Paotianxiong polysaccharides potential prebiotics: Structural analysis and prebiotic properties.

Paotianxiong (PTX) is a processing product of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx., often used as a tonic food daily. However, the structure and activity of the polysaccharide component that plays a major role still need to be determined. In our work, two new polysaccharides were purified from PTX and named PTXP-1 and PTXP-2. Structural analysis showed that PTXP-1 is a glucan with a molecular weight of 915 Da and a structure of 4)-α-D-Glcp-(1 â†’ as the main chain. PTXP-2 is a glucose arabinoglycan with 4)-α-D-Glcp-(1 â†’ as the main chain, containing 8 glycosidic bonds attached, and a molecular weight of 57.9KDa. In vitro probiotic experiments demonstrated that PTXP-1 could significantly promote probiotic growth and acid production. In vivo experiments demonstrated that both PTXP-1 and PTXP-2 exhibited significant effectiveness in promoting the growth of intestinal probiotics. These findings help expand the application of polysaccharide components extracted from tonic herbs as functional food ingredients.

Zhumian Granules improves PCPA-induced insomnia by regulating the expression level of neurotransmitters and reducing neuronal apoptosis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Sleep problems, according to Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) philosophy, are attributed to the imbalance between yin and yang. Zhumian Granules, also known as Sleep-aid Granules or ZG, are a traditional Chinese herbal remedy specifically designed to alleviate insomnia. This formula consists of many components, including Wu Wei Zi (Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus), Suan Zao Ren (Ziziphi Spinosae Semen), and other medicinal plants. According to the pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Wu Wei Zi and Suan Zao Ren have the ability to relax the mind and promote sleep. When taken together, they may balance the opposing forces of yin and yang. Therefore, ZG may potentially be used as a therapeutic treatment for insomnia. AIM OF THE STUDY: This research was specifically developed to establish a strong empirical basis for the subsequent advancement and utilization of ZG in the management of insomnia. This research aimed to gather empirical data to support the effectiveness of ZG, thereby providing useful insights into its potential therapeutic advantages for persons with insomnia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study utilized Zhumian Granules (ZG), a traditional Chinese herbal decoction, to examine its sedative and hypnotic effects on mice with PCPA-induced insomnia. The effects were assessed using the pentobarbital-induced sleep test (PIST), Morris water maze test (MWM), and autonomic activity test. The levels of neurotransmitters in each group of mice were evaluated using UPLC-QQQ-MS. The impact of ZG on the quantity and structure of hippocampal neurons was seen in brain tissue slices using immunofluorescence labeling. RESULTS: ZG was shown to possess active sedative properties, effectively lowering the distance of movement and lengthening the duration of sleep. ZG mitigated the sleeplessness effects of PCPA by elevating the levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), 4-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), while reducing the levels of dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE), as well as decreasing neuronal death. CONCLUSIONS: This research confirmed the sedative and hypnotic properties of ZG and elucidated its probable mechanism involving neurotransmitters.

Exploring the Potential Role of Massa Medicata Fermentata in Alcoholic Liver Injury Disease Based on Network Pharmacology and Animal Experiments.

BACKGROUND: ALD is a chronic liver disease caused by chronic excessive alcohol consumption, for which there are no drugs with better efficacy. Ancient literature and modern studies have shown that Massa Medicata Fermentata (MMF) has a hangover effect and ameliorates hepatic inflammation, so we believe that MMF has a potential role in the treatment of alcoholic liver disease. METHODS: UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS was used to characterize the chemical constituents in MMF. The database was utilized to collect targets for the components and diseases, and cross-targeting analysis of the targets was performed. PPI, KEGG, GO enrichment analysis and molecular docking were performed using the core cross-targeting information to preliminarily validate the mechanism of action of MMF on disease. Finally, animal validation was carried out using male KM mice of the alcoholic liver injury model. RESULTS: MMF could play a role in the therapeutic prevention of alcoholic liver disease through the core targets AKT1, TNF, TP53, IL6 and CASP3 to regulate cancer pathways, lipid, and atherosclerosis, targeting IL-17 signaling, TNF signaling pathway, and hepatitis C, which was confirmed by animal pharmacodynamic experiments. CONCLUSION: This study serves as a rationale to support MMF in the treatment of ALD and meets the urgent need for clinical treatment of ALD. At the same time, it broadens the scope of clinical application of MMF.

Ethanol extract of Paridis rhizoma attenuates carrageenan-induced paw swelling in rats by inhibiting the production of inflammatory factors.

CONTEXT: Inflammation has been identified as a key factor contributing to the development of numerous diseases. Several anti-inflammatory drugs have been developed to treat inflammation-related diseases. However, some of such drugs are associated with varying degrees of side effects. Therefore, it is imperative to develop new anti-inflammatory drugs with reducing side effects for the treatment of inflammation-related diseases. Natural anti-inflammatory drugs have emerged as an important area of research in recent years. The study was to determine the anti-inflammatory mechanism of Paridis rhizoma extract (PRE) in rat models of acute inflammation induced by carrageenan and RAW264.7 cells models induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: PRE was investigated using the carrageenan-induced paw oedema model on rats in vivo. Histopathology examined the extent of inflammatory infiltration and tissue damage. The effect of PRE on the levels of specific cytokines was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The Cell Counting Kit (CCK)-8 assay evaluated the cytotoxic effects of PRE on Raw264.7 cells. The mRNA expression levels of cytokines were quantified using quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Western blot measured TNF-α, IL6, TLR4, p-P65, p-IKB, HO1, SOD1 and SOD2. Fluorescence measured the cellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). RESULTS: PRE treatment reduced interstitial edema and structural damage in a dose-dependent manner in vivo. PRE inhibited inflammatory responses in vivo and in vitro, as evidenced by the decreased expression of inflammatory factors, production of ROS, and increased expression of SOD1, SOD2, and HO1. Moreover, PRE inhibited the activity of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) pathway. CONCLUSION: The anti-inflammatory activity and potential mechanism of PRE were demonstrated according to the results. PRE reduced LPS-induced inflammation in RAW264.7 cells by inhibiting the NF-KB signaling pathway and ROS production in vitro. PRE alleviated interstitial edema and structural damage in the carrageenan-induced paw edema model on rats in vivo. This study provided an idea for future development of PR-based anti-inflammatory drugs.

Effect of Panax ginseng and Fructus Mume on Intestinal Barrier and Gut Microbiota in Rats with Diarrhea.

Panax ginseng and Fructus mume (Renshen Wumei in Chinese, RW) are natural medicines with high nutritional and pharmacological value. They have been widely used together in China to treat gastrointestinal diseases, especially persistent diarrhea, but the potential mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, a diarrhea model was established in rats using a 30% aqueous extract of senna. The therapeutic effects of RW were evaluated by recording the prevalence of loose stools, the diarrhea index, and histopathological changes in colon tissue. The levels of mucins, tight junction (TJ) proteins, inflammatory cytokines, and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt/nuclear factor-κB (PI3K/Akt/NF-κB) signaling pathway proteins were measured. Metagenomic sequencing was used to analyze the gut microbiota. Treatment with RW alleviated injury to the intestinal barrier in rats with diarrhea and also upregulated levels of Muc2 and TJ proteins, such as occludin, zonula occludens-1, and claudin-1. Administration of RW regulated the structure of the gut microbiota in diarrheal rats. Furthermore, RW suppressed levels of interleukin (IL), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-1, PI3K, Akt, and p-NF-κB p65 and also increased IL-4 levels. Our study indicates that P. ginseng and Fructus mume help improve the symptoms of diarrhea, possibly by alleviating the intestinal barrier injury, regulating intestinal flora composition, and inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway.

The role of Andrographolide in the prevention and treatment of liver diseases.

BACKGROUND: The presence or absence of damage to the liver organ is crucial to a person's health. Nutritional disorders, alcohol consumption, and drug abuse are the main causes of liver disease. Liver transplantation is the last irrevocable option for liver disease and has become a serious economic burden worldwide. Andrographolide (AP) is one of the main active ingredients of Herba Andrographitis. It has several biological activities and has been reported to have protective and therapeutic effects against liver diseases. Earlier literature has been written on AP's role in treating inflammation and other diseases, and there has not been a systematic review on liver diseases. This review is dedicated to sorting out the research results of AP against liver diseases. Pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and nanotechnology to improve bioavailability are discussed. Finally, an outlook and assessment of its future are provided. METHODS: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. PubMed and web of Science databases were used to search all relevant literature on AP for liver disease up to 2022. RESULTS: Studies have shown that AP plays an important role in different liver disease phenotypes, mainly through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. AP regulates HO-1 and inhibits hepatitis virus replication. It affects the NF-κB pathway, downregulates inflammatory factors such as IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α, and reduces liver damage. In preventing liver fibrosis, AP inhibits angiogenesis and activation of hepatic stellate cells and reduces oxidative stress involved in the Nrf2 and TGF-ß1/Smad pathways. In addition, AP impedes the development of liver cancer by promoting apoptosis and autonomous phagocytosis in a cell-dependent way. Interestingly, miRNAs are involved in the therapeutic process of liver cancer and hepatic fibrosis. The poor solubility of AP limits the development of dosage forms. Therefore, the advent of nanoformulations has improved bioavailability. Although the effect of AP is dose- and time-dependent, the magnitude of its toxicity is not negligible. Some clinical trials have shown that AP has mild side effects. CONCLUSIONS: AP, as an effective natural product, has a good effect on the liver disease through multiple pathways and targets. However, the dose reaches a certain level, leading to its toxicity and side effects. For better clinical application of AP, high-quality clinical and toxic intervention mechanisms are needed to validate current studies. In addition, modulation of miRNA-mediated hepatocellular carcinoma and liver fibrosis and synergistic action with drugs may be the future focus of AP. In conclusion, AP can be regarded as an important candidate for treating different liver diseases in the future.

The current situation of Zanthoxylum bungeanum industry and the research and application prospect. A review.

Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim. has been included in "The Plant List" (http://www.theplantlist.org) is a plant of the Rutaceae family of Zanthoxylum bungeanum, also named Chinese prickly ash. It is a resource for both medicinal and edible reasons. Traditional Chinese medicine claims that its main functions are: warming, and easing pain, destroying insects and soothing itching. Modern study has established that it possesses anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, insecticidal, anti-tumor, and other pharmacological characteristics effect. As a traditional condiment, Chinese prickly ash is the soul of Sichuan cuisine. Its numb flavor is the main characteristic and one crucial indicator of its quality. Studies have proven that the numb flavor of Chinese prickly ash stems from its abundant volatile oil. The research on the exact components of its volatile oil is becoming a hot spot. Sichuan, the central core-producing area of Chinese prickly ash, cultivates numerous species of prickly ash and is rich in resources. By planting Chinese prickly ash, the income level of local farmers has been enhanced, the villagers' quality of life has been considerably improved, and poverty has been lifted. This study briefly explains the planting status and production area distribution of prickly ash in Sichuan Province and reviews the recent research on the chemical components, volatile oil extraction methods, pharmacological effects, etc. Reasonable development prospects are projected to reference the in-depth research of prickly ash, the development and usage of resources, and the development of associated items.

Preparation, structural characterization, antioxidant activity and protection against cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury by polysaccharides from the lateral root of Aconitum carmichaelii.

Response surface methodology (RSM) and Box- Behnken design (BBD) based on one-way experiments were used to optimize the extraction parameters of the lateral root polysaccharides of Aconitum carmichaelii. The extracted polysaccharides were named as refined fucose polysaccharide. The optimal conditions included a water to raw material ratio of 43, an extraction time of 2 h, and an extraction temperature of 90°C. The shape of RFP was shown by infrared spectroscopy (IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The monosaccharide composition and molecular weight of RFP was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Furthermore, RFP exhibited moderate antioxidant activity by analyzing the scavenging rates of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical, superoxide anion radical, hydroxyl radical, and ABTS + radical. RFP exerted cytoprotective effects against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced injury in the rat renal tubular epithelial cell line rat renal tubular epithelial cells (NRK-52E) and inhibited apoptosis. In addition, researches found that RFP could alleviate cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury in mice by enhancing the levels of glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase-4 (GPX-4), decreasing the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), reducing lipid peroxidation, and thus inhibiting ferroptosis. In conclusion, this study provides a good strategy for obtaining bioactive polysaccharides from Fuzi.

Colonization characteristics of fungi in Polygonum hydropipe L. and Polygonum lapathifolium L. and its effect on the content of active ingredients.

Polygonum hydropiper, is a plant of the Persicaria genus, which is commonly used to treat various diseases, including gastrointestinal disorders, neurological disorders, inflammation, and diarrhea. However, because of different local standards of P. hydropiper, people often confuse it with Polygonum lapathifolium L. and other closely related plants. This poses a serious threat to the safety and efficacy of the clinical use of P. hydropiper. This study aims to determine the six active ingredients of P. hydropiper and P. lapathifolium. Then the endophytic fungi and rhizosphere soil of the two species were sequenced by Illumina Miseq PE300. The results show significant differences between the community composition of the leaves, stems, and roots of the P. hydropiper and the P. lapathifolium in the same soil environment. Of the six secondary metabolites detected, five had significant differences between P. hydropiper and P. lapathifolium. Then, we evaluated the composition of the significantly different communities between P. hydropiper and P. lapathifolium. In the P. hydropiper, the relative abundance of differential communities in the leaves was highest, of which Cercospora dominated the differential communities in the leaves and stem; in the P. lapathifolium, the relative abundance of differential community in the stem was highest, and Cladosporium dominated the differential communities in the three compartments. By constructing the interaction network of P. hydropiper and P. lapathifolium and analyzing the network nodes, we found that the core community in P. hydropiper accounted for 87.59% of the total community, dominated by Cercospora; the core community of P. lapathifolium accounted for 19.81% of the total community, dominated by Sarocladium. Of these core communities, 23 were significantly associated with active ingredient content. Therefore, we believe that the community from Cercospora significantly interferes with recruiting fungal communities in P. hydropiper and affects the accumulation of secondary metabolites in the host plant. These results provide an essential foundation for the large-scale production of P. hydropiper. They indicate that by colonizing specific fungal communities, secondary metabolic characteristics of host plants can be helped to be shaped, which is an essential means for developing new medicinal plants.

A review of traditional and current processing methods used to decrease the toxicity of the rhizome of Pinellia ternata in traditional Chinese medicine.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The rhizome of Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit, called Pinelliae Rhizoma (PR) and Banxia in Chinese, is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with the functions of "removing dampness-phlegm" and "downbear counterflow and check vomiting". PR has potential toxic effects that can be detoxified by Fuzhi processing (repeated processing using one or multiple adjuvants) with specific adjuvants. AIM OF THE STUDY: This paper aims to provide a summary of traditional and current processing methods used to detoxify PR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The available references of the processing methods of PR from the classic books of Materia Medica, literature, online databases and masters or doctoral theses are collected and summarized. We also discussed the possible processing mechanisms of how we can achieve a safer and effective application of PR via these processing methods. RESULTS: PR cannot be administered orally before processing. PR contains nucleoside alkaloids, cerebrosides, fatty acids, lectin, polysaccharides, and calcium oxalate crystals. To date, although the active substances of PR are still unclear, the toxic components are almost completely clarified as needle-like calcium oxalate crystals (NCOCs) and lectin proteins. Furthermore, the toxic effects of PR include causing death in animals, inflammation, conjunctival irritation, pregnancy toxicity, teratogenicity, visceral toxicity, aphonia and vomiting. From ancient times to now, Fuzhi methods have remained the predominant method for PR processing, and the main adjuvants used are ginger juice, alum, licorice and lime. In addition, detoxification mechanisms are related to removing or damaging the NCOC and lectin in PR based on processing with adjuvants. Currently, Fuzhi processing has been greatly improved, and novel processing technologies with novel adjuvants have been used for PR processing. However, there are still some flaws in PR processing, which should be urgently solved in the future, and clarifying the characteristic bioactive compounds in PR corresponding to its function or effects is the most important step for PR processing. CONCLUSION: Our present paper reviewed the previous literature regarding all aspects of the processing of PR, and this paper will be helpful for achieving a safer and effective application of PR and its processed products and will also be beneficial for the further optimization of processing technology and clinical medication safety of PR.

NF-κB and AMPK-Nrf2 pathways support the protective effect of polysaccharides from Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua in lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The raw and honey-processed P. cyrtonema recorded in ancient classics of Chinese medicine as having the effect of moisturizing the lungs and relieving coughs, and it has also been proved to have therapeutic effects on lung diseases in modern research. Polysaccharides are the main components with biological activities in raw and honey-processed P. cyrtonema, but there is no research for their lung-protective effect. AIM OF STUDY: This study aimed to investigate the protective effect and the possible mechanism of polysaccharides from raw and honey-processed P. cyrtonema in LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Polysaccharides, PCP and HPCP, were respectively separated and extracted from raw and honey-processed P. cyrtonema, and the molecular weight, monosaccharide composition and other basic chemical characteristics were analyzed by HPGCP, HPLC, FI-IR, and NMR. The model of ALI mice was established by intratracheal instillation of LPS. Moreover, the protective effects of PCP and HPCP for ALI mice were evaluated by detecting the wet-to-dry ratio and histopathology in the lungs, the content of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1ß in BLAF, and the content of MPO and SOD in lung tissue. In addition, the lung-protective mechanism of PCP and HPCP was explored by detecting the levels of some proteins and mRNA related to inflammation and oxidative stress pathways. RESULTS: PCP and HPCP with molecular weights of 8.842 × 103 and 5.521 × 103Da were mainly composed of three monosaccharides. Moreover, it is found that fructose and galactose were mainly ß-D, and glucose was α-D. Both PCP and HPCP could significantly improve lung injury, reduce the level of inflammatory factors in BALF and the level of MPO in lung tissue, and increase the level of SOD. In addition, PCR and WB indicated that PCP and HPCP at least inhibited pulmonary inflammation through the NF-κB pathway, and reduced the occurrence of pulmonary oxidative stress through the AMPK-Nrf2 pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Polysaccharides from raw and honey-processed P. cyrtonema had a protective effect in LPS-induced lung injury in mice. This effect may be related to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of PCP and HPCP in the lungs through the NF-κB pathway and AMPK-Nrf2 pathway. And HPCP seems to perform more than PCP.

Tai Chi and other mind-body interventions for cancer-related fatigue: an updated systematic review and network meta-analyses protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms in patients with cancer and is responsible for a reduced quality of life. There is a strong evidence base for mind-body interventions (MBIs) to manage cancer-related fatigue (CRF). However, the efficacy of Tai Chi and other MBIs in the treatment of CRF remains controversial. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will perform a systematic review and network meta-analyses (NMAs) that aim to assess the effects of Tai Chi and other MBIs in patients with CRF. The following databases will be searched from their inception to 1 August 2021: PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, OVID, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal Database, Chinese Biomedical Database and Wan Fang Digital Journals. We will include randomised controlled trials that compare MBIs with no treatment, placebo and usual care in the treatment of CRF. The primary outcome will be changes in the fatigue state as evaluated by validated scales. We will perform a Bayesian NMA to analyse all the evidence for each outcome. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve and the mean ranks will be used to rank the various treatments. We will assess the quality of evidence contributing to network estimates of outcomes using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system framework. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This NMAs will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Since no individual patient data will be involved in the review, ethics approval and concerns about privacy are not needed. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42021244999.

Antihypertensive effect of soybean bioactive peptides: A review.

Hypertension is a global disease that is extremely harmful to humans. Timely lowering of blood pressure is necessary in order to avoid the occurrence of corresponding complications. This review shows that soy peptides are beneficial in resisting hypertension. One of the advantages is the abundance of raw materials for producing soybean peptides. Secondly, there are no reports of adverse reactions due to soy peptides. Moreover, they exert protective effect against hypertension-induced complications such as long-term memory impairment and kidney damage. However, there are still some obstacles associated with the development of soybean peptides. Therefore, this review is focused on statistical analysis of peptide sequences, amino acid residues, and possible targets of anti-hypertensive soybean peptides. Eventually, it proposes that application of genetic engineering technology to specifically modify the N- and C-terminal of the soybean peptides, and possible targets in identifying the likely drug targets involved in the antihypertensive effects of these peptides.

Modified Renshen Wumei Decoction Alleviates Intestinal Barrier Destruction in Rats with Diarrhea.

Modified Renshen Wumei decoction (MRWD), a famous traditional Chinese medicine, is widely used for treating persistent diarrhea. However, as the mechanism by which MRWD regulates diarrhea remains unknown, we examined the protective effects of MRWD on intestinal barrier integrity in a diarrhea model. In total, 48 male rats were randomly distributed to four treatment groups: the blank group (CK group), model group (MC group), Medilac-Vita group (MV group) and Chinese herb group (MRWD group). After a 21-day experiment, serum and colon samples were assessed. The diarrhea index, pathological examination findings and change in D-lactate and diamine oxidase (DAO) contents illustrated that the induction of diarrhea caused intestinal injury, which was ameliorated by MV and MRWD infusion. Metabolomics analysis identified several metabolites in the serum. Some critical metabolites, such as phosphoric acid, taurine, cortisone, leukotriene B4 and calcitriol, were found to be significantly elevated by MRWD infusion. Importantly, these differences correlated with mineral absorption and metabolism and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) pathways. Moreover, it significantly increased the expression levels of TLR4, MyD88 and p-NF-κB p65 proteins and the contents of IL-1 and TNF-α, while the expression levels of occludin, claudin-1 and ZO-1 proteins decreased. These deleterious effects were significantly alleviated by MV and MRWD infusion. Our findings indicate that MRWD infusion helps alleviate diarrhea, possibly by maintaining electrolyte homeostasis, improving the intestinal barrier integrity, and inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB axis.

Galla Chinensis, a Traditional Chinese Medicine: Comprehensive review of botany, traditional uses, chemical composition, pharmacology and toxicology.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Galla chinensis (GC), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has a wide range of pharmacological properties which have been widely used for more than 1400 years. Based on shape, GC is divided into two groups: jiaobei and dubei. It is a bitter, sour, cold and astringent substance which is usually used for treating diarrhea, constipation, bleeding, cough, vomiting, sweating, hemorrhoids, and anal and uterine prolapse. It is distributed in Japan, North Korea, and all parts of China. AIM OF STUDY: This study was aimed at carrying out a comprehensive overview of the current status of research on Galla chinensis (GC) for better understanding of it characteristics, while providing a clear direction for future studies. It has aroused the interest of researchers, leading to development of medicinal value, expansion of its application, and provision of wider and more effective drug choices. This study was focused on the traditional uses, botany, chemical composition, pharmacology and toxicology of GC. Finally, the study focused on possible future research directions for GC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive analysis was done based on academic papers, pharmaceutical monographs, ancient medicinal works, and drug standards of China. This review used Galla and Galla chinensis as keywords for retrieval of information on GC from online databases such as PubMed, Elsevier, CNKI, Web of Science, Google Scholar, SCI hub, and Baidu academic. RESULTS: It was found that the chemical constituents of GC included tannins, phenolic acid, amino acids and fatty acid, with polyphenol compounds (especially tannins and gallic acid) as the distinct components. In vitro and in vivo studies revealed that GC exerted numerous biological effects such as anti-caries, antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, and antioxidant effects. The therapeutic effect of GC was attributed mainly to the biological properties of its bioactive components. CONCLUSIONS: GC is an important TCM which has potential benefit in the treatment of a variety of diseases. However, the relationship amongst the structure and biological activity of GC and its components, mechanism of action, toxicity, pharmacokinetics and target organs need to be further studied. Quality control and quality assurance programs for GC need to be further developed. There is need to study the dynamics associated with the accumulation of chemical compounds in GC as well as the original plants and aphid that form GC.

Cucurbitacin IIa: A review of phytochemistry and pharmacology.

Cucurbitacin IIa was first found in plants and it belongs to tetracyclo triterpenoids. It is one of the most important active components in cucurbitaceae plants. Studies have found that cucurbitacin IIa has a variety of pharmacological effects, such as antitumor, antiinflammatory, antibacterial, antihepatitis B virus, inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus replication, and antidepressant effect. However, the underlying mechanisms, intracellular targets, and structure-activity relationships of cucurbitacin IIa remain to be completely elucidated. This review summarizes the current advances concerning the phytochemistry and pharmacology of cucurbitacin IIa. Electronic databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and CNKI were used to find relevant information about cucurbitacin IIa using keywords such as "Cucurbitacin IIa," "Pharmacology," and "Phytochemistry." These pharmacological effects involve the actin cytoskeleton aggregation, the regulation of JAK2/STAT3, ERBB-MAPK, CaMKII α/CREB/BDNF signal pathways, as well as the regulation of survivin, caspases, and other cell cycles, apoptosis, autophagy-related cytokines, and kinases. It has high development and use value.

Sanguinarine: A Double-Edged Sword of Anticancer and Carcinogenesis and Its Future Application Prospect.

BACKGROUND: Sanguinarine, a kind of benzophenanthridine alkaloid, is a natural compound with potential development value for its anticancer activity. Hundreds of studies have been carried out in vivo or in vitro, trying to make it feasible for the anticancer clinic medication of sanguinarine. However, sanguinarine was branded as a toxicant or even a carcinogen according to some toxicological experiments and cancer investigations. OBJECTIVE: Aiming at safety and effectiveness of sanguinarine, this article reviews the extant information on present studies of sanguinarine, and both anticancer carcinogenesis mechanism details are summarized. The future potential research directions of this valued compound are also discussed to provide reference for future drugs development. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI and WanFang databases were used to search current studies and experimental researches about anticancer effect or carcinogenic information of sanguinarine. RESULTS: Our results indicated that sanguinarine exhibited anticancer effect through anti-proliferation, anti-invasion, anti-angiogenesis and apoptosis within cancer lesion. Also, many clinical investigations indicated that sanguinarine and its related products might be associated to pre-carcinoma within oral or skin potentially. CONCLUSION: Sanguinarine is a natural compound with good development value for its potent anticancer activity; however, its carcinogenesis effect should also be taken seriously. Studies on structural modification and analogue design should be carried out to improve its safety and efficiency in the future.

Effects of Haima Duobian Pill in a Rat Model of Kidney Yang Deficiency Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Modern research shows that Haima Duobian pill (HDP) can relieve the kidney yang deficiency syndrome (KYDS), but the mechanism is still unclear. The aim of this work was to study the effects of HDP in a rat model of KYDS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The network pharmacology methods were used to predict the therapeutic effects of Haima Duobian pill. Adenine was used to establish the rat model of kidney yang deficiency syndrome. The general physical signs of rats were observed after different doses of Haima Duobian pill (HDP) were given. Serum cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Then, the histopathologic changes and sperm activity were detected. RESULTS: HDP could improve the general signs of kidney yang deficiency syndrome rats. After the rats were treated with HDP, the expression of cGMP and E2 was significantly inhibited and the expression of cAMP and T was significantly increased. The pathological damage of testis, epididymis, and seminal vesicle was alleviated, and the sperm activity was improved. CONCLUSION: For adenine-induced kidney yang deficiency syndrome in rats, HDP had a significant therapeutic effect.

Network pharmacology-based analysis of Zukamu granules for the treatment of COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: Zukamu granules may play a potential role in the fight against the Coronavirus, COVID-19. The purpose of this study was to explore the mechanisms of Zukamu granules using network pharmacology combined with molecular docking. METHODS: The Traditional Chinese Medicine systems pharmacology (TCMSP) database was used to filter the active compounds and the targets of each drug in the prescription. The Genecards and OMIM databases were used for identifying the targets related to COVID-19. The STRING database was used to analyze the intersection targets. Compound - target interaction and protein-protein interaction networks were constructed using Cytoscape to decipher the anti-COVID-19 mechanisms of action of the prescription. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome (KEGG) pathway and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis was performed to investigate the molecular mechanisms of action. Finally, the interaction between the targets and the active compounds was verified by molecular docking technology. RESULTS: A total of 66 targets were identified. Further analysis identified 10 most important targets and 12 key compounds. Besides, 1340 biological processes, 43 cell compositions, and 87 molecular function items were obtained (P < 0.05). One hundred and thirty pathways were obtained (P < 0.05). The results of molecular docking showed that there was a stable binding between the active compounds and the targets. CONCLUSION: Analysis of the constructed pharmacological network results allowed for the prediction and interpretation of the multi-constituent, multi-targeted, and multi-pathway mechanisms of Zukamu granules as a potential source for supportive treatment of COVID-19.