Combining with E-nose, GC-MS, GC-IMS and chemometrics to explore volatile characteristics during the different stages of Zanthoxylum bungeanum maxim fruits.

To explore the volatile characteristics of Z. bungeanum fruits during different developmental stages, the dynamical changes of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were detected by E-nose, GC-MS and GC-IMS, respectively. The results showed that terpenes, alcohols, esters and aldehydes played the important roles in the aroma formation of Z. bungeanum. Meanwhile, these VOCs also exhibited the high abundance levels among five growth stages of Z. bungeanum. According to the analysis of odor activity value (OAV) and relative odor activity value (ROAV), 37 VOCs can be recognized as the important aroma compounds. Thereinto, ß-myrcene and linalool were the most key aroma compounds. Multi-factor analysis exhibited that the combination of GC-MS and GC-IMS was a better strategy to clarify the volatile characteristics comprehensively. Using the above combined VOC datasets, six positively correlated modules and 32 hub VOCs were finally identified by weighted correlation network analysis among five growth stages of Z. bungeanum.

Chemotaxonomic variation of volatile components in Zanthoxylum Bungeanum peel and effects of climate on volatile components.

BACKGROUND: Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim. is widely distributed across China, and the aroma of its peel is primarily determined by its volatile components. In this study, we analyzed the characteristics of volatile components in Z. bungeanum peels from different regions and investigated their correlation with climatic factors. RESULTS: The results identified 126 compounds in Z. bungeanum, with 27 compounds exhibiting distinct odor characteristics. Linalool was the most abundant, with an average relative content of 21.664%. The volatile oil of Z. bungeanum predominantly features spicy, floral, citrus, and mint aromas. The classification results indicated a significant difference in elevation at the ZB10 collection points in Shaanxi Province compared to other groups. Temperature, average annual precipitation, and wind speed were crucial factors influencing the accumulation of volatile components. CONCLUSIONS: This study is beneficial for enhancing the quality of Z. bungeanum, expanding the understanding of how climatic factors influence the accumulation of volatile substances, and promoting agricultural practices in regions with similar climatic conditions.

Assessing anti oxidant, antidiabetic potential and GCMS profiling of ethanolic root bark extract of Zanthoxylum rhetsa (Roxb.) DC: Supported by in vitro, in vivo and in silico molecular modeling.

Zanthoxylum rhetsa (ZR) is used traditionally to manage a variety of ailments, including diabetes. Oxidative stress may accelerate the diabetic condition. The available antidiabetic and antioxidant drugs have many shortcomings including resistance, inefficiency, higher dose, side effects and costs. The goal of the current investigation was to assess the antioxidant capacity and antidiabetic activity of an ethanolic extract of Zanthoxylum rhetsa root bark (ZRRB) through in vitro, in vivo, and in silico methods. The antioxidant capacity of the ZRRB extract was measured using both the DPPH radical assay and the total antioxidant activity test. The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and alloxan-induced diabetic mice model were also used to examine in vivo antidiabetic efficacy. Phytochemicals identification was done by GCMS analysis. Additionally, computational methods such as molecular docking, ADMET analysis, and molecular dynamics (MD) modeling were performed to determine the above pharmacological effects. The extract demonstrated significant DPPH scavenging activity (IC50 = 42.65 µg/mL). In the OGTT test and alloxan-induced diabetes mice model, the extract effectively lowered blood glucose levels. Furthermore, in vitro inhibition of pancreatic α-amylase studies demonstrated the ZRRB extract as a good antidiabetic crude drug (IC50 = 81.45 µg/mL). GCMS investigation confirmed that the crude extract contains 16 major phytoconstituents, which were docked with human peroxiredoxin-5, α-amylase, and sulfonylurea receptor 1. Docking and pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated that among 16 phytoconstituents, 6H-indolo[3,2,1-de] [1,5]naphthyridin-6-one (CID: 97176) showed the highest binding affinity to targeted enzymes, and imitated Lipinski's rule of five. Furthermore, MD simulation data confirmed that the aforementioned compound is very steady to the binding site of α-amylase and sulfonylurea receptor 1 receptors. Findings from in vitro, in vivo and in silico investigation suggest that ZRRB extract contains a lead compound that could be a potent source of antidiabetic drug candidate.

HS-GC-IMS Analysis of Volatile Organic Compounds in Six Spicy Spices and Their Effects on Ulcerative Colitis.

The volatile organic compounds of six spices, including black pepper, dried ginger, cinnamon, fennel, clove, and zanthoxylum, were analyzed by gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS) combined with principal component analysis (PCA) and Euclidean distance. In further analyses, the effects of volatile oils in six spices on ulcerative colitis were assayed in a zebrafish model induced by 3-nitrobenzenesulfonic acid. A total of 120 kinds of volatile organic compounds were detected and 80 among them were identified, which included 10 common components and 3 to 24 characteristic components belonging to different spices. The major VOCs in six spices were estimated to be terpenes with the contents of 45.02%, 56.87%, 36.68%, 58.19%, 68.68%, and 30.62%, respectively. Meanwhile, the volatile components of fennel, dried ginger, black pepper, and cinnamon are quite similar, but differ from clove and zanthoxylum. The volatile oils in six spices presented efficient activity to improve ulcerative colitis which can decrease the number of neutrophils, restore the structure of intestinal epithelial and the morphology of the epithelial cells. Our study achieved rapid analysis of the volatile organic compounds and flavors in six spices and further revealed the potential health benefits of their volatile oils on ulcerative colitis, especially for clove and zanthoxylum. This study is expected to provide certain data support for the quality evaluation and the potential use in functional foods of six spices.

Green synthesis of Zn-doped TIO2 nanoparticles from Zanthoxylum armatum.

Green synthesis is an easy, safe, and environmentally beneficial nanoparticle creation method. It is a great challenge to simultaneously improve the capping and stabilizing agent carrier separation efficiency of photocatalysts. Herein, Zn-doped Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles with high exposure of 360 nm using a UV/visible spectrophotometer were prepared via a one-step hydrothermal decomposition method. A detailed analysis reveals that the electronic structures were modulated by Zn doping; thus, the responsive wavelength was extended to 600 nm, which effectively improved the visible light absorption of TiO2. We have optimized the different parameters like concentration, time, and temperature. The peak for TiO2 is located at 600 cm-1 in FTIR. A scanning electron microscope revealed that TiO2 has a definite shape and morphology. The synthesized Zn-doped TiO2NPs were applied against various pathogens to study their anti-bacterial potentials. The anti-bacterial activity of Zn-doped TiO2 has shown robust against two gram-ve bacteria (Salmonella and Escherichia coli) and two gram + ve bacteria (Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus). Synthesized Zn-doped TiO2 has demonstrated strong antifungal efficacy against a variety of fungi. Moreover, doping TiO2 nanoparticles with metal oxide greatly improves their characteristics; as a result, doped metal oxide nanoparticles perform better than doped and un-doped metal oxide nanoparticles. Compared to pure TiO2, Zn-doped TiO2 nanoparticles exhibit considerable applications including antimicrobial treatment and water purification.

Development of Zanthoxylum bungeanum essential oil Pickering emulsions using potato protein-chitosan nanoparticles and its application in mandarin preservation.

This study aimed to develop Pickering emulsions for the encapsulation of Zanthoxylum bungeanum essential oil (ZBEO) using potato protein-chitosan composite nanoparticles (PCCNs). The sustained release properties of ZBEO, antifungal efficacy, and preservation effects of formulated ZBEO-Pickering emulsions (ZBEO-PEs) on mandarins were evaluated. Particle size, zeta potential, emulsifying activity (EAI), and emulsifying stability (ESI) analysis showed that PCCNs prepared with the potato protein to chitosan mass ratio of 10:3 provided optimal emulsification and stabilization. Techniques such as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) demonstrated that chitosan introduction increased the wettability of potato protein through electrostatic, hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic interactions. ZBEO-PEs formulated with 3.0 % PCCNs and an oil fraction of 0.40 showed best encapsulation efficiency, storage stability and sustained release. Confocal laser scanning microscopy confirmed the adsorption of PCCNs, forming dense interface layers on the surface of oil droplets, thereby enhancing the stability of ZBEO-PEs. In vitro experiments demonstrated enhanced antifungal activity of ZBEO-PEs against Penicillium italicum and Penicillium digitatum. Additionally, storage experiments indicated that ZBEO-PEs coatings effectively controlled postharvest decay caused by Penicillium spp. in mandarins. Overall, the findings suggest that PCCNs are highly efficient emulsifiers for ZBEO Pickering emulsions, underscoring their potential as preservative coatings for mandarins.

Effect of hydroxy-α-sanshool on lipid metabolism in liver and hepatocytes based on AMPK signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: With the increasing awareness of the safety of traditional Chinese medicine and food, as well as in-depth studies on the pharmacological activity and toxicity of Zanthoxylum armatum DC. (ZADC), it has been found that ZADC is hepatotoxic. However, the toxic substance basis and mechanism of action have not been fully elucidated. Hydroxy-α-sanshool (HAS) belongs to an amide compound in the fruits of ZADC, which may be hepatotoxic. However, the specific effects of HAS, including liver toxicity, are unclear. PURPOSE: The objectives of this research was to determine how HAS affects hepatic lipid metabolism, identify the mechanism underlying the accumulation of liver lipids by HAS, and offer assurances on the safe administration of HAS. METHODS: An in vivo experiment was performed by gavaging C57 BL/6 J mice with various dosages of HAS (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg). Biochemical indexes were measured, and histological analysis was performed to evaluate HAS hepatotoxicity. Hepatic lipid levels were determined using lipid indices and oil red O (ORO) staining. Intracellular lipid content were determined by biochemical analyses and ORO staining after treating HepG2 cells with different concentrations of HAS in vitro. Mitochondrial membrane potential, respiratory chain complex enzymes, and ATP levels were assessed by fluorescence labeling of mitochondria. The levels of proteins involved in lipogenesis and catabolism were determined using Western blotting. RESULTS: Mice in the HAS group had elevated alanine and aspartate aminotransferase blood levels as well as increased liver index compared with the controls. The pathological findings showed hepatocellular necrosis. Serum and liver levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were increased, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels decreased. The ORO staining findings demonstrated elevated liver lipid levels. In vitro experiments demonstrated a notable elevation in triglyceride and total cholesterol levels in the HAS group. ATP, respiratory chain complex enzyme gene expression, mitochondrial membrane potential, and mitochondrial number were reduced in the HAS group. The levels of lipid synthesis-associated proteins (ACC, FASN, and SREBP-1c) were increased, and lipid catabolism-associated protein levels (PPARα and CPT1) and the p-AMPK/AMPK ratio were decreased in vivo and in vitro. CONCLUSION: HAS has hepatotoxic effects, which can induce fatty acid synthesis and mitochondrial function damage by inhibiting the AMPK signaling pathway, resulting in aberrant lipid increases.

ZbMYB111 Expression Positively Regulates ZbUFGT-Mediated Anthocyanin Biosynthesis in Zanthoxylum bungeanum with the Involvement of ZbbHLH2.

Anthocyanin (ACN)-derived pigmentation in the red Zanthoxylum bungeanum peel is an essential commercial trait. Therefore, exploring the metabolic regulatory networks involved in peel ACN levels in this species is crucial for improving its quality. However, its underlying transcriptional regulatory mechanisms are still unknown. This transcriptomic and bioinformatics study not only discovered a new TF (ZbMYB111) as a potential regulator for ACN biosynthesis in Z. bungeanum peel, but also deciphered the underlying molecular mechanisms of ACN biosynthesis. Overexpression of ZbMYB111 and flavonoid 3-O-glucosyltransferase (ZbUFGT) induced ACN accumulation in both Z. bungeanum peels and callus along with Arabidopsis thaliana and tobacco flowers, whereas their silencing impaired ACN biosynthesis. Therefore, the dual-luciferase reporter, yeast-one-hybrid, and electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed that ZbMYB111 directly interacted with the ZbUFGT promoter to activate its expression. This diverted the secondary metabolism toward the ACN pathway, thereby promoting ACN accumulation.

Integration of High-Resolution LC-Q-TOF Mass Spectrometry and Multidimensional Chemical-Biological Analysis to Detect Nanomolar-Level Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors from Different Parts of Zanthoxylum nitidum.

Zanthoxyli radix is a popular tea among the elderly, and it is believed to have a positive effect on Alzheimer's disease. In this study, a highly effective three-step strategy was proposed for comprehensive analysis of the active components and biological functions of Zanthoxylum nitidum (ZN), including high-resolution LC-Q-TOF mass spectrometry (HRMS), multivariate statistical analysis for heterogeneity (MSAH), and experimental and virtual screening for bioactivity analysis (EVBA). A total of 117 compounds were identified from the root, stem, and leaf of ZN through HRMS. Bioactivity assays showed that the order of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity from strong to weak was root > stem > leaf. Nitidine, chelerythrine, and sanguinarine were found to be the main differential components of root, stem, and leaf by OPLS-DA. The IC50 values of the three compounds are 0.81 ± 0.02, 0.14 ± 0.01, and 0.48 ± 0.01 µM respectively, indicating that they are potent and high-quality AChE inhibitors. Molecular docking showed that pi-pi T-shaped interactions and pi-lone pairs played important roles in AChE inhibition. This study not only explains the biological function of Zanthoxyli radix in alleviating Alzheimer's disease to some extent, but also lays the foundation for the development of stem and leaf of ZN.

[Study on optimal harvesting period and rational medicinal parts of Zanthoxylum nitidum based on statistics of main effective components].

To determine the optimal harvesting period and rational medicinal parts of Zanthoxylum nitidum, the main effective components of cultivated Z. nitidum samples, which originate from various growth years, harvesting months, and different parts were analyzed and compared with the wild samples. HPLC was performed on a Kinetex C18 column(4. 6 mm×100 mm, 2. 6 µm) with the gradient elution of 0. 3% phosphoric acid solution-acetonitrile(80 ∶ 20) containing 0. 2% triethylamine. The flow rate was 1. 0 m L·min-1, and the detection wavelength was 273 nm. The column temperature was 30 ℃. Nitidine chloride and chelerythrine, the main effective components, were determined as the markers. The results showed there was no significant difference in the contents of the main effective components among the roots of wild and cultivated Z. nitidum, as well as the roots and roots + stems of cultivated Z. nitidum. The statistical results of HCA and PCA indicated that the roots and stems could be clearly distinguished, but no distinction could be made between wild and cultivated products, which was consistent with the results of the significance analysis. The total contents of nitidine chloride and chelerythrine in roots and stems of Z. nitidum of 1-6 years old were 0. 114%-0. 256% and 0. 030%-0. 133%, respectively. These results suggested a positive correlation between the content of the main effective components and the growth years. No significant difference was observed between the contents of samples harvested in different seasons, indicating that the harvest season had no effect on the content of the main effective components of the Z. nitidum samples. The total contents of nitidine chloride and chelerythrine of the dried Z. nitidum samples(excluding branches) from three plantation bases were 0. 308%±0. 123% in Yunfu, 0. 192%±0. 025% in Maoming, and 0. 197%±0. 052% in Nanning, respectively, and they were all not less than 0. 15%, or in other words, the roots(including fibrous roots, taproots, and underground stems) and stems(aboveground stems) of Z. nitidum transplanted for more than 2. 5 years can meet the medical requirements. This study demonstrates that the cultivated Z. nitidum could be used as a valid substitute for the wild Z. nitidum, which provides a guarantee for the sustainable development and the application of Z. nitidum resources. The stems and roots could be considered medicinal parts of Z. nitidum. It is recommended to revise the medicinal parts of Z. nitidum to dried roots and stems in the next edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia, and the medicinal parts can be harvested all year round. In order to ensure the content of effective components and clinical effectiveness, the root and stem should be harvested for medical use after the seedlings of Z. nitidum have been transplanted for more than three years.

Effect of Zanthoxylum bungeanum extract on the quality and cathepsin L activity of Niuganba.

Niuganba (NGB) is a traditional fermented beef product. Protease activity typically significantly affects the quality of NGB. Some natural food extracts may markedly influence NGB's protease activity and performance. This study aims to investigate the effect of Zanthoxylum bungeanum extract (ZBE) on the quality and cathepsin L activity of NGB. Following ZBE treatment, the myofibril fragmentation index (MFI), the content of TCA-soluble peptides, surface hydrophobicity, disulfide bond content, and cathepsin L activity of NGB significantly decrease. The content of free thiol groups and ß-sheet significantly increases. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals that the arrangement of muscle fibers in the cross-section of NGB is more compact after ZBE treatment. The research results indicate that ZBE effectively inhibits cathepsin L activity, alleviates the degradation of myofibrillar proteins, improves the physicochemical characteristics of NGB, and enhances its structural stability.

New alkylamides from the pericarps of Zanthoxylum schinifolium.

The pericarps of Zanthoxylum schinifolium Sieb. et Zucc were called "green huajiao", which were used as traditional folk medicine and popular seasoning in China. In this study, twenty-seven alkylamides, including a rare alkylamide containing two amide groups (1), an alkylamide with a furan ring (5), six new alkylamide analogues (2-4, 6-8), together with nineteen known alkylamides (9-27) were isolated from green huajiao. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis, including 1D, 2D NMR, HRESIMS, and UV spectra. Furthermore, compounds 5, 18, 21, and 22 exhibited weak protective activity for corticosterone-induced PC12 cells damage.

[Effects of Four Amendments on Cadmium Bioavailability and Enzyme Activity in Purple Soil].

In this study, the effects of four types of amendments on effective Cd and Cd content in different parts of prickly ash soil and soil enzyme activity were studied, which provided scientific basis for acidification improvement of purple soil and heavy metal pollution control. A field experiment was conducted. Six treatments were set up:no fertilizer (CK), only chemical fertilizer (F), lime + chemical fertilizer (SF), organic fertilizer + chemical fertilizer (OM), biochar + chemical fertilizer (BF), and vinasse biomass ash + chemical fertilizer (JZ). Soil pH; available Cd (DTPA-Cd); Cd content in branches, leaves, shells, and seeds of Zanthoxylum; as well as the activities of catalase (S-CAT), acid phosphatase (S-ACP), and urease (S-UE) in different treatments were studied, and their relationships were clarified. The results showed following:① The two treatments of vinasse biomass ash + chemical fertilizer and lime + chemical fertilizer significantly increased soil pH (P < 0.05) to 3.39 and 2.25 units higher than that in the control, respectively. Compared with that in the control treatment, the content of available Cd in soil under vinasse biomass ash + chemical fertilizer and lime + chemical fertilizer treatment decreased by 28.91 % and 20.90 %, respectively. ② The contents of Cd in leaves, shells, and seeds of Zanthoxylum were decreased by 31.33 %, 30.24 %, and 34.01 %, respectively. The Cd enrichment ability of different parts of Zanthoxylum was different, with the specific performances being leaves > branches > seeds > shells. Compared with that of the control, the enrichment coefficient of each part of Zanthoxylum treated with vinasse biomass ash + chemical fertilizer decreased significantly(P < 0.05)by 27.54 %-40.0 %. ③ The changes in catalase and urease activities in soil treated with amendments were similar. Compared with those in the control group, the above two enzyme activities were significantly increased by 191.26 % and 199.50 %, respectively, whereas the acid phosphatase activities were decreased by 16.45 %. Correlation analysis showed that soil available Cd content was significantly negatively correlated with soil pH value(P < 0.01), S-CAT and S-UE enzyme activities were significantly positively correlated with soil pH(P < 0.01), and the soil available Cd content was significantly negatively correlated (P < 0.01); the S-ACP enzyme showed the complete opposite trends. The application of lime and vinasse biomass ash to acidic purple soil had the most significant effect on neutralizing soil acidity. It was an effective measure to improve acidic purple soil and prevent heavy metal pollution by reducing the effective Cd content in soil and improving the soil environment while inhibiting the absorption and transfer of Cd in various parts of Zanthoxylum.

Ultrasonic-assisted extraction of total flavonoids from Zanthoxylum bungeanum residue and their allelopathic mechanism on Microcystis aeruginosa.

Water eutrophication has emerged as a pressing concern for massive algal blooms, and these harmful blooms can potentially generate harmful toxins, which can detrimentally impact the aquatic environment and human health. Consequently, it is imperative to identify a safe and efficient approach to combat algal blooms to safeguard the ecological safety of water. This study aimed to investigate the procedure for extracting total flavonoids from Z. bungeanum residue and assess its antioxidant properties. The most favorable parameters for extracting total flavonoids from Z. bungeanum residue were a liquid-solid ratio (LSR) of 20 mL/g, a solvent concentration of 60%, an extraction period of 55 min, and an ultrasonic temperature of 80 °C. Meanwhile, the photosynthetic inhibitory mechanism of Z. bungeanum residue extracts against M. aeruginosa was assessed with a particular focus on the concentration-dependent toxicity effect. Z. bungeanum residue extracts damaged the oxygen-evolving complex structure, influenced energy capture and distribution, and inhibited the electron transport of PSII in M. aeruginosa. Furthermore, the enhanced capacity for ROS detoxification enables treated cells to sustain their photosynthetic activity. The findings of this study hold considerable relevance for the ecological management community and offer potential avenues for the practical utilization of resources in controlling algal blooms.

Degradation and transformation mechanisms of pungent substances in huajiao (Zanthoxylum bungeanum) oil during storage: Induced by ultraviolet irradiation.

The pungency of huajiao (scientifically known as Zanthoxylum bungeanum) oil (ZBO), a crucial seasoning oil, is notably influenced by storage conditions, an aspect insufficiently explored in current research. Through the use of high-performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, this study systematically investigated the stability of pungent compounds in ZBO under various storage conditions. It also elucidated the degradation and transformation mechanisms of these substances when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. The results underscore elevated temperature, light exposure, oxygen, and storage duration as pivotal factors influencing compound degradation, with UV light emerging as the primary driving force. After 48 h of UV exposure, the primary pungent compound, hydroxy-α-sanshool, experienced a significant loss of 85.49%, indicating a pronounced inclination towards isomerization and oxidation. Notably, this study reveals, for the first time, the possible degradation-transformation pattern of hydroxy-γ-sanshool: a mutual conversion with hydroxy-γ-isosanshool and isomerization to (2E,4E,8Z,10E,12Z)-N-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropyl) tetradeca-2,4,8,10,12-pentaenamide.

Effect of Phenol and Alkylamide Interaction on α-Glucosidase Inhibition and Cellular Antioxidant Activity during In Vitro Digestion: Using Szechuan Pepper (Zanthoxylum genus) as a Model.

Although recent evidence indicated significant phenol and alkylamide interaction in aqueous solutions, the gastrointestinal digestion influence of the combination remains unclear. This study aims to investigate phenol and alkylamide interaction during in vitro digestion, focusing on bioaccessibility and bioactivity, including α-glucosidase inhibition and cellular antioxidant activity. Additionally, the structural mechanism of phenol and alkylamide interaction during in vitro digestion was explored. The results indicated that the presence of phenols and alkylamides significantly increased or decreased their respective bioaccessibility, depending on the Zanthoxylum varieties. Furthermore, although antagonistic phenol/alkylamide interaction was evident during α-glucosidase inhibition, cellular oxidative stress alleviation, and antioxidant gene transcription upregulation, this effect weakened gradually as digestion progressed. Glycoside bond cleavage and the methylation of phenols as well as alkylamide isomerization and addition were observed during digestion, modifying the hydrogen bonding sites and interaction behavior. This study provided insights into the phenol/alkylamide interaction in the gastrointestinal tract.

Effectiveness of Gel from Andaliman Fruit (Zanthoxylum acanthopodium DC.) Extract on Wound Inflammation.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Pain is caused by damaged tissue on the outside or inside of an organ and it is regulated by chemicals. Synthetic drugs are used to ease pain because they are analgesics in the field of medicine. Traditional medicine is known to help people all over the world, in both rich and developing nations. The Andaliman fruit, or <i>Zanthoxylum acanthopodium</i> DC., comes from a spice plant that grows naturally in Toba Regency, North Sumatra, Indonesia. This study aims to determine the formulation of the nanoherbal analgesic spray gel preparation of Andaliman fruit (<i>Zanthoxylum acanthopodium</i> DC.) in terms of its effectiveness as a pain reliever. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> There were three amounts of spray gel made, namely 5, 10 and 15% and tests were done to see how well they worked. <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> bacteria were used in the bacterial blocking test. To test how well painkillers worked, five groups of mice were used. Using a hot iron, tests for anti-inflammatory activity and wound healing were done. The tissue was then watched for 14 days and analysed using Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) stains. <b>Results:</b> The 15% concentration reduces pain and the time it takes for the body to respond to it. The clear zone size is the same as (K⁺) and it can lower the number of inflammatory cells and help wounds heal by adding fibroblast and collagen cells. These findings are supported by significant data results (p<0.05, p = 0.018). <b>Conclusion:</b> Finally, analgesic gel spray made from the Andaliman fruit at a 15% concentration can help with pain and also be antibacterial, reduce inflammation and help wounds heal.</p>.

A novel isoquinoline alkaloid HJ-69 isolated from Zanthoxylum bungeanum attenuates inflammatory pain by inhibiting voltage-gated sodium and potassium channels.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE: Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim. (Z. bungeanum), a member of the Rutaceae family, has a rich history of traditional use in Asia for treating arthritis and toothache conditions. As characteristic chemical components, numerous kinds of alkaloids have been extracted from plants and their diverse biological activities have been reported. However, research on the isoquinoline alkaloid, a specific type of alkaloids, in Z. bungeanum was scarce. AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aimed to isolate a novel isoquinoline alkaloid from Z. bungeanum and explore its pharmacological activity in vitro and analgesic activity in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Isoquinoline alkaloid isolation and identification from Z. bungeanum were conducted using chromatographic and spectroscopic methods. The whole-cell patch-clamp technique was applied to assess its impact on neuronal excitability, and endogenous voltage-gated potassium (Kv) and sodium (Nav) currents in acutely isolated mouse small-diameter dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Its inhibitory impacts on channels were further validated with HEK293 cells stably expressing Nav1.7 and Nav1.8, and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells transiently expressing Kv2.1. The formalin inflammatory pain model was utilized to evaluate the potential analgesic activity in vivo. RESULTS: A novel isoquinoline alkaloid named HJ-69 (N-13-(3-methoxyprop-1-yl)rutaecarpine) was isolated and identified from Z. bungeanum for the first time. HJ-69 significantly suppressed the firing frequency and amplitudes of action potentials in DRG neurons. Consistently, it state-dependently inhibited endogenous Nav currents of DRG neurons, with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 13.06 ± 2.06 µM and 30.19 ± 2.07 µM for the inactivated and resting states, respectively. HJ-69 significantly suppressed potassium currents in DRG neurons, which notably inhibited the delayed rectifier potassium (IK) currents (IC50 = 6.95 ± 1.29 µM) and slightly affected the transient outward potassium (IA) currents (IC50 = 523.50 ± 39.16 µM). Furtherly, HJ-69 exhibited similar potencies on heterologously expressed Nav1.7, Nav1.8, and Kv2.1 channels, which correspondingly represent the main components in neurons. Notably, intraperitoneal administration of 30 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg HJ-69 significantly alleviated pain behaviors in the mouse inflammatory pain model induced by formalin. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that HJ-69 is a novel and active isoquinoline alkaloid, and the inhibition of Nav and Kv channels contributes to its analgesic activity. HJ-69 may be a promising prototype for future analgesic drug discovery based on the isoquinoline alkaloid.

Zanthoxylum bungeanum Waste-Derived High-Nitrogen Self-Doped Porous Carbons as Efficient Adsorbents for Methylene Blue.

In this study, we prepared high-nitrogen self-doped porous carbons (NPC1 and NPC2) derived from the pruned branches and seeds of Zanthoxylum bungeanum using a simple one-step method. NPC1 and NPC2 exhibited elevated nitrogen contents of 3.56% and 4.22%, respectively, along with rich porous structures, high specific surface areas of 1492.9 and 1712.7 m2 g-1 and abundant surface groups. Notably, both NPC1 and NPC2 demonstrated remarkable adsorption abilities for the pollutant methylene blue (MB), with maximum monolayer adsorption capacities of 568.18 and 581.40 mg g-1, respectively. The adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order kinetics and the adsorption isotherms conformed to the Langmuir isotherm model. The adsorption mechanism primarily relied on the hierarchical pore structures of NPC1 and NPC2 and their diverse strong interactions with MB molecules. This study offers a new approach for the cost-effective design of nitrogen self-doped porous carbons, facilitating the efficient removal of MB from wastewater.

Morphoanatomical study of the species Zanthoxylum kleinii (R.S. Cowan) P.G. Waterman (Rutaceae).

The order Sapindales is comprised of nine families and in Brazil it is represented by six, including Rutaceae Juss., which constitutes the largest group of this order. A variety of species of Zanthoxylum L. are distributed throughout the country, and among them is the species Zanthoxylum kleinii (R.S. Cowan) P.G. Waterman, which is found in the states of Brazil. This study aimed to characterize the morphoanatomy of the leaf, petiole, rachis, and stem of the species Z. kleinii. Histochemical tests were performed, and the sections were visualized under optical and scanning electron microscopy. The analysis showed that the morphoanatomical characteristics of the species are: hypoestomatic leaflets; stomata classified as anomocytic, tetracytic, and anisocytic; dorsiventral mesophyll; cavities that produce a secretion of lipid nature, present in the leaflet, rachis, and petiole; colleters distributed in the leaf; presence of simple non-glandular trichomes in all structures; and prismatic crystals in the petiole. Histochemical tests indicated the presence of phenolic and lipophilic compounds, mucilage, and lignin. With the result of this research, it was possible to identify the nature of the compounds secreted by the secretory structures of the leaves; in addition, the morphoanatomical characterization of Z. kleinii can provide relevant data for future studies for other organs of the species not yet described. Furthermore, contributing concomitantly with data for the genus, in this way, supporting to differentiate them. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Ultrastructural features observed by microscopic techniques. Calcium oxalate crystals present in the rachis. Microchemical tests confirmed the presence of colleters in the leaflet.