Dual properties of pharmacological activities and preparation excipient: Bletilla striata polysaccharides

Bletilla striata has been used for thousands of years and shows the functions of stopping bleeding, reducing swelling, and promoting healing in traditional applications. For Bletilla striata, Bletilla striata polysaccharides (BSP) is the main active ingredient, exhibiting biological functions of anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-fibrotic, immune modulation, anti-glycation, and so on. In addition, BSP has exhibited the characteristics of excipient such as bio-adhesion, bio-degradability, and bio-safety and has been prepared into a series of preparations such as nanoparticles, microspheres, microneedles, hydrogels, etc. BSP, as both a drug and an excipient, has already aroused more and more attention. In this review, publications in recent years related to the extraction and identification, biological activities, and excipient application of BSP are reviewed. Specifically, we focused on the advances in the application of BSP as a formulation excipient. We hold opinion that BSP not only needed more researches in the mechanisms, but also the development into hydrogels, nano-formulations, tissue engineering, and so on. And we believe that this paper provides a beneficial reference for further BSP innovation and in-depth research and promotes the use of these natural products in pharmaceutical applications.

The inhibitory effects of Qingchang Wenzhong granule on the interactive network of inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in rats with dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis

BACKGROUND

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a kind of complex immune disease, the pathogenesis of which remains elusive. Destruction of the intestinal barrier, extreme inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis might play key roles in the development of UC. In previous studies, we observed that Qingchang Wenzhong granule (QCWZG) had the exact effect on the remission of UC in the clinic; however, the underlying mechanism has not been identified. This study aimed to reveal the effects of QCWZG on the intestinal physical barrier and the interactive network of inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in rats with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis.

METHODS

Sixty rats were randomly divided into six groups: blank group, model group, high/mild/low-dose QCWZG groups, and mesalazine group. The rats in the experimental group drank 4% DSS for 7 days and 1% DSS for the subsequent 7 days. Different medications or distilled water was supplied by intragastric administration for 7 days. The levels of colitis and indices related to inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis were assessed.

RESULTS

Compared with the model group, the QCWZG group (P < 0.05) demonstrated attenuated disease activity index, colonic mucosa disease index, histological lesions, and colonic weights; lower levels of inflammatory substances, such as interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and myeloperoxidase; lower levels of malondialdehyde; and increased levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. The QCWZG group also demonstrated elevated expression of Bcl-2 and occluding but downregulated db expression of Bax and caspase 3 in the colon.

CONCLUSION

QCWZG could relieve rats with DSS-induced colitis from UC symptoms by improving the intestinal physical barrier, which resists the interactive network of inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and their overactivated interactions.