Anti-inflammatory activity of Kochia scoparia fruit on contact dermatitis in mice

Triterpenoids from Kochiae Fructus: Glucose Uptake in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes and α-Glucosidase Inhibition, In Silico Molecular Docking

In this study, three new triterpenes (1-3) and fourteen known triterpenoids (4-17) were isolated from the ethanol extract of Kochiae Fructus, and their structures were elucidated by analyzing UV, IR, HR-ESI-MS, 1D, and 2D NMR spectroscopic data. Among them, compounds 6, 8, and 11-17 were isolated for the first time from this plant. The screening results of the glucose uptake experiment indicated that compound 13 had a potent effect on glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes at 20 μM. Meanwhile, compounds 3, 9 and 13 exhibited significant inhibitory activities against α-glucosidase, with IC50 values of 23.50 ± 3.37, 4.29 ± 0.52, and 16.99 ± 2.70 µM, respectively, and their α-glucosidase inhibitory activities were reported for the first time. According to the enzyme kinetics using Lineweaver-Burk and Dixon plots, we found that compounds 3, 9 and 13 were α-glucosidase mixed-type inhibitors with Ki values of 56.86 ± 1.23, 48.88 ± 0.07 and 13.63 ± 0.42 μM, respectively. In silico molecular docking analysis showed that compounds 3 and 13 possessed superior binding capacities with α-glucosidase (3A4A AutoDock score: -4.99 and -4.63 kcal/mol). Whereas compound 9 showed +2.74 kcal/mol, which indicated compound 9 exerted the effect of inhibiting α-glucosidase activity by preferentially binding to the enzyme-substrate complex. As a result, compounds 3, 9 and 13 could have therapeutic potentials for type 2 diabetes mellitus, due to their potent hypoglycemic activities.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic effects of Chi-Huang Solution in a murine model of allergic contact dermatitis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

In treating atopic dermatitis, multi-mode management is adopted, including trying to avoid the allergens, controlling and preventing secondary infections, and using drugs to control itching. At present, most of the commonly used anti-pruritic drugs in the clinic are single-target and lead to serious side effects. Many studies have shown that a variety of traditional Chinese medicines have significant anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic effects, and have the characteristics of multiple components, multiple targets, and multiple effects.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The study aimed to explore the anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic effects of the Chi-Huang Solution in a murine model of Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). This study considers the effectiveness of the Chi-Huang Solution for external use on skin to provide an experimental basis for the clinical development and application of Chinese medicine and related preparations for Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-two male SPF C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group (n = 6), ACD model group (n = 6), HAC control group (n = 6), and 4 Chi-Huang Solution groups (n = 6 in each group). With SADBE induce the murine model of ACD chronic pruritus, and initially evaluate whether the model is successful by counting scratching behavior, measuring the skin fold thickness and skin lesion score within 1 h. After treating the ACD model mice with deionized water, HAC, 1CH, 2CH, 3CH, and 4CH for 7 days, behavioral changes were used to evaluate the anti-pruritic effect. The skin fold thickness, skin lesion score, and spleen index were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of the Chi-Huang Solution. H.E. staining was used for the epidermal thickness measurement and pathological evaluation. RT-qPCR was used to analyze the mRNA expression of related inflammatory factors such as IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-33, IL-4, IL-17A, CXCL10, and its receptor CXCR3 in the skin of the lesion site, as well as to detect the mRNA expression of pruritus-related genes such as TRPV1, TRPA1, and GRP in DRG.

RESULTS

After the treatment of low-dose (0.1 g/mL) and medium-dose (0.2 g/mL) Chi-Huang Solution, the scratching times both decreased significantly (P < 0.05), meanwhile the medium-dose Chi-Huang Solution had an obvious effect on reducing scratches/scab score (P < 0.05). Moreover, no matter what dose it takes, all Chi-Huang Solution can alleviate the epidermal thickening (P < 0.05) and the infiltration of mast cells in the ACD murine model of ACD. It is worth mentioning that the count of mast cells in the dermis was significantly down-regulated after the treatment of medium-dose Chi-Huang Solution (P < 0.005). Furthermore, Chi-Huang Solution can significantly down-regulate the mRNA expression of related inflammatory factors in the skin, and reduce the mRNA expression of pruritus-related genes, such as TRPA1, TRPV1, and GRP in the spinal cord.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicated that Chi-Huang Solution for external use exhibits significant anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic effects on SADBE-induced ACD chronic pruritus murine models. Chi-Huang Solution might emerge as an effective drug for the treatment of CAD and high-dose Chi-Huang Solution (0.4 g/ml) has better comprehensive effects.

Inhibitory Effect of Sulfated Polysaccharide from Codium edule P.C. Silva Against 2,4-Dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)- Induced Allergic Contact Dermatitis on Female BALB/c Mice

Purpose: Sulfated polysaccharide from Codium species has been reported for its antiinflammatoryactivities. However, the effect of sulfated polysaccharide from Codium edule on allergic responses has not been studied. The study was conducted to determine the effect ofsulfated polysaccharide (F1) from C. edule on allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) induced by2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) in female BALB/c mice.

Methods: F1 was isolated using DEAE sepharose gel chromatography and chemically identifiedby LC-MS analyses. The effects of F1 on changes in ear thickness, allergic responses, andhistology were evaluated. The effects of F1 on the production of inflammatory cytokinesinterferon gamma (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-ɑ) in serum were also quantifiedand compared with standard prednisolone therapy.

Results: F1 was identified as a heteropolysaccharide with β-D-galactans and β-L-arabinans units.F1 was non-toxic at 2000 mg/kg. Administration of F1 in DNFB-challenged mice significantlysuppressed the increase in ear thickness, erythema, desquamation, and proliferation ofinflammatory cells. F1 significantly decreased the production of inflammatory markers, IFN-γand TNF-α in a dose-dependent manner when compared to the untreated group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Results suggest that F1 from C. edule is a bioactive sulfated heteropolysaccharidewith anti-inflammatory activity and might be a valuable candidate molecule for the treatmentof allergic diseases such as ACD.

Kochia scoparia Saponin Momordin Ic Modulates HaCaT Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis via the Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway

Psoriasis is a chronic, recurrent, immunoinflammatory disease. For a long period, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is considered a reliable alternative therapy for patients with psoriasis. Fructus Kochiae (or Kochia scoparia) and its principle saponin, Momordin Ic, have been reported to protect against inflammation. Herein, we demonstrated that Momordin Ic could inhibit HaCaT cell proliferation and enhance cell apoptosis. In the meantime, Momordin Ic alters Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation by affecting β-catenin nuclear distribution. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling activator LiCl partially reversed the effects of Momordin Ic on HaCaT phenotypes and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway factors. Altogether, we demonstrate the inhibitory effects of Momordin Ic, one of the major saponin constituents of Fructus Kochiae, on HaCaT cell proliferation and Momordin Ic-induced alteration within the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Momordin Ic might act on HaCaT cells by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Kochiae Fructus, the Fruit of Common Potherb Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad: A Review on Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Toxicology, Quality Control, and Pharmacokinetics

Kochiae Fructus (KF) is the fruit of an annual potherb Kochia scoparia (Linn.) Schrad and has been traditionally used for the treatment of diseases in the skin, eyes, and urinary tract for thousands of years in China. Recent studies have showed its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiallergic, and antipruritogenic effects to clarify the mechanisms of these actions. Meanwhile, its other effects, such as anticancer, hypoglycemic, and hepatoprotective effects, also have been reported. The achievement of these therapeutic effects is contributed by its chemical constituents. A total of 153 compounds have been identified in KF, mainly including triterpenoids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, amino acids, organic acids, and essential oils. Momordin Ic is the representative triterpene glycoside compound, which is used as a phytochemical marker for the quality control of Kochiae Fructus. The research on toxicity is insufficient, and only one article reported that the LD₅₀ was 7.15 ± 0.03 g/kg for water extract of KF after oral administration in KM mice. In addition, the pharmacokinetic study was carried out on momordin Ic with linear pharmacokinetic characteristics. Above all, this review provides comprehensive information about Kochiae Fructus and may provide the theoretic foundation of its clinical application and further development.

Molecular Identification and Phylogenetic Analysis of the Traditional Chinese Medicinal Plant Kochia scoparia Using ITS2 Barcoding

Kochia scoparia has high medicinal and economic value. However, with similar morphological features, adulterants and some closely related species of K. scoparia are increasingly sold in the medicinal markets, leading to potential safety risks. In this study, 128 internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequences were collected to distinguish K. scoparia from its closely related species and adulterants. Then, sequence alignment, sequence characteristics analysis, and genetic distance calculations were performed using MEGA 6.06 software, and the phylogenetic trees were reconstructed using both MEGA 6.06 and IQ-Tree software. Finally, the secondary structure of ITS2 was modeled using the prediction tool in the ITS2 database. The results showed that ITS2 sequences of K. scoparia ranged in length from 226 to 227 bp, with a mean GC content of 55.3%. The maximum intraspecific distance was zero, while the minimum interspecific distance from closely related species and adulterants was 0.009 and 0.242, respectively. Kochia scoparia formed an independent clade in the phylogenetic trees, and its secondary structure exhibited enough variation to be separated from that of other species. In summary, ITS2 can be used as a mini-barcode for distinguishing K. scoparia from closely related species and adulterants. Its phylogenetic trees could illustrate the evolutionary process of K. scoparia in the Camphorosmeae. The phylogenetic results using ITS2 barcode further supported the internationally recognized revised classifications of Kochia and Bassia genera as a combined Bassia genus, together with the establishment of new genera Grubovia and Sedobassia, which we suggest is accepted by the Flora of China. Graphical abstract .

Towards saving freshwater: halophytes as unconventional feedstuffs in livestock feed: a review

Water represents 71% of all earth area and about 97% of this water is salty water. So, only 3% of the overall world water quantity is freshwater. Human can benefit only from 1% of this water and the remaining 2% freeze at both poles of earth. Therefore, it is important to preserve the freshwater through increasing the plants consuming salty water. The future prosperity of feed resources in arid and semi-arid countries depends on economic use of alternative resources that have been marginalized for long periods of time, such as halophytic plants, which are one such potential future resource. Halophyte plants can grow in high salinity water and soil and to some extent during drought. The growth of these plants depends on the contact of the salted water with plant roots as in semi-desert saline water, mangrove swamps, marshes, and seashores. Halophyte plants need high levels of sodium chloride in the soil water for growth, and the soil water must also contain high levels of salts, as sodium hydroxide or magnesium sulfate. There are many uses for halophyte plants, including feed for animals, vegetables, drugs, sand dune stabilizers, wind shelter, soil cover, wetland cultivation, laundry detergents, and paper production. This paper will focus on the use of halophytes as a feed additive for animals. In spite of the good nutritional value of halophytes, some anti-nutritional factors as nitrates, nitrite complexes, tannins, glycosides, phenolic compounds, saponins, oxalates, and alkaloids may be present in some of them. The presence of such anti-nutritional agents makes halophytes unpalatable to animals, which tends to reduce feed intake and nutrient use. Therefore, the negative effects of these plants on animal performance are the only objection against using halophytes in animal feed diets. This review article highlights the beneficial impact of considering halophytes in animal feeding on saving freshwater and illustrates its nutritive value for livestock from different aspects.