by the thiobarbituric acid method. The relative expression of XIST and miR-217 was evaluated by RT-qPCR. Western blot was applied to detect the protein expression. Flow cytometry was applied to detect cardiomyocyte apoptosis.

Results

Myocardial infarction area was obviously increased in I/R model rats, while emodin decreased the myocardial infarction in I/R model rats. In addition, cardiac enzymes (CK, CK-MB, LDH, and HBDH) and apoptosis were obviously increased in MIRI model rats, while emodin obviously decreased cardiac enzymes and apoptosis. The ROS and MDA levels were raised while the activities of SOD were declined in the I/R model group. The ROS and MDA levels were decreased while the activities of SOD were raised in the emodin group. The XIST expression was markedly raised in the I/R model group while decreased in the emodin group, and the overexpression of XIST reversed the protective effect of emodin on myocardial infarction, oxidative stress, and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. In addition, XIST directly regulated the expression of miR-217, and si-XIST inhibited H/R-induced oxidative damage of cardiomyocytes via inhibiting miR-217.

Conclusion

Emodin protected MIRI both in vitro and in vivo via inhibiting lncRNA XIST to upregulate miR-217.

Virtual Screening of a Library of Naturally Occurring Anthraquinones for Potential Anti-Fouling Agents

Marine biofouling is the undesired accumulation of organic molecules, microorganisms, macroalgae, marine invertebrates, and their by-products on submerged surfaces. It is a serious challenge for marine vessels and the oil, gas, and renewable energy industries, as biofouling can cause economic losses for these industries. Natural products have been an abundant source of therapeutics since the start of civilisation. Their use as novel anti-fouling agents is a promising approach for replacing currently used, harmful anti-fouling agents. Anthraquinones (AQs) have been used for centuries in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and paint industries. Citreorosein and emodin are typical additives used in the anti-fouling paint industry to help improve the global problem of biofouling. This study is based on our previous study, in which we presented the promising activity of structurally related anthraquinone compounds against biofilm-forming marine bacteria. To help uncover the anti-fouling potential of other AQ-related structures, 2194 compounds from the COCONUT natural products database were analysed. Molecular docking analysis was performed to assess the binding strength of these compounds to the LuxP protein in Vibrio carchariae. The LuxP protein is a vital binding protein responsible for the movements of autoinducers within the quorum sensing system; hence, interrupting the process at an early stage could be an effective strategy. Seventy-six AQ structures were found to be highly docked, and eight of these structures were used in structure-based pharmacophore modelling, resulting in six unique pharmacophore features.

Comparative study of the Rheum tanguticum's chemical contents based on spatial distribution characteristics

Rheum tanguticum (R. tanguticum) has been widely used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases in clinical. However, limited research exist on the quality evaluation of various R. tanguticum locations, which has certain drawbacks. In this study, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were used to comparative study on the chemical contents of R. tanguticum, to clarify the relationship between the chemical contents and the spatial distribution of R. tanguticum. First of all, the FTIR spectra of 18 batches of R. tanguticum were examined. Following the cluster analysis, the FTIR spectra of various production locations differed. To some extent, establishing the double index analysis sequence of common and variation peaks may differentiate distinct production locations of medicinal materials. The HPLC fingerprint of R. tanguticum was constructed to further explore the link between components and their origin. PCA of common peaks of 18 batches of R. tanguticum indicated that R. tanguticum grown in Gannan and Qinghai had a tendency to separate t[2], however this trend was not noticeable. Then, OPLS-DA model was established, and the key differential components of R. tanguticum produced in Gannan and Qinghai were discovered to be R16, R37, R46, and R47 (Aloe emodin) (VIP ≥ 1 and P < 0.05). At last, Pearson's test was used to examine the relationship between longitude, latitude, altitude, and composition. Longitude was significantly positively correlated with R28 and R30 (P < 0.05), and a very significantly positively correlated with R35, R36, R37, R46, and R47 (P < 0.01). Latitude was significantly negatively correlated with R34, R35, and R40 (P < 0.05), and extremely significantly negatively correlated with R28, R30, R36, R37, R46, and R47 (P < 0.01). Altitude was significantly positive correlation with R36 and R37 (P < 0.01). The results of our study can provide insights into R. tanguticum quality control and aid in establishing a natural medication traceability system.

Effect of Substituents on the Photodynamic Action of Anthraquinones: EPR, Computational and In Vitro Studies

Anthraquinone class of compounds possesses a broad spectrum of therapeutic applications. Cancer cell targeting ability, together with photogeneration of reactive oxygen species, renders anthraquinones an interesting class of photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy (PDT). Screening of newer compounds for better singlet oxygen generation is of current interest to improve the practical usability in PDT. In this study, we investigate the photodynamic activity of nine commercially available anthraquinones, using EPR spectroscopy and computational techniques, to identify the role of substituents on singlet oxygen yield. Three anthraquinone derivatives, 1,5-diaminoanthraquinone, 15-dihydroxyanthraquinone and 1,2,7-trihydroxyanthraquinone, showed highest singlet oxygen quantum yield (0.21, 0.18 and 0.15, respectively) relative to Rose Bengal. Time-dependent density functional theory calculations indicate the singlet oxygen quantum yield of anthraquinones inversely correlate well with the excited singlet-triplet (S1-T1) energy gap. Electron-donating substituents present at positions 1, 2 and 5 of anthraquinone seem to reduce the S1-T1 energy gap, facilitating inter-system crossing and the production of singlet oxygen. This would greatly aid in the design of newer anthraquinone-based photosensitizers. This study also highlights the suitability of 1,5-diaminoanthraquinone for PDT applications as demonstrated by in vitro experiments of photoinduced DNA cleavage and photocytotoxicity in Dalton's lymphoma ascites.

Highly efficient decontamination of tetracycline and pathogen by a natural product-derived Emodin/HAp photocatalyst

To address the water pollution induced by pharmaceuticals, especially antibiotics, and pathogens, natural product emodin, a traditional Chinese medicine with the characteristic large π-conjugation anthraquinone structure, was used to rationally develop a novel Emodin/HAp photocatalyst by integrating with a thermally stable and recyclable support material hydroxyapatite (HAp) through a simple preparation method. It was found that its photocatalytic activity to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) was greatly improved due to the migration of photogenerated electrons and holes between emodin and HAp upon visible light irradiation. Thus, this Emodin/HAp photocatalyst not only quickly photodegraded tetracycline with 99.0% removal efficiency but also exhibited complete photodisinfection of pathogenic bacteria Staphylococcus aureus upon visible light irradiation. Therefore, this study offers a new route for the design and preparation of multifunctional photocatalysts using widely available natural products for environmental remediation.

Delving the Role of Caralluma fimbriata: An Edible Wild Plant to Mitigate the Biomarkers of Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MS), commonly known as syndrome X or insulin resistance syndrome, is a collection of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and type II diabetes. MS is believed to impact over a billion individuals worldwide. It is a medical condition defined by visceral obesity, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol levels, according to the World Health Organization. The current dietary trends are more focused on the use of functional foods and nutraceuticals that are well known for their preventive and curative role against such pathological disorders. Caralluma fimbriata is one such medicinal plant that is gaining popularity. It is a wild, edible, succulent roadside shrub with cactus-like leaves. Besides its main nutrient contents, various bioactive constituents have been identified and linked with positive health outcomes of appetite-suppressing, hypolipidemic, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and anticancer potentials. Hence, such properties make C. fimbriata an invaluable plant against MS. The current review compiles recent available literature on C. fimbriata's nutritional composition, safety parameters, and therapeutic potential for MS. Summarized data in this review reveals that C. fimbriata remains a neglected plant with limited food and therapeutic applications. Yet various studies explored here do prove its positive health-ameliorating outcomes.

Community composition, bacterial symbionts, antibacterial and antioxidant activities of honeybee-associated fungi

Background

Fungi associated with insects represent one potentially rich source for the discovery of novel metabolites. However, a comprehensive understanding of the fungal communities of Apis mellifera ligustica remains elusive.

Results

Here, we investigated the phylogenetic diversity and community composition of honeybee-associated fungi using combination of culture-dependent and culture-independent approaches. A total of forty-five fungi were isolated and purified from the Apis mellifera ligustica, royal jelly, and honeycomb, which belonged to four classes and eleven different genera. Furthermore, 28 bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequences were obtained by PCR from the fungal metagenome. High-throughput sequencing analyses revealed that the fungal communities were more diverse, a total of 62 fungal genera were detected in the honeybee gut by culture-independent method, whereas only 4 genera were isolated by culture-dependent method. Similarly, 247 fungal genera were detected in the honeycomb, whereas only 4 genera were isolated. In addition, we assessed the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of fungal isolates. Most fungal crude extracts obtained from the cultivation supernatant exhibited antioxidant activities. Only two fungal crude extracts displayed moderate activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Chemical analysis of Chaetomium subaffine MFFC22 led to the discovery of three known compounds, including cochliodinol (1), emodin (2), chrysophanol (3). Among them, cochliodinol (1) showed intense DPPH radical scavenging activity with the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of 3.06 μg/mL, which was comparable to that of the positive ascorbic acid (IC₅₀ = 2.25 μg/mL). Compound 2 displayed weak inhibitory activities against Micrococcus tetragenus and S. aureus.

Conclusions

This research provided a fundamental clue for the complex interactions among honeybees, fungi, bacterial symbionts, and the effects on the honeybee. Furthermore, the diversity of honeybee-associated fungi had great potential in finding the resource of new species and antioxidants.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12866-022-02580-4.

Poly (lactic acid)-based pH responsive membrane combined with chitosan and alizarin for food packaging

A poly (lactic acid) (PLA) -based functional partition composite membrane (PLA/CA) containing chitosan (CS) and alizarin (AL) was designed by solution casting method. The PLA/CA membrane contains the antibacterial zone of the edge part (PLA/CS) and the pH response detection zone of the central part (PLA/AL). At the same time, the environmentally friendly plasticizer tributyl citrate (TBC) was added to make the prepared PLA/CA composite membrane have good flexibility and high transparency. The results of FE-SEM and FTIR showed that CS and AL were uniformly dispersed in PLA matrix and had good compatibility with PLA. The antioxidant activities of PLA/CS and PLA/AL composite films were 43.3 % and 72.8 %, respectively. At the same time, the inhibitory rates of PLA/CS membrane against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were as high as 87.91 % and 75.17 %, respectively. PLA/AL films exhibit excellent UV barrier properties. When the environmental pH (ammonia and acetic acid vapor) changed repeatedly, the PLA/AL membrane showed reversible color change of yellow under acidic condition and purple under alkaline condition. During the packaging and storage of chicken breast meat, the freshness of chicken breast meat can be detected by the color change of functional PLA/CA composite membrane.

Conditionally designed luminescent DNA crystals doped by Ln3+(Eu3+/Tb3+) complexes or fluorescent proteins with smart drug sensing property

In this work, a designed porous DNA crystal with high intrinsic biocompatibility was used as the scaffold material to load fluorescent guest molecules to detect anti-cancer drugs. It is shown here that the synthesized crystals have the characteristics consistent with the designed large solvent channels, and can therefore accommodate guest molecules such as fluorescent proteins that cannot be accommodated by less porous crystals. Eu(TTA)₃phen and Tb(acac)₃phen lanthanide complexes were individually noncovalently loaded into the porous crystals, resulting in hybrid luminescent DNA crystals. Emodin, an anti-cancer, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory drug, was found to quench lanthanide complexes in solution or in crystals. Notably, emodin is the active ingredient of Lianhua Qingwen Capsule, an anti-COVID-19 drug candidate. Therefore, the porous DNA crystals reported here have potential applications as a biocompatible and theranostic delivery biomaterial for functional macromolecules.

Bruceine D Identified as a Drug Candidate against Breast Cancer by a Novel Drug Selection Pipeline and Cell Viability Assay

The multi-target effects of natural products allow us to fight complex diseases like cancer on multiple fronts. Unlike docking techniques, network-based approaches such as genome-scale metabolic modelling can capture multi-target effects. However, the incompleteness of natural product target information reduces the prediction accuracy of in silico gene knockout strategies. Here, we present a drug selection workflow based on context-specific genome-scale metabolic models, built from the expression data of cancer cells treated with natural products, to predict cell viability. The workflow comprises four steps: first, in silico single-drug and drug combination predictions; second, the assessment of the effects of natural products on cancer metabolism via the computation of a dissimilarity score between the treated and control models; third, the identification of natural products with similar effects to the approved drugs; and fourth, the identification of drugs with the predicted effects in pathways of interest, such as the androgen and estrogen pathway. Out of the initial 101 natural products, nine candidates were tested in a 2D cell viability assay. Bruceine D, emodin, and scutellarein showed a dose-dependent inhibition of MCF-7 and Hs 578T cell proliferation with IC₅₀ values between 0.7 to 65 μM, depending on the drug and cell line. Bruceine D, extracted from Brucea javanica seeds, showed the highest potency.

Identification of promising nutraceuticals against filarial immune-modulatory proteins: insights from in silico and ex vivo studies

Lymphatic filariasis is a neglected tropical disease affecting over 863 million people in 47 countries of the world. The anti-filarial drugs, diethylcarbamazine, albendazole, and ivermectin, are effective only at the larval stages and have proven completely ineffective as adulticides. Besides this, a long-term use of these drugs is associated with several side effects including drug toxicity. Nutraceuticals have emerged as better alternatives for long term treatments due to their safety and lesser side effects. In the present work, we have used drug docking analysis and molecular dynamics simulation approaches to explore the effect of anti-inflammatory nutraceuticals against the immune-modulatory proteins of filarial worms. The filarial proteins enolase, ES-62 precursor, serpin, and cystatin, which are highly efficient in host immune modulation were targeted with more than 50 nutraceuticals. In the in silico study nutraceuticals such as naringin, β-carotene, and emodin showed higher binding efficacy and lower dissociation constant as compared to anti-filarial drugs. Molecular dynamics simulation results showed that immune-modulatory proteins formed highly stable complexes with naringin, β-carotene, and emodin over the entire MD simulation run. The nutraceutical emodin formed the most stable system in silico and hence its effect was investigated on adult filarial parasites under ex vivo conditions too. Emodin significantly affected the motility, viability, ROS production, and genomic DNA fragmentation of filarial parasites. Further in vivo and in vitro studies will help in understanding the mechanism of action of emodin at the molecular level and would help in the development of more effective anti-filarial drugs.

Here in drug docking analysis, molecular dynamics simulations and ex vivo approaches were used to demonstrate the anti-filarial effects of nutraceuticals against immune modulatory proteins of lymphatic filarial parasites.