Ameliorative effects of curculigoside from Curculigo orchioides Gaertn on learning and memory in aged rats

Protective Effect of Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. Extract on Heat Stress-Induced Spermatogenesis Complications in Murine Model

Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. is a precious herb used in traditional medicine systems in Asian countries for various health benefits. This study investigated the potential protective effects of C. orchioides extract on reproductive health under heat stress conditions in male mice. Forty-eight mice were divided into eight groups, control condition (C group), C. orchioides extract at the dosages of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day (C100, C200, C400 group), 40 °C heat exposure (H group), and combined 40 °C heat exposure and C. orchioides extract at the dosages of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day (HC100, HC200, HC400 group). The result shows that the mice that received only C. orchioides extract without heat stress do not have a significant change in histological structure and testosterone level. The histological analysis of testicular tissue showed that heat stress conditions reduced reproductive function and inhibited the spermatogenesis of male mice. The C. orchioides rhizome extract treatment attenuated the heat stress-induced spermatogenesis complications in the murine model. Mice in the heat-stress group treated with C. orchioides extract had increased spermatogenic cells and spermatozoa compared with mice exposed to heat without C. orchioides treatment. Moreover, the aqueous extract of C. orchioides rhizome enhanced the serum total testosterone levels in heat-exposed mice. In conclusion, the study findings validate that C. orchioides is effective against heat stress-induced spermatogenesis complications in the murine model.

Curculigoside rescues hippocampal synaptic deficits elicited by PTSD through activating cAMP-PKA signaling

Chronic traumatic stress results in various psychiatric disorders, especially posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Previous study demonstrated that curculigoside (CUR) a component of Rhizoma Curculiginis prevented fear extinction and stress-induced depression-like behaviors. However, its effects on PTSD and the mechanisms are still not completely clear. In this study, we observed typical PTSD-like phenotypes, synaptic deficit, and reduction of BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway in mice receiving modified single prolonged stress and electrical stimulation (SPS&S). By contrast, systemic administration of CUR blocked PTSD-like phenotypes and synaptic deficits, including reduction of BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway, GluA1 and Arc expression. Importantly, CUR reversed the impairment of PKA signaling pathway elicited by PTSD. We further confirmed that the effects of CUR on synaptic function were through PKA signaling pathway, as H-89, an inhibitor of PKA blocked the effect of CUR on behavioral changes and BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway. Thereafter, we verified that CUR on synaptic function were through PKA pathway using direct intracerebral injection of CUR and H-89. Direct intracerebral injection of CUR activated PKA/CREB/BDNF/TrkB, which was blocked by H-89. Additionally, the docking results showed high binding energies of CUR with A2AR, AC, PRKACA, and PRKAR1A, which might indicate that CUR functions through regulating PKA signaling pathway. In conclusion, CUR prevented the behavioral changes and hippocampal synaptic deficits elicited by PTSD through activating cAMP-PKA signaling.

Discrimination of Curculigo orchioides Rhizoma and Curculigo glabrescens Rhizoma using stable isotope and mineral element analyses coupled with chemometrics

Correct species identification is crucial for ensuring the quality, safety, and efficacy of herbal medicine. Market research indicates that Curculigo glabrescens Rhizoma (CGR) was the major counterfeit of the medicine Curculigo orchioides Rhizoma (COR). To accurately discriminate COR and CGR remains a challenge, and it becomes even more difficult when the herbs have been heavily processed into a powder. In this work, combined with high performance liquid chromatography analysis, a novel component in CGR was discovered, and two stable isotopes (N%, C%, δ15N, δ13C) and nineteen mineral elements were determined along with multivariate statistical analysis to distinguish the authentic COR samples and counterfeit CGR samples. The results showed that there were significant differences between the mean value of N%, δ15N and δ13C according to the botanical origins. In addition, these two species can be differentiated by principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) analysis. A linear discriminant analysis (LDA) model with a good classification rate (100%) and cross-validation rate (100%) was established. Hence, stable isotope and mineral element contents combined with chemometrics analysis could be considered as an effective and reliable method for discriminating the source species of COR and CGR.

Curculigoside mitigates hepatic ischemia/reperfusion-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis via activation of the Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway

Curculigoside has been shown to decrease oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions in many disorders, but its effects during hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) remain unknown. This research aims to determine the protective role and the potential mechanism of action of curculigoside in hepatic IRI. Here, a well-established rat model of partial warm IRI was constructed; serum ALT/AST and H&E staining were employed to assay the extent of liver injury; the superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, IL-6, and TNF-α contents were determined using the corresponding kits; the apoptosis index was evaluated by TUNEL staining; and the expression of Nrf-2, HO-1, and apoptosis-associated proteins was detected by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. The results showed that curculigoside pretreatment effectively mitigated hepatic IRI, as demonstrated by decreases in the levels of serum aminotransferases, hepatocellular necrosis and apoptosis, oxidative stress markers, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. Mechanistically, the expression of Nrf-2 and HO-1 was greatly suppressed by hepatic IRI and reactivated by curculigoside. Furthermore, cotreatment with ML-385, an inhibitor of Nrf-2, counteracted the protective effect of curculigoside against hepatic IRI. The results of our study show that curculigoside plays a protective role in hepatic IRI by inhibiting oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis and that its effects may be associated with activation of the Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway.

Curculigoside Ameliorates Bone Loss by Influencing Mesenchymal Stem Cell Fate in Aging Mice

Senile osteoporosis is characterized by increased bone loss and fat accumulation in marrow. Curculigoside (CCG) is the major bioactive component of Curculigo orchioides, which has been used as anti-osteoporosis therapy for elder patients since antiquity. We aimed to investigate the underlying mechanisms by which CCG regulated the bone-fat balance in marrow of aging mice. In our study, CCG treatment was identified to interfere with the stem cell lineage commitment both in vivo and in vitro. In vivo, CCG promoted the transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) expression to reverse age-related bone loss and marrow adiposity. In vitro, proper concentration of CCG upregulated TAZ expression to increase osteogenesis and decrease adipogenesis of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). This regulating effect was discounted by TAZ knockdown or the use of MEK-ERK pathway inhibitor, UO126. Above all, our study confirmed the rescuing effects of CCG on the differential shift from adipogenesis to osteogenesis of BMSCs in aging mice and provided a scientific basis for the clinical use of CCG in senile osteoporosis.

Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of medical plant Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. (Amaryllidaceae)

Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. distributed in subtropical regions of Asia including southern China and India. The plant is used as a traditional medicine in China for the treatment of menorrhagia, osteoporosis, and other gynecological problems. The complete chloroplast genome was reported in this study using the Illumina NovaSeq platform. The whole genome of this species was 157,472 bp in length, with a total GC content of 37.44%. The large single copy (LSC) was 86,507 bp, the small single copy (SSC) was 16,867 bp, and both of the two inverted repeats (IRs) were 27,049 bp, respectively. A total of 132 unique genes were identified, among which are 86 protein-coding genes, 38 tRNA genes and 8 rRNA genes. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that C. orchioides was highly clustered with C. capitulata. Our study will provide useful fundamental data for further phylogenetic and evolutionary studies of C. orchioides.

Curculigoside inhibits ferroptosis in ulcerative colitis through the induction of GPX4

Curculigoside (CUR) is natural ingredient from Curculigo orchioides Gaertn with multiple biological activities. However, whether CUR protects from ulcerative colitis (UC) and underlying mechanisms are unclear. Herein, mice challenged with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) were established and administrated with CUR for 7 days. Then histological pathologies and ferroptosis regulators were determined in vivo. The ferroptotic IEC-6 cells were prepared to investigate the underlying mechanism of CUR. Results showed that CUR inhibited the disease activity index, histological damage and cell death in mice with colitis. We also found that ferroptosis was induced in mice with colitis, as evidenced by iron overload, GSH depletion, ROS and MDA production, accompanied by decreased expression of SOD and GPX4. CUR treatment significantly reversed these alterations of ferroptotic features in DSS-induced mice. Furthermore, similar effects of CUR on ferroptosis were observed in IEC-6 cells under the combined treatment of H₂O₂ and iron chloride hexahydrate. Interestingly, we found that CUR could increase the selenium sensitivity and promote GPX4 transcription level in IEC-6 cells. Knockdown of GPX4 significantly blocked the protective effects of CUR on cell death, GSH and MDA contents as well as LDH activity in ferroptotic IEC-6 cells. Taken together, these findings suggest that CUR protects against ferroptosis in UC by the induction of GPX4, which presents a potential agent for UC treatment.

Curculigoside Protects against Excess-Iron-Induced Bone Loss by Attenuating Akt-FoxO1-Dependent Oxidative Damage to Mice and Osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 Cells

Summary

The present investigation found that curculigoside (CUR) can prevent excess-iron-induced bone loss in mice and cells through antioxidation and inhibiting excess-iron-induced phosphorylation of the Akt-FoxO1 pathway. CUR can attenuate the decreasing of cell viability, enhance autophagy, potentiate the antioxidant effect, and reduce apoptosis in MC3T3-E1 cells treated with excess iron through regulating the expression of FoxO1 target gene.

Introduction

Oxidative stress induced by iron overload is an important factor involved in primary osteoporosis disease and iron overload-related diseases. Curculigoside (CUR), a phenolic glycoside found abundantly in Curculigo orchioides Gaertn., has been demonstrated to possess antioxidant and antiosteoporotic properties. The aim of the present study is to explore the underlying molecular mechanism of CUR on excess-iron-induced bone loss in mice and osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells.

Methods

An iron-overload mice model was used to study the protective effects of CUR on bone loss induced by oxidative stress. Serum bone metabolism markers and antioxidant enzymes were also measured. To explore the antioxidant mechanism of CUR, the MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cell line was used.

Results

In vivo studies showed that BMD and microarchitectural parameters were improved after a 3-month administration of CUR. CUR improved the biochemical parameters related to bone metabolism and the expressions of Runx2, OCN, and type 1 collagen and increased the formation of bone-mineralized nodules in vitro. CUR also inhibited ROS generation and increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes both in vivo and in vitro treated with excess iron. CUR can upregulate the level of FoxO1 and Nrf2, downregulate the level of p53 and the phosphorylation level of FoxO1, improve nuclear translocation of FoxO1, probably by inhibiting the IGFR/AKT signaling pathway, then increased cell viability and autophagy, and reduced apoptosis of MC3T3-E1 cells treated with excess iron by regulating the expression of FoxO1 target genes MnSOD, Gadd45a, Bim, FasL, and Rab7.

Conclusions

These results demonstrated that CUR was able to alleviate bone loss induced by oxidative stress resulting from iron overload, suggesting its potential use for the treatment of primary osteoporosis and bone loss in iron-overload-related diseases.

Curculigoside facilitates fear extinction and prevents depression-like behaviors in a mouse learned helplessness model through increasing hippocampal BDNF

Curculigoside (CUR) is the main active component of traditional Chinese medicine Curculigoorchioides Gaertn (Xianmao in Chinese), which exhibits a variety of pharmacological activities. In this study we investigated the effects of CUR on fear extinction and related depression-like behaviors in mice. In fear conditioning task, we found that administration of CUR (1.6, 8, 40 mg·kg-1·d-1, ip, for 7 days) did not affect memory consolidation, but CUR at higher doses (8, 40 mg·kg-1·d-1) significantly facilitated fear extinction, especially on D3 and D4. Moreover, CUR administration significantly ameliorated the fear conditioning-induced depression-like behaviors, likely through promoting fear extinction. We showed that CUR increased the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and phosphorylation of tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) in the hippocampus, and activated protein kinase B (Akt)-mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. Administration of the selective TrkB agonist 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF, 5 mg·kg-1·d-1, ip) also facilitated fear extinction, ameliorated depression-like behaviors. We established a mouse learned helplessness (LH) model to evaluate the antidepressant activity of CUR. The spatial memory was assessed in Morris water maze. We showed that LH-induced depression-like behaviors, including prolonged immobility times in forced swim and tail suspension tests as well as spatial memory impairments; LH also downregulated BDNF expression and the Akt-mTOR signaling pathway in the hippocampus. Administration of CUR (1.6, 8, 40 mg·kg-1·d-1, ip, for 14 days) or 7,8-DHF (5 mg·kg-1·d-1, ip, for 3 days) prevented LH-induced depression-like behaviors and promoted BDNF expression and the Akt-mTOR signaling pathway. In conclusion, CUR can accelerate the fear memory extinction and ameliorate depression-like behaviors in mice via promoting BDNF expression and activating the Akt-mTOR signaling pathway in the hippocampus.

Awareness and Current Therapeutics of Asthma

Introduction:

Asthma is a serious allergic disorder of the respiratory system. It affects about 300 million people worldwide. This has a great burden on medical treatment. Several medicines are available, but they have many serious side effects. Therefore, there is a need to search for a new therapeutic agent with no or minimal side effects while most economical for patients. In folk medicine, antiasthmatics herbal medicine has been used and showed potential therapeutic antiasthmatic efficacy due to the presence of potential bioactive compounds.

Methods:

Different databases were searched (ie, Embase, PubMed, CBM, AMED, and CINAHL). We have reviewed the published data of the last 20 years. We used MeSH terms “asthma” herbal treatment of asthma, allopathic treatment of asthma, and treatment strategies for asthma. The traditional medicine was compared with modern medicine and the same pharmacotherapies alone or with placebo. The methodology was evaluated by using the GRADE summary of Finding tables and Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool.

Results:

There have been some clear-cut indications toward the recognition of further molecular and cellular mechanisms of asthma. Most of them recommend a further target for treatment. The novel procedures, biologics, and pharmaceuticals are evaluated. Both allopathic and herbal treatments of asthma are effective. Due to none or lesser side effects, herbal medicines are safer than conventional medicine.

Conclusion:

The preliminary documentation of the plants discussed in the review show the presence of several secondary metabolites that are responsible for the management of asthma and its relevant complications. Further research studies are needed to identify the bioactive compounds from these plants that have potential efficacy to cure asthma, and clinically based studies are needed to search for a complete cure for this disease.

Curculigoside exerts significant anti‑arthritic effects in vivo and in vitro via regulation of the JAK/STAT/NF‑κB signaling pathway

The present study aimed to investigate the anti-arthritic effects of curculigoside isolated from the rhizome of Curculigo orchioides Gaertn in vivo and in vitro, as well as to determine the potential underlying mechanisms. A rat model of arthritis was induced with type II collagen. Arthritic rats were treated with curculigoside (50 mg/kg) and blood samples were collected to determine serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12 and IL-17A. Furthermore, indices of the thymus and spleen were determined. The anti-proliferative effects of curculigoside were detected with Cell Counting kit-8 assays in rheumatoid arthritis-derived fibroblast-like synoviocyte MH7A cells. In addition, expression levels of Janus kinase (JAK)1, JAK3, signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3, nuclear factor (NF)-κB p65 and its inhibitor (IκB) were determined by western blotting. The results revealed that curculigoside inhibited paw swelling and arthritis scores in type II collagen-induced arthritic (CIA) rats. Additionally, curculigoside decreased serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12 and IL-17A in CIA rats. Curculigoside also significantly inhibited MH7A cell proliferation in a time and concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, treatment downregulated the expression of JAK1, JAK3 and STAT3, and upregulated cytosolic nuclear factor (NF)-κB p65 and IκB. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicated that curculigoside exhibited significant anti-arthritic effects in vivo and in vitro, and the molecular mechanism may be associated with the JAK/STAT/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Orcinol Glucoside Loaded Polymer - Lipid Hybrid Nanostructured Lipid Carriers: Potential Cytotoxic Agents against Gastric, Colon and Hepatoma Carcinoma Cell Lines

PURPOSE

Orcinol glucoside (OG) - loaded nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC), coated with polyethylene glycol-25/55-stearate (PEG-25/55-SA), were explored for delivering OG to improve in vitro cytotoxicity against gastrointestinal tract (GIT), colon and hepatoma carcinoma cell lines. It is being expected that the PEGylated formulations would possess the sustainability in withstanding the adverse physiological extremities like the most significant metabolic activities and phase I / II enzymatic activities in the intestines.

METHODS

NLCs were prepared using tristearin, oleic acid and PEG-25/55-stearate by hot homogenization-ultrasonic dispersion; characterized by DLS, TEM, SEM, AFM, entrapment efficiency and drug loading capacity studies.

RESULTS

NLC diameter ranged from 160 to 230 nm with negative zeta potential of -8 to -20 mV. TEM/SEM and AFM studies suggest spherical and smooth surface morphologies. Differential scanning calorimetry studies reveal the loss of crystallinity when OG was incorporated into the NLC. NLCs showed initial burst release, followed by sustained release of OG. PEG-NLC exhibited superior anticancer activity against GIT and also in hepatoma cancer cell lines.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first report demonstrating a practical approach for possible oral delivery of OG in GIT and targeting hepatoma cancer, warranting further in vivo studies for superior management of GIT cancer.

Oxidation of ion channels in the aging nervous system

Ion channels are integral membrane proteins that allow passive diffusion of ions across membranes. In neurons and in other excitable cells, the harmonious coordination between the numerous types of ion channels shape and propagate electrical signals. Increased accumulation of reactive oxidative species (ROS), and subsequent oxidation of proteins, including ion channels, is a hallmark feature of aging and may contribute to cell failure as a result. In this review we discuss the effects of ROS on three major types of ion channels of the central nervous system, namely the potassium (K(+)), calcium (Ca(2+)) and sodium (Na(+)) channels. We examine two general mechanisms through which ROS affect ion channels: via direct oxidation of specific residues and via indirect interference of pathways that regulate the channels. The overall status of the present studies indicates that the interaction of ion channels with ROS is multimodal and pervasive in the central nervous system and likely constitutes a general mechanism of aging susceptibility.

Effects of Curculigoside on Memory Impairment and Bone Loss via Anti-Oxidative Character in APP/PS1 Mutated Transgenic Mice

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and osteoporosis are two closely related multifactorial progressively degenerative diseases that predominantly affect aged people. These two diseases share many common risk factors, including old age, being female, smoking, excessive drinking, low estrogen, and vitamin D3 levels. Additionally, oxidative damage and the dysfunction of the antioxidant system play important roles in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis and AD. Aβ not only leads to impaired memory but also plays a crucial role in the demineralization process of bone tissues of older people and women with menopause. Curculigoside can promote calcium deposition and increase the levels of ALP and Runx2 in osteoblasts under oxidative stress via anti-oxidative character. Therefore, we investigated the effects of CUR on the spatial learning and memory by the Morris water maze and brain immunohistochemistry, and bone microstructure and material properties of femurs by micro-computed tomography and mechanical testing in APP/PS1 mutated transgenic mice. Oral administration of CUR can significantly enhance learning performance and ameliorate bone loss in APP/PS1 mutated transgenic mice, and the mechanism may be related to its antioxidant effect. Based on these results, CUR has real potential as a new natural resource for developing medicines or dietary supplements for the prevention and treatment of the two closely linked multifactorial progressive degenerative disorders, AD and osteoporosis.

Orcinol glucoside produces antidepressant effects by blocking the behavioural and neuronal deficits caused by chronic stress

This study focused on the antidepressant potential of orcinol glucoside (OG) and its possible mechanisms of action. We established a depressed rat model using 3 consecutive weeks of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). The antidepressant-like effect of OG was revealed using the sucrose preference test, the open field test, the forced swimming test (FST), and the tail suspension test (TST). The activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis was evaluated by detecting the serum corticosterone (CORT) concentrations and mRNA expression of corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) in the hypothalamus. The protein expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and total phosphorylated-ERK1/2 were detected by western blot. The results showed that OG treatment (1.5, 3, or 6mg/kg) alleviated the depression-like behaviour of rats under CUMS, as indicated by the increased sucrose preference and the decreased immobility in both the FST and TST, although the rearing frequency in the open field test increased only in the group that received the lowest dose (1.5mg/kg OG). Rats that received OG treatment exhibited reduced serum CORT levels and CRH mRNA expression in the hypothalamus, suggesting that the hyperactivity of the HPA axis in CUMS rats was reversed by OG treatment. Moreover, OG treatment upregulated the protein levels of BDNF and phosphorylated-ERK1/2 in the hippocampus, even above control levels. Our findings suggest that OG improved depressive behaviour in CUMS rats by downregulating HPA axis hyperactivity and increasing BDNF expression and ERK1/2 phosphorylation in the hippocampus.