Fermented Sprouts of Codonopsis lanceolata Suppress LPS-Induced Inflammatory Responses by Inhibiting NF-κB Signaling Pathway in RAW 264.7 Macrophages and CD1 Mice.

The interest in bioconversion through fermentation of sprouts produced in smart farms is increasing due to their potential health benefits. Codonopsis lanceolata (CL) is reported to alleviate inflammatory conditions, but much research is still needed to determine which types and parts of CL are most effective. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of a fermented extract of CL sprouts' aerial part (F-CSA) against LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages and mice. In the screening test, F-CSA showed the most substantial anti-inflammatory effect among several samples, containing the highest total flavonoids, tannins, and polyphenols. UPLC-ESI-Q/TOF-MS and HPLC analysis revealed that F-CSA had the highest amount of luteolin among all the CL samples analyzed. F-CSA reduced the release of inflammatory cytokines and mediators such as NO and PGE2 by inhibiting the expression levels of iNOS and COX-2 in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Further, we found that the anti-inflammatory effects of F-CSA were mediated by inhibiting the JNK/NF-κB signaling pathway. Moreover, F-CSA improved survival rates and reduced plasma levels of NO and IL-6 in CD1 mice stimulated with LPS. These findings suggest that F-CSA, which contains luteolin, can alleviate inflammation in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells and a CD1 mouse model by inhibiting the JNK/NF-κB signaling pathways.

Nanocellulose/two dimensional nanomaterials composites for advanced supercapacitor electrodes.

With the emerging of the problems of environmental pollution and energy crisis, the development of high-efficiency energy storage technology and green renewable energy is imminent. Supercapacitors have drawn great attention in wearable electronics because of their good performance and portability. Electrodes are the key to fabricate high-performance supercapacitors with good electrochemical properties and flexibility. As a biomass based derived material, nanocellulose has potential application prospects in supercapacitor electrode materials due to its biodegradability, high mechanical strength, strong chemical reactivity, and good mechanical flexibility. In this review, the research progress of nanocellulose/two dimensional nanomaterials composites is summarized for supercapacitors in recent years. First, nanocellulose/MXene composites for supercapacitors are reviewed. Then, nanocellulose/graphene composites for supercapacitors are comprehensively elaborated. Finally, we also introduce the current challenges and development potential of nanocellulose/two dimensional nanomaterials composites in supercapacitors.

Effects of taxifolin from enzymatic hydrolysis of Rhododendron mucrotulatum on hair growth promotion.

Flavonoid aglycones possess biological activities, such as antioxidant and antidiabetic activities compared to glycosides. Taxifolin, a flavonoid aglycones, is detected only in trace amounts in nature and is not easily observed. Therefore, in this study, to investigate the hair tonic and hair loss inhibitors effect of taxifolin, high content of taxifolin aglycone extract was prepared by enzymatic hydrolysis. Taxifolin effectively regulates the apoptosis of dermal papilla cells, which is associated with hair loss, based on its strong antioxidant activities. However, inhibition of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a major cause of male pattern hair loss, was significantly reduced with taxifolin treatment compared with minoxidil, as a positive control. It was also confirmed that a representative factor for promoting hair growth, IGF-1, was significantly increased, and that TGF-ß1, a representative biomarker for hair loss, was significantly reduced with taxifolin treatment. These results suggest that taxifolin from enzymatic hydrolysis of RM is a potential treatment for hair loss and a hair growth enhancer.

Regulation of Cytokines and Dihydrotestosterone Production in Human Hair Follicle Papilla Cells by Supercritical Extraction-Residues Extract of Ulmus davidiana.

This study was conducted to examine the anti-hair loss mechanism of the supercritical fluid extraction-residues extract of Ulmus davidiana by the regulation of cytokine production and hormone function in human dermal follicle papilla cells (HDFPCs). To investigate the modulatory effects on H2O2-induced cytokines, we measured transforming growth factor-beta and insulin-like growth factor 1 secreted from HDFPCs. To investigate the regulatory effects of supercritical extraction-residues extract of Ulmus davidiana on dihydrotestosterone hormone production, cells were co-incubated with high concentrations of testosterone. The supercritical extraction-residues extract of Ulmus davidiana significantly inhibited the secretion of transforming growth factor-beta but rescued insulin-like growth factor 1 in a dose-dependent manner. The supercritical extraction-residues extract of Ulmus davidiana markedly reduced dihydrotestosterone production. These results suggest that the supercritical fluid extract residues of Ulmus davidiana and their functional molecules are candidates for preventing human hair loss.

Lignin-Based/Polypyrrole Carbon Nanofiber Electrode With Enhanced Electrochemical Properties by Electrospun Method.

Tailoring the structure and properties of lignin is an important step toward electrochemical applications. In this study, lignin/polypyrrole (PPy) composite electrode films with microporous and mesoporous structures were designed effectively by electrostatic spinning, carbonization, and in situ polymerization methods. The lignin can not only reduce the cost of carbon fiber but also increase the specific surface area of composite films due to the removal of carbonyl and phenolic functional groups of lignin during carbonization. Besides, the compact three-dimensional (3D) conductive network structures were constructed with PPy particles densely coated on the lignin nanofibers, which was helpful to improve the conductivity and fast electron transfer during the charging and discharging processes. The synthesized lignin carbon fibers/PPy anode materials had good electrochemical performance in 1 M H2SO4 electrolyte. The results showed that, at a current density of 1 A g-1, the lignin carbon nanofibers/PPy (LCNFs/PPy) had a larger specific capacitance of 213.7 F g-1 than carbon nanofibers (CNFs), lignin carbon nanofibers (LCNFs), and lignin/PPy fiber (LPAN/PPy). In addition, the specific surface area of LCNFs/PPy reached 872.60 m2 g-1 and the average pore size decreased to 2.50 nm after being coated by PPy. Therefore, the independent non-binder and self-supporting conductive film is expected to be a promising electrode material for supercapacitors with high performance.

Hemicellulose-based hydrogels for advanced applications.

Hemicellulose-based hydrogels are three-dimensional networked hydrophilic polymer with high water retention, good biocompatibility, and mechanical properties, which have attracted much attention in the field of soft materials. Herein, recent advances and developments in hemicellulose-based hydrogels were reviewed. The preparation method, formation mechanism and properties of hemicellulose-based hydrogels were introduced from the aspects of chemical cross-linking and physical cross-linking. The differences of different initiation systems such as light, enzymes, microwave radiation, and glow discharge electrolytic plasma were summarized. The advanced applications and developments of hemicellulose-based hydrogels in the fields of controlled drug release, wound dressings, high-efficiency adsorption, and sensors were summarized. Finally, the challenges faced in the field of hemicellulose-based hydrogels were summarized and prospected.

The Kinetics Studies on Hydrolysis of Hemicellulose.

The kinetics studies is of great importance for the understanding of the mechanism of hemicellulose pyrolysis and expanding the applications of hemicellulose. In the past years, rapid progress has been paid on the kinetics studies of hemicellulose hydrolysis. In this article, we first introduced the hydrolysis of hemicelluloses via various strategies such as autohydrolysis, dilute acid hydrolysis, catalytic hydrolysis, and enzymatic hydrolysis. Then, the history of kinetic models during hemicellulose hydrolysis was summarized. Special attention was paid to the oligosaccharides as intermediates or substrates, acid as catalyst, and thermogravimetric as analyzer method during the hemicellulose hydrolysis. Furthermore, the problems and suggestions of kinetic models during hemicellulose hydrolysis was provided. It expected that this article will favor the understanding of the mechanism of hemicellulose pyrolysis.

Preparation and Application in Water Treatment of Magnetic Biochar.

This paper reviews the preparation of magnetic biochar and its application in wastewater treatment, and briefly discusses the adsorption mechanism of biochar to remove pollutants and the modification methods of biochar. Due to the good physical and chemical properties of biochar, including its rough porous structure, it has been widely used to absorb pollutants from water. Magnetic biochar is commonly prepared by combining biochar with magnetic material. The biochar is endowed with the characteristics of the magnetic material, which could effectively solve the problems of difficult recovery and easy loss of adsorbent in water treatment. Magnetic biochar with high carbon content, large specific surface area, magnetic separation, and other excellent properties, has become a hot research topic in recent years. The preparation methods and application properties of magnetic biochar are reviewed. The future research directions of magnetic biochar are put forward to provide directions for further research and application of magnetic biochar materials.

Genetic Diversity, Chemical Components, and Property of Biomass Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis.

Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis is a kind of biomass resource, which has important medicinal and economical values with a huge market. This review article aims to summarize the recent development of biomass P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis. The genetic diversity and chemical components of biomass P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis were reviewed based on the literature. Both the genetic diversity and genetic structure of biomass P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis were compared by using molecular marker technologies. All the extraction processes, harvest time, and drying methods on the chemical components were summarized in detail. The differences of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the infection rate, diosgenin content, microorganisms, enzyme activities, rhizospheric environment, and endogenous hormones were discussed. This review article is beneficial for the applications of biomass P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis as a biomass resource in the biomedical field.

Recent Developments and Applications of Hemicellulose From Wheat Straw: A Review.

Hemicellulose is an important component of plant cell walls, which is mainly used in biofuels and bioproducts. The hemicellulose extracted from different plant sources and plant locations has different microstructure and molecule. Wheat straw is an important biomass raw material for the extraction of hemicellulose. The aims of this review are to summary the recent developments and various applications of hemicellulose from wheat straw. The microstructure and molecule of hemicellulose extracted by different methods are comparably discussed. The hemicellulose-based derivatives and composites are also reviewed. Special attention was paid to the applications of hemicellulose such as biofuel production, packaging field, and adsorbent. The problems and developing direction were given based on our knowledge. We expect that this review will put forward to the development and high-value applications of hemicellulose from wheat straw.

Multifunctional Lignin-Based Composite Materials for Emerging Applications.

Lignin exhibited numerous advantages such as plentiful functional groups, good biocompatibility, low toxicity, and high carbon content, which can be transformed into composites and carbon materials. Lignin-based materials are usually environmentally friendly and low cost, and are widely used in energy storage, environment, electronic devices, and other fields. In this review article, the pretreatment separation methods like hydrothermal process are illustrated briefly, and the properties and categories of technical lignin are introduced. Then, the latest progress of lignin-based composites and lignin-derived carbon materials is summarized. Finally, the current challenges and future developments were suggested based on our knowledge. It is expected that this review paper favored the applications of composites and lignin-derived carbon materials in the future.

Application of Ethanol Extracts From Alnus sibirica Fisch. ex Turcz in Hair Growth Promotion.

Alnus sibirica Fisch. ex Turcz (ASFT), belonging to the family of Betulaceae, grows naturally in Asia, Europe, and America. The aims of this study are determining the efficacy of various biomarkers related to hair loss, evaluated by extracting the branch with 60% alcohol, and purely separating diarylheptanoid oregonin, an indicator and active substance, from 60% alcohol extract of the tree. To determine the preventive effects on hair loss, we investigated the anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic effects on hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity on human hair dermal papilla cells using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and Western blotting analysis for proving of apoptosis-related marker alteration, respectively. Moreover, we examined the ameliorative effects of 60% alcohol extract of the tree and oregonin against changes of oxidative stress-induced cytokine and testosterone-induced dihydrotestosterone production as crucial pathways of the hair loss mechanism. These results suggest that 60% alcohol extract of the tree and oregonin were available as novel natural materials for maintaining hair health in mammals.

Valorization of Enzymatic Hydrolysis Residues from Corncob into Lignin-Containing Cellulose Nanofibrils and Lignin Nanoparticles.

As a kind of biomass waste, enzymatic hydrolysis residues (EHRs) are conventionally burned or just discarded, resulting in environmental pollution and low economic benefits. In this study, EHRs of corncob residues (CCR) were used to produce high lignin-containing cellulose nanofibrils (LCNFs) and lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) through a facile approach. The LCNFs and LNPs with controllable chemical compositions and properties were produced by tuning the enzymolysis time of CCR and the followed homogenization. The morphology, thermal stability, chemical and crystalline structure, and dispersibility of the resultant LCNFs and LNPs were further comprehensively investigated. This work not only promotes the production of lignocellulose-based nanomaterials but also provides a promising utilization pathway for EHRs.

A 60% Edible Ethanolic Extract of Ulmus davidiana Inhibits Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-Induced Angiogenesis.

As abnormal angiogenesis is associated with exacerbation of various diseases, precise control over angiogenesis is imperative. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the most well-known angiogenic factor, binds to VEGF receptor (VEGFR), activates various signaling pathways, and mediates angiogenesis. Therefore, blocking the VEGF-induced angiogenic response-related signaling pathways may alleviate various disease symptoms through inhibition of angiogenesis. Ulmus davidiana is a safe natural product that has been traditionally consumed, but its effects on endothelial cells (ECs) and the underlying mechanism of action are unclear. In the present study, we focused on the effect of a 60% edible ethanolic extract of U. davidiana (U60E) on angiogenesis. U60E inhibited the VEGF-mediated proliferation, tube formation, and migration ability of ECs. Mechanistically, U60E inhibited endothelial nitric oxide synthase activation and nitric oxide production by blocking the protein kinase B signaling pathway activated by VEGF and consequently inhibiting proliferation, tube formation, and migration of ECs. These results suggest that U60E could be a potential and safe therapeutic agent capable of suppressing proangiogenic diseases by inhibiting VEGF-induced angiogenesis.

Taxifolin Glycoside Blocks Human ether-a-go-go Related Gene K(+) Channels.

Taxifolin glycoside is a new drug candidate for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). Many drugs cause side effects such as long QT syndrome by blocking the human ether-a-go-go related gene (hERG) K(+) channels. To determine whether taxifolin glycoside would block hERG K(+) channels, we recorded hERG K(+) currents using a whole-cell patch clamp technique. We found that taxifolin glycoside directly blocked hERG K(+) current in a concentration-dependent manner (EC(50)=9.6±0.7 µM). The activation curve of hERG K(+) channels was negatively shifted by taxifolin glycoside. In addition, taxifolin glycoside accelerated the activation time constant and reduced the onset of the inactivation time constant. These results suggest that taxifolin glycoside blocks hERG K(+) channels that function by facilitating activation and inactivation process.

Hirsutenone directly blocks human ether-a-go-go related gene K+ channels.

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether hirsutenone affects the human ether-a-go-go related gene (hERG) K(+) channels. Many drugs promote formation of the acquired form of long QT syndrome (LQTS) by blocking the hERG K(+) channels. Hirsutenone, a new candidate for the treatment inflammatory skin lesions, induced a concentration-dependent decrease in hERG K(+) current amplitudes. Hirsutenone significantly decreased the time constants at the onset of inactivation. However, the reductions in the time constants of steady-state inactivation and the recovery from inactivation after hirsutenone treatment were not significant. In addition, the drug had no effect on the voltage-dependent activation curve or the steady-state inactivation curve. In summary, hirsutenone potentially acts as a blocker of hERG K(+) channels functioning by modifying the channel inactivation kinetics.

Tat peptide-admixed elastic liposomal formulation of hirsutenone for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in NC/Nga mice.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to enhance a topical delivery of hirsutenone (HST), a naturally occuring immunomodulator, employing Tat peptide-admixed elastic liposomes (EL/T). METHODS: HST-loaded EL, consisting of phosphatidylcholine and Tween 80 (85:15 w/w%), were prepared using thin film hydration method. By adding Tat peptide to EL (0.16 w/w%), EL/T were formulated. The in vitro skin permeation of HST was examined using a Franz diffusion cell mounted with depilated mouse skin. Lesions for atopic dermatitis (AD) were induced by a topical application of diphenylcyclopropenone to NC/Nga mice. Therapeutic improvements of AD were evaluated by clinical skin severity scores. Immunological analyses on inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 levels in the skin and interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13, immunoglobulin E, and eosinophil levels in the blood were also performed. RESULTS: EL systems were superior to conventional cream, revealing greater flux values in a permeation study. The addition of Tat peptide further increased the skin permeation of HST. In an efficacy study with AD-induced NC/Nga mice, an HST-containing EL/T formulation brought a significant improvement in both skin severity score and immune-related responses for the levels of nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, IL-4, IL-13, immunoglobulin E, and eosinophils. CONCLUSION: A novel EL/T formulation was successfully developed for topical delivery of HST to treat AD.

Topical application of two condensed tannins from the root of Rosa multiflora Thunberg for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) in NC/Nga mice.

Recently, the isolation of several condensed tannins from the roots of Rosa multiflora Thunberg, a traditional herbal therapy in oriental medicine for rheumatoid arthritis and scabies, was described. Two of the major condensed tannins - procyanidin B-3 (ProB3) and ent-guibourtinidol-(4ß â†’ 6)-catechin (RM-1) - were then applied topically to atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions on NC/Nga mice in order to assess their immunomodulatory properties. Both ProB3 and RM-1 significantly reduced the serum levels of eosinophils, IgE and certain Th2 cytokines (IL-4, 5 and 13) (p < 0.05 or 0.01). Additionally, ProB3 and RM-1 significantly reduced both the mRNA and protein expression of COX-2 and iNOS in mouse skin tissues (p < 0.01). Such results strongly suggest that ProB3 and RM-1 may be useful in the treatment allergic skin conditions, most notably atopic dermatitis.

Inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 expression by phenolic compounds from roots of Rhododendron mucronulatum.

The roots of Rhododendron mucronulatum Turzaninov have been used in Oriental traditional medicine for the treatment of dysuria, fever, increase of digestive activity and tonics in China and Korea. Activity guided isolation of the roots of Rhododendron mucronulatum Turzaninov has led to the isolation of three flavonoids, one flavan 3-ol and one proanthocyanidin. Chemical investigation of the 80% Me2 CO extract from the roots of Rhododendron mucronulatum led to the isolation and identification of five compounds: taxifolin (1), taxifolin 3-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (2), quercetin 3-O-α-L-arabinofuranoside (3), (-)-epicatechin (4), procyanidin B-3 (5). To investigate the antioxidative and antiinflammatory effects of these compounds, their 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities and the protein levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in LPS-stimulated HaCaT cells were also quantified by western blotting and their end products, nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2 ), respectively. Compounds (1-5) showed potent DPPH radical scavenging compared with positive controls (L-ascorbic acid). Also, compounds 1 and 2 dose-dependently inhibited the expressions of inflammatory mediators, NO and PGE2 , suggesting they are promising candidates as antiinflammatory agents.

Effect of Alnus japonica extract on a model of atopic dermatitis in NC/Nga mice.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The bark of Alnus species has long been used in traditional oriental medicine in the treatment of many pathological conditions, including fever, hemorrhage, diarrhea, alcoholism, various skin diseases (e.g. chronic herpes, eczema and prurigo), and inflammation. In order to assess the immunomodulatory efficacy of a novel herbal medicine in treating atopic dermatitis, we measured serum levels of several allergic and inflammatory biomarkers in NC/Nga mice before and after treatment with this experimental agent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Gene and protein expression analyses of iNOS and COX-2 were quantified by real time PCR and Western blot analysis and serum levels of IL-4, -5 and -13 were also measured by ELISA, all of which were reduced after treatment with the experimental agent. Additionally, serum concentrations of IgE and blood eosinophil counts were reduced in treated mice. RESULTS: The topical application of leaf and bark extract from Alnus japonica suppressed the development of AD-like skin lesions. The percent of blood eosinophils was decreased after treatment with leaf and bark extract from Alnus japonica. The serum IgE and Th2-related cytokine levels were decreased after treatment with leaf and bark extract from Alnus japonica compared with those treated with base cream (vehicle treated AD group). The IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 were lower than those of vehicle treated AD group. CONCLUSIONS: We contend that leaf and bark extract from Alnus japonica may prove useful in the treatment of atopic dermatitis and other allergic skin diseases, although more in-depth clinical studies are necessary before clinical implementation.