Synergistic Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Ginger and Turmeric Extracts in Inhibiting Lipopolysaccharide and Interferon-γ-Induced Proinflammatory Mediators

Phytochemical determination and mechanistic investigation of Polygala tenuifolia root (Yuanzhi) extract for bronchitis: UPLC-MS/MS analysis, network pharmacology and in vitro/in vivo evaluation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Bronchitis is a respiratory disease characterized by a productive cough. Polygala tenuifolia Willd., commonly known as Yuan zhi, is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine used for relieving cough and removing phlegm. Despite its historical use, studies are lacking on the effectiveness of P. tenuifolia in treating bronchitis. Furthermore, the molecular mechanisms underlying the action of its bioactive compounds remain unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to identify the main bioactive compounds responsible for the effects of P. tenuifolia liquid extract (PLE) in treating bronchitis and to elucidate the associated molecular mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The main chemical compounds in PLE were identified and determined using ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The antitussive, expectorant and anti-inflammatory activities of PLE were evaluated in an ammonia-induced mouse cough model, a tracheal phenol red excretion mouse model, and a xylene-induced ear swelling mouse model, respectively. A network pharmacology analysis was conducted to investigate the associated gene targets, gene ontology, and KEGG pathways related to the main bioactives in PLE targeting bronchitis. PLE and its five bioactive compounds were assessed for their potential anti-inflammatory activities in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Western blot analysis was conducted to elucidate the associated molecular mechanisms.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven compounds in PLE were identified, and twelve main compounds were further quantified in PLE using UPLC-MS/MS. PLE oral gavage administrations (0.6 and 0.12 mg/kg) for 7 days markedly reduced cough frequency, prolonged latency period of cough, reduced phlegm and inflammation in mice. The network pharmacology analysis identified 57 gene targets of PLE against bronchitis. The PI3K/AKT and MAPK signalling pathways were the top two modulated pathways. In RAW264.7 cells, PLE (12.5-50 μg/mL) significantly reduced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. PLE downregulated LPS-elevated protein targets in both PI3K/AKT and MAPK signaling pathways. In PLE, tenuifolin, polygalaxanthone ⅠⅠⅠ, polygalasaponin ⅩⅩⅤⅢ, tenuifoliside B, and 3,6'-Disinapoyl sucrose, were identified as the top five core components responsible for treating bronchitis. These compounds were also found to modulate the protein targets in the PI3K/AKT and MAPK signalling pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated the potential therapeutic effects of PLE on bronchitis by reducing cough, phlegm and inflammation. The anti-inflammatory action and molecular mechanisms of the 5 main bioactive compounds in PLE were partly validated through the in vitro assays. The findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying the traditional use of PLE for bronchitis.

Curcumin-Based Fixed Dose Combination Products for Cholesterol Management: A Narrative Review

Curcumin, a polyphenol compound that belongs to a class of molecules known as curcuminoids, may interact with various biological macromolecules in the body, including proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids. Curcumin-based fixed-dose combination (FDC) products enhance curcumin stability and bioavailability for better clinical use in cholesterol management. Preclinical studies on curcumin and cholesterol are mostly positive. Obstacles are the variable composition of the many different curcumin-based FDC products, the lack of standards, and the limitation of the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted for specific products. Once these downfalls have been addressed, curcumin-based FDC products have great potential for cholesterol management. They can supplement the uptake of statins, reducing their dosage for the same controlling effects or even replacing them.

Unraveling the Complex Web of Fibromyalgia: A Narrative Review

Fibromyalgia is a complex and often misunderstood chronic pain disorder. It is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and heightened sensitivity, and has evolved in diagnostic criteria and understanding over the years. Initially met with skepticism, fibromyalgia is now recognized as a global health concern affecting millions of people, with a prevalence transcending demographic boundaries. The clinical features and diagnosis of fibromyalgia encompass a range of symptoms beyond pain, including sleep disturbances and cognitive difficulties. This study emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive evaluation for accurate diagnosis, considering the shift from tender point reliance to a more holistic approach. Etiology and pathophysiology involve genetic predisposition, neurotransmitter dysregulation, central sensitization, and immune system involvement. Risk factors such as gender, age, family history, and comorbid conditions contribute to susceptibility. The impact on quality of life is profound, affecting physical and social aspects, often accompanied by mood disorders. Management approaches include pharmacological interventions, non-pharmacological therapies, lifestyle modifications, and alternative treatments. This study also delves into emerging research, exploring advances in neurobiological understanding, brain imaging, genetic markers, glutamate modulation, cannabinoids, gut microbiome, and digital health tools for fibromyalgia management. Overall, this study provides a nuanced and up-to-date overview of the complexities surrounding fibromyalgia, aiming to enhance understanding and support for individuals grappling with this challenging condition.

Role of Nutraceuticals in Obesity Management: A Mechanism and Prospective Supported by Molecular Docking Studies

Obesity and its comorbidities represent a major health problem worldwide. Treatment by reducing food intake and physical activity interventions has limited success especially with elderly people with chronic diseases. Nutraceuticals are naturally originated and successfully used for their physiological and nutritional benefit in health care. They might be alternative means to help lose weight and reduce obesity-associated metabolic disorders with the improvement of health, delay the aging process, prevention of chronic diseases, increase of life expectancy, or support to the structure or function of the body. The current study enumerates the inherent role of nutraceuticals in the management of obesity and its related comorbidities. The study is supported with the molecular docking studies discussing the mechanism of action. An attempt to optimize the role of nutraceuticals is made in this article in addition to widen the scope of its use in this chronic worldwide disease.

Synergistic Effect of Madecassoside and Rosmarinic Acid Against Ultraviolet B-Induced Photoaging in Human Skin Fibroblasts

Madecassoside (MD) and rosmarinic acid (RA) are well-known compounds with wound healing and antiaging effects. We demonstrated the synergistic protective activity of the MD-RA combination in Hs68 cells against ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced photoaging. The cell viabilities of MD, RA, and MD-RA combinations at various ratios (9:1, 8:2, 7:3, 6:4, 5:5, 4:6, 3:7, 2:8, and 1:9, v/v) were measured to compare their protective effects against UVB radiation. The synergistic interaction between MD and RA was confirmed using a combination index. The strongest effect of the MD-RA combination was observed at a ratio of 3:7. The combination of MD-RA 3:7 exerted a synergistic effect against UVB-induced changes in cell viability, as well as superoxide dismutase activity, reactive oxygen species, glutathione, catalase activity, and malondialdehyde levels. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of the MD-RA combination (3:7) on matrix metalloproteinases and total collagen production was higher than that of MD or RA alone. These results demonstrated that the MD-RA combination (3:7) generated a strong synergistic effect against UVB-induced photoaging in Hs68 cells. Overall, our results provide scientific evidence to support the development of a new combination therapy for skin protection against UVB-induced photoaging through the synergistic interaction between MD and RA. These natural compounds are promising options for antiaging and skin protection in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

Modulatory properties of curcumin in cancer: A narrative review on the role of interferons

The immune network is an effective network of cell types and chemical compounds established to maintain the body's homeostasis from foreign threats and to prevent the risk of a wide range of diseases; hence, its proper functioning and balance are essential. A dysfunctional immune system can contribute to various disorders, including cancer. Therefore, there has been considerable interest in molecules that can modulate the immune network. Curcumin, the active ingredient of turmeric, is one of these herbal remedies with many beneficial effects, including modulation of immunity. Curcumin is beneficial in managing various chronic inflammatory conditions, improving brain function, lowering cardiovascular disease risk, prevention and management of dementia, and prevention of aging. Several clinical studies have supported this evidence, suggesting curcumin to have an immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory function; nevertheless, its mechanism of action is still not clear. In the current review, we aim to explore the modulatory function of curcumin through interferons in cancers.

6-Shogaol and 10-Shogaol Synergize Curcumin in Ameliorating Proinflammatory Mediators via the Modulation of TLR4/TRAF6/MAPK and NFκB Translocation

Extensive research supported the therapeutic potential of curcumin, a naturally occurring compound, as a promising cytokinesuppressive anti-inflammatory drug. This study aimed to investigate the synergistic anti-inflammatory and anti-cytokine activities by combining 6-shogaol and 10-shogaol to curcumin, and associated mechanisms in modulating lipopolysaccharides and interferon-ɣ-induced proinflammatory signaling pathways. Our results showed that the combination of 6-shogaol-10-shogaol-curcumin synergistically reduced the production of nitric oxide, inducible nitric oxide synthase, tumor necrosis factor and interlukin-6 in lipopolysaccharides and interferon-γ-induced RAW 264.7 and THP-1 cells assessed by the combination index model. 6-shogaol-10-shogaol-curcumin also showed greater inhibition of cytokine profiling compared to that of 6-shogaol-10-shogaol or curcumin alone. The synergistic anti-inflammatory activity was associated with supressed NFκB translocation and downregulated TLR4-TRAF6-MAPK signaling pathway. In addition, SC also inhibited microRNA-155 expression which may be relevant to the inhibited NFκB translocation. Although 6-shogaol-10-shogaol-curcumin synergistically increased Nrf2 activity, the anti-inflammatory mechanism appeared to be independent from the induction of Nrf2. 6-shogaol-10-shogaol-curcumin provides a more potent therapeutic agent than curcumin alone in synergistically inhibiting lipopolysaccharides and interferon-γ induced proinflammatory mediators and cytokine array in macrophages. The action was mediated by the downregulation of TLR4/TRAF6/MAPK pathway and NFκB translocation.

Arteannuin-B and (3-Chlorophenyl)-2-Spiroisoxazoline Derivative Exhibit Anti-Inflammatory Effects in LPS-Activated RAW 264.7 Macrophages and BALB/c Mice-Induced Proinflammatory Responses via Downregulation of NF-κB/P38 MAPK Signaling

Host inflammatory responses are key to protection against injury; however, persistent inflammation is detrimental and contributes to morbidity and mortality. Herein, we demonstrated the anti-inflammatory role of Arteannuin-B (1) and its new spirocyclic-2-isoxazoline derivative JR-9 and their side effects in acute inflammatory condition in vivo using LPS-induced cytokines assay, carrageenan-induced paw edema, acetic acid-induced writhing and tail immersion. The results show that the spirocyclic-2-isoxazoline derivative is a potent anti-inflammatory agent with minimal cell toxicity as compared to Arteannuin-B. In addition, the efficacies of these compounds were also validated by flow cytometric, computational, and histopathological analysis. Our results show that the anti-inflammatory response of JR-9 significantly reduces the ability of mouse macrophages to produce NO, TNF-α, and IL-6 following LPS stimulation. Therefore, JR-9 is a prospective candidate for the development of anti-inflammatory drugs and its molecular mechanism is likely related to the regulation of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathway.

Extraction, Physicochemical Properties, Anti-Aging, and Antioxidant Activities of Polysaccharides from Industrial Hemp Residues

A large amount of hemp polysaccharides remain in industrial hemp residues (IHR) after cannabidiol extraction, resulting in the waste of resources. Therefore, the systematic study of hemp polysaccharides is beneficial to the development of IHR in the future. In this study, the extraction of industrial hemp residues polysaccharide (IHRPs) was optimized by single-factor experiment and orthogonal experimental design. The optimum heating extraction conditions were extraction temperature 98 °C, solid–liquid ratio 1:10, extraction time 1 h, number of successive extractions 2, and pH at 4. The extraction ratio and the polysaccharide content were 20.12 ± 0.55% and 12.35 ± 0.26% at the conditions, respectively. Besides, the best alcohol precipitation conditions were pumping with 2 L/h, stirring continuously, and ice-water bath for 4 h. The crude IHRPs was further purified by column chromatography and the polysaccharide/protein contents of purified IHRPs were 34.44% and 1.61%. IHRPs was mainly made up of ten monosaccharides and some non-sugar components including organic acids, flavonoids, steroids, and glycoside. The FT-IR demonstrated the polysaccharide skeleton of IHRPs. Moreover, the DPPH and ABTS scavenging rate of IHRPs were 76.00% and 99.05% at the concentrations of 1 mg/mL. IHRPs could promote the epidermal cells proliferation and healing of cell scratches. Meanwhile, IHRPs could promoted the expression of anti-aging-related genes. Overall, IHRPs could be a desirable natural source of antioxidants and anti-aging products in many aspects.