Structural Features and Potent Antidepressant Effects of Total Sterols and β-sitosterol Extracted from Sargassum horneri

Investigation of Herb-Drug Interactions between Xylopia aethiopica, Its Principal Constituent Xylopic Acid, and Antidepressants

Introduction

Depression affects an estimated 350 million people worldwide and is implicated in up to 60% of suicides. Only about 60-70% of patients respond to antidepressant therapy. One of the factors causing patients to not attain therapeutic goals is herb-drug interactions.

Objective

To investigate any potential herb-drug interaction that might exist between Xylopia aethiopica extract (XAE) or xylopic acid (XA) and selected conventional antidepressants (imipramine, fluoxetine, and venlafaxine) in mice.

Methods

Dried, powdered fruits of Xylopia aethiopica were cold macerated in 70% ethanol to obtain XAE. XA was isolated by cold macerating dried fruits of Xylopia aethiopica in petroleum ether, crystallising impure XA with ethyl acetate, and purifying XA crystals with 96% ethanol. Pharmacodynamic interaction was assessed via isobolographic analysis of tail suspension tests of the agents individually and in their respective combinations. Pharmacokinetic interaction was assessed by monitoring the effect of coadministrations on the plasma concentration of antidepressants and xylopic acid via HPLC analysis.

Results

XAE and XA in mice showed significant antidepressant-like activity in the tail suspension test. With interaction indices less than one, synergism of antidepressant effect was observed in the Xylopia aethiopica extract/fluoxetine (γXAE/FL = 0.502), Xylopia aethiopica extract/imipramine (γXAE/IP = 0.322), Xylopia aethiopica extract/venlafaxine (γXAE/VL = 0.601), xylopic acid/imipramine (γXA/IP = 0.556), xylopic acid/venlafaxine (γXA/VL = 0.451), and xylopic acid/fluoxetine (γXA/FL = 0.298) combinations, which may be potentially due to elevation of serotonergic neurotransmission via varying mechanisms. The AUC of imipramine (AUCIP = 1966 ± 58.98 µg/ml.h) was significantly (P < 0.0001) reduced by Xylopia aethiopica extract (AUCIP = 1228 ± 67.40 µg/ml.h) and xylopic acid (AUCIP = 1250 ± 55.95 µg/ml.h), while the AUC of xylopic acid (AUCXA = 968.10 ± 61.22 µg/ml.h) was significantly (P < 0.0001) reduced by venlafaxine (AUCXA = 285.90 ± 51.92 µg/ml.h) and fluoxetine (AUCXA = 510.60 ± 44.74 µg/ml.h), possibly due to the effect of interfering agents on gastric emptying hence reducing oral absorption.

Conclusion

Xylopia aethiopica extract and xylopic acid interacted synergistically with imipramine, fluoxetine, and venlafaxine and reduced the systemic circulation of imipramine.

Marine natural products: potential agents for depression treatment

Depression is a common psychiatric disorder. Due to the disadvantages of current clinical drugs, including poor efficacy and unnecessary side effects, research has shifted to novel natural products with minimal or no adverse effects as therapeutic alternatives. The ocean is a vast ecological home, with a wide variety of organisms that can produce a large number of natural products with unique structures, some of which have neuroprotective effects and are a valuable source for the development of new drugs for depression. In this review, we analyzed preclinical and clinical studies of natural products derived from marine organisms with antidepressant potential, including the effects on the pathophysiology of depression, and the underlying mechanisms of these effects. It is expected to provide a reference for the development of new antidepressant drugs.

Research progress on classical traditional Chinese medicine formula Baihe Zhimu (Lilium lancifolium bulb and Anemarrhena asphodeloides rhizome) decoction in the treatment of depression

Depression is considered to be an "emotional disease" in ancient books of traditional Chinese medicine. Its clinical features are similar to those of "Lily disease" in the ancient Chinese medicine book Synopsis of the Golden Chamber written by Zhang Zhongjing in the Han Dynasty. Baihe Zhimu (Lilium lancifolium bulb and Anemarrhena asphodeloides rhizome) decoction (LBRAD) is the first prescription of "Lily Disease" in this book. It is also a special remedy for "Lily disease" after sweating. The classic recipe LBRAD consists of two herbs, fresh lily bulbs and dried Rhizoma Anemarrhena slice. It has the effect of supplementing nutrition and clearing heat, nourishing Yin and moistening. After more than two thousand years of clinical practice, it has been currently widely used in clinical treatment of depression. In this paper, the relationship between LBRAD and depression was systematically reviewed from both clinical and experimental studies, as well as the preparation, the clinical application, the pharmacological mechanism and the effective material basis for the treating depression of LBRAD. The core targets and biological processes of the depression treatment were explored through network pharmacological analysis, so as to speculate its potential mechanism. Finally, the association between LBRAD and post-COVID-19 depression was discussed. We concluded with a summary and future prospects. This review may provide a theoretical basis for the expansion of the clinical application of LBRAD and the development of new drugs for the treatment of depression, as well as new ideas for the secondary development of classical prescriptions.

Sargassum horneri Extract Attenuates Depressive-like Behaviors in Mice Treated with Stress Hormone

Sargassum horneri, a brown seaweed, is known for its various health benefits; however, there are no reports on its effects on depression. This study aimed to investigate the antidepressant effects of S. horneri ethanol extract (SHE) in mice injected with corticosterone (CORT) and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Behavioral tests were conducted, and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and CORT levels were measured. A fluorometric monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzyme inhibition assay was performed. Neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine levels were determined. Moreover, the ERK-CREB-BDNF signaling pathway in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus was evaluated. Behavioral tests revealed that SHE has antidepressant effects by reducing immobility time and increasing time spent in open arms. Serum CRH, ACTH, and CORT levels decreased in the mice treated with SHE, as did the glucocorticoid-receptor expression in their brain tissues. SHE inhibited MAO-A and MAO-B activities. In addition, SHE increased levels of neurotransmitters. Furthermore, SHE activated the ERK-CREB-BDNF pathway in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. These findings suggest that SHE has antidepressant effects in CORT-injected mice, via the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and monoaminergic pathway, and through activation of the ERK-CREB-BDNF signaling pathway. Thus, our study suggests that SHE may act as a natural antidepressant.

The pharmacological mechanism of chaihu-jia-longgu-muli-tang for treating depression: integrated meta-analysis and network pharmacology analysis

Aim: Chaihu-jia-Longgu-Muli-tang (CLM) is derived from "Shang Han Lun" and is traditionally prescribed for treating depression. However, there is still a lack of evidence for its antidepressant effects, and the underlying mechanism is also unclear. This study aimed to assess clinical evidence on the efficacy of CLM in patients with depression using a meta-analysis and to explore its underlying antidepressant molecular mechanisms via network pharmacology. Methods: Eight open databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effects of CLM alone or combined with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in patients with depression, evaluating the total effective rate of the treatment group (CLM alone or combined with SSRIs/SNRIs) and the control group (SNRIs or SSRIs), and comparing changes in depression scale, anxiety scale, sleep scale, inflammation indicators and adverse effects. Subsequently, the active ingredients and target genes of CLM were screened through six databases. Then Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and topology analysis were performed. Finally, Molecular docking was applied to evaluate the binding affinity between components and predicted targets. Results: Twenty-four RCTs with a total of 2,382 patients were included. For the efficacy of antidepression and adverse effects, whether CLM alone or in combination with SSRIs/SNRIs, the treatment group has no inferior to that of the control group. Additionally, the intervention of CLM + SSRI significantly improved the symptoms of anxiety and insomnia, and reduced serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels. For network pharmacology, a total of 129 compounds and 416 intersection targets in CLM were retrieved. The interaction pathway between CLM and depression is mainly enriched in PI3K-Akt, JAK-STAT, and NF-κB signaling pathway, PIK3R1, MAPK3, and AKT1 may be the potential targets of Stigmasterol, β-stiosterol, coumestrol. Conclusion: Compared to SSRIs/SNRIs alone, CLM is more effective and safe in treating depression. It not only significantly alleviates depressive mood, but improves symptoms such as anxiety and insomnia, with fewer side effects, especially in combination with SSRI. Its antidepressant mechanism may be correlated with the regulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and inhibiting inflammatory response.

The Mechanisms Underlying the Pharmacological Effects of GuiPi Decoction on Major Depressive Disorder based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a common affective disorder. GuiPi decoction (GPD) is used to treat depression in China, Japan, and Korea. However, its effective ingredients and antidepressant mechanisms remain unclear. We attempted to reveal the potential mechanisms of GPD in the treatment of MDD by network pharmacology and molecular docking. In addition, we conducted an enzymatic activity assay to validate the results of molecular docking.

METHODS

GPD-related compounds and targets, and MDD-related targets were retrieved from databases and literature. The herb-compound-target network was constructed by Cytoscape. The protein- protein interaction network was built using the STRING database to find key targets of GPD on MDD. Enrichment analysis of shared targets was analyzed by MetaCore database to obtain the potential pathway and biological process of GPD on MDD. The main active compounds treating MDD were screened by molecular docking. The PDE4s inhibitors were screened and verified by an enzyme activity assay.

RESULTS

GPD contained 1222 ingredients and 190 potential targets for anti-MDD. Possible biological processes regulated by GPD were neurophysiological processes, blood vessel morphogenesis, Camp Responsive Element Modulator (CREM) pathway, and Androgen Receptor (AR) signaling crosstalk in MDD. Potential pathways in MDD associated with GPD include neurotransmission, cell differentiation, androgen signaling, and estrogen signaling. Fumarine, m-cresol, quercetin, betasitosterol, fumarine, taraxasterol, and lupeol in GPD may be the targets of SLC6A4, monoamine oxidase A (MAOA), DRD2, OPRM1, HTR3A, Albumin (ALB), and NTRK1, respectively. The IC50 values of trifolin targeting Phosphodiesterase (PDE) 4A and girinimbine targeting PDE4B1 were 73.79 μM and 31.86 μM, respectively. The IC50 values of girinimbine and benzo[a]carbazole on PDE4B2 were 51.62 μM and 94.61 μM, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Different compounds in GPD may target the same protein, and the same component in GPD can target multiple targets. These results suggest that the effects of GPD on MDD are holistic and systematic, unlike the pattern of one drug-one target.

Methanolic Extract of Aerva javanica Leaves Prevents LPS-Induced Depressive Like Behavior in Experimental Mice

Aim

Depression is a chronic recurrent neuropsychiatric disorder associated with inflammation. This study explored the pharmacological activities of Aerva javanica leaves crude extract (Aj.Cr) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced depressive-like behavior in experimental mice.

Methods

Aj.Cr was evaluated for its phenolic and flavonoid contents, bioactive potential, amino acid profiling and enzyme inhibition assays using different analytical techniques followed by in-silico molecular docking was performed. In addition, three ligands identified in HPLC analysis and standard galantamine were docked to acetyl cholinesterase (AchE) enzyme to assess the ligand interaction along with their binding affinities. In in-vivo analysis, mice were given normal saline (10 mL/kg), imipramine (10 mg/kg) and Aj.Cr (100, 300, and 500 mg/kg) orally for 14-consecutive days. On the 14th day, respective treatment was given 30-minutes before intra-peritoneal administration of (0.83 mg/kg) LPS. Open field, forced swim and tail suspension tests were performed 24-hours after LPS injection, followed by a sucrose preference test 48-hours later. Serum corticosterone levels, as well as levels of nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and catecholamines were determined in brain tissues.

Results

In-vitro results revealed that crude extract of Aj.Cr possesses anti-depressant agents with solid antioxidant potential. In-vivo analysis showed that LPS significantly increased depressive-like behavior followed by alteration in serum and tissue biomarkers as compared to normal control (p < 0.001). While imipramine and Aj.Cr (100, 300, and 500 mg/kg) treated groups significantly (p<0.05) improved the depressive-like behavior and biomarkers when compared to the LPS group.

Conclusion

The mitigation of LPS-induced depressive-like behavior by Aj.Cr may be linked to the modulation of oxidative stress, neuro-inflammation and catecholamines due to the presence of potent bioactive compounds exerting anti-depressant effects.

Chemical Constituents of the Deep-Sea-Derived Penicillium citreonigrum MCCC 3A00169 and Their Antiproliferative Effects

Six new citreoviridins (citreoviridins J-O, 1-6) and twenty-two known compounds (7-28) were isolated from the deep-sea-derived Penicillium citreonigrum MCCC 3A00169. The structures of the new compounds were determined by spectroscopic methods, including the HRESIMS, NMR, ECD calculations, and dimolybdenum tetraacetate-induced CD (ICD) experiments. Citreoviridins J-O (1-6) are diastereomers of 6,7-epoxycitreoviridin with different chiral centers at C-2-C-7. Pyrenocine A (7), terrein (14), and citreoviridin (20) significantly induced apoptosis for HeLa cells with IC₅₀ values of 5.4 μM, 11.3 μM, and 0.7 μM, respectively. To be specific, pyrenocine A could induce S phase arrest, while terrein and citreoviridin could obviously induce G0-G1 phase arrest. Citreoviridin could inhibit mTOR activity in HeLa cells.

Mechanistic insights into the role of plant polyphenols and their nano-formulations in the management of depression

Depression is a condition characterized by low mood and an aversion to activity, that causes behavioral problems, poor quality of life and limits daily life activities. It is considered as the fourth leading cause of disability worldwide. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs), and atypical antidepressants are some of the conventional medications used to treat depression. However, only about half of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) respond effectively to first-line antidepressant therapy. Additionally, there are a number of drawbacks to standard antidepressants, such as anti-cholinergic side effects, drug-drug interactions, and food-drug interactions, which prompts researchers to look at alternative approaches to the treatment of depression. Medicinal plants and their metabolites are extensively tested for their efficacy against depression. Electronic databases such as Google scholar, Science Direct, SciFinder and PubMed were used to search relevant literature on the role of polyphenols in depression. Plants-derived Polyphenols represent a major class of compounds extensively distributed in plants. Number of polyphenols have demonstrated antidepressant activity, among which berberine, piperine, curcumin, naringenin, ascorbic acid and ginsenosides are extensively evaluated. The medicinal plants and their derived compounds mediated synthesized green nanoparticles have also exhibited considerable efficacy in the management of depression. The therapeutic effects of these phytochemicals is mediated via differentiation and inhibition of neuronal cell apoptosis, promotion of neuronal cell survival and modulation of key neurotransmitters. The aim of this study is to review compressively the chemical, pharmacological and neurological evidence showing the potential of polyphenols in depression.

Global seaweed farming and processing in the past 20 years

Seaweed has emerged as one of the most promising resources due to its remarkable adaptability, short development period, and resource sustainability. It is an effective breakthrough to alleviate future resource crises. Algal resources have reached a high stage of growth in the past years due to the increased output and demand for seaweed worldwide. Several aspects global seaweed farming production and processing over the last 20 years are reviewed, such as the latest situation and approaches of seaweed farming. Research progress and production trend of various seaweed application are discussed. Besides, the challenges faced by seaweed farming and processing are also analyzed, and the related countermeasures are proposed, which can provide advice for seaweed farming and processing. The primary products, extraction and application, or waste utilization of seaweed would bring greater benefits with the continuous development and improvement of applications in various fields.

Graphical Abstract

An analgesic peptide H-20 attenuates chronic pain via the PD-1 pathway with few adverse effects

The lack of effective and safe analgesics for chronic pain management has been a health problem associated with people's livelihoods for many years. Analgesic peptides have recently shown significant therapeutic potential, as they are devoid of opioid-related adverse effects. Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) is widely expressed in neurons. Activation of PD-1 by PD-L1 modulates neuronal excitability and evokes significant analgesic effects, making it a promising target for pain treatment. However, the research and development of small molecule analgesic peptides targeting PD-1 have not been reported. Here, we screened the peptide H-20 using high-throughput screening. The in vitro data demonstrated that H-20 binds to PD-1 with micromolar affinity, evokes Src homology 2 domain-containing tyrosine phosphatase 1 (SHP-1) phosphorylation, and diminishes nociceptive signals in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Preemptive treatment with H-20 effectively attenuates perceived pain in naïve WT mice. Spinal H-20 administration displayed effective and longer-lasting analgesia in multiple preclinical pain models with a reduction in or absence of tolerance, abuse liability, constipation, itch, and motor coordination impairment. In summary, our findings reveal that H-20 is a promising candidate drug that ameliorates chronic pain in the clinic.

Evidence and Characteristics of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Coronary Heart Disease Patients With Anxiety or Depression: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

Aims: The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and potential mechanisms of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) for treating coronary heart disease (CHD) patients with anxiety or depression.

Methods: A systematic literature search was performed. Screening studies, extracting data, and assessing article quality were carried out independently by two researchers. The active ingredients of CHM for the treatment of CHD with anxiety or depression were analyzed by the network pharmacology, and the main potential mechanisms were summarized by the database of Web of Science.

Results: A total of 32 studies were included. The results showed that compared with the blank control groups, CHM was more beneficial in treating anxiety or depression in patients with CHD [anxiety: OR = 3.22, 95% CI (1.94, 5.35), p &lt; 0.00001, I2 = 0%; depression: OR = 3.27, 95% CI (1.67, 6.40), p = 0.0005, I2 = 0%], and the efficacy of CHM was not inferior to that of Western medicine (WM) [anxiety: OR = 1.58, 95%CI (0.39, 6.35), p = 0.52, I2 = 67%; depression: OR = 1.97, 95%CI (0.73, 5.28), p = 0.18, I2 = 33%,]. Additionally, CHM also showed a significant advantage in improving angina stability (AS) in CHD patients with anxiety or depression compared with blank groups [anxiety: SMD = 0.55, 95%CI (0.32, 0.79), p &lt; 0.00001, I2 = 0%; depression: p = 0.004] and WM groups [anxiety: SMD = 1.14, 95%CI (0.80, 1.47), p &lt; 0.00001, I2 = 0%; depression: SMD = 12.15, 95%CI (6.07, 18.23), p &lt; 0.0001, I2 = 0%]. Angina frequency (AF) and electrocardiogram (ECG) analysis after using CHM demonstrated similar trends. Based on the network pharmacology, quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, beta-sitosterol, puerarin, stigmasterol, isorhamnetin, baicalein, tanshinone IIa, and nobiletin were most closely and simultaneously related to the pathological targets of CHD, anxiety, and depression. The main underlying mechanisms might involve anti-damage/apoptosis, anti-inflammation, antioxidative stress, and maintaining neurotransmitter homeostasis.

Conclusion: CHM exhibited an obvious efficacy in treating CHD patients with anxiety or depression, especially for improving the symptom of angina pectoris. The most active compounds of CHM could simultaneously act on the pathological targets of CHD, anxiety, and depression. Multiple effective components and multiple targets were the advantages of CHM compared with WM.

Prediction of the Mechanism of Shaoyao Gancao Decoction in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata by Network Pharmacology and Its Preliminary Verification Study

Objective

To explore the mechanism of Shaoyao Gancao decoction (SGD) in treatment of alopecia areata (AA) by network pharmacology and animal experiments.

Methods

Based on the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and analysis platform (TCMSP), the components and targets of SGD were determined. Then, the related targets of AA were retrieved from DrugBank, GeneCards, OMIM, and DisGeNET databases. The intersection of drug targets and disease targets was determined, and the key targets of the protein-protein interaction network were obtained with the String database. Gene Ontology (GO) biological process enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis of potential key targets were carried out using the DAVID database using AutoDock for molecular docking verification. Finally, the key pathway was validated by animal experiments.

Results

A total of 102 active components, 212 predicted targets, and 812 AA disease-related targets were obtained. Topological analysis yielded 45 key targets of SGD in the treatment of AA, including IL-6, PTGS2, TNF, VEGFA, CCL2, IL-1B, CXCL8, CASP3, MPO, and IL-10. There were 324 GO entries obtained through GO biological process enrichment analysis, and 20 pathways were obtained through KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, involving the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, osteoclast differentiation, and Jak-STAT signaling pathway. The molecular docking results showed effective ingredients (quercetin, kaempferol, and 7-methoxy-2-methyl isoflavone) have good docking results with targets (IL-6, PTGS2, and TNF). The results of animal experiments showed that SGD can effectively upregulate the expression of PI3K and AKT proteins.

Conclusion

This is the first in-depth study on the mechanism of SGD's treatment effect in AA using network pharmacology, and preliminary animal experiments verified that it is closely related to the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. This finding may provide a new basis for SGD's clinical application in AA.

The Genus Alternanthera: Phytochemical and Ethnopharmacological Perspectives

Ethnopharmacological relevance: The genus Alternanthera (Amaranthaceae) comprises 139 species including 14 species used traditionally for the treatment of various ailments such as hypertension, pain, inflammation, diabetes, cancer, microbial and mental disorders.

Aim of the review: To search research gaps through critical assessment of pharmacological activities not performed to validate traditional claims of various species of Alternanthera. This review will aid natural product researchers in identifying Alternanthera species with therapeutic potential for future investigation.

Materials and methods: Scattered raw data on ethnopharmacological, morphological, phytochemical, pharmacological, toxicological, and clinical studies of various species of the genus Alternanthera have been compiled utilizing search engines like SciFinder, Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, and Open J-Gate for 100 years up to April 2021.

Results: Few species of Alternanthera genus have been exhaustively investigated phytochemically, and about 129 chemical constituents related to different classes such as flavonoids, steroids, saponins, alkaloids, triterpenoids, glycosides, and phenolic compounds have been isolated from 9 species. Anticancer, antioxidant, antibacterial, CNS depressive, antidiabetic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulator effects have been explored in the twelve species of the genus. A toxicity study has been conducted on 3 species and a clinical study on 2 species.

Conclusions: The available literature on pharmacological studies of Alternanthera species reveals that few species have been selected based on ethnobotanical surveys for scientific validation of their traditional claims. But most of these studies have been conducted on uncharacterized and non-standardized crude extracts. A roadmap of research needs to be developed for the isolation of new bioactive compounds from Alternanthera species, which can emerge out as clinically potential medicines.

Translational Informatics for Natural Products as Antidepressant Agents

Depression, a neurological disorder, is a universally common and debilitating illness where social and economic issues could also become one of its etiologic factors. From a global perspective, it is the fourth leading cause of long-term disability in human beings. For centuries, natural products have proven their true potential to combat various diseases and disorders, including depression and its associated ailments. Translational informatics applies informatics models at molecular, imaging, individual, and population levels to promote the translation of basic research to clinical applications. The present review summarizes natural-antidepressant-based translational informatics studies and addresses challenges and opportunities for future research in the field.

Potential mechanisms underlying the therapeutic roles of sinisan formula in depression: Based on network pharmacology and molecular docking study

BACKGROUND

The incidence of depression has been increasing globally, which has brought a serious burden to society. Sinisan Formula (SNSF), a well-known formula of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has been found to demonstrate an antidepressant effect. However, the therapeutic mechanism of this formula remains unclear. Thus, the present study aimed to explore the mechanism of SNSF in depression through network pharmacology combined with molecular docking methods.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Bioactive compounds, potential targets of SNSF, and related genes of depression were obtained from public databases. Essential ingredients, potential targets, and signaling pathways were identified using bioinformatics analysis, including protein-protein interaction (PPI), the Gene Ontology (GO), and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Subsequently, Autodock software was further performed for conducting molecular docking to verify the binding ability of active ingredients to targets.

RESULTS

A total of 91 active compounds were successfully identified in SNSF with the use of the comprehensive network pharmacology approach, and they were found to be closely connected to 112 depression-related targets, among which CREB1, NOS3, CASP3, TP53, ESR1, and SLC6A4 might be the main potential targets for the treatment of depression. GO analysis revealed 801 biological processes, 123 molecular functions, and 67 cellular components. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis indicated that neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, serotonergic synapse pathways, dopaminergic synapse pathways, and GABAergic synapse pathways might have played a role in treating depression. Molecular docking suggested that beta-sitosterol, nobiletin, and 7-methoxy-2-methyl isoflavone bound well to the main potential targets.

CONCLUSION

This study comprehensively illuminated the active ingredients, potential targets, primary pharmacological effects, and relevant mechanism of the SNSF in the treatment of depression. SNSF might exert its antidepressant effects by regulating the signaling pathway of 5-hydroxytryptamine, dopamine, GABA, and neuroactive ligand receptor interactions. Still, more pharmacological experiments are needed for verification.

Icariin, an Up-and-Coming Bioactive Compound Against Neurological Diseases: Network Pharmacology-Based Study and Literature Review

Icariin is a biologically active substance in Epimedii herba that is used for the treatment of neurologic disorders. However, a comprehensive analysis of the molecular mechanisms of icariin is lacking. In this review, we present a brief history of the use of icariin for medicinal purposes; describe the active chemical components of Epimedii herba; and examine the evidence from experimental studies that have uncovered molecular targets of icariin in different diseases. We also constructed a protein–protein interaction network and carried out Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes functional enrichment analyses to predict the therapeutic actions of icariin in nervous system diseases including Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, ischemic stroke, depressive disorder, multiple sclerosis, glioblastoma, and hereditary spastic paraplegias. The results of our analyses can guide future studies on the application of icariin to the treatment of neurologic disorders.

Marine Algae-Derived Bioactive Compounds: A New Wave of Nanodrugs?

Marine algae are rich in bioactive nutraceuticals (e.g., carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, fatty acids, antioxidants, and pigments). Biotic (e.g., plants, microorganisms) and abiotic factors (e.g., temperature, pH, salinity, light intensity) contribute to the production of primary and secondary metabolites by algae. Easy, profitable, and sustainable recovery methods include novel solid-liquid and liquid-liquid extraction techniques (e.g., supercritical, high pressure, microwave, ultrasound, enzymatic). The spectacular findings of algal-mediated synthesis of nanotheranostics has attracted further interest because of the availability of microalgae-based natural bioactive therapeutic compounds and the cost-effective commercialization of stable microalgal drugs. Algal extracts can serve as stabilizing/capping and reducing agents for the synthesis of thermodynamically stable nanoparticles (NPs). Different types of nanotherapeutics have been synthesized using physical, chemical, and biological methods. Marine algae are a fascinating source of lead theranostics compounds, and the development of nanotheranostics has been linked to enhanced drug efficacy and safety. Indeed, algae are remarkable nanobiofactories, and their pragmatic properties reside in their (i) ease of handling; (ii) capacity to absorb/accumulate inorganic metallic ions; (iii) cost-effectiveness; and (iv) capacity of eco-friendly, rapid, and healthier synthesis of NPs. Preclinical and clinical trials shall enable to really define effective algal-based nanotherapies. This review aims to provide an overview of the main algal compounds that are nutraceuticals and that can be extracted and purified for nanotheranostic purposes.

Therapeutic Targets and Mechanism of Xingpi Jieyu Decoction in Depression: A Network Pharmacology Study

Background

Depression is a common mental disease that lacks effective therapeutic drugs with good curative effects and few adverse reactions. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has the advantages of multiple components, multiple channels, and fewer adverse reactions in the treatment of depression. Although Xingpi Jieyu Decoction (XPJYD) demonstrates a good therapeutic effect on depression, the pharmacological mechanism underlying its antidepressant effect is still unclear.

Methods

We used a network pharmacology strategy, including the construction and analysis of a complex drug-disease network, to explore the complex mechanism of XPJYD treatment of depression. In addition, molecular docking technology was used to preliminarily study the binding ability of the potential active components and core therapeutic targets of XPJYD.

Results

The network pharmacology results showed 42 targets of XPJYD that are involved in depression. PPI network analysis demonstrated that the top 10 core targets were AKT1, VEGFA, MAPK8, FOS, ESR1, NR3C1, IL6, HIF1A, NOS3, and AR. The molecular docking results showed that the binding energies of beta sitosterol with AR, FOS, AKT1, VEGFA, NR3C1, and NOS3 were less than −7.0 kcal·mol⁻¹, indicating a good docking effect. The GO enrichment analysis results showed that the XPJYD antidepression mechanism mainly involves the following biological processes such as apoptotic signaling pathway, cellular response to lipid, inflammatory response, and others. The KEGG analysis results indicated that XPJYD may regulate 13 pathways such as PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and estrogen signaling pathway in the treatment of depression.

Conclusions

This study reflects the characteristics of the mechanism of action by which XPJYD treats depression, which includes multiple components, multiple targets, and multiple pathways, and provides a biological basis for further verification and a novel perspective for drug discovery in depression.

β-sitosterol reduces anxiety and synergizes with established anxiolytic drugs in mice

Anxiety and stress-related conditions represent a significant health burden in modern society. Unfortunately, most anxiolytic drugs are prone to side effects, limiting their long-term usage. Here, we employ a bioinformatics screen to identify drugs for repurposing as anxiolytics. Comparison of drug-induced gene-expression profiles with the hippocampal transcriptome of an importin α5 mutant mouse model with reduced anxiety identifies the hypocholesterolemic agent β-sitosterol as a promising candidate. β-sitosterol activity is validated by both intraperitoneal and oral application in mice, revealing it as the only clear anxiolytic from five closely related phytosterols. β-sitosterol injection reduces the effects of restraint stress, contextual fear memory, and c-Fos activation in the prefrontal cortex and dentate gyrus. Moreover, synergistic anxiolysis is observed when combining sub-efficacious doses of β-sitosterol with the SSRI fluoxetine. These preclinical findings support further development of β-sitosterol, either as a standalone anxiolytic or in combination with low-dose SSRIs.

The Seaweed Diet in Prevention and Treatment of the Neurodegenerative Diseases

Edible marine algae are rich in bioactive compounds and are, therefore, a source of bioavailable proteins, long chain polysaccharides that behave as low-calorie soluble fibers, metabolically necessary minerals, vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and antioxidants. Marine algae were used primarily as gelling agents and thickeners (phycocolloids) in food and pharmaceutical industries in the last century, but recent research has revealed their potential as a source of useful compounds for the pharmaceutical, medical, and cosmetic industries. The green, red, and brown algae have been shown to have useful therapeutic properties in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases: Parkinson, Alzheimer’s, and Multiple Sclerosis, and other chronic diseases. In this review are listed and described the main components of a suitable diet for patients with these diseases. In addition, compounds derived from macroalgae and their neurophysiological activities are described.

Sulfoquinovosyl oleoyl palmitoyl glycerol (SQDG) and hexane extract of Sargassum plagyophylum prevent depression induced by dexamethasone or stress in mice

Introduction: M Glucocorticoids and stress are a leading cause of depression by dysregulation of hypothalamic hypophyseal adrenal axis. Sargassum plagyophylum hexane extract (HxE) has proven antidepressant-like effects in mice. We aimed at evaluating HxE and sulfoquinovosyl oleoyl palmitoyl glycerol (SQDG) isolated compound antidepressant effects following dexamethasone (Dex) or water avoidance stress (WAS) induced depression in mice. Methods: The HxE was prepared and fractionated by different chromatography methods to isolate active compounds. Depression was induced in male mice by Dex single dose or by four days of WAS. After the locomotor test, depression was assessed by measuring the immobility time during the forced swimming test (FST) and sucrose preference test. Results: 6-Deoxy-6-sulpho-α-D-glucopyranosyl-1,2-O-diacyl-glycerol was isolated and elucidated from the seaweed. The manipulations did not cause important changes in animals’ locomotor activity. During FST, immobility time increased dramatically by Dex (193 ± 13 s vs control 109 ± 7 s) or WAS (189 ± 13 s vs sham 86 ± 14 s), that indicated depression. HxE 40 mg/kg reduced the immobility time when it was administered with Dex (110 ± 28 s, P < 0.01 vs Dex alone) or together with WAS (86 ± 11 s, P < 0.001 vs WAS). SQDG 40 mg/kg reduced the immobility time when co-administered with Dex (22 ± 9 s, P < 0.001 vs Dex alone) and when it was administered along with WAS (68 ± 16 s, P < 0.001 vs WAS). The results of the sucrose preference test were in line with FST results as sucrose preference below 65% was considered for anhedonia. Conclusion: SQDG and probably the steroid content in S. plagyophylum HxE prevented depression in mice; thus, they should be considered for further clinical evaluations.

Identification of the significant pathways of Banxia Houpu decoction in the treatment of depression based on network pharmacology

Banxia Houpu decoction (BXHPD) has been used to treat depression in clinical practice for centuries. However, the pharmacological mechanisms of BXHPD still remain unclear. Network Pharmacology (NP) approach was used to explore the potential molecular mechanisms of BXHPD in treating depression. Potential active compounds of BXHPD were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform Database. STRING database was used to build a interaction network between the active compounds and target genes associated with depression. The topological features of nodes were visualized and calculated. Significant pathways and biological functions were identified using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses. A total of 44 active compounds were obtained from BXHPD, and 121 potential target genes were considered to be therapeutically relevant. Pathway analysis indicated that MAPK signaling pathway, ErbB signaling pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway and PI3K-Akt pathway were significant pathways in depression. They were mainly involved in promoting nerve growth and nutrition and alleviating neuroinflammatory conditions. The result provided some potential ways for modern medicine in the treatment of depression.

Rapid action of mechanism investigation of Yixin Ningshen tablet in treating depression by combinatorial use of systems biology and bioinformatics tools

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Yixin Ningshen tablet is a CFDA-approved TCM formula for treating depression clinically. However, little is known about its active compounds and related potential target proteins, so far, no researches have been performed to investigate its mechanism of action for the treatment of depression.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Here we develop an original bioinformatics pipeline composed of text mining tools, database querying and systems biology combinatorial analysis, which is applied to rapidly explore the mechanism of action of Yixin Ningshen tablet in treating depression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Text mining and database query were applied to identify active compounds in Yixin Ningshen tablet for the treatment of depression. Then SwissTargetPrediction was used to predict their potential target proteins. PubMed was retrieved to summarize known depression related systems biology results. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) tools and STRING were applied to construct a compound-target protein-gene protein-differential protein-differential metabolite network with the integration of compound-target interaction and systems biology results, as well as enrich the target proteins related pathways. ChEMBL and CDOCKER were used to validate the compound-target interactions.

RESULTS

62 active compounds and their 286 potential target proteins were identified in Yixin Ningshen tablet for the treatment of depression. The construction of compound-target protein-gene protein-differential protein-differential metabolite network shrinked the number of potential target proteins from 286 to 133. Pathway enrichment analysis of target proteins indicated that Neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, Calcium signaling pathway, Serotonergic synapse, cAMP signaling pathway and Gap junction were the common primary pathways regulated by both Yixin Ningshen Tablet and anti-depressant drugs, and MAPK, Relaxin, AGE-RAGE, Estrogen, HIF-1, Jak-STAT signaling pathway, Endocrine resistance, Arachidonic acid metabolism and Regulation of actin cytoskeleton were the specifically main pathways regulated by Yixin Ningshen tablet for the treatment of depression. Further validations based on references and molecular docking results demonstrated that Yixin Ningshen tablet could primarily target MAPT, CHRM1 and DRD1, thus regulating serotonergic neurons, cholinergic transmission, norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake for the treatment of depression.

CONCLUSIONS

This study displays the power of extensive mining of public data and bioinformatical repositories to provide answers for a specific pharmacological question. It furthermore demonstrates how the usage of such a combinatorial approach is advantageous for the biologist in terms of experimentation time and costs.

Phytosterols of marine algae: Insights into the potential health benefits and molecular pharmacology

BACKGROUND

Marine algae are rich in some unique biologically active secondary metabolites having diverse pharmacological benefits. Of these, sterols comprise a group of functional lipid compounds that have attracted much attention to natural product scientists.

PURPOSE

This review was aimed to update information on the health effects of algae-derived phytosterols and their molecular interactions in various aspects of human health and diseases and to address some future perspectives that may open up a new dimension of pharmacological potentials of algal sterols.

METHODS

A literature-based search was carried out to retrieve published research information on the potential health effects of algal phytosterols with their pharmacological mechanisms from accessible online databases, such as Pubmed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus, using the key search terms of 'marine algae sterol' and 'health potentials such as antioxidant or anti-inflammatory or anti-Alzheimer's or anti-obesity or cholesterol homeostasis or hepatoprotective, antiproliferative, etc.'

RESULTS

Phytosterols of marine algae, particularly fucosterol, have been investigated for a plethora of health benefits, including anti-diabetes, anti-obesity, anti-Alzheimer's, antiaging, anticancer, and hepatoprotection, among many others, which are attributed to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and cholesterol-lowering properties, indicating their potentiality as therapeutic leads. These sterols interact with enzymes and various other proteins that are actively participating in different cellular pathways, including antioxidant defense system, apoptosis and cell survival, metabolism, and homeostasis.

CONCLUSION

In this review, we briefly overview the chemistry, pharmacokinetics, and distribution of algal sterols, and provide critical insights into their potential health effects and the underlying pharmacological mechanisms, beyond the well-known cholesterol-lowering paradigm.

Identification of the main active antidepressant constituents in a traditional Turkish medicinal plant, Centaurea kurdica Reichardt

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

In Turkish folk medicine, infusions and decoctions prepared from the flowers, fruits and aerial parts of Centaurea kurdica Reichardt (Asteraceae) are used as sedative and antidepressant-like effects of various sedative plants have been identified in many studies. The present study was designed to evaluate the antidepressant activity of this plant.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

n-Hexane, ethyl acetate (EtOAc), and methanol (MeOH) extracts were prepared from the branches with leaves and also flowers of the plant. Antidepressant potentials of these extracts were researched by using the forced swimming test, tail suspension test, and antagonism of tetrabenazine-induced ptosis, hypothermia, and suppression of locomotor activity.

RESULTS

After determination of high antidepressant potentials of MeOH extract prepared from flowers and n-hexane extract prepared from branches with leaves, isolation studies were carried out on these two extracts and the main active components were determined as β-amyrin, mixture of β-sitosterol and stigmasterol and costunolide for the branches with leaves and quercitrin, isoquercetin and naringenin-7-O-glucopyranoside for the flowers.

CONCLUSIONS

As a result of the mechanistic and toxicity studies planned on this plant, it is thought that C. kurdica may be a glimmer of hope for depressed patients.

Characterization and evaluation of mycosterol secreted from endophytic strain of Gymnema sylvestre for inhibition of α-glucosidase activity

Endophytic fungi produce various types of chemicals for establishment of niche within the host plant. Due to symbiotic association, they secrete pharmaceutically important bioactive compounds and enzyme inhibitors. In this research article, we have explored the potent α-glucosidse inhibitor (AGI) produced from Fusarium equiseti recovered from the leaf of Gymnema sylvestre through bioassay-guided fraction. This study investigated the biodiversity, phylogeny, antioxidant activity and α-glucosidse inhibition of endophytic fungi isolated from Gymnema sylvestre. A total of 32 isolates obtained were grouped into 16 genera, according to their morphology of colony and spores. A high biodiversity of endophytic fungi were observed in G. sylvestre with diversity indices. Endophytic fungal strain Fusarium equiseti was identified through DNA sequencing and the sequence was deposited in GenBank database (https://ncbi.nim.nih.gov) with acession number: MF403109. The characterization of potent compound was done by FTIR, LC-ESI-MS and NMR spectroscopic analysis with IUPAC name 17-(5-ethyl-6-methylheptan-2-yl)-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17-tetradecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a] phenanthren-3-ol. The isolated bioactive compound showed significant α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition activity with IC50 values, 4.22 ± 0.0005 µg/mL and 69.72 ± 0.001 µg/mL while IC50 values of acarbose was 5.75 ± 0.007 and 55.29 ± 0.0005 µg/mL respectively. This result is higher in comparison to other previous study. The enzyme kinetics study revealed that bioactive compound was competitive inhibitor for α-amylase and α-glucosidase. In-silico study showed that bioactive compound binds to the binding site of α-amylase, similar to that of acarbose but with higher affinity. The study highlights the importance of endophytic fungi as an alternative source of AGI (α-glucosidase inhibition) to control the diabetic condition in vitro.

Zhile Capsule Exerts Antidepressant-Like Effects through Upregulation of the BDNF Signaling Pathway and Neuroprotection

Major depressive disorder is now becoming a common disease in daily life, and most patients do not have satisfactory treatment outcomes. We herein evaluated the therapeutic effects of Zhile capsule and clarified the molecular mechanism. A rat model of chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression was established to assess the antidepressant-like effects of Zhile by using the sucrose preference test, open field test, forced swim test, tail suspension test and HPLC. Systems pharmacology was then performed to unravel the underlying mechanism which was confirmed by western blot, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and qPCR. Zhile alleviated depression-like behaviors by upregulating the cAMP-CREB-BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) axis to exert neuroprotective effects. It may be beneficial to depressive patients in clinical practice.

Marine natural products

Covering: 2016. Previous review: Nat. Prod. Rep., 2017, 34, 235-294This review covers the literature published in 2016 for marine natural products (MNPs), with 757 citations (643 for the period January to December 2016) referring to compounds isolated from marine microorganisms and phytoplankton, green, brown and red algae, sponges, cnidarians, bryozoans, molluscs, tunicates, echinoderms, mangroves and other intertidal plants and microorganisms. The emphasis is on new compounds (1277 in 432 papers for 2016), together with the relevant biological activities, source organisms and country of origin. Reviews, biosynthetic studies, first syntheses, and syntheses that led to the revision of structures or stereochemistries, have been included.

Antidepressant-like deliverables from the sea: evidence on the efficacy of three different brown seaweeds via involvement of monoaminergic system

Brown seaweeds exhibit several health benefits in treating and managing wide array of ailments. In this study, the antidepressant-like effect of methaolic extracts from Sargassum swartzii (SS), Stoechospermum marginatum (SM), and Nizamuddinia zanardinii (NZ) was examined in forced swimming test (FST), in rats. Oral administration of SS, SM, and NZ extract (30-60 mg/kg) exhibited antidepressant-like activity in FST by reducing immobility time as compared to control group, without inducing significant change in ambulatory behavior in open field test. In order to evaluate the involvement of monoaminergic system, rats were pretreated with the inhibitor of brain serotonin stores p-chlorophenylalanin (PCPA), dopamine (SCH23390 and sulpiride), and adrenoceptor (prazosin and propranolol) antagonists. Rats receiving treatment for 28 days were decapitated and brains were analyzed for monoamine levels. It may be concluded that the extracts of SS, SM, and NZ produces antidepressant-like activity via modulation of brain monoaminergic system in a rat model.