Advances in the chemical analysis and biological activities of chuanxiong

Mercapto-functionalized palygorskite modified the growth of Ligusticum Chuanxiong and restrained the Cd migration in the soil-plant system

Ligusticum Chuanxiong is an essential medicinal and edible plant, but it is highly susceptible to the enrichment of soil Cadmium (Cd), which seriously affects its medical safety. However, the control of Cd uptake by Ligusticum Chuanxiong is little reported. In this study, we reported that a green Mercapto-functionalized palygorskite (MPAL) effectively promoted Ligusticum Chuanxiong growth, and restrained the Cd uptake by Ligusticum Chuanxiong both in the mildly contaminated soil (M-Soil) and severely contaminated soil (S-Soil). The experimental results demonstrated that the application of MPAL significantly increased the biomass and antioxidant enzyme activity of Ligusticum Chuanxiong. In the M-Soil, the Cd content in the roots, stems, and leaves of Ligusticum Chuanxiong decreased markedly by 82.46-86.66%, 64.17-71.73%, and 64.94-76.66%, respectively, after the MPAL treatment. In the S-Soil, MPAL application decreased the Cd content in roots, stems, and leaves by 89.43-98.92%, 24.19-86.22%, and 67.14-77.90%, respectively. Based on Diethylenetriamine Pentaacetic Acid (DTPA) extraction, the immobilization efficiency of MPAL for Cd in soils ranged from 22.01% to 77.04%. Additionally, the HOAc extractable Cd was transformed into reducible and oxidizable fractions. Furthermore, MPAL enhanced the activities of soil alkaline phosphatase, and urease, but decreased sucrase activity. Environmental toxicological analysis indicated that MPAL reduced the potential ecological risk of Cd in the soil. These findings revealed that MPAL can effectively reduce Cd accumulation in Ligusticum Chuanxiong and promote plant growth, suggesting its potential as a viable amendment for remediating Cd-contaminated soils.

Exploring the mechanism of ShenGui capsule in treating heart failure based on network pharmacology and molecular docking: A review

ShenGui capsule (SGC), as a herbal compound, has significant effects on the treatment of heart failure (HF), but its mechanism of action is unclear. In this study, we aimed to explore the potential pharmacological targets and mechanisms of SGC in the treatment of HF using network pharmacology and molecular docking approaches. Potential active ingredients of SGC were obtained from the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and analysis platform database and screened by pharmacokinetic parameters. Target genes of HF were identified by comparing the toxicogenomics database, GeneCards, and DisGeNET databases. Protein interaction networks and gene-disorder-target networks were constructed using Cytoscape for visual analysis. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes were also performed to identify protein functional annotations and potential target signaling pathways through the DAVID database. CB-DOCK was used for molecular docking to explore the role of IL-1β with SGC compounds. Sixteen active ingredients in SGC were screened from the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and analysis platform, of which 36 target genes intersected with HF target genes. Protein-protein interactions suggested that each target gene was closely related, and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) was identified as Hub gene. The network pharmacology analysis suggested that these active ingredients were well correlated with HF. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis suggested that target genes were highly enriched in pathways such as inflammation. Molecular docking results showed that IL-1β binds tightly to SGC active components. This experiment provides an important research basis for the mechanism of action of SGC in the treatment of HF. In this study, the active compounds of SGC were found to bind IL-1β for the treatment of heart failure.

Neuroprotective effects of methanolic extract from Chuanxiong Rhizoma in mice with middle cerebral artery occlusion-induced ischemic stroke: suppression of astrocyte- and microglia-related inflammatory response

BACKGROUND

In traditional Asian medicine, dried rhizomes of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. (Chuanxiong Rhizoma [CR]) have long been used to treat pain disorders that affect the head and face such as headaches. Furthermore, they have been used primarily for blood circulation improvement or as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory medicine. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of a methanol extract of CR (CRex) on ischemic stroke in mice caused by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO).

METHODS

C57BL/6 mice were given a 1.5-h transient MCAO (MCAO control and CRex groups); CRex was administered in the mice of the CRex group at 1,000-3,000 mg/kg either once (single dose) or twice (twice dose) before MCAO. The mechanism behind the neuroprotective effects of CRex was examined using the following techniques: brain infarction volume, edema, neurological deficit, novel object recognition test (NORT), forepaw grip strength, and immuno-fluorescence staining.

RESULTS

Pretreating the mice with CRex once at 1,000 or 3,000 mg/kg and twice at 1,000 mg/kg 1 h before MCAO, brought about a significantly decrease in the infarction volumes. Furthermore, pretreating mice with CRex once at 3,000 mg/kg 1 h before MCAO significantly suppressed the reduction of forepaw grip strength of MCAO-induced mice. In the MCAO-induced group, preadministration of CRex inhibited the reduction in the discrimination ratio brought on by MCAO in a similar manner. CRex exhibited these effects by suppressing the activation of astrocytes and microglia, which regulated the inflammatory response.

CONCLUSIONS

This study proposes a novel development for the treatment of ischemic stroke and provides evidence favoring the use of L. chuanxiong rhizomes against ischemic stroke.

Traditional Chinese medicine treatment for benign thyroid nodules: Literature review

Thyroid nodules (TNs) are pathological changes characterized by abnormal proliferation of thyroid gland tissue. Approximately 19% to 67% of asymptomatic individuals are diagnosed with TNs, with the majority being benign nodules and 4% to 6.5% being thyroid cancer nodules. Western medicine recommends regular examinations and surgery, while traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) provides an alternative choice to maintain thyroid function and reduce the need for surgery. However, in Taiwan, research on TCM treatment for benign TNs is primarily limited to case reports, lacking large-scale and systematic clinical studies. We conducted a search of electronic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Wanfang Data, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure to collect clinical trials related to TCM treatment for TNs. Our goal is to provide new treatment options, further validate the value of TCM in the treatment of TNs, and lay a foundation for future clinical research.

Therapeutic potential of traditional Chinese medicine for interstitial lung disease

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a chronic lung dysfunction disease with a poor prognosis and poor recovery. The clinically used therapeutic drugs, such as glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants, have no significant therapeutic effect and are accompanied with severe side effects. In recent years, considerable progress has been made in exploring and applying natural herb components for treating ILD. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) possesses innate, non-toxic characteristics and offers advantages in preventing and treating pulmonary ailments. However, a comprehensive study of TCM on ILD therapy has not yet been reviewed.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This review aimed to provide a comprehensive summary of the monomer components, total extracts, and prescriptions of TCM for ILD therapy, elucidating their molecular mechanisms to serve as a reference in treating ILD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The literature information was searched in the PubMed, Web of Science databases. The search keywords included 'interstitial lung disease', 'lung fibrosis' or 'pulmonary fibrosis', and 'traditional Chinese medicine', 'traditional herbal medicine', or 'herb medicine'.

RESULTS

The active components of single herbs, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenols, and quinones, have potential therapeutic effects on ILD. The active extracts and prescriptions were also summarized and analyzed. The herbs, Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. (Gancao), Astragalus membranaceus Fisch. Bunge. (Huangqi) and Angelicasinensis (Oliv.) Diels (Danggui), play significant roles in the treatment of ILD. The mechanisms involve the inhibition of inflammatory factor release, anti-oxidative injury, and interference with collagen production, etc. CONCLUSION: This review examines the therapeutic potential of TCM for ILD and elucidates its molecular mechanisms, demonstrating that mitigating inflammation and oxidative stress, modulating the immune system, and promoting tissue repair are efficacious strategies for ILD therapy. The depth research will yield both theoretical and practical implications.

Antifungal activity of Ligusticum chuanxiong essential oil and its active composition butylidenephthalide against Sclerotium rolfsii

BACKGROUND

Peanut stem rot caused by Sclerotium rolfsii is an epidemic disastrous soil-borne disease. Recently, natural products tend to be safe alternative antifungal agents to combat pathogens.

RESULTS

This work determined the preliminary antifungal activity of 29 essential oils against S. rolfsii and found that Ligusticum chuanxiong essential oil (LCEO) showed the best antifungal activity, with an EC50 value of 81.79 mg L-1 . Sixteen components (98.78%) were identified in LCEO by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, the majority by volume comprising five phthalides (93.14%). Among these five phthalides, butylidenephthalide was the most effective compound against S. rolfsii. Butylidenephthalide not only exhibited favorable in vitro antifungal activity against the mycelial growth, sclerotia production and germination of S. rolfsi, but also presented efficient in vivo efficacy in the control of peanut stem rot. Seven days after application in the glasshouse, the protective and curative efficacy of butylidenephthalide at 300 mg L-1 (52.02%, 44.88%) and LCEO at 1000 mg L-1 (49.60%, 44.29%) against S. rolfsii were similar to that of the reference fungicide polyoxin at 300 mg L-1 (54.61%, 48.28%). Butylidenephthalide also significantly decreased the oxalic acid and polygalacturonase content of S. rolfsii, suggesting a decreased infection ability on plants. Results of biochemical actions indicated that butylidenephthalide did not have any effect on the cell membrane integrity and permeability but significantly decreased nutrient contents, disrupted the mitochondrial membrane, inhibited energy metabolism and induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation of S. rolfsii.

CONCLUSION

Our results could provide an important reference for understanding the application potential and mechanisms of butylidenephthalide in the control of S. rolfsii. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Qualitative and quantitative evaluations of Chuanxiong dispensing granules by using chemical fingerprint in combination with chemometrics methods

To better elucidate the chemical constituents and evaluate the quality consistency of Chuanxiong dispensing granules (CDG), qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed in this study. Firstly, a high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) based fingerprint was constructed by 12 batches of CDGs from different manufacturers, in which 16 common peaks were assigned. Then, two of them were directionally isolated for structural elucidation. According to the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS) spectra, 5,6-dihydrophthalic acid was identified as novel compound, and 8-O-4/8-O-4-dehydrotriferulic acid was firstly discovered in plant belonging to the genus Ligusticum. Secondly, a total of 46 components were detected in CDG using high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-Q-TOF-MS), and 14 of them were unambiguously identified by comparing with reference standards. Additionally, a HPLC-DAD method was firstly established to quantify 10 characteristic peaks specified in the China National Standard of CDG, and the results revealed that ferulic acid (1.71 mg/g), chlorogenic acid (1.14 mg/g), 5,6-dihydrophthalic acid (1.13 mg/g), and senkyunolide I (1.13 mg/g) are the major components in CDGs. Chemometrics analyses suggested that phenolic acids are more important than phthalides in discrimination of CDGs from different manufacturers.

Tetramethylpyrazine promotes axonal remodeling and modulates microglial polarization via JAK2-STAT1/3 and GSK3-NFκB pathways in ischemic stroke

Ischemic stroke results in demyelination that underlies neurological disfunction. Promoting oligodendrogenesis will rescue the injured axons and accelerate remyelination after stroke. Microglia react to ischemia/hypoxia and polarize to M1/M2 phenotypes influencing myelin injury and repair. Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) has neuroprotective effects in treating cerebrovascular disorders. This study aims to evaluate whether TMP promotes the renovation of damaged brain tissues especially on remyelination and modulates microglia phenotypes following ischemic stroke. Here magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and histopathological evaluation are performed to characterize the process of demyelination and remyelination. Immunofluorescence staining is used to prove oligodendrogenesis and microglial polarization. Western blotting is conducted to examine interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and Janus protein tyrosine kinase (JAK) 2-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 1/3-glycogen synthase kinase (GSK) 3-nuclear transcription factor κB (NFκB) signals. Results show TMP alleviates the injury of axons and myelin sheath, increases NG2+, Ki67+/NG2+, CNPase+, Ki67+/CNPase+, Iba1+/Arg-1+ cells and decreases Iba1+ and Iba1+/CD16+ cells in periinfarctions of rats. Particularly, TMP downregulates IL-6 and upregulates IL-10 and TGF-β expressions, besides, enhances JAK2-STAT3 and suppresses STAT1-GSK3-NFκB activation in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) rats. Then we demonstrate that TMP reverses M1/M2 phenotype via JAK2-STAT1/3 and GSK3-NFκB pathways in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) plus interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-stimulated BV2 microglia. Blocking JAK2 with AG490 counteracts TMP's facilitation on M2 polarization of microglia. This study warrants the promising therapy for stroke with TMP treatment.

Herbal Remedies for Constipation-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. Conventional treatments for IBS-C often provide limited efficiency, leading to an increasing interest in exploring herbal remedies. This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of herbal remedies in the management of IBS-C.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive search of PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library was conducted to identify relevant studies published up to July 2023 and data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers.

RESULTS

Overall, the included studies demonstrated some evidence of the beneficial effects of herbal remedies on IBS-C symptoms, including improvements in bowel frequency, stool consistency, abdominal pain, and quality of life. However, the heterogeneity of the interventions and outcome measures limited the ability to perform a meta-analysis.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review suggests that herbal remedies may have potential benefits in the management of IBS-C. However, the quality of evidence is limited, and further well-designed, large-scale RCTs are needed to establish the efficacy and safety of specific herbal remedies for IBS-C. Clinicians should exercise caution when recommending herbal remedies and consider individual patient characteristics and preferences.

Exploring the Mechanism of Chuanxiong Rhizoma against Thrombosis Based on Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking and Experimental Verification

Chuanxiong rhizoma (CX) has been utilized for centuries as a traditional herb to treat blood stasis syndromes. However, the pharmacological mechanisms are still not completely revealed. This research was aimed at exploring the molecular mechanisms of CX treatment for thrombosis. Network pharmacology was used to predict the potential anti-thrombosis mechanism after correlating the targets of active components with targets of thrombosis. Furthermore, we verified the mechanism of using CX to treat thrombosis via molecular docking and in vitro experiments. Network pharmacology results showed that a total of 18 active ingredients and 65 targets of CX treatment for thrombosis were collected, including 8 core compounds and 6 core targets. We revealed for the first time that tissue factor (TF) had a close relationship with most core targets of CX in the treatment of thrombosis. TF is a primary coagulation factor in physiological hemostasis and pathological thrombosis. Furthermore, core components of CX have strong affinity for core targets and TF according to molecular docking analysis. The in vitro experiments indicated that Ligustilide (LIG), the representative component of CX, could inhibit TF procoagulant activity, TF mRNA and protein over-expression in a dose-dependent manner in EA.hy926 cells through the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway. This work demonstrated that hemostasis or blood coagulation was one of the important biological processes in the treatment of thrombosis with CX, and TF also might be a central target of CX when used for treating thrombosis. The inhibition of TF might be a novel mechanism of CX in the treatment of thrombosis.

Optimization of Molasses and Soybean Meal Content to Enhance Tetramethylpyrazine Yield by Bacillus sp. TTMP20

Microbial fermentation for the production of tetramethylpyrazine (TTMP) is considered to be the most promising method, and the development of a cheap fermentation substrate is of great importance for large-scale TTMP production. In this study, inexpensive by-products from the food industry, i.e., molasses and soybean meal (instead of glucose and tryptone), were used as substrates for TTMP fermentation. The pretreatment of soybean meal was explored in order to achieve a better fermentation effect. The contents of each component in the fermentation medium were optimized by central composite design (CCD). The optimum contents were as follows: 72.5 g/L of molasses, 37.4 g/L of diammonium hydrogen phosphate (DAP), 53.4 g/L of soybean meal, and 5 g/L of yeast powder. The software predicted a maximum TTMP yield of 1469.03 mg/L, and the actual TTMP yield was 1328.95 mg/L for the validation experiment in the optimum medium. Under the optimum conditions (72.5 g/L of molasses, 37.4 g/L of DAP, 53.4 g/L of soybean meal, and 5 g/L of yeast powder), the actual maximum TTMP yield (1328.95 mg/L) in this study was much higher than the TTMP yield (895.13 mg/L) under the conditions (150 g/L of molasses, 30 g/L of DAP, 30 g/L of tryptone, and 10 g/L of yeast powder) of our previous study published in Molecules. In this study, the TTMP yield improved by 48.46%, with decreased molasses (more than half), decreased yeast powder (half) and by-product soybean meal instead of tryptone compared to our previous study. In summary, the cheaper fermentation medium had a higher TTMP yield in this study, which improves the application potential of Bacillus sp. TTMP20.

Chuanxiong Rhizoma extracts prevent cholestatic liver injury by targeting H3K9ac-mediated and cholangiocyte-derived secretory protein PAI-1 and FN

Chuanxiong Rhizoma (CX, the dried rhizome of Ligusticum wallichii Franch.), a well-known traditional Chinese medicine, is clinically used for treating cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and hepatobiliary diseases. Cholestatic liver damage is one of the chronic liver diseases with limited effective therapeutic strategies. Currently, little is known about the mechanism links between CX-induced anti-cholestatic action and intercellular communication between cholangiocytes and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). The study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of different CX extracts including the aqueous, alkaloid, phenolic acid and phthalide extracts of CX (CXAE, CXAL, CXPA and CXPHL) and investigate the intercellular communication-related mechanisms by which the most effective extracts work on cholestatic liver injury. The active compounds of different CX extracts were identified by UPLC-MS/MS. A cholestatic liver injury mouse model induced by bile duct ligation (BDL), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-treated human intrahepatic biliary epithelial cholangiocytes (HIBECs) and HSC cell line (LX-2 cells) were used for in vivo and in vitro studies. Histological and other biological techniques were also applied. The results indicated that CXAE, CXAL and CXPHL significantly reduced ductular reaction (DR) and improved liver fibrosis in the BDL mice. Meanwhile, both CXAE and CXPHL suppressed DR in injured HIBECs and reduced collagen contraction force and the expression of fibrosis biomarkers in LX-2 cells treated with TGF-β. CXPHL suppressed the transcription and transfer of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and fibronectin (FN) from the 'DR-like' cholangiocytes to activated HSCs. Mechanistically, the inhibition of PAI-1 and FN by CXPHL was attributed to the untight combination of the acetyltransferase KAT2A and SMAD3, followdd by the suppression of histone 3 lysine 9 acetylation (H3K9ac)-mediated transcription in cholangiocytes. In conclusion, CXPHL exerts stronger anti-cholestatic activity in vivo and in vitro than other CX extracts, and its protective effect on the intracellular communication between cholangiocytes and HSCs is achieved by reducing KAT2A/H3K9ac-mediated transcription and release of PAI-1 and FN.

Research on the effectiveness and material basis of Ligusticum chuanxiong in alleviating acute liver injury

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

As an effective medicinal plant, Ligusticum chuanxiong (L. chuanxiong) is traditionally used in China to treat various kinds of dysesthesia caused by liver qi stagnation, chest paralysis and heart pain caused by liver blood stagnation, and bruises and injuries caused by blood stasis. Recent research has confirmed the efficacy of L. chuanxiong in treating liver injury.

AIM OF THE STUDY

L. chuanxiong has significant hepatoprotective effects, but its material basis and mechanism of action are still ambiguous. This work was to reveal the potential active ingredients (parts) of L. chuanxiong for liver protection and to investigate the pharmacological mechanism of its liver protection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The hepatoprotective substance basis and mechanism of L. chuanxiong were investigated using network pharmacology, and the active components of L. chuanxiong extract were studied using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analytical techniques. Molecular docking was adopted to verify the interaction between the active ingredients in L. chuanxiong and the key targets involved in liver injury. To confirm the hepatoprotective effects of the effective part in L. chuanxiong, a carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced acute liver injury model in mice was used.

RESULTS

As a result, network pharmacological analysis techniques were used to screen out potential active ingredients such as ferulic acid, caffeic acid, and p-coumaric acid, which were concentrated in the organic acid site and acted on 19 key targets related to liver protection. The biological process involved the positive regulation of nitric oxide biosynthesis, and various signaling pathways were implicated, including the Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, the TNF signaling pathway, and others. LC-MS and GC-MS qualitatively analyzed the effective components from L. chuanxiong extract, and 50 active components were identified. The molecular docking of key components with the core targets showed good activity, which validated the predicted results. In the final analysis, a mouse model of acute liver injury induced by CCl₄ further verified the greater protective effect of the organic acid fraction of L. chuanxiong on liver injury in mice compared with other parts.

CONCLUSION

The results reveal that L. chuanxiong may relieve liver damage, and the organic acids were the main active part in it. Its mechanism of alleviating liver injury is related to positive regulation of nitric oxide biosynthesis, the Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, the TNF signaling pathway, and so on.

Effects of tetramethylpyrazine treatment in a rat model of spinal cord injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious disabling condition that leads to the loss of motor, sensory, and excretory functions, seriously affecting the quality of life of patients and imposing a heavy burden on the patient's family and society. There is currently a lack of effective treatments for SCI. However, a large number of experimental studies have shown beneficial effects of tetramethylpyrazine (TMP). We performed a meta-analysis to systematically evaluate the effects of TMP on neurological and motor function recovery in rats with acute SCI. English (PubMed, Web of Science, and EMbase) and Chinese (CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and CBM) databases were searched for literature related to TMP treatment in rats with SCI published until October 2022. Two researchers independently read the included studies, extracted the data, and evaluated their quality. A total of 29 studies were included, and a risk of bias assessment revealed that the methodological quality of the included studies was low. The results of the meta-analysis showed that the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB; n = 429, pooled mean difference [MD] = 3.44, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.67 to 4.22, p < 0.00001) and inclined plane test (n = 133, pooled MD = 5.60, 95% CI = 3.78 to 7.41, p < 0.00001) scores of rats treated with TMP were significantly higher than those in the control group at 14 days after SCI. TMP treatment also resulted in a significant reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA; n = 128, pooled MD = -2.03, 95% CI = -3.47 to -0.58, p < 0.00001) and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD; n = 128, pooled MD = 5.02, 95% CI = 2.39 to 7.65, p < 0.00001). Subgroup analysis indicated that different doses of TMP did not improve the BBB scale and inclined plane test angles. In conclusion, this review showed that TMP can improve SCI outcomes; however, in view of the limitations of the included studies, larger and high-quality studies are required for verification.

The Wu-Shi-Cha formula protects against ulcerative colitis by orchestrating immunity and microbiota homeostasis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ulcerative colitis (UC) has become a healthy burden worldwide due to its insidious onset and repetitive relapse, with a rather complex etiology, including inappropriate immune response, dysbiosis, genetic susceptibility, and unhealthy diets. The Wu-Shi-Cha (WSC) formula is a widely utilized drug to protect against gastrointestinal disorders.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The study aspired to dissect the pertinent mechanisms of the WSC to treat UC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Network pharmacology and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were performed to predict the targets of WSC in the context of UC and colorectal cancer. Dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) was used to construct murine models of experimental colitis, and the WSC was given to colitis mice for 14 days. Feces and colon samples were subjected to 16S rRNA gene sequencing combined with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and biochemical experiments, respectively.

RESULTS

Network pharmacology analysis predicted that the WSC formula could orchestrate inflammation, infection, and tumorigenesis, and WGCNA based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database showed a potent anti-neoplastic effect of the WSC therapy for colorectal cancer. The WSC therapy rescued bursts of pro-inflammatory cytokines and colonic epithelial collapse in DSS-induced colitis mice. Moreover, the high dose of WSC treatment facilitated the alternative activation of peritoneal macrophages (Mφs) and these Mφs were conducive to the survival of intestinal stem cells (ISCs), and the disturbed homeostasis of gut microbiota was re-established after WSC treatment, as evidenced by the decreased colonization of pathological taxa in the fecal samples.

CONCLUSION

The WSC formula suppresses inflammation and re-establishes the homeostasis of gut microbiota, thereby ameliorating colitis progression.

An Underutilized Food “Miwu”: Diet History, Nutritional Evaluations, and Countermeasures for Industrial Development

About 10 major crops basically feed the world. In fact, there are still a large number of plants that have not been fully explored and utilized because they have been ignored by the market and research. The expansion of food sources in various countries plays an important role in maintaining food security and nutrition security in the world. Miwu is the aerial part of the medicinal plant Rhizoma Chuanxiong belonging to a traditional local characteristic food raw material. Its edible value is still little known. Through textual research, component determination, literature survey, field research, and SWOT analysis, this paper has a comprehensive understanding of Miwu’s diet history, chemical components, safety risks, and industrial development status. It is found that Miwu has been eaten for 800 years, is rich in nutrients and active ingredients, and has no acute toxicity. In addition, the current industrial development of Miwu has significant advantages and many challenges. To sum up, Miwu is a potentially underutilized food raw material. This paper also provides countermeasures for the industrialized development of Miwu, which will provide a milestone reference for the future utilization and development of Miwu.

Priority planting area planning for cash crops under heavy metal pollution and climate change: A case study of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort

INTRODUCTION

Soil pollution by heavy metals and climate change pose substantial threats to the habitat suitability of cash crops. Discussing the suitability of cash crops in this context is necessary for the conservation and management of species. We developed a comprehensive evaluation system that is universally applicable to all plants stressed by heavy metal pollution.

METHODS

The MaxEnt model was used to simulate the spatial distribution of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort within the study area (Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Chongqing) based on current and future climate conditions (RCP2.6, RCP4.5, RCP6.0, and RCP8.5 scenarios). We established the current Cd pollution status in the study area using kriging interpolation and kernel density. Additionally, the three scenarios were used in prediction models to simulate future Cd pollution conditions based on current Cd pollution data. The current and future priority planting areas for L. chuanxiong were determined by overlay analysis, and two levels of results were obtained.

RESULTS

The results revealed that the current first- and secondary-priority planting areas for L. chuanxiong were 2.06 ×10³ km² and 1.64 ×10⁴ km², respectively. Of these areas, the seven primary and twelve secondary counties for current L. chuanxiong cultivation should be given higher priority; these areas include Meishan, Qionglai, Pujiang, and other regions. Furthermore, all the priority zones based on the current and future scenarios were mainly concentrated on the Chengdu Plain, southeastern Sichuan and northern Chongqing. Future planning results indicated that Renshou, Pingwu, Meishan, Qionglai, Pengshan, and other regions are very important for L. chuanxiong planting, and a pessimistic scenario will negatively impact this potential planting. The spatial dynamics of priority areas in 2050 and 2070 clearly fluctuated under different prediction scenarios and were mainly distributed in northern Sichuan and western Chongqing.

DISCUSSION

Given these results, taking reasonable measures to replan and manage these areas is necessary. This study provides. not only a useful reference for the protection and cultivation of L. chuanxiong, but also a framework for analyzing other cash crops.

A Chinese Classical Prescription Chaihu Shugan Powder in Treatment of Post-Stroke Depression: An Overview

Post-stroke depression (PSD) is the most common mental health problem after a stroke with an incidence of up to 33%. PSD has a negative impact on the rehabilitation and recovery of motor and cognitive dysfunction after a stroke and significantly increases the chance of the recurrence of neurovascular events. At present, medication is the preferred method of coping with PSD. Modern medicine is still unclear regarding the pathogenesis of PSD, with clinical drug treatment mostly using antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). However, a high proportion of patients fail to show an adequate antidepressant response and have adverse reactions after taking antidepressants. In recent years, as the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in clinical treatment continue to emerge, Chinese herbal and TCM formulae have begun to enter the awareness of Chinese scholars and even scholars around the world. As a classic formula with a history of more than 400 years, Chaihu Shugan powder (CHSG) has great advantages in the clinical treatment of PSD. Based on existing clinical and experimental studies, this article comprehensively analyzes clinical cases, mechanisms of action, and drug and chemical effects of CHSG in the treatment of PSD in order to provide more clinical experience and experimental theoretical support for CHSG in the treatment of PSD.

Studies on the mechanism of energy metabolism via AMPK/PGC-1α signaling pathway induced by compatibility of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort and Gastrodia

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) regulates overall energy consumption and energy intake through cytokines. Ligusticum striatum DC (CX) combined with Gastrodia elata Blume (TM) has been used for migraine treatment for millennia. When used alone in clinical practice, CX causes symptoms of thirst, irritability, and yellow urine and has influenced the levels of cytokines such as AMP that activate the AMPK pathway of energy metabolism. However, relationships between this compatibility prescription, integral biological energy metabolism, and the AMPK pathway remain unclear. Studies were performed by treating normal rats with physiological saline, CX extract, CX coupled TM extract, and TM extracts separately for 4 weeks. Food intake, water intake, urine output, stool output, and body weight were monitored once a week by the metabolic cage method. Values of FBG, BUN, TP, TC and TG in blood samples were detected approaching the whole blood automatic detector from 1 to 4 weeks. Na+ -K+ -ATPase, Ca2+ -Mg2+ -ATPase, cAMP, and cGMP activity were determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); the biological samples that were obtained at 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after drug administration were tested by GC-TOF-MS. Then real-time PCR and Western Blot were applied to detect changes in expression of some substances involved in energy metabolism. The results demonstrated that administering CX alone increased energy input, mobility, and respiratory exchange ratio, accelerated energy consumption, and caused inflammatory infiltration in the liver. CX coupled with TM led to lower energy metabolism and liver damage in comparison with CX used alone. Moreover, CX-treated rats harbored higher levels of differential metabolites (including pyrophosphate, oxaloacetic acid, and galactinol). Glycerophospholipid metabolism and the citrate cycle are closely related to the differential metabolites above. In addition, CX-induced unbalanced energy metabolism depends on cAMP activation mediated by the AMPK/PGC-1α pathway in rats. Our findings suggest that CX-induced energy metabolism imbalance was corrected after coupling with TM by mediating the AMPK/PGC-1α pathway.

Classical prescription Dachuanxiong Formula delays nitroglycerin-induced pain response in migraine mice through reducing endothelin-1 level and regulating fatty acid biosynthesis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Dachuanxiong Formula (DCXF) is a classical Chinese medicine prescription and is composed of dried rhizomes from Ligusticum striatum DC. (Chuanxiong Rhizoma) and Gastrodia elata Bl. (Gastrodiae Rhizoma) at the ratio of 4:1 (w/w). It has been used as Chinese medicine prescription for thousands of years. DCXF is used traditionally to treat many diseases, including migraine, atherosclerosis and ischemic stroke.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to investigate the effects of DCXF on pain response in migraine mice, and the underlying mechanisms using proteomics and bioinformatics analyses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

DCXF extract was prepared by mixing Chuanxiong Rhizoma and Gastrodiae Rhizoma at a mass ratio of 4:1 (w/w). After extraction, the extract was filtered prior to high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Nitroglycerin (NTG) was used to establish a mouse migraine model, and a behaviour study was conducted by hot plate test. In addition, proteomics and bioinformatics studies were conducted to investigate the mechanisms of DCXF-mediating anti-migraine treatment.

RESULTS

Our results showed that there were significant differences in the latencies between NTG-treated and DCXF low dose- and high doses-treated groups at 30 min after NTG injection, this suggested that DCXF could ameliorate pain response in migraine mice. Besides, the plasma levels of endothelin-1 were also measured. NTG group significantly enhanced the endothelin-1 level compared to the control group. In contrast, DCXF low dose and high dose groups significantly reduced this level compared to NTG group. In addition, the underlying mechanisms were also investigated. Our results demonstrated that the anti-migraine treatment of DCXF was highly associated with fatty acid synthesis, suggesting that DCXF ameliorated pain response through reducing endothelin-1 level and regulating fatty acid synthesis.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study revealed the anti-migraine effect of DCXF in migraine mice and provided insights into the mechanisms of DCXF-mediating anti-migraine treatment.

A Tau Pathogenesis-Based Network Pharmacology Approach for Exploring the Protections of Chuanxiong Rhizoma in Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of neurodegenerative dementia and one of the top medical concerns worldwide. Currently, the approved drugs to treat AD are effective only in treating the symptoms, but do not cure or prevent AD. Although the exact causes of AD are not understood, it is recognized that tau aggregation in neurons plays a key role. Chuanxiong Rhizoma (CR) has been widely reported as effective for brain diseases such as dementia. Thus, we explored the protections of CR in AD by a tau pathogenesis–based network pharmacology approach. According to ultra-HPLC with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry data and Lipinski’s rule of five, 18 bioactive phytochemicals of CR were screened out. They were shown corresponding to 127 tau pathogenesis–related targets, among which VEGFA, IL1B, CTNNB1, JUN, ESR1, STAT3, APP, BCL2L1, PTGS2, and PPARG were identified as the core ones. We further analyzed the specific actions of CR-active phytochemicals on tau pathogenesis from the aspects of tau aggregation and tau-mediated toxicities. It was shown that neocnidilide, ferulic acid, coniferyl ferulate, levistilide A, Z-ligustilide, butylidenephthalide, and caffeic acid can be effective in reversing tau hyperphosphorylation. Neocnidilide, senkyunolide A, butylphthalide, butylidenephthalide, Z-ligustilide, and L-tryptophan may be effective in promoting lysosome-associated degradation of tau, and levistilide A, neocnidilide, ferulic acid, L-tryptophan, senkyunolide A, Z-ligustilide, and butylidenephthalide may antagonize tau-mediated impairments of intracellular transport, axon and synaptic damages, and neuron death (especially apoptosis). The present study suggests that acting on tau aggregation and tau-mediated toxicities is part of the therapeutic mechanism of CR against AD.

Antiplatelet Activity of Tetramethylpyrazine via Regulation of the P2Y12 Receptor Downstream Signaling Pathway

Background

Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) is an alkaloid in Chinese herbal medicine, which possesses antiplatelet activity. TMP inhibits platelet activation in many ways. The platelet P2Y₁₂ receptor for adenosine 5′ diphosphate (ADP) plays a central role in platelet function, hemostasis, and thrombosis. Here, we investigated the inhibitory effect of TMP on P2Y₁₂ receptor-related platelet function.

Methods

The inhibitory potential of TMP was assessed using agonist-induced platelet aggregation, flow cytometric analysis of CD62p expression, PAC-1 activation, and fibrin clot retraction. After the P2Y12 receptor-related signaling pathway was inhibited using the blocker, platelet activation was studied by platelet aggregation, CD62p expression, and PAC-1 activation. The secretion of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the expression of signaling pathway protein, phosphorylation of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein, and phosphorylation of Akt were investigated using western blotting. The release of platelet inflammatory mediators was measured using ELISA.

Results

TMP had an antiplatelet effect by inhibiting ADP-induced aggregation, P-selectin secretion, and glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa expression and reducing the release of atherosclerotic-related inflammatory mediators (sCD40L and IL-1β). TMP decreased the area of clot retraction, reflecting inhibition of GPIIb/IIIa activation. TMP inhibited adenosine diphosphate-induced platelet activation via increased cAMP production, VASP^ser157 phosphorylation, and Akt dephosphorylation.

Conclusion

TMP selectively inhibits ADP-induced platelet activation via P2Y₁₂ receptor-related signaling pathways.

Antioxidative role of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Parkinson's disease

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Neuroprotective Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been practiced in alternative medicine from early days. TCM-derived neuroprotective compounds, such as Chrysin, Cannabidiol, Toonasinoids, and β-asaron, exert significant effectiveness's towards Parkinson's disease (PD). Further, these neuroprotective TCM showed antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-septic, analgesic properties. Recent research showed that the reduction in the reactive oxygen species (ROS) decreased the α-synuclein (α-syn) toxicity and enhanced the dopaminergic neuron regenerations, the main hallmarks of PD. Therefore, the neuroprotective effects of novel TCM due to its antiradical activities needed deep investigations.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

This review aims to enlighten the neuroprotective TCM and its components with their antioxidative properties to the scientific community for future research.

METHOD

The relevant information on the neuroprotective TCM was gathered from scientific databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, SciFinder, Wiley Online Library, ACS Publications, and CNKI). Information was also gained from MS and Ph.D. thesis, books, and online databases. The literature cited in this review dates from 2001 to June 2, 0201.

RESULTS

Novel therapies for PD are accessible, mostly rely on Rivastigmine and Donepezil, offers to slow down the progression of disease at an early stage but embraces lots of disadvantages. Researchers are trying to find a potential drug against PD, which is proficient at preventing or curing the disease progress, but still needed to be further identified. Oxidative insult and mitochondrial dysfunction are thought to be the main culprit of neurodegenerations. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are the only causative agent in all interactions, leading to PD, from mitochondrial dysfunctions, α-syn aggregative toxicity, and DA neurons degenerations. It is evident from the redox balance, which seems an imperative therapeutic approach against PD and was necessary for the significant neuronal activities.

CONCLUSION

Our study is explaining the newly discovered TCM and their neuroprotective and antioxidative properties. But also bring up the possible treatment approaches against PD for future researchers.

Research Advances in Cardio-Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort

Cardio-cerebrovascular diseases (CVDs) are a serious threat to human health and account for 31% of global mortality. Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. (CX) is derived from umbellifer plants. Its rhizome, leaves, and fibrous roots are similar in composition but have different contents. It has been used in Japanese, Korean, and other traditional medicine for over 2000 years. Currently, it is mostly cultivated and has high safety and low side effects. Due to the lack of a systematic summary of the efficacy of CX in the treatment of CVDs, this article describes the material basis, molecular mechanism, and clinical efficacy of CX, as well as its combined application in the treatment of CVDs, and has been summarized from the perspective of safety. In particular, the pharmacological effect of CX in the treatment of CVDs is highlighted from the point of view of its mechanism, and the complex mechanism network has been determined to improve the understanding of CX's multi-link and multi-target therapeutic effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and endothelial cells. This article offers a new and modern perspective on the impact of CX on CVDs.

A comprehensive investigation on the chemical diversity and efficacy of different parts of Ligusticum chuanxiong

Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. (CX) is a medicinal and edible plant with a wide range of constituents of biological interest. Since the biomass of the non-medicinal parts of CX is huge, discarding them will cause a waste of resources. To expand the medicinal uses of CX, we comprehensively investigated the chemical diversity and efficacy of its different parts (rhizomes, fibrous roots, stems and leaves). 75 compounds in the volatile oil and 243 compounds in the methanol extracts (including 95 phthalides) obtained from CX were characterized by GC-MS and UHPLC/Q-Orbitrap MS analysis, respectively. Of 95 phthalides, 14 potential new compounds and 5 phthalide trimers were identified from CX for the first time. Phthalide monomers were more abundant in rhizomes and fibrous roots, and phthalide dimers or even phthalide trimers mainly in stems and leaves. By multivariate and univariate analyses, 22 and 24 different compounds were found in the volatile oils and the methanol extracts, respectively. In the bioactivity evaluation of different parts, stems and leaves showed the best antioxidant activity, fibrous roots showed the strongest vasodilator activity, and rhizomes showed the most significant anticoagulant activity, which was related to the different metabolites in different parts. Ultimately, this work revealed the similarities and differences of phytochemicals and bioactivities in different anatomical parts of CX. It might provide helpful evidence for the rational application of non-medicinal resources.

Structure basis of the caffeic acid O-methyltransferase from Ligusiticum chuanxiong to understand its selective mechanism

Caffeic acid O-methyltransferase from Ligusticum chuanxiong (LcCOMT) showed strict regiospecificity despite a relative degree of preference. Compared with caffeic acid, methyl caffeate was the preferential substrate by its low Km and high Kcat. In this study, we obtained the SAM binary (1.80 Å) and SAH binary (1.95 Å) complex LcCOMT crystal structures, and established the ternary complex structure with methyl caffeate by molecular docking. The active site of LcCOMT included phenolic substrate pocket, SAM/SAH ligand pocket and conserved catalytic residues as well. The regiospecificity of LcCOMT that permitted only 3-hydroxyl group to be methylated arise from the interactions between the active site and the phenyl ring. However, the propanoid tail governed the relative preference of LcCOMT. The ester group in methyl caffeate stabilized the anionic intermediate caused by His268-Asp269 pair, whereas caffeic acid was unable to stabilize the anionic intermediate due to the adjacent carboxylate anion in the propanoid tail. Ser183 residue formed an additional hydrogen bond with SAH and its role was identified by S183A mutation. Ile318 residue might be a potential site for determination of substrate preference, and its mutation led to the change of tertiary conformation. The results supported the selective mechanism of LcCOMT.

Targeting PI3K/AKT signaling for treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic progressive fibrotic interstitial pneumonia with unknown causes. The incidence rate increases year by year and the prognosis is poor without cure. Recently, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (PKB/AKT) signaling pathway can be considered as a master regulator for IPF. The contribution of the PI3K/AKT in fibrotic processes is increasingly prominent, with PI3K/AKT inhibitors currently under clinical evaluation in IPF. Therefore, PI3K/AKT represents a critical signaling node during fibrogenesis with potential implications for the development of novel anti-fibrotic strategies. This review epitomizes the progress that is being made in understanding the complex interpretation of the cause of IPF, and demonstrates that PI3K/AKT can directly participate to the greatest extent in the formation of IPF or cooperate with other pathways to promote the development of fibrosis. We further summarize promising PI3K/AKT inhibitors with IPF treatment benefits, including inhibitors in clinical trials and pre-clinical studies and natural products, and discuss how these inhibitors mitigate fibrotic progression to explore possible potential agents, which will help to develop effective treatment strategies for IPF in the near future.

Exploring the Potential Mechanism of Chuanxiong Rhizoma Treatment for Migraine Based on Systems Pharmacology

Migraine is a disease whose aetiology and mechanism are not yet clear. Chuanxiong Rhizoma (CR) is employed in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat various disorders. CR is effective for migraine, but its active compounds, drug targets, and exact molecular mechanism remain unclear. In this study, we used the method of systems pharmacology to address the above issues. We first established the drug-compound-target-disease (D-C-T-D) network and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network related to the treatment of migraine with CR and then established gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. The results suggest that the treatment process may be related to the regulation of inflammation and neural activity. The docking results also revealed that PTGS2 and TRPV1 could directly bind to the active compounds that could regulate them. In addition, we found that CR affected 11 targets that were more highly expressed in the liver or heart but were the lowest in the whole brain. It also expounds the description of CR channel tropism in TCM theory from these angles. These findings not only indicate that CR can be developed as a potential effective drug for the treatment of migraine but also demonstrate the application of systems pharmacology in the discovery of herbal-based disease therapies.

Three New Phthalide Glycosides from the Rhizomes of Cnidium officinale and Their Recovery Effect on Damaged Otic Hair Cells in Zebrafish

The extract from Cnidium officinale rhizomes was shown in a prior experiment to markedly recover otic hair cells in zebrafish damaged by neomycin. The current study was brought about to identify the principal metabolite. Column chromatography using octadecyl SiO₂ and SiO₂ was performed to isolate the major metabolites from the active fraction. The chemical structures were resolved on the basis of spectroscopic data, including NMR, IR, MS, and circular dichroism (CD) data. The isolated phthalide glycosides were assessed for their recovery effect on damaged otic hair cells in neomycin-treated zebrafish. Three new phthalide glycosides were isolated, and their chemical structures, including stereochemical characteristics, were determined. Two glycosides (0.1 μM) showed a recovery effect (p < 0.01) on otic hair cells in zebrafish affected by neomycin ototoxicity. Repeated column chromatography led to the isolation of three new phthalide glycosides, named ligusticosides C (1), D (2), and E (3). Ligusticoside C and ligusticoside E recovered damaged otic hair cells in zebrafish.

Senkyunolide I protect against lung injury via inhibiting formation of neutrophil extracellular trap in a murine model of cecal ligation and puncture

BACKGROUND

Senkyunolide I (SEI), a component of a Chinese herb named Ligusticum Chuanxiong hort, which is included in the formulation of Xuebijing Injection, a medication used to treat sepsis in China. Our previous study showed that SEI was protective against sepsis-associated encephalopathy and the present study was performed to investigate the role of SEI in sepsis-induced lung injury in a murine model of cecal ligation and puncture (CLP).

METHODS

SEI (36 mg/kg in 200 μl) or vehicle was administered immediately after CLP surgery. The lung injury was assessed 24 h later by histopathological tests, protein concentration in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), neutrophil recruitment in the lung tissue (myeloperoxidase fluorescence, MPO), pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative responses. Platelet activation was detected by CD42d/GP5 immunofluorescence and neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) were determined by immunofluorescence assays and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of MPO-DNA. In vitro experiments were performed to detect the level of MPO-DNA complex released by SEI-treated neutrophils stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) or co-cultured with platelets from CLP mice.

RESULTS

SEI administration relieved the injury degree in CLP mice according to the histopathological tests (P < 0.05 compared with DMSO + CLP group). Protein level in the BALF and neutrophil infiltration were remarkably reduced by SEI after CLP surgery (P < 0.05 compared with DMSO + CLP group). TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were decreased in the plasma and lung tissues from CLP mice treated with SEI (P < 0.05 compared with DMSO + CLP group). The phosphorylation of JNK, ERK, p38 and p65 were all inhibited by SEI (P < 0.05 compared with DMSO + CLP group). Immunofluorescence of MPO showed that neutrophil number was significantly lower in SEI treated CLP mice than in vehicle treated CLP mice (P < 0.05). The CD42d/GP5 staining suggested that platelet activation was significantly reduced and the NET level in the lung tissue and plasma was greatly attenuated by SEI treatment (P < 0.05 compared with DMSO + CLP group). In vitro experiments showed that the MPO-DNA level stimulated by PMA was significantly reduced by SEI treatment (P < 0.05 compared with DMSO treatment). Co-culture neutrophils with platelets from CLP mice resulted in higher level of MPO-DNA complex, while SEI partly reversed such effects of platelet on NET formation.

CONCLUSIONS

SEI was protective against lung injury induced by CLP in mice. The NET formation was significantly reduced by SEI treatment, which might be involved in the mechanism of the protective effect.

Chinese Herbal Medicine Usage Reduces Overall Mortality in HIV-Infected Patients With Osteoporosis or Fractures

The survival of patients with HIV has greatly improved, due to Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART). However, long-term HIV survivors often develop serious bone abnormalities, possibly due to the interplay of osteoblasts, osteoclasts, HIV ad ART. We evaluated in a nation-wide study in Taiwan the effect of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) on overall mortality in HIV patients with osteoporosis or fractures. Enrollment period was between 1998 and 2011. Patients with osteoporosis or fractures before the HIV infection, and those with less than 14 days CHM use, were excluded. This left 498 patients, 160 CHM users, 338 without CHM. Univariate Kaplan-Meier and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to compare the overall mortality in these 2 groups. Due to the nature of Chinese medicine, CHMs inevitably varied. We therefore also used rule mining and network analysis to determine which major CHM clusters were prescribed to the patients. CHM users had a much Lower mortality (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.43, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.24–0.77, p < 0.005) and higher survival (p = 0.004, log-rank test). Although the CHMs greatly varied, network analysis identified one main cluster of strongly related CHM combinations (Chuan-Xiong-Cha-Tiao-San (CXCTS), Gan-Cao (GC; Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.), Liu-He-Tang (LHT), Huang-Qin-Tang (HQT), Jia-Wei-Ping-Wei-San (JWPWS), and Dang-Gui-Long-Hui-Wan (DGLHuiW)). CHM as an additional treatment strongly improves overall survival in HIV-infected patients with osteoporosis and fractures.

Chemical composition and uterine smooth muscle relaxant activity of essential oils from 10 kinds of blood-activating and stasis-resolving Chinese medicinal herbs

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Dysmenorrhea is one of the most common gynecological problems among menstruating females. Blood-activating and stasis-resolving herbs (BASRHs) have been employed to be the first choice for treating dysmenorrhea in China. Especially, the essential oils of some BASRHs have been confirmed to play important roles in the treatment of dysmenorrhea, but the constituents and uterine smooth muscle relaxant activity of some commonly used BASRH essential oils have not been fully assessed, and whether there are differences in the constituents and anti-dysmenorrhea effect among BASRH essential oils has not been evaluated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to systematically investigate the chemical constituents of 10 BASRH essential oils and assess their uterine smooth muscle relaxant activity and the preliminary mechanism of the most effective essential oil.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The chemical constituents of 10 BASRH essential oils were analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer. A rat model of dysmenorrhea in vitro was established to investigate the uterine smooth muscle relaxant activity of 10 kinds of essential oils. Rat isolated uterus strips were given different dose of 10 kinds of essential oils (0.04, 0.08, 0.16 mg/mL). The contractile responses were recorded with Power Lab recording system, and contractile tension, contractile frequency, and contractile activity were evaluated. The preliminary mechanism of the essential oil of the rhizomes of Curcuma phaeocaulis Valeton (CPEO) was assessed using a rat model of dysmenorrhea in vivo and in vitro, and rats were given the CPEO (15, 30, and 60 mg/kg) by gavage. The level of Ca2+ in uterine tissue of rats was determined by methyl thyme phenol blue colorimetric and Bradford methods. The effects of CPEO on extracellular Ca2+ influx and intracellular Ca2+ release were evaluated using the isolated uterus.

RESULTS

The results of Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer analysis showed that more than 81 components (content: 1% max appearance) were identified. The main components of the 10 BASRH essential oils were found to be monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, diterpenoids, aromatics, aliphatics, and phthalides. The study of in vitro smooth muscle relaxant activity demonstrated that all the essential oils except the essential oil of the roots of Cyathula officinalis K.C.Kuan markedly decrease the contractile activity, tension, and frequency (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Among these oils, CPEO has the most pronounced effect. Further in vivo studies indicated that CPEO can significantly decrease the level of Ca2+ in uterine tissue when compared with the model group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). In vitro studies indicated that CPEO can inhibit the extracellular Ca2+ influx and intracellular Ca2+ release in favor of uterine relaxation.

CONCLUSIONS

BASRH essential oils play an important role in inhibiting uterine smooth muscle contractions, and sesquiterpenoids and phthalides in BASRH essential oils are important active compounds for relaxing uterine smooth muscle. CPEO is a favorable candidate for developing anti-dysmenorrhea drugs.

Natural Plant Extracts and Compounds for Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapy

Natural plant extracts and compounds (NPECs), which originate from herbs or plants, have been used in the clinical treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for many years. Over the years, many scientists have carried out a series of studies on the treatment of RA by NPEC. They found a high quantity of active NPECs with broad application prospects. In view of various complex functions of these NPECs, exploring their potential as medicines for RA treatment will be beneficial for RA patients. Thus, to help advance the development of high-quality NPECs for RA, we herein aimed to review the research progress of NPECs in the treatment of RA in recent years. Our findings showed that, from the pharmacological perspective, natural plant extracts or mixed herbal compounds effectively regulate the immune system to alleviate RA by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines. Further, individualized medication can be applied according to each patient's physical condition. However, the pathogenesis of RA and its immune mechanism has not been fully understood and requires further studies.

Uncovering dynamic evolution in the plastid genome of seven Ligusticum species provides insights into species discrimination and phylogenetic implications

Ligusticum L., one of the largest members in Apiaceae, encompasses medicinally important plants, the taxonomic statuses of which have been proved to be difficult to resolve. In the current study, the complete chloroplast genomes of seven crucial plants of the best-known herbs in Ligusticum were presented. The seven genomes ranged from 148,275 to 148,564 bp in length with a highly conserved gene content, gene order and genomic arrangement. A shared dramatic decrease in genome size resulted from a lineage-specific inverted repeat (IR) contraction, which could potentially be a promising diagnostic character for taxonomic investigation of Ligusticum, was discovered, without affecting the synonymous rate. Although a higher variability was uncovered in hotspot divergence regions that were unevenly distributed across the chloroplast genome, a concatenated strategy for rapid species identification was proposed because separate fragments inadequately provided variation for fine resolution. Phylogenetic inference using plastid genome-scale data produced a concordant topology receiving a robust support value, which revealed that L. chuanxiong had a closer relationship with L. jeholense than L. sinense, and L. sinense cv. Fuxiong had a closer relationship to L. sinense than L. chuanxiong, for the first time. Our results not only furnish concrete evidence for clarifying Ligusticum taxonomy but also provide a solid foundation for further pharmaphylogenetic investigation.

Processing methods and mechanisms for alkaloid-rich Chinese herbal medicines: A review

The processing of Chinese herbal medicine is a form of pharmaceutical technology developed over thousands of years, in order to increase efficiency and decrease toxicity of herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Herbal processing is essential for safe and effective application of TCM in clinical practice, as it alters the active chemical components and therefore the functions of herbal medicines. Alkaloid-rich herbal medicines in TCM are commonly processed by cleansing, cutting, processing by dry stir-frying, stir-frying with liquid adjuvants, and processing by water decoction. In addition, commonly used adjuvants for processing alkaloid-rich herbal medicines are river sand, wine, vinegar, brine, honey and herbal juice. For alkaloid-rich herbal medicines, the main chemical reactions that occur during processing include hydrolysis, oxidation, replacement, decomposition and condensation. This paper aimed to summarize the processing methods and mechanisms for alkaloid-rich Chinese herbal medicines, and provide much-needed theoretical support and scientific evidence for understanding those mechanisms and effects. Information on processing methods for alkaloid-rich herbal medicines was collected from classic books of herbal medicine, PhD and MSc dissertations, online scientific databases including PubMed, SciFinder, Scopus, Web of Science, Baidu Scholar and Google Scholar. This paper should help to advance our knowledge of the processing mechanisms and aid in the development of processing methods for alkaloid-rich Chinese herbal medicines.

Dose Correlation of Danggui and Chuanxiong Drug Pairs in the Chinese Medicine Prescription Based on the Copula Function

Dosage is essential for studying the compatibility and effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine. Danggui and Chuanxiong are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for ailments and treatment of various disorders. 628 traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions containing Danggui and Chuanxiong were extracted from the self-built prescription database and screened for the three groups of prescriptions, i.e., irregular menstruation, sores, and stroke. We processed and tested the dosage of Danggui and Chuanxiong and selected the optimal copula function, Gumbel copula function, from the Archimedes function family and elliptical copula function family to establish the data model. To establish the presence of a correlation between the dose of Danggui and Chuanxiong, a graph of the joint distribution function of rank correlation coefficients, Kendall's rank correlation coefficient and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, was used. Our results suggest that the model using the Gumbel copula function better reflects the correlation between the dose of Danggui and Chuanxiong. For irregular menstruation, sores, and strokes, Kendall's rank correlation coefficients were 0.6724, 0.5930, and 0.7757, respectively, and Spearman's correlation coefficients were 0.8536, 0.7812, and 0.9285, respectively. In all three prescription groups, the dose of Danggui and Chuanxiong was positively correlated, implying that, as the dosage of one drug increases, the dosage of the other increases as well. From the perspective of data mining and mathematical statistics, the use of the copula function model to evaluate the correlation between the prescribed dosage of the two drugs was innovative and provided a new model for the scientific interpretation of the compatibility of traditional drugs. This might also serve to guide the clinical use of traditional Chinese medicine.

Total alkaloids from the rhizomes of Ligusticum striatum: a review of chemical analysis and pharmacological activities

Rhizome Chuanxiong (RCX), the dried rhizomes of Ligusticum striatum DC., is a geoauthentic TCM herb distributed in Sichuan province of China that possesses efficacy in promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis and alleviating pain. Rhizome Chuanxiong total alkaloids (RCXTAs) are one of the major characteristic constituents of RCX with the effects of antimigraine, neuroprotective, cardioprotective and other cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Over the past years, rapid development of technology has advanced some aspects of RCXTAs. The aim of this review is to illustrate the recent advances in the chemical analysis and biological activities of RCXTAs, and to highlight new challenges.

Three new compounds from the rhizome of Ligusticum chuanxiong and their anti-inflammation activities

Phytochemical investigation of the rhizome of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort led to the isolation and identification of three new compounds, chuanxiongoside A, (2E,4E)-8-(6-O-inositolyl)-8-oxo-2,7-dimethyl-octadienoic acid (2), chuanxiongoside C (3). The structures of these compounds were unambiguously established by HR-ESI-MS, UV, IR, CD, NMR spectral data and comparison to reported data. All the isolated compounds (1-3) were investigated for their inhibitory effects on nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. All compounds showed excellent inhibition of NO production stronger than curcumin. [Formula: see text].

Characterization of thrombin/factor Xa inhibitors in Rhizoma Chuanxiong through UPLC-MS-based multivariate statistical analysis

Background

The dry root and rhizome of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort., or Chuanxiong, has been used as a blood-activating and stasis-removing traditional Chinese medicine for 1000 years. Our previous studies have shown the inhibitory activity on platelet and thrombin (THR) of Chuanxiong. THR and factor Xa (FXa) play significant roles in the coagulation cascade and their inhibitors are of valuable in the treatment of thromboembolic diseases. The aim of the present study is to screen THR and FXa inhibitors from Chuanxiong.

Methods

Four extracts [ethyl acetate (EA), butanol (BA) and remained extract (RE) from 75% ethanol extract, and water extract (WE)] of Chuanxiong were prepared, and their THR/FXa inhibitory activities were assessed in vitro. Following silica-gel column chromatography (SC), the active EA extract and BA extract was further partitioned, respectively. Their active fractions (EA-SC1 to EA-SC5; BA-SC1 to BA-SC5) were obtained and analyzed by LC–MS. After modeling by the principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminate analysis (OPLS-DA), the specific marker compounds were predicted and identified. Their enzyme inhibitory was assessed in vitro and interactions with THR/FXa were investigated by molecular docking analysis.

Results

Chuanxiong EA extract showed strong activity against THR and BA extract was more effective in inhibiting FXa activity, and their fractions exhibited obvious difference in enzyme inhibitory activity. Furthermore, marker compounds a–h were predicted by PCA and OPLS-DA, and their chemical structures were identified. Among them, senkyunolide A, Z-ligustilide, ferulic acid and senkyunolide I (IC₅₀ was determined as 0.77 mM) with potential THR inhibitory activity, as well as isochlorogenic acid A with FXa inhibitory activity were screened out. It was found that the four components could interact with the active site of THR, and the binding energy was lower than − 5 kcal/mol. Isochlorogenic acid A were bound to the active site of FXa, and the binding energy was − 9.39 kcal/mol. The IC₅₀ was determined as 0.56 mM.

Conclusions

THR/FXa inhibitory components in different extracts of Chuanxiong were successfully characterized by the method of enzyme inhibition activity assays with ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry-based multivariate statistical analysis.

Neophathalides A and B, two pairs of unusual phthalide analog enantiomers from Ligusticum chuanxiong

Two pairs of unusual phthalide analog enantiomers, (+)- and (-)-neophathalides A and B [(+)- and (-)-1 and 2], were isolated from the rhizome of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. Notably, neophathalide A presented a novel spiro-[4.5]dec-6-ene skeleton that originated from an aldol condensation process from sedanonic acid. Neophathalide B is an unprecedented 3-substituted phthalide analog that possesses a four-membered lactone ring system. The structures of the compounds were established using UV, IR, HRESIMS, NMR and ECD methods. All of the compounds were evaluated for their hepatoprotective activity against N-acetyl-p-aminophenol-induced HepG2 cell injury. Compounds 1a, 1b, and 2a exhibited moderate hepatoprotective activity compared with the positive control drug bicyclol at a concentration of 10 μM (p < 0.01).

Pro-angiogenic activity of Tongnao decoction on HUVECs in vitro and zebrafish in vivo

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Tongnao Decoction (TND) is a Chinese decoction approved and used in Jiangsu Province Hospital for the treatment of ischemic stroke. It shows conclusive efficiency in the improvement of neurologic impairment and activities of daily living of the patients.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Recently, angiogenesis has been recognized as a potential therapeutic strategy for treating cerebral ischemia. This study was aimed to provide comprehensive evidence for the pro-angiogenic effect of TND and characterize the underlying mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We firstly established the chemical fingerprinting of TND. Then, the in vitro pro-angiogenic activities of TND were tested on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) through cell viability, wound healing and tube formation assays. The in vivo pro-angiogenic effects were evaluated on transgenic zebrafish embryos [Tg (fli-1: EGFP)] through the formation of intersegmental vessels (ISVs), subintestinal vessels (SIVs) and central arteries (CtAs). Lastly, the potential mechanisms of TND were analyzed by a blocking assay with eight pathways-specific kinase inhibitors.

RESULTS

TND promoted the proliferation, migration and tube formation of HUVECs. TND also rescued the impairment of ISVs, SIVs and CtAs caused by VRI in a dose-dependent manner in zebrafish embryos. TND could activate vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) - protein kinase B (Akt) and Raf - mitogen-activated protein kinase1/2 (MEK1/2) - extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling pathways.

CONCLUSION

Our study firstly demonstrated the pro-angiogenic activities of TND. Our work provided evidences for the clinical usage of TND in restoring neurovascular function through promoting angiogenesis in the ischemic cerebral microvascular.

Knowledge Mapping of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels (Danggui) Research: A Scientometric Study

BACKGROUND

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been widely accepted and applied worldwide, and many publications related to Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels (AS, Chinese name is "Danggui") have been published. However, to date, there has not been a scientometric study to systematically analyze the intellectual landscape and emerging research trends regarding AS. Therefore, we performed a scientometric study to address this gap.

METHODS

Publications related to AS published from 2009 to 2018 were identified and selected from the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection on May 30, 2019 using relevant keywords. HistCite, CiteSpace, and Excel 2016 software tools were used to conduct this scientometric study.

RESULTS

Seven hundred and sixty-seven articles (including 717 primary articles and 60 review articles) and their cited references were included and analyzed. The majority of publications (N = 565, 73.7%) were published in mainland China, with Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine contributing the most publications (N = 42, 5.5%). The first core journal was Journal of Ethnopharmacology (N = 58, 7.6%; impact factor = 3.414). The identification and assessment of active components (like ferulic acid) of AS and their pharmacological actions (such as immunomodulatory effects) are the current research foci for AS research.

CONCLUSION

The present scientometric study provides an overview of the development of AS research over the previous decade using quantitative and qualitative methods, and this overview can provide references for researchers focusing on AS.

Chuanxiong (Rhizome of Ligusticum chuanxiong) Protects Ovariectomized Hyperlipidemic Rats from Bone Loss

Oxidative stress (OS) is the common mechanism for age-related diseases. The co-occurrence of osteoporosis (OP) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in postmenopausal women makes it warranted to find a holistic approach for treatment of multiple diseases or conditions. The rhizome of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. (CX), which has high anti-oxidant properties and is widely used for CVD treatment in China, might be the potential candidate. In the present study, CX ethanol extract (CXE) was applied to H₂O₂ induced MG63 cells to study its effects and mechanisms on osteoblastogenesis against OS. CXE was then administered to six-month-old Sprague Dawley sham or ovariectomized (OVX) rats fed either a low saturated fat-sucrose (LFS) or a high fat-sucrose (HFS) diet for 12 weeks, to confirm its anti-osteoporotic effects. The results demonstrated that CXE directly improved proliferation and differentiation in vitro in an H₂O₂-induced osteoblast cell model by attenuating cellular reactive oxygen species levels and inhibiting osteoblast apoptosis via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. CXE significantly improved bone properties as revealed by the increase in trabecular bone mineral density and decrease in trabecular separation at proximal metaphysis of the tibia (PT) in HFS-fed OVX rats but not in LFS-fed OVX rats. CXE ameliorated dyslipidemia, greatly reduced lipid deposition and malondialdehyde levels, improved activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase in the livers of HFS-fed OVX rats. In conclusion, CXE could favor osteoblastogenesis against OS. The ability of CXE to reduce bone loss in HFS-fed OVX rats was associated with its abilities to correct dyslipidemia, and reduce lipid deposition and OS levels.

Hyphenated chromatography detection and compound-target-disease investigation on herb-pair Chuanxiong Rhizoma - Xiangfu Rhizoma

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE

The combination of Chuanxiong Rhizoma (Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort., umbelliferae) with Xiangfu Rhizoma (the rhizoma of Cyperus rotundus L., Cyperaceae), is deemed as CR-XR herb-pair (Yaodui) in China. Their compatible mechanism needs a further research using modern analytical techniques and bioinformatic tool.

METHODS

Head Space- Solid Phase Micro Extraction coupled with Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometer detection (HS-SPME-GC/MS) and Liquid Chromatography coupled to quadrupole Time of Flight - Mass Spectrometry (LC-qTOF-MS) were applied in an accurate identification of the absorbed phytochemicals in mice serum; Their potential targets were available after compound-protein interaction (CPI) prediction and molecular docking verification; Then the corresponding disease types, as well as the relevant Traditional Chinese Medicine (Zhongyi) syndromes (Zheng), were matched from databases and references.

RESULTS

Resolution from hyphenated chromatographic datasets, thirty-eight phytochemicals were detected in serum samples from mice. Seventy potential target proteins were thereby found through a bioinformatic calculation, which mainly focused on circulatory, endocrine and nervous diseases in Western medicine, also related with Qizhi and Xueyu Zheng from the perspective of Zhongyi. Part of the relationships among compound-Target-Disease have been confirmed by literatures. These virtual data were sketched out as 'The active Compound - potential Target' network, 'Target - Disease' network and 'Target - Zhongyi Disease' network, in which the network topology was used to analyze them.

CONCLUSIONS

Our work successfully explained the compatible mechanism of CR-XR Yaodui, which exert 'multi-components, multi targets' in treating Qizhi and Xueyu Zheng.

Alkaloids from the rhizomes of Ligusticum striatum exert antimigraine effects through regulating 5-HT1B receptor and c-Jun

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Migraine is a prevalent, complex, painful, and disabling neurovascular disorder that places an enormous social and economic burden on patients. Rhizome Chuanxiong (RCX), the dried rhizomes of Ligusticum striatum DC., has been widely used in the clinic for the treatment of migraine for centuries in China. Total alkaloids (TAs) are considered to be important effective ingredients of L. striatum, especially for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. However, there has been no study published, to date, reporting the antimigraine effects of TAs from RCX (RCXTAs).

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study was designed to evaluate the antimigraine effects of RCXTAs and explore the underlying mechanisms in an experimental migraine rat model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

RCXTAs were prepared in accordance with our previous optimized preparation process. A nitroglycerin-induced migraine model in rats and a reserpine-induced migraine model in mice were established to investigate the effects of RCXTAs on monoamine neurotransmitters in brain tissue, including 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and its metabolite (5-HIAA). Migraine rats or mice were divided into six groups as follows: control; model; zolmitriptan (1.67 mg/kg); and low-, medium-, and high-dose RCXTAs (12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg, respectively). The levels of 5-HT and 5-HIAA in the brains of rats and mice were determined by using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Pathological changes in the brains of migraine rats were examined by immunohistochemistry. The protein expression of 5-HT_1B receptor, c-Fos, and c-Jun in the periaqueductal gray (PAG) of migraine rats was measured by Western blot.

RESULTS

After preventive administration of RCXTAs to the nitroglycerin-induced migraine rats, the levels of 5-HT and 5-HIAA in the brain tissue were generally upregulated in all three RCXTA dose groups, a finding that was similar to that observed in the control group. Additionally, the 5-HT and 5-HIAA levels were significantly increased in the medium- and high-dose RCXTA groups when compared with the model group (p < 0.01). Therapeutical administration of RCXTAs to reserpine-induced migraine mice also inhibited the reduction of 5-HT and 5-HIAA in the brain (p < 0.01). Both immunohistochemistry and Western blot tests showed that RCXTAs pretreatment has significantly upregulated 5-HT_1B receptor expression and downregulated c-Jun expression in the nitroglycerin-induced migraine rats.

CONCLUSIONS

RCXTAs exerted significant preventive and therapeutic effects on migraine via increasing the levels of 5-HT and 5-HIAA. Upregulation of the expression of monoamine neurotransmitter 5-HT_1B receptor and downregulation of the expression of c-Jun were the possible mechanisms.