Metabolite Profiles, Bioactivity, and HPLC Fingerprint of Different Varieties of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv.: Towards the Utilization of Medicinal and Commercial Chinese Endemic Tree

Study on the substance basis of the efficacy of eucommiae cortex before and after salt processing for the treatment of kidney-yang deficiency syndrome based on the spectrum-effect relationship

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Kidney-Yang deficiency syndrome (KYDS) is one of the common diseases of the elderly and closely related to the ageing of the body, it has a major impact on the quality of life of the patient. Eucommiae Cortex (EC) is the dried bark of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. Which has the effect of tonifying the liver and kidneys, strengthening the muscles and bones. In Traditional Chinese Medicine clinics, EC is commonly used in the treatment of KYDS, but the material basis for the improvement of its efficacy in treating KYDS after salt processing remains unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to find the main active ingredients that could improve the treatment of KYDS efficacy of EC after salt processing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Firstly, the fingerprints of raw and salt-processed EC were established to determine the common components by using HPLC, and then an experimental study on the treatment of KYDS efficacy was carried out to compare the difference in the efficacy between raw and salt-processed EC. Thirdly, the spectrum-effect relationship of chemical components and pharmacodynamic indexes was established by using Grey Relational Analysis and Entropy Method. Finally, the network pharmacology and molecular docking technique was used to verify the kidney tonifying effect of the active ingredients of EC.

RESULTS

According to the results of the analysis of hormonal index levels on the hypothalamic-pituitary-target gland axis and the extent of renal lesions, the therapeutic effect of EC on KYDS was mainly reflected in the regulation of the Adrenocorticotropic hormone, Corticosterone in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and Tri-iodothyronine, Tetra-iodothyronine in the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, moreover the therapeutic effect of salt-processed EC was stronger than that of raw EC. The pharmacologically active ingredients that improved its treatment of KYDS efficacy after salt processing were peak 1 (geniposidic acid), peak 2 (chlorogenic acid), peak 5 (geniposide), peak 6 (genipin), peak 7 (pinoresinol diglucoside) and peak 11 (hyperoside). Meanwhile, the results of network pharmacology and molecular docking showed that the 6 active ingredients could exert kidney tonic effects through multiple signaling pathways by acting on core targets such as AKT1 and PTGS2.

CONCLUSION

As far as we known, this was the first time to establish and compare the spectrum-effect relationship between raw and salt-processed EC, which laid the foundation for the pharmacokinetics studies of EC and provided a reference for future EC studies.

Quantitative Detection of Natural Rubber Content in Eucommia ulmoides by Portable Pyrolysis-Membrane Inlet Mass Spectrometry

Eucommia ulmoides gum (EUG) is a natural polymer predominantly consisting of trans-1,4-polyisoprene. Due to its excellent crystallization efficiency and rubber-plastic duality, EUG finds applications in various fields, including medical equipment, national defense, and civil industry. Here, we devised a portable pyrolysis-membrane inlet mass spectrometry (PY-MIMS) approach to rapidly, accurately, and quantitatively identify rubber content in Eucommia ulmoides (EU). EUG is first introduced into the pyrolyzer and pyrolyzed into tiny molecules, which are then dissolved and diffusively transported via the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane before entering the quadrupole mass spectrometer for quantitative analysis. The results indicate that the limit of detection (LOD) for EUG is 1.36 μg/mg, and the recovery rate ranges from 95.04% to 104.96%. Compared to the result of pyrolysis-gas chromatography (PY-GC), the average relative error is 1.153%, and the detection time was reduced to less than 5 min, demonstrating that the procedure was reliable, accurate, and efficient. The method has the potential to be employed to precisely identify the rubber content of natural rubber-producing plants such as Eucommia ulmoides, Taraxacum kok-saghyz (TKS), Guayule, and Thorn lettuce.

Establishment of Male and Female Eucommia Fingerprints by UPLC Combined with OPLS-DA Model and Its Application

Eucommia ulmoides Oliver is a dioecious plant, which plays an important role in traditional Chinese medicine. However, there has not yet been any research on male and female E. ulmoides. The UPLC fingerprints and OPLS-DA approach were able to quickly and easily identify and quantify E. ulmoides and differentiate between the male and female fingerprints. In this study, we optimized the UPLC conditions and analyzed them to investigate fingerprints of twenty-four extracts of Eucommiae Cortex (EC) and twenty-four extracts of Eucommiae Folium (EF) under optimal conditions. It was demonstrated that thirteen and twelve substances were possible chemical markers for EC and EF male and female discrimination and that the level of these markers - chlorogenic acid and protocatechuic acid - was many times higher in male than in female. This approach offered a reference for quality control and precise treatment of male and female E. ulmoides in the clinic.

Optimized ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for detecting compositional changes in Eucommia ulmoides and Achyranthes bidentata paired decoctions in vitro and in vivo

Rationale

The bark of Eucommia ulmoides and the roots of Achyranthes bidentata are commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, and their pairing appears in many traditional Chinese medicine formulas as a recognized compatible unit. However, the changes and interactions of the main components of these two formulas when paired remain unclear, and there is currently no standard or method for their quality control and assessment of pharmacological effects.

Methods

An optimized ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method was established for the simultaneous identification of 10 components in E. ulmoides and A. bidentata using in vitro and in vivo models. Tributyltin methacrylate was the internal standard solution, and the blood samples were treated by an organic solvent precipitation method. Gradient elution was conducted on a C18 column at 25 °C with 0.1% formic acid water:acetonitrile as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.5 mL min−1. Dynamic multiple response monitoring was performed in negative-ion mode using an Agilent Jet Stream electrospray ionization ion source.

Results

In negative-ion detection mode, eucommiol exhibited a good response, and the isomers ginsenoside Ro and achyranthoside C could also be well separated. The developed method accurately detected the five components with a low blood content. Compared to controls, the levels of ginsenoside Ro, chikusetsusaponin Ⅳa, and achyranthoside C increased; the contents of geniposidic acid and pinoresinol diglucoside were unchanged; and the levels of eucommiol, geniposide, β-ecdysterone, genipin, and achyranthoside D decreased in vitro. In vivo, the contents of geniposidic acid, geniposide, pinoresinol diglucoside, and β-ecdysterone were reduced; the contents of eucommiol and ginsenoside Ro were unchanged; and those of achyranthoside D, chikusetsusaponin Ⅳa, and achyranthoside C increased compared to the corresponding levels in the internal control.

Conclusions

A method for the quality control of the E. ulmoides-A. bidentata drug pair was established for the first time and the main components in 10 drug pairs could be determined simultaneously in vitro and in vivo. These findings show that the E. ulmoides and A. bidentata drug pair cause a compositional change, providing new ideas for the development of this combination to improve clinical efficacy.

Testosterone promotion effect of Eucommia ulmoides staminate flower via the steroidogenic pathway and potential hormonal mechanism

Eucommia ulmoides staminate flowers (EUF), a newly approved functional food in China, have great potential for hormonal regulation. Herein, we aim to demonstrate the chemical composition and pharmacological activity of EUF in testosterone production and hormonal regulation. EUF extract and its components, kaempferol and geniposidic acid, exhibited a strong stimulating effect by increasing testosterone secretion, reducing ROS production, or promoting viability in Leydig cells. Meanwhile, the increased testosterone production was related to the upregulation of mRNA and protein expression of the steroidogenic pathway, such as steroidogenic acute-regulatory protein (StAR), 3β -hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (HSD3B1), 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (CYP17A1), and nuclear receptor subfamily 5 group A member 1 (NR5A1). However, PKA inhibitor H89 or adenylyl cyclase inhibitor SQ22536 could block their effect. The results of transgenic yeast models showed the androgenic agonistic effects of kaempferol and naringenin and the estrogenic agonistic effects of rutin. These results indicated that the testosterone promotional effect of EUF was related to the activation of the steroidogenic pathway and potential hormonal regulation. Kaempferol and geniposidic acid might be the key active ingredients.

Quantitative Analysis and Stability Study on Iridoid Glycosides from Seed Meal of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver

As a traditional Chinese medicine, Eucommia ulmoides Oliver (E. ulmoides Oliv.) is an important medicinal plant, and its barks, male flowers, leaves, and fruits have high value of utilization. The seed meal of E. ulmoides Oliv. is the waste residue produced after oil extraction from seeds of E. ulmoides Oliv. Though the seed meal of E. ulmoides Oliv. is an ideal feed additive, its medicinal value is far from being developed and utilized. We identified six natural iridoid compounds from the seed meal of E. ulmoides Oliv., namely geniposidic acid (GPA), scyphiphin D (SD), ulmoidoside A (UA), ulmoidoside B (UB), ulmoidoside C (UC), and ulmoidoside D (UD). Six natural iridoid compounds were validated to have anti-inflammatory activities. Hence, six compounds were quantified at the optimum extracting conditions in the seed meal of E. ulmoides Oliv. by an established ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) method. Some interesting conversion phenomena of six tested compounds were uncovered by a systematic study of stability performed under different temperatures and pH levels. GPA was certified to be stable. SD, UA, and UC were only hydrolyzed under strong alkaline solution. UB and UD were affected by high temperature, alkaline, and strong acid conditions. Our findings reveal the active compounds and explore the quantitative analysis of the tested compounds, contributing to rational utilization for the seeds residues of E. ulmoides Oliv.

Eucommia ulmoides bark extract reduces blood pressure and inflammation by regulating the gut microbiota and enriching the Parabacteroides strain in high-salt diet and N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester induced mice

Hypertension is a major threat to human health. Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. (EU) is a small tree and EU extract is widely used to improve hypertension in East Asia. However, its major constituents have poor absorption and stay in the gut for a long time. The role of the gut microbiota in the anti-hypertensive effects of EU is unclear. Here, we examined the anti-hypertensive effects of EU in high-salt diet and N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) induced mice. After receiving EU for 6 weeks, the blood pressure was significantly reduced and the kidney injury was improved. Additionally, EU restored the levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as serum interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-17A, and renal IL-17A. The diversity and composition of the gut microbiota were influenced by administration of EU; 40 significantly upregulated and 107 significantly downregulated amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were identified after administration of EU. ASV403 (Parabacteroides) was selected as a potential anti-hypertensive ASV. Its closest strain XGB65 was isolated. Furthermore, animal studies confirmed that Parabacteroides strain XGB65 exerted anti-hypertensive effects, possibly by reducing levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as renal IL-17A. Our study is the first to report that EU reduces blood pressure by regulating the gut microbiota, and it enriches the Parabacteroides strain, which exerts anti-hypertensive effects. These findings provide directions for developing novel anti-hypertensive treatments by combining probiotics and prebiotics.

The Effect of a Combination of Eucommia ulmoides and Achyranthes japonica on Alleviation of Testosterone Deficiency in Aged Rat Models

With aging, men inevitably encounter irreversible changes, including progressive loss of testosterone and physical strength, and increased fat mass. To assess the alleviatory effects of EUAJ on andropause symptoms, including in vivo testosterone deficiency, we administered EUAJ for 6 weeks in 22-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats. Before EUAJ (3:1) (E. ulmoides:A. japonica = 3:1, KGC08EA) administration, testosterone decline in 22-week-old SD rats was confirmed compared to 7-week-old SD rats (NC group). After administration of EUAJ (3:1) at 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg for 6 weeks, testosterone, free testosterone, and mRNA expression levels (Cyp11a1 and Hsd3b1) were significantly increased at 40 mg/kg EUAJ (3:1), whereas mRNA expression levels of Cyp19a1 and Srd5a2 were significantly reduced at this concentration, compared to the control group. Swimming retention time was significantly increased at both 40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg. In summary, EUAJ (3:1) enhanced testosterone production by increasing bioavailable testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and enzymes related to testosterone synthesis at 40 mg/kg. In addition, 80 mg/kg EUAJ (3:1) also increased physical and testicular functions.

Effect of Eucommia water extract on gingivitis and periodontitis in experimental rats

Herein, we evaluated the potential therapeutic effects of water extracts from Eucommia on periodontitis in experimental rats. We ligated the maxillary second molars of Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats with 4.0 silk threads and locally smeared Porphyromonas gingivalis(P. gingivalis) to induce gingivitis and periodontitis.After the model was successfully established, we exposed the rats to Eucommia water extracts through topical smearing and intragastric administration and evaluated the therapeutic effect of the extracts on gingivitis (for a 2 week treatment period) and periodontitis (over 4 weeks). We analyzed histopathological sections of the periodontal tissue and quantified the alveolar bone resorption levels, molecules related to periodontal oxidative stress, and periodontal inflammatory factors to assess the feasibility of Eucommia in treating gingivitis and periodontitis. We found that damage to the periodontal tissue was reduced after treatment with extracts,indicating that Eucommia has a positive effect in treating gingivitis and periodontitis in experimental rats. These findings are expected to provide the foothold for future research on secondary metabolites derived from Eucommia and guide the development of novel approaches for preventing and treating periodontal disease.

Neuroendocrine-Immune Regulatory Network of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver

Eucommia ulmoides Oliver (E. ulmoides) is a popular medicinal herb and health supplement in China, Japan, and Korea, and has a variety of pharmaceutical properties. The neuroendocrine-immune (NEI) network is crucial in maintaining homeostasis and physical or psychological functions at a holistic level, consistent with the regulatory theory of natural medicine. This review aims to systematically summarize the chemical compositions, biological roles, and pharmacological properties of E. ulmoides to build a bridge between it and NEI-associated diseases and to provide a perspective for the development of its new clinical applications. After a review of the literature, we found that E. ulmoides has effects on NEI-related diseases including cancer, neurodegenerative disease, hyperlipidemia, osteoporosis, insomnia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and obesity. However, clinical studies on E. ulmoides were scarce. In addition, E. ulmoides derivatives are diverse in China, and they are mainly used to enhance immunity, improve hepatic damage, strengthen bones, and lower blood pressure. Through network pharmacological analysis, we uncovered the possibility that E. ulmoides is involved in functional interactions with cancer development, insulin resistance, NAFLD, and various inflammatory pathways associated with NEI diseases. Overall, this review suggests that E. ulmoides has a wide range of applications for NEI-related diseases and provides a direction for its future research and development.

Inactivation of Salmonella typhimurium SL1344 by Chlorogenic Acid and the Impairment of Cellular Integrity

Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is an antibacterial agent that can be isolated from Eucommia ulmoides Oliver, a Chinese medicinal and edible plant food. The inhibitory effect of CGA on bacterial growth and stiffness of the outer membrane (OM) had been reported, while more evidence were required to elucidate its impairment of cell wall. In this study, the morphological and physiochemical changes of Salmonella cells under CGA treatment were investigated. Firstly, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of CGA against Salmonella was assayed. Later, the permeability of OM and activity of the proteins released were measured and observed to reveal the alteration of OM characteristic and cellular morphology. Finally, reactive oxygen species and cell membrane fluidity were analyzed, respectively, to elucidate how CGA damaged cell surface. The results showed that MIC of CGA against Salmonella was 6.25 mg/L. Under sub-lethal doses of CGA, the OM permeability and the release of soluble proteins were enhanced evidently, and Salmonella cells showed more deformed and shrunken, confirming the impairment of cellular integrity under CGA. Finally, the possible cause of cell surface damage was investigated. the fluidity of the membrane was increased upon CGA treatment, which may the possible cause of OM by CGA.

Genomic-Wide Identification and Characterization of the Uridine Diphosphate Glycosyltransferase Family in Eucommia ulmoides Oliver

Eucommia ulmoides Oliver is a woody plant with great economic and medicinal value. Its dried bark has a long history of use as a traditional medicinal material in East Asia, which led to many glycosides, such as aucubin, geniposide, hyperoside, astragalin, and pinoresinol diglucoside, being recognized as pharmacologically active ingredients. Uridine diphosphate glycosyltransferases (UGTs) catalyze a glycosyl-transferring reaction from the donor molecule uridine-5'-diphosphate-glucose (UDPG) to the substrate, which plays an important role in many biological processes, such as plant growth and development, secondary metabolism, and environmental adaptation. In order to explore the biosynthetic pathways of glycosides in E. ulmoides, 91 putative EuUGT genes were identified throughout the complete genome of E. ulmoides through function annotation and an UDPGT domain search. Phylogenetic analysis categorized them into 14 groups. We also performed GO annotations on all the EuUGTs to gain insights into their functions in E. ulmoides. In addition, transcriptomic analysis indicated that most EuUGTs showed different expression patterns across diverse organs and various growing seasons. By protein-protein interaction predication, a biosynthetic routine of flavonoids and their glycosides was also proposed. Undoubtedly, these results will help in future research into the biosynthetic pathways of glycoside compounds in E. ulmoides.

Traditional application and modern pharmacological research of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv

As a Traditional Chinese Medicine, Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. has been used for the treatment of various diseases since ancient times, involving lumbar pain, knee pain, osteoporosis, hepatoprotection, paralysis, intestinal haemorrhoids, vaginal bleeding, abortion, spermatorrhoea, foot fungus, anti-aging etc. With the developing discovery of E. ulmoides extracts and its active components in various pharmacological activities, E. ulmoides has gained more and more attention. Up to now, E. ulmoides has been revealed to show remarkable therapeutic effects on hypertension, hyperglycemia, diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, sexual dysfunction. E. ulmoides has also been reported to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-fatigue, anti-aging, anti-cancer and immunoregulation activities etc. Along these lines, this review summarizes the traditional application and modern pharmacological research of E. ulmoides, providing novel insights of E. ulmoides in the treatment of various diseases.

The Aqueous Extract of Eucommia Leaves Promotes Proliferation, Differentiation, and Mineralization of Osteoblast-Like MC3T3-E1 Cells

Eucommia leaves are dry leaves of Eucommia ulmoides which have long been considered as a functional health food for the treatment of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, fatty liver, and osteoporosis. With the recent development of Chinese medicine, Eucommia leaves are widely used for tonifying the kidneys and strengthening bone. However, the specific molecular mechanism of Eucommia leaves for strengthening bone remains largely unknown. Osteoblasts are the main functional cells of bone formation; thus, it is essential to study the effect of Eucommia leaves on osteoblasts to better understand their mechanism of action. In the present study, we prepared an aqueous extract of Eucommia leaves (ELAE) and determined its content by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The effects of ELAE on MC3T3-E1 cells were investigated by CCK-8 assay, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and Alizarin red S staining assays, combined with RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and qRT-PCR validation. We demonstrated that ELAE had a significant promoting effect on the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells and significantly enhanced extracellular matrix synthesis and mineralization, which were achieved by regulating various functional genes and related signaling pathways. ELAE significantly increased the expression level of genes promoting cell proliferation, such as Rpl10a, Adnp, Pex1, Inpp4a, Frat2, and Pcdhga1, and reduced the expression level of genes inhibiting cell proliferation, such as Npm1, Eif3e, Cbx3, Psmc6, Fgf7, Fxr1, Ddx3x, Mbnl1, and Cdc27. In addition, ELAE increased the expression level of gene markers in osteoblasts, such as Col5a2, Ubap2l, Dkk3, Foxm1, Col16a1, Col12a1, Usp7, Col4a6, Runx2, Sox4, and Bmp4. Taken together, our results suggest that ELAE could promote osteoblast proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization and prevent osteoblast apoptosis. These findings not only increase our understanding of ELAE on the regulation of bone development but also provide a possible strategy to further study the prevention and treatment of osteogenic related diseases by ELAE.

Systematic investigation of the pharmacological mechanism for renal protection by the leaves of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver using UPLC-Q-TOF/MS combined with network pharmacology analysis

Bark is the traditional medicinal component of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver (E. ulmoides). However, the demand for E. ulmoides medicinal materials seriously limits their sustainability. To alleviate resource constraints, the bioactivity of E. ulmoides leaves and its pharmacodynamic basis were investigated. In the present study, extracts of E. ulmoides leaves were found to display potential renal protective properties in rat glomerular mesangial (HBZY-1) cells treated with high levels of glucose, suggesting that they possess potential factors capable of treating diabetic nephropathy. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) was used to comprehensively characterize the chemical components of E. ulmoides leaves. A total of 83 possible chemical components, including 12 iridoids, 13 flavonoids, 14 lignans, 20 phenylpropanoids, 14 phenolic acids, and 10 additional components, were identified in E. ulmoides leaves. Network pharmacology was used for a preliminary exploration of the potential mechanism of action of renal protection afforded by E. ulmoides leaves towards diabetic nephropathy. The network pharmacology results were verified using a series of biological experiments. The present study provided the basis for the comprehensive development and utilization of E. ulmoides leaves and the discovery of potential drugs.

The anticancer potential of the dietary polyphenol rutin: Current status, challenges, and perspectives

Rutin is one of the most common dietary polyphenols found in vegetables, fruits, and other plants. It is metabolized by the mammalian gut microbiota and absorbed from the intestines, and becomes bioavailable in the form of conjugated metabolites. Rutin exhibits a plethora of bioactive properties, making it an extremely promising phytochemical. Numerous studies demonstrate that rutin can act as a chemotherapeutic and chemopreventive agent, and its anticancer effects can be mediated through the suppression of cell proliferation, the induction of apoptosis or autophagy, and the hindering of angiogenesis and metastasis. Rutin has been found to modulate multiple molecular targets involved in carcinogenesis, such as cell cycle mediators, cellular kinases, inflammatory cytokines, transcription factors, drug transporters, and reactive oxygen species. This review summarizes the natural sources of rutin, its bioavailability, and in particular its potential use as an anticancer agent, with highlighting its anticancer mechanisms as well as molecular targets. Additionally, this review updates the anticancer potential of its analogs, nanoformulations, and metabolites, and discusses relevant safety issues. Overall, rutin is a promising natural dietary compound with promising anticancer potential and can be widely used in functional foods, dietary supplements, and pharmaceuticals for the prevention and management of cancer.

Adsorption and desorption characteristics of polyphenols from Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. leaves with macroporous resin and its inhibitory effect on α-amylase and α-glucosidase

Background

Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. (EUO) was a traditional Chinese herb, its leaves were abundant in China, and polyphenol compounds were considered to be an important active ingredient in Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. leaves (EUOL). However, previous research mainly focused on compound identification and extraction process, there were few reported on the efficient enrichment process and biological activity evaluation of polyphenols in EUOL.

Methods

The adsorption and desorption characteristics of twelve different resins (HPD-100, HPD-300, HPD-600, D-3250, X-5, D-140, NKA-9, NKA-II, D-101, AB-8, S-8 and Polyamide) were investigated to develop an efficient method for the enrichment of polyphenol from EUOL, and the static adsorption, kinetics, isotherm and thermodynamics of the polyphenol from EUOL were analyzed. The eluted component was obtained through dynamic elution, and its main polyphenol compounds were detected by high-phase liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the inhibitory effects on the enzyme activity of α-amylase and α-glucosidase was also evaluated for different elution components. Meanwhile, the binding of main polyphenol compounds to enzyme was also evaluated.

Results

The selected resins (HPD-300, HPD-600, D-3250, X-5, D-140, NKA-9, D-101 and AB-8) showed adsorption patterns that fitted well to the pseudo second-order kinetics. The intra-particle diffusion model demonstrated that the diffusion of polyphenol compounds on these resins were divided into three processes. For HPD-300, HPD-600 and NKA-9, the Freundlich model better described the adsorption isotherm behavior than the Langmuir model, and the adsorption of polyphenol was a physical, exothermic, and spontaneous process. Subsequently, dynamic elution was performed yielding a higher polyphenol content in a 60% ethanol-water elution component, and it also exhibited a higher inhibitory effect on α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity. Furthermore, as the main polyphenol compounds, chlorogenic acid, rutin, quercetin and kaempferol were used to simulate the binding to the enzyme protein through molecular docking technology. The results showed that quercetin had a higher docking score for α-amylase, while rutin displayed superior binding to α-glucosidase.

Conclusions

Therefore, polyphenols of EUOL could be enriched through macroporous resins and have the potential to be effective enzyme inhibitor.

Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract alters gut microbiota composition, enhances short-chain fatty acids production, and ameliorates osteoporosis in the senescence-accelerated mouse P6 (SAMP6) model

The bark and the leaf of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. content similar bioactive components, but the leaf of this medically important plant is mostly abandoned. In this study, we revealed that the aqueous extract of E. ulmoides leaf (EUL) can promote the growth of the probiotic Lactobacillus bulgaricus (LB) and inhibit the formation of osteoclast in vitro. This extract was next administrated to senescence-accelerated mice P6 to evaluate examine its influence on the composition of gut microbiota (GM), short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and osteoporosis (OP). The results showed that supplementation of the EUL aqueous extract to the mouse model: (a) increased bacterial diversity and Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio in the gut, (b) increased SCFAs concentration in the feces and serum, and (c) ameliorated OP based on the results of bone mineral density (BMD), Dual-energy X-ray bone scan, and HE staining of distal femur.

Antihypertensive Activity of Eucommia Ulmoides Oliv: Male Flower Extract in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. is a traditional medical plant in Asia; however, it is still unknown whether Eucommia male flowers have an antihypertensive activity. In this study, we found that the aqueous extract of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. male flowers can lower the blood pressure of SHR in a dose-dependent manner. Mechanistic studies suggested that the aqueous extract of male flowers can promote the mRNA and protein expressions of ACE2 in the kidney of SHR. ELISA assay showed that the plasma levels of ANG II was decreased, while ANG-(1–7) was increased in SHR treated with the aqueous extract of male flowers. ACE2 inhibitor DX600 can reverse the aqueous extract of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. male flower-induced downregulation of Ang II and upregulation of Ang-(1–7), as well as the reduction of blood pressure in SHR. Moreover, Ang-(1–7)-Mas receptor antagonist A-779 abolished the antihypertensive effects of the aqueous extract of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. male flower in SHR. The aqueous extract of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. male flowers exhibited an antihypertensive action through the activation of ACE2-Ang-(1–7)-Mas signaling pathways in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Quality evaluation of different varieties of Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim. peels based on phenolic profiles, bioactivity, and HPLC fingerprint

This work aims to evaluate the quality of seven varieties of Zanthoxylum bungeanum peels based on phenolic compounds, bioactivity, and HPLC fingerprint combined with chemometrics analysis, and pick out the key chemical compounds. As a result, S2 (Fengxian Dahongpao) showed the highest content of total phenolic and rutin, as well as the strongest antioxidant activity, followed by S6 (Hancheng Shizitou). From HPLC fingerprint, eight common characteristic peaks were selected and proved to be effective in controlling the quality of Z. bungeanum peels with the total contribution of 92.775%. The similarity values of each sample ranged between 0.696 and 0.970. In addition, hyperoside was identified as another key chemical indicator for quality evaluation of Z. bungeanum peels by PCA. Accordingly, seven varieties of Z. bungeanum were classified into four groups, among which group 4 (Fengxian Dahongpao, S2) was considered as an outstanding variety, followed by group 1 (S5, S6, and S7) and group 3 (S3 and S4), and group 2 (Fugu late-maturing, S1) was the last one. These results will be helpful to establish an effective and comprehensive evaluation system of Z. bungeanum. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study not only provides another index for quality evaluation of Z. bungeanum peels, but it also expects to be a theoretical basis for high-quality germplasm cultivation and the development of Z. bungeanum peels as food additives, pharmaceutical, or health care products.

Protective effects and network analysis of natural compounds obtained from Radix dipsaci, Eucommiae cortex, and Rhizoma drynariae against RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis in vitro

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Osteoporosis is one of the most common bone diseases; it is characterized by bone loss and is a risk factor for hip fracture. Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) and their related natural compounds have been used for treating many diseases, including bone diseases, since ancient times in China and are regarded as a cost-effective complementary therapy.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The goal of this study was to investigate the osteoprotective mechanisms of these three Chinese herbs and their related natural compounds. The effects of CHMs and related natural compounds on RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis in vitro were investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A network pharmacology method was applied to study CHM-related natural compounds and their osteoporosis targets. In addition, their effect on RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis in RAW264.7 cells was also investigated in vitro.

RESULTS

Radix dipsaci, Eucommiae cortex, and Rhizoma drynariae exhibited protective effects against mortality in hip fracture patients. Furthermore, these three herbs inhibited RANKL-induced TRAP activities and reduced the expression of bone resorption-related genes in RAW264.7 cells. Network analysis of natural compound (ingredient)-target interactions identified 11 natural compounds. Signal pathway analyses suggested that these compounds may target cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions, including RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis. Five novel natural compounds exhibited reduced RANKL-induced TRAP activities and bone resorption-related gene expression.

CONCLUSION

The clinically used CHMs, Radix dipsaci, Eucommiae cortex, and Rhizoma drynariae, and natural compounds obtained from them may suppress RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis in vitro.