Screening of Poria cocos polysaccharide with immunomodulatory activity and its activation effects on TLR4/MD2/NF-κB pathway.

PCP-W1, the Poria cocos polysaccharide with the strong immunomodulatory activity, was isolated through column chromatography and screened for in vitro immune activity in RAW 264.7 cells in this study. The structure analysis results revealed that the PCP-W1 were composed of galactose, glucose, fucose and mannose in a molar percentage of 35.87: 28.56: 21.77: 13.64. And it exhibited a random coil and branched conformational features with a molecular weight of 18.38 kDa. The main chain consisted of residues→3)-ß-D-Glcp-(1 â†’ 3,6)-ß-D-Glcp-(1 â†’ 3)-ß-D-Glcp-(1 â†’ 6)-ß-D-Glcp-(1 â†’ 6)-α-D-Galp-(1 â†’ 6)-α-D-Galp-(1 â†’ 2,6)-α-D-Galp-(1→6)-α-D-Galp-(1 â†’ 6)-α-D-Galp-(1 â†’ , while branching occurred at ß-D-Glcp-(1→, α-D-Manp-(1→, and α-L-Fucp-(1 â†’ 3)- α-L-Fucp-(1→. The pharmacodynamic studies demonstrated that PCP-W1 activated the release of NO, IL-6, IL-ß, TNF-α, CD86, and ROS to induce polarization of RAW 264.7 murine macrophages towards M1-type through modulation of the TLR4/MD2/NF-κB pathway. The molecular docking results showed that PCP-W1 could primarily dock onto the hydrophobic binding site of TLR4/MD2 complex via its galactose chain. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulation displayed stable modeling for TLR4-MD2-PCP-W1 complex. Overall, we screened the most immunoactive components of the polysaccharide, analyzed its structure, demonstrated its impact on TLR4/MD2/NF-kB pathway, and studied the interaction between TLR4/MD2 and the polysaccharide fragments. These results provide further support for the structure-activity relationship study of the immunomodulatory effects of Poria cocos polysaccharide.

Structural characterization and adjuvant activity of a water soluble polysaccharide from Poria cocos.

Adjuvants, as the essential component of vaccines, are crucial in enhancing the magnitude, breadth and durability of immune responses. Unfortunately, commonly used Alum adjuvants predominantly provoke humoral immune response, but fail to evoke cellular immune response, which is crucial for the prevention of various chronic infectious diseases and cancers. Thus, it is necessary to develop effective adjuvants to simultaneously induce humoral and cellular immune response. In this work, we obtained a water soluble polysaccharide isolated and purified from Poria cocos, named as PCP, and explored the possibility of PCP as a vaccine adjuvant. The PCP, with Mw of 20.112 kDa, primarily consisted of →6)-α-D-Galp-(1→, with a small amount of →3)-ß-D-Glcp-(1 â†’ and →4)-ß-D-Glcp-(1→. Our results demonstrated that the PCP promoted the activation of dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages in vitro. As the adjuvant to ovalbumin, the PCP facilitated the activation of DCs in lymph nodes, and evoked strong antibody response with a combination of Th1 and Th2 immune responses. Moreover, compared to Alum adjuvant, the PCP markedly induced a potent cellular response, especially the cytotoxic T lymphocytes response. Therefore, we confirmed that the PCP has great potential to be an available adjuvant for simultaneously inducing humoral and cellular immune responses.

Metabolomic profile of plasma approach to investigate the mechanism of Poria cocos oligosaccharides attenuated LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice.

Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf (PCW) are the dried sclerotia of Poaceae fungus Poria cocos that contain many biological activity ingredients such as polysaccharides and triterpenoids. The carbohydrates from Poria cocos have been proven to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. This study aimed to investigate the impact and mechanism of Poria cocos oligosaccharides (PCO) protecting mice against acute lung injury (ALI). We examined the histopathological analysis of lung injury, inflammatory, and edema levels to evaluate the benefits of PCO during ALI. As a result, PCO improved the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced lung injury and decreased the inflammatory cytokines of lung tissue. Simultaneously, PCO alleviated lung edema by regulating the expression of aquaporin5 (AQP5) and epithelial Na+ channel protein (ENaC-α). Additionally, untargeted metabolomics was performed on the plasma of ALI mice via HUPLC-Triple-TOF/MS. The results indicated that linoleic acid, linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, carnosine, glutamic acid, and 1-methylhistamine were the biomarkers in ALI mice. Besides, metabolic pathway analysis suggested PCO affected the histidine and fatty acid metabolism, which were closely associated with inflammation and oxidative reaction of the host. Consequently, the effects of PCO inhibiting inflammation and edema might relate to the reducing pro-inflammatory mediators and the reverse of abnormal metabolic pathways.

Effect of Poria cocos Terpenes: Verifying Modes of Action Using Molecular Docking, Drug-Induced Transcriptomes, and Diffusion Network Analyses.

We characterized the therapeutic biological modes of action of several terpenes in Poria cocos F.A Wolf (PC) and proposed a broad therapeutic mode of action for PC. Molecular docking and drug-induced transcriptome analysis were performed to confirm the pharmacological mechanism of PC terpene, and a new analysis method, namely diffusion network analysis, was proposed to verify the mechanism of action against Alzheimer's disease. We confirmed that the compound that exists only in PC has a unique mechanism through statistical-based docking analysis. Also, docking and transcriptomic analysis results could reflect results in clinical practice when used complementarily. The detailed pharmacological mechanism of PC was confirmed by constructing and analyzing the Alzheimer's disease diffusion network, and the antioxidant activity based on microglial cells was verified. In this study, we used two bioinformatics approaches to reveal PC's broad mode of action while also using diffusion networks to identify its detailed pharmacological mechanisms of action. The results of this study provide evidence that future pharmacological mechanism analysis should simultaneously consider complementary docking and transcriptomics and suggest diffusion network analysis, a new method to derive pharmacological mechanisms based on natural complex compounds.

The therapeutic effects of traditional Chinese medicine on insulin resistance in obese mice by modulating intestinal functions.

Introduction: Obesity, mainly caused by excessive accumulation of visceral fat, excessive fat metabolism will cause hormone secretion imbalance and inflammation and other diseases. is extremely detrimental to human health. Although many treatments are available for obesity, most treatments fail to exert a radical effect or are associated with several side effects. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for regulating the intestinal flora, lipid content and inflammation is considered effective. Based on previous studies, Artemisia capillaris, Astragalus propinquus, Phellodendron amurense, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Poria cocos, and Anemarrhena asphodeloides were selected to prepare an innovative herbal formula. Methods: TCM was characterized by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS. The anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering effects of the TCM formula prepared were evaluated in a high-fat diet-fed obese mouse model. The effects of the TCM formula on the intestinal flora were also investigated. Results: Weights and insulin resistance, as well as inflammation, decreased in the mice after treatment. At the same time, lipid metabolism increased after the mice were gavaged with the TCM formula for 2 weeks. The intestinal motility of the drug administration group was enhanced, with partial restoration of the intestinal flora. Conclusion: In summary, our innovative Chinese herbal formula significantly reduced weight, reduced intestinal inflammation, improved intestinal motility, and improved lipid metabolism in obese mice. Furthermore, the innovative formula effectively prevented relevant obesity-induced metastatic diseases in the mice.

Poria cocos Attenuated DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis via NF-κB Signaling Pathway and Regulating Gut Microbiota.

Ulcerative colitis (UC), as a chronic inflammatory disease, presents a global public health threat. However, the mechanism of Poria cocos (PC) in treating UC remains unclear. Here, LC-MS/MS was carried out to identify the components of PC. The protective effect of PC against UC was evaluated by disease activity index (DAI), colon length and histological analysis in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC mice. ELISA, qPCR, and Western blot tests were conducted to assess the inflammatory state. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry techniques were employed to evaluate the expression of tight junction proteins. The sequencing of 16S rRNA was utilized for the analysis of gut microbiota regulation. The results showed that a total of fifty-two nutrients and active components were identified in PC. After treatment, PC significantly alleviated UC-associated symptoms including body weight loss, shortened colon, an increase in DAI score, histopathologic lesions. PC also reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß, as evidenced by the suppressed NF-κB pathway, restored the tight junction proteins ZO-1 and Claudin-1 in the colon, and promoted the diversity and abundance of beneficial gut microbiota. Collectively, these findings suggest that PC ameliorates colitis symptoms through the reduction in NF-κB signaling activation to mitigate inflammatory damage, thus repairing the intestinal barrier, and regulating the gut microbiota.

The Effects of Poria cocos Polysaccharides on Growth Performance, Immunity, and Cecal Microflora Composition of Weaned Piglets.

This paper aims to identify Poria cocos polysaccharides (PCPs) as a potential feed additive used for swine production; thus, we explored the effects of different dietary inclusion levels of PCP on growth performance, immunity, and cecal microflora composition in weaned piglets. For this, a total of 120 28-day-old Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire weaned piglets (8.51 ± 0.19 kg; 28 ± 1 days of age) were randomly allocated to five groups that were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0, 0.025%, 0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.2% PCP, respectively, for 42 days. The results indicated that the average daily gain (ADG) and gain/feed ratio were higher in the PCP treatment groups than in the control group, with a linear effect. The serum concentrations of IgG, IgA, IL-2, IFN-γ, the number of CD4+ T cells, and the CD4+-to-CD8+ T-cell ratio (CD4+/CD8+) were increased, while the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were decreased in the PCP supplementation groups compared with those in the control group. Furthermore, the cytokine mRNA expression levels exhibited a similar trend in the spleen. PCP supplementation also reduced the abundance of Escherichia coli and Salmonella and enhanced that of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria in the cecum. In summary, dietary PCP inclusion exerted positive effects on the growth performance, immunity, and cecal microbiota of piglets and showed potential for use as a feed additive for improving the health of weaned piglets, with 0.1% being the optimal dosage.

Effects of processing methods on the aroma of Poria cocos and its changing regulations during processing.

Poria cocos is a natural source of fungal food raw materials. Processing method is a key effecting the aroma of Poria cocos. In this study, the aroma compounds of Poria cocos products processed using sweating-low-temperature drying (SW-LD), sweating-high-temperature drying (SW-HD), steaming-low-temperature drying (ST-LD), and steaming-high-temperature drying (ST-HD) were compared by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and the changes in aroma compounds of Poria cocos products during processing were analyzed. GC-MS analysis showed SW-HD product had highest content of aroma compounds. Aroma activity value (OAV) analysis indicated that 9 aroma compounds contributed to the overall aroma of Poria cocos. Among 9 compounds of Poria cocos, 1-octen-3-ol, hexanal, nonanal, octanal, trans-2-octenal, and heptanal contributed to mushroom, refreshing, sweet and fatty characters. In addition, the aroma compound changes during the processing were analyzed, revealing that steaming and sweating were the key processes affecting the aroma of Poria cocos products. The findings of this study provide valuable theoretical guidance for the development of Poria cocos processing technology.

Integrated analysis and separation of 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors from triterpenes of Poria cocos using bioaffinity ultrafiltration UPLC-Q-Exactive, molecular docking and target-based multiple complex networks.

Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf (P. cocos) has been widely used as medical plant in East Asia with remarkable anti-Alzheimer's disease (anti-AD) activity. However, the underlying mechanisms are still confused. In this study, based on the ß-Amyloid deposition hypothesis of AD, an integrated analysis was conducted to screen and separation 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) inhibitors from triterpenoids of P. cocos and investigate the anti-AD mechanisms, containing bioaffinity ultrafiltration UPLC-Q-Exactive, molecular docking, and multiple complex networks. Five triterpenoids were identified as potential 5-LOX inhibitors, including Tumulosic acid, Polyporenic acid C, 3-Epi-dehydrotumulosic acid, Pachymic acid and Dehydrotrametenolic acid. Five potential 5-LOX inhibitors were screened by ultrafiltration affinity assay in P. cocos. The molecular docking simulation results are consistent with the ultrafiltration experimental results, which further verifies the accuracy of the experiment. The commercial 5-LOX inhibitor that Zileuton was used as a positive control to evaluate the inhibitory effect of active ingredients on 5-LOX. Subsequently, the established separation method allowed the five active ingredients (Pachymic acid, 3-Epi-dehydrotumulosic acid, Dehydrotrametenolic acid, Tumulosic acid and Polyporenic acid C) with high purity to be isolated. Targeting network pharmacology analysis showed that five active ingredients correspond to a total of 286 targets. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis found that target cells were mainly enriched in Pathways in cancer, Lipid and atherosclerosis. Our results indicate that P. cocos extract has the potential to be used in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. This will help elucidate the mechanisms of action of various medicinal plants at the molecular level and provide more opportunities for the discovery and development of new potential treatments from health food resources.

Structural characterization and immunomodulatory activity of a water-soluble polysaccharide from Poria cocos.

In order to investigate the structural characteristics and immunomodulatory effects of Poria cocos polysaccharides, a water-soluble homogeneous polysaccharide (PCP-2) was isolated by water extraction and alcohol precipitation and further purified by Cellulose DEAE-52 and Sephacryl S-100HR column chromatography. PCP-2 is a heteropolysaccharide composed of glucose, galactose, mannose, and fucose in a molar ratio of 42.0: 35.0: 13.9: 9.1. It exhibits a narrow molecular weight distribution at 2.35 kDa with a branching degree of 37.1 %. The main chain types of PCP-2 include 1,3-ß-D-Glc and 1,6-ß-D-Glc as the backbone glucans and 1,6-α-D-Gal as the backbone heterogalactan. In vitro experiments demonstrate that PCP-2 directly stimulate RAW264.7 cell proliferation and secretion of inflammatory factors such as NO and TNF-α. In cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced mice, it promotes the development of thymus and spleen immune organs, elevates the blood levels of IgG, IgA, IgM and CD3+CD4+ T cells, increases the intestinal villus height/ crypt depth ratio and improves gut barrier dysfunctions. These findings suggest that PCP-2 is a natural fungal polysaccharide with broad spectrum of immunoenhancing effects, which can significantly ameliorate the immunocompromised state.

Fuling production areas in China: climate and distribution changes (A.D. 618-2100).

Through a meticulous analysis of ancient Chinese literature, this study comprehensively documents the geographical distribution of Fuling, a traditional Chinese medicinal material, during the Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties spanning from the seventh to the twentieth century in China. Based on the contemporary distribution information of Fuling, we utilized the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model to simulate the suitable distribution areas of Fuling under both present-day conditions and in the future (2081~2100). The findings reveal that climate change has influenced the distribution of Fuling production areas. The shifts in Fuling's origin during different periods in ancient and modern times align with climate fluctuations and concurrent societal development. During the Tang and Song dynasties, Fuling primarily originated in northern China. However, it migrated southward during the Little Ice Age (LIA) and has recently shown a slight northward shift, in line with the climate fluctuations of the LIA and contemporary global warming trends. This study offers a comprehensive analysis of the changes in the distribution and production areas of Fuling over a 1500-year period, encompassing ancient, modern, and future periods. The results provide critical insights for adjusting Fuling cultivation areas in response to climate change and for further exploration of the mechanisms through which climate impacts the growth of Fuling.

Bioactive triterpenoid compounds of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf in the treatment of diabetic ulcers via regulating the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Diabetic ulcers represent a chronic condition characterized by prolonged hyperglycemia and delayed wound healing, accompanied by endocrine disorders, inflammatory responses, and microvascular damage in the epidermal tissue, demanding effective clinical treatment approaches. For thousands of years, ancient Chinese ethnopharmacological studies have documented the use of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf in treating diabetic ulcers. Recent research has substantiated the diverse pharmacological effects of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf, including its potential to alleviate hyperglycemia and exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune regulatory properties, which could effectively mitigate diabetic ulcer symptoms. Furthermore, being a natural medicine, Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf has demonstrated promising therapeutic effects and safety in the management of diabetic ulcers, holding significant clinical value. Despite its potential clinical efficacy and applications in diabetic ulcer treatment, the primary active components and underlying pharmacological mechanisms of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf remains unclear. Further investigations are imperative to establish a solid foundation for drug development in this domain. AIM OF THE STUDY AND MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, we aimed to identify the active compounds and potential targets of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf using UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS and TCMSP databases. Additionally, we attempt to identify targets related to diabetic ulcers. Following enrichment analysis, a network of protein-protein interactions was constructed to identify hub genes based on the common elements between the two datasets. To gain insights into the binding activities of the hub genes and active ingredients, molecular docking analysis was employed. Furthermore, to further validate the therapeutic effect of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf, we exerted in vitro experiments using human umbilical vein vascular endothelial cells and human myeloid leukemia monocytes (THP-1). The active ingredient of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf was applied in these experiments. Our investigations included various assays, such as CCK-8, scratch test, immunofluorescence, western blotting, RT-PCR, and flow cytometry, to explore the potential of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf triterpenoid extract (PTE) in treating diabetic ulcers. RESULTS: The findings here highlighted PTE as the primary active ingredient in Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf. Utilizing network pharmacology, we identified 74 potential targets associated with diabetic ulcer treatment for Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf, with five hub genes (JUN, MAPK1, STAT3, AKT1, and CTNNB1). Enrichment analysis revealed the involvement of multiple pathways in the therapeutic process, with the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway showing significant enrichment. Through molecular docking, we discovered that relevant targets within this pathway exhibited strong binding with the active components of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf. In vitro experiments unveiled that PTE (10 mg/L) facilitated the migration of human umbilical vein vascular endothelial cells (P < 0.05). PTE also increased the expression of CD31 and VEGF mRNA (P < 0.05) while activating the expressions of p-PI3K and p-AKT (P < 0.05). Moreover, PTE demonstrated its potential by reducing the expression of IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB mRNA in THP-1 (P < 0.05) and fostering M2 macrophage polarization. These results signify the potential therapeutic effects of PTE in treating diabetic ulcers, with its beneficial actions mediated through the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS: PTE is the main active ingredient in Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf that exerts therapeutic effects. Through PI3K-AKT signaling pathway activation and inflammatory response reduction, PTE promotes angiogenesis, thereby healing diabetic ulcers.

Chemical structures, extraction and analysis technologies, and bioactivities of edible fungal polysaccharides from Poria cocos: An updated review.

Poria cocos is a popular medicinal food. Polysaccharides are the key component of Poria cocos, forming 70-90 % of the dry sclerotia mass. Recent studies indicate that Poria cocos polysaccharides (PCP-Cs) have multiple beneficial functions and applications. A literature search was conducted using the Web of Science Core Collection and PubMed databases. For this review, we provided an updated research progress in chemical structures, various extraction and analysis technologies, bioactivities of PCP-Cs, and insights into the directions for future research. The main polysaccharides identified in Poria cocos are water-soluble polysaccharides and acidic polysaccharides. Hot water, alkali, supercritical fluid, ultrasonic, enzyme, and deep eutectic solvent-based methods are the most common methods for PCP-Cs extraction. Technologies such as near-infrared spectroscopy, high-performance liquid chromatography, and ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, are commonly used to evaluate the qualities of PCP-Cs. In addition, PCP-Cs have antioxidant, immunomodulatory, neuroregulatory, anticancer, hepatoprotective, and gut microbiota regulatory properties. Future research is needed to focus on scaling up extraction, enhancing quality control, elucidating mechanisms of bioactivities, and the utilisation of PCP-Cs in food industries. Overall, Poria cocos is a good source of edible fungi polysaccharides, which can be developed into functional foods with potential health benefits.

Identification of squalene epoxidase in triterpenes biosynthesis in Poria cocos by molecular docking and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing.

BACKGROUND: Squalene epoxidase is one of the rate-limiting enzymes in the biosynthetic pathway of membrane sterols and triterpenoids. The enzyme catalyzes the formation of oxidized squalene, which is a common precursor of sterols and triterpenoids. RESULT: In this study, the squalene epoxidase gene (PcSE) was evaluated in Poria cocos. Molecular docking between PcSE and squalene was performed and the active amino acids were identified. The sgRNA were designed based on the active site residues. The effect on triterpene synthesis in P. cocos was consistent with the results from ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadruplex time-of-flight-double mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS) analysis. The results showed that deletion of PcSE inhibited triterpene synthesis. In vivo verification of PcSE function was performed using a PEG-mediated protoplast transformation approach. CONCLUSION: The findings from this study provide a foundation for further studies on heterologous biosynthesis of P. cocos secondary metabolites.

The anti-hyperlipidemic effects of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf extract: Modulating cholesterol homeostasis in hepatocytes via PPARα pathway.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf (Polyporaceae, P.cocos), which is born on the pine root, has a history of more than two thousand years of medicine in China. P.cocos was first recorded in the Shennong's Herbal Classic, studies have proved its lipid-lowering effect. AIM OF STUDY: The aim of study was to investigate the underlying mechanism of P.cocos extract on hyperlipidemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats aged 9-12 weeks were intraperitoneally (IP) injected with Triton-WR 1339 to establish an acute hyperlipidemia model. At 0 h and 20 h after the model was established, low and high doses of P.cocos extract or simvastatin were given twice. After 48 h, the rats were sacrificed, and liver and serum samples were collected for analysis. The cell model was constructed by treating L02 cells with 1% fat emulsion-10% FBS-RPMI 1640 medium for 48 h. At the same time, low and high doses of P.cocos extract and simvastatin were administered. Oil red O staining was used to evaluate the lipid accumulation in the cells, and H&E staining was used to evaluate the liver lesions of rats. Real-time quantitative PCR and western blotting were used to detect the expressions of lipid metabolism-related genes. RESULTS: P.cocos extract relieved lipid accumulation in vitro and alleviated hyperlipidemia in vivo. Both gene and protein expressions of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) were shown to be up-regulated by P.cocos extract. Additionally, P.cocos extract down-regulated the expressions of fatty acid synthesis-related genes sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1), Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase 1 (ACC1) and fatty acid synthase (FAS), while up-regulated the expressions of cholesterol metabolism-related genes liver X receptor-α (LXRα), ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) and low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), which were reversed by the treatment with the PPARα inhibitor GW6471. CONCLUSION: P.cocos extract ameliorates hyperlipidemia and lipid accumulation by regulating cholesterol homeostasis in hepatocytes through PPARα pathway. This study provides evidence that supplementation with P.cocos extract could be a potential strategy for the treatment of hyperlipidemia.

Study of Herbs Cortex Moutan, Poria cocos, and Alisma orientale and Periodontitis.

INTRODUCTION: The Chinese traditional herbs Cortex Moutan, Poria cocos, and Alisma orientale are considered to have potential to ameliorate periodontitis, although the possible underlying mechanisms remain mostly unknown. Due to the complex formulation of Chinese herbs, it is important to understand the mechanisms of pharmacologic effects of traditional herbs for better application in modern medical treatment. METHODS: Network pharmacology was applied to explore the mechanism of Cortex Moutan, Poria cocos, and Alisma orientale. First we analysed their chemical ingredients using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database and identified 20 active ingredients. Then we analysed the target genes of these 20 active ingredients as well as genes associated with periodontitis and found 74 co-target genes. We further analysed the protein-protein interaction network of these 74 co-target genes using the STRING database and enriched the pathways using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis. RESULTS: The top 10 core targets elicited were vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), interlukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor (TNF), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9), AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1), prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), kinase insert domain receptor (KDR), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), and serpin family E member 1 (SERPINE1). Using these a network of "herbs-ingredients-targetgenes-KEGG pathways." was constructed. CONCLUSIONS: The target and bioprocess network suggested that the pharmacologic effects of Cortex Moutan, Poria cocos, and Alisma orientale may be mainly dependent on their anti-inflammatory potential. Further work is required to eucidate their detailed mechanisms of activity.

Poria cocos Lanostane Triterpenoids Extract Promotes Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid Production in D-Galactose-Induced Aging Rats.

The global aging population is expanding at an increasingly rapid pace, with approximately one-fourth of the world's population expected to be composed of elderly individuals by 2050. Aging skin is one of the major characteristics expressed in the elderly. The study comprehensively utilizes both cell and animal experiments to confirm the skin anti-aging effects of Poria cocos (P. cocos), which is one of the most important traditional Chinese medicines classified as tonic Chinese medicine, commonly used to treat physical weakness and aging-associated diseases. We demonstrate in this study that P. cocos lanostane triterpenoids extract (Lipucan®) ameliorates aging skin and promotes collagen accumulation and hyaluronic acid production in galactose-induced aging rats. Purified lanostane triterpenoids were initially identified as active components in P. cocos, which significantly increased collagen and hyaluronic acid levels in cultured human skin cells.

Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf, a Traditional Chinese Edible Medicinal Herb, Promotes Neuronal Differentiation, and the Morphological Maturation of Newborn Neurons in Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells.

Neurogenesis in the adult brain comprises the entire set of events of neuronal development. It begins with the division of precursor cells to form a mature, integrated, and functioning neuronal network. Adult neurogenesis is believed to play an important role in animals' cognitive abilities, including learning and memory. In the present study, significant neuronal differentiation-promoting activity of 80% (v/v) ethanol extract of P. cocos (EEPC) was found in Neuro-2a cells and mouse cortical neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs). Subsequently, a total of 97 compounds in EEPC were identified by UHPLC-Q-Exactive-MS/MS. Among them, four major compounds-Adenosine; Choline; Ethyl palmitoleate; and L-(-)-arabinitol-were further studied for their neuronal differentiation-promoting activity. Of which, choline has the most significant neuronal differentiation-promoting activity, indicating that choline, as the main bioactive compound in P. cocos, may have a positive effect on learning and memory functions. Compared with similar research literature, this is the first time that the neuronal differentiation-promoting effects of P. cocos extract have been studied.

Improving the quality of soluble dietary fiber from Poria cocos peel residue following steam explosion.

Poria cocos peel residue (PCPR) still contains much soluble dietary fiber (SDF), steam explosion (SE) treatment was applied to PCPR to create a superior SDF. Steam pressure of 1.2 MPa, residence period of 120 s, and moisture content of 13% were the optimized parameters for SE treatment of PCPR. Under optimized circumstances, SE treatment of PCPR enhanced its SDF yield from 5.24% to 23.86%. Compared to the original SDF, the SE-treated SDF displayed improved enzyme inhibition, including the inhibition of α-amylase and pancreatic lipase, also enhanced water holding, oil holding, water swelling, nutrient adsorption including cholesterol, nitrite ions, and glucose and antioxidant abilities. Additionally, it had a decreased molecular weight, improved thermal stability, and a rough surface with many pores of different sizes. Given that SDF had been improved physiochemical and functional characteristics thanks to SE treatment, it might be the excellent functional ingredient for the food business.

Effect of plant polysaccharides (Poria cocos and Astragalus polysaccharides) on immune responses and intestinal microbiota of Dabry's sturgeons.

Searching for non-toxic and harmless feed ingredients that can improve growth performance and host immunity has always been the focus of attention in the protected areas for artificially bred Dabry's sturgeons. The present study explored the effect of dietary Poria cocos and Astragalus polysaccharides on the antioxidant status, expression of immune related genes, and composition and putative functions of gut bacterial communities in Dabry's sturgeons for the first time. In this study, Dabry's sturgeons were randomly divided into 3 groups and fed diets of normal, P. cocos polysaccharide-added (200 mg/kg), and Astragalus polysaccharide-added (200 mg/kg) food for 14 days. The results indicated that dietary Astragalus polysaccharide can increase the final body weight of Dabry's sturgeon. Compared with normal breeding individuals, feeding diets containing the P. cocos and Astragalus polysaccharides up-regulated the activity of superoxide dismutase, lysozyme, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase while also decreasing the levels of malondialdehyde. In addition, the Astragalus polysaccharide group had higher gene expression of two inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor alpha and immunoglobulin M, than the control group. Analysis of intestinal microbiota revealed that the dietary Astragalus polysaccharide improved the richness and diversity of major gut microbiota in Dabry's sturgeons, while the structure in the P. cocos polysaccharide group was clearly distinguished from that of the control group. Our results preliminarily indicated that dietary supplementation of P. cocos and Astragalus polysaccharides may contribute to better performance in growth, development, and inflammatory response for Dabry's sturgeons, and they provide basic guidance for plant polysaccharide additives in artificial breeding of sturgeons.