Extraction Optimization, Characterization, and Bioactivities of Polysaccharides from Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum Cum Alumine Employing Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction

Untargeted Metabolomics Based on Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Quadrupole Orbitrap High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry for Differential Metabolite Analysis of Pinelliae Rhizoma and Its Adulterants

The present study investigates the chemical composition variances among Pinelliae Rhizoma, a widely used Chinese herbal medicine, and its common adulterants including Typhonium flagelliforme, Arisaema erubescens, and Pinellia pedatisecta. Utilizing the non-targeted metabolomics technique of employing UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS, this research aims to comprehensively delineate the metabolic profiles of Pinelliae Rhizoma and its adulterants. Multivariate statistical methods including PCA and OPLS-DA are employed for the identification of differential metabolites. Volcano plot analysis is utilized to discern upregulated and downregulated compounds. KEGG pathway analysis is conducted to elucidate the differences in metabolic pathways associated with these compounds, and significant pathway enrichment analysis is performed. A total of 769 compounds are identified through metabolomics analysis, with alkaloids being predominant, followed by lipids and lipid molecules. Significant differential metabolites were screened out based on VIP > 1 and p-value < 0.05 criteria, followed by KEGG enrichment analysis of these differential metabolites. Differential metabolites between Pinelliae Rhizoma and Typhonium flagelliforme, as well as between Pinelliae Rhizoma and Pinellia pedatisecta, are significantly enriched in the biosynthesis of amino acids and protein digestion and absorption pathways. Differential metabolites between Pinelliae Rhizoma and Arisaema erubescens are mainly enriched in tyrosine metabolism and phenylalanine metabolism pathways. These findings aim to provide valuable data support and theoretical references for further research on the pharmacological substances, resource development and utilization, and quality control of Pinelliae Rhizoma.

In vivo absorption, in vitro simulated digestion and fecal fermentation properties of polysaccharides from Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum Cum Alumine and their effects on human gut microbiota

Polysaccharides from Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum Cum Alumine (PPA) have various biological activities, but their properties after oral administration are not clear. In this study, the absorption, digestion and fermentation properties of PPA were studied using in vivo fluorescence tracking, in vitro simulated digestion and fecal fermentation experiments. The absorption experiment showed that fluorescence was only observed in the gastrointestinal system, indicating that PPA could not be absorbed. Simulated digestion results showed that there were no significant changes in the molecular weight, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectrum, monosaccharides and reducing sugar of PPA during the digestion process, showing that the overall structure of PPA was not damaged. However, the carbohydrate gel electrophoresis bands of PPA enzymatic hydrolysates after simulated digestion were significantly changed, indicating that simulated digestion might impact the configuration of PPA. In vitro fermentation showed that PPA could be degraded by microorganisms to produce short chain fatty acids, leading to a decrease in pH value. PPA can promote the proliferation of Bacteroideaceae, Megasphaera, Bacteroideaceae, and Bifidobacteriaceae, and inhibit the growth of Desulfobacteriota and Enterobacteriaceae. The results indicated that PPA could treat diseases by regulating gut microbiota, providing a scientific basis for the application and development of PPA.

Response Surface Optimization of Polysaccharides from Jaboticaba (Myrciaria cauliflora [Mart.] O.Berg) Fruits: Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction, Structure Properties, and Antioxidant/Hypoglycemic Activities

Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) method proves to be more effective compared to traditional extraction methods. In the present study, response surface methodology (RSM) was used to determine the optimal process parameters for extracting polysaccharides (U-MCP) from jaboticaba fruit using UAE. The optimum extraction conditions were ultrasonic time 70 min, extraction temperature 60 °C, and power 350 W. Under these conditions, the sugar content of U-MCP was 52.8 %. The molecular weights of the ultrasound-assisted extracted U-MCP ranged from 9.52×102 to 3.27×103  Da, and consisted of five monosaccharides including mannose, galacturonic acid, glucose, galactose, and arabinose. Moreover, in vitro antioxidant and hypoglycaemic assay revealed that U-MCP has prominent anti-oxidant activities (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radicals, hydroxyl radicals and 2,2'-Azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic Acid Ammonium Salt) (ABTS) radicals scavenging activities) and hypoglycemic activities (α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition activities).

The great potential of polysaccharides from natural resources in the treatment of asthma: A review

Despite significant progress in diagnosis and treatment, asthma remains a serious public health challenge. The conventional therapeutic drugs for asthma often have side effects and unsatisfactory clinical efficacy. Therefore, it is very urgent to develop new drugs to overcome the shortcomings of conventional drugs. Natural polysaccharides provide enormous resources for the development of drugs or health products, and they are receiving a lot of attention from scientists around the world due to their safety, effective anti-inflammatory and immune regulatory properties. Increasing evidence shows that polysaccharides have favorable biological activities in the respiratory disease, including asthma. This review provides an overview of primary literature on the recent advances of polysaccharides from natural resources in the treatment of asthma. The mechanisms and practicability of polysaccharides, including polysaccharides from plants, fungus, bacteria, alga, animals and others are reviewed. Finally, the further research of polysaccharides in the treatment of asthma are discussed. This review can provide a basis for further study of polysaccharides in the treatment of asthma and provides guidance for the development and clinical application of novel asthma treatment drugs.

Assessment of cytotoxicity, acute, subacute toxicities and antioxidant activities (in vitro) of Sanghuangporus vaninii crude polysaccharide

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE

Sanghuangporus vaninii (S. vaninii), as a traditional large medicinal fungus, has a history of more than 2000 years in Chinese history and has been widely used to treat female diseases such as vaginal discharge, amenorrhea, and uterine bleeding, and recent pharmacological studies have also found that it has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor physiological activity, which has received more and more attention.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The objective was to evaluate cytotoxicity and the acute, subacute toxicity, and in vitro antioxidant activity of S. vaninii crude polysaccharide (SVP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The monosaccharide composition of SVP was determined by HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography). The cytotoxicity of different concentrations of SVP on three types of cells (HT-22, Kupffer macrophages, HEK293) was assessed using CCk-8. The acute toxicity in vivo was evaluated for 14 days after the administration of SVP (2500,5000, or 10,000 mg/mL). For the evaluation of subacute toxicity, mice were daily treated for 28 days with SVP (2500,5000, or 10,000 mg/mL). In addition, DPPH, hydroxyl radical, and superoxide anion radical were used to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant activity of SVP.

RESULTS

SVP was not toxic in all three cell lines tested. In vitro antioxidant tests on the extracts showed that SVP possessed a strong antioxidant capacity in vitro. In the acute study, the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) in male and female rats was 10，000 mg/kg body weight. There were also no deaths or severe toxicity associated with SVP in subacute studies. However, SVP treatment had a decreasing effect on body weight in mice of both sexes (2500, 5000, and 10000 mg/kg). At doses (5000 and 10,000 mg/kg), SVP had a reduced effect on food intake in both male and female mice. In addition, there were significant effects on organ coefficients of the liver, lung, and kidney. Hematological analysis showed significantly lower LYM (%) values in mice of both sexes, with significantly lower MCH (pg) values obtained in males (5000 mg/kg and 10000 mg/kg) and higher GRAN (%) values in females. In addition, the RDW-SD (fL) values were significantly lower in the male mice given the highest dose. Biochemical tests showed that there were no significant changes in ALT, AST, TP, and Cr levels after SVP treatment. In histopathological analysis, mild liver toxicity was observed in both female mice treated with 10,000 mg/kg SVP.

CONCLUSION

The extract of SVP showed a predominance of polysaccharide compounds, with non-toxic action in vivo. Our approach revealed SVP on the chemical composition and suggests a high margin of safety in the popular use of medicinal fungi. In conclusion, our results suggest that SVP is safe, and can be used as health care products and food.

Extraction, Purification, and Structural Characterization of Polysaccharides from Sanghuangporus vaninii with Anti-Inflammatory Activity

In order to obtain homogeneous Sanghuangporus vaninii polysaccharides with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, a response surface method (RSM) was used to compare the polysaccharide extraction rate of hot water extraction and ultrasonic-assisted extraction from Sanghuangporus vaninii. The optimal conditions for ultrasonic-assisted extraction were determined as follows: an extraction temperature of 60 °C, an extraction time of 60 min, a solid-liquid ratio of 40 g/mL, and an ultrasonic power of 70 W. An SVP (Sanghuangporus vaninii polysaccharides) extraction rate of 1.41% was achieved. Five homogeneous monosaccharides were obtained by gradient ethanol precipitation with diethylaminoethyl-cellulose (DEAE) and SephadexG-100 separation and purification. The five polysaccharides were characterized by high performance liquid chromatography, the ultraviolet spectrum, the Fourier transform infrared spectrum, TG (thermogravimetric analysis), the Zeta potential, and SEM (scanning electron microscopy). The five polysaccharides had certain levels of antioxidant activity in vitro. In addition, we the investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of polysaccharides derived from Sanghuangporus vaninii on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells and Kupffer cells. Further, we found that SVP-60 significantly inhibited the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells and promoted the level of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Our study provides theoretical support for the potential application of Sanghuangporus vaninii in the field of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in vitro.

Enzyme-assisted extraction, characterization, and in vitro antioxidant activity of polysaccharides from Potentilla anserina L

Introduction

Potentilla anserina (Potentilla anserina L.), also known as ginseng fruit, is a plant that can be used as both medicine and food. Potentilla anserina L. has high medical value in Chinese medicine, such as strengthening the spleen and stomach, replenishing qi and blood, and astringing hemostasis.

Methods

In this study, polysaccharides of Potentilla anserina L. were extracted from the root using an enzyme-assisted extraction method. According to the principle of Box-Behnken design, response surface methodology was designed to optimize the extraction conditions. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to investigate the structure and appearance of Potentilla anserina L. polysaccharides. The monosaccharide composition of Potentilla anserina L. polysaccharides was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. The antioxidant activities were also studied.

Results

Under the optimal extraction conditions (the ratio of solid to liquid, 1:15; ratio of cellulase to pectinase, 1:2; extraction pH, 8.0; enzyme reaction temperature, 60°C), the extraction yield of Potentilla anserina L. polysaccharides was 19.80 ± 0.01%, equal to the model prediction value 19.84%. The data of Fourier transform infrared spectrum, scanning electron microscopy, and high-performance liquid chromatography showed that the Potentilla anserina L. polysaccharide was a kind of α-pyran polysaccharide, mainly consisting of galactose, glucose, rhamnose, and arabinose. The antioxidant results showed that Potentilla anserina L. polysaccharides had a strong hydroxyl radical scavenging ability (IC₅₀ = 0.367 mg/mL), superoxide anion scavenging ability (IC₅₀ = 45.017 mg/mL), and a certain degree of total reducing ability.

Discussion

Enzyme-assisted extraction is an efficient method to extract Potentilla anserina L. polysaccharides. The Potentilla anserina L. polysaccharides could have potential use in functional foods as a natural antioxidant.

Detection of dextran, maltodextrin and soluble starch in the adulterated Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and machine learning models

Due to the similar chemical structures and physicochemical properties, it is challenging to distinguish dextran, maltodextrin, and soluble starch from the polysaccharide products of plant origin, such as Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs). Using the first-order derivatives of Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR, wave range 1800-400 cm^-1), this study proposed a two-step pipeline to identify dextran, maltodextrin, and soluble starch from adulterated LBPs samples qualitatively and quantitatively. We applied principal component analysis (PCA) to reduce the dimensionality of FTIR features. For the qualitative step, a set of machine learning models, including logistic regression, support vector machine (SVM), Naïve Bayes, and partial least squares (PLS), were used to classify the adulterants. For the quantitative step, linear regression, LASSO, random forest, and PLS were used to predict the concentration of LBPs adulterants. The results showed that logistic regression and SVM are suitable for classifying adulterants, and random forests is superior for predicting adulterant concentrations. This would be the first attempt to discriminate the adulterants from the polysaccharide's product of plant origin. The proposed two-step methods can be easily extended to other applications for the quantitative and qualitative detection of samples from adulterants with similar chemical structures.

Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit. Attenuates the allergic airway inflammation of cold asthma via inhibiting the activation of TLR4-medicated NF-kB and NLRP3 signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit. (PT) has been demonstrated to be effective against the allergic airway inflammation (AAI) in clinical practices, especially in cold asthma (CA). Until now, the active ingredients, protective effect, and possible mechanism of PT against CA remain unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this investigation was to examine the therapeutic impact and elucidate the underlying mechanism of PT on the AAI of CA.

METHODS

The compositions of PT water extract were determined via the UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. The ovalbumin (OVA) and cold-water baths were used to induce CA in female mice. Morphological characteristic observations, expectorant effect, bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR), excessive mucus secretion, and inflammatory factors were used to uncover the treatment effect of PT water extract. In addition, the mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) mRNA and protein levels and the aquaporin 5 (AQP5) mRNA and protein levels were detected via qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and western blotting. Moreover, the protein expressions associated with the TLR4, NF-κB, and NLRP3 signaling pathway were monitored by western blot analysis.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight compounds were identified from PT water extract. PT showed significant therapeutic effects on mice with cold asthma in terms of expectorant activity, histopathological changes, airway inflammation, mucus secretion, and hyperreactivity. PT exhibited good anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo. The expression levels of MUC5AC mRNA and protein decreased significantly, while AQP5 expression levels increased significantly in the lung tissues of mice after administration with PT as compared to mice induced by CA. Furthermore, the protein expressions of TLR4, p-iκB, p-p65, IL-1β, IL-18, NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1, and ASC were markedly reduced following PT treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

PT attenuated the AAI of CA by modulating Th1- and Th2-type cytokines. PT could inhibit the TLR4-medicated NF-kB signaling pathway and activate the NLRP3 inflammasome to reduce CA. This study provides an alternative therapeutic agent of the AAI of CA after administration with PT.

Pinellia genus: A systematic review of active ingredients, pharmacological effects and action mechanism, toxicological evaluation, and multi-omics application

The dried tuber of Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit, Pinelliae Rhizoma (PR, also named 'Banxia' in Chinese), is widely used in traditional medicine. This review aims to provide detail summary of active ingredients, pharmacological effects, toxic ingredients, detoxification strategies, and omic researches, etc. Pharmacological ingredients from PR are mainly classified into six categories: alkaloids, amino acids, polysaccharides, phenylpropanoids, essential oils, and glucocerebrosides. Diversity of chemical composition determines the broad-spectrum efficacy and gives a foundation for the comprehensive utilization of P. ternata germplasm resources. The pharmacological compounds are involved in inhibition of cancer cells by targeting various pathways, including activation of immune system, inhibition of proliferation and cycle, induction of apoptosis, and inhibition of angiogenesis. The pharmacological components of PR act on nervous system by targeting neurotransmitters, activating immune system, decreasing apoptosis, and increasing redox system. Lectins, one major class of the toxic ingredients extracted from raw PR, possess significant toxic effects on human cells. Inflammatory factors, cytochrome P450 proteins (CYP) family enzymes, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling factors, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling factors, and nervous system, are considered to be the target sites of lectins. Recently, omic analysis is widely applied in Pinellia genus studies. Plastome genome-based molecular markers are deeply used for identifying and resolving phylogeny of Pinellia genus plants. Various omic works revealed and functional identified a series of environmental stress responsive factors and active component biosynthesis-related genes. Our review summarizes the recent progress in active and toxic ingredient evaluation, pharmacological effects, detoxification strategies, and functional gene identification and accelerates efficient utilization of this traditional herb.

A review of traditional and current processing methods used to decrease the toxicity of the rhizome of Pinellia ternata in traditional Chinese medicine

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The rhizome of Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit, called Pinelliae Rhizoma (PR) and Banxia in Chinese, is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with the functions of "removing dampness-phlegm" and "downbear counterflow and check vomiting". PR has potential toxic effects that can be detoxified by Fuzhi processing (repeated processing using one or multiple adjuvants) with specific adjuvants.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This paper aims to provide a summary of traditional and current processing methods used to detoxify PR.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The available references of the processing methods of PR from the classic books of Materia Medica, literature, online databases and masters or doctoral theses are collected and summarized. We also discussed the possible processing mechanisms of how we can achieve a safer and effective application of PR via these processing methods.

RESULTS

PR cannot be administered orally before processing. PR contains nucleoside alkaloids, cerebrosides, fatty acids, lectin, polysaccharides, and calcium oxalate crystals. To date, although the active substances of PR are still unclear, the toxic components are almost completely clarified as needle-like calcium oxalate crystals (NCOCs) and lectin proteins. Furthermore, the toxic effects of PR include causing death in animals, inflammation, conjunctival irritation, pregnancy toxicity, teratogenicity, visceral toxicity, aphonia and vomiting. From ancient times to now, Fuzhi methods have remained the predominant method for PR processing, and the main adjuvants used are ginger juice, alum, licorice and lime. In addition, detoxification mechanisms are related to removing or damaging the NCOC and lectin in PR based on processing with adjuvants. Currently, Fuzhi processing has been greatly improved, and novel processing technologies with novel adjuvants have been used for PR processing. However, there are still some flaws in PR processing, which should be urgently solved in the future, and clarifying the characteristic bioactive compounds in PR corresponding to its function or effects is the most important step for PR processing.

CONCLUSION

Our present paper reviewed the previous literature regarding all aspects of the processing of PR, and this paper will be helpful for achieving a safer and effective application of PR and its processed products and will also be beneficial for the further optimization of processing technology and clinical medication safety of PR.

Cellular Antioxidant Properties of Ischnoderma Resinosum Polysaccharide

A predominant polysaccharide isolated from Ischnoderma resinosum underwent evaluation for its capacity to scavenge free radicals and its potential antioxidant properties at a cellular-oriented level. This proved that Ischnoderma resinosum polysaccharide (IRP) remarkably curtailed AAPH-induced erythrocyte hemolysis through the inhibition of the generation of ROS (p < 0.05). Rather, it caused the restoration of intracellular antioxidant enzyme (SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT) activities at an acceptable pace and the silencing of intracellular MDA formation, as well as the rescaling of LDH leakage. Furthermore, a model of oxidative stress in HepG2 cells was established by adopting 400 μM of hydrogen peroxide, which suggested that IRP manifests promising antioxidant activity. Notably, after the intervention of IRP in the H2O2-induced HepG2 cells, there was a statistical elevation in cell survivability (p < 0.05). IRP diminished the morphological alterations in the nucleus and decreased the secretion of ROS (p < 0.05), with a dose-dependent abrogation of apoptosis (p < 0.05). Consequently, IRP, which was isolated and purified, was able to scavenge free radicals and possessed favorable antioxidant activity that could dampen the occurrence of oxidative stimulation and effectively alleviate the AAPH-induced erythrocyte hemolysis and H2O2-induced oxidative damage in HepG2 cells. This provides a basis and theoretical reference for the development and utilization of IRP as a natural antioxidant, with emphasis on the exploitation of environmentally friendly and cost-effective antioxidants.

Processed product (Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum) of Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit. Alleviates the allergic airway inflammation of cold phlegm via regulation of PKC/EGFR/MAPK/PI3K-AKT signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum (PRP) is a traditional processed product of Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Berit., which mainly used for treating cold asthma (CA). However, the mechanism of action of PRP for treating CA have not been fully elucidated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the core active constituents and the pharmacological mechanism of PRP against CA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ovalbumin (OVA) and cold water-induced cold asthma model were established in male mice. The effects of water extract from PRP were evaluated by general morphological observation, expectorant activity, airway hyperresponsiveness, mucus hypersecretion, inflammatory cytokines, etc. Additionally, the mRNA and protein expression of mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) and aquaporin 5 (AQP5) in vivo and in vitro were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC), qRT-PCR, and western blotting. The mechanisms of action were investigated through network pharmacology and transcriptomic, and validated through western blotting and molecular docking.

RESULTS

PRP exhibited a favorable expectorant activity, and significantly reduced the airway inflammation, mucus secretion, and hyperresponsiveness in cold asthma model. It also reduced the levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-8, and IL-13 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and IL-4 and total IgE in serum, while obviously increased the levels of IL-10 and IFN-γ in serum for asthmatic mice. Meanwhile, PRP also attenuated the pathological changes and mucus production in cold asthmatic mice. Moreover, the downregulation of MUC5AC and upregulation of AQP 5 were detected by western blotting and qRT-PCR after administration with PRP both in vivo and in vitro. PRP expectedly inhibited the protein expression of PKC-α, SRC, p-EGFR, p-ERK1/2, p-JNK, p-p38, p-PI3K, and p-Akt levels in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

These combined data showed that PRP suppressed the allergic airway inflammation of CA by regulating the balance of Th1 and Th2 cytokines and the possible involvement of the PKC/EGFR/MAPK/PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Pentadecanoic acid, licochalcone A, β-sitosterol, etc. were considered as main active ingredients of PRP against CA. This study provides a novel perspective of the classical herbal processed product PRP in the treatment of CA.

Structure characterization and antioxidant activity analysis of polysaccharides from Lanzhou Lily

Lanzhou Lily (Lilium davidii var. unicolor) is a traditional medicinal plant and popular edible vegetable bulb in China. In this study, the polysaccharides of Lanzhou Lily (LLPs) were extracted by polyethylene glycol-based ultrasonic-assisted enzymatic extraction method (PEG-UAEE). The optimum process conditions were obtained by single-factor experiments and response surface methodology (RSM). Then, the preliminarily structure of LLPs was characterized by HPLC, FT-IR, and SEM, and its antioxidant activities were evaluated. The results showed that LLPs yield reached 14.75% under the optimized conditions: E/S ratio 1,400 U/g; pH 5.0, ultrasonic time 30 min; and ultrasonic temperature 50 °C. The LLPs has pyranoid ring, uronic acid, and the characteristic absorption peaks of -OH, C = O, and C-H. The results of scanning electron microscope indicated that the LLPs had irregular distribution, dispersed structure, and many holes. The HPLC analysis showed that the LLPs were heteropolysaccharide containing galactose (6.36%), glucose (76.03%), rhamnose (2.02%), and arabinose (7.09%). Moreover, the LLPs showed obvious antioxidant effect in vitro.

Optimization of trypsin extraction technology of Allium cepa L. polysaccharide by response surface methodology and the antitumor effects through immunomodulation

The trypsin-assisted extraction of polysaccharides from Allium cepa L. was optimized using the response surface methodology (RSM). The optimum extraction conditions were extraction temperature, extraction time, extraction pH, and enzyme amount of 37.16°C, 180 min, 8.57, and 5.16%, respectively. Under the optimized conditions, the yield of A. cepa L. polysaccharides (ACP) reached 9.69%, which was comparable with the predicted yield (9.73%). Mid- and high-dose ACP significantly inhibited the tumor growth (43.93%) and the tumor inhibition percentage (38.05%), which were more than 30%. The ACP could extend the survival time of H₂₂ ascites tumor-bearing mice. Furthermore, the ACP could reduce the thymus and the spleen atrophy and significantly promoted the Con A-induced proliferation of splenocytes and elevated the serum IFN-γ and IL-2 levels. Therefore, the ACP could inhibit the tumor growth in tumor-bearing mice and regulated the immune function of mice.

Practical ApplicationsThe trypsin-assisted extraction has high efficiency, is carried out through the polysaccharide extraction and the deproteinization at the same time, and is more convenient and fast than traditional methods. No detailed study on the optimization of the trypsin extraction of onion polysaccharides is available. Thus, this experiment aims to use the BBD (4 factors and 3 levels) to optimize the roles of extraction temperature, extraction time, extraction pH, and amount of enzyme on the yield of polysaccharides obtained from the fruit of A. cepa L. In addition, when looking for high-quality biological functional principles for the pharmaceutical industry, the antitumor activity of ACP was evaluated. A. cepa L. is one of the most widely cultivated and consumed crops worldwide. Polysaccharides are the main active ingredient, and studies have shown that a high intake of Allium vegetables is associated with reduced risk of cancers.

Polyethylene glycol-based ultrasonic-assisted enzymatic extraction, characterization, and antioxidant activity in vitro and in vivo of polysaccharides from Lonicerae japonica leaves

In this paper, polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based ultrasonic-assisted enzymatic extraction (UAEE) was employed in polysaccharides extraction from Lonicerae japonica leaves (LJLP). The optimal extraction conditions (extraction time of 33 min, PEG concentration of 30%, and ultrasonic power of 191 W) were obtained by Box-Behnken design (BBD). Under this condition, the LJLP yield was 14.76%. Furthermore, LJLP was identified as a typical heteropolysaccharide considering the main constitutive monosaccharides include galactose (32.3%), glucose (20.9%), and ribose (15.2%). Moreover, LJLP exhibited high total reducing power and considerable scavenging activities on superoxide radicals, in a concentration-dependent manner in vitro. In addition, antioxidant analysis in vivo revealed that for the LJLP-treated mice, the superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT) activities, and total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) were significantly increased, while the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was decreased in both serum and liver.

Ultrasonic extraction, structural characterization, and bioactivities of nonstarch polysaccharides from red yeast rice

Red yeast rice (RYRP) has been utilized for coloring food, brewing wine, and preserving meat, which is also used as a folk medicine for centuries. In this study, a water-soluble nonstarch polysaccharide from RYRP was extracted by using ultrasonic-assisted extraction method. By using the Box-Behnken design to optimize the parameters for extracting the RYRP, the maximum extraction yield (3.37 ± 0.78%) was obtained under the optimal extraction conditions as follows: ratio of water to raw material (40 mL/g), extraction temperature (62 °C), extraction time (75 Min), and ultrasonic power (200 W). Moreover, monosaccharide composition analysis showed that RYRP was consisted of mannose, glucosamine, glucose, and galactose with a molar ratio of 0.152:0.015:1:0.149. The molecular weight distribution analysis showed that the average molecular weight of the RYRP fraction was about 3.49 × 10³ Da. Furthermore, RYRP exhibited significant antioxidant activities in vitro and the gastrointestinal-protective effect in vivo using gastrointestinal disorders model mice. RYRP could be explored as a potential source in the pharmaceutical and functional food industries.

Purification, Characterization of Two Polysaccharides from Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum Cum Alumine and Their Anti-Inflammatory Effects on Mucus Secretion of Airway Epithelium

Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum cum Alumine (PRPCA) is an important traditional processed herbal medicine mainly used for treating phlegm in China for more than 2000 years. In our previous studies, extraction optimization, characterization, and bioactivities of total polysaccharides from PRPCA were investigated. In this study, further purification of these polysaccharides was performed. Two polysaccharides named neutral fraction of total polysaccharides-II (TPN-II) and acidic fraction of total polysaccharides-II (TPA-II) were obtained by gradient ion-exchange chromatography followed by gel-permeation chromatography. Results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis in the present study showed that TPN-II had a tight structure with a rough and uneven surface, while TPA-II had a relative homogeneous surface and a loose structure. Further studies indicated that TPN-II was a homosaccharide mainly composed by glucose with a molecular weight of 8.0 kDa. TPA-II was mainly composed of mannose, rhamnose, glucuronic acid, galacturonic acid, glucose, galactose and arabinose in a molar ratio of 2.1, 2.3, 1.7, 10.6, 2.6, 14.2, and 2.5, with a molecular weight of 1250 kDa. The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) results indicated that α and β form glycoside bonds existed in TPN-II and TPA-II, and TPN-II was composed of α-glucopyranose. In addition, both purified polysaccharides have significant anti-inflammatory effects on mucus secretion of human airway epithelial NCI-H292 cells without cytotoxicity. Compared with TPN-II, TPA-II exhibited more significant anti-inflammatory effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced airway inflammation by regulating levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and inhibiting mucus secretion. The results suggest that polysaccharides from PRPCA could be explored as therapeutic agents in treating inflammation and over secretion of mucus in asthma.

Optimizing the Extraction and Encapsulation of Mucilage from Brasenia Schreberi

The mucilage from Brasenia schreberi (BS) exhibits various biological activities, including antialgal, antibacterial, soluble-fiber properties, and excellent lubricating behavior. Thus, the extraction and wide use of mucilage in the food industry are crucial. In this study, the high-speed shear-assisted extraction of mucilage from BS was optimized by using response surface methodology (RSM). The optimal extraction conditions were as follows: Extraction temperature of 82 °C, extraction time of 113 min, liquid-solid ratio of 47 mL/g, and shear speed of 10,000 rpm. Under these conditions, the actual yield of BS mucilage was 71.67%, which highly matched the yield (73.44%) predicted by the regression model. Then, the BS mucilage extract was powdered to prepare the capsule, and the excipients of the capsule were screened using a single-factor test to improve the disintegration property and flowability. The final capsule formulation, which consisted of: 39% BS mucilage powder (60 meshes); 50% microcrystalline cellulose (60 meshes) as the filler; both 10% sodium starch glycolate and PVPP XL-10 (3:1, 60 meshes) as the disintegrant; both 1% colloidal silicon dioxide and sodium stearyl fumarate (1:1, 100 meshes) as the glidant by weight; were used for preparing the weights of a 320 mg/grain of capsule with 154.7 ± 0.95 mg/g polysaccharide content. Overall, the optimized extraction process had a high extraction rate for BS mucilage and the capsule formulation was designed reasonably.

Oxidative stability and Sensoric acceptability of functional fish meat product supplemented with plant-based polyphenolic optimal extracts

Background

Fish meat and its products are usually accepted as good source of biological high value food components and especially for polyunsaturated fatty acids. The quality of fish meat products is considered to be decreased by the lipid peroxidation which leads to reduction in nutritional quality, financial loss and severe health problems. Many tactics are present to reserve their quality and safety. In the present investigation, the extraction and supplementation of optimal total polyphenol extracts (TPC) from vegetable and fruit by₋products was explored for lipids oxidative stability and sensoric acceptability of functional fish product samples.

Methods

Vegetable and fruit by₋products (cabbage leaves and banana peels) were collected from local fruits and vegetables processing industries. A 3₋level five factor Box₋Behnken design was used to study the effect of extraction/sonication temperature (°C), amplitude level, water/meal ratio, extraction/sonication time (minutes) and pH conditions for maximum yield of TPC from dried vegetable and fruit samples. The TPC samples were analyzed for chemical composition (total polyphenols, cyanogenic contents and tannins). Natural TPC extracts were supplemented at different concentration (0.5, 1 and 1.5%) to fish meat for preparation of different meat ball samples. The fish meat product samples without supplementation of TPC extract were kept as control. The partial/parfrying of the products was carried out to determine the lipid stability (peroxide value and free fatty acids) stored at refrigerator (for 9 days) and at − 18 °C in a freezer for a storage period of 60₋days. The sensoric analysis (color, flavor and overall acceptability) was performed at different storage intervals for experimental treatments.

Results

The percent values of TPC yield from cabbage leave and banana peel samples ranged from a from minimum value of 9.8 ± 0.12% to a maximum value of 19.8 ± 0.15% for cabbage leaves and minimum value of 15.55 ± 0.13% to a maximum value of 24.4 ± 0.17% for banana peels, respectively. The results revealed that extraction conditions significantly affect the TPC yield from cabbage leaves and banana peels. The cabbage leaves and banana peels contain up to 4.8% total phenolics, cyanogenic compounds (1.44 − 1.47 ± 0.14) and tannins (6.55–7.90 ± 0.22). Peroxide values (meqO₂ /kg) of meat balls treated with TPC extracts at 4 °C were in the range of 1.31 ± 0.12 to 3.10 ± 0.20 while at − 18 °C ranged was found 1.31 ± 0.12 to 1.55 ± 0.17, respectively. Peroxide values of all the treatments increased at the end of second interval then decreased at the end of last storage interval. Peroxide values of all treatments were higher and significantly different at the beginning and the end of the storage period (p <  0.05). In a similar way, free fatty acids and moisture content values trend was recorded for all experimental treatments. Sensory scores of fish product samples for color, flavor and overall acceptability showed a significant difference in sensory scores at refrigeration temperatures where sensory scores of fish product samples decreased significantly (p <  0.05) throughout refrigeration storage. Whereas, the sensory scores at the − 18 °C shows the good sensory characteristics, relatively.

Conclusions

Phenolic extracts containing antioxidant status can interact with free lipidperoxy or lipidoxy free radicals (formed in result of lipid oxidation) and hence stopping their further self₋breakdown. Plant₋based phenolic extracts can be used to decrease oxidation process and increase the shelf life of fish meat products. Additional studies should be undertaken to determine the maximal shelf life of food products supplemented with different plant₋based polyphenol extracts and treatment of nutritional disorders through their absorption, metabolism and distribution pattern into biological tissues.

Efficient Approach for the Extraction and Identification of Red Pigment from Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim and Its Antioxidant Activity

Red pigment (RP) was extracted from the peels of Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim (PZB) by ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) in this work. Box⁻Behnken design⁻response surface methodology (BBD-RSM) was employed to research the efficiency of the RP extraction. Based on the optimization of RSM, results showed that the optimal extraction conditions were as follows: liquid⁻solid ratio of 31 mL/g, extraction time of 41 min, and extraction temperature of 27 °C, and under these conditions, the actual absorbance value was 0.615 ± 0.13%, highly agreeing with the predicted value by the model. Furthermore, ultra-performance liquid chromatography⁻mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) was used to separate and analyze RP. The compounds of RP were mainly flavonoids, and there were five compounds detected for the first time in PZB. In addition, RP showed significant antioxidant activities in vitro, which could be developed for anti-aging candidate drugs and functional foods. In conclusion, ultrasound-assisted extraction with BBD-RSM and chromatographic separation technology with UPLC-MS are efficient strategies for the isolation and identification of RP from PZB.

Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum Involved in the Regulation of Bile Acids Metabolism in Hepatic Injury

Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum (PRP) as traditional Chinese medicine had been used for hepatic diseases in combinative forms. However, the effect of PRP was not clear when used alone. So to explore the hepatoprotective/hepatotoxin of PRP is necessary. The activities of PRP were investigated in acetaminophen-induced hepatic injury mice. Liver function markers, hepatic oxidative stress markers were evaluated. Bile acids metabolic transports and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) were detected. As a drug for the treatment of liver diseases, PRP slightly restored the parameters towards normal in model mice only in low dosage, and also had no antioxidant activity and regulate Nrf2. Cholestasis was significantly elevated in model mice when pretreatment with routine or high dosage of PRP, but had no effect on normal mice. Bile salt export pump (Bsep) and multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (Mrp2) in model mice were markedly increased when pretreatment with low dose PRP, but significantly decreased when pretreatment in routine or high dosage. Mrp3 was significantly induced in model mice after pretreatment of PRP. But the adjustment effect to bile acids transporters by PRP was not significant in normal mice. These results reveal that PRP has the different effects on bile acids transporter in hepatic injury mice, and therefore, the dosage of PRP need to be paid attention to when it is used in clinical hepatic injury.

Optimization of the Extraction Conditions for Buddleja officinalis Maxim. Using Response Surface Methodology and Exploration of the Optimum Harvest Time

The Box-Behnken design was used to evaluate the effects of the methanol concentration (60-100%), liquid to solid ratio (20:1 to 40:1 mL/g) and extraction time (20-40 min) on the yield of 11 constituents from Buddleja officinalis Maxim using ultrasound-assisted extraction. The Derringer's desirability function approach showed that the modified optimum extraction conditions were: 76% methanol concentration, 33 min extraction time and a 34:1 mL/g solvent to solid ratio. Under these conditions, the experimentally measured yields of the compounds were in good agreement with the predicted values. An accurate and sensitive method was also established using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection for the simultaneous determination of the 11 compounds in Buddleja officinalis. The newly developed method was used to determine the amounts of bioactive components in Buddleja officinalis during four different growth stages. According to these results, we recommend that the full blossom stage is the best time for harvesting this plant to obtain the highest yield of crude materials.