Preparation of curcumin-loaded pectin-nisin copolymer emulsion and evaluation of its stability.

In the paper, Nisin was grafted onto native pectin by the 1-ethyl-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC·HCl) method. Structure characterisation showed that the carboxyl group of pectin interacted with the amino group of Nisin and formed an amide bond. The highest grafting ratio of the modified pectin was up to 24.89 %. The emulsifying property of modified pectin, significantly improved, and emulsification performance improved with increasing grafting ratio. Emulsifying activity, emulsion stability, Zeta potential, and droplet morphology data demonstrate a notable enhancement in pectin's emulsifying properties due to Nisin's introduction, with the degree of grafting showing a direct correlation with the improvement observed. Pectin-based emulsion is utilized to load curcumin, enhancing its stability and bioavailability. Research findings highlight that the incorporation of Nisin-modified pectin significantly elevates curcumin encapsulation efficiency, while decelerating its release rate. Moreover, the stability of curcumin loaded in the modified pectin under light exposure, alkaline conditions, and long-term storage is also significantly improved. Ultimately, the bioavailability of curcumin escalates from 0.368 to 0.785.

Evaluation of amidated pectin as fat substitutes for minced chicken breast: Physicochemical properties and edible quality.

An investigation was conducted to assess the gelation characteristics of amino acid amidated pectin and its subsequent influence on the quality of minced chicken breast (MCB) when employed as a lipid substitute. Through experimentation, it was evidenced that amidated pectin, such as glycine amidated pectin (AP@Gly), glutamic amidated pectin (AP@Glu), and lysine amidated pectin (AP@Lys), demonstrated superior viscosity and gelation capacity in comparison to their native pectin (PE) counterpart. In contrast to PE, amidated pectin samples exhibited the potential to form high-strength hydrogels under conditions of minimal restriction. Additionally, evaluations conducted on all samples established that MCB samples enriched with pectin and amidated pectin demonstrated superior water retention capability. Before thermal processing, MCB samples fortified with amidated pectin showcased higher hardness and L* values in comparison to PE and the control group. However, upon thermal processing, no significant divergence was found in the chroma and texture profile analysis (TPA) attributes across all MCB samples, and the electronic tongue sensory evaluation was closely aligned with the control group. This evidence substantiates the effectiveness of amidated pectin samples as viable lipid substitutes in MCB products.

Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae-Assessing the influence of herbal processing methods and improved effects on functional dyspepsia.

Background: The unique pharmaceutical methods for the processing of botanical drugs according to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) affect clinical syndrome differentiation and treatment. The objective of this study was to comprehensively elucidate the principles and mechanisms of an herbal processing method by investigating the alterations in the metabolites of Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae (AMR) processed by Aurantii Fructus Immaturus (AFI) decoction and to determine how these changes enhance the efficacy of aqueous extracts in treating functional dyspepsia (FD). Methods: A qualitative analysis of AMR before and after processing was conducted using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, and HPLC was employed for quantitative analysis. A predictive analysis was then conducted using a network analysis strategy to establish a botanical drug-metabolite-target-disease (BMTD) network and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and the predictions were validated using an FD rat model. Results: A total of 127 metabolites were identified in the processed AMR (PAMR), and substantial changes were observed in 8 metabolites of PAMR after processing, as revealed by the quantitative analysis. The enhanced aqueous extracts of processed AMR (PAMR) demonstrate improved efficacy in treating FD, which indicates that this processing method enhances the anti-inflammatory properties and promotes gastric motility by modulating DRD2, SCF, and c-kit. However, this enhancement comes at the cost of attenuating the regulation of motilin (MTL), gastrin (GAS), acetylcholine (Ach), and acetylcholinesterase (AchE). Conclusion: Through this series of investigations, we aimed to unravel the factors influencing the efficacy of this herbal formulation in improving FD in clinical settings.

Preparation of amphoteric double network hydrogels based on low methoxy pectin: Adsorption kinetics and removal of anionic and cationic dyes.

The objective of this research was to devise a functional hydrogel was synthesized using pectin (PE), acrylic acid (AA), dimethyldiallyl ammonium chloride (DC), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), designed to adsorb both cationic and anionic dyes concurrently. The low methoxy pectin formed double network hydrogel through chemical and physical crosslinking with AA and PVA respectively. DC is combined into the hydrogel system through copolymerization reaction. Analysis of hydrogel's physicochemical properties was conducted using techniques such as infrared spectroscopy, texture analysis, thermogravimetry, and scanning electron microscopy. Dyes adsorption studies showed that the LP/AA/DC/PVA-2 hydrogel, prepared at the molar ratio of AA to DC of 1:2, exhibited higher adsorption efficiency for methylene blue (MB) and Congo red (CR). Kinetics and isotherms studies indicated that the adsorption behavior conformed to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm model. By the Langmuir isotherm fitting, the maximum adsorption capacities of MB and CR by LP/AA/DC/PVA-2 were recorded to be 222.65 mg/g and 316.46 mg/g, respectively. The adsorption mechanism is dominated by the hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions. Further, the adsorption and desorption experiments demonstrated that LP/AA/DC/PVA-2 hydrogel have excellent reusability.

Novel Pickering emulsion gels stabilized solely by phenylalanine amidated pectin: Characterization, stability and curcumin bioaccessibility.

Pickering emulsion gels represent a novel class of non-toxic and biocompatible emulsions, offering extensive applications in the pharmaceutical and food additive sectors. This study delineates the synthesis of Pickering emulsion gels utilizing native and amidated pectin samples. Phenylalanine amidated pectin (AP) was procured via an ultra-low temperature enzyme method, while the control group (LP) adhered to an identical procedure without papain catalysis. Experimental outcomes revealed that the AP Pickering emulsion gel manifested superior stability compared to pectin emulsion samples (PE and LP). The Pickering emulsion gel from 5 % amidated pectin (5AP) retained stability throughout a 14-day emulsion stability assessment. Furthermore, all emulsion samples were evaluated for their capacity to deliver and sustain curcumin within an in vitro digestion simulation. Rheological properties and oil droplet size results indicated that the 5AP Pickering emulsion gel exhibited optimal cream index and emulsion stability, effectively inhibiting premature water-oil stratification within the emulsion and augmenting curcumin bioaccessibility. Within the in vitro digestion simulation, the 5AP Pickering emulsion gel demonstrated the highest curcumin bioaccessibility, measured at 17.96 %.

Pectin grafted with resorcinol and 4-hexylresorcinol: Preparation, characterization and application in meat preservation.

To augment the functional attributes of pectin and expand its prospective utilization in food preservation, this research explored the enzymatic grafting of resorcinol and 4-hexylresorcinol onto pectin. Structural analysis verified the successful grafting of both resorcinol and 4-hexylresorcinol to pectin via esterification, with the 1-OH of resorcinol and 4-hexylresorcinol and the carboxyl group of pectin functioning as grafting sites. The grafting ratios of resorcinol-modified pectin (Re-Pe) and 4-hexylresorcinol-modified pectin (He-Pe) were 17.84 % and 10.98 %, respectively. This grafting modification notably enhanced the antioxidative and antibacterial properties of pectin. Specifically, DPPH clearance and the inhibition ratio in the ß-carotene bleaching assay increased from 11.38 % and 20.13 % (native pectin, Na-Pe) to 41.15 % and 36.67 % (Re-Pe), and 74.72 % and 53.40 % (He-Pe). Moreover, the inhibition zone diameter against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus rose from 10.12 and 10.08 mm (Na-Pe) to 12.36 and 11.52 mm (Re-Pe), and 16.78 and 14.87 mm (He-Pe). Additionally, the application of native and modified pectin coatings effectively impeded pork spoilage, with the modified pectins demonstrating a more potent effect. Among the two modified pectins, He-Pe exhibited the most significant enhancement in pork shelf life.

Preparation of hydrophobic composite membranes based on carboxymethyl cellulose and modified pectin: Effects of grafting a long-chain saturated fatty acid.

In this study, docosanoic acid, a very long chain fatty acid, was used to modify pectin, and the products were incorporated with carboxylmethyl cellulose (CMC) to prepare a hydrophobic composite. Results of structural characterisation showed that docosanoic acid was grafted to pectin through the esterification reaction, and the highest grafting ratio was 7.89 %. After grafting with docosanoic acid, the emulsifying activity and stability of pectin were significantly enhanced from 1.23 × 10-2 and 9.27 % to 4.78 × 10-2 and 26.73 %. Moreover, when modified pectin was blended with CMC instead of native pectin, the hydrophobicity of the composite membranes increased significantly. In detail, the highest contact angle of the composite membrane incorporated with modified pectin was 97.6°, which was much higher than that with native pectin (68.9°). As the grafting ratio of pectin increased, the water vapor permeability of the composite membranes significantly increased, while the water absorption decreased. Furthermore, the mechanical properties and transparency of the composite membranes could be improved by grafting docosanoic acid into pectin. All the results indicated that incorporating docosanoic acid possibly helped improve the comprehensive properties of the composite membranes based on polysaccharides and expand their application in food packaging.

Construction of double-network hydrogel based on low methoxy pectin/polyvinyl alcohol and its structure and properties.

In this study, an interpenetrating double-network hydrogel (LMP/AA/PVAH) was prepared based on low methoxy pectin (LMP), acrylic acid (AA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The first rigid network of chemical crosslinking was constructed via free radical polymerization of LMP and AA, and the second of ductile physical crosslinking network was constructed via cyclic freeze-thaw of PVA. The first cycle hardness and elasticity of the LMP/AA/PVAH significantly increased from 13.08 N and 0 to 24.28 N and 0.79, respectively, when the second network structure was constructed in the hydrogel by PVA. Besides, the PVA network might enhance the ductile and limit the swelling of hydrogel. In addition, the adsorption properties of LMP/AA/PVAH were evaluated by adsorption of methylene blue (MB). The adsorption behavior of MB by LMP/AA/PVAH conformed to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Besides, after 4 cycles of adsorption, there was no significant difference in adsorption capacity of LMP/AA/PVAH. The results showed that LMP/AA/PVAH had good reusability.

Preparation of amidated pectins through enzymatic method: Structures, hydrogel properties and its application potential in fat substitutes.

In this paper, α-alanine and ß-alanine were used as modifiers to prepare α-alanine amidated pectin (α-AP) and ß-alanine amidated pectin (ß-AP) through enzymatic method. The effects of alanine and its isomer on the amidation degree and physicochemical properties of pectin were studied. Fourier transform infrared spectrum, proton nuclear magnetic resonance analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectrum and elemental analysis indicated that the amino groups from α-C and ß-C could be aminated with the carboxyl group of pectin to form the corresponding aminated pectin. The alanine grafting ratio of α-AP and ß-AP were 21.99% and 18.92%, respectively. The results showed that the dynamic viscosity of ß-AP was significantly higher than that of α-AP due to the influence of amino acid side chain. However, due to the higher alanine grafting ratio of α-AP, the strength of hydrogel prepared by α-AP was higher than that of ß-AP, and it also has the highest elastic modulus and swelling capacity. In addition, pectin, as a carbohydrate-based fat substitute, has been widely used in the field of food to simulate the smooth and delicate taste of fat. Compared with High methoxy pectin (HMP) and ß-AP, α-AP had better colloid stability and smaller hydrogel particles in the composite system. The results provide references for the application of amidated pectin in low-fat food.

Fabrication of phenylalanine amidated pectin using ultra-low temperature enzymatic method and its hydrogel properties in drug sustained release application.

In this study, pectin was modified with phenylalanine by ultra-low temperature enzymatic method to improve its gel properties. The grafting ratio of phenylalanine amidated pectin was studied under different reaction conditions. The highest value (29.21 %) was reached a reaction temperature of -5 °C and time of 12 h. Further analysis indicated that phenylalanine and high methoxyl pectin combined at the solid-liquid two phase interface under the catalysis of papain to form phenylalanine amidated pectin. Moreover, the physicochemical properties of pectin hydrogel and its feasibility as a sustained-release drug carrier were discussed. The results showed that phenylalanine amidated pectin can form hydrogel with a certain strength under acidic conditions, and there is no need to add a lot of soluble solids and divalent cations. Besides, the phenylalanine amidated pectin hydrogel as a sustained release carrier of drugs showed more sustained and complete drug release.

Dendrobium nobile protects against ovalbumin-induced allergic rhinitis by regulating intestinal flora and suppressing lung inflammation.

Antibiotic exposure-induced dysbiosis of the intestinal flora increases the risk of developing allergic rhinitis. Hence, regulating the balance of intestinal flora may be useful for preventing and treating allergic rhinitis. However, the underlying mechanism is unclear. Dendrobium nobile (Shihu) exhibits anti-inflammatory and immune activities. Hence, in this study, we investigated the mechanism via which Shihu may improve allergic rhinitis. Mouse models of allergic rhinitis with intestinal flora dysbiosis (Model-D, antibiotics induce intestinal flora dysbiosis with ovalbumin-induced allergy) and normal intestinal flora with allergic rhinitis (Model-N, ovalbumin-induced allergy) were established. The effect of Shihu on intestinal flora and inflammation caused during allergic rhinitis were analyzed. Allergic symptoms, infiltration of hematoxylin and eosin in the lungs and nose, and the release of various factors [interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-17] in the lungs were evaluated. The results indicate that intestinal flora dysbiosis exacerbated lung and nose inflammation in allergic rhinitis. However, treatment with the Shihu extract effectively reversed these symptoms. Besides, the Shihu extract inhibited the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and increased the level of Forkhead box protein in the lungs. Additionally, the Shihu extract reversed intestinal flora dysbiosis at the phylum and genus levels and improved regulator T cell differentiation. Furthermore, in the Model-D group, the Shihu extract inhibited the decrease in the diversity and abundance of the intestinal flora. Screening was performed to determine which intestinal flora was positively correlated with Treg differentiation using Spearman's correlation analysis. In conclusion, we showed that Shihu extract restored the balance in intestinal flora and ameliorated inflammation in the lungs of allergic rhinitis mice and predicted a therapeutic new approach using Traditional Chinese Medicine to improve allergic rhinitis.

Preparation of functionalized pectin through acylation with alkyl gallates: Experiments coupled with density functional theory.

The covalent grafting of alkyl gallates onto pectin using a lipase-catalyzed reaction in a tetrahydrofuran/aqueous medium process acylated pectin molecules with excellent antioxidant and antibacterial properties. The alkyl gallates including methyl, ethyl, and propyl gallates were enzymatically grafted onto pectin molecule, in order to study the effect of alkyl gallates on the functional modification of pectin. The grafting mechanism was analyzed by ultraviolet-visible spectrum (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FTIR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1HNMR), and density functional theory (DFT). Results suggested that lipase grafted 4-OH of alkyl gallate onto pectin by catalyzing esterification in organic/aqueous solution, and the grafting rate was affected by the length of alkyl chain of the gallates molecule. In vitro experiments, the acylated pectins exhibited stronger antioxidant activity in the DPPH test and ß-carotene bleaching test and were found to have obvious antimicrobial performance against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

Preparation of hydrogels based on pectin with different esterification degrees and evaluation of their structure and adsorption properties.

In this study, pectin (Pe) with different esterification degrees was used as raw materials to prepared hydrogel adsorbents via free radical polymerization. The effect of Pe esterification degree on hydrogel structure and adsorption performance was studied by FTIR, SEM and XPS characterization and copper ion adsorption experiment. The results demonstrated that the carboxyl group in the hydrogels was bonded to Cu2+ through electrostatic force and coordination, which was an important factor in its adsorption capacity. The hydrogels prepared from Pe with low esterification degree had finer pores and higher carboxyl content, so the adsorption capacity on both water and Cu2+ was stronger. The preparation of hydrogels from low-ester Pe was more conducive to the adsorption of copper ions. Besides, the adsorption behavior of the hydrogels on Cu2+ was investigated through the adsorption thermodynamics and kinetics. The results indicated that the adsorption kinetics of the hydrogels was in accordance with the quasi-second-order model. The adsorption of Cu2+ by hydrogels was the result of physical and chemical adsorption, which was endothermic under natural condition, and a higher temperature will result in more favorable spontaneous adsorption.

Dendrobium nobile protects against ovalbumin-induced allergic rhinitis by regulating intestinal flora and suppressing lung inflammation / 中国天然药物

Antibiotic exposure-induced dysbiosis of the intestinal flora increases the risk of developing allergic rhinitis. Hence, regulating the balance of intestinal flora may be useful for preventing and treating allergic rhinitis. However, the underlying mechanism is unclear. Dendrobium nobile (Shihu) exhibits anti-inflammatory and immune activities. Hence, in this study, we investigated the mechanism via which Shihu may improve allergic rhinitis. Mouse models of allergic rhinitis with intestinal flora dysbiosis (Model-D, antibiotics induce intestinal flora dysbiosis with ovalbumin-induced allergy) and normal intestinal flora with allergic rhinitis (Model-N, ovalbumin-induced allergy) were established. The effect of Shihu on intestinal flora and inflammation caused during allergic rhinitis were analyzed. Allergic symptoms, infiltration of hematoxylin and eosin in the lungs and nose, and the release of various factors [interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-17] in the lungs were evaluated. The results indicate that intestinal flora dysbiosis exacerbated lung and nose inflammation in allergic rhinitis. However, treatment with the Shihu extract effectively reversed these symptoms. Besides, the Shihu extract inhibited the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and increased the level of Forkhead box protein in the lungs. Additionally, the Shihu extract reversed intestinal flora dysbiosis at the phylum and genus levels and improved regulator T cell differentiation. Furthermore, in the Model-D group, the Shihu extract inhibited the decrease in the diversity and abundance of the intestinal flora. Screening was performed to determine which intestinal flora was positively correlated with Treg differentiation using Spearman's correlation analysis. In conclusion, we showed that Shihu extract restored the balance in intestinal flora and ameliorated inflammation in the lungs of allergic rhinitis mice and predicted a therapeutic new approach using Traditional Chinese Medicine to improve allergic rhinitis.

Investigation of the pectin grafting with gallic acid and propyl gallate and their antioxidant activities, antibacterial activities and fresh keeping performance.

In this paper, a method for the enzymatic modification of pectin, in which gallic acid (GA) and propyl gallate (PG) were grafted onto pectin molecules in an aqueous/organic two-phase system catalyzed by lipase, was proposed. The potential reaction mechanism was explored through UV-Vis, FTIR and 1H NMR spectroscopic methods and density functional theory. Results suggested that the lipase played a dual role during the modification by catalyzing the hydrolysis of methyl ester bonds of pectin in the aqueous phase and the esterification between the 4-OH of GA and PG and the -COOH of pectin in the organic phase. Moreover, the effects of GA and PG on the antioxidant and the antibacterial activities of pectin were evaluated, and results showed that the antioxidant and the antibacterial activities of modified pectin were better than those of native pectin. The effect of modified pectin on the quality of fresh bass (Lateolabrax maculatus) was further studied. Results suggested that, compared to control group, the total viable count, histamine level, malondialdehyde content and acid value of bass fillets treated with modified pectin were significantly reduced, whereas the sensory score was significantly increased.

Components and Pharmacodynamical Mechanism of Yinfupian Based on Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Analyses.

Objective: According to the treatment records of Yang deficiency syndrome (YDS) with characteristic decoction pieces of lateral root of Aconitum carmichaelii-Yinfupian (YF) in traditional Chinese medicine prepare school, known as "Jianchangbang". The aim of this study was to investigate differences in the composition and therapeutic mechanism of the unprocessed lateral root of Aconitum carmichaelii (ULRA) and its processed product (YF). Methods: Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis method were used to determine and screen the main components of ULRA and YF. Changes in the histological structure and morphology of gonads in rats were observed using hematoxylin-eosin. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the contents of serum cyclic adenosine monophosphate and cyclic guanosine monophosphate in YDS rats treated with ULRA and YF. Tandem mass tag proteomics analysis was used to identify the differentially expressed proteins in YDS rats treated with ULRA and YF. Results: Both ULRA and YF exerted certain therapeutic effects on rats with YDS. They improved the gonadal morphology and increased the contents of serum cyclic adenosine monophosphate and cyclic guanosine monophosphate. After processing of ULRA into YF, the content of C19-diester-diterpenoid alkaloids decreased (converted into C19-monoester-diterpenoid alkaloids and C19-alkylol amine-diterpenoid alkaloids), whereas that of C20-diterpene alkaloids increased. Proteomics analysis showed that cytochrome P450 and aldehyde oxidase 3 (AOX3) were downregulated, whereas cathepsin G (CTSG) was upregulated in rats with YDS. Treatment with ULRA mainly downregulated the expression of α-actinin, fast skeletal troponin, creatine kinase, and myosin. Treatment with YF mainly upregulated the expression of mitochondrial ribosomal protein and mitochondrial inner membrane protein. Conclusion: ULRA and YF exerted good therapeutic effects on YDS; the main difference in components between these preparations was in C19-diterpenoid alkaloids. ULRA mainly acts on the muscle contraction-related proteins and is closely related to inflammation and myocardial injury. YF mainly acts on the mitochondrial proteins and is closely related to adenosine triphosphate energy metabolism.

Preparation of acylated blueberry anthocyanins through an enzymatic method in an aqueous/organic phase: effects on their colour stability and pH-response characteristics.

To explore the potential of anthocyanins in pH-colour responsive intelligent packaging and improve the stability of the pigments, 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoic acid and gallic acid were grafted onto blueberry anthocyanins via enzyme-catalysed grafting. The structural analysis based on UV-vis and IR spectroscopy showed that the two acids were successfully grafted onto the blueberry anthocyanins. The acylation degrees of the 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoic acid-acylated anthocyanin (Tr-An) and gallic acid-acylated anthocyanin (Ga-An) were 6.38% and 6.51%, respectively. The results from the DPPH radical scavenging assay and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay implied that the antioxidant capacity of Tr-An was worse than that of natural anthocyanin (Na-An), but the antioxidant capacity of Ga-An was stronger than that of Na-An. The grafting of the two acids enhanced the stability of the blueberry anthocyanins and had little effect on the pH-colour response characteristics of the blueberry pigments.

Stearic acid esterified pectin: Preparation, characterization, and application in edible hydrophobic pectin/chitosan composite films.

This work investigated the modification of low-methoxy pectin with stearic anhydride through microwave action with 4-dimethylaminopyridine as catalyst. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses indicated that stearic acid was grafted on the pectin through esterification reaction, with the maximum stearic acid grafting ratio (SGR) of 10.7% for the modified pectin. The introduction of stearic acid was shown to significantly improve the emulsifying activity and stability of pectin. Composite films were prepared by blending the modified pectins and chitosan, and compared with the contact angle of 65.3° for the film with native low-methoxy pectin (PC0), the films with modified pectins showed a significant angle increase, with the highest contact angle reaching 101.9°, indicating a hydrophobic surface. Moreover, an appropriate amount of aliphatic chains could improve the tensile strength and elongation at break of the composite films due to the "anchoring effect".

[Mechanism of Danggui Sini Decoction in treatment of primary dysmenorrhea based on network pharmacology and molecular docking].

Network pharmacology, molecular docking and in vivo experiments were used to explore the pharmacodynamic basis and potential mechanism of Danggui Sini Decoction in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea(PD). The chemical constituents of Danggui(Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Guizhi(Cinnamomi Ramulus), Tongcao(Tetrapanacis Medulla), Baishao(Paeoniae Radix Alba), Xixin(Asari Radix et Rhizoma), Gancao(Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), and Dazao(Jujubae Fructus) from Danggui Sini Decoction were retrieved through TCMSP(Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database), and the action targets of Danggui Sini Decoction were collected through DrugBank. "Primary dysmenorrhea" and "dysmenorrhea" were used as the key words to search the corresponding targets in the GeneCards, OMIM and TTD databases, and then the intersection targets of Danggui Sini Decoction and the primary dysmenorrhea targets were taken for reverse screening to obtain the corresponding active ingredients. Cytoscape 3.6.1 software was used to construct a traditional Chinese medicine-compound-target-disease network; STRING database was used to build a protein-protein interaction(PPI) network; Gene ontology(GO) function enrichment analysis and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were conducted by using DAVID database. The action mechanism of the intersection targets were then predicted, and a histogram chart and bubble chart were drawn for visualization. Then the top five targets in the PPI network were used for docking with the most compounds. In animal experiments, Sprague Dawley(SD) female rats were used to establish a primary dysmenorrhea model by intraperitoneal injection of diethylstilbestrol once a day. A total of 60 SD female rats were randomly divided into 6 groups, namely control group, model group, Danggui Sini Decoction low(1.5 g·kg~(-1)), medium(3.0 g·kg~(-1)), high(6.0 g·kg~(-1)) dose groups, and ibuprofen(20 mg·kg~(-1)) positive control group, with 10 rats in each group. From day 4, except for the control group, rats in the other groups were given intragastric administration of corresponding drugs, and the control group received intragastric administration of normal saline for 7 consecutive days. The number of writhing before and after the administration, the ute-rine contraction inhibition rate and the uterine index after administration were observed, and ELISA assay was used to detect the levels of prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2(PTGS2) and vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGFA) in the tissues of each group as well as the levels of serum inflammatory factors interleukin 1(IL-1), interleukin 6(IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α). According to network analysis, 7 Chinese medicines contained 114 active ingredients, 149 targets, and 30 common target genes with PD were obtained. The key targets included VEGFA, IL6, PTGS2, TNF, etc.; GO function enrichment analysis showed a total of 399 terms(P<0.05) were obtained, 353 of which were biological process(BP) terms, 21 were cell composition(CC) terms, and 25 were molecular function(MF) terms. In KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, 14 signaling pathways were obtained, 3 of which were related to inflammation, namely arachidonic acid metabolism, MAPK signaling pathway and NOD-like receptor signaling pathway. The compounds in Danggui Sini Decoction can play a therapeutic role in the treatment of PD by acting on VEGFA, IL-6, PTGS2, TNF and other targets to regulate arachidonic acid and inflammatory signaling pathways.

Pectin modified with phenolic acids: Evaluation of their emulsification properties, antioxidation activities, and antibacterial activities.

Three phenolic acids including p-hydroxybenzoic acid (PHBA), 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, (DHBA), and gallic acid (GA) were grafted onto native pectin (Na-Pe) through enzymatic method. Ultraviolet-visible spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and 1H NMR analyses were used to explore the reaction mechanism. Results indicated that the p-hydroxyl of the phenolic acids reacted with the methoxycarbonyl of pectin through transesterification, and a covalent connection was formed. The phenolic acid contents of PHBA modified pectin (Ph-Pe), DHBA modified pectin (Dh-Pe), and GA modified pectin (Ga-Pe) were 20.18%, 18.87%, and 20.32%, respectively. After acylation with phenolic acids, the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazine clearance of pectin changed from 7.68% (Na-Pe) to 6.88% (Ph-Pe), 40.80% (Dh-Pe), and 90.30% (Ga-Pe), whereas its inhibition ratio of pectin increased from 3.11% (Na-Pe) to 35.02% (Ph-Pe), 66.36% (Dh-Pe), and 77.89% (Ga-Pe). Moreover, compared with Na-Pe, modified pectins exhibited better emulsification properties and stronger antibacterial activities against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.