The protective effects of compatibility of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata and Zingiberis Rhizoma on rats with heart failure by enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis via Sirt1/PGC-1α pathway

Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata ("Fuzi" in Chinese) in combination with Zingiberis Rhizoma ("Ganjiang" in Chinese) is commonly applied for the treatment of heart failure for thousands of years in China. However, its therapeutic mechanism is still poorly defined. This study aimed to investigate whether the compatibility of Fuzi and Ganjiang can protect rats with acute heart failure by enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis via Sirt1/PGC-1α signaling pathway. Hemodynamic parameters, including heart rate and left ventricular maximal rate of pressure rise and decline, were recorded in rats with acute heart failure induced by Propafenone hydrochloride. The serum levels of cardiac enzymes, including creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, brain natriuretic peptide and cardiac troponin T, were also determined. The gene and protein levels of Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) and their downstream transcription factors were measured as well. The results indicated that Fuzi-Ganjiang herbal couple provided more significant benefits by restoring the left ventricular function and cardiac enzyme activities in comparison with their single use. Moreover, this herbal couple possessed a significant cardio-protection by increasing both gene and protein levels of Sirt1 and PGC-1α. In conclusion, the compatibility of Fuzi and Ganjiang had better therapeutic effect than their single use against failing heart, and the underlying mechanisms were partially through increasing mitochondrial biogenesis via Sirt1/PGC-1α pathway.

Therapeutic effects of higenamine combined with [6]-gingerol on chronic heart failure induced by doxorubicin via ameliorating mitochondrial function

Higenamine (HG) is a natural benzylisoquinoline alkaloid isolated from Aconitum with positive inotropic and chronotropic effects. This study aimed to investigate the possible cardioprotective effects of HG combined with [6]-gingerol (HG/[6]-GR) against DOX-induced chronic heart failure (CHF) by comprehensive approaches. DOX-induced cardiotoxicity model in rats and H9c2 cells was established. Therapeutic effects of HG/[6]-GR on haemodynamics, serum indices and histopathology of cardiac tissue were analysed. Cell mitochondrial energy phenotype and cell mitochondrial fuel flex were measured by a Seahorse XFp analyser. Moreover, UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS was performed to explore the potential metabolites affecting the therapeutic effects and pathological process of CHF. To further investigate the potential mechanism of HG/[6]-GR, mRNA and protein expression levels of RAAS and LKB1/AMPK/Sirt1-related pathways were detected. The present data demonstrated that the therapeutic effects of HG/[6]-GR combination on CHF were presented in ameliorating heart function, down-regulation serum indices and alleviating histological damage of heart tissue. Besides, HG/[6]-GR has an effect on increasing cell viability of H9c2 cells, ameliorating DOX-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and elevating mitochondrial OCR and ECAR value. Metabolomics analyses showed that the therapeutic effect of HG/[6]-GR combination is mainly associated with the regulation of fatty acid metabolites and energy metabolism pathways. Furthermore, HG/[6]-GR has an effect on down-regulating RAAS pathway-related molecules and up-regulating LKB1/AMPKα/Sirt1-related pathway. The present work demonstrates that HG/[6]-GR prevented DOX-induced cardiotoxicity via the cardiotonic effect and promoting myocardial energy metabolism through the LKB1/AMPKα/Sirt1 signalling pathway, which promotes mitochondrial energy metabolism and protects against CHF.

Zingiberis rhizoma mediated enhancement of the pharmacological effect of aconiti lateralis radix praeparata against acute heart failure and the underlying biological mechanisms

Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata (Fuzi), a type of Chinese materia medica, has been used to treat acute and chronic heart failure (HF) in traditional Chinese medicine and has been proven in numerous animal studies. It is also well-known that Zingiberis Rhizoma (Ganjiang) is ineffective in the treatment of HF, but it can enhance the anti-HF effect of Fuzi. However, the mechanism underlying this compatibility is still not well investigated. To investigate this mechanism, a model of acute heart failure (AHF) in SD rats induced by propafenone hydrochloride was established in this study. After oral treatments of Ganjiang, Fuzi or a combination of the two drugs in rats with AHF, heart function [e.g., heart rate (HR) and the maximal rising and declining rate of left ventricle pressure (±dp/dtmax)] and serum indicators [e.g., brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK)] were measured, and histopathological analysis of the heart was also performed. The biological mechanisms were further explored by measuring the protein expression level of the mitochondrial respiration chain complex (MRCC1-4) and the mRNA and protein expression levels of mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter (MCU) and its upstream proteins, mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter 1 and mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter 2 (MICU1-2). The expression levels of key enzymes downstream of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, including pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase (NNT), were also measured. As a result, Ganjiang enhanced the therapeutic effect of Fuzi on AHF by raising the HR and ±dp/dtmax; decreasing the serum levels of BNP, LDH and CK; and alleviating histological damage of the myocardial tissue when compared to the treatments of Ganjiang or Fuzi alone. In conclusion, there was an enhancing effect of Ganjiang on the anti-AHF function of Fuzi treatment, and the potential mechanism of this effect may be related to the mitochondrial energy metabolism pathway mediated by MCU.

Therapeutic effects of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata combined with Zingiberis Rhizoma on doxorubicin-induced chronic heart failure in rats based on an integrated approach

OBJECTIVES

This study was aimed to explore the mechanism of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata (ALRP) and Zingiberis Rhizoma (ZR) on doxorubicin (DOX)-induced chronic heart failure (CHF) in rats by integrated approaches.

METHODS

Effects of ALRP and ZR on cardiac function, serum biochemical indicators and histopathology in rats were analysed. Moreover, UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS was performed to identify the potential metabolites affecting the pathological process of CHF. Metabolomics and network pharmacology analyses were conducted to illustrate the possible pathways and network in CHF treatment. The predicted gene expression levels in heart tissue were verified and assessed by RT-PCR.

KEY FINDINGS

ALRP-ZR demonstrated remarkable promotion of hemodynamic indices and alleviated histological damage of heart tissue. Metabolomics analyses showed that the therapeutic effect of ALRP and ZR is mainly associated with the regulation of eight metabolites and ten pathways, which may be responsible for the therapeutic efficacy of ALRP-ZR. Moreover, the results of RT-PCR showed that ALRP-ZR could substantially increase the expression level of energy metabolism-related genes, including PPARδ, PPARγ, Lpl, Scd, Fasn and Pla2g2e.

CONCLUSIONS

The results highlighted the role of ALRP-ZR in the treatment of CHF by influencing the metabolites related to energy metabolism pathway via metabolomics and network pharmacology analyses.

[Research advancement in mechanisms of processing and compatibility for detoxication of Aconitums]

Aconitums,represented by Aconite Radix,Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata and Aconiti Kusnezoffh Folium,is a kind of traditional Chinese medicine with a long medicinal history in China. They possess the significant toxicity and therapeutic effects simultaneously. Their potent effects of rescuing from dying,curing rheumatism,anti-inflammation,and analgesia make Aconitums highly regarded by physicians and pharmacists of various dynasties. However,countless poisoning cases caused by an irrational use of Aconitums were reported. In case of improper application and exceeding the therapeutic window,the acute cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity would be caused,seriously threatening health and even life of the users. Therefore,the clinical application of Aconitums is limited to some extent. To avoid its toxicity and ensure the safety of medicinal use,Aconitums is usually used in a form of its processed products instead of the crude herbs,or combined with some other traditional Chinese medicines in a normal prescription. A proper processing and compatibility method can detoxicate its severe toxicity,reduce the adverse reactions,and also significantly broaden the indications and application range of Aconitums. This provides a guarantee for the secondary exploitation and utilization of Aconitums. In this paper,the traditional processing methods of Aconitums,along with the modern advancement were reviewed,and the mechanisms of detoxification by processing and compatibility were also illuminated. The physical detoxification mode and chemical detoxification mode were found as two main detoxification ways for Aconitums. In particular,the detoxification by hydrolysis,ion-pair,and saponification were three main means. The mechanisms illustrated in this paper can be a reference to the development of modern processing method and a guidance for appropriate use of Aconitums in clinical application.

Cardiac function evaluation for a novel one-step detoxification product of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata

Background

Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata has been used as the first cardiac drug over a 1000 years in Asian countries. Although most detoxification products are confirmed to be safe, the effect is not potent as desired. In previous study, we designed a one-step detoxification product by fresh cutting and continuously dried, which preserved more water-soluble alkaloids while eliminating toxicity. It is thus necessary to find more in vivo evidence to support its industrial development.

Methods

Initially, network pharmacology was applied to analyze the related pathways of candidate components acting on heart failure diseases. Then, two heart failure models that were induced by propafenone hydrochloride and nimodipine (v/v, 1:1) and were given doxorubicin were carried out to test the cardiac activity. Moreover, the effect on mitochondrial energy metabolism was further assessed.

Results

Network pharmacology results indicated that Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata treated heart failure through cAMP signaling pathway, calcium signaling pathway, adrenergic signaling in cardiomyocytes and so on. These pathways were highly correlated with myocardial contractility and mitochondrial energy metabolism. Trials on heart failure rats demonstrated that the novel processed-product could produce a stronger positive inotropic action and increase more Na⁺–K⁺–ATPase and Ca²⁺–Mg²⁺–ATPase than Heishunpian. Pathological results also revealed the novel one could better restore the morphology of cardiomyocytes and reduce vacuolar lesions. It also could inspire more energy with a lower concentration.

Conclusions

This study provides scientific evidence for the clinical application of new products. It is of great benefit to innovate the industrial detoxification process of Aconitum.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13020-018-0219-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata as Potential Anticancer Herb: Bioactive Compounds and Molecular Mechanisms

Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata (Fuzi in Chinese) is a traditional herbal medicine widely used in China and other Asian countries. In clinical practice, it is often used to treat heart failure, rheumatoid arthritis, and different kinds of pains. Fuzi extract and its active ingredients exert considerable anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects. The main chemical substances of Fuzi include alkaloids, polysaccharides, flavonoids, fatty acids, and sterols. Among of them, alkaloids and polysaccharides are responsible for the anticancer efficacy. Most bioactive alkaloids in Fuzi possess C19 diterpenoid mother nucleus and these natural products show great potential for cancer therapy. Moreover, polysaccharides exert extraordinary tumor-suppressive functions. This review comprehensively summarized the active ingredients, antineoplastic effects, and molecular mechanisms of Fuzi by searching PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and CNKI. The anticancer effects are largely attributed to inducing apoptosis and autophagy, inhibiting proliferation, migration and invasion, regulating body immunity, affecting energy metabolism, as well as reversing multidrug resistance. Meanwhile, several signaling pathways and biological processes are mainly involved, such as NF-κB, EMT, HIF-1, p38 MAPK, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, and TCA cycle. Collectively, alkaloids and polysaccharides in Fuzi might serve as attractive therapeutic candidates for the development of anticancer drugs. This review would lay a foundation and provide a basis for further basic research and clinical application of Fuzi.

[Analysis on mechanism of toxicity reduction through compatibility of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata-Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma from in vitro component changes,in vivo metabolism and biological effects antagonism]

Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma is a representative acid-alkali drug pair,commonly used in clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine( TCM). Its unique compatibility connotation fully embodied the wisdom of ancient people in drug use. In order to more comprehensively and deeply understand the scientific connotation of the compatibility of the two drugs,pharmacy workers have studied the mechanism of reducing toxicity and enhancing efficacy through their compatibility from the perspectives of chemistry,pharmacology and toxicology. On the basis of combing the previous research work,this paper interpreted the unique compatibility connotation from the three-level system of reducing the content of toxic components in vitro by hydrolysis,lipid exchange and formation of associations,the active constituents of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma affecting the metabolism of toxic components and direct antagonism of the toxic effects of aconite in vivo. The existing problems and controversies of the modern mechanism of their compatibility were also proposed,providing a reference for further in-depth studies.

[Transcriptomics study on mechanism of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata in treatment of rats with acute heart failure]

In this study,transcriptomics technique was used to investigate the mechanism of action of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata on acute heart failure rats induced by propafenone hydrochloride.First,rats were randomly divided into normal group,model group and administration group(1.25,2.5,5 g·kg-1).A rat with acute heart failure was constructed by intravenous femoral administration of proparone hydrochloride.The changes of heart rate,+dp/dtmaxand-dp/dtmaxat 5,10,20,30 and 60 min were recorded.Then another group of rats were given the same drug delivery method.In another group of animals,serum TNF-α could be determined by ELISA with the same dosage method.High-throughput sequencing technology was used to detect all gene expression differences in cardiac tissue samples of rats with acute heart failure.Through functional annotation and enrichment analysis,gene expression signaling pathways of rats with acute heart failure and rats with post-administration heart failure were screened out.The results showed that heart rate and LV+dp/dtmaxand LV-dp/dtmaxwere significantly decreased in the model group(P<0.05),while heart rate and LV+dp/dtmax and LV-dp/dtmaxwere significantly increased in the drug group(P<0.05,P<0.01).Moreover,ANP,BNP and TNF-α in acute heart failure rats was significantly decreased in high-dose aconite decoction group(P<0.05).Transcriptomics analysis showed that the mechanism of action was mainly related to activation of PI3 K-AKT signaling pathway and Jak-STAT pathway.Compared with the model group,aconite decoction up-regulated the expression of phosphatidylinostol 3-kinase(PI3 K),lysophosphatidic acid(LAP3),Bcl-3 and STAT genes,and down-regulated the expression of integrin(ITGA),nuclear orphan receptor(Nur77) genes.It could be concluded that the mechanism of aconite in treating acute heart failure rats may be related to the regulation of the PI3 k-Akt/Jak-STAT pathway.

[Comparison of alkaloids in Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix, Aconiti Radix, and Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata based on UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS/MS]

UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS/MS was used to systematically analyze and compare the alkaloids in Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix, Aconiti Radix, and Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata. After the samples were pretreated in the solid-phase extraction cartridges, 0.1% ammonium hydroxide(A)-acetonitrile(B) was used for gradient elution. The LC-MS method for characterization of alkaloids in the three herbal medicines was established in ESI positive ion mode to collect high resolution MS data of reference substances and samples. On the basis of the information of reference substance cracking behavior, retention time, accurate molecular mass, and related literature, a total of 155 alkaloids were identified in Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix, Aconiti Radix, and Aconiti Lateralis Radix Prae-parata. Specifically, 130, 127, and 92 alkaloids were identified in Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix, Aconiti Radix, and Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, respectively. Monoester alkaloids and amino-alcohol alkaloids were dominant in the three herbal medicines, and the alkaloids in Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix and Aconiti Radix were similar. This paper can provide a reference for elucidating the pharmacological effects and clinical application differences of the three herbal medicines produced from plants of Aconitum.

[Comparative study on intestinal absorption kinetics of main active components in Sini Decoction and its separated recipes]

This paper aims to study the difference in the intestinal absorption kinetics of main active components of Sini decoction and its separated recipes and explain the scientificity and rationality of the compatibility of Sini Decoction. A in situ intestinal perfusion rat model was established to evaluate the differences in the absorption of benzoylmesaconine, benzoylaconine, benzoylhypacoitine, mesaconitine, hypaconitine, glycyrrhizic acid, liquiritin and 6-gingerol from Sini Decoction and its separated recipes in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC). The results indicated that the Sini Decoction group was superior to the Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata group in terms of absorption degree and rate for aconitum alkaloids. The absorption of benzoylmesaconine and hypaconitine in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum was faster and stronger in the Sini Decoction group(P&lt;0.05). The absorption degree of glycyrrhizic acid in the duodenum was significantly higher in the Sini Decoction group than in the Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma group and the Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Zingiberis Rhizoma group(P&lt;0.05). The absorption rate and degree of 6-gingerol in the ileum in the Sini Decoction group were significantly higher than those in the Zingiberis Rhizoma group(P&lt;0.05). In short, Zingiberis Rhizoma and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma can promote the absorption of aconitum alkaloids in different intestinal segments, which reflects the scientific composition of Sini Decoction.

[Detoxification mechanism of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata combined with dried Rehmanniae Radix based on metabolic enzymes in liver]

The enzymes CYP1 A2 and CYP3 A4 were measured by building a &quot;Cocktail&quot; probe drug and the incubation system of liver microsomes. The compatibility of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata combined with dried Rehmanniae Radix on CYP450 enzyme protein and gene expression was explored from the level of protein and molecular biology. It explored the molecular mechanism of compatibility detoxication of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata to provide scientific support for clinical safe and effective application of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata. The CYP450 enzyme activity was determined by using &quot;Cocktail&quot; probe drugs. The content of CYP450 enzyme was measured by CO reduction of differential spectrum method. The mRNA expression of CYP1 A2 and CYP3 A4 enzyme was detected by RT-PCR technology. Compared with the blank group, the CYP1 A2 and CYP3 A4 enzyme activity and mRNA expression were increased in the dried Rehmanniae Radix combined with Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata group with significant differences(P&lt;0.05), while the CYP3 A4 enzyme activity and mRNA expression were no influence in the Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata group. The CYP3 A4 enzyme activity and mRNA expression were increased in the dried Rehmanniae Radix and the dried Rehmanniae Radix combined with Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata group, and there were significant differences(P&lt;0.05). The content of CYP450 enzyme was decreased in the Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata group, contributed to extremely significant difference(P&lt;0.01). The content of CYP450 enzyme was increased in the dried Rehmanniae Radix and the dried Rehmanniae Radix combined with Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata group, and there were significant differences(P&lt;0.05). The CYP1 A2 and CYP3 A4 enzyme activity and gene expression were enhanced after dried Rehmanniae Radix combined with Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata. The metabolism of toxic ingredients of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata was accelerated to reach an effect of detoxication. The detoxication mechanism of compatibility of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata was verified from the viewpoint of liver metabolic enzymes.

[Toxic effects of combination of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata with Trichosanthis Fructus on inflammatory response and myocardial fibrosis in pressure overload rats based on β2-AR/PKA signal]

To study the effects of combination of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata( Fuzi) with Trichosanthis Fructus( Gualou) on cardiac function,electrocardiogram,inflammatory response and myocardial fibrosis in pressure overload( PO) rats,and further explore the mechanism based on β₂-AR/PKA signaling. PO rat model was established by constricting the abdominal aorta. Twelve weeks after the operation,these rats were randomly divided into model goup( PO),low dose Fuzi group( FL,5. 4 g·kg^-1·d^-1),Gualou group( GL,5. 4 g·kg^-1·d^-1),Fuzi and Gualou combination group( FG,5. 4 g·kg^-1·d^-1+5. 4 g·kg^-1·d^-1) and high dose Fuzi group( FH,10. 8 g·kg^-1·d^-1). At the same time,sham operation group was set. After intervention for 6 weeks,carotid blood pressure,cardiac function,electrocardiogram and heart mass index were measured. HE staining was used to observe the inflammatory response in the rat heart and kidney. Masson staining was used to determine the myocardial fibrosis. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of β₂-AR and PKA. As compared with sham operation group,the blood pressure and heart mass index were obviously increased in PO model group,but there was no significant difference in various treatment groups in the above indexes. As compared with PO model group,FH treatment significantly increased the ejection fraction( EF) and GL treatment effectively enhanced the cardiac output( CO),but other treatment groups had no significant effect on these parameters. Moreover,FG treatment can synergistically attenuate QT and QTc internal prolongation,but it also aggravated inflammatory response in the heart and kidney tissues and promoted myocardial fibrosis as compared to FZ or GL alone treatment,with toxic effects equivalent to FH treatment group. Following FG and FH treatment,simultaneously,β₂-AR and PKA protein levels were significantly elevated,indicating that the increasing toxicity of FG could be associated with activation of β₂-AR/PKA signaling. These results suggested that combination of FZ and GL could synergistically enhance toxicity of FZ in special pathological states such as pressure overload,and caution should be taken in clinical application.

[Adverse reactions analysis of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata and mechanism prediction of cardiac toxicity by network pharmacology]

The aim of this paper was to provide reference for the clinical safety use of aconite through the retrieval of literature about adverse reactions,predict its mechanism of cardiac toxicity by using network pharmacology,and provide ideas for the studies on toxicity mechanism of toxic Chinese medicines. The papers on adverse reactions of aconite were searched to established a database and summarize the adverse reactions of aconite. The results of literature review showed that the main causes for adverse reactions in clinical use of aconite included overdose use,short cooking time,consumption of medicinal liquor/medicinal diet,external use and misuse and so on. Therefore,the dosage of aconite should be strictly followed in clinical application,and the decoction method should be notified to the patients in detail to avoid taking the medicinal liquor and diet containing aconite,so as to prevent the occurrence of adverse reactions as much as possible,and make the best use of aconite in clinical application in avoid its toxicity. At the same time,based on the results of literature review,the network construction and visual analysis of cardio toxicity produced by aconite were carried out by using the network pharmacology technologies. RESULTS: showed that aconite can be applied to eight biological processes such as action potential of cardiac myocytes,cardiac conduction-related cell signal transduction,cardiac myocytes contraction,action potential involved in cardiac myocytes contraction,and signal transduction from atrial myocardial cells to atrioventricular node cells,and three target genes(SCN5 A,GJA1,GJA5). It was predicted that Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata may influence cardiomyocyte depolarization,intercellular information transmission and material exchange by acting on three target genes(SCN5 A,GJA1,GJA5) and regulating the sodium channel protein and the expression of gap junction protein,thus affecting the heart rhythm as well as its structure and function and causing cardiac toxicity.

[Construction of a high-throughput screening model for mitochondrial function of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata by machine learning algorithm and mechanism analysis]

A high-throughput screening machine learning model for mitochondrial function was constructed, and compounds of Aco-niti Lateralis Radix Praeparata were predicted. Deoxyaconitine with the highest score and benzoylmesaconine with the lowest score among the compounds screened by the model were selected for mitochondrial mechanism analysis. Mitochondrial function data were collected from PubChem and Tox21 databases. Random forest and gradient boosted decision tree algorithms were separately used for mo-deling, and ECFP4(extended connectivity fingerprint, up to four bonds) and Mordred descriptors were employed for training, respectively. Cross-validation test was carried out, and balanced accuracy(BA) and overall accuracy were determined to evaluate the performance of different combinations of models and obtain the optimal algorithm and hyperparameters for modeling. The data of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata compounds in TCMSP database were collected, and after prediction and screening by the constructed high-throughput screening machine learning model, deoxyaconitine and benzoylmesaconine were selected to measure mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen species(ROS) level and protein expression of B-cell lymphoma 2(Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ-coactivator 1α(PGC-1α). The results showed that the model constructed using gradient boosted decision tree+Mordred algorithm performed better, with a cross-validation BA of 0.825 and a test set accuracy of 0.811. Deoxyaconitine and benzoylmesaconine changed the ROS level(P&lt;0.001), mitochondrial membrane potential(P&lt;0.001), and protein expression of Bcl-2(P&lt;0.001, P&lt;0.01) and Bax(P&lt;0.001), and deoxyaconitine increased the expression of PGC-1α protein(P&lt;0.01). The high-throughput screening model for mitochondrial function constructed by gradient boosted decision tree+Mordred algorithm was more accurate than that by random forest+ECFP4 algorithm, which could be used to build an algorithm model for subsequent research. Deoxyaconitine and benzoylmesaconine affected mitochondrial function. However, deoxyaconitine with higher score also affected mitochondrial biosynthesis by regulating PGC-1α protein.

[National physician master Jin Shiyuan's dispensing technology of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata based on Li Shizhen's pharmaceutical academic thought]

To collect Li Shizhen's experience in Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata identification and clinical application, compare and analyze national physician master Jin Shiyuan's practical operation and theoretical knowledge, which is beneficial for the inheritance and improvement of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata clinical dispensing technology. In the analysis process, CNKI, Wanfang and other databases were searched with "Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata", "Li Shizhen", "pharmacological method state theory" "Jin Shiyuan" and "Chinese medicine dispensing technology" as the key words. In addition, Treatise on Febrile Disease, Compendium of Materia Medica, Chinese Pharmacopoeia(2015 edition), Notes to Medical Professions(Yi Zong Shuo Yue), and other medicine books were accessed to summarize the processing methods and decoction dosage of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata in both ancient and modern medicine, and in consideration of technical research and practice operation, Li Shizhen's description of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata and Professor Jin Shiyuan's research on Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata dispensing technology were analyzed and collected. Li Shizhen recorded the nature identification and clinical application of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata by using pharmacological method state theory in Compendium of Materia Medica. National physician master Jin Shiyuan carries forward the essence of Li Shizhen's pharmaceutical academic thought with his own proficient knowledge structure in medicine, providing scientific pharmaceutical service for clinical application of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata Professor. Jin Shiyuan put forward the dispensing technology for the first time, including nature identification technology, clinical processing technology, clinical decocting technology, prescription coping technology, and class specifications of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata. In this paper, Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata was used as an example to analyze the key dispensing technology of traditional Chinese medicine, and apply the key dispensing technology of traditional Chinese medicine in various commonly used Chinese medicines in the future.

[Core connotation of compatibility of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata-Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma herb pair under physiological/ pathological conditions based on metabolomics and network pharmacology]

This study aims to explore the core connotation of the compatibility of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata(Fuzi)-Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma(Gancao) herb pair under physiological and pathological conditions. The biochemical indicators of serum/myocardial tissue, pathological changes of the myocardial tissue, and serum metabolic profiles of normal rats and heart failure model rats treated with Fuzi Decoction and Fuzi Gancao Decoction were determined. Network pharmacology and metabolomics were employed to establish the metabolite-target-pathway network for Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma in enhancing the efficacy and reducing the toxicity of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, Western blotting was employed to verify the representative pathways in the network. The results showed that both decoctions lowered the levels of creatine kinase and other indicators and mitigate myocardial pathological injury in model rats. However, they caused the abnormal rises in creatine kinase and other indicators and myocardial pathological injury in normal rats. The results indicated that the compatibility reduced the toxicity in normal rats and enhanced the efficacy in model rats. The results of metabolomics showed that Fuzi Gancao Decoction recovered more metabolites in model rats and had weaker effect on interfe-ring with the metabolites in normal rats than Fuzi Decoction. The association analysis showed that the network of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma enhancing the efficacy of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata involved 112 metabolites, 89 targets, and 15 pathways, including calcium and cAMP signaling pathways. The network of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma reducing the cardiotoxicity of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata involved 36 metabolites, 59 targets, and 11 pathways, including adrenergic signaling and tricarboxylic acid cycle in cardiomyocytes. The experimental results of protein expression verified the reliability of the association analysis. This study demonstrated that the core connotation of the herb pair of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata-Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma changed under physio-logical and pathological states, and the compatibility results of enhancing efficacy and reducing toxicity were achieved with different metabolic pathways and biological processes.

Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata ameliorates heart failure via PI3K/AKT/Bnip3 pathway

Background

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is one of the leading causes of high mortality worldwide. It is characterized by pathological hypertrophy and poses a major threat to human health. Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata is widely used in ancient China to treat CHF. However, the pathology is obscured, necessitating further exploration.

Methods

Prospective targets were predicted by network analysis. A transverse aortic constriction (TAC) mice model was subsequently constructed to determine the effects of aqueous extract of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata (AEA) on CHF. The echocardiography was performed to investigate cardiac function. Histopathological analysis of cardiac tissue was conducted to assess myocardial fibrosis. Nontargeted metabolomics was performed to analyze serum metabolites. The phosphorylation level of PI3K and AKT, and downstream targets such as Bnip3, p62, Atg5, and LC3II were measured by Western blotting. In vitro, norepinephrine (NE) was used to stimulate cardiac hypertrophy. Parameters such as reactive oxygen species levels, mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP concentration, and CK/MB content were detected in H9c2 cells.

Results

AEA significantly alleviated CHF. Network analysis indicated the participation of AKT in CHF, and was modulated by Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata. In vivo, AEA administration effectively ameliorated cardiac performance, evidenced by the elevation of ejection fraction. Histopathological analysis displayed a diminishment of collagen fiber. Metabolomics analysis showed that several metabolites such as tetrahydroxycorticosterone, decylubiquinone and taurocholic acid were increased in the TAC mice serum. Additionally, the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and AKT, and expression levels of Drp1, Opa1, Bnip3, p62, Atg5 and LC3II were altered in TAC group. In vitro, NE stimulation increased the cell surface area and deteriorated mitochondrial functions in H9c2 cells. However, AEA administration partially reversed such results, and the mechanism was associated with mitophagy.

Conclusion

This study revealed that AEA improved cardiac function via the PI3K/AKT/Bnip3 pathway.

Integrated serum pharmacochemistry, network pharmacology and experimental verification to explore the mechanism of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata in treatment of lung cancer

Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata (Fuzi) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) widely used in treating cancer. Our formerly investigations confirmed the anti-lung cancer efficacy of Fuzi, but systematic analysis of the ingredients of Fuzi absorbed into serum and the corresponding molecular mechanism in treating lung cancer remained unknown. In this work, UPLC-Q-TOF-MS was applied to detect the ingredients of Fuzi in rat serum. Next, the possible targets and key pathways of the components absorbed into serum of Fuzi were predicted by network pharmacology. Then, the binding activity of components and potential targets were performed by molecular docking. Afterwards, the proliferation, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) of lung cancer cells after treatment with Fuzi-containing serum were determined by MTT assay, JC-1 fluorescent probe, Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining and DCFH-DA respectively. Finally, the predicted target was further validated with qRT-PCR. In total, identification of 20 components of Fuzi derived from rat serum were achieved. The prediction of network pharmacology indicated that these compounds might exert their therapeutic effects by modulating mTOR. The findings from molecular docking proved that fuziline, songorine, napelline and hypaconitine exhibited binding potential with the mTOR. Cancer cell experiments revealed that the Fuzi-containing serum inhibited cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, reduced MMP and increased ROS. Additionally, Fuzi-containing serum significantly reduced the mRNA expression of mTOR. This study revealed that fuziline, songorine, napelline and hypaconitine were the main ingredients of Fuzi absorbed into serum. Furthermore, Fuzi-containing serum demonstrated inhibitory effects on the proliferation of lung cancer cells and induced the apoptosis. Combined with the results of network pharmacology, molecular docking and biological verification, Fuzi-containing serum might exert its anti-lung cancer effect by inhibiting mTOR. This study would provide a deeper understanding of Fuzi in treating lung cancer and offer a scientific reference for its clinical utilization.

A mid-infrared spectroscopy-random forest system for the origin tracing of Chinese geographical indication Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata

Reliable origin certification methods are essential for the protection of high-value genuine medicinal material with designated origins and geographical indication (GI) products. Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata (Fuzi), one well-known traditional Chinese medicine and geographical indication products have remarkable efficacy and wide clinical application, with high demand in domestic and international markets. The efficacy and price of Fuzi from different origins vary, and it is difficult for the general public to accurately identify them through traditional experience. The mass spectrometry detection technology based on the plant metabolomics is tedious and lengthy in test sample preparation, complicated in operation, long in detection time, and low in reproducibility. As a sophisticated, green, fast, and low-loss detection technique, infrared spectroscopy is integrated by machine learning to bring new ways for quality regulation and control of traditional Chinese medicines. An analytical method based on mid-infrared spectroscopy combined with a random forest algorithm was developed to verify the geographical origin of authentic herbs and/or GI products. The method successfully predicted and classified three varieties of Chinese GI Fuzi and four varieties of non-GI Fuzi. In this study, an environment-friendly traceability strategy with fast analysis, low sample loss and high precision was used to provide a new strategy for identifying the origin of Fuzi.

[A novel phenylisoquinoline alkaloid with cardioprotective effect from Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata]

Macroporous resin chromatography, silica gel column chromatography, preparative thin layer chromatography, and semi-preparative high performance liquid chromatography were performed to isolate two compounds from the acid extract of the lateral roots of Aconitum carmichaelii: a new 9-phenylisoquinoline alkaloid(1) and a known pavine alkaloid(2). Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopy. The absolute configuration of compound 1 was identified by electronic circular dichroism(ECD) and it was determined to be(aS)-7,8-dimethoxy-9-(2-carboxy-4,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-3,4-dihydroisoquinoline-1(2H)-one(1). The cardioprotective effects of 1 and 2 against doxorubicin-induced toxicity in H9 c2 cells were evaluated. Both of the isoquinoline alkaloids showed cardioprotective activity.

[Scientific connotation in processing of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata with Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma based on "interactions between excipients and herbal medicine and component transformation" dynamic processing]

The processing of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) is a core theory within TCM, embodying deep philosophical, cultural, and natural scientific wisdom. Among the various techniques, the "synergistic processing of medicinal materials and excipients" has garnered significant attention due to its uniqueness. This study explored the impact of the adjuvant Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma on the dynamic process of component transformation during the processing of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata using techniques such as acidic dye colorimetry, UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, density functional theory(DFT), and molecular dynamics simulations(MDS). The research revealed that during processing, various alkaloid components in Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata exhibited different weak interactions with glycyrrhizic acid in Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, affecting the transformation and content changes of alkaloid components such as aconitine, hypaconitine, and other diester-type alkaloids. This study, based on the dynamic process of "interactions between excipients and herbal medicine and component transformation", elucidated the intrinsic mechanism of processing of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata with Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and provided a reference for understanding the scientific principles underlying the excipient processing of TCM.

Comprehensive quality evaluation of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata based on pseudotargeted metabolomics and simultaneous determination of fifteen components, and development of new processed products of black slices with less toxicity

Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata is one of the most famous traditional Chinese medicines possessing a variety of pharmacological activities on top of the toxicities. Due to the heterogeneity and non-standardization of the processing procedures, the subtypes and contents of the differential compounds between different processed products still remained indistinct, causing great risk in their proper use. In order to achieve the comparison and quality evaluation of different processed products of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata and develop new processed products with less toxicity, a quantification and pseudotargeted metabolomics method was developed based on the dynamic MRM mode of triple quadrupole (QqQ) mass spectrometry, and multivariate statistical analysis methods were applied to compare different processed products. Method validation results indicated good specificity, linearity, repeatability, precision, stability and recovery of the established quantification method and good linearity, precision and stability of the pseudotargeted metabolomics method. Differential compounds of different processed products were screened out and further confirmed by the quantification results. At last, the processing procedures were optimized to obtain new processed products of "Heishunpian" (black slices) with less toxicity, in which the contents of the toxic diester-type diterpenoid alkaloids were reduced from 106.98 μg/g to 0.85-12.96 μg/g. This study provided a valuable reference for the establishment of comprehensive quality evaluation methods of herbal medicines and a scientific basis for the optimization of processing procedures of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata.