Review on the Pharmacological Properties of Phillyrin

Phillyrin regulates the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway by inhibiting TOP2A expression to accelerate ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma

Despite advancements and refinements in the therapeutic approaches for hepatic malignancies, liver cancer remains a prevalent and deadly form of cancer, with its grim outlook posing as a significant clinical challenge. Phillyrin (PHN) has been reported to have anticancer effects, but the anticancer mechanism in liver cancer is ominous. By searching the potential target of PHN in the online database and liver cancer disease database, it was found that there is only one overlap gene, and DNA topoisomerase II alpha (TOP2A) is abnormally expressed in liver cancer tissues. TOP2A overexpression and downregulated hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines were then constructed in vitro, and it was examined whether PHN treatment induced ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating TOP2A's inhibition of Janus kinase 2/Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) signaling pathway through phenotypic assay, western blot assay, reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR assay and electron microscopy. The results showed that PHN could inhibit the expression of TOP2A protein and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in hepatoma cells. PHN could also downregulate glutathione peroxidase 4 by suppressing the expression of TOP2A protein. PHN impeded the activity of factor inhibiting hypoxia‑inducible factor 1 alpha, thereby augmenting the synthesis of iron‑dependent apoptosis‑related proteins including cytochrome c oxidase subunit II, long‑chain acyl‑CoA synthetase family member 4 and NADPH oxidase 1, thus facilitating an increase in Fe2+ concentration and accelerating oxidative harm within hepatocellular carcinoma cells, culminating in the induction of ferroptotic cell death in these liver malignancy cells.

Phillyrin inhibits oxidative stress and neutrophil extracellular trap formation through the KEAP1/NRF2 pathway in gouty arthritis

Gouty arthritis (GA) is an inflammatory disorder characterized by deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystal in joints. Phillyrin, a natural compound with anti-inflammatory properties, shows promise in mitigating inflammatory responses. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of phillyrin in GA and explores its mechanisms of action. GA was induced in mice via intraarticular MSU injection, and joint inflammation, inflammatory cell infiltration, and their level in serum/tissue were assessed. Key proteins in the NF-κB and NLRP3 pathways were examined using western blot analysis. The impact of phillyrin on oxidative stress, neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation, and neutrophil accumulation was evaluated by measuring CD11b + Ly6G + cells, MPO, CitH3, extracellular DNA ratio, and oxidative stress markers. In vitro studies assessed the effects of phillyrin on oxidative stress, cell viability, cytokine production, and NET formation in MSU-treated neutrophils. The KEAP1/NRF2 pathway's role was analyzed using ML385, an NRF2 inhibitor. Phillyrin significantly reversed MSU-induced ankle swelling and inflammatory cell infiltration in joint tissues. It suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines and proteins in the NF-κB and NLRP3 pathways. Phillyrin reduced neutrophil infiltration, evidenced by lower MPO activity and NET formation, marked by reduced CitH3 expression. In vitro, phillyrin inhibited inflammatory marker expression and NET formation without affecting cell viability. It also restored antioxidant enzyme levels and reduced ROS production, regulating the KEAP1/NRF2 pathway, enhancing NRF2 expression and stability. These effects were reversed by NRF2 inhibition with ML385. Phillyrin alleviates GA by reducing joint inflammation, inhibiting NET formation, and suppressing oxidative stress through NRF2 modulation.

Systematic analysis of natural topoisomerase I inhibitors from Forsythiae Fructus by ultrafiltration-UPLC-ESI-MS/MS, pharmacophore modelling, and molecular dynamics simulation

This study conducted a systematic analysis to explore natural DNA topoisomerase I (topo I) inhibitors from Forsythiae Fructus (FF). Crude extract of FF exhibited notable toxic and anti-proliferative effects on A549 cells. A total of 36 components were identified using bioaffinity ultrafiltration UPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Pinoresinol, 1,8-dihydrox-yanthraquinone, quercetin, and lariciresinol were screened as topo I inhibitors. Their ESI fragmentation patterns were analysed. An obvious repair effect on damaged DNA strands was observed by topo I inhibitory binding assay. Moreover, a common feature-based pharmacophore model was constructed and another 7 topo I inhibitors were screened. Molecular docking indicated that hydrogen bond, π-anion, and π-alkyl interaction were major interactions. Molecular dynamics simulation revealed important residues determining the binding of amentoflavone, forsythoside B and topo I. The results improved current understanding of natural topo I inhibitors from FF. Moreover, the combination of multi-disciplinary approaches provided a new tool to investigate natural antitumor products.

Phillyrin and its metabolites treat pulmonary embolism by targeting PLCβ3 to inhibit platelet activation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Lian Qiao (LQ), the dried fruit of Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl, is a well-documented traditional Chinese medicine known for its detoxifying and heat-clearing properties. Clinically, compounds containing LQ are widely used to treat thrombotic diseases, indicating that it may have antithrombotic effects. However, its exact mechanism of action remains unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to verify the antithrombotic effect of LQ and further explore the material basis and target mechanism of its antithrombotic effect using various biological methods.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An epinephrine-collagen-thrombin-induced mouse model of acute pulmonary embolism (APE) was established to study the effects of LQ on thrombus development. A UPLC/Q/TOF-MS screening and identification system based on the inhibition of platelet aggregation and Ca2+ antagonism was established to determine the pharmacodynamic components of LQ that inhibit platelet activation. The inhibitory effect of active ingredients on platelet activation, and the determination of the target of their inhibitory effect on platelet activation have been studied using chemical proteomics. Furthermore, based on the structure and function of the target protein, a multidisciplinary approach was adopted to analyze the molecular mechanism of active ingredient binding to target proteins and to evaluate the effects of active ingredients on the downstream signaling pathways of target proteins.

RESULTS

LQ showed significant anticoagulant effects in APE model mice. Phillyrin and phillygenin were the antiplatelet-activating components of LQ. PLCβ3 was identified as a target for inhibiting platelet activation by phillyrin and its metabolites. The mechanism underlying the effect involves phillyrin and its metabolites inhibiting PLCβ3 activity by blocking the binding of PLCβ3 to Gαq through non-covalently targeting the ASN260 of PLCβ3, thus inhibiting the downstream Gαq-PLCβ3-Ca2+ signaling pathway, effectively hindering platelet activation and therefore playing an anticoagulant role.

CONCLUSION

This study not only proposes and validates the antithrombotic effect of LQ for the first time but also finds that phillyrin and phillygenin are the main pharmacological substances through which LQ exerts antithrombotic activity and reveals a novel mechanism by which they exert antiplatelet activity by directly targeting and inhibiting PLCβ3 activity. These findings significantly contribute to our understanding of the therapeutic potential of phillyrin and provide important clues for the discovery and development of new antiplatelet drugs.

Phillyrin prevents sepsis-induced acute lung injury through inhibiting the NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a severe pulmonary disorder of sepsis with high clinical incidence and mortality. Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3)-cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 1-gasdermin D (GSDMD)-dependent pyroptosis of alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) has emerged as a crucial contributor to ALI during sepsis. Phillyrin (PHI), a natural lignan isolated from the traditional Chinese herbal medicine Forsythia suspensa, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiviral properties. However, little is known about the protective role and potential mechanism of PHI in sepsis-induced ALI, and it is uncertain whether the protective effect of PHI in sepsis-induced ALI is connected to pyroptosis. This study aims to examine the preventive effects of PHI on sepsis-induced ALI via the inhibition of NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis in AECs. Our findings demonstrate that preadministration of PHI successfully reduces sepsis-induced pulmonary edema, systemic/pulmonary inflammation, and pulmonary histological damage in lung tissues, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and the serum of septic mice. Intriguingly, PHI preadministration suppresses sepsis-induced protein expressions of pyroptosis-specific markers, especially their active forms. In vitro assays show that PHI pretreatment also protects type II AECs (MLE-12) from lipopolysaccharide-induced pyroptosis by preventing the activation of the pyroptosis signaling pathway. The results from molecular docking and surface plasmon resonance reveal that PHI has a significant affinity for direct binding to the GSDMD protein, suggesting that GSDMD is a potential pharmacological target for PHI. In conclusion, PHI can prevent sepsis-triggered ALI by effectively suppressing the activation of the canonical pyroptosis signaling pathway and pyroptosis of AECs.

Pulmonary delivery of forsythin-phospholipid complexes improves the lung anti-inflammatory efficacy in mice by enhancing dissolution and lung tissue affinity

Forsythin, currently in phase II clinical trials in China for the treatment of the common cold and influenza, faces challenges in achieving adequate lung drug exposure due to its limited dissolution and permeability, thereby restricting its therapeutic efficacy. The objective of this work was to formulate a forsythin-phospholipid complex (FPC) to enhance its dissolution properties and lung affinity with a particular view to improving pulmonary drug exposure and anti-inflammatory response. The results revealed that forsythin reacted with dipalmitoyl-phosphatidylcholine to form a stable, nanosized FPC suspension. This formulation significantly improved the in vitro drug's dissolution, cellular uptake, and lung affinity compared to its uncomplexed form. Intratracheal administration of FPC in a mouse model of acute lung injury induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) resulted in a substantial increase in drug exposure to lung tissues (39.6-fold) and immune cells in the epithelial lining fluid (198-fold) compared to intraperitoneal injection. In addition, FPC instillation exhibited superior local anti-inflammatory effects, leading to improved survival rates among mice with LPS-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome, outperforming both instilled forsythin and injected FPC. Overall, this work demonstrated the potential of phospholipid complexes as a viable option for developing inhalation products for drugs with limited solubility and permeability properties.

Optimal fermentation of Shuanghuanglian and its effects on production performance of laying hens

Background

Shuanghuanglian is a Chinese medicine composed of Honeysuckle Flower, Baical Skullcap Root, and Fructus Forsythiae. It has various effects, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and immunomodulatory effects. The fermented product of Shuanghuanglian can be used as an antibiotic alternative, as it has similar efficacy, which may improve the immunity, feed intake and utilization efficiency of laying hens, thus improving their production performance. The aim of this study was to optimize the fermentation conditions for Shuanghuanglian using single factor and response surface methodology, evaluate the chemical and microbial composition of the Shuanghuanglian fermentation liquor (SFL), and explore the effects of SFL on the production performance of laying hens.

Methods

A total of 288 Xinyang black-feather laying hens (50 week-old) were randomly allocated to four treatments with nine replicates, each replicate containing eight hens, for a total of 37 days trial (including a 7-day adaptation period). The treatments included a control group (0% SFL in drinking water) and drinking water supplemented with 0.3, 0.5, or 0.7% SFL.

Results

The fermentation optimization conditions for Shuanghuanglian were selected as a solid-to-liquid ratio at 1:7, 3% inoculation quantity, fermentation temperature at 28°C for 5 days, initial pH of 7, 60 mesh (sieved), and rotation speed of 150 r/min. Various bioactive compounds, such as myrtenol, 2-hexyn-1-ol, arsenous acid tris(trimethylsilyl) ester, 3(10)-caren-4-ol, and oxime-, methoxy-phenyl, were detected in SFL. The most abundant bacterial phyla in SFL were Proteobacteria and Firmicutes, with Acinetobacter being the most abundant genus. The most abundant fungal phyla were Phragmoplastophyta and Magnoliophyta. The 0.5 and 0.7% SFL supplementation in water increased egg weight and laying rate, while decreasing the feed-to-egg ratio of laying hens compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7% SFL supplementation in water increased (p < 0.05) the Haugh unit, but there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in albumen height, egg shape index, egg thickness, and yolk color of the eggs.

Conclusion

Supplementation of SFL under optimized conditions had a positive impact on the production performance of laying hens, especially when the supplementation amount reached 0.5%. This study provides a theoretical basis for the application of Shuanghuanglian in the commercial egg industry.

Exploring the anti-NSCLC mechanism of phillyrin targeting inhibition of the HSP90-AKT pathway

Phillyrin (PHN), derived from the dried fruit of Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl, is a kind of Chinese herbal medicine with the effect of clearing heat, and has been used in China for thousands of years in treating various tumors. However, the mechanism of its main components on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear. PHN is a distinct component extracted from Forsythia suspensa with promising anti-cancer activity against various tumor types. This study sought to elucidate the promising effects of PHN on NSCLC. Based on network pharmacology results, we identified potential PHN targets and pathways for NSCLC treatment. CCK-8 assay, wound healing assay, apoptosis assay, western blot, and in vivo experiments verified the inhibitory effect of PHN on NSCLC. Network pharmacology identified 160 potential PHN targets, 955 NSCLC-related targets, and 54 common targets, along with 132 pathways and 2 core genes. Biological experiments demonstrated that PHN significantly inhibited the growth and migration of A549 and LLC cells while promoting their apoptosis. Western blot analysis revealed down-regulation of AKT, HSP90AA1, and CDC37 expression, suggesting that PHN inhibits A549 and LLC cell proliferation by down-regulating the HSP90-AKT pathway. In vivo experiments confirmed that PHN significantly inhibited NSCLC growth with low toxicity. This study, using network pharmacology and biological experiments, verified the effectiveness of PHN against NSCLC through the HSP90-AKT pathway. These findings provide a foundation for further research and analysis.

Ginsenoside Rg3 Restores Mitochondrial Cardiolipin Homeostasis via GRB2 to Prevent Parkinson's Disease

Regulating cardiolipin to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis is a promising strategy for addressing Parkinson's disease (PD). Through a comprehensive screening and validation process involving multiple models, ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3) as a compound capable of enhancing cardiolipin levels is identified. This augmentation in cardiolipin levels fosters mitochondrial homeostasis by bolstering mitochondrial unfolded protein response, promoting mitophagy, and enhancing mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Consequently, this cascade enhances the survival of tyrosine hydroxylase positive (TH+) dopaminergic neurons, leading to an amelioration in motor performance within PD mouse models. Using limited proteolysis-small-molecule mapping combined with molecular docking analysis, it has confirmed Growth Factor Receptor-Bound Protein 2 (GRB2) as a molecular target for Rg3. Furthermore, these investigations reveal that Rg3 facilitates the interaction between GRB2 and TRKA (Neurotrophic Tyrosine Kinase, Receptor, Type 1), thus promotes EVI1 (Ecotropic Virus Integration Site 1 Protein Homolog) phosphorylation by ERK, subsequently increases CRLS1 (Cardiolipin Synthase 1) gene expression and boosts cardiolipin synthesis. The absence of GRB2 or CRLS1 significantly attenuates the beneficial effects of Rg3 on PD symptoms. Finally, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF) that also promotes the binding between GRB2 and TRKA is further identified. The identified compounds, Rg3 and TDF, exhibit promising potential for the prevention of PD by bolstering cardiolipin expression and reinstating mitochondrial homeostasis.

Efficacy and safety of Lianhua Qingwen granule combined with azithromycin for mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children: a systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis

Background

Lianhua Qingwen (LHQW) granule, a botanical drug preparation, is frequently utilized as an adjuvant treatment for mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP). Nevertheless, the clinical efficacy and safety of this treatment remain uncertain.

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of LHQW granule combined with azithromycin (AZM) in treating MPP in children.

Method

To identify all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of LHQW granule plus AZM, a search was conducted in eight Chinese and English databases (CNKI, Wan Fang, VIP, Sinomed, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) from their inception until 25 December 2023. Meta-regression and subgroup analysis were employed to investigate heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis and trial sequential analysis (TSA) were conducted to assess the robustness of the findings. Additionally, the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system was utilized to evaluate the quality of evidence.

Results

A total of 15 RCTs involving 1909 participants were included in this study. The meta-analysis results indicated combination therapy of LHQW granule and AZM is significant different from AZM alone in both efficacy and safety, which are specifically observed in the following outcomes: response rate (RR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.12 to 1.22, p < 0.01), antipyretic time (MD = -1.32, 95% CI: -1.66 to -0.98, p < 0.01), cough disappearance time (MD = -1.76, 95% CI: -2.47 to -1.05, p < 0.01), pulmonary rale disappearance time (MD = -1.54, 95% CI: -2.06 to -1.02, p < 0.01), c-reactive protein (CRP) (MD = -5.50, 95% CI: -6.92 to -4.07, p < 0.01), procalcitonin (PCT) (MD = -0.31, 95% CI: -0.38 to -0.24, p < 0.01), interleukin 6 (IL-6) (MD = -5.97, 95% CI: -7.39 to -4.54, p<0.01), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) (MD = -5.74, 95% CI: -7.44 to -4.04, p < 0.01), forced vital capacity (FVC) (SMD = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.34 to 0.62, p < 0.01), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) (SMD = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.44 to 0.67, p < 0.01), FEV1/FVC (SMD = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.32 to 0.67, p < 0.01), CD4+ T lymphocyte (CD4+) (MD = 4.04, 95% CI: 3.09 to 4.98, p < 0.01), CD8+ T lymphocyte (CD8+) (MD = -3.32, 95% CI: 4.27 to 2.38, p < 0.01) and adverse events (RR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.43 to 0.96, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The combination therapy of LHQW granule and AZM may be a better strategy to treat MPP in children. However, the clinical efficacy and safety of LHQW granule require further validation.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/.

Phillyrin reduces ROS production to alleviate the progression of intervertebral disc degeneration by inhibiting NF-κB pathway

BACKGROUND

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is an increasingly important cause of low back pain (LBP) that results in substantial health and economic burdens. Inflammatory pathway activation and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) play vital roles in the progression of IDD. Several studies have suggested that phillyrin has a protective role and inhibits inflammation and the production of ROS. However, the role of phillyrin in IDD has not been confirmed.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of phillyrin in IDD and its mechanisms.

STUDY DESIGN

To establish IDD models in vivo, ex-vivo, and in vitro to verify the function of phillyrin in IDD.

METHOD

The effects of phillyrin on extracellular matrix (ECM) degeneration, inflammation, and oxidation in nucleus pulposus (NP) cells were assessed using immunoblotting and immunofluorescence analysis. Additionally, the impact of phillyrin administration on acupuncture-mediated intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) in rats was evaluated using various techniques such as MRI, HE staining, S-O staining, and immunohistochemistry (IHC).

RESULT

Pretreatment with phillyrin significantly inhibited the IL-1β-mediated reduction in the degeneration of ECM and apoptosis by alleviating activation of the NF-κB inflammatory pathway and the generation of ROS. In addition, in vivo and ex-vivo experiments verified the protective effect of phillyrin against IDD.

CONCLUSION

Phillyrin can attenuate the progression of IDD by reducing ROS production and activating inflammatory pathways.

Review of the therapeutic potential of Forsythiae Fructus on the central nervous system: Active ingredients and mechanisms of action

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Traditional Chinese medicine has gained significant attention in recent years owing to its multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway advantages in treating various diseases. Forsythiae Fructus, derived from the dried fruit of Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl, is one such traditional Chinese medicine with numerous in vivo and ex vivo therapeutic effects, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Forsythiae Fructus contains more than 200 chemical constituents, with forsythiaside, forsythiaside A, forsythiaside B, isoforsythiaside, forsythin, and phillyrin being the most active ingredients. Forsythiae Fructus exerts neuroprotective effects by modulating various pathways, including oxidative stress, anti-inflammation, NF-κB signaling, 2-AG, Nrf2 signaling, acetylcholinesterase, PI3K-Akt signaling, ferroptosis, gut-brain axis, TLR4 signaling, endoplasmic reticulum stress, PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling, and PPARγ signaling pathway.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This review aims to highlight the potential therapeutic effects of Forsythiae Fructus on the central nervous system and summarize the current knowledge on the active ingredients of Forsythiae Fructus and their effects on different pathways involved in neuroprotection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this review, we conducted a comprehensive search of databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, China Knowledge Resource Integrated, local dissertations and books) up until June 2023 using key terms such as Forsythia suspensa, Forsythiae Fructus, forsythiaside, isoforsythiaside, forsythin, phillyrin, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, traumatic brain injury, aging, and herpes simplex virus encephalitis.

RESULTS

Our findings indicate that Forsythiae Fructus and its active ingredients own therapeutic effects on the central nervous system by modulating various pathways, including oxidative stress, anti-inflammation, NF-κB signaling, 2-AG, Nrf2 signaling, acetylcholinesterase, PI3K-Akt signaling, ferroptosis, the gut-brain axis, TLR4 signaling, endoplasmic reticulum stress, PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling, and PPARγ signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

Forsythiae Fructus and its active ingredients have demonstrated promising neuroprotective properties. Future in vivo and clinical studies of Forsythiae Fructus and its active ingredients should be conducted to establish precise dosage and standard guidelines for a more effective application in the treatment of neurological disorders.

A comprehensive review on pharmacological, toxicity, and pharmacokinetic properties of phillygenin: Current landscape and future perspectives

Forsythiae Fructus is a traditional Chinese medicine frequently in clinics. It is extensive in the treatment of various inflammation-related diseases and is renowned as 'the holy medicine of sores'. Phillygenin (C21H24O6, PHI) is a component of lignan that has been extracted from Forsythiae Fructus and exhibits notable biological activity. Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed that PHI demonstrates significant activities in the treatment of various diseases, including inflammatory diseases, liver diseases, cancer, bacterial infection and virus infection. Therefore, this review comprehensively summarizes the pharmacological effects of PHI up to June 2023 by searching PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, CNKI, and SciFinder databases. According to the data, PHI shows remarkable anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antitumour, antibacterial, antiviral, immunoregulatory, analgesic, antihypertensive and vasodilatory activities. More importantly, NF-κB, MAPK, PI3K/AKT, P2X7R/NLRP3, Nrf2-ARE, JAK/STAT, Ca2+-calcineurin-TFEB, TGF-β/Smads, Notch1 and AMPK/ERK/NF-κB signaling pathways are considered as important molecular targets for PHI to exert these pharmacological activities. Studies of its toxicity and pharmacokinetic properties have shown that PHI has very low toxicity, incomplete absorption in vivo and low oral bioavailability. In addition, the physico-chemical properties, new formulations, derivatives and existing challenges and prospects of PHI are also reviewed and discussed in this paper, aiming to provide direction and rationale for the further development and clinical application of PHI.

An insight into the neuroprotective and anti-neuroinflammatory effects and mechanisms of Moringa oleifera

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are sporadic maladies that affect patients' lives with progressive neurological disabilities and reduced quality of life. Neuroinflammation and oxidative reaction are among the pivotal factors for neurodegenerative conditions, contributing to the progression of NDs, such as Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), multiple sclerosis (MS) and Huntington's disease (HD). Management of NDs is still less than optimum due to its wide range of causative factors and influences, such as lifestyle, genetic variants, and environmental aspects. The neuroprotective and anti-neuroinflammatory activities of Moringa oleifera have been documented in numerous studies due to its richness of phytochemicals with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This review highlights up-to-date research findings on the anti-neuroinflammatory and neuroprotective effects of M. oleifera, including mechanisms against NDs. The information was gathered from databases, which include Scopus, Science Direct, Ovid-MEDLINE, Springer, and Elsevier. Neuroprotective effects of M. oleifera were mainly assessed by using the crude extracts in vitro and in vivo experiments. Isolated compounds from M. oleifera such as moringin, astragalin, and isoquercitrin, and identified compounds of M. oleifera such as phenolic acids and flavonoids (chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin, (-)-epicatechin, and isoquercitrin) have been reported to have neuropharmacological activities. Therefore, these compounds may potentially contribute to the neuroprotective and anti-neuroinflammatory effects. More in-depth studies using in vivo animal models of neurological-related disorders and extensive preclinical investigations, such as pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and bioavailability studies are necessary before clinical trials can be carried out to develop M. oleifera constituents into neuroprotective agents.

Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of MeJA Responsive Enzymes Involved in Phillyrin Biosynthesis of Forsythia suspensa

Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) has been widely used in traditional medicines in Asia. According to the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia, phillyrin is the main active ingredient in F. suspensa, which is effective in clearing heat, reducing swelling, and dispersing nodules. F. suspensa leaf is a non-toxic substance and it can be used to make a health tea. Here, we combine elicitors and transcriptomics to investigate the inducible biosynthesis of the phillyrin from the F. suspensa. After the fruits and leaves of F. suspensa were treated with different concentrations of methyl jasmonate (MeJA), the content of phillyrin in the fruits reached a peak at 200 µM MeJA for 12 h, but which was decreased in leaves. To analyze the differences in key enzyme genes involved in the phillyrin biosynthesis, we sequenced the transcriptome of F. suspensa leaves and fruits treated with 200 µM MeJA for 12 h. We hypothesized that nine genes related to coniferin synthesis including: F. suspensa UDP-glycosyltransferase (FsUGT); F. suspensa 4-coumarate coenzyme CoA ligase (Fs4CL); and F. suspensa Caffeoyl-CoA O-methyltransferase (FsCCoAOMT) etc. The qRT-PCR analysis of genes related to phillyrin biosynthesis was consistent with RNA-seq analysis. We also investigated the dynamic changes of genes in F. suspensa leaves and fruits at different time points after 200 µM MeJA treatment, which laid the foundation for further study of the molecular mechanisms regulating the biosynthesis of phillyrin.

Phillyrin restores metabolic disorders in mice fed with high-fat diet through inhibition of interleukin-6-mediated basal lipolysis

The function of white adipose tissue as an energy reservoir is impaired in obesity, leading to lipid spillover and ectopic lipid deposition. Adipose tissue inflammation can reduce the efficacy of lipid storage in adipocytes by augmenting basal lipolysis through producing interleukin-6 (IL-6). Therefore, pharmacological compounds targeting adipose tissue inflammation or IL-6 signaling might have the potential to combat obesity. This study aims to investigate the impact of Phillyrin, which is frequently used for treating respiratory infections in clinics in China, on obesity-related metabolic dysfunctions. Firstly, a mouse model of diet-induced obesity is used to assess the pharmacological applications of Phillyrin on obesity in vivo. Secondly, ex vivo culture of adipose tissue explants is utilized to investigate actions of Phillyrin on IL-6-linked basal lipolysis. Thirdly, a mouse model of IL-6 injection into visceral adipose tissue is explored to confirm the anti-basal lipolytic effect of Phillyrin against IL-6 in vivo. The results show that Phillyrin treatment reduces circulating level of glycerol, decreases hepatic steatosis and improves insulin sensitivity in obese mice. Meanwhile, Phillyrin attenuates obesity-related inflammation and IL-6 production in adipose tissue in obese mice. Furthermore, Phillyrin treatment results in resistance to IL-6-induced basal lipolysis in adipose tissue through suppressing expression of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) both in vivo and in vitro. Collectively, these findings suggest that Phillyrin can restrain lipid efflux from inflamed adipose tissue in obesity by inhibiting IL-6-initiated basal lipolysis and ATGL expression, and thus is a potential candidate in the treatment of obesity-associated complications.

Targeting Oxidative Stress in Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Prospects of the Natural Products Approach

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), the second most common subtype of stroke, remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The pathological mechanism of ICH is very complex, and it has been demonstrated that oxidative stress (OS) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of ICH. Previous studies have shown that OS is a therapeutic target after ICH, and antioxidants have also achieved some benefits in the treatment of ICH. This review aimed to explore the promise of natural products therapy to target OS in ICH. We searched PubMed using the keywords "oxidative stress in intracerebral hemorrhage" and "natural products in intracerebral hemorrhage". Numerous animal and cell studies on ICH have demonstrated the potent antioxidant properties of natural products, including polyphenols and phenolic compounds, terpenoids, alkaloids, etc. In summary, natural products such as antioxidants offer the possibility of treatment of OS after ICH. However, researchers still have a long way to go to apply these natural products for the treatment of ICH more widely in the clinic.