Jatrorrhizine hydrochloride attenuates hyperlipidemia in a high-fat diet-induced obesity mouse model

Hypolipidemic activity of phytochemical combinations: A mechanistic review of preclinical and clinical studies

Hyperlipidemia, a condition characterized by elevated levels of lipids in the blood, poses a significant risk factor for various health disorders, notably cardiovascular diseases. Phytochemical compounds are promising alternatives to the current lipid-lowering drugs, which cause many undesirable effects. Based on in vivo and clinical studies, combining phytochemicals with other phytochemicals, prebiotics, and probiotics and their encapsulation in nanoparticles is more safe and effective for managing hyperlipidemia than monotherapy. To this end, the results obtained and the mechanisms of action of these combinations were examined in detail in this review.

Effects of natural products on angiogenesis in melanoma

Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer and originates from genetic mutations in melanocytes. The disease is multifactorial, but its main cause is overexposure to UV radiation. Currently, available chemotherapy expresses little to no results, which may justify the extensive use of natural products to treat this cancer. In this study, we reviewed the inhibition of melanoma angiogenesis by natural products and its potential mechanisms using literature from PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Ovid, ScienceDirect and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases. According to summarizes 27 natural products including alkaloids, polyphenols, terpenoids, flavonoids, and steroids that effectively inhibit angiogenesis in melanoma. In addition to these there are 15 crude extracts that can be used as promising agents to inhibit angiogenesis, but their core components still deserve further investigation. There are current studies on melanoma angiogenesis involving oxidative stress, immune-inflammatory response, cell proliferation and migration and capillary formation. The above natural products can be involved in melanoma angiogenesis through core targets such as VE-cadherin, COX-2, iNOS, VEGF, bFGF, FGF2,MMP2,MMP9,IL-1β,IL-6 play a role in inhibiting melanoma angiogenesis. Effective excavation of natural products can not only clarify the mechanism of drug action and key targets, but also help to promote the preclinical research of natural products for melanoma treatment and further promote the development of new clinical drugs, which will bring the gospel to the vast number of patients who are deeply afflicted by melanoma.

Complexes of Soluble Dietary Fiber and Polyphenols from Lotus Root Regulate High-Fat Diet-Induced Hyperlipidemia in Mice

In this paper, complexes of soluble dietary fiber (SDF) and polyphenols (PPs) isolated from lotus roots were prepared (SDF-PPs), as well as physical mixtures (SDF&PPs), which were given to high-fat-diet (HFD)-fed mice. The results demonstrated that SDF-PPs improve lipid levels and reverse liver injury in hyperlipidemic mice. Western blotting and real-time quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) results showed that SDF-PPs regulated liver lipids by increasing the phosphorylation of Adenine monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK), up-regulating the expression of Carnitine palmitoyltransferase1 (CPT1), and down-regulating the expression of Fatty acid synthase (FAS) and 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA), as well as the transcription factor sterol-regulatory element binding protein (SPEBP-1) and its downstream liposynthesis genes. Additionally, the intervention of SDF-PPs could modulate the composition of intestinal gut microbes, inducing an increase in Lachnospiraceae and a decrease in Desulfovibrionaceae and Prevotellaceae in high-fat-diet-fed mice. Thus, the research provides a theoretical basis for the application of lotus root active ingredients in functional foods and ingredients.

Study on quality analysis of different species of Coptidis rhizome based on fingerprint-effect relationship

INTRODUCTION

The quality evaluation of Coptidis rhizome (CR) is attributed to the origin and processing method, and this strategy of ignoring the bioactive components usually leads to biased quality analysis, which is difficult to indicate the clinical efficacy.

OBJECTIVES

In order to evaluate the quality level of different species of CR, we collected 20 batches of CR and investigated the fingerprint-effect relationship.

METHODS

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprints of CR were established, and the fingerprint-effect relationship was explored using cluster analysis, principal component analysis, Pearson correlation analysis, grey relation analysis, and partial least squares regression.

RESULTS

We have identified a total of 10 common peaks (1-10) with similarity scores above 0.96. The study on the relationship between spectra and potency further showed that the contents of peaks 8, 9, and 10 are potential key components. And based on a previous study, a method of one measurement and multiple evaluations of CR was established to achieve the goal of simplifying the analytical process and reducing costs.

CONCLUSION

Through a combination of fingerprint analysis, antioxidant activity evaluation, fingerprint-efficacy relationship analysis, and simultaneous quantification of multiple components, a CR quality control index and method have been selected and established, which can also provide a more comprehensive quality evaluation for traditional Chinese medicine.

Efficacy and underlying mechanisms of berberine against lipid metabolic diseases: a review

Lipid-lowering therapy is an important tool for the treatment of lipid metabolic diseases, which are increasing in prevalence. However, the failure of conventional lipid-lowering drugs to achieve the desired efficacy in some patients, and the side-effects of these drug regimens, highlight the urgent need for novel lipid-lowering drugs. The liver and intestine are important in the production and removal of endogenous and exogenous lipids, respectively, and have an important impact on circulating lipid levels. Elevated circulating lipids predisposes an individual to lipid deposition in the vascular wall, affecting vascular function. Berberine (BBR) modulates liver lipid production and clearance by regulating cellular targets such as cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTTP), scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SR-BI), low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), and ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1). It influences intestinal lipid synthesis and metabolism by modulating gut microbiota composition and metabolism. Finally, BBR maintains vascular function by targeting proteins such as endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1). This paper elucidates and summarizes the pharmacological mechanisms of berberine in lipid metabolic diseases from a multi-organ (liver, intestine, and vascular system) and multi-target perspective.

Jatrorrhizine from Rhizoma Coptidis exerts an anti-obesity effect in db/db mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Obesity is closely related to diabetes. Jatrorrhizine (JAT) from Rhizoma Coptidis (RC) can reduce blood glucose and lipid levels. However, the molecular mechanisms for JAT's anti-obesity effect are still not clear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To explore the effect of JAT in the treatment of obesity and the underlying molecular mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

db/db mice were used as a typical obese animal model in current study. The anti-obesity effects of five alkaloids from RC were compared by feeding the mice for 8 weeks with a dosage of 105 mg/kg while the dose-dependent study (35 mg/kg and 105 mg/kg) of JAT on obese mice was conducted in another 8-week-long animal experiment. Meanwhile, RNA-seq analysis, in vitro experiments, and western blotting were utilized to predict and confirm the potential pathway that JAT participated in improving obesity.

RESULTS

The experimental results demonstrated that five RC alkaloids caused different degrees of weight loss in db/db obese mice. Among them, JAT showed the best effect. It could significantly reduce the body weight, blood lipid levels, and epididymal fat weight of db/db mice. H&E and Oil red O staining results showed that it could also dramatically improve liver lipid metabolism. The results from RNA-seq suggested that JAT had significantly altered 207 DEGs for the treatment of obesity, among which IRS1 changed the most. Next, GO and KEGG analysis enriched four major lipid metabolism-related pathways: biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, metabolic pathways, and fatty acid elongation. Finally, in vitro experiments and western blotting proved that JAT regulated the expression of IRS1/PI3K/AKT pathway-related proteins in a dose-dependent manner to address obesity.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, JAT from RC has an effect on treating obesity, and its anti-obesity effect may be exerted via the IRS1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Jatrorrhizine Improves Endothelial Function in Diabetes and Obesity through Suppression of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress

Jatrorrhizine (JAT) is one of the major bioactive protoberberine alkaloids found in rhizoma coptidis, which has hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic potential. This study aimed to evaluate the vasoprotective effects of JAT in diabetes and obesity and the underlying mechanism involved. Mouse aortas, carotid arteries and human umbilical cord vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with risk factors (high glucose or tunicamycin) with and without JAT ex vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, aortas were obtained from mice with chronic treatment: (1) control; (2) diet-induced obese (DIO) mice fed a high-fat diet (45% kcal% fat) for 15 weeks; and (3) DIO mice orally administered JAT at 50 mg/kg/day for the last 5 weeks. High glucose or endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress inducer tunicamycin impaired acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent relaxations (EDRs) in mouse aortas, induced oxidative stress in carotid arteries and HUVECs, downregulated phosphorylations of Akt at Ser473 and eNOS at Ser1177 and enhanced ER stress in mouse aortas and HUVECs, and these impairments were reversed by cotreatment with JAT. JAT increased NO release in high-glucose-treated mouse aortas and HUVECs. In addition, chronic JAT treatment restored endothelial function with EDRs comparable to the control, increased Akt/eNOS phosphorylation, and attenuated ER stress and oxidative stress in aortas from DIO mice. Blood pressure, glucose sensitivity, fatty liver and its morphological change, as well as plasma levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and plasma lipid profile, were also normalized by JAT treatment. Collectively, our data may be the first to reveal the vasoprotective effect of JAT that ameliorates endothelial dysfunction in diabetes and obesity through enhancement of the Akt/eNOS pathway and NO bioavailability, as well as suppression of ER stress and oxidative stress.

Effect of Gut Microbiota on the Metabolism of Chemical Constituents of Berberis kansuensis Extract Based on UHPLC-Orbitrap-MS Technique

The dried stem bark of Berberis kansuensis is a commonly used Tibetan herbal medicine for the treatment of diabetes. Its main chemical components are alkaloids, such as berberine, magnoflorine and jatrorrhizine. However, the role of gut microbiota in the in vivo metabolism of these chemical components has not been fully elucidated. In this study, an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography method coupled with Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Orbitrap-MS) technology was applied to detect and identify prototype components and metabolites in rat intestinal contents and serum samples after oral administration of a B. kansuensis extract. A total of 16 prototype components and 40 metabolites were identified. The primary metabolic pathways of the chemical components from B. kansuensis extract were demethylation, desaturation, deglycosylation, reduction, hydroxylation, and other conjugation reactions including sulfation, glucuronidation, glycosidation, and methylation. By comparing the differences of metabolites between diabetic and pseudo-germ-free diabetic rats, we found that the metabolic transformation of some chemical components in B. kansuensis extract such as bufotenin, ferulic acid 4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, magnoflorine, and 8-oxyberberine, was affected by the gut microbiota. The results revealed that the gut microbiota can affect the metabolic transformation of chemical constituents in B. kansuensis extract. These findings can enhance our understanding of the active ingredients of B. kansuensis extract and the key role of the gut microbiota on them.

Differential proteomic analysis of mouse cerebrums with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hyperlipidemia

Hyperlipidemia is a chronic disease characterized by elevated blood cholesterol and triglycerides and there is accumulated evidence that the disease might affect brain functions. Here we report on a proteomic analysis of the brain proteins in hyperlipidemic mice. Hyperlipidemia was successfully induced in mice by a 20 week high-fat diet (HFD) feeding (model group). A control group with a normal diet and a treatment group with HFD-fed mice treated with a lipid-lowering drug simvastatin (SIM) were established accordingly. The proteins were extracted from the left and right cerebrum hemispheres of the mice in the three groups and subjected to shotgun proteomic analysis. A total of 4,422 proteins were detected in at least half of the samples, among which 324 proteins showed significant difference (fold change >1.5 or <0.67, p < 0.05) in at least one of the four types of comparisons (left cerebrum hemispheres of the model group versus the control group, right cerebrums of model versus control, left cerebrums of SIM versus model, right cerebrums of SIM versus model). Biological process analysis revealed many of these proteins were enriched in the processes correlated with lipid metabolism, neurological disorders, synaptic events and nervous system development. For the first time, it has been reported that some of the proteins have been altered in the brain under the conditions of HFD feeding, obesity or hyperlipidemia. Further, 22 brain processes-related proteins showed different expression in the two cerebrum hemispheres, suggesting changes of the brain proteins caused by hyperlipidemia might also be asymmetric. We hope this work will provide useful information to understand the effects of HFD and hyperlipidemia on brain proteins.

Jatrorrhizine: A Review of Sources, Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics and Toxicity

Jatrorrhizine, an isoquinoline alkaloid, is a bioactive metabolite in common medicinal plants, such as Berberis vernae Schneid., Tinospora sagittata (Oliv.) Gagnep. and Coptis chinensis Franch. These plants have been used for centuries in traditional medicine for their wide-ranging pharmacological properties. This review emphasizes the latest and comprehensive information on the sources, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and toxicity of jatrorrhizine. Studies on this alkaloid were collected from scientific internet databases, including the Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, Elsevier, Springer, Wiley Online Library and Europe PMC and CNKI, using a combination of keywords involving “jatrorrhizine”, “sources”, “pharmacology,” “pharmacokinetics,” and “toxicology”. Jatrorrhizine exhibits anti-diabetic, antimicrobial, antiprotozoal, anticancer, anti-obesity and hypolipidemic properties, along with central nervous system activities and other beneficial activity. Studies of jatrorrhizine have laid the foundation for its application to the treatment of various diseases, but some issues still exist. Further investigations might emphasize 1) specific curative mechanisms of jatrorrhizine and clinical utility, 2) application prospect in the treatment of metabolic disorders, 3) comprehensive investigations of the toxicity mechanisms and 4) interactions of jatrorrhizine with other pharmaceuticals and development of derivatives.

Huang-Lian-Jie-Du Decoction Attenuates Atherosclerosis and Increases Plaque Stability in High-Fat Diet-Induced ApoE-/- Mice by Inhibiting M1 Macrophage Polarization and Promoting M2 Macrophage Polarization

Macrophage polarization plays a vital impact in triggering atherosclerosis (AS) progression and regression. Huang-Lian-Jie-Du Decoction (HLJDD), a famous traditional Chinese decoction, displays notable anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering effects in different animal models. However, its effects and mechanisms on AS have not been clearly defined. We determined whether HLJDD attenuated atherosclerosis and plaques vulnerability by regulating macrophage polarization in ApoE^−/− mice induced by high-fat diet (HFD). Furthermore, we investigated the effects of HLJDD on macrophage polarization in oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) induced RAW264.7 cells. For in vivo assay, compared with the model group, HLJDD ameliorated lipid metabolism, with significantly decreased levels of serum triglyceride, total cholesterol (CHOL), and lipid density lipoprotein. HLJDD suppressed serum tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and IL-1β levels with increased serum IL-10 level, and inhibited mRNA level of NLRP3 inflammasome in carotid tissues. HLJDD enhanced carotid lesion stability by decreasing macrophage infiltration together with increased expression of collagen fibers and α-SMA. Moreover, HLJDD inhibited M1 macrophage polarization, which decreased the expression and mRNA levels of M1 markers [inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and CD86]. HLJDD enhanced alternatively activated macrophage (M2) activation, which increased the expression and mRNA levels of M2 markers (Arg-1 and CD163). For in vitro assay, HLJDD inhibited foam cell formation in RAW264.7 macrophages disturbed by ox-LDL. Besides, groups with ox-LDL plus HLJDD drug had a lower expression of CD86 and mRNA levels of iNOS, CD86, and IL-1β, but higher expression of CD163 and mRNA levels of Arg-1, CD163, and IL-10 than ox-LDL group. Collectively, our results revealed that HLJDD alleviated atherosclerosis and promoted plaque stability by suppressing M1 polarization and enhancing M2 polarization.

Jatrorrhizine: a review of its pharmacological effects

OBJECTIVES

Jatrorrhizine is an isoquinoline alkaloid found in medicinal plants. It is the main bioactive compound of the Chinese herbs, Coptis chinensis, Rhizoma coptidis, and Phellodendron chinense Schneid, plants that are predominantly used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the treatment of metabolic disorders, gastritis, stomachache among a host of others. This manuscript aims to provide a comprehensive review of the pharmacological effects of jatrorrhizine, proffer suggestions on research areas that need redress and potentially serve as a reference for future studies.

KEY FINDINGS

Published scientific literature was therefore retrieved from all credible sources including Pubmed, Elsevier, Research Gate, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Europe PMC and Wiley Online library using key words such as 'jatrorrhizine', 'botanical sources', 'pharmacology', 'toxicology', 'pharmacokinetics' or their combinations. A cursory examination of relevant scientific literature using the aforementioned key words produced more than 400 publications.

CONCLUSIONS

Using an inclusion/exclusion criteria the subject matter of this review was adequately addressed. It is our hope that this review will provide a good platform for further research on fully harnessing the potential of this bioactive compound.

Berberine attenuates non-alcoholic steatohepatitis by regulating chemerin/CMKLR1 signalling pathway and Treg/Th17 ratio

To observe the therapeutic effect of berberine (BBR) on non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in rats and the underlying mechanism. A rat model of NASH was established by a high-fat diet, and BBR was used as treatment. Haematoxylin-eosin staining and Oil Red O staining were used to observe the pathological changes in the liver tissue. Western blotting and real-time PCR were used to measure the mRNA and protein levels in the liver. Flow cytometry was performed to detect the number of intrahepatic lymphocyte subtypes. The expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the peripheral blood was measured by ELISA. An automatic biochemical method was used to examine the level of blood lipids in the blood. Compared with the rats in the model group, the rats in the BBR group showed significantly improved liver histopathology and serum pro-inflammatory cytokines and free fatty acid (FFA) levels. Moreover, the protein and mRNA expression of chemerin, CMKLR1 and CCR2 in the liver were obviously reduced by BBR treatment. In addition, the high-fat diet remarkably reduced the intrahepatic Treg/Th17 ratio, which could be recovered by BBR treatment. Berberine can ameliorate non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and its mechanism may be related to restoring the Treg/Th17 ratio, regulating the chemerin/CMKLR1 signalling pathway to reduce liver inflammation and reducing lipid deposition.

Wu-Mei-Wan prevents high-fat diet-induced obesity by reducing white adipose tissue and enhancing brown adipose tissue function

BACKGROUND

Wu-Mei-Wan, a classic traditional Chinese herb medicine, is one of the most important formulations to treat digestive diseases from ancient times to the present. Our previous study showed that WMW treatment can prevent T2DM in db/db mice, which motivating the application of WMW on metabolic disorders.

PURPOSE

Obesity and its comorbid diseases have increased dramatically and are now a worldwide health problem. There is still a lack of satisfactory treatment strategies for obesity. This work was designed to assess the effect and related mechanism of WMW on high fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice model.

METHODS

Obese mice were induced by HFD. Thetherapeutic effect of WMW were analyzed by examining body and adipose tissue weight, metabolic profile and energy expenditure. Adipose tissue phenotype was determined by histological staining and the mitochondrial content was examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining, RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis were used to evaluate expression of key molecules in adipose tissue.

RESULTS

WMW treatment significantly protects HFD-induced obesity. Here we showed that WMW limits weight gain, improves metabolic profile and increases energy expenditure. WMW inhibits the hypertrophy and hyperplasia of white adipocytes, the mechanism involving the inhibition of TLR3/IL-6/JAK1/STAT3 pathway. In brown adipose tissue (BAT), WMW promotes thermogenicprogramme without affecting cell proliferation. The activated BMP7/ Smad1/5/9 pathway is considered to be one of the explanations for the effect of WMW on BAT.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggested that WMW can prevent obesity and its underlying mechanisms are associated with reducing white adipose tissue and enhancing brown adipose tissue function.

The Impacts of Herbal Medicines and Natural Products on Regulating the Hepatic Lipid Metabolism

The dysregulation of hepatic lipid metabolism is one of the hallmarks in many liver diseases including alcoholic liver diseases (ALD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD). Hepatic inflammation, lipoperoxidative stress as well as the imbalance between lipid availability and lipid disposal, are direct causes of liver steatosis. The application of herbal medicines with anti-oxidative stress and lipid-balancing properties has been extensively attempted as pharmaceutical intervention for liver disorders in experimental and clinical studies. Although the molecular mechanisms underlying their hepatoprotective effects warrant further exploration, increasing evidence demonstrated that many herbal medicines are involved in regulating lipid accumulation processes including hepatic lipolytic and lipogenic pathways, such as mitochondrial and peroxisomal β-oxidation, the secretion of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), the non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) uptake, and some vital hepatic lipogenic enzymes. Therefore, in this review, the pathways or crucial mediators participated in the dysregulation of hepatic lipid metabolism are systematically summarized, followed by the current evidences and advances in the positive impacts of herbal medicines and natural products on the lipid metabolism pathways are detailed. Furthermore, several herbal formulas, herbs or herbal derivatives, such as Erchen Dection, Danshen, resveratrol, and berberine, which have been extensively studied for their promising potential in mediating lipid metabolism, are particularly highlighted in this review.

Coptidis Rhizoma: a comprehensive review of its traditional uses, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology

CONTEXT

Coptidis rhizome (CR), also known as Huanglian in Chinese, is the rhizome of Coptis chinensis Franch., C. deltoidea C.Y. Cheng et Hsiao, or C. teeta Wall (Ranunculaceae). It has been widely used to treat bacillary dysentery, diabetes, pertussis, sore throat, aphtha, and eczema in China.

OBJECTIVES

The present paper reviews the latest advances of CR, focusing on the botany, phytochemistry, traditional usages, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology and toxicology of CR and its future perspectives.

METHODS

Studies from 1985 to 2018 were reviewed from books; PhD. and MSc. dissertations; the state and local drug standards; PubMed; CNKI; Scopus; the Web of Science; and Google Scholar using the keywords Coptis, Coptidis Rhizoma, Huanglian, and goldthread.

RESULTS

Currently, 128 chemical constituents have been isolated and identified from CR. Alkaloids are the characteristic components, together with organic acids, coumarins, phenylpropanoids and quinones. The extracts/compounds isolated from CR cover a wide pharmacological spectrum, including antibacterial, antivirus, antifungal, antidiabetic, anticancer and cardioprotective effects. Berberine is the most important active constituent and the primary toxic component of CR.

CONCLUSIONS

As an important herbal medicine in Chinese medicine, CR has the potential to treat various diseases. However, further research should be undertaken to investigate the clinical effects, toxic constituents, target organs and pharmacokinetics, and to establish criteria for quality control, for CR and its related medications. In addition, the active constituents, other than alkaloids, in both raw and processed products of CR should be investigated.

Anil Kumar N, Sharopov F, Ramírez-Alarcón K, Ruiz-Ortega A, Abdulmajid Ayatollahi S, Valere Tsouh Fokou P, Kobarfard F, Amiruddin Zakaria Z, Iriti M, Taheri Y, Martorell M, Sureda A, N. Setzer W, Durazzo A, Lucarini M, Santini A, Capasso R, Adrian Ostrander E, -ur-Rahman A, Iqbal Choudhary M, C. Cho W, Sharifi-Rad J. Antidiabetic Potential of Medicinal Plants and Their Active Components

Diabetes mellitus is one of the major health problems in the world, the incidence and associated mortality are increasing. Inadequate regulation of the blood sugar imposes serious consequences for health. Conventional antidiabetic drugs are effective, however, also with unavoidable side effects. On the other hand, medicinal plants may act as an alternative source of antidiabetic agents. Examples of medicinal plants with antidiabetic potential are described, with focuses on preclinical and clinical studies. The beneficial potential of each plant matrix is given by the combined and concerted action of their profile of biologically active compounds.

Involvement of organic anion-transporting polypeptides and organic cation transporter in the hepatic uptake of jatrorrhizine

Jatrorrhizine possesses a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities. However, the mechanism underlying hepatic uptake of jatrorrhizine remains unclear.Rat liver slices, isolated rat hepatocytes and human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells stably expressing human organic anion-transporting polypeptide (OATP) and organic cation transporter (OCT) were used to evaluate the hepatic uptake of jatrorrhizine in this study.Uptake of jatrorrhizine in rat liver slices and isolated rat hepatocytes was significantly inhibited by glycyrrhizic acid (Oatp1b2 inhibitor) and prazosin (Oct1 inhibitor), but not by ibuprofen (Oatp1a1 inhibitor) or digoxin (Oatp1a4 inhibitor). Uptake of jatrorrhizine in OATP1B3 and OCT1-HEK293 cells indicated a saturable process with the K_m of 8.20 ± 1.28 and 4.94 ± 0.55 μM, respectively. However, the transcellular transport of jatrorrhizine in OATP1B1-HEK293 cells was not observed. Rifampicin (OATP inhibitor) for OATP1B3-HEK293 cells and prazosin for OCT1-HEK293 cells could inhibit the uptake of jatrorrhizine with the IC₅₀ of 5.49 ± 1.05 and 2.77 ± 0.72 μM, respectively.The above data indicate that hepatic uptake of jatrorrhizine is involved in both OATP and OCT, which may have important roles in jatrorrhizine liver disposition and potential drug-drug interactions.

Rhizoma coptidis as a Potential Treatment Agent for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and the Underlying Mechanisms: A Review

Diabetes mellitus, especially type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), has become a significant public health burden. Rhizoma coptidis (RC), known as Huang Lian, is widely used for treating diabetes in China. The bioactive compounds of RC, especially alkaloids, have the potential to suppress T2DM-induced lesions, including diabetic vascular dysfunction, diabetic heart disease, diabetic hyperlipidemia, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic encephalopathy, diabetic osteopathy, diabetic enteropathy, and diabetic retinopathy. This review summarizes the effects of RC and its bioactive compounds on T2DM and T2DM complications. Less research has been conducted on non-alkaloid fractions of RC, which may exert synergistic action with alkaloids. Moreover, we summarized the pharmacokinetic properties and structure-activity relationships of RC on T2DM with reference to extant literature and showed clearly that RC has potential therapeutic effect on T2DM.

Rhizoma Coptidis for Alzheimer's Disease and Vascular Dementia: A Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD) are major types of dementia, both of which cause heavy economic burdens for families and society. However, no currently available medicines can control dementia progression. Rhizoma coptidis, a Chinese herbal medicine, has been used for >2000 years and is now gaining attention as a potential treatment for AD and VaD.

METHODS

We reviewed the mechanisms of the active ingredients of Rhizoma coptidis and Rhizoma coptidis-containing Chinese herbal compounds in the treatment of AD and VaD. We focused on studies on ameliorating the risk factors and the pathological changes of these diseases.

RESULTS

The Rhizoma coptidis active ingredients include berberine, palmatine, coptisine, epiberberine, jatrorrhizine and protopine. The most widely studied ingredient is berberine, which has extensive therapeutic effects on the risk factors and pathogenesis of dementia. It can control blood glucose and lipid levels, regulate blood pressure, ameliorate atherosclerosis, inhibit cholinesterase activity, Aβ generation, and tau hyperphosphorylation, decrease neuroinflammation and oxidative stress and alleviate cognitive impairment. Other ingredients (such as jatrorrhizine, coptisine, epiberberine and palmatine) also regulate blood lipids and blood pressure; however, there are relatively few studies on them. Rhizoma coptidis-containing Chinese herbal compounds like Huanglian-Jie-Du-Tang, Huanglian Wendan Decoction, Banxia Xiexin Decoction and Huannao Yicong Formula have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant stress activities, regulate insulin signaling, inhibit γ-secretase activity, neuronal apoptosis, tau hyperphosphorylation, and Aβ deposition, and promote neural stem cell differentiation, thereby improving cognitive function.

CONCLUSION

The "One-Molecule, One-Target" paradigm has suffered heavy setbacks, but a "multitarget- directed ligands" strategy may be viable. Rhizoma coptidis active ingredients and Rhizoma coptidiscontaining Chinese herbal compounds have multi-aspect therapeutic effects on AD and VaD.

The anti-hyperglycemia effects of Rhizoma Coptidis alkaloids: A systematic review of modern pharmacological studies of the traditional herbal medicine

Hyperglycemia is a common endocrine system disease, which seriously affects people's health with a increasing morbidity in recent years. Rhizoma Coptidis (RC), one of the most commonly used traditional Chinese medicines, has been applied to treat diabetes in clinic for thousands of years. Since scientists demonstrated that alkaloids from RC owned the amazing anti-hyperglycemia activities 30 years ago, these compounds have been widely used for the treatment of diabetes and hyperglycemia with unconspicuous toxicities and side effects. With the help of molecular biology, immunology and other techniques, the mechanisms about anti-hyperglycemia effect of RC alkaloids have been extensively discussed. Numerous studies showed that RC alkaloids balanced the glucose homeostasis not only by widely recognizing insulin resistance pathways, but also by promoting insulin secretion, regulating intestinal hormones, ameliorating gut microbiota structures and many other ways. In this review, we combine the latest advances and systematically summarize the mechanisms of RC alkaloids in treating hyperglycemia and diabetic nephropathy to provide a deeper understanding of these natural alkaloids. In addition, the important role of gut microbiota associated with the glucose metabolism is also reviewed.

Jatrorrhizine Hydrochloride Suppresses RANKL-Induced Osteoclastogenesis and Protects against Wear Particle-Induced Osteolysis

Wear particle-induced aseptic prosthetic loosening is a major complication associated with total joint arthroplasty (TJA). A growing body of evidence suggests that receptor activator of nuclear factor κ-B ligand (RANKL)-stimulated osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption are responsible for peri-implant loosening. Thus, agents which attenuate excessive osteoclast differentiation and function have been considered to offer therapeutic potential for prolonging the life of TJA implants. Jatrorrhizine hydrochloride (JH), a major protoberberine alkaloid isolated from the traditional Chinese herb Coptis chinensis, has been reported to have antimicrobial, antitumor, and antihypercholesterolemic and neuroprotective activities. However, its effects on osteoclast biology remain unknown. Here, we found that JH inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast formation and bone resorption in vitro and exerted protection against titanium (Ti) particle-induced osteolysis in vivo. Biochemical analysis demonstrated that JH suppressed RANKL-induced activation of MAPKs (p38 and ERK) which down-regulated the production of NFATc1 and NFATc1-regulated osteoclastic marker genes, such as TRAP, CTR and CTSK. Collectively, our findings suggest that JH may be a promising anti-osteoclastogenesis agent for treating periprosthetic osteolysis or other osteoclast-related osteolytic diseases.

Cellular stress response mechanisms of Rhizoma coptidis: a systematic review

Rhizoma coptidis has been used in China for thousands of years with the functions of heating dampness and purging fire detoxification. But the underlying molecular mechanisms of Rhizoma coptidis are still far from being fully elucidated. Alkaloids, especially berberine, coptisine and palmatine, are responsible for multiple pharmacological effects of Rhizoma coptidis. In this review, we studied on the effects and molecular mechanisms of Rhizoma coptidis on NF-κB/MAPK/PI3K–Akt/AMPK/ERS and oxidative stress pathways. Then we summarized the mechanisms of these alkaloid components of Rhizoma coptidis on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes and diabetic complications. Evidence presented in this review implicated that Rhizoma coptidis exerted beneficial effects on various diseases by regulation of NF-κB/MAPK/PI3K–Akt/AMPK/ERS and oxidative stress pathways, which support the clinical application of Rhizoma coptidis and offer references for future researches.

Jatrorrhizine Hydrochloride Suppresses Proliferation, Migration, and Secretion of Synoviocytes In Vitro and Ameliorates Rat Models of Rheumatoid Arthritis In Vivo

Jatrorrhizine hydrochloride (JH), an active component isolated from the traditional Chinese herb Coptis chinensis, has been reported to have antimicrobial, antitumor, antihypercholesterolemic, and neuroprotective activities. However, its antirheumatoid arthritis (RA) property remains unknown. In this study, a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat model was used to evaluate the therapeutic effects of JH on RA by using arthritis score, radiological evaluation, and histopathological assessment. The in vitro effects of JH on proliferation, migration, and production of inflammatory mediators in RA-derived fibroblast-like synoviocyte MH7A cells were determined by the EdU incorporation assay, wound healing assay, real-time PCR, and ELISA, respectively. The in vivo studies showed that JH treatment significantly prevented the progression and development of RA in CIA rats through anti-inflammation and suppressing bone destruction. The in vitro studies revealed that JH could effectively attenuate the destructive phenotypes of MH7A cells, including inhibiting proliferation, migration, and production of inflammatory mediators. Further mechanistic analysis demonstrated that JH suppressed tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα)-stimulated activations of nuclear factor of kappaB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) (ERK and p38) leading to the downregulation of proinflammatory cytokines, which might be beneficial to the antiproliferative and antimigratory activities of FLS cells. Collectively, our results demonstrated that JH has a great potential to be developed into a novel therapeutic agent for treating RA.

Coptidis rhizoma and its main bioactive components: recent advances in chemical investigation, quality evaluation and pharmacological activity

Background

Coptidis rhizoma (CR) is the dried rhizome of Coptis chinensis Franch., C. deltoidea C. Y. Cheng et Hsiao or C. teeta Wall. (Ranunculaceae) and is commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for the treatment of various diseases including bacillary dysentery, typhoid, tuberculosis, epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis, empyrosis, pertussis, and other illnesses.

Methods

A literature survey was conducted via SciFinder, ScieneDirect, PubMed, Springer, and Wiley databases. A total of 139 selected references were classified on the basis of their research scopes, including chemical investigation, quality evaluation and pharmacological studies.

Results

Many types of secondary metabolites including alkaloids, lignans, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, saccharides, and steroids have been isolated from CR. Among them, protoberberine-type alkaloids, such as berberine, palmatine, coptisine, epiberberine, jatrorrhizine, columamine, are the main components of CR. Quantitative determination of these alkaloids is a very important aspect in the quality evaluation of CR. In recent years, with the advances in isolation and detection technologies, many new instruments and methods have been developed for the quantitative and qualitative analysis of the main alkaloids from CR. The quality control of CR has provided safety for pharmacological applications. These quality evaluation methods are also frequently employed to screen the active components from CR. Various investigations have shown that CR and its main alkaloids exhibited many powerful pharmacological effects including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, hypoglycemic, anti-Alzheimer and hepatoprotective activities.

Conclusion

This review summarizes the recent phytochemical investigations, quality evaluation methods, the biological studies focusing on CR as well as its main alkaloids.

Natural products for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: Pharmacology and mechanisms

Epidemiological studies have implied that diabetes mellitus (DM) will become an epidemic accompany with metabolic and endocrine disorders worldwide. Most of DM patients are affected by type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with insulin resistance and insulin secretion defect. Generally, the strategies to treat T2DM are diet control, moderate exercise, hypoglycemic and lipid-lowing agents. Despite the therapeutic benefits for the treatment of T2DM, most of the drugs can produce some undesirable side effects. Considering the pathogenesis of T2DM, natural products (NPs) have become the important resources of bioactive agents for anti-T2DM drug discovery. Recently, more and more natural components have been elucidated to possess anti-T2DM properties, and many efforts have been carried out to elucidate the possible mechanisms. The aim of this paper was to overview the activities and underlying mechanisms of NPs against T2DM. Developments of anti-T2DM agents will be greatly promoted with the increasing comprehensions of NPs for their multiple regulating effects on various targets and signal pathways.

Rhizoma Coptidis and Berberine as a Natural Drug to Combat Aging and Aging-Related Diseases via Anti-Oxidation and AMPK Activation

Aging is the greatest risk factor for human diseases, as it results in cellular growth arrest, impaired tissue function and metabolism, ultimately impacting life span. Two different mechanisms are thought to be primary causes of aging. One is cumulative DNA damage induced by a perpetuating cycle of oxidative stress; the other is nutrient-sensing adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and rapamycin (mTOR)/ ribosomal protein S6 (rpS6) pathways. As the main bioactive component of natural Chinese medicine rhizoma coptidis (RC), berberine has recently been reported to expand life span in Drosophila melanogaster, and attenuate premature cellular senescence. Most components of RC including berberine, coptisine, palmatine, and jatrorrhizine have been found to have beneficial effects on hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia and hypertension aging-related diseases. The mechanism of these effects involves multiple cellular kinase and signaling pathways, including anti-oxidation, activation of AMPK signaling and its downstream targets, including mTOR/rpS6, Sirtuin1/ forkhead box transcription factor O3 (FOXO3), nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor-2 (Nrf2), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathways. Most of these mechanisms converge on AMPK regulation on mitochondrial oxidative stress. Therefore, such evidence supports the possibility that rhizoma coptidis, in particular berberine, is a promising anti-aging natural product, and has pharmaceutical potential in combating aging-related diseases via anti-oxidation and AMPK cellular kinase activation.