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Li Q, Lu S, Wu X, Wang L, Wang Z, Zhao L. Application of hydrophobic eutectic solvent in efficient biotransformation of total flavonoids of Herba Epimedii. J Biotechnol 2024:S0168-1656(24)00166-4. [PMID: 38871028 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2024.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Icaritin, a hydrolysate from total flavonoids of Epimedii (TFE), which has better anti-hepatoma activity than its glycosylated form. In this work, immobilized enzymes 4LP-Tpebgl3@Na-Y and DtRha@ES-107 were used to hydrolyze TFE to prepare icaritin. Five different hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (HDES) were prepared and the most ideal HDES was successfully selected, which was composed of dodecyl alcohol and thymol with the molar ratio of 2:1. The relative enzyme activity of 4LP-Tpebgl3@Na-Y and DtRha@ES-107 was about 102.4% and 112.5%, respectively. In addition, the thermal and binding stability of 4LP-Tpebgl3@Na-Y and DtRha@ES-107 in HDES was not affected negatively. In the biphasic system composed of 50% (v/v) HDES and Na2HPO4-citric acid buffer (50mM, pH 5.5), 4LP-Tpebgl3@Na-Y (1.0U/mL) and TFE (1g/L) were reacted at 80oC for 1h, and then reacted with DtRha@ES-107 (20U/mL) at 80oC for 2h. Finally, TFE was completely converted to 301.8mg/L icaritin (0.82mM). After 10 cycles, 4LP-Tpebgl3@Na-Y/DtRha@ES-107 still maintained 84.1% original activity. In this study, we developed an efficient methodology for icaritin preparation through the integration of enzymatic catalysis and adsorption separation, presenting a viable approach for large-scale, cost-effective production of icaritin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Li
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Long Pan Road, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Shan Lu
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Long Pan Road, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Xianyao Wu
- Jinling High School Hexi Campus International Department, Nanjing, 210019, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Long Pan Road, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Zhenzhong Wang
- Jiangsu Kanion Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 58 Haichang South Road, Lianyungang 222001, China.
| | - Linguo Zhao
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Long Pan Road, Nanjing 210037, China.
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Chen Y, Zhao T, Cheng L, Yang B, Wen L. Degree of methyl esterification: A key factor for the encapsulation of icaritin with pectin. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 260:129361. [PMID: 38218280 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Pectin is a promising nano-carrier. The degree of methyl esterification (DM) influences the physiochemical properties of pectin. However, the effect of DM on the encapsulation capacity of pectin remains unclear. In this work, low methyl-esterified pectin (LMP) and high methyl-esterified pectin (HMP) were prepared. The molecular weight, rheological properties of these pectins with various DM levels were determined. Then icaritin/pectin micelles (IPMs) were prepared using HMP and LMP. Notably, higher loading capacities (18.75-20.12 %) were observed in HMP-IPMs compared to LMP-IPMs (15.72-16.64 %). Furthermore, LMP-IPMs demonstrated a DM-dependent reduction in particle sizes, ranging from 449 to 527 nm. In contrast, the particle sizes of HMP-IPMs varied between 342 and 566 nm, with smaller particle sizes observed in HMP-IPMs at higher DM levels. A significant positive correlation was found between DM and the formation of IPMs, including encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity, Zeta potential, and polydispersity index. Alkali de-esterification showed a weak impact on the pectin structure. Hydroxyl groups like 7-OH and 5-OH of icaritin might be involved in the formation of IPMs. The hydrogen-bond interactions between pectin and icaritin could be enhanced as DM increased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yipeng Chen
- Key State Laboratory of Plant Diversity and Specialty Crops, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Plant Conservation and Utilization in Southern China, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Tiantian Zhao
- Sericulture & Agri-food Research Institute Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Functional Foods, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Agricultural Products Processing, Guangzhou 510610, China
| | - Lina Cheng
- Sericulture & Agri-food Research Institute Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Functional Foods, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Agricultural Products Processing, Guangzhou 510610, China
| | - Bao Yang
- Key State Laboratory of Plant Diversity and Specialty Crops, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Plant Conservation and Utilization in Southern China, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China; South China National Botanical Garden, Guangzhou 510650, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Lingrong Wen
- Key State Laboratory of Plant Diversity and Specialty Crops, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Plant Conservation and Utilization in Southern China, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China; South China National Botanical Garden, Guangzhou 510650, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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Ma Y, Zhao C, Hu H, Yin S. Liver protecting effects and molecular mechanisms of icariin and its metabolites. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2023; 215:113841. [PMID: 37660725 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2023.113841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
As a detoxification and metabolism organ, the liver plays a vital role in human health. However, an excessive consumption of drugs and toxins, exposure to pathogenic viruses, and unhealthy living habits can lead to liver damage, which may even develop into liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Epimedium brevicornum Maxim. is a traditional Chinese medicine and dietary supplement in which the flavonoid icariin is a main functional component. Although the protective mechanisms of icariin and its metabolites against liver injury are not yet comprehensively understood, an increasing number of studies have confirmed their liver-protective and anticancer effects. Indeed, icaritin, one of the metabolites of icariin, is currently utilized as an active component of an anti-cancer drug. This paper presents a review of the molecular mechanisms through which icariin and its metabolites actively protect against the occurrence and development of liver injury, and, thus, provides a comprehensive reference for further research and their application in liver protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yurong Ma
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China.
| | - Chong Zhao
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China.
| | - Hongbo Hu
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China.
| | - Shutao Yin
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China.
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Chen Y, Jiang Y, Wen L, Yang B. Interaction between ultrasound-modified pectin and icaritin. Food Chem 2023; 426:136618. [PMID: 37354572 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.136618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Pectin can improve the bioaccessibility of icaritin as a nanocarrier, and ultrasound can modify the pectin structure. However, the interaction between ultrasound-modified pectin (UMP) and icaritin remains unclearly. In this work, the effects of UMP on the physiochemical properties of icaritin/pectin micelles (IPMs) were investigated. The IPMs prepared with UMP (UMP-IPMs) showed lower encapsulation efficiencies and loading capacities, comparing with native IPMs. UMP-IPMs had smaller particle sizes (325-399 nm) than native IPMs (551 nm). The Mw, viscosity, G' and G" of pectin were determined. NMR spectra indicated that the repeating unit in pectins remained consistently before and after ultrasound treatment, and 7-OH of icaritin was involved in hydrogen bond formation with pectin. The larger chemical shift movement of 6-H and 7-OH for U3-IPMs than P0-IPMs suggested that stronger hydrogen bond interaction between icaritin and pectin. UMP-IPMs exhibited stronger anti-proliferation activities against HepG2 cells than native IPMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yipeng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Diversity and Prominent Crops, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, Key Laboratory of South China Agricultural Plant Molecular Analysis and Genetic Improvement, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China; South China National Botanical Garden, Guangzhou 510650, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yueming Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Diversity and Prominent Crops, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, Key Laboratory of South China Agricultural Plant Molecular Analysis and Genetic Improvement, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China; South China National Botanical Garden, Guangzhou 510650, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lingrong Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Diversity and Prominent Crops, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, Key Laboratory of South China Agricultural Plant Molecular Analysis and Genetic Improvement, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China; South China National Botanical Garden, Guangzhou 510650, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Bao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Diversity and Prominent Crops, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, Key Laboratory of South China Agricultural Plant Molecular Analysis and Genetic Improvement, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China; South China National Botanical Garden, Guangzhou 510650, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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Polymeric Systems for the Controlled Release of Flavonoids. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020628. [PMID: 36839955 PMCID: PMC9964149 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Flavonoids are natural compounds that are attracting great interest in the biomedical field thanks to the wide spectrum of their biological properties. Their employment as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic drugs, as well as for many other pharmacological applications, is extensively investigated. One of the most successful ways to increase their therapeutic efficacy is to encapsulate them into a polymeric matrix in order to control their concentration in the physiological fluids for a prolonged time. The aim of this article is to provide an updated overview of scientific literature on the polymeric systems developed so far for the controlled release of flavonoids. The different classes of flavonoids are described together with the polymers most commonly employed for drug delivery applications. Representative drug delivery systems are discussed, highlighting the most common techniques for their preparation. The flavonoids investigated for polymer system encapsulation are then presented with their main source of extraction and biological properties. Relevant literature on their employment in this context is reviewed in relationship to the targeted pharmacological and biomedical applications.
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Nanomedicine-boosting icaritin-based immunotherapy of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Mil Med Res 2022; 9:69. [PMID: 36503490 PMCID: PMC9743634 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-022-00433-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional treatments for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), such as surgical resection, transplantation, radiofrequency ablation, and chemotherapy are unsatisfactory, and therefore the exploration of powerful therapeutic strategies is urgently needed. Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising strategy for advanced HCC treatment due to its minimal side effects and long-lasting therapeutic memory effects. Recent studies have demonstrated that icaritin could serve as an immunomodulator for effective immunotherapy of advanced HCC. Encouragingly, in 2022, icaritin soft capsules were approved by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China for the immunotherapy of advanced HCC. However, the therapeutic efficacy of icaritin in clinical practice is impaired by its poor bioavailability and unfavorable in vivo delivery efficiency. Recently, functionalized drug delivery systems including stimuli-responsive nanocarriers, cell membrane-coated nanocarriers, and living cell-nanocarrier systems have been designed to overcome the shortcomings of drugs, including the low bioavailability and limited delivery efficiency as well as side effects. Taken together, the development of icaritin-based nanomedicines is expected to further improve the immunotherapy of advanced HCC. Herein, we compared the different preparation methods for icaritin, interpreted the HCC immune microenvironment and the mechanisms underlying icaritin for treatment of advanced HCC, and discussed both the design of icaritin-based nanomedicines with high icaritin loading and the latest progress in icaritin-based nanomedicines for advanced HCC immunotherapy. Finally, the prospects to promote further clinical translation of icaritin-based nanomedicines for the immunotherapy of advanced HCC were proposed.
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Lu Y, Luo Q, Jia X, Tam JP, Yang H, Shen Y, Li X. Multidisciplinary strategies to enhance therapeutic effects of flavonoids from Epimedii Folium: Integration of herbal medicine, enzyme engineering, and nanotechnology. J Pharm Anal 2022; 13:239-254. [PMID: 37102112 PMCID: PMC10123947 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Flavonoids such as baohuoside I and icaritin are the major active compounds in Epimedii Folium (EF) and possess excellent therapeutic effects on various diseases. Encouragingly, in 2022, icaritin soft capsules were approved to reach the market for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China. Moreover, recent studies demonstrate that icaritin can serve as immune-modulating agent to exert anti-tumor effects. Nonetheless, both production efficiency and clinical applications of epimedium flavonoids have been restrained because of their low content, poor bioavailability, and unfavorable in vivo delivery efficiency. Recently, various strategies, including enzyme engineering and nanotechnology, have been developed to increase productivity and activity, improve delivery efficiency, and enhance therapeutic effects of epimedium flavonoids. In this review, the structure-activity relationship of epimedium flavonoids is described. Then, enzymatic engineering strategies for increasing the productivity of highly active baohuoside I and icaritin are discussed. The nanomedicines for overcoming in vivo delivery barriers and improving therapeutic effects of various diseases are summarized. Finally, the challenges and an outlook on clinical translation of epimedium flavonoids are proposed.
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Arafa WM, Elkomy MH, Aboud HM, Ali MI, Abdel Gawad SS, Aboelhadid SM, Mahdi EA, Alsalahat I, Abdel-Tawab H. Tunable Polymeric Mixed Micellar Nanoassemblies of Lutrol F127/Gelucire 44/14 for Oral Delivery of Praziquantel: A Promising Nanovector against Hymenolepis nana in Experimentally-Infected Rats. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14102023. [PMID: 36297459 PMCID: PMC9608995 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14102023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Hymenolepiasis represents a parasitic infection of common prevalence in pediatrics with intimidating impacts, particularly amongst immunocompromised patients. The present work aimed to snowball the curative outcomes of the current mainstay of hymenolepiasis chemotherapy, praziquantel (PRZ), through assembly of polymeric mixed micelles (PMMs). Such innovative nano-cargo could consolidate PRZ hydrosolubility, extend its circulation time and eventually upraise its bioavailability, thus accomplishing a nanoparadigm for hymenolepiasis tackling at lower dose levels. For consummating this goal, PRZ-PMMs were tailored via thin-film hydration technique integrating a binary system of Lutrol F127 and Gelucire 44/14. Box-Behnken design was planned for optimizing the nanoformulation variables employing Design-Expert® software. Also, in Hymenolepis nana-infected rats, the pharmacodynamics of the optimal micellar formulation versus the analogous crude PRZ suspension were scrutinized on the 1st and 3rd days after administration of a single oral dose (12.5 or 25 mg/kg). Moreover, in vitro ovicidal activity of the monitored formulations was estimated utilizing Fuchsin vital stain. Furthermore, the in vivo pharmacokinetics were assessed in rats. The optimum PRZ-PMMs disclosed conciliation between thermodynamic and kinetic stability, high entrapment efficiency (86.29%), spherical nanosized morphology (15.18 nm), and controlled-release characteristics over 24 h (78.22%). 1H NMR studies verified PRZ assimilation within the micellar core. Additionally, the in vivo results highlighted a significant boosted efficacy of PRZ-PMMs manifested by fecal eggs output and worm burden reduction, which was clearly evident at the lesser PRZ dose, besides a reversed effect for the intestinal histological disruptions. At 50 µg/mL, PRZ-PMMs increased the percent of non-viable eggs to 100% versus 47% for crude PRZ, whilst shell destruction and loss of embryo were only clear with the applied nano-cargo. Moreover, superior bioavailability by 3.43-fold with elongated residence time was measured for PRZ-PMMs compared to PRZ suspension. Practically, our results unravel the potential of PRZ-PMMs as an oral promising tolerable lower dose nanoplatform for more competent PRZ mass chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waleed M. Arafa
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62511, Egypt
| | - Mohammed H. Elkomy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka 72341, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: (M.H.E.); (I.A.)
| | - Heba M. Aboud
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62514, Egypt
| | - Mona Ibrahim Ali
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62511, Egypt
| | - Samah S. Abdel Gawad
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62511, Egypt
| | - Shawky M. Aboelhadid
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62511, Egypt
| | - Emad A. Mahdi
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62511, Egypt
| | - Izzeddin Alsalahat
- UK Dementia Research Institute Cardiff, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 1TP, UK
- Correspondence: (M.H.E.); (I.A.)
| | - Heba Abdel-Tawab
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62521, Egypt
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Bi Z, Zhang W, Yan X. Anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory effects of icariin and icaritin. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 151:113180. [PMID: 35676785 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation and immunity dysregulation have received widespread attention in recent years due to their occurrence in the pathophysiology of many conditions. In this regard, several pharmacological studies have been conducted aiming to evaluate the potential anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of phytochemicals. Epimedium, a traditional Chinese medicine, is often used as a tonic, aphrodisiac, and anti-rheumatic agent. Icariin (ICA) is the main active ingredient of Epimedium and is, once ingested, mainly metabolized into Icaritin (ICT). Data from in vitro and in vivo studies suggested that ICA and its metabolite (ICT) regulated the functions and activation of immune cells, modulated the release of inflammatory factors, and restored aberrant signaling pathways. ICA and ICT were also involved in anti-inflammatory and immune responses in several diseases, including multiple sclerosis, asthma, atherosclerosis, lupus nephritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer. Yet, data showed that ICA and ICT exhibited similar but not identical pharmacokinetic properties. Therefore, based on their higher solubility and bioavailability, as well as trends indicating that single-ingredient compounds offer broader and safer therapeutic capabilities, ICA and ICT delivery systems and treatment represent interesting avenues with promising clinical applications. In this study, we reviewed the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory mechanisms, as well as the pharmacokinetic properties of ICA and its metabolite ICT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangyang Bi
- Traditional Chinese Medicine College of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Pneumology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoyan Yan
- Department of Health Care, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China.
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Li K, Xiao K, Zhu S, Wang Y, Wang W. Chinese Herbal Medicine for Primary Liver Cancer Therapy: Perspectives and Challenges. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:889799. [PMID: 35600861 PMCID: PMC9117702 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.889799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary liver cancer (PLC) is one of the most common solid malignancies. However, PLC drug development has been slow, and first-line treatments are still needed; thus, studies exploring and developing alternative strategies for effective PLC treatment are urgently needed. Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has long been applied in the clinic due to its advantages of low toxicity and targeting of multiple factors and pathways, and it has great potential for the development of novel natural drugs against PLC. Purpose: This review aims to provide an update on the pharmacological mechanisms of Chinese patent medicines (CPMs) and the latest CHM-derived compounds for the treatment of PLC and relevant clinical evaluations. Materials and Methods: A systematic search of English literature databases, Chinese literature, the Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry for studies of CHMs for PLC treatment was performed. Results: In this review, we summarize the clinical trials and mechanisms of CPMs for PLC treatment that have entered the clinic with the approval of the Chinese medicine regulatory authority. These CPMs included Huaier granules, Ganfule granules, Fufang Banmao capsules, Jinlong capsules, Brucea javanica oil emulsions, and compound kushen injections. We also summarize the latest in vivo, in vitro, and clinical studies of CHM-derived compounds against PLC: icaritin and ginsenoside Rg3. Dilemmas facing the development of CHMs, such as drug toxicity and low oral availability, and future developments are also discussed. Conclusion: This review provides a deeper the understanding of CHMs as PLC treatments and provides ideas for the development of new natural drugs against PLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Li
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Dongzhimen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Kunmin Xiao
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Department of Oncology, Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shijie Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yong Wang, ; Wei Wang,
| | - Wei Wang
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Institute of Prescription and Syndrome, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provinvial Key Laboratory of TCM Pathogenesis and Prescriptions of Heart and Spleen Diseases, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yong Wang, ; Wei Wang,
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Gao L, Zhang SQ. Antiosteoporosis Effects, Pharmacokinetics, and Drug Delivery Systems of Icaritin: Advances and Prospects. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15040397. [PMID: 35455393 PMCID: PMC9032325 DOI: 10.3390/ph15040397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disorder affecting over 200 million people worldwide and contributes dramatically to global healthcare costs. Available anti-osteoporotic drug treatments including hormone replacement therapy, anabolic agents, and bisphosphonates often cause adverse events which limit their long-term use. Therefore, the application of natural products has been proposed as an alternative therapy strategy. Icaritin (ICT) is not only an enzyme-hydrolyzed product of icariin but also an intestinal metabolite of eight major flavonoids of the traditional Chinese medicinal plant Epimedium with extensive pharmacological activities, such as strengthening the kidney and reinforcing the bone. ICT displays several therapeutic effects, including osteoporosis prevention, neuroprotection, antitumor, cardiovascular protection, anti-inflammation, and immune-protective effect. ICT inhibits bone resorption activity of osteoclasts and stimulates osteogenic differentiation and maturation of bone marrow stromal progenitor cells and osteoblasts. As for the mechanisms of effect, ICT regulates relative activities of two transcription factors Runx2 and PPARγ, determines the differentiation of MSCs into osteoblasts, increases mRNA expression of OPG, and inhibits mRNA expression of RANKL. Poor water solubility, high lipophilicity, and unfavorable pharmacokinetic properties of ICT restrict its anti-osteoporotic effects, and novel drug delivery systems are explored to overcome intrinsic limitations of ICT. The paper focuses on osteogenic effects and mechanisms, pharmacokinetics and delivery systems of ICT, and highlights bone-targeting strategies to concentrate ICT on the ideal specific site of bone. ICT is a promising potential novel therapeutic agent for osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lifang Gao
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, 10 Youanmenwai Xitiao, Beijing 100069, China;
| | - Shuang-Qing Zhang
- National Institute for Nutrition and Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 27 Nanwei Road, Beijing 100050, China
- Correspondence:
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