Search for Snail Repellents: Antimollusc Activities from Stemona parviflora and Six Other Chinese Stemona Species.

Snails are important agricultural pests difficult to control, but data regarding molluscicidal assays are scant. Stemona alkaloids are typical secondary metabolites for the taxa and have been broadly investigated for their pharmacological and toxicological effects. This makes it possible for us to further develop the toxicities of these compounds to snails. In this work, we tested the antifeedant properties of leaves from seven Chinese Stemona species against the land snail species Bradybaena ravida in choice and non-choice feeding assays. The tested leaves Stemona parviflora exhibited the most deterrent effects, and a further phytochemical investigation of aerial parts led to the identification of 16 alkaloids. Among them, three novel alkaloids could be identified. The alkaloidal fraction and single alkaloids were further assayed against this snail species, and the results suggest a cocktail effect because the impact of the alkaloidal fraction was higher than the effects caused by single alkaloids. The study can promote the search process of natural antimollusc products from plants to control snails.

Dimeric diarylheptanoids with anti-inflammatory activity from Zingiber officinale.

Two previously undescribed chain diarylheptanoid derivatives (2-3), five previously undescribed dimeric diarylheptanoids (4-8), together with one known cyclic diarylheptanoid (1) were isolated from Zingiber officinale. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses (HR-ESI-MS, IR, UV, 1D and 2D NMR) and ECD calculations. Biological evaluation of compounds 1-8 revealed that compounds 2, 3 and 4 could inhibit nitrite oxide and IL-6 production in lipopolysaccharide induced RAW264.7 cells in a dose-dependent manner.

Discovery of ent-labdane derivatives from Andrographis paniculata and their anti-inflammatory activity.

The plant Andrographis paniculata has a long history of cultivation in Southeast Asia, especially its extensive anti-inflammatory activity, and the famous natural antibiotic andrographolide comes from this plant. In China, A. paniculata, as the main crop, has become a major source of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the clinical treatment of inflammation. To further explore the diverse diterpene lactones with better anti-inflammatory activity from A. paniculata, twenty-one ent-labdanes, including six undescribed compounds (andropanilides D-I), were isolated. Their structures with absolute configurations were thoroughly determined by comprehensive NMR spectroscopic data, HRESIMS analysis and quantum chemical calculations. All isolated compounds were evaluated for anti-inflammatory activities based on the Griess method. Meanwhile, after structure-activity relationships analysis, the anti-inflammatory activity of andropanilide D (1) (IC50 = 2.31 µM) was found to be better than that of the positive control drug (dexamethasone, IC50 = 6.52 µM) and andrographolide (IC50 = 5.89 µM). Further mechanisms of activity indicated that andropanilide D significantly reduced the secretion of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1ß and downregulated the protein expression of COX-2 and iNOS in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages in a concentration-dependent manner based on Western blot and ELISA experiments. In conclusion, andropanilide D possesses potential medicinal value for the treatment of inflammation and further expands the material basis of the anti-inflammatory effect of A. paniculata.

QiShenYiQi pill inhibits atherosclerosis by promoting TTC39B-LXR mediated reverse cholesterol transport in liver.

BACKGROUND: Tetranucleotide repeat domain protein 39B (TTC39B) was found to combine with ubiquitin ligase E3, and promote the ubiquitination modification of liver X receptor (LXR), which led to the inhibition of reverse cholesterol transport and development of atherosclerosis. QiShenYiQi pill (QSYQ) is a modern Chinese patent drug for treating ischemic cardiovascular diseases, the underlying mechanism is found to promote the expression of LXR-α/ ATP-binding cassette transporter G5 (ABCG5) in the liver of atherosclerotic mice. PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of QSYQ on TTC39B-LXR mediated reverse cholesterol transport in atherosclerotic mice. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Male apolipoprotein E gene knockout mice (7 weeks old) were fed with high-fat diet and treated with low dose of QSYQ (QSYQ-l, 0.3 g/kg·d), high dose of QSYQ (QSYQ-H, 1.2 g/kg·d) and LXR-α agonist (LXR-A, GW3965 10 mg/kg·d) for 8 weeks. C57BL/6 J mice were fed with normal diet and used as negative control. Oil red O staining, HE staining, ELISA, RNA sequencing, western blot, immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, cell culture and RNA interference were performed to analyze the effect of QSYQ on atherosclerosis. RESULTS: HE staining showed that QSYQ reduced the atherosclerotic lesion significantly when compared to the control group. ELISA measurement showed that QSYQ decreased serum VLDL and increased serum ApoA1. Oil Red O staining showed that QSYQ reduced the lipid content of liver and protect liver function. Comparative transcriptome RNA-sequence of liver showed that DEGs after QSYQ treatment enriched in high-density lipoprotein particle, ubiquitin ligase complex, bile secretion, etc. Immunohistochemical staining and western blot proved that QSYQ increased the protein expression of hepatic SR-B1, LXR-α, LXR-ß, CYP7A1 and ABCG5. Targeted inhibiting Ttc39b gene in vitro further established that QSYQ inhibited the gene expression of Ttc39b, increased the protein expression of SR-B1, LXR-α/ß, CYP7A1 and ABCG5 in rat hepatocyte. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated the new anti-atherosclerotic mechanism of QSYQ by targeting TTC39B-LXR mediated reverse cholesterol transport in liver. QSYQ not only promoted reverse cholesterol transport, but also improved fatty liver and protected liver function.

Acupuncture for aqueous deficiency dry eye: a randomized controlled trial. / é’ˆåˆºæ²»ç–—æ°´æ¶²ç¼ºä¹åž‹å¹²çœ¼ï¼šéšæœºå¯¹ç §è¯•éªŒ.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of acupuncture and sodium hyaluronate eye drop in the treatment of aqueous deficiency dry eye. METHODS: A total of 60 patients (120 eyes) with aqueous deficiency dry eye were randomly divided into an observation group (30 cases, 1 case dropped out) and a control group (30 cases, 1 case dropped out). In the control group, sodium hyaluronate eye drop were used, one drop at a time, 4 times a day, for 14 consecutive days. In the observation group, acupuncture was applied at bilateral Shangjingming (Extra), Cuanzhu (BL 2), Sizhukong (TE 23), Taiyang (EX-HN 5), and Tongziliao (GB 1) , once a day, treatment for 6 days with the interval of 1 day was required, for 14 consecutive days. The tear meniscus height (TMH), Schirmer Ⅰ test (SⅠT), ocular surface disease index (OSDI) score, non-invasive tear break-up time (NIBUT), and corneal fluorescein sodium staining (FLS) score were compared between the two groups before and after treatment, and the safety of the treatment of the two groups was observed. RESULTS: Compared with those before treatment, after treatment, TMH, SⅠT and NIBUT were increased (P<0.01, P<0.05), and FLS scores were decreased (P<0.01) in the two groups; the score of OSDI was reduced (P<0.01) in the observation group. After treatment, in the observation group, TMH and SⅠT were higher than those in the control group (P<0.01), and the score of OSDI was lower than that in the control group (P<0.01). No adverse reactions and adverse events were observed in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture and sodium hyaluronate eye drop can both effectively treat aqueous deficiency dry eye, acupuncture has obvious advantages in improving TMH and basic tear secretion, and reducing the subjective symptoms of patients. Acupuncture for dry eye is safe.

Renoprotective Glycoside Derivatives from Zingiber officinale (Ginger) Peels.

As a widely consumed spice and traditional Chinese medicine, Zingiber officinale Roscoe (ginger) has been used in the treatment of nausea, coughs, and colds. In this article, 18 new glycosides (1-18) and six known analogues (19-24) were isolated from the peel of ginger. The planar structures of these compounds were determined by using HR-ESI-MS and extensive spectroscopic techniques (UV, IR, 1D-NMR, and 2D-NMR). Their relative and absolute configurations of the stereogenic centers in the new natural products were determined by analysis of NMR data, using a quantum mechanical NMR approach and time-dependent density functional theory based electronic circular dichroism calculations. The renal fibrosis activities of the isolated natural products together with those of 6-gingerol (6-Gi), 8-gingerol (8-Gi), and 10-gingerol (10-Gi) were evaluated in TGF-ß1 induced NRK-52E cells. Compounds 9, 10, 15, 22-24, 6-Gi, 8-Gi, and 10-Gi were found to be active toward extracellular matrix, indicating that they have potential renal fibrosis activities.

Acupuncture promotes tear secretion by up-regulating VIP/cAMP/PKA/AQP5 signaling in guinea pigs with aqueous tear deficiency dry eye. / 基于VIP/cAMP/PKA/AQP5信号通路探讨针刺治疗水液缺乏型干眼的作用机制.

OBJECTIVES: To observe the effect of acupuncture on the ocular surface symptoms and the protein expression of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) / cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/protein kinase A (PKA) / aquaporin 5(AQP5) signaling pathway in lacrimal gland tissue of aqueous tear deficiency (ATD) type dry eye model, so as to investigate its mechanism underlying improvement of ATD. METHODS: British shorthair guinea pigs were randomly divided into blank control, model, acupuncture, sham-acupuncture and medication group, with 8 guinea pigs in each group. The ATD model was established by subcutaneous injection of scopolamine hydrobromide (0.6 mg/dose, 4 times/d for 10 days). For guinea pigs of the acupuncture group, filiform needles were inserted into bilateral "Jingming"(BL1), "Cuanzhu"(BL2), "Sizhukong"(TE23), "Taiyang"(EX-HN5), and "Tongziliao"(GB1) for 15 min. For guinea pigs of the sham-acupuncture group, a blunt filiform needle was used to repeatedly prick (not pierce) the skin of the same acupoints mentioned above. The treatment in the above two groups was conducted once daily for 14 days. The guinea pigs in the medication group received administration of sodium hyaluronate eye drops in both eyes, three times a day for 14 days. The objective tests of tear film break-up time (BUT), corneal fluorescein staining score (FLS) and phenol red thread (PRT) test were conducted before and after modeling and after the intervention. After the intervention, the lacrimal index (weight of lacrimal gland/body weight) was calculated. Histopathological changes of the lacrimal gland were observed after H.E. staining. The expression of AQP5 in the lacrimal gland were detected by immunofluorescence, and the contents of VIP and AQP5 in the lacrimal gland were measured by ELISA, the protein expression levels of VIP, cAMP, PKA, p-PKA and AQP5 in the lacrimal gland were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: In comparison with the blank control group, the PRT, BUT, lacrimal index, AQP5 immunoactivity, contents of VIP and AQP5, and protein expression levels of VIP, cAMP, PKA, p-PKA and AQP5 were significantly decreased(P<0.01, P<0.05), and FLS was obviously increased (P<0.01) in the model group . Compared to the model group, the PRT, BUT, lacrimal index, AQP5 immunoactivity, contents of VIP and AQP5, and expression levels of VIP and AQP5 in both acupuncture and medication groups, and the expression levels of cAMP, PKA, p-PKA in the acupuncture group were considerably increased (P<0.01, P<0.05), while the FLS was markedly decreased in both acupuncture and medication groups (P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared with the medication group, the acupuncture group had increased PRT (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture intervention is effective in reducing ocular surface damage and promoting tear secretion in guinea pigs with ATD, which may be related to its function in activating VIP/cAMP/PKA signaling, and promoting the expression of AQP5 in the lacrimal gland.

Unusual acetylated flavonol glucuronides, oxyphyllvonides A-H with renoprotective activities from the fruits of Alpinae oxyphylla.

As a widely consumed spice and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Alpinae oxyphylla has been used to treat conditions such as diarrhea, ulcers, dementia, and enuresis. Fruits of A. oxyphylla were phytochemically studied and the bioactive constituents against renal fibrosis were identified. Eight previously undescribed acetylated flavonol glucuronides named oxyphyllvonides A-H (1-7 and 10), two known acetylated flavonol glucuronides (8 and 9), together with seven known flavone glycosides (11-17) were isolated from the fruits of A. oxyphylla. Among them, flavonol glucuronides were discovered in Zingiberaceae for the first time. The planar structures of 1-7 and 10 were determined using HRESIMS and extensive spectroscopic techniques (UV, IR, 1D-NMR, and 2D-NMR). The absolute configurations of the sugar moiety in these compounds were determined by using LC-MS analysis of acid-hydrolyzed derivatized monosaccharides. Biological evaluation showed that 7-10, 13, 14, 16 and 17 inhibit renal fibrosis in TGF-ß1-induced kidney proximal tubular cells. In addition, 7, 8 and 14 were superior to nootkatone in inhibiting Fibronectin expression. The finding has significant relevance to our ongoing research on the anti-renal fibrosis activity of A. oxyphylla.

[Exploration and consideration on establishing a core outcome set of Traditional Chinese Medicine clinical trials in distal radius fracture].

There are inconsistencies in treatment outcomes, measurement instruments, and criteria for assessing clinical effectiveness in studies related to distal radius fractures (DRF), resulting in potential biases and failing to provide high-quality clinical evidence. To address these challenges, international researchers have reached a consensus on developing the core outcome indicator set for distal radius fractures(COS-DRF). However, it's important to note that the existing COS-DRF framework could not reflect the unique characteristics of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment. Currently, there are no established standards for treatment outcomes and measurement instruments specific to TCM clinical research, nor has a COS-DRF been established for TCM clinical studies in China. In light of these gaps, our research team aims to construct a core set of treatment outcomes for TCM clinical research on distal radius fractures. This involves compiling a comprehensive list of treatment outcomes and measurement instruments, initially derived from a thorough literature review and expert consensus, which will then undergo further refinement and updates based on real-world clinical experiences, incorporating feedback from 2 to 3 rounds of expert consensus or Delphi questionnaire surveys. Our goal is to establish a COS-DRF or CMS-DRF that aligns with the principles and practices of TCM, and provide high-quality evidence for clinical practice.

Effect of hydrophobic property on antibacterial activities of green tea polysaccharide conjugates against Escherichia coli.

We previously found that green tea polysaccharide conjugates (gTPCs) have antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli. In this study, the effect of hydrophobic property on the antibacterial activities of gTPCs was evaluated to elucidate their property-activity relationship. Three gTPCs (gTPCs-5 h, gTPCs-12 h and gTPCs-24 h) were extracted from green tea with the ethanol precipitation time of 5 h, 12 h and 24 h, respectively. These three gTPCs did not differ significantly in terms of molecular weight distribution, amino acids composition and zeta potentials. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results revealed that gTPCs-5 h and gTPCs-12 h processed more hydrogen bonds than gTPCs-24 h. The surface hydrophobicity and contact angle of gTPCs-5 h were larger than that of gTPCs-12 h and gTPCs-24 h. The antibacterial activity of gTPCs against E. coli decreased in the order of gTPCs-5 h > gTPCs-12 h > gTPCs-24 h. There wasn't significant difference among the zeta potentials of E. coli treated by gTPCs-5 h, gTPCs-12 h and gTPCs-24 h, but the bacterial contact angles of E. coli treated by gTPCs-5 h were higher compared with those of the other two gTPCs. Furthermore, gTPCs-5 h exhibited higher activity to decrease bacterial membrane proteins, and increase bacterial membrane permeability than the other two gTPCs. In conclusion, gTPCs with higher hydrophobicity property exhibited stronger antibacterial activity against E. coli.

Isolation and characterization of dihydropyran-ring containing meroterpenoids from Ganoderma lucidum and their inhibitory activity against renal fibrosis-related protein expression.

The Ganoderma lucidum mushroom, which has been used as a traditional medicine in China for more than 2000 years, is a source of many interesting natural product. In this study, the five undescribed minor meroterpenoids baoslingzhines F-J (1-5), containing a dihydropyran moiety, were isolated as racemic mixtures from the fruiting bodies of G. lucidum. These substances were structurally and stereochemically characterized by using spectroscopic and computational methods. Chiral HPLC was employed to separate the (+)- and (-)-antipodes. A survey of the activities against kidney fibrosis showed that both enantiomers of baoslingzhines F-J inhibit expression of renal fibrosis-related proteins, including fibronectin, collagen I and ɑ-SMA in TGF-ß1-induced rat kidney proximal tubular cells.

Anti-depression-like effect of Mogroside V is related to the inhibition of inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways.

Siraitia grosvenorii (SG) is an edible medicinal plant found mainly in Guangxi, China, and Mogroside V (MGV) is the main component of SG extract. Previous research has shown that SG and MGV exert anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and neuroprotective effects. However, it is not clear whether MGV has anti-depression-like effect. In this study, we evaluated the neuroprotective effects and anti-depression-like effect of MGV both in vitro and in vivo. By performing in vitro tests, we evaluated the protective effects of MGV on PC12 cells with corticosterone-induced injury. In vivo tests, we used the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) depression model. Fluoxetine (10 mg/kg/day) and MGV (10 or 30 mg/kg/day) were administered by gavage for 21 days, and the open field test (OFT), novelty suppressed feeding test (NSFT), Tail suspension test (TST), and forced Swimming test (FST) were used to evaluate the depressive-like behaviors. In addition, we investigated the role of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-4) in the hippocampal and cortex tissues. The levels of Superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) in hippocampal and cortex tissues were also measured. Pathological changes in the hippocampal dentate gyrus and cortex regions were detected by immunofluorescence and Western blotting was used to measure the protein expression of BDNF, TrkB, TNF-α, and AKT. The results showed that MGV had a protective effect on PC12 cells with corticosterone-induced incurred injury. In addition, MGV treatment relieved the depressive symptoms and significantly reduced inflammatory levels (IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α). MGV also significantly reduced oxidative stress damage and reduced the levels of apoptosis in hippocampal nerve cells. These results suggested that the anti-depressive effect of MGV may occur through the inhibition of inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways and the BDNF/TrkB/AKT pathway. These findings provide a new concept for the identification of new anti-depressive strategies.

Eight new 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone derivatives from agarwood of Aquilaria sinensis with anti-inflammatory activity.

Eight previously unknown 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone derivatives, called aquichromones A - E (1-3, 5 and 6) and 8-epi-aquichromone C (4), including two pairs of enantiomers [(±)-1 and (±)-2] were isolated from the agarwood of Aquilaria sinensis. The structures and absolute stereochemistry of these natural products were elucidated by using spectroscopic and computational methods. The result of biological assay showed that two members of this group, 4 and 5, have significant dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity.

Treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome and its associated psychiatric symptoms with the Mongolian medicine Nuangong Qiwei Pill and macelignan.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The Mongolian medicine Nuangong Qiwei Pill (NGQW) is a folk prescription with a long history of use by the Mongolian people. NGQW comprises seven Mongolian medicines, which have the effects of regulating and nourishing blood, warming the uterus, dispelling cold and relieving pain. For a long time, it has been used as a good remedy for gynecological diseases, with remarkable curative effects, favored by the majority of patients and recommended by doctors. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common gynecological endocrine disorder that can lead to menstrual disorders or infertility. In the gynecological classification of Mongolian medicine, polycystic ovary syndrome has not been distinguished in detail, and the mechanism of NGQW in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome has not been scientifically studied and standardized. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to clarify the mechanism of action of NGQW and macelignan in the treatment of PCOS and to provide a reference for the clinical application of these drugs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effect of intragastric administration of NGQW and macelignan on PCOS model mice was observed. The mental status of mice was examined behaviorally, and serum hormone levels and oxidative stress parameters were measured by ELISA. Giemsa staining was used to detect the reproductive cycle, and HE staining was used to observe the ovarian status. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to observe the proliferation and apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells. qRT‒PCR was conducted to measure the expression of IL-6, BAX, BCL-2, and estrogen synthesis-related genes in ovarian tissue and particle cells. RESULTS: In the dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-induced PCOS model mice, both NGQW and macelignan improved the estrous cycle; increased the estradiol (E2) content; lowered testosterone (T), progesterone (P) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels; reduced the number of polycystic follicles; promoted granulosa cell proliferation; reduced granulosa cell apoptosis; and alleviated depression and anxiety. In addition, Nuangong Qiwei Pill and macelignan reduced the mRNA levels of the ovarian inflammatory factor IL-6; improved the disordered levels of the antioxidant indicators GSH, MDA, and SOD; and activated the TGF-ß3 signaling pathway to increase the transcription of Cyp19a1, which increases estrogen secretion. CONCLUSION: NGQW and macelignan can treat PCOS through the TGF-ß3/Smad/Cyp19a1 signaling pathway to regulate the secretion ability of ovarian granulosa cells. Our research justifies the traditional use of NGQW to treat PCOS and enriches the scope of action of macelignan.

Effects of whey protein isolate and ferulic acid/phloridzin/naringin/cysteine on the thermal stability of mulberry anthocyanin extract at neutral pH.

In this study, the effects of whey protein isolate (WPI) and four copigments, including ferulic acid (FA), phloridzin, naringin, and cysteine (Cys), on the thermal stability (80 °C/2h) of mulberry anthocyanin extract (MAE) pigment solution at pH 6.3 were studied. WPI addition or copigment (except for Cys) addition alone could protect anthocyanin from degradation to a certain degree, and FA exhibited the best effect among copigments. Compared with the MAE-WPI and MAE-FA binary systems, ΔE of the MAE-WPI-FA ternary system decreased by 20.9% and 21.1%, respectively, and the total anthocyanin degradation rate decreased by 38.0% and 39.3%, respectively, indicating the best stabilizing effect. Remarkably, interactions between anthocyanins and Cys, which generate four anthocyanin derivatives with 513-nm UV absorption during heat treatment, did not alter the color stability of MAE solution; however, they accelerated anthocyanin degradation. These results favor the combined use of multiple methods to stabilize anthocyanins at neutral conditions.

Effects of different food ingredients and additives on the digestibility of extruded and roller-dried maize starch and its application in low glycemic index nutritional formula powder.

BACKGROUND: Complex interactions that occur among starch, protein, and fat during food processing affect the taste, texture, and digestibility of starch-based food. The physicochemical properties of starch, in particular its slow digestibility, are greatly influenced by processing techniques such as extrusion and roller-drying. This study investigated the effects of various food ingredients and additives on the digestion properties of maize starch treated with extrusion and roller drying. It designed a nutritional formula to develop low glycemic index products. RESULTS: The extruded group containing raw maize starch, soybean protein isolate, soybean oil, lecithin and microcrystalline cellulose in the ratio of 580:250:58:20:3 had the best slow digestion properties. Nutritional formulas were designed at the above ratio, with supplements including calcium casein peptide, multi-vitamins, sodium ascorbate, fructooligosaccharides, xylitol, and peanut meal. The sample containing 10% peanut meal and a 1:3 ratio of fructooligosaccharides and xylitol additions obtained the highest sensory evaluation scores. An obvious slow digestion effect was observed in samples produced from the optimal formula. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study could contribute to the development and production of a low glycemic index, nutritional powder. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Six new diterpenoids from the resins of Populus euphratica and their anti-inflammatory activities.

Six new diterpenoids, identified as two abietane derivatives, euphraticanoids J and K (1 and 2), two pimarane derivatives, euphraticanoids L and M (3 and 4), and two 9,10-seco-abietane derivatives, euphraticanoids N and O (5 and 6) were isolated from Populus euphratica resins. Their structures including absolute configurations were characterized using spectroscopic, quantum chemical NMR, and ECD calculation methods. The anti-inflammatory activity of the compounds was tested and the results revealed that compounds 4 and 6 inhibited the production of iNOS and COX-2 in a dose-dependent manner in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells.

Retro-dihydrochalcones from the resin of Daemonorops draco and their inhibitory activities against renal fibrosis.

Daedracoflavan A-E (1-5), five new flavonoids were isolated from the resin of Daemonorops draco. Their structures including absolute configurations were established by using spectroscopic and computational methods. All the compounds are new chalcones with the same retro-dihydrochalcone skeleton. Compound 1 features the presence of a cyclohexadienone unit originating from a benzene ring, and the ketone group of C-9 reduced to a hydroxyl group. The bioactivity of all isolated compounds was evaluated in kidney fibrosis and found that compound 2 could dose-dependently inhibit the expression of fibronectin, collagen I, and α-SMA in TGF-ß1-induced rat kidney proximal tubular cells (NRK-52E). Interestingly, the replacement of a proton by a hydroxyl group at C-4' seems to play a crucial role in anti-renal fibrosis activity.

Anti-depressant-like effects of rannasangpei and its active ingredient crocin-1 on chronic unpredictable mild stress mice.

Major depressive disorder is one of the most common neuropsychiatric diseases and it is a global public health problem that leads to disabilities. Currently, there is a growing need to explore novel strategy to cure major depressive disorder due to the limitation of available treatments. Rannasangpei (RSNP) is a traditional Tibetan medicine which acts as a therapeutic agent in various acute or chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative diseases. Crocin-1 a coloring ingredient of saffron which exhibited anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. Here, we aimed to illustrate whether RSNP and its active ingredient crocin-1 rescue depressive-like phenotypes in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) induced mouse model of depression. Our results showed that peripheral administration of RSNP or crocin-1 ameliorated the depressive-like behaviors in CUMS-treated mice, as demonstrated by the forced swimming test and tail suspension test. Furthermore, RSNP or crocin-1 treatment reduced oxidative stress in the peripheral blood and hippocampus of the CUMS-treated mice. Additionally, the dysregulated immune system response, as demonstrated by the increased expression of the pro-inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6) and the decreased expression of the anti-inflammatory factor-interleukin-10 in the prefrontal cortex and/or hippocampus of CUMS-treated mice, were at least partially restored by RSNP or crocin-1 treatment. RSNP or crocin-1 also restored apoptotic protein marker (Bcl-2 and Bax) levels in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of the CUMS-treated mice. Moreover, our data indicated that RSNP or crocin-1 increased astrocyte number and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in the hippocampus of CUMS-treated mice after RSNP or crocin-1 administration. Taken together, our study for the first time revealed an anti-depressant effect of RSNP and its active ingredient crocin-1 in a mouse model of depression, with involvement of oxidative stress, inflammatory response and apoptotic pathway.

Meroterpenoids from Ganoderma petchii inhibiting migration of triple negative breast cancer cells.

Ganoderpetchoids A-E and (-)-dayaolingzhiol H, six undescribed meroterpenoids, were isolated from Ganoderma petchii. Their structures including the relative configurations were identified by means of spectroscopic methods and 13C NMR calculations. Chiral separation of the new racemics was performed to afford their respective enantiomers. The absolute configurations of the new isolates were clarified by computational approaches, CD comparisons and X-ray diffraction analysis. Biological studies toward triple negative breast cancer indicated that (+)-6 and (-)-6 significantly inhibit the migration of MDA-MB-231 cell line.