Antiasthmatic effects of schizandrae fructus extract in mice with asthma

Schisandrol A Alleviates Allergic Asthma in Mice via Regulating the NF-κB/IκBα and Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathways

Schisandra chinensis (Turcz) Baill (S. chinensis) is the key traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of asthma used by ancient and modern medical practitioners. However, the material basis and the main mechanism of its antiasthmatic effect remain unclear. Our preliminary results showed that schisandrol A (SCA), a representative monomer of Schisandra lignans, had the best relaxation effect on tracheal rings in isolated rats. In this research, a mouse asthma model was prepared by combining ovalbumin (OVA) with Al (OH)3 for exploring the antiasthmatic action and the underlying mechanism of SCA. The study results demonstrated that SCA improved the behavior of mice with asthma and pathological changes in their lung tissues and airways, decreased serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) and OVA-IgE levels, interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5, IL-13, and eotaxin contents, and leukocytes number in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. SCA downregulated the gene expressions of keratinocyte-derived protein chemokines and ILs and reduced the expressions of phosphorylated IκB kinase α (p-IKKα) and p-nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) proteins in lung tissues. In addition, it was found that SCA could significantly increase T-superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, decrease malondialdehyde content, and elevate p-IκBα, NF-E2-related-factor 2 (Nrf2), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protein expressions. In summary, SCA treatment resulted in a significant improvement in the allergic bronchial asthma in mice, and its mechanisms may involve the regulation of the NF-κB/IκBα pathway to reduce inflammatory response and the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway to improve the body's antioxidant capacity. These results suggest that SCA is a key component of S. chinensis in exerting antiasthmatic effects.

Schisandrin A ameliorates increased pulmonary capillary endothelial permeability accompanied with sepsis through inhibition of RhoA/ROCK1/MLC pathways

BACKGROUND

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response, and vascular leakage associated with acute lung injury (ALI) is an important pathophysiological process during sepsis. Schisandrin A (SchA) is a bioactive lignan which has been reported to have the anti-inflammatory effects in many studies, while whether SchA can ameliorate ALI-related vascular leakage caused by sepsis is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the role and the underlying mechanism of SchA in increase of pulmonary vascular permeability induced by sepsis.

METHODS

The effect of SchA on pulmonary vascular permeability was examined in rat acute lung injury model. The effect of SchA on skin vascular permeability of mice was investigated through Miles assay. MTT assay was performed to detect the cell activity, and transwell assay was used to detect the effect of SchA on cell permeability. The effects of SchA on junction proteins and RhoA/ROCK1/MLC signaling pathway were manifested by immunofluorescence staining and western blot.

RESULTS

The administration of SchA alleviated rat pulmonary endothelial dysfunction, relieved increased permeability in the mouse skin and HUVECs induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Meanwhile, SchA inhibited the formation of stress fibers, reversed the decrease of expression of ZO-1 and VE-cadherin. Subsequent experiments confirmed that SchA inhibited RhoA/ROCK1/MLC canonical pathway in rat lungs and HUVECs induced by LPS. Moreover, overexpression of RhoA reversed the inhibitory effect of SchA in HUVECs, which suggested that SchA protected the pulmonary endothelial barrier by inhibiting RhoA/ROCK1/MLC pathway.

CONCLUSION

In summary, our results indicate that SchA ameliorates the increase of pulmonary endothelial permeability induced by sepsis through inhibition of RhoA/ROCK1/MLC pathway, providing a potentially effective therapeutic strategy for sepsis.

Chemical Characterization and Potential Mechanism of the Anti-Asthmatic Activity of a Subfraction from Schisandra chinensis Fruit Extract

Schisandra chinensis fruit is a widely edible and medicinal resource, whose extract had a good inhibitory effect on airway inflammation in asthmatic mice. However, the main active components remain unknown. In this work, we found that PET2, a subfraction of its ethanolic extract petroleum ether, displayed significant anti-inflammatory effects in interleukin (IL)-4/tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-stimulated BEAS-2B cells. Meanwhile, in the ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma mice model, PET2 (200 and 400 mg/kg) had significant effects on attenuating airway inflammatory cell infiltration and reducing serum Th2-related cytokines. Further studies led to the isolation and identification of 14 compounds, guided by ultraperformance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS)-based rapid characterization of chemical constituents. Combining network pharmacology analysis and in vitro experiments, we found that six compounds from PET2 had good anti-inflammatory properties. The potential mechanism may be involved in Fc epsilon RI, T cell receptor, and Jak-STAT signaling pathways. This study clarified the anti-inflammatory properties of the main active fraction and active compounds of S. chinensis fruit and provided a theoretical basis for its anti-asthma scientific utilization.

A comprehensive review of ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and pharmacokinetics of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. and Schisandra sphenanthera Rehd. et Wils

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Schisandra chinensis (called bei-wuweizi in Chinese, S. chinensis) and Schisandra sphenanthera (called nan-wuweizi in Chinese, S. sphenanthera) are two highly similar plants in the Magnoliaceae family. Their dried ripe fruits are commonly used as traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of coughs, palpitation, spermatorrhea, and insomnia. They also are traditionally used as tonics in Russia, Japan, and Korea.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera are similar in appearance, traditional applications, ingredient compositions, and therapeutic effects. This review, therefore, aims to provide a systematic insight into the botanical background, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, quality control, and toxicology of S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera, and to explore and present the similarities and differences between S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive literature search regarding S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera was collected by using electronic databases including PubMed, SciFinder, Science Direct, Web of Science, CNKI, and the online ethnobotanical database.

RESULTS

In the 2020 Edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia (ChP), there were 100 prescriptions containing S. chinensis, while only 11 contained S. sphenanthera. Totally, 306 and 238 compounds have been isolated and identified from S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera, respectively. Among these compounds, lignans, triterpenoids, essential oils, phenolic acid, flavonoids, phytosterols are the major composition. Through investigation of pharmacological activities, S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera have similar therapeutic effects including hepatoprotection, neuroprotection, cardioprotection, anticancer, antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and hypoglycemic effect. Besides, S. chinensis turns out to have more effects including reproductive regulation and immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, antitussive and antiasthmatic, anti-fatigue, antiarthritic, and bone remodeling effects. Both S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera have inhibitory effects on CYP3A and P-gp, which can mediate metabolism or efflux of substrates, and therefore interact with many drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera have great similarities. Dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans are regarded to contribute to most of the bioactivities. Schisandrin A-C, schisandrol A-B, and schisantherin A, existing in both S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera but differing in the amount, are the main active components, which may contribute to the similarities and differences. Study corresponding to the traditional use is needed to reveal the deep connotation of the use of S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera as traditional Chinese medicine. In addition, a joint study of S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera can better show the difference between them, which can provide a reference for clinical application. It is worth mentioning that the inhibition of S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera on CYP3A and P-gp may lead to undesirable drug-drug interactions.

Gomisin M2 alleviates psoriasis‑like skin inflammation by inhibiting inflammatory signaling pathways

Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease, is characterized by the excessive proliferation and impaired differentiation of epidermal keratinocytes and is accompanied by the increased infiltration of inflammatory cells. The condition requires long‑term treatment and has no definitive cure. Hence, supplements and therapeutic agents have been intensely investigated. Gomisin M2 (GM2), a lignan extracted from Schisandra chinensis (Turcz). Baill. (Schisandraceae; S. chinensis), has demonstrated diverse pharmacological properties, including anticancer, anti‑inflammatory and antiallergic effects. Based on these findings, the present study examined the effects of GM2 on an imiquimod (IMQ)‑induced psoriasis mouse model and on keratinocytes stimulated by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‑α and interferon‑γ. IMQ was topically applied to the back skin of mice for 7 consecutive days, and the mice were orally administered CD. These results showed that the oral administration of GM2 suppressed the symptoms of psoriasis, as evidenced by reductions in skin thickness, psoriasis area severity index scores for psoriasis lesions, transepidermal water loss and myeloperoxidase (MPO)‑associated cell infiltration. Furthermore, GM2 reduced the pathologically increased levels of immunoglobulin G2a, MPO and TNF‑α in the serum and T helper (Th)1 and Th17 cell populations in the spleen. GM2 decreased the gene expression of inflammatory‑related cytokines and chemokines and inhibited the expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 and nuclear factor‑κB in the activated keratinocytes. These results suggested that GM2 from S. chinensis is a potential therapeutic candidate to alleviate psoriasis‑like skin inflammation.

Peculiarities of vascular endothelial growth factor of oral cavity in atopic condition VEGF of oral cavity in atopic condition

Background and aims

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is regarded as a potent stimulating factor for angiogenesis and vascular permeability and probably is connected with an inflammatory reaction. Our study aimed to determine the effect of VEGF in the inflammatory process in the oral mucosa of experimental animals in the modulation of atopic disease.

Materials and methods

Atopic condition was simulated by the ovalbumin model. Obtained specimens of oral mucosa were examined histologically; immunohistochemistry was performed with detection VEGF, CD23, CD20.

Results

Most pronounced changes with twice increased expression activity of VEGF has been detected in the affected areas of the lamina propria and were associated with perivascular inflammatory microinfiltration, but unexpected expression in the epithelial layer has been revealed surround of intraepithelial inflammatory cells mainly. Pronounced correlations have been detected as VEGF and CD23 (r = 0.91), VEGF and CD20 (r = 0.87), CD23 and CD20 (r = 0.89).

Discussion

described the changes in the tissues of the oral mucosa could be served as a basis for the development of preventive measures in patients with atopic diseases.discussion

Conclusions

Activation of VEGF is connected with accumulation of inflammatory infiltrate represented by B-lymphocytes, activated macrophages, eosinophils with a correlation in atopic process.

Gomisin M2 Ameliorates Atopic Dermatitis-like Skin Lesions via Inhibition of STAT1 and NF-κB Activation in 2,4-Dinitrochlorobenzene/Dermatophagoides farinae Extract-Induced BALB/c Mice

The extracts of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. (Schisandraceae) have various therapeutic effects, including inflammation and allergy. In this study, gomisin M2 (GM2) was isolated from S. chinensis and its beneficial effects were assessed against atopic dermatitis (AD). We evaluated the therapeutic effects of GM2 on 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) and Dermatophagoides farinae extract (DFE)-induced AD-like skin lesions with BALB/c mice ears and within the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interferon (IFN)-γ-stimulated keratinocytes. The oral administration of GM2 resulted in reduced epidermal and dermal thickness, infiltration of tissue eosinophils, mast cells, and helper T cells in AD-like lesions. GM2 suppressed the expression of IL-1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-12a, and TSLP in ear tissue and the expression of IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-17A in auricular lymph nodes. GM2 also inhibited STAT1 and NF-κB phosphorylation in DNCB/DFE-induced AD-like lesions. The oral administration of GM2 reduced levels of IgE (DFE-specific and total) and IgG2a in the mice sera, as well as protein levels of IL-4, IL-6, and TSLP in ear tissues. In TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated keratinocytes, GM2 significantly inhibited IL-1β, IL-6, CXCL8, and CCL22 through the suppression of STAT1 phosphorylation and the nuclear translocation of NF-κB. Taken together, these results indicate that GM2 is a biologically active compound that exhibits inhibitory effects on skin inflammation and suggests that GM2 might serve as a remedy in inflammatory skin diseases, specifically on AD.

Cough Inhibition Activity of Schisandra chinensis in Guinea Pigs

Chronic cough is very common in respiratory clinics, and no effective drugs are available. Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. (S. chinensis), an important traditional Chinese medicine, has been extensively prescribed for patients with a persistent cough. Preliminary research indicated that 95% ethanol extracts (EE) of S. chinensis showed remarkable antitussive activity in guinea pigs exposed to cigarette smoke (CS). To find out the antitussive ingredients of S. chinensis, EE was divided into four fractions according to the polarity: petroleum ether extract (PEE), ethyl acetate extract (ECE), n-butyl alcohol extract, and residue extract. The antitussive, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects of the four fractions were evaluated in a guinea pig model of cough hypersensitivity induced by CS exposure. Eighteen main constituents of the two effective fractions, PEE and ECE, were identified using ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography electronic spray ion time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The cough inhibition activities of compound 1, 3, 9, 10, 17 were evaluated on citric acid induced acute cough guinea pigs. The results showed that the antitussive activity of EE was almost all contained in PEE and ECE. The 16 major peaks in PEE were identified as 15 lignans (1-12 and 14-16) and 1 triterpene (compound 13), and 3 major peaks (1, 17, and 18) in ECE were also identified as lignans. Three doses of five compounds brought about a significant decrease in number of cough efforts (P < .01), and the cough inhibition rates were between 40.9% and 85.1%. Therefore, lignans are the antitussive ingredients of S. chinensis.

Gomisin M2 Inhibits Mast Cell-Mediated Allergic Inflammation via Attenuation of FcεRI-Mediated Lyn and Fyn Activation and Intracellular Calcium Levels

Mast cells are effector cells that induce allergic inflammation by secreting inflammatory mediators. Gomisin M2 (G.M2) is a lignan isolated from Schisandra chinensis (Turcz). Baill. exhibiting anti-cancer activities. We aimed to investigate the anti-allergic effects and the underlying mechanism of G.M2 in mast cell–mediated allergic inflammation. For the in vitro study, we used mouse bone marrow–derived mast cells, RBL-2H3, and rat peritoneal mast cells. G.M2 inhibited mast cell degranulation upon immunoglobulin E (IgE) stimulation by suppressing the intracellular calcium. In addition, G.M2 inhibited the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. These inhibitory effects were dependent on the suppression of FcεRI-mediated activation of signaling molecules. To confirm the anti-allergic effects of G.M2 in vivo, IgE-mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) and ovalbumin-induced active systemic anaphylaxis (ASA) models were utilized. Oral administration of G.M2 suppressed the PCA reactions in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, G.M2 reduced the ASA reactions, including hypothermia, histamine, interleukin-4, and IgE production. In conclusion, G.M2 exhibits anti-allergic effects through suppression of the Lyn and Fyn pathways in mast cells. According to these findings, we suggest that G.M2 has potential as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of allergic inflammatory diseases via suppression of mast cell activation.

Pharmacokinetics of Schizandrin and Its Pharmaceutical Products Assessed Using a Validated LC-MS/MS Method

Schisandra chinensis has been used as an important component in various prescriptions in traditional Chinese medicine and, more recently, in Western-based medicine for its anti-hepatotoxic effect. The aim of this study was to develop a selective, rapid, and sensitive ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for pharmacokinetic studies of schizandrin in rats. Liquid-liquid extraction was used for plasma sample preparation. A UHPLC reverse-phase C18e column (100 mm × 2.1 mm, 2 μm) coupled with a mobile phase of methanol-0.1% formic acid (85:15, v/v) was used for sample separation. A triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer was used to detect the analytes in the selected reaction monitoring mode. The linear range of schizandrin in rat plasma was 5.0–1000 ng/mL (r² > 0.999), with a lower limit of quantification of 5 ng/mL. The method was validated with regard to accuracy, intra-day and inter-day precision, linearity, stability, recovery, and matrix effects in rat plasma, which were acceptable according to the biological method validation guidelines developed by the FDA. This method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study after oral administration of 3 g/kg and 10 g/kg of Schisandra chinensis products, which yielded a maximum concentration of schizandrin of 0.08 ± 0.07 and 0.15 ± 0.09 μg/mL, respectively. A parallel study design was used to investigate the oral bioavailability of single compound of schizandrin and the herbal extract, the single compound of pure schizandrin (10 mg/kg, i.v.), pure schizandrin (10 mg/kg, p.o.), and the herbal extract of Schisandra chinensis (3 g/kg and 10 g/kg, p.o.) were given individually. The dose of Schisandra chinensis (3 g/kg) equivalent to schizandrin (5.2 mg/kg); the dose of Schisandra chinensis (10 g/kg) equivalent to schizandrin (17.3 mg/kg). The result demonstrated that the oral bioavailability of schizandrin was approximately 15.56 ± 10.47% in rats, however the oral bioavailability of herbal extract was higher than single compound. The method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of pure schizandrin after oral administration of its pharmaceutical industry products in rats.

Schisandrin A inhibits dengue viral replication via upregulating antiviral interferon responses through STAT signaling pathway

Dengue virus (DENV) infects 400 million people worldwide annually. Infection of more than one serotype of DENV highly corresponds to dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome, which are the leading causes of high mortality. Due to lack of effective vaccines and unavailable therapies against DENV, discovery of anti-DENV agents is urgently needed. We first characterize that Schisandrin A can inhibit the replication of four serotypes of DENV in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, with an effective half-maximal effective concentration 50% (EC₅₀) value of 28.1 ± 0.42 μM against DENV serotype type 2 without significant cytotoxicity. Furthermore, schisandrin A can effectively protect mice from DENV infection by reducing disease symptoms and mortality of DENV-infected mice. We demonstrate that STAT1/2-mediated antiviral interferon responses contribute to the action of schisandrin A against DENV replication. Schisandrin A represents a potential antiviral agent to block DENV replication in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, stimulation of STAT1/2-mediated antiviral interferon responses is a promising strategy to develop antiviral drug.

Deoxyschizandrin suppresses dss-induced ulcerative colitis in mice

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Deoxyschizandrin as one of the most important component of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill plays an immunomodulatory role in a variety of diseases, yet its role in ulcerative colitis remains to be elucidated. We aimed to investigate the role of deoxyschizandrin in DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In the present study, an inflammation model of cells was constructed to confirm the anti-inflammatory effect of deoxyschizandrin. Then a mouse model with Dextran sulfate sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis was constructed, and the effects of deoxyschizandrin on mouse colon inflammation, apoptosis, and CD4 T lymphocyte infiltration in ulcerative colitis were examined.

RESULT

Deoxyschizandrin could improve the symptoms of ulcerative colitis, determined by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and histopathological scores. Moreover, deoxyschizandrin reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines, suppressed CD4 T cell infiltration, and effectively inhibited apoptosis in the colon of DSS-induced ulcerative colitis mice.

CONCLUSION

In summary, deoxyschizandrin can effectively rescue the symptoms of DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice by inhibiting inflammation. T cell infiltration and apoptosis in the colon, suggesting that deoxyschizandrin could be a potential drug in treating ulcerative colitis.

Current knowledge of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. (Chinese magnolia vine) as a medicinal plant species: a review on the bioactive components, pharmacological properties, analytical and biotechnological studies

Schisandra chinensis Turcz. (Baill.) is a plant species whose fruits have been well known in Far Eastern medicine for a long time. However, schisandra seems to be a plant still underestimated in contemporary therapy still in the countries of East Asia. The article presents latest available information on the chemical composition of this plant species. Special attention is given to dibenzo cyclooctadiene lignans. In addition, recent studies of the biological activity of dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans and schisandra fruit extracts are recapitulated. The paper gives a short resume of their beneficial effects in biological systems in vitro, in animals, and in humans, thus underlining their medicinal potential. The cosmetic properties are depicted, too. The analytical methods used for assaying schisandra lignans in the scientific studies and also in industry are also presented. Moreover, special attention is given to the information on the latest biotechnological studies of this plant species. The intention of this review is to contribute to a better understanding of the huge potential of the pharmacological relevance of S. chinensis.

Anti-allergic effect of α-cubebenoate isolated from Schisandra chinensis using in vivo and in vitro experiments

AIM OF THE STUDY

In Oriental countries, the dried fruits of Schisandra chinensis are extensively used in traditional medicine to treat asthma, gonorrhea, and other diseases. Recently, α-cubebenoate was isolated as an anti-inflammatory component from Schisandra chinensis. In the present study, the authors examined the anti-allergic effect of α-cubebenoate using in vivo and in vitro experiments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

α-Cubebenoate was isolated from an extract of Schisandra chinensis fruits. Antigen-induced degranulation and Ca(2+) mobilization were measured in RBL-2H3 mast cells. In addition, BALB/c mice were sensitized with ovalbumin and aluminum hydroxide, and then challenged with ovalbumin for three consecutive days. α-Cubebenoate (1mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally 30min before each ovalbumin challenge.

RESULTS

In RBL-2H3 mast cells, α-cubebenoate inhibited antigen-induced degranulation and increase of intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations. In the ovalbumin-induced asthma model, α-cubebenoate suppressed bronchiolar structural changes induced by ovalbumin challenge. Furthermore, α-cubebenoate strongly inhibited accumulations of eosinophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. α-Cubebenoate also suppressed Th2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-13) and TGF-β1 in lung tissues and in immune cells at the mRNA and protein levels.

CONCLUSION

α-Cubebenoate has an inhibitory effect on allergic inflammation and could be utilized as an agent for the treatment of asthma.