Nondestructive discrimination of Potentilla anserina L. from different production areas based on near-infrared spectroscopy.

INTRODUCTION: The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Potentilla anserina L. can use both as food and medicine. At present, the market mainly depends on experience to identify the species and determine the production areas of P. anserina. To ensure the quality of P. anserina, it is essential to improve the level of quality control. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to establish a rapid and nondestructive discrimination model to identify P. anserina from different production areas by near-infrared spectroscopy. METHODS: The spectra of complete P. anserina medicinal materials and their powder of the same variety from four production areas were collected, and principal component analysis discriminant analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were conducted based on different pretreatment methods and band selection methods. Then, the spectra of complete medicinal materials were converted into the spectra of medicinal powder for nondestructive identification. RESULTS: The correct recognition rate (CRR) of the PLS-DA discriminant model was the best after spectral preprocessing using autoscaling and competitive adaptive reweighted sampling for band selection. The CRRs of the calibration set and validation set were 100%, the CRRs of the external test set were 95%, 90%, 82%, and 88%, respectively, and the CRRs of the transfer external test set were 84%, 80%, 82%, and 86%, respectively. CONCLUSION: We realized the nondestructive and effective identification of P. anserina from different origins and laid a foundation for the industrialization and upgrading of TCM.

Antidiabetic effects of polyherbal mixture made of Centaurium erythraea, Cichorium intybus and Potentilla erecta.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The polyherbal mixture made of Centaurium erythraea aerial parts and Cichorium intybus roots and Potentilla erecta rhizomes has been used for centuries to treat both the primary and secondary complications of diabetes. AIM OF THE STUDY: As a continuation of our search for the most effective herbal mixture used as an ethnopharmacological remedy for diabetes, this study aimed to compare the in vitro biological activities of this polyherbal mixture and its individual ingredients, and, most importantly, to validate the ethnopharmacological value of the herbal mixture through evaluation of its phytochemical composition, its potential in vivo toxicity and its effect on diabetes complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Phytochemical analysis was performed using HPLC-UV. Antioxidant activity was estimated via the DPPH test. Potential cytotoxicity/anticytotoxicity was assessed using an in vitro RBCs antihemolytic assay and an in vivo sub-chronic oral toxicity method. Antidiabetic activity was evaluated using an in vitro α-amylase inhibition assay and in vivo using a chemically induced diabetic rat model. RESULTS: The HPLC-UV analysis revealed the presence of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid derivative, catechin, five catechin derivatives, epicatechin, isoquercetin, hyperoside, rutin, four quercetin derivatives, caffeic acid, and four caffeic acid derivatives in the polyherbal mixture decoction. Treatment with the decoction has shown no toxic effects. The antioxidant and cytoprotective activities of the polyherbal mixture were higher than the reference's ones. Its antidiabetic activity was high in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Fourteen days of treatment with the decoction (15 g/kg) completely normalized blood glucose levels of diabetic animals, while treatments with insulin and glimepiride only slightly lowered glycemic values. In addition, lipid status of treated animals as well as levels of serum AST, ALT, ALP, creatinine, urea and MDA were completely normalized. In addition, the polyherbal mixture completely restored the histopathological changes of the liver, kidneys and all four Cornu ammonis regions of the hippocampus. CONCLUSIONS: The polyherbal mixture was effective in the prevention of both primary and secondary diabetic complications such as hyperlipidemia, increased lipid peroxidation, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, nephropathy and neurodegeneration.

The Protective Effects of Moisturizer Containing Potentilla anserina Extract in the Topical Treatment of Skin Damage Caused by Masks.

The use of face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in significant societal changes, particularly for individuals with sensitive skin. To address this issue, the researchers explored traditional medicine and identified Potentilla anserina extract as a potential solution due to its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing effects. This research investigated how this extract influences skin hydration, barrier function, and itching. The findings revealed that the extract had a hydrating effect by elevating Aquaporin-3 (AQP3) expression. Additionally, the study demonstrated that the extract improved skin barrier function, with Filaggrin (FLG) expression being approximately three times higher (p < 0.001) in the Potentilla-anserina-extract-treated group compared to the control group and the genes associated with itching being reduced. In this process, we researched and developed HPßCD (hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin)-Liposome containing Potentilla anserina extract, gradually and sustainably releasing the active components of the Potentilla anserina extract. During four weeks of clinical trials involving individuals wearing masks for over 6 h a day, a moisturizer containing Potentilla anserina extract demonstrated a notable reduction in skin redness. Hemoglobin values (A.U.), which serve as indicators of skin redness, showed decreases of 5.06% and 6.74% in the test area inside the mask after 2 and 4 weeks, respectively, compared to the baseline measurements. Additionally, the moisturizer containing Potentilla anserina extract notably decreased Trans Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL), with reductions of 5.23% and 9.13% observed in the test area inside the mask after 2 and 4 weeks, respectively. The moisturizer, especially in the test area treated with the extract-containing moisturizer, significantly enhanced skin hydration compared to the control group. The Corneometer values (A.U) exhibited notable increases of 11.51% and 15.14% in the test area inside the mask after 2 and 4 weeks, respectively. These discoveries emphasize the potential of Potentilla anserina extract and its utility in tackling skin issues caused by mask wearing, including enhancing moisture, fortifying the skin's barrier, and alleviating itching. These results indicate that moisturizers incorporating specific ingredients provide greater benefits compared to conventional moisturizers.

Neuroprotective effect of Potentilla reptans L. root in the rat brain global ischemia/reperfusion model.

Stroke is the most common cause of death among neurological diseases. The protective effects of Potentilla reptans L. include antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects. In this study, the brain protection and beta-amyloid effects of P. reptans root extract were investigated in the rat brain ischemia/reperfusion (IR) model. Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 8), including IR, sham, and three groups receiving P. reptans with concentrations of 0.025, 0.05, and 0.1 (g/kg/b.w.), which were injected daily for 7 days. For the IR model, the common carotid artery was occluded bilaterally for 8 min. All injections were intraperitoneal (IP). The shuttle box test was used to measure passive avoidance memory. Then the brain tissue was extracted for the histological examination of neuron counts and ß-amyloid plaques using a morphometric technique, and finally, Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software was used for statistical analysis of the data. Pretreatment with P. reptans improved memory impairment. Also, by examining the tissues of the CA1, CA3, and dentate gyrus areas of the hippocampus, it was observed that the number of plaques in the groups receiving P. reptans extract was reduced compared to the IR group, especially at the concentration of 0.05 g/kg/b.w. Also, P. reptans improved the number of neurons at all concentrations, in which the concentration of 0.05 g/kg/b.w. showed more effective therapeutic results. Taken together, we found that P. reptans root extract has beneficial effects on memory impairment, neuronal loss, and ß-amyloid accumulation.

Phytochemical Analysis, In Vitro Biological Activities, and Computer-Aided Analysis of Potentilla nepalensis Hook Compounds as Potential Melanoma Inhibitors Based on Molecular Docking, MD Simulations, and ADMET.

Potentilla nepalensis Hook is a perennial Himalayan medicinal herb of the Rosaceae family. The present study aimed to evaluate biological activities such as the antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer activities of roots and shoots of P. nepalensis and its synergistic antibacterial activity with antibacterial drugs. Folin-Ciocalteau and aluminium chloride methods were used for the calculation of total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid content (TFC). A DPPH radical scavenging assay and broth dilution method were used for the determination of the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of the root and shoot extracts of P. nepalensis. Cytotoxic activity was determined using a colorimetric MTT assay. Further, phytochemical characterization of the root and shoot extracts was performed using the Gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS) method. The TPC and TFC were found to be higher in the methanolic root extract of P. nepalensis. The methanolic shoot extract of P. nepalensis showed good antioxidant activity, while then-hexane root extract of P. nepalensis showed strong cytotoxic activity against tested SK-MEL-28 cells. Subsequently, in silico molecular docking studies of the identified bioactive compounds predicted potential anticancer properties. This study can lead to the production of new herbal medicines for various diseases employing P. nepalensis, leading to the creation of new medications.

The water extract of Potentilla discolor Bunge (PDW) ameliorates high-sugar diet-induced type II diabetes model in Drosophila melanogaster via JAK/STAT signaling.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Potentilla discolor Bunge (PD) is a member of the Rosaceae family. It has been traditionally used in folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes. Additionally, people in folk also eat fresh and tender PD stems as vegetables or brew them as tea. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to explore the antidiabetic effects and underlying mechanisms of the water extract of Potentilla discolor (PDW) in a fruit fly model of high-sugar diet-induced type 2 diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The antidiabetic efficacy of PDW was evaluated in a fruit fly model of diabetes induced by a high-sugar diet (HSD). Various physiological parameters were tested to evaluate the anti-diabetic effect of PDW. Gene expression levels related to insulin signaling pathways, glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, and JAK/STAT signaling pathways were primarily analyzed using RT-qPCR to investigate the therapeutic mechanisms. RESULTS: In this study, we found that the water extract of Potentilla discolor (PDW) can ameliorate type II diabetes phenotypes induced by the HSD in fruit flies. These phenotypes include growth rate, body size, hyperglycemia, glycogen metabolism, fat storage, and intestinal microflora homeostasis. PDW also improved the body size of s6k and rheb knockdown flies, suggesting its potential to activate the downstream insulin pathway and alleviate insulin resistance. Furthermore, we demonstrated that PDW reduced the expression of two target genes of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, namely the insulin antagonist Impl2 and insulin receptor inhibitor Socs36E, which act as regulators inhibiting the activation of the insulin signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence for the anti-diabetic activity of PDW and suggests that its underlying mechanism may involve the improvement of insulin resistance by inhibiting the JAK/STAT signaling pathway.

Anti-lipid accumulation effects and mechanism of the extract and isolated compounds from Potentilla longifolia.

Potentilla longifolia is effective in the treatment of hepatitis as a Chinese herb. We firstly evaluated the effect of water extract of P. longifolia (WEPL) on mice with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) induced by high-fat (HF) diet. The results showed that WEPL reduced HF-induced increases of the serum ALT, AST, TG and TC, and reduced lipid drops of liver tissues to a different extent compared with HF group; WEPL dose-dependently promoted the phosphorylation degrees of AMPK and ACC; WEPL decreased significantly genes expressions of SREBP1α, FAS and SCD1 and increased PPARα and CD36. Then three new (1-3) and 13 known compounds (4-16) were firstly-isolated from the 95% ethanol extract of this plant. Further experiments showed that a new compound (ganyearmcaooside C) showed the best inhibitory effect on lipid accumulation in 3 T3-L1 cells such as reducing the accumulation of oil droplets and triglyceride level, showing new drug potential for related diseases.

Potentilla anserina polysaccharide alleviates cadmium-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis of H9c2 cells by regulating the MG53-mediated RISK pathway.

Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in cadmium (Cd)-induced myocardial injury. Mitsugumin 53 (MG53) and its mediated reperfusion injury salvage kinase (RISK) pathway have been demonstrated to be closely related to myocardial oxidative damage. Potentilla anserina L. polysaccharide (PAP) is a polysaccharide with antioxidant capacity, which exerts protective effect on Cd-induced damage. However, it remains unknown whether PAP can prevent and treat Cd-induced cardiomyocyte damages. The present study was desgined to explore the effect of PAP on Cd-induced damage in H9c2 cells based on MG53 and the mediated RISK pathway. For in vitro evaluation, cell viability and apoptosis rate were analyzed by CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Furthermore, oxidative stress was assessed by 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) staining and using superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) kits. The mitochondrial function was measured by JC-10 staining and ATP detection assay. Western blot was performed to detect the expression of proteins related to MG53, the RISK pathway, and apoptosis. The results indicated that Cd increased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in H9c2 cells. Cd decreased the activities of SOD and CAT and the ratio of GSH/GSSG, resulting in decreases in cell viability and increases in apoptosis. Interestingly, PAP reversed Cd-induced oxidative stress and cell apoptosis. Meanwhile, Cd reduced the expression of MG53 in H9c2 cells and inhibited the RISK pathway, which was mediated by decreasing the ratio of p-AktSer473/Akt, p-GSK3ßSer9/GSK3ß and p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2. In addition, Cd impaired mitochondrial function, which involved a reduction in ATP content and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and an increase in the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, cytoplasmic cytochrome c/mitochondrial cytochrome c, and Cleaved-Caspase 3/Pro-Caspase 3. Importantly, PAP alleviated Cd-induced MG53 reduction, activated the RISK pathway, and reduced mitochondrial damage. Interestingly, knockdown of MG53 or inhibition of the RISK pathway attenuated the protective effect of PAP in Cd-induced H9c2 cells. In sum, PAP reduces Cd-induced damage in H9c2 cells, which is mediated by increasing MG53 expression and activating the RISK pathway.

Phytochemical Profiling of Extracts from Rare Potentilla Species and Evaluation of Their Anticancer Potential.

Despite the common use of Potentilla L. species (Rosaceae) as herbal medicines, a number of species still remain unexplored. Thus, the present study is a continuation of a study evaluating the phytochemical and biological profiles of aqueous acetone extracts from selected Potentilla species. Altogether, 10 aqueous acetone extracts were obtained from the aerial parts of P. aurea (PAU7), P. erecta (PER7), P. hyparctica (PHY7), P. megalantha (PME7), P. nepalensis (PNE7), P. pensylvanica (PPE7), P. pulcherrima (PPU7), P. rigoi (PRI7), and P. thuringiaca (PTH7), leaves of P. fruticosa (PFR7), as well as from the underground parts of P. alba (PAL7r) and P. erecta (PER7r). The phytochemical evaluation consisted of selected colourimetric methods, including total phenolic (TPC), tannin (TTC), proanthocyanidin (TPrC), phenolic acid (TPAC), and flavonoid (TFC) contents, as well as determination of the qualitative secondary metabolite composition by the employment of LC-HRMS (liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry) analysis. The biological assessment included an evaluation of the cytotoxicity and antiproliferative properties of the extracts against human colon epithelial cell line CCD841 CoN and human colon adenocarcinoma cell line LS180. The highest TPC, TTC, and TPAC were found in PER7r (326.28 and 269.79 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g extract and 263.54 mg caffeic acid equivalents (CAE)/g extract, respectively). The highest TPrC was found in PAL7r (72.63 mg catechin equivalents (CE)/g extract), and the highest TFC was found in PHY7 (113.29 mg rutin equivalents (RE)/g extract). The LC-HRMS analysis showed the presence of a total of 198 compounds, including agrimoniin, pedunculagin, astragalin, ellagic acid, and tiliroside. An examination of the anticancer properties revealed the highest decrease in colon cancer cell viability in response to PAL7r (IC50 = 82 µg/mL), while the strongest antiproliferative effect was observed in LS180 treated with PFR7 (IC50 = 50 µg/mL) and PAL7r (IC50 = 52 µg/mL). An LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) assay revealed that most of the extracts were not cytotoxic against colon epithelial cells. At the same time, the tested extracts for the whole range of concentrations damaged the membranes of colon cancer cells. The highest cytotoxicity was observed for PAL7r, which in concentrations from 25 to 250 µg/mL increased LDH levels by 145.7% and 479.0%, respectively. The previously and currently obtained results indicated that some aqueous acetone extracts from Potentilla species have anticancer potential and thus encourage further studies in order to develop a new efficient and safe therapeutic strategy for people who have been threatened by or suffered from colon cancer.

Phenols from Potentilla anserina L. Improve Insulin Sensitivity and Inhibit Differentiation in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes in Vitro.

Potentilla anserina L., a well-known perennial herb, is widely used in traditional Tibetan medicine and used as a delicious food in humans. The present investigation reports on the activity of P. anserina phenols (PAP) in regulating glycolipid metabolism in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Insulin sensitivity tests showed that PAP improved insulin-stimulated glucose uptake by promoting the phosphorylation of serine/threonine kinase Akt. Moreover, an assay involving the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes demonstrated that PAP also decreased the accumulation of lipid droplets by suppressing the expression of adipokines during the differentiation process. In addition, the underlying mechanism from the aspects of energy metabolism and oxidative stress is also discussed. The improvement in energy metabolism was supported by an increase in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and intracellular ATP. Amelioration of oxidative stress was supported by decreased levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). In summary, our findings suggest that PAP can ameliorate the disorder of glycolipid metabolism in insulin resistant 3T3-L1 adipocytes by improving energy metabolism and oxidative stress and might be an attractive candidate for the treatment of diabetes.

New Perspectives for the Use of Potentilla alba Rhizomes to Treat Thyroid Gland Impairments.

Potentilla alba is a valuable medicinal plant that has been highly praised even before its first appearance in herbal books; however, it has now been forgotten in Western Europe. Currently, this species is used in Eastern Europe as a remedy to treat dysentery and various thyroid gland dysfunctions. The present review summarizes the advances in the phytochemical, pharmacological, and toxicological research related to this plant species. Clinical trials that have been conducted to date support its traditional use for treating thyroid disorders, although its exact mechanism of action, bioavailability, and pharmacokinetics data are missing.

Potentilla fulgens upregulate GLUT4, AMPK, AKT and insulin in alloxan-induced diabetic mice: an in vivo and in silico study.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to investigate whether the glucose lowering effects of Potentilla fulgens acts by modulating GLUT4, AKT2 and AMPK expression in the skeletal muscle and liver tissues. METHODOLOGY: Alloxan-induced diabetic mice treated with Potentilla fulgens was assessed for their blood glucose and insulin level, mRNA and protein expression using distinguished methods. Additionally, GLUT4, AKT2 and AMPK were docked with catechin, epicatechin, kaempferol, metformin, quercetin and ursolic acid reportedly present in Potentilla fulgens. RESULTS: Potentilla fulgens ameliorates hyperglycaemia and insulin sensitivity via activation of AKT2 and AMPK, increases the expression of GLUT4, AKT2, AMPKα1 and AMPKα2 whose levels are reduced under diabetic condition. Molecular docking revealed interacting residues and their binding affinities (-4.56 to -8.95 Kcal/mol). CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide more clarity vis-avis the mechanism of action of the phytoceuticals present in Potentilla fulgens extract which function through their action on GLUT4, PKB and AMPK.

Antiproliferative effect of Potentilla fulgens on glioblastoma cancer cells through downregulation of Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive brain tumor that is common among adults. This aggression is due to increased invasion, migration, proliferation, angiogenesis, and decreased apoptosis. Plant-based compounds have a high potential to be used as an anticancer agent due to their various mechanisms and less undesirable side effects. Potentilla fulgens is a medicinal plant, and methanolic root extract of P. fulgens (PRE) has anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to investigate antiproliferative effect of PRE on U118 and T98G glioblastoma cancer cells and to reveal which molecular signaling pathways regulate this mechanism of action. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effect of PRE on cell viability of GBM cells was investigated by MTT assay. Involvement of PRE with cell growth and survival signaling pathways, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mTOR and c-Src/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), was examined using Western Blot. RESULTS: PRE reduced cell viability of GBM and human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells in a dose-and time-independent manner. PI3K expression/phosphorylation level remained unchanged in both GBM and HDF cells after PRE treatment, but Akt/mTOR signaling pathway was downregulated in PRE-treated cells. PRE treatment did not affect c-Src expression/phosphorylation level in GBM cells; however, expression of c-Src was suppressed in HDF cells. Similar results were observed for STAT3 expression and phosphorylation status. CONCLUSION: PRE has the ability to suppress cell viability in GBM cells, by targeting the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

[Research progress on chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Potentilla].

There are 200-500 species of Potentilla(Rosaceae) worldwide, among which 90 species are widely distributed in China and have a long history of ethnic medicinal use. According to our statistics, a total of 367 compounds have been isolated and identified from plants of this genus, including terpenoids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, and phenylpropanoids. The medicinal materials made from these plants mainly have antioxidative, blood sugar-lowering, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, cardiovascular system-protecting, neuroprotective, and hepatoprotective activities. This study systematically reviews the research progress on chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Potentilla plants to provide a basis for further research and clinical application.

Potentilla anserine L. polysaccharide protects against cadmium-induced neurotoxicity.

Cadmium is a toxic metal that can damage the brain and other organs. This study aimed to explore the protective effects of Potentilla anserine L. polysaccharide (PAP) against CdCl2-induced neurotoxicity in N2a and SH-SY5Y cells and in the cerebral cortex of BALB/c mice. In addition, we aimed to identify the potential mechanisms underlying these protective effects. Relative to CdCl2 treatment alone, pretreatment with PAP prevented the reduction in cell viability evoked by CdCl2, decreased rates of apoptosis, promoted calcium homeostasis, decreased ROS accumulation, increased mitochondrial membrane potential, inhibited cytochrome C and AIF release, and prevented the cleavage of caspase-3 and PARP. In addition, PAP significantly decreased the CdCl2-induced phosphorylation of CaMKII, Akt, and mTOR. In conclusion, PAP represents a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of Cd-induced neurotoxicity, functioning in part via attenuating the activation of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway and the Ca2+-CaMKII-dependent Akt/mTOR pathway.

Intervention effect of Potentilla discolor-Euonymus alatus on intestinal flora of type 2 diabetes mellitus rats.

OBJECTIVE: With this study, we aimed at exploring the regulation mechanism of Potentilla discolor-Euonymus alatus on intestinal flora of T2DM (Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus) rats induced by high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: T2DM rats were induced by high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin. There were normal control group, model group, metformin group, high-dose Chinese medicine group and low-dose Chinese medicine group. Each group included 10 rats. Normal control group: normal feeding, no modeling, ordinary feed, and gavage of 0.9% normal saline. Model group: T2DM rats, high-fat diet, and gavage of 0.9% normal saline. Metformin group: T2DM rats, high-fat diet and fed with metformin solution. High-dose Chinese medicine group: T2DM rats, high-fat diet, and gavage of concentrated Chinese medicine at a dose of 6 times the clinical dose. Low-dose Chinese medicine group: T2DM rats, high-fat diet, and gavage of concentrated Chinese medicine at a dose twice the clinical dose. The general situation of T2DM rats was observed, and the changes of intestinal flora were observed with 16SrDNA sequencing. RESULTS: The T2DM rats induced by high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin were molded. After intervention, at the class level, the ratio of γ-proteobacteria was 22.30% in the model group, 11.97% in the metformin group, 3.24% in the high-dose Chinese herbs group and 1.72% in the low-dose Chinese herbs group; the ratio of Erysipelothrix insidiosa was 4.73% in the model group, 4.68% in the metformin group, 3.93% in the high-dose Chinese herbsgroup and 2.92% in the low dose group; the ratio of Lactinobacillus was 2.30% in the model group, 0.01% in the metformin group, 0.00% in the high-dose Chinese herbs group, and 0.00% low-dose Chinese herbs group; at the portal level, the Firmicutes/Bacteroides was 0.88 in the normal control group, 3.40 in the model group, 1.71 in the metformin group, 2.74 in high-dose Chinese medicine group, and 1.34 in low-dose Chinese medicine group; at the genus level, the relative abundance of Lactobacillus in the model group was 3.28%, that of Akkermansia was 1.99%, that of Shigella coli was 22.08%, and that of Vibrio phaseus was 7.67%. All of them were improved after the intervention of metformin and traditional Chinese medicine. CONCLUSIONS: Potentilla discolor-Euonymus Alatus could improve the composition and structure of intestinal flora in T2DM rats and regulate the diversity of intestinal flora. The ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes was adjusted, mainly to increase the number of Bacteroides; the flora related to intestinal barrier was adjusted, mainly to increase the number of Lactobacillus and Akkermansia bacteria.

Research progress on chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Potentilla / 中国中药杂志

There are 200-500 species of Potentilla(Rosaceae) worldwide, among which 90 species are widely distributed in China and have a long history of ethnic medicinal use. According to our statistics, a total of 367 compounds have been isolated and identified from plants of this genus, including terpenoids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, and phenylpropanoids. The medicinal materials made from these plants mainly have antioxidative, blood sugar-lowering, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, cardiovascular system-protecting, neuroprotective, and hepatoprotective activities. This study systematically reviews the research progress on chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Potentilla plants to provide a basis for further research and clinical application.

Potentilla reptans L. postconditioning protects reperfusion injury via the RISK/SAFE pathways in an isolated rat heart.

BACKGROUND: Our previous study indicated that Potentilla reptans root has a preconditioning effect by its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects in an isolated rat heart ischemia/reperfusion (IR) model. In the present study, we investigated the post-conditioning cardio-protective effects of Potentilla reptans and its active substances. METHODS: The ethyl acetate fraction of P. reptans root (Et) was subjected to an IR model under 30 min of ischemia and 100 min of reperfusion. To investigate the postconditioning effect, Et was perfused for 15 min at the early phase of reperfusion. RISK/SAFE pathway inhibitors, 5HD and L-NAME, were applied individually 10 min before the ischemia, either alone or in combination with Et during the early reperfusion phase. The hemodynamic factors and ventricular arrhythmia were calculated during the reperfusion. Oxidative stress, apoptosis markers, GSK-3ß and SGK1 proteins were assessed at the end of experiments. RESULTS: Et postconditioning (Etpost) significantly reduced the infarct size, arrhythmia score, ventricular fibrillation incidence, and enhanced the hemodynamic parameters by decreasing the MDA level and increasing expression of Nrf2, SOD and CAT activities. Meanwhile, Etpost increased the BCl-2/BAX ratio and decreased Caspase-3 expression. The cardioprotective effect of Etpost was abrogated by L-NAME, Wortmannin (a PI3K/Akt inhibitor), and AG490 (a JAK/STAT3 inhibitor). Finally, Etpost reduced the expression of GSK-3ß and SGK1 proteins pertaining to the IR group. CONCLUSION: P. reptans reveals the post-conditioning effects via the Nrf2 pathway, NO release, and the RISK/SAFE pathway. Also, Etpost decreased apoptotic indexes by inhibiting GSK-3ß and SGK1 expressions. Hence, our data suggest that Etpost can be a suitable natural candidate to protect cardiomyocytes during reperfusion injury.

Potentilla discolor ameliorates LPS-induced inflammatory responses through suppressing NF-κB and AP-1 pathways.

Potentilla discolor Bunge (PD) is a traditional Chinese medicine which has been widely used for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases (e.g., diarrhea, fever and furuncle). However, few studies focused on its effect on classical inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect and potential mechanism of the ethanol extract of the whole herbs of PD (EPD) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory models. The obtained results showed that EPD decreased supernatant NO, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells and mouse peritoneal macrophages. Moreover, its effect on NO was attributed to the suppression of iNOS expression rather than its activity. At the transcriptional level, EPD suppressed iNOS, TNF-α and MCP-1 mRNA expressions in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Further study showed that EPD didn't affect the phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα, but yet impeded the nuclear translocation of p65 to inhibit NF-κB activation. Meanwhile, it also prevented JNK, ERK1/2 and p38 phosphorylation to dampen the activation of AP-1. In endotoxemia mouse model, EPD not only decreased interleukin-6, TNF-α and MCP-1 levels in serum, but also potently ameliorated diarrhea. These findings provide the theoretical basis for PD to treat inflammatory diseases, especially intestinal inflammation.

Protective Effect of Potentilla glabra in UVB-Induced Photoaging Process.

Maintaining skin homeostasis is one of the most important factors for skin health. UVB-induced skin photoaging is a difficult problem that has negative impacts on skin homeostasis. So far, a number of compounds have been discovered that improve human skin barrier function and hydration, and are thought to be effective ways to protect skin homeostasis. Potentilla glabra var. mandshurica (Maxim.) Hand.-Mazz. Ethanol Extract (Pg-EE) is a compound that has noteworthy anti-inflammatory properties. However, its skin-protective effects are poorly understood. Therefore, we evaluated the capacity of Pg-EE to strengthen the skin barrier and improve skin hydration. Pg-EE can enhance the expression of filaggrin (FLG), transglutaminase (TGM)-1, hyaluronic acid synthase (HAS)-1, and HAS-2 in human keratinocytes. Moreover, Pg-EE down-regulated the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and up-regulated the production of FLG, HAS-1, and HAS-2 suppressed by UVB through inhibition of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathways. Given the above, since Pg-EE can improve skin barrier, hydration and reduce the UVB-induced inflammation on skin, it could therefore be a valuable natural ingredient for cosmetics or pharmaceuticals to treat skin disorders.