Luteolin: A promising multifunctional natural flavonoid for human diseases.

Natural products are closely associated with human health. Luteolin (LUT), a flavonoid polyphenolic compound, is widely found in fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs. It is noteworthy that LUT exhibits a variety of beneficial pharmacological properties and holds significant potential for clinical applications, particularly in antitumor, anti-convulsion, diabetes control, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotection, anti-oxidation, anti-cardiovascular, and other aspects. The potential mechanism of action has been partially elucidated, including the mediation of NF-κB, toll-like receptor, MAPK, Wnt/ß-catenin, PI3K/Akt, AMPK/mTOR, and Nrf-2, among others. The review that aimed to comprehensively consolidate essential information on natural sources, pharmacological effects, therapeutic and preventive potential, as well as potential mechanisms of LUT. The objective is to establish a theoretical basis for the continued development and application of LUT.

Two new sesterterpenoids from Atractylodes japonica Koidz. ex Kitam.

Two new sesterterpenoids, atractylodes japonica terpenoid acid I (1) and atractylodes japonica terpenoid aldehyde I (2), were isolated from the rhizomes of Atractylodes japonica Koidz. ex Kitam together with ten known compounds (3-12). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of comprehensive spectroscopic analysis (1D/2D NMR, HRESIMS and IR). In addition, all of these isolated compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against human gastric cancer cell MGC-803 and human hepatocellular cancer cell HepG-2. Most of them exhibited moderate to weak inhibitory effects with IC50 values in the range of 25.15-88.85 µM except for 9-12.

Dryopteris crassirhizoma Nakai.: A review of its botany, traditional use, phytochemistry, pharmacological activity, toxicology and pharmacokinetics.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The Dryopteris crassirhizoma Nakai., a commonly used herb, is known as "Guan Zhong" in China, "Oshida" in Japan and "Gwanjung" in Korea. It has long been used for parasitic infestation, hemorrhages and epidemic influenza. AIM OF THE REVIEW: The present paper aims to provide an up-to-date review at the advancements of the investigations on the traditional use, phytochemistry, pharmacological activity, toxicology and pharmacokinetics of D. crassirhizoma. Besides, possible trends, therapeutic potentials, and perspectives for future research of this plant are also briefly discussed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Relevant information on traditional use, phytochemistry, pharmacological activity, toxicology and pharmacokinetics of D. crassirhizoma was collected through published materials and electronic databases, including the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Flora of China, Web of Science, PubMed, Baidu Scholar, Google Scholar, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. 109 papers included in the article and we determined that no major information was missing after many checks. All authors participated in the review process for this article and all research paper are from authoritative published materials and electronic databases. RESULTS: 130 chemical components, among which phloroglucinols are the predominant groups, have been isolated and identified from D. crassirhizoma. D. crassirhizoma with its bioactive compounds is possessed of extensive biological activities, including anti-parasite, anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, bone protective, immunomodulatory, anti-platelet and anti-hyperuricemia activity. Besides, D. crassirhizoma has special toxicology and pharmacokinetics characterization. CONCLUSIONS: D. crassirhizoma is a traditional Chinese medicine having a long history of application. This review mainly summarized the different chemical components extract from D. crassirhizoma and various reported pharmacological effects. Besides, the toxicology and pharmacokinetics of D. crassirhizoma also be analysed in this review. However, the chemical components of D. crassirhizoma are understudied and require further research to expand its medicinal potential, and it is urgent to design a new extraction scheme, so that the active ingredients can be obtained at a lower cost.

A review on extraction, purification, structural characteristics, biological activities, applications of polysaccharides from Hovenia dulcis Thunb. (Guai Zao).

Hovenia dulcis Thunb. (H. dulcis) is a widely distributed plant with a long history of cultivation and consumption. As a common plant, it has economic, edible and medicinal value. H. dulcis polysaccharides are one of their main bioactive ingredients and have many health benefits, such as anti-diabetes, antioxidation, anti-glycosylation, anti-fatigue, immune regulation activities and alcoholic liver disease protection activity. In this paper, the research progress of H. dulcis polysaccharides in extraction, purification, structural characteristics, biological activities, existing and potential applications were reviewed, which could provide new valuable insights for future studies.

Elucidating the hepatoprotective mechanisms of cholic acid against CCl4-Induced acute liver injury: A transcriptomic and metabolomic study.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Cholic acid (CA) is one of the main active ingredients in Calculus Bovis, a traditional Chinese medicine, which helps to regulate the heart and liver meridians, clearing the heart, opening the mouth, cooling the liver and calming the wind. However, the molecular mechanism of its liver protective effect is still unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY: Growing attention has been directed towards traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), particularly Calculus Bovis, as a potential solution for liver protection. Despite this interest, a comprehensive understanding of its hepatoprotective mechanisms remains lacking. This research seeks to explore the potential protective properties of cholic acid (CA) against CCl4-induced acute liver injury (ALI) in mice, while also examining the mechanisms involved. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the experiment, a mouse model was employed to ALI using CCl4, and the potential therapeutic effects of orally administered CA at varying doses (15, 30, and 60 mg/kg) were assessed. The study employed a multi-faceted approach, integrating liver transcriptomics with serum metabolomics, and conducting thorough analyses of serum biochemical markers and liver histopathological sections. RESULTS: Oral CA administration markedly reduced the organ indices of the liver, spleen, and thymus in comparison with the model group. It also elevated the expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in serum while diminishing the concentrations of ALT, AST, MDA, IL-6, and TNF-α. Moreover, CA ameliorated the pathological damage induced by CCl4. Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses indicated that the hepatoprotective action of CA on ALI is mediated through the modulation of lipid metabolic pathways-specifically, metabolisms of glycerophospholipid, arachidonic acid, as well as linoleic acid-and by altering the expression of genes such as Ptgr1, PLpp1, Tbxas1, and Cyp2c37. CONCLUSIONS: The current investigation offers insights into the hepatoprotective mechanisms by which CA mitigates ALI caused by CCl4 exposure, thus supporting the further evaluation and development of CA-based therapeutics for ALI.

Dichroa febrifuga Lour.: A review of its botany, traditional use, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, toxicology, and progress in reducing toxicity.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Dichroa febrifuga Lour., a toxic but extensively used traditional Chinese medicine with a remarkable effect, is commonly called "Changshan" in China. It has been used to treat malaria and many other parasitic diseases. AIM OF THE REVIEW: The study aims to provide a current overview of the progress in the research on traditional use, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, toxicology, and methods of toxicity reduction of D. febrifuga. Additionally, further research directions and development prospects for the plant were put forward. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The article uses "Dichroa febrifuga Lour." "D. febrifuga" as the keyword and all relevant information on D. febrifuga was collected from electronic searches (Elsevier, PubMed, ACS, CNKI, Google Scholar, and Baidu Scholar), doctoral and master's dissertations and classic books about Chinese herbs. RESULTS: 30 chemical compounds, including alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids and other kinds, were isolated and identified from D. febrifuga. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that these components have a variety of pharmacological activities, including anti-malarial activities, anti-inflammatory activities, anti-tumor activities, anti-parasitic activities and anti-oomycete activities. Meanwhile, alkaloids, as the material basis of its efficacy, are also the source of its toxicity. It can cause multiple organ damage, including liver, kidney and heart, and cause adverse reactions such as nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea. In the current study, the toxicity can be reduced by modifying the structure of the compound, processing and changing the dosage forms. CONCLUSIONS: There are few studies on the chemical constituents of D. febrifuga, so the components and their structure characterization contained in it can become the focus of future research. In view of the toxicity of D. febrifuga, there are many methods to reduce it, but the safety and rationality of these methods need further study.

Seven new triterpenoids from the roots of Adenophora tetraphylla (Thub.) Fisch.

Seven new triterpenoids, named Adeterpenoids A-G (1-7) and eight known compounds (8-15), were isolated from 70% ethanol extract of the roots of Adenophora tetraphylla (Thub.) Fisch. The compounds from it were separated by column chromatography techniques such as silica gel, ODS, and preparative liquid chromatography. Their structures were clarified based on extensive spectral analysis (1D, 2D-NMR, HR-ESI-MS, IR, UV, and CD) and comparison with the literature. At the same time, all compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against the LN229 (human glioma cell line). The results showed that compounds 2, 5, 6, 13, and 14 had a significant inhibitory effect on LN229 cells.

Polyacetylenes from Saposhnikovia divaricata and their anticancer activity.

Nine polyacetylenes, including five new compounds named sadivaethynes E-I (1-5), were isolated from the roots of Saposhnikovia divaricata. Structural elucidation of compounds 1-5 was established by extensive spectroscopic analysis, quantum chemical calculations and DP4+ probability analysis. Among them, the absolute configuration of compound 1-2, 4-5 was unambiguous determined by ECD. Also, all compounds were evaluated for cytotoxicity against two human cancer cell lines (A549, HEPG2) in vitro, compound 9 showed moderate inhibitory effect with an IC50 value of 11.66 µM against HEPG2.

Effects of Viscum coloratum (Kom.) Nakai on collagen-induced rheumatoid arthritis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Viscum coloratum (Kom.) Nakai has been traditionally used in China for nearly a thousand years to treat rheumatic diseases. However, its efficacy and mechanisms in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have not been demonstrated. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the anti-arthritic effects and molecular mechanisms of Viscum coloratum (Kom.) Nakai on collagen-induced arthritic mice through network pharmacology technology and experimental validation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: First, the main ingredients of the extract of Viscum coloratum (Kom.) Nakai (EVC) were identified through chemical composition characterization using Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS). Then, the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model was established in DBA/1 J mice and the ameliorative effects of EVC on the progression of CIA mice were evaluated by oral treatment with different doses of the EVC for 28 days. After that, cytokine antibody microarray assay was used to detect the levels of multiple inflammation-related cytokines and chemokines in each group, and performed Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome (KEGG) enrichment analysis. Subsequently, the potential target for the effective chemical components of EVC in treating RA was identified using various databases. Additionally, a drug-disease target protein-protein interaction network (PPI) was conducted using Cytoscape for visualization and clustering, while GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed with the Metascape database. Finally, identified phenotypes and targets by network pharmacology analysis were experimentally validated in vivo. RESULTS: Treatment with EVC significantly suppressed the severity of CIA with a dramatic reduction of paw swelling, arthritis index, levels of IgGs (IgG, IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b), multi-inflammation-related cytokines and chemokines on the progression of CIA. Histopathological examinations showed EVC could markedly inhibit inflammatory cell infiltration, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity of osteoclast, and bone destruction. Furthermore, GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that EVC could ameliorate RA by inhibiting osteoclast differentiation and regulating multiple signaling pathways including Osteoclast differentiation, IL-17, and TNF. PPI network analysis demonstrated that AKT1, MMP9, MAPK3, and other genes were highly related to EVC in treating RA. Finally, we proved that EVC could inhibit the expression of NFTAc1, MMP9, Cathepsin K, and AKT which were closely related to osteoclast activity. CONCLUSIONS: EVC could treat RA through multiple components, multiple targets, and multiple pathways. The present study demonstrated the therapeutic efficacy of EVC and its molecular mechanisms in treating RA, indicating that it would be a potent candidate as a novel botanical drug for further investigation.

Protective effect of phenylpropionamides in the seed of Cannabis Sativa L. on Parkinson's disease through autophagy.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the world. As one of the major degradation pathways, autophagy plays a pivotal role in maintaining the effective turnover of proteins and damaged organelles in cells. Lewy bodies composed of α-synuclein (α-syn) abnormally aggregated in the substantia nigra are important pathological features of PD, and autophagy dysfunction is considered to be an important factor leading to abnormal aggregation of α-syn. Phenylpropionamides (PHS) in the seed of Cannabis sativa L. have a protective effect on neuroinflammation and antioxidant activity. However, the therapeutic role of PHS in PD is unclear. In this study, the seeds of Cannabis sativa L. were extracted under reflux with 60% EtOH-H2O, and the 60% EtOH-H2O elution fraction was identified as PHS with the UPLC-QTOF-MS. The 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-pyridine (MPTP)-induced PD model in C57BL/6 J mice was used for behavioral and pharmacodynamic experiments. Behavioral symptoms were improved, Nissl-stained and TH-positive neurons in the substantia nigra were significantly increased in PHS-treated MPTP-induced PD model mice. Compared with the model group, PHS treatment reduced the expression level of α-syn, and the expression of TH increased significantly by western blotting, compared with the model group, the PHS group suppressed Caspase 3 and Bax expression and promoted Bcl-2 expression and levels of p62 decreased significantly, the ratio of LC3-II/I and p-mTOR/mTOR in the PHS group had a downward trend, suggesting that the therapeutic effect of PHS on MPTP-induced PD model mice may be triggered by the regulation of autophagy.

Five new sesquiterpenoids isolated from Dictamnus dasycarpus Turcz.

Five new sesquiterpenoids, dictamtrinorguaianols E and F (1-2), and dictameudesmnosides F, G, and H (3-5), along with seven known sesquiterpenoids (6-12) were isolated from Dictamnus dasycarpus Turcz. The structures of all new compounds were characterized by spectroscopic methods, including UV, IR, HR-ESI-MS, and 1D and 2D NMR. The In-vitro anti-proliferative activities of all the compounds against two human cancer cell lines (SW982 and A549) were evaluated by CCK-8 assay. Compounds 1 and 4 showed medium anti-proliferative activity against SW982 cells, with IC50 values of 3.49 ± 0.10 and 6.42 ± 1.23 µM, respectively. Additionally, compounds 2, 7, and 8 exhibited medium anti-proliferative activity against A549 cells, with IC50 values ranging from 0.80 ± 0.05 to 6.60 ± 0.46 µM.

Protopine ameliorates OVA-induced asthma through modulatingTLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness are characteristics of asthma. The isoquinoline alkaloid protopine (PRO) has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory effects, but its mechanism of action in asthma is not known. PURPOSE: Investigate the protective properties of PRO upon asthma and elucidate its mechanism. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The effects of PRO in asthma treatment were assessed by histology, biochemical analysis, and real-time reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Then, we integrated molecular docking, western blotting, cellular experiments, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence analysis, flow cytometry, and metabolomics analysis to reveal its mechanism. RESULTS: In vivo, PRO therapy reduced the number of inflammatory cells (eosinophils, leukocytes, monocytes) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), ameliorated pathologic alterations in lung tissues, and inhibited secretion of IgG and histamine. Molecular docking showed that PRO could dock with the proteins of TLR4, MyD88, TRAF6, TAK1, IKKα, and TNF-α. Western blotting displayed that PRO inhibited the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. PRO regulated expression of the pyroptosis-related proteins NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, gasdermin D, caspase-1, and drove caspase-1 inactivation to affect inflammatory responses by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome. In vitro, 24 h after treatment with PRO, cell activity, as well as levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and interleukin (IL)-1ß and IL-18, decreased significantly. Immunofluorescence staining showed that PRO decreased expression of TLR4 and MyD88 in vitro. PRO decreased nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65. Twenty-one potential biomarkers in serum were identified using metabolomics analysis, and they predominantly controlled the metabolism of phenylalanine, tryptophan, glucose, and sphingolipids. CONCLUSION: PRO reduced OVA-induced asthma. The underlying mechanism was associated with the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis.

Syringa reticulata potently inhibits the activity of SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease.

The ongoing coronavirus infectious disease (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) still urgently requires effective treatments. The 3C-like (3CL) protease of SARS-CoV-2 is a highly conserved cysteine protease that plays an important role in the viral life cycle and host inflammation, providing an ideal target for developing broad-spectrum antiviral drugs. Herein, we describe the discovery of a large number of herbs mainly produced in Heilongjiang Province, China, that exhibited different inhibitory activities against SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease. We confirmed that Syringa reticulata, which is used for clinical treatment of chronic bronchitis and asthma, is a specific and potent inhibitor of 3CL protease. A 70 % ethanol extract of S. reticulata dose-dependently inhibited the cleavage activity of 3CL protease in a fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay with an IC50 value of 0.0018 mg/mL, but had minimal effect in pseudovirus-based cell entry and luciferase-based RNA-dependent RNA polymerase assays. These results suggest that S. reticulata will be a potential leading candidate for COVID-19 treatment.

Phenolic components from the fruits of Solanum xanthocarpum with anti-inflammatory activity.

Two new compounds (1 and 2), along with thirty-one known compounds (3-33) were isolated from the fruits of Solanum xanthocarpum. The structure of isolates was elucidated by analysis of spectroscopic data and the physicochemical methods. Meanwhile, the anti-inflammatory activity of isolates was determined using LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. The results of anti-inflammatory assays indicated that most isolated compounds (3, 4, 6, 8-14, 17-20, and 30) possessed significant nitric oxide (NO) production inhibition in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells with IC50 values ranging from 14.33 to 48.55 µM.

Euchronin A-F isolated from the Arnebia euchroma (Royle) Johnst. and their anti-proliferative activities in vitro.

Six new naphthoquinones, euchronin A-F (1-6) and nine known naphthoquinones (7-15), were isolated from the roots of Arnebia euchroma (Royle) Johnst. The structures of the new compounds were confirmed by extensive spectroscopic analyses, including UV, IR, HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR. In the present study, we estimated the anti-proliferative activities of these compounds with HaCaT cells. The results indicated that compounds 2 and 4 showed strong anti-proliferative activities at 25 µM, with relative viability at 38.83% and 68.44%, respectively.

Effects and mechanisms of frehmaglutin D and rehmaionoside C improve LPS-induced acute kidney injury through the estrogen receptor-mediated TLR4 pathway in vivo and in vitro.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (S-AKI) is an inflammatory disease with sex differences and there has no effective drugs to cure it. Frehmaglutin D (Fre D) and rehmaionoside C (Reh C) are two violetone compounds with estrogenic activity isolated from Rehmannia glutinosa. However, whether these two drugs exert protective effects on S-AKI through their estrogen-like activity are unclear. PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore the effects and mechanisms of Fre D and Reh C on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced S-AKI through the estrogen receptor pathway in vivo and in vitro and to explore the interaction between ER and TLR4 for the first time. METHODS: The LPS-induced female BALB/c mice S-AKI mouse model was established by adding the estrogen receptor antagonist ICI182,780. Renal function, inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, immune cells, and expression of key proteins of the ER-TLR4-IL-1ß pathway were tested. The affinity of Fre D and Reh C for the ER was investigated by molecular docking. Then, an in vitro S-AKI model was established, and ERα/ERß antagonists (MPP/PHTPP) were added and combined with gene overexpression techniques. The interaction between ER and TLR4 was further explored by Co-IP, GST pull-down and SPR techniques. RESULTS: Fre D and Reh C ameliorated LPS-induced renal damage, inflammation in mice, regulated the immune cells, decreased ROS levels, increased ERα and ERß protein expression, and decreased TLR4, caspase 11 and IL-1ß protein expression. These effects were blocked by ICI182,780. Molecular docking results showed that Fre D and Reh C bound ERα and ERß with similar potency. The results of in vitro suggested that Fre D and Reh C reduced the levels of inflammation, ROS and apoptosis, TLR4, caspase 11, and IL-1ß protein expression and increased ERα/ERß protein expression in cells. All of these effects were reversed by the addition of MPP/PHTPP and further enhanced after ERα/ERß gene overexpression with no significant difference in effects. Moreover, there was an indirect or direct interaction between ER and TLR4, and the binding of ERα and ERß to TLR4 was concentration dependent. CONCLUSION: Fre D and Reh C may improve S-AKI through the ER-TLR4-IL-1ß pathway and may act on both ERα and ERß receptors. Moreover, ERα and ERß may interact directly or indirectly with TLR4, which was studied for the first time.

Revealing the "Yin-Jing" mystery veil of Platycodon grandiflorum by potentiating therapeutic effects and lung-oriented guidance property.

ETHNIC PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: "Yin-Jing" medicine (YJM) has been widely used by both ancient and modern Chinese medicine practitioners during long-term clinical practice. However, it remains unclear how to best guide other medicines to the targeted organs in a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription. Here, in an attempt to explain the scientific connotation of the YJM property (YJMP) attributed to a basic TCM theory, Platycodon grandiflorum (PG) was chosen as a case study to reveal the mystery of YJMP theory. AIM OF THE STUDY: The main purpose of this study is to employ modern chemical and molecular biology methods to confirm the "Yin-Jing" effect of PG, and further clarify its material basis and related possible mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ammonia-induced lung injury rat model was utilized to determine the optimal dosage of traditional prescription Hui Yan Zhu Yu decoction (HYZYD) using Wright Giemsa staining, HE staining, Masson staining, and TUNEL analysis. With the same way, PG was confirmed to have potentiating therapeutic effect (PTE) by comparison with HYZYD and [HYZYD-PG]. TMT proteomics was used to reveal the "Yin-Jing" mechanism of action. Western blot assay (WB) was employed for verification of differentially expressed proteins. Additionally, four non-crossing fragmentations (Fr. A-D) were characterized by RPLC/SEC-ELSD and HILIC-ESI--Q-OT-IT-MS techniques. The PTE and guidance property assays were utilized to evaluate "Yin-Jing" functions by a compatible combination of hydroxysafflor yellow A (HYA) using qPCR, FCM, WB, HPLC, high content cell imaging (HCI) and high-resolution live-cell imaging (HRLCI) techniques. RESULTS: The HYZYD-M (medium dose group) significantly improved the lung injury level in a pneumonia model of rats. PG enhanced the therapeutic effect of HYZYD ascribed to Yin-Jing PTE functions. TMT proteomics revealed a category of differentially expressed proteins ascribed to Golgi-ER between HYZYD and [HYZYD-PG]. Fr. C (i.e., saponins) and Fr. D (i.e., lipids) were determined as therapeutic fragmentations via the LPS-induced A549 cell injury model; however, Fr. B (fructooligosaccharides and small Mw fructans) had no therapeutic effect. Further compatibility PTE assays confirmed Fr. B significantly improved efficiency by a combination of HYA. The guidance assays showed Fr. B could significantly increase the uptake and distribution of HYA into lung cells and tissues. HCI assays showed that Fr. B increased uptake of HYA accompanied by significant activation of Golgi-ER. Unlike Fr. B, HRLCI showed that Fr. A, C and D were not only unobvious activations of Golgi-ER but also insignificant facilitation of colocalizations between HYA and Golgi-ER. CONCLUSIONS: Fr. B is believed to be a key YJMP material basis of PG attributed to Yin-Jing PTE with characteristic of lung-oriented guidance property, whereas another abound Fr. C was determined to have synergistic effects rather than Yin-Jing material basis.

Simultaneous determination of four phytoecdysteroids by LC-MS/MS: application to a comparative pharmacokinetic study in normal and adjuvant arthritis rats after oral administration of C. officinalis Kuan phytoecdysteroids extract.

C. officinalis Kuan is the dry root of Cyathula officinalis Kuan. Clinically, it is used for fall and flutter injury, rheumatism and arthralgia. Phytoecdysteroids have significant anti-inflammatory effects, and the phytoecdysteroids present in C. officinalis Kuan exhibit potential for treating rheumatoid arthritis.This study first developed a selective, accurate and efficient LC-MS/MS method for 12-day pharmacokinetic studies regarding the simultaneous determination of cyasterone, 25-epi-28-epi-cyasterone, precyasterone and capitasterone from C. officinalis Kuan phytoecdysteroids extract in normal and adjuvant arthritis rats.An Agilent Eclipse Plus C18 RRHD column (1.8 µm, 50mm × 2.1 mm) with a gradient mobile phase consisting of water (A) and acetonitrile (B) was used for analysis. The mass analysis was performed in an Agilent 6430 QQQ-MS mass spectrometer with positive mode multiple reaction monitoring (MRM).The results indicated that the AUC0-t and AUC0-∞ values of the four phytoecdysteroids in adjuvant arthritis rats were different from those in normal rats on the first day, which could provide a helpful reference for pharmacological and toxicological studies, as well as clinical applications of C. officinalis Kuan in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

1. C. officinalis Kuan is the dry root of Cyathula officinalis Kuan which has been used for the treatment of flapping injury, rheumatism arthralgia, foot flaccidity, and tendon contracture thousands of years in China, and has been officially included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia.2. A highly accurate, stable, and sensitive ultra-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method was first established and validated for simultaneously determination four phytoecdysteroids: cyasterone, 25-epi-28-epi-cyasterone, precyasterone and capitasterone in normal and adjuvant arthritis rats plasma samples 12 days of continuous gavage of C. officinalis Kuan phytoecdysteroids extract.3. The phytoecdysteroids is the important component of C. officinalis Kuan, which is difficult to separated. And there is no report for the pharmacokinetic study of phytoecdysteroids from C. officinalis Kuan. And the method provides a good reference for the follow-up studies clinical medication of the phytoecdysteroids from C. officinalis Kuan.

A Systematic Review on the Research Progress on Polysaccharides from Fungal Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a class of natural drugs with multiple components and significant therapeutic effects through multiple targets. It also originates from a wide range of sources containing plants, animals and minerals, and among them, plant-based Chinese medicine also includes fungi. Fungal traditional Chinese medicine is a medicinal resource with a long history and widespread application in China. Accumulating evidence confirms that polysaccharide is the main pharmacodynamic material on which fungal TCM is based. The purpose of the current systematic review is to summarize the extraction, isolation, structural identification, biological functions, quality control and medicinal and edible applications of polysaccharides from fungal TCM in the past three years. This paper will supplement and deepen the understanding and application of polysaccharides from fungal TCM, and propose some valuable insights for further research and development of drugs and functional foods.

Simultaneous determination and pharmacokinetics study of three triterpenoid saponins in rat plasma by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass-spectrometry after oral administration of Astragalus Membranaceus leaf extract.

A selective and sensitive ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for the determination of three triterpenoid saponins isolated from Astragalus membranaceus leaf extract. In this article, a method for simultaneous determination of Huangqiyenin A, Huangqiyenin E, and Huangqiyenin K was established for the first time. The method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of Astragalus membranaceus leaf extract after oral administration. Liquid-liquid extraction was applied to plasma sample preparation. Multiple reaction monitoring mode with an electrospray ion source in positive electrospray ionization was chosen to quantify the analytes. Chromatographic separation was performed on a Waters HSS T3 column, using gradient elution with a mobile phase composed of acetonitrile and 5 mM ammonium acetate/water. The pharmacokinetic results showed that all three compounds had the characteristics of rapid absorption-slow metabolism trend. The time of maximum plasma concentration of Huangqiyenin A is higher than Huangqiyenin E and Huangqiyenin K. And the maximum plasma concentration of Huangqiyenin A is higher as well. The pharmacokinetic results revealed the pharmacokinetic characteristics of the three analytes in rat plasma, which could provide a helpful reference for the further study of Astragalus membranaceus leaf extract.