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Yang YN, Zhan JG, Cao Y, Wu CM. From ancient wisdom to modern science: Gut microbiota sheds light on property theory of traditional Chinese medicine. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2024:S2095-4964(24)00337-6. [PMID: 38937158 DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2024.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
The property theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been practiced for thousands of years, playing a pivotal role in the clinical application of TCM. While advancements in energy metabolism, chemical composition analysis, machine learning, ion current modeling, and supercritical fluid technology have provided valuable insight into how aspects of TCM property theory may be measured, these studies only capture specific aspects of TCM property theory in isolation, overlooking the holistic perspective inherent in TCM. To systematically investigate the modern interpretation of the TCM property theory from multidimensional perspectives, we consulted the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 edition) to compile a list of Chinese materia medica (CMM). Then, using the Latin names of each CMM and gut microbiota as keywords, we searched the PubMed database for relevant research on gut microbiota and CMM. The regulatory patterns of different herbs on gut microbiota were then summarized from the perspectives of the four natures, the five flavors and the meridian tropism. In terms of the four natures, we found that warm-natured medicines promoted the colonization of specific beneficial bacteria, while cold-natured medicines boosted populations of some beneficial bacteria while suppressing pathogenic bacteria. Analysis of the five flavors revealed that sweet-flavored and bitter-flavored CMMs positively influenced beneficial bacteria while inhibiting harmful bacteria. CMMs with different meridian tropism exhibited complex modulative patterns on gut microbiota, with Jueyin (Liver) and Taiyin (Lung) meridian CMMs generally exerting a stronger effect. The gut microbiota may be a biological indicator for characterizing the TCM property theory, which not only enhances our understanding of classic TCM theory but also contributes to its scientific advancement and application in healthcare. Please cite this article as: Yang YN, Zhan JG, Cao Y, Wu CM. From ancient wisdom to modern science: Gut microbiota sheds light on property theory of traditional Chinese medicine. J Integr Med. 2024; Epub ahead of print.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Nan Yang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Jia-Guo Zhan
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Ying Cao
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Chong-Ming Wu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Substance of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
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Chen J, Jiang F, Xu N, Dong G, Jiang J, Wang M, Li C, Li R. Anthocyanin Extracted from Purple Sweet Potato Alleviates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis in Mice by Suppressing Pyroptosis and Altering Intestinal Flora Structure. J Med Food 2024; 27:110-122. [PMID: 38181190 DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2023.k.0247] [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] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to examine the impact and underlying mechanisms of pelargonidin-3-galactoside (Pg3gal) produced from purple sweet potatoes on colonic inflammation induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in a murine model of ulcerative colitis (UC). C57BL/6J mice were categorized into four groups (n = 6 per group): DSS+Pg3gal, control, control+Pg3gal, and DSS. Colitis was induced by providing free access to 3% DSS for 10 days. The DSS+Pg3gal model mice received DSS concurrently with intragastric Pg3gal (25 mg/kg). The health of the mice was carefully monitored on a regular basis, and scores for the Disease Activity Index (DAI) were documented. A histological assessment was conducted using hematoxylin and eosin staining to evaluate the extent of mucosal injury present. The expression levels of IL-6, NLRP3, ASC, cleaved-Caspase-1, TNF-α, N-GSDMS, and cleaved-IL-1β proteins were evaluated by Western blot analysis. The process of 16S rRNA sequencing was carried out to examine the composition and relative abundance of gut microbiotas within the intestines of the mice. The DAI results revealed that Pg3gal significantly attenuated the DSS-induced UC in mice. In addition, it successfully alleviated the decline in colon size, improved the condition of colonic tissue, and significantly inhibited the production of proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, in the colon tissues. Additionally, Pg3gal modulated the DSS-induced imbalanced gut microbiota, as evidenced by decreased Proteobacteria and Deferribacteres and simultaneous elevation in Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Verrucomicrobia. In summary, Pg3gal alleviated DSS-induced UC by inhibiting pyroptosis in intestinal epithelial cells and enhancing the structural integrity of the gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Cardiovascular Drugs Targeting Endothelial Cells, School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Fei Jiang
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Cardiovascular Drugs Targeting Endothelial Cells, School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Nana Xu
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Cardiovascular Drugs Targeting Endothelial Cells, School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, China
- Laboratory of Morphology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Guokai Dong
- Jiangsu Medical Engineering Research Center of Gene Detection and Department of Forensic Medicine, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jiebang Jiang
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Cardiovascular Drugs Targeting Endothelial Cells, School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Public Experimental Research Center, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Cong Li
- Department of Emergency Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Rongpeng Li
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Cardiovascular Drugs Targeting Endothelial Cells, School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, China
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Kim YM, Kim HY, Jang JT, Hong S. Preventive Effect of Ecklonia cava Extract on DSS-Induced Colitis by Elevating Intestinal Barrier Function and Improving Pathogenic Inflammation. Molecules 2023; 28:8099. [PMID: 38138587 PMCID: PMC10745772 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28248099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, is a complex gastrointestinal disorder with a multifactorial etiology, including environmental triggers, autoimmune mechanisms, and genetic predisposition. Despite advancements in therapeutic strategies for IBD, its associated mortality rate continues to rise, which is often attributed to unforeseen side effects of conventional treatments. In this context, we explored the potential of Ecklonia cava extract (ECE), derived from an edible marine alga known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, in mitigating IBD. This study investigated the effectiveness of ECE as a preventive agent in a murine model of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Our findings revealed that pretreatment with ECE significantly ameliorated colitis severity, as evidenced by increased colon length, reduced spleen weight, and histological improvements demonstrated by immunohistochemical analysis. Furthermore, ECE significantly attenuated the upregulation of inflammatory cytokines and mediators and the infiltration of immune cells known to be prominent features of colitis in mice. Notably, ECE alleviated dysbiosis of intestinal microflora and aided in the recovery of damaged intestinal mucosa. Mechanistically, ECE exhibited protective effects against pathogenic colitis by inhibiting the NLRP3/NF-κB pathways known to be pivotal regulators in the inflammatory signaling cascade. These compelling results suggest that ECE holds promise as a potential candidate for IBD prevention. It might be developed into a functional food for promoting gastrointestinal health. This research sheds light on the preventive potential of natural compounds like ECE in the management of IBD, offering a safer and more effective approach to combating this challenging disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Mi Kim
- Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Department of Biochemistry, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea; (Y.-M.K.); (H.-Y.K.)
| | - Hye-Youn Kim
- Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Department of Biochemistry, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea; (Y.-M.K.); (H.-Y.K.)
| | - Ji-Tae Jang
- Aqua Green Technology Co., Ltd., Smart Building, Jeju Science Park, Jeju 63309, Republic of Korea;
| | - Suntaek Hong
- Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Department of Biochemistry, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea; (Y.-M.K.); (H.-Y.K.)
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