[Effects of Morinda officinalis polysaccharides on FN and FN-EDA of periodontal ligament fibroblasts in inflammatory microenvironment].

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of Morinda officinalis polysaccharides(MOP) on the expression of fibronectin(FN) and fibronectin containing extra domain A(FN-EDA) in inflammatory periodontal ligament fibroblasts. METHODS: Thirty six rats were randomly divided into a control group(n=12) and a model group (n=24). The model group used orthodontic wire ligation to establish periodontitis. After three weeks, 6 rats from each group were selected and confirmed by Micro-CT to complete the modeling. The remaining rats in the model group were randomly divided into periodontitis group, normal saline(NS) group, and MOP group. In the MOP group, MOP (200 mg/kg for 3 d, 50 µL for 4 weeks) was injected into the palatal side of the left maxillary first molar of the rats. In the NS group, same volume of NS was injected, and no treatment was performed in the periodontitis group. The left maxillary tissue of rats were taken and the pathological changes of periodontal tissue were observed by H-E staining. The expression of FN and FN-EDA was detected by immunohistochemistry. Periodontal ligament fibroblasts were cultured in vitro, the effect of MOP on cell activity detected by CCK-8. The fourth generation cells were divided into control group, inflammation group (10 mg/mL lipopolysaccharide), and experimental group (12.5 µg/mL MOP, 12.5 µg/mL MOP+10 mg/mL lipopolysaccharide). The expression of FN and FN-EDA was detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The data were statistically analyzed using Prism 8.0 software package. RESULTS: In vivo experiments, the expression of FN-EDA in the MOP group was significantly lower than that in the periodontitis group and NS group(P＜0.05), and the infiltration of inflammatory cells was reduced. However, there was no significant difference in the expression of FN in each group. In vitro experiments, compared with the control group, the expression of FN-EDA mRNA and protein in the inflammation group was significantly increased(P＜0.000 1). MOP significantly reduced the expression of FN-EDA in inflammatory cells, but had no significant effect on FN expression. CONCLUSIONS: With increased expression of FN-EDA in inflammatory periodontal ligament tissues and cells, MOP may play a role in inhibiting inflammation by down-regulating FN-EDA.

Morinda officinalis iridoid glycosides alleviate methotrexate-induced liver injury in CIA rats by increasing liver autophagy and improving lipid metabolism homeostasis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Morinda officinalis How. is a commonly used traditional Chinese herb with the pharmacological properties of tonifying liver and kidney, and enhancing bone and muscle. Iridoid glycosides are the predominant components of this plant, including monotropein, asperuloside, deacetylasperuloside and deacetylasperulosidic acid with their contents reaching more than 2%. Methotrexate (MTX) is the drug of choice for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but liver injury induced by MTX limits its wider use for RA. Morindaofficinalis iridoid glycoside (MOIG) is reported as having anti-RA and hepatoprotective effects, but the exact efficacy on MTX-induced liver injury and the underlying molecular mechanism remain unclear. AIM: To elucidate the mitigating effect of MOIG against liver injury in RA rats treated with MTX, and explore the possible mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effect and mechanism of MOIG were investigated in Wistar rats with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) which were then treated with MTX, and MTX-induced hepatocyte injury in vitro. Network pharmacological and transcriptomic analyses were conducted to predict the possible mechanisms of MOIG in mitigating MTX-induced liver injury, and lipidomic analysis was performed to further verify the regulatory effects of MOIG on lipid metabolism. BRL-3A hepatocytes were used to evaluate the regulatory effects of MOIG against MTX-associated liver injury. RESULTS: MOIG treatment enhanced the anti-RA effect of MTX, and mitigated oxidative damage, inflammation and apoptosis of liver tissues in CIA rats treated with MTX. Network pharmacological and transcriptomic analyses demonstrated that MOIG attenuated liver injury by regulating autophagy and lipid metabolism. The result of lipidomic analysis showed that MOIG reversed the disturbance of lipid metabolism of the liver tissue in CIA rats after MTX treatment. In addition, MOIG also inhibited the apoptosis, reduced the levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (ALT) and alanine aminotransferase (AST), regulated oxidative stress, and increased the formation of autophagosome and translocation of LC3 in the nucleus and expression of autophagy regulatory genes Beclin-1, ATG5, LC3Ⅱ, ATG7 and ATG12 in hepatocytes subjected to MTX damage. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrated that MOIG could ameliorate MTX-induced liver injury in the treatment of RA through increasing hepatocyte autophagy and improving lipid metabolism homeostasis.

Microencapsulation of noni fruit extract using gum arabic and maltodextrin - Optimization, stability and efficiency.

Noni fruit (Morinda citrifolia L.) has many health-supporting compounds, but its biological extracts need protection against environmental impacts for stability and efficiency. To address this, microencapsulation is an advanced technology in food applications that require optimization of coating component and temperature regime. Gum arabic (GA) and maltodextrin (MD) were suitably combined at 2:1 ratio, which showed good and stable structure as well as successful microencapsulation efficiency of the enzymatic-ultrasonic assisted noni extract. A coating density of 20 % for the GA:MD formula was with highest performance. The heat setting of spray drying was optimized at 175 and 82 °C for inlet and outlet, respectively using response surface methodology with experimental validation of maximized TFC and TSC at 88.3 and 90.3 %, respectively. Noni microencapsulated powder was assessed via a series of reliably advanced techniques such as microscopy, spectrophotometry, diffraction, and calorimetry for structural properties. Noni powder was additionally tested for storage stability, heat exposure stability, and release efficiency in pH condition and in vitro digestive tract. Promising results were obtained with at least one year storage stability, better microcapsule stability at 60 and 100 °C, quite good release at pH 7.4, and suitable release efficiency in digestive tract simulation. These properties of microencapsulated noni powder open further scalability potential and various industrial applications.

Noni (Morinda citrifolia) leaf extract incorporated methylcellulose active films: A sustainable strategy for browning inhibition in apple slice packaging.

Methylcellulose, a prominent polysaccharide prevalent in the food sector, was considered to fabricate the active films with glutaraldehyde as a crosslinker and Noni (Morinda citrifolia) Leaf Extract (NLE) as an active agent. FTIR analysis confirms the intermolecular -OH bonding, and SEM micrograms demonstrate methylcellulose active films' homogeneous, dense morphologic appearance. Due to the crosslinking effect of glutaraldehyde and noni leaf extract, tensile strength (41.83 ± 0.134 MPa) and crystallinity (62.91 %) of methylcellulose films were improved. Methylcellulose active films suppress water and moisture uptake at various relative humidities. The inhibition capability against foodborne pathogens and the excellent antioxidant activity [DPPH (93.191 ± 1.384 %) and ABTS (90.523 ± 1.412 %)] of NLE incorporation suggested that food packed in methylcellulose active films were effective against pathogenic and oxidative attacks. During preservation, to ensure the apple slices' nutritional values, they are covered with physiochemically enhanced methylcellulose active films for up to 120 h. The minimum reduction in vitamin C, reducing sugar content, percentage weight loss, pH, and total phenolic content of apple slices preserved in MGN active films at room temperature suggests it is an affordable and efficient replacement to traditional single-use plastic packaging in the cut fruit industry.

Morinda citrifolia protective effects on paclitaxel-induced testis parenchyma toxicity: An experimental study.

The current study aimed to investigate the sensitivity of male testis parenchyma cells to chemotherapy agents and the protective effects and mechanisms of Morinda citrifolia (Noni) administration against structural and functional changes before and after chemotherapy (Paclitaxel (PTX)). For this purpose, rats were randomly assigned into four groups (Control = G1, PTX 5 mg/kg = G2; PTX + Noni 10 mg/kg = G3, PTX + Noni 20 mg/kg = G4). PTX was injected intraperitoneally for 4 consecutive weeks, at a dose of 5 mg/kg to all groups except the control group. Then noni was administrated in 10 (G3) and 20 (G4) mg/kg groups orally (gavage) for 14 days. Biochemical analyses, Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and immunohistochemical analyses were performed. According to our results, Total Oxidative Stress (TOS) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly increased in the PTX group (P < 0.01). Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity and Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) levels were decreased (P < 0.01). The changes in the rats treated with PTX + Noni 20 mg/kg were noteworthy. The increased levels of IL1-ß (Interleukin 1 beta) and TNFα (tumor necrosis factor-alpha) with PTX were down-regulated after treatment with PTX + Noni 20 mg/kg (P < 0.01) (9 % and 5 % respectively). In addition, Noni restored the testicular histopathological structure by reducing caspase-3 expression and significantly (61 %) suppressed oxidative DNA damage and apoptosis (by regulating the Bax (bcl-2-like protein 4)/Bcl-2 (B-cell lymphoma gene-2) ratio). In conclusion, Noni reduced cellular apoptosis and drastically changed Caspase 8 and Bax/Bcl-2 levels. Furthermore, it considerably decreases oxidative damage and can be used in testicular degeneration.

Repellent and larvicidal properties of selected indigenous plants in the control of Anopheles mosquitoes.

BACKGROUND OBJECTIVES: Widespread pyrethroid resistance and plastic-feeding behaviour of most malaria vectors across Africa threaten the efficacy of current insecticide-based vector control interventions like Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs) and Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS). This study examined the larvicidal activity ofMorinda citrifolia against Anopheles gambiae larvae and the repellent properties of Morinda citrifolia (Noni), Moringa oleifera (Moringa), and Ocimum basilicum (Basil) as complementary vector control tools against Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.). METHODS: Noni, Basil, and Moringa oil extracts were obtained with the extraction techniques; Soxhlet, steam distillation and maceration respectively, using hexane and ethanol. The effectiveness of the extracts was assessed using the WHO standard larval susceptibility bioassay and guidelines for repellent efficacy. Following bioassays, effective doses (ED) and lethal concentrations (LC) were determined. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy analysis was performed to identify the bioactive chemical components of the extracts of Moringa oleifera and Ocimum basilicum. RESULTS: Emulsified Morinda citrifolia seed oil had LC50=68.3, LC90=130.9 and LC99.9=222.5, and ED99. 9=308.3%v/v, the ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera leaves had ED99.9= 1.25g/ml, and essential oil of Ocimum basilicum leaves had ED99.9=0.28g/ml against Anopheles gambiae. INTERPRETATION CONCLUSION: The results obtained indicated that seed oil of Morinda citrifolia, essential oil of Ocimum basilicum, and crude extract of Moringa oleifera have repellent activity against An. gambiae s.l. The complete protection time (CPT) of Morinda citrifolia, Moringa oleifera, and Ocimum basilicum was 120 min, 72 min and 84 min at ED99.9 respectively. Morinda citrifolia oil exhibited larvicidal effects against the larvae of An. gambiae s.l. The results provide valuable information for the use of the plants as biocides.

Morinda Officinalis-derived extracellular vesicle-like particles: Anti-osteoporosis effect by regulating MAPK signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) is a systemic bone disease characterized by low bone mass and microstructural damage. Morinda Officinalis (MO) contains various components with anti-PMOP activities. Morinda Officinalis-derived extracellular vesicle-like particles (MOEVLPs) are new active components isolated from MO, and no relevant studies have investigated their anti-osteoporosis effect and mechanism. PURPOSE: To investigate the alleviating effect of MOEVLPs on PMOP and the underlying mechanism. METHODS: Differential centrifugation and ultracentrifugation were used to isolate MOEVLPs from MO. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), flow nano analyzer, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), agarose gel electrophoresis, and thin-layer chromatography were employed to characterize MOEVLPs. PMOP mouse models were utilized to examine the anti-PMOP effect of MOEVLPs. H&E and immunohistochemical staining were used for drug safety and osteogenic effect assessment. Mouse embryo osteoblast precursor cells (MC3T3-E1) were used in vitro experiments. CCK-8 kit, alizarin red staining, proteomic, bioinformatic analyses, and western blot were used to explore the mechanism of MOEVLPs. RESULTS: In this study, MOEVLPs from MO were successfully isolated and characterized. Animal experiments demonstrated that MOEVLPs exhibited specific femur targeting, were non-toxic to the heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, and aorta, and possessed anti-PMOP properties. The ability of MOEVLPs to strengthen bone formation was better than that of alendronate. In vitro experiments, results revealed that MOEVLPs did not significantly enhance osteogenic differentiation in MC3T3-E1 cells. Instead, MOEVLPs promoted the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells. Proteomic and bioinformatic analyses suggested that the proliferative effect of MOEVLPs was closely associated with the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, particularly the altered expression of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) and ribosomal S6 kinase 1 (RSK1). Western blot results further confirmed these findings. CONCLUSION: Our studies successfully isolated high-quality MOEVLPs and demonstrated that MOEVLPs can alleviate PMOP by promoting osteoblast proliferation through the MAPK pathway. MOEVLPs have the potential to become a novel and natural anti-PMOP drug.

Multiple metabolite profiles uncover remarkable bioactive compounds and metabolic characteristics of noni fruit (Morinda citrifolia L.) at various stages of ripeness.

This study aimed to investigate the changes in physicochemical properties, bioactive compounds, and metabolic characteristics of noni fruit at different ripeness levels. The results showed that there were significant differences in physicochemical properties. HPLC analysis was conducted, revealing succinic acid, scopoletin, deacetylasperulosidic acid, and asperulosidic acid were key bioactive compounds as the fruit ripened. Additionally, 4 differentbiomarkers (isocitric acid, 4,4-thiodiphenol, lobaric acid, and octocrylene), identified using 1HNMR and LC-IT-TOF-MS, were found to have a VIP value over 1. The results from HS-GC-IMS demonstrated noteworthy that 14 volatile compounds were identified as highly discriminative features during fruit ripening. Furthermore, correlation analysis showed that different ripeness had significant effects on bioactive components and functional activities, e.g., the inhibition rate of enzyme and E. coli of noni fruit with different ripeness exceeded 90% at the last stage. This study contributes new insights into the effective utilization of bioactive ingredients in noni fruit.

Noni enhances the anticancer activity of cyclophosphamide and suppresses myelotoxicity and hepatotoxicity in tumor-bearing mice.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Morinda citrifolia fruit juice (noni) is an herbal remedy documented to have antioxidant properties. It has been suggested that prevention of carcinogen-DNA adduct formation and the antioxidant activity of NJ may contribute to the cancer preventive effect. In the present study, the antitumor activity of noni was investigated in the presence of cyclophosphamide (CYL) in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: In vitro breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-468) were used to measure the percentage of inhibition and the IC50. The in vivo antitumor activity of noni was studied by monitoring the mean survival time (MST), percentage increase in life span (%ILS), viable and non-viable cell count, tumor volume, body weight, and hematological and serum biochemical parameters in mice. Treatment with noni and CYL exhibited dose- and time-dependent cytotoxicity toward breast cancer cells. RESULTS: Individual treatment of noni and CYL exhibited dose- and time-dependent cytotoxicity on breast cancer cell lines, while in combination therapy of noni and CYL, noni enhances cytotoxic effect of CYL at 48 h than that at 24 h. Similar result was found in in vivo studies, the results of which revealed that alone treatment of CYL and noni suppressed tumor growth. However, combination treatment with CYL and noni presented better tumor inhibition than that of alone treatment of CYL and noni. On the contrary, CYL alone drastically attenuated hematological parameters, i.e., RBC, WBC, and Hb compared to normal and control groups, and this change was reversed and normalized by noni when given as combination therapy with CYL. Moreover, the levels of serum biochemical markers, i.e., AST, ALP, and ALT, were significantly increased in the control and CYL-treated groups than those in the normal group. In the combination treatment of noni and CYL, the above biochemical marker levels significantly decreased compared to CYL alone-treated group. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggested that CYL treatment can cause serious myelotoxicity and hepatic injury in cancer patients. In conclusion, the combined use of noni with CYL potentially enhances the antitumor activity of CYL and suppresses myelotoxicity and hepatotoxicity induced by CYL in tumor-bearing mice.

Morinda citrifolia fruit extract enhances the resistance of Penaeus vannamei to Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection.

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a gram-negative facultative anaerobic bacterium implicated as the causative agent of several shrimp diseases. As part of the effort to provide biocontrol and cost-effective treatments, this research was designed to elucidate the effect of Morinda citrifolia fruit extract on the immunity of Penaeus vannamei postlarvae (PL) to V. parahaemolyticus. The methanol extract of M. citrifolia was vacuum evaporated, and the bioactive compounds were detected using gas chromatography‒mass spectrometry (GC‒MS). Thereafter, P. vannamei PL diets were supplemented with M. citrifolia at different concentrations (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 mg/g) and administered for 30 days before 24 h of exposure to the bacterium V. parahaemolyticus. A total of 45 bioactive compounds were detected in the methanol extract of M. citrifolia, with cyclononasiloxane and octadecamethyl being the most abundant. The survival of P. vannamei PLs fed the extract supplement was better than that of the control group (7.1-26.7% survival greater than that of the control group) following V. parahaemolyticus infection. Shrimp fed 50 mg/g M. citrifolia had the highest recorded survival. The activities of digestive and antioxidant enzymes as well as hepatopancreatic cells were significantly reduced, except for those of lipase and hepatopancreatic E-cells, which increased following challenge with V. parahaemolyticus. Histological assessment of the hepatopancreas cells revealed reduced cell degeneration following the administration of the plant extracts (expecially those fed 50 mg/g M. citrifolia) compared to that in the control group. Therefore, the enhanced immunity against V. parahaemolyticus infection in P. vannamei could be associated with the improved hepatopancreas health associated with M. citrifolia fruit extract supplementation.

Unraveling the potential of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides as an adjuvant of escitalopram in depression treatment and exploring the underlying mechanisms.

ETHNOPHAMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides (MOs) is a mixture of oligosaccharides extracted from the roots of Morinda officinalis (MO). It is approved by Chinese Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) for depression treatment. MOs could improve the antidepressant efficacy of escitalopram in clinic. AIM OF THE STUDY: We aim to explore the antidepressant activity and potential mechanism of the combination usage of MOs and escitalopram on animal model of depression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Depressive animal model was induced by chronic mild stress (CMS). Behavioral tests were conducted to evaluate the antidepressant efficacy of MOs and escitalopram. Serum neurotransmitter levels were detected by High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting were applied to assay the hippocampus neurotrophic factors' mRNA and protein levels. Peripheral cytokines levels were measured through Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Micorglia polization phenotype was assayed by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. RESULTS: MOs and escitalopram obviously attenuated depression-like behaviors of CMS mice. Importantly, MOs plus escitalopram exhibited better antidepressant activity on CMS mice than monotherapy. At the same time, MOs combined escitalopram treatment significantly increased hippocampus neurotransmitters and neurotrophic factor levels, stimulated hippocampus neurogenesis and relieved central nervous system (CNS) microglia over-activation of CMS mice. The combination therapy had greater effect on neuroprotection and inflammation attenuation of CMS mice than monotherapy. CONCLUSION: Our results indicates MOs combined escitalopram might produce antidepressant activity through protecting neuron activity, relieving inflammation and modulating microglia polarization process.

In silico and in vivo study of anti-inflammatory activity of Morinda longissima (Rubiaceae) extract and phytochemicals for treatment of inflammation-mediated diseases.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Traditionally, the plant Morinda longissima Y.Z.Ruan (Rubiaceae) is used by ethnic people in Vietnam for the treatment of liver diseases and hepatitis. AIM OF THE STUDY: The study was designed to assess the efficacy of the 95% ethanolic extract of Morinda longissima roots (MLE) in experimental immune inflammation. The phytochemical variation of root extract and the chemical structures of natural compounds were also investigated using HPLC-DAD-HR-MS analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three different doses (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg b.w.) of MLE were chosen to determine anti-inflammatory activity. The mice were given orally extracts and monitored their behavior and mortality for 14 days to evaluate acute toxicity. The volume of the paw and the histopathological evaluation were carried out. The polyphenolic phytoconstituents of MLE extract were identified using LC/MS analysis. The anti-inflammatory efficacy in silico and molecular docking simulations of these natural products were evaluated based on their cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and 2 inhibitory effects. RESULTS: This investigation showed the 95% ethanolic extract of Morinda longissima roots was found non-toxic up to 2000 mg/kg dose level in an acute study, neither showed mortality nor treatment-related signs of toxicity in mice. Eight anthraquinones and anthraquinone glycosides of Morinda longissima roots were identified by HPLC-DAD-HR-MS analysis. In the in vivo experiments, MLE was found to possess powerful anti-inflammatory activities in comparison with diclofenac sodium. The highest anti-inflammatory activity of MLE in mice was observed at a dose of 300 mg/kg body weight. The in silico analysis showed that seven out the eight anthraquinones and anthraquinone glycosides possess a selectivity index RCOX-2/COX-1 lower than 1, indicating that these compounds are selective against the COX-2 enzyme in the following the order: rubiadin-3-methyl ether < morindone morindone-6-methyl ether < morindone-5-methyl ether < damnacanthol < rubiadin < damnacanthol-3-O-ß-primeveroside. The natural compounds with the best selectivity against the COX-2 enzyme are quercetin (9), rubiadin-3-methyl ether (7), and morindone (4), with RCOX2/COX1 ratios of 0.02, 0.03, and 0.19, respectively. When combined with the COX-2 protein in the MD research, quercetin and rubiadin-3-methyl ether greatly stabilized the backbone proteins and ligands. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the anthraquinones and ethanolic extract of Morinda longissima roots may help fight COX-2 inflammation. To develop novel treatments for inflammatory disorders linked to this one, these chemicals should be investigated more in the future.

A systematic review on polysaccharides from Morinda officinalis How: Advances in the preparation, structural characterization and pharmacological activities.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Morinda officinalis How is called "Ba-Ji-Tian" in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which belongs to the genus Rubiaceae and is widely used for medicinal purposes in China and other eastern Asian countries. Morinda officinalis How polysaccharides (MOPs) are one of the key bioactive components, and have a variety of biological activities, such as antioxidation, antifatigue, enhanced immunity, antiosteoporosis, ect. AIM OF THE REVIEW: This review is aimed at providing comprehensive information of the latest preparation technologies, structural characterization, and pharmacological effects of MOPs. A more in-depth research on the structure and clinical pharmacology of the MOPs was explored. It could lay a foundation for further investigate the pharmacological activities and guide the safe clinical practice of MOPs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Web of Science, PubMed, Scifinder, Google Scholar, CNKI, Wanfang database, and other online database are used to search and collect the literature on extraction and separation methods, structural characterization, and pharmacological activities of MOPs publisher from 2004 to 2023. The key words are "Morinda officinalis polysaccharides", "extraction", "isolation", "purification" and "pharmacological effects". RESULTS: Morinda officinalis has been widely used in tonifying the kidney yang since ancient times, and is famous for one of the "Four Southern Medicines" in China for the treatment of depression, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, infertility, fatigue and Alzheimer's disease. The active ingredients of Morinda officinalis that have been researched on the treatment of depression and osteoporosis are mostly polysaccharides and oligosaccharides. The content of polysaccharides varies with different methods of extraction, separation and purification. MOPs have a wide range of pharmacological effects, including antioxidant, antifatigue, immunomodulatory, antiosteoporosis, and regulation of spermatogenesis activities. These pharmacological properties lay a foundation for the treatment of oxidative stress, osteoporosis, spermatogenic dysfunction, immunodeficiency, inflammation and other diseases with MOPs. CONCLUSIONS: At present, MOPs have been applied in the treatment of skeletal muscle atrophy, varicocele, osteoporosis, because of its effects of enhancing immunity, improving reproduction and antioxidant. However, the structure-activity relationship of these effects are still not clear. The more deeply study could be conducted on the MOPs in the future. The toxicology and clinical pharmacology, as well as mechanism of action of MOPs were also needed to deeply studied and clarified. This paper could lay the foundation for the application and safety of MOPs in multifunctional foods and drugs.

Ameliorative Effect of Morinda Officinalis Oligosaccharides on LPS-Induced Acute Lung Injury.

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a disease characterized by extensive lung damage and rampant inflammation, with a high mortality rate and no effective treatments available. Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides (MOOs), derived from the root of the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Morinda officinalis, known for its immune-boosting properties, presents a novel therapeutic possibility. To date, the impact of MOOs on ALI has not been explored. Our study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of MOOs against ALI and to uncover the underlying mechanisms through an integrated approach of network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation. We discovered that MOOs significantly mitigated the pathological damage and decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in LPS-induced ALI in mice. Complementary in vitro studies further demonstrated that MOOs effectively attenuated the M1 polarization induced by LPS. Network pharmacology analysis identified HSP90AA1, HSP90AB1, and NF-κB as key overlapping targets within a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Furthermore, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses elucidated the biological processes and signaling pathways implicated in MOOs' therapeutic action on ALI. Subsequently, molecular docking affirmed the binding of MOOs to the active sites of these identified targets. Corroborating these findings, our in vivo and in vitro experiments consistently demonstrated that MOOs significantly inhibited the LPS-induced upregulation of HSP90 and NF-κB. Collectively, these findings suggest that MOOs confer protection against ALI through a multi-target, multi-pathway mechanism, offering a promising new therapeutic strategy to mitigate this severe pulmonary condition.

Anticancer and chemopreventive potential of Morinda citrifolia L. bioactive compounds: A comprehensive update.

Morinda citrifolia L., commonly known as Noni, has a longstanding history in traditional medicine for treating various diseases. Recently, there has been an increased focus on exploring Noni extracts and phytoconstituents, particularly for their effectiveness against cancers such as lung, esophageal, liver, and breast cancer, and their potential in cancer chemoprevention. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of in vitro and in vivo studies assessing Noni's impact on cancer, alongside an exploration of its bioactive compounds. A systematic review was conducted, encompassing a wide range of scientific databases to gather pertinent literature. This review focused on in vitro and in vivo studies, as well as clinical trials that explore the effects of Noni fruit and its phytoconstituents-including anthraquinones, flavonoids, sugar derivatives, and neolignans-on cancer. The search was meticulously structured around specific keywords and criteria to ensure a thorough analysis. The compiled studies highlight Noni's multifaceted role in cancer therapy, showcasing its various bioactive components and their modes of action. This includes mechanisms such as apoptosis induction, cell cycle arrest, antiangiogenesis, and immune system modulation, demonstrating significant anticancer and chemopreventive potential. The findings reinforce Noni's potential as a safe and effective option in cancer prevention and treatment. This review underscores the need for further research into Noni's anticancer properties, with the hope of stimulating additional studies and clinical trials to validate and expand upon these promising findings.

[UPLC-Q-TOF-MS-based metabolomics reveals mechanism of Morinda officinalis iridoid glycosides in treating rheumatoid arthritis and bone loss].

This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of Morinda officinalis iridoid glycosides(MOIG) on paw edema and bone loss of rheumatoid arthritis(RA) rats, and analyze its potential mechanism based on ultra-high performance liguid chromatography-guadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) serum metabolomics. RA rats were established by injecting bovin type Ⅱ collagen. The collagen-induced arthritis(CIA) rats were administered drug by gavage for 8 weeks, the arthritic score were used to evaluate the severity of paw edem, serum bone metabolism biochemical parameters were measured by ELISA kits, Masson staining was used to observe the bone microstructure of the femur in CIA rats. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS was used to analyze the alteration of serum metabolite of CIA rats, principal component analysis(PCA) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) were used to screen the potential biomarkers, KEGG database analysis were used to construct related metabolic pathways. The results demonstrated that the arthritic score, serum levels of IL-6 and parameters related with bone metabolism including OCN, CTX-Ⅰ, DPD and TRAP were significantly increased, and the ratio of OPG and RANKL was significantly decreased, the microstructure of bone tissue and cartilage were destructed in CIA rats, while MOIG treatments could significantly reduce arthritis score, mitigate the paw edema, reverse the changes of serum biochemical indicators related with bone metabolism, and improve the microstructure of bone tissue and cartilage of CIA rats. The non-targeted metabolomics results showed that 24 altered metabolites were identified in serum of CIA rats; compared with normal group, 13 significantly altered metabolites related to RA were identified in serum of CIA rats, mainly involving alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism; compared with CIA model group, MOIG treatment reversed the alteration of 15 differential metabolites, mainly involving into alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, D-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis. Therefore, MOIG significantly alleviated paw edema, improved the destruction of microstructure of bone and cartilage in CIA rats maybe through involving into the regulation of amino acid metabolism.

Morinda officinalis polysaccharide promotes the osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells via microRNA-210-3p/scavenger receptor class A member 3.

Morinda officinalis polysaccharide (MOP) is the bioactive ingredient extracted from the root of Morinda officinalis, and Morinda officinalis is applied to treat osteoporosis (OP). The purpose of this study was to determine the role of MOP on human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) and the underlying mechanism. HBMSCs were isolated from bone marrow samples of patients with OP and treated with MOP. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was adopted to quantify the expression of microRNA-210-3p (miR-210-3p) and scavenger receptor class A member 3 (SCARA3) mRNA. Cell Counting Kit-8 assay was employed to detect cell viability; Terminal-deoxynucleotidyl Transferase Mediated Nick End Labeling assay and flow cytometry were adopted to detect apoptosis; Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) activity assay kit was applied to detect ALP activity; Western blot was executed to quantify the expression levels of SCARA3, osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation markers. Ovariectomized rats were treated with MOP. Bone mineral density (BMD), serum tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP 5b), and N-telopeptide of type I collagen (NTx) levels were assessed by BMD detector and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. It was revealed that MOP could promote hBMSCs' viability and osteogenic differentiation and inhibit apoptosis and adipogenic differentiation. MOP could also upregulate SCARA3 expression through repressing miR-210-3p expression. Treatment with MOP increased the BMD and decreased the TRACP 5b and NTx levels in ovariectomized rats. MOP may boost the osteogenic differentiation and inhibit adipogenic differentiation of hBMSCs by miR-210-3p/SCARA3 axis.

Molecular dynamics study of stigmasterol and beta-sitosterol of Morinda citrifolia L. towards α-amylase and α-glucosidase.

Previous in vivo studies of Morinda citrifolia (Rubiaceae) reported that the extract inhibited α-amylase and reduced blood glucose levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetes mice. Moreover, molecular docking studies confirmed that ursolic acid and sterol compounds contained in the fruit interacted with important residues in the binding site of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Our work aimed to study the complex stability of stigmasterol (which has been isolated from the M. citrifolia fruit for the first time) and beta-sitosterol towards α-amylase and α-glucosidase by employing molecular dynamics simulation on GROMACS 2016.3 embedded with the AMBER99SB-ILDN force field. The simulation was carried out for 100 ns at 310 oK. Based on the RMSD and RMSF graphs, the complexes of stigmasterol/α-amylase and stigmasterol/α-glucosidase are more stable compared to acarbose, the known inhibitor of both enzymes. Moreover, beta-sitosterol indicates a better stability complex with α-glucosidase compared to that of acarbose. Interestingly, the affinity of stigmasterol and beta-sitosterol to both enzymes, in terms of the total binding energy, is stronger than that of acarbose. Taken together, stigmasterol and beta-sitosterol in M. citrifolia fruit may have the potency to be developed as α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitors.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Antibacterial efficacy of NanoCare, Fullerene (C60) activated by UV light, and Morinda Oleifera against S.Mutans and bond integrity of composite resin to caries affected dentin.

AIM: Assessment of the impact of contemporary disinfection techniques Moringa Oleifera (M. Oleifera), NanoCare Plus Silver Gold® (Nanocare), and Fullerene (C60) on survival rates of S.Mutans and shear bond strength (SBS) of composite to the carious affected dentin (CAD) MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty mandibular molars having caries progression till the middle 1/3rd of the dentin were disinfected. The CAD surface of twenty samples was inoculated with S.mutans. Based on different disinfection regimens samples were arbitrarily assigned to four groups (n:15) Group 1: 2 % CHX, Group 2:NanoCare, Group 3:Fullerene (C60), and Group 4 (M. Oleifera. This was followed by calculating the survival rate of S.mutans. Ten samples from each group were then restored with composite restoration and thermocycled. Assessment of SBS and failure mode was performed using a universal testing machine and stereomicroscope at 40X magnification. Statistical significance among groups was assessed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test at a significance level of p = 0.05 RESULTS: Group 2 samples treated with NanoCare exhibited the lowest survival rate (0.39 ± 0.02 CFU/ml) of S.Mutans. However, Group 1 (CHX) samples exhibited the highest survival count (0.51±0.10 CFU/ml). Furthermore, the highest composite to CAD bond was observed in Group 3 Fullerene(C60) (18.44±0.25 MPa) samples and the lowest SBS was observed in Group 1 (CHX) (12.48±1.69 MPa) CONCLUSION: Fullerene(C60) and Moringa Oleifera extract hold promise as potential substitutes for chlorhexidine (CHX) in clinical applications, offering the potential for improved S.Mutans elimination and enhanced bond strength to CAD surface.

Anthraquinones from the roots of Morinda scabrida Craib exhibit antiproliferative activity against A549 lung cancer cells and antitubulin polymerization.

Six anthraquinones were isolated from Morinda scabrida Craib, an unexplored species of Morinda found in the tropical forest of Thailand. All six anthraquinones showed cytotoxicity against A549 lung cancer cells, with the most active compound, nordamnacanthal (MS01), exhibiting the IC50 value of 16.3 ± 2.5 µM. The cytotoxic effect was dose-dependent and led to cell morphological changes characteristic of apoptosis. In addition, flow cytometric analysis showed dose-dependent apoptosis induction and the G2/M phase cell cycle arrest, which was in agreement with the tubulin polymerization inhibitory activity of MS01. Molecular docking analysis illustrated the binding between MS01 and the α/ß-tubulin heterodimer at the colchicine binding site, and UV-visible absorption spectroscopy revealed the DNA binding capacity of MS01.