The activities and mechanisms of intestinal microbiota metabolites of TCM herbal ingredients could be illustrated by a strategy integrating spectrum-effects, network pharmacology, metabolomics and molecular docking analysis: Platycodin D as an example.

BACKGROUND: The intestinal microbiota plays a key role in understanding the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), as it could transform the herbal ingredients to metabolites with higher bioavailability and activity comparing to their prototypes. Nevertheless, the study of the activity and mechanism of microbiota metabolites reported by the published literature still lacks viable ways. Hence a new strategy is proposed to solve this issue. PURPOSE: A new strategy to study the activity and mechanism of intestinal microbiota metabolites of TCM herbal ingredients by integrating spectrum-effect relationship, network pharmacology, metabolomics analysis and molecular docking together was developed and proposed. METHOD: Platycodin D (PD) and its microbiota metabolites with antitussive and expectorant effect were selected as an example for demonstration. First, the PD and its microbiota metabolites with important contribution to antitussive and/or expectorant effects were screened through spectrum-effect relationship analysis. Second, network pharmacology and metabolomics analysis were integrated to identify the upstream key targets of PD and its microbiota metabolites as well as the downstream endogenous metabolites. Finally, the active forms of PD were further confirmed by molecular docking. RESULTS: Results showed that PD was an active ingredient with antitussive and/or expectorant effects, and the active forms of PD were its microbiota metabolites: 3-O-ß-d-glucopyranosyl platycodigenin, 3-O-ß-d-glucopyranosyl isoplatycodigenin, 7­hydroxyl-3-O-ß-d-glucopyranosyl platycodigenin, platycodigenin and isoplatycodigenin. In addition, those microbiota metabolites could bind the key targets of PAH, PLA2G2A, ALOX5, CYP2C9 and CYP2D6 to exert antitussive effects by regulating four metabolic pathways of phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, phenylalanine metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism and linoleic acid metabolism. Similarly, they could also bind the key targets of PLA2G1B, ALOX5, CYP2C9 and CYP2D6 to exert expectorant effect by regulating two pathways of glycerophospholipid metabolism and linoleic acid metabolism. CONCLUSION: The proposed strategy paves a new way for the illustration of the activities and mechanisms of TCM herbal ingredients, which is very important to reconcile the conundrums of TCM herbal ingredients with low oral bioavailability but high activity.

[Activity of Codonopsis canescens against rheumatoid arthritis based on TLRs/MAPKs/NF-κB signaling pathways and its mechanism].

This paper aims to explore the activity of Codonopsis canescens extract against rheumatoid arthritis(RA) based on the Toll-like receptors(TLRs)/mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPKs)/nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB) signaling pathways and its mechanism. The ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight/mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) was used to identify the components of C. canescens extract. Forty-eight male SD rats were randomly divided into six groups, namely the normal group, the model group, the methotrexate(MTX) tablet group, and the low, medium, and high-dose C. canescens extract(ZDS-L, ZDS-M, and ZDS-H) groups, with 8 rats in each group. The model of collagen-induced arthritis in rats was induced by injection of bovine type Ⅱ collagen emulsion. MTX(2.5 mg·kg~(-1)), ZDS-L, ZDS-M, and ZDS-H(0.3 g·kg~(-1), 0.6 g·kg~(-1), and 1.2 g·kg~(-1)) were administrated by gavage. Rats in the normal group and the model group received distilled water. MTX was given once every three days for 28 days, and the rest medicines were given once daily for 28 days. Body weight, degree of foot swelling, arthritis index, immune organ index, synovial histopathological changes, and serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1ß(IL-1ß), and interleukin-6(IL-6) were observed. Protein expressions of TLR2, TLR4, NF-κB p65, p38 MAPK, and p-p38 MAPK in rats were determined by Western blot. Thirty-four main components were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, including 15 flavonoids, 7 phenylpropanoids, 4 terpenoids, 4 organic acids, 2 esters, and 2 polyalkynes. As compared with the normal group, the body weight of the model group was significantly decreased(P<0.01), and foot swelling(P<0.05, P<0.01), arthritis index(P<0.01), and the immune organ index(P<0.01) were significantly increased. The synovial histopathological injury was obviously observed in the model group. The serum levels of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 were significantly increased(P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of TLR2, TLR4, NF-κB p65, p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK in the synovial tissue were significantly increased(P<0.01) in the model group. As compared with the model group, the body weights of the ZDS dose groups were increased(P<0.01), and the degree of foot swelling(P<0.01) and the arthritis index were decreased(P<0.05, P<0.01). The immune organ index was decreased(P<0.01) in the ZDS dose groups, and the synovial tissue hyperplasia and inflammatory cell infiltration were alleviated. The serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 were significantly decreased(P<0.05, P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of TLR2, TLR4, NF-κB p65, p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK were decreased(P<0.05, P<0.01) in the ZDS dose groups. C. canescens extract containing apigenin, tricin, chlorogenic acid, aesculin, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, and oleanolic acid has a good anti-RA effect, and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of TLRs/MAPKs/NF-κB signaling pathways.

[Herbal textual research on Chuanxiong Rhizoma in Chinese classical prescriptions].

Fourteen classical prescriptions in the Catalog of 100 Ancient Classical Prescriptions(First Batch) promulgated in 2018 contain Chuanxiong Rhizoma, which reveals the high medicinal value and wide application of Chuanxiong Rhizoma. This paper systematically reviews the ancient herbal books and modern literature to explore the name, origin, genuine producing area, medicinal part, harvesting, and processing of Chuanxiong Rhizoma, thus facilitating the development of classical prescriptions containing Chuan-xiong Rhizoma. It is confirmed that Chuanxiong Rhizoma, formerly known as "Xiongqiong" in Chinese, was first called "Chuanxiong" in late Tang Dynasty, which has been gradually accepted as its official name due to the rise of the status of Chuanxiong Rhizoma produced in Sichuan. The main original plant of Chuanxiong Rhizoma in past dynasties has always been deemed to be Ligusticum chuan-xiong(Umbellifera), whose rhizome serves as the medicinal part. In general, it is best harvested in summer but the harvesting time can vary with different growth environments. Since the Song Dynasty, Sichuan province has been recognized as the genuine producing area of Chuanxiong Rhizoma in light of the high yield and good quality. It is suggested that Chuanxiong Rhizoma from Sichuan be used preferentially in the development of classical prescriptions. There are multiple processing methods of Chuanxiong Rhizoma recorded in ancient medical classics, and the raw(after purifying and slicing) or wine-processed or stir-fried Chuanxiong Rhizoma is still in use today. In the development of classical prescriptions containing Chuanxiong Rhizoma, Chuanxiong Rhizoma is advised to be processed in accordance with current processing standards if the specific processing method is described in the medical classics. If not, the raw Chuanxiong Rhizoma is preferred and then processed following the processing standards of Chuanxiong Rhizoma decoction pieces in Chinese Pharmacopoeia.

Hippocampal BDNF signaling is required for the antidepressant effects of perillaldehyde.

BACKGROUND: Perillaldehyde is one of the main components in perilla. Previous studies have shown that perillaldehyde exerted an antidepressant effect in mice, some of which is mediated through regulation of the anti-inflammatory system and the monoamine system. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the possible effects of perillaldehyde on the neurotrophic system and to elucidate whether its antidepressant effect requires brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling. METHODS: Mice were exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) and orally administrated with perillaldehyde for 4 weeks for behavioral testing. RESULTS: Perillaldehyde not only reversed the decrease in sucrose preference but also attenuated the increase in feeding latency. In addition, perillaldehyde can attenuate the reduction of CUMS-induced hippocampal BDNF levels. Our further study found that the BDNF receptor tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) antagonist K252a completely blocked the antidepressant effect of perillaldehyde in mice. Biochemical analysis showed that K252a pretreatment completely prevented the improvement of BDNF, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation and synaptic protein. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicated that activation of BDNF-ERK signaling in the hippocampus was required, at least in part for the antidepressant effects of perillaldehyde.

Gallic acid activates hippocampal BDNF-Akt-mTOR signaling in chronic mild stress.

Gallic acid (3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid) is a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound. Previous study has shown that gallic acid possessed significant antidepressant-like activity in mice, which was partly mediated by increasing serotonin and catecholamine levels. The main aim of the present study is to investigate the possible effects of gallic acid on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling activation. Mice were exposed to chronic mild stress (CMS) and orally administrated with gallic acid for four weeks. The behavioral results showed that gallic acid not only reversed the decreased sucrose preference, but also attenuated the increased immobility time. In addition, gallic acid promoted both the BDNF and p-TrkB levels in the hippocampus induced by CMS. Moreover, the results also demonstrated that the inactivated Akt-mTOR signaling pathway, as well as its downstream effectors induced by CMS was activated again by gallic acid. Last, immunofluorescence detection indicated that gallic acid reversed the newborn neurons inhibition in the dentate gyrus by CMS. In conclusion, these results show that the activation of the hippocampal BDNF-Akt-mTOR signaling is involved in the antidepressant-like effects of gallic acid.

[Research on XOD captured components in Lagotis brevituba based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS and molecular docking technology].

Potential xanthine oxidase (XOD) inhibitors in Lagotis brevituba were captured by using affinity and ultrafiltration. The structures of the captured components were identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with Q-TOF mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). The binding intensity and binding mechanism between the captured components and XOD were analyzed by using molecular docking software Autodock 4.2. A total of 17 compounds were identified, including 9 flavonoids, 5 phenolic acids and 3 triterpenes. Molecular docking results showed that all the captured components could be spontaneously bound with XOD mainly via hydrogen bond, Van der Waals' force and hydrophobic interaction. From the perspective of binding energy and scoring function, the collected fractions all had potential prospects for XOD inhibitors, and the flavonoid luteolin-3',7 glucuronide had the best effect. The results also showed that affinity and ultrafiltration, ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) and molecular docking technology can provide a powerful tool for the analysis of XOD inhibitor components in natural products.

Antigout Effects of Plantago asiatica: Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitory Activities Assessed by Electrochemical Biosensing Method.

The XOD inhibitory effects of Plantaginis Semen, that is, the seeds of P. asiatisca, and its representative four single compounds, acteoside, 1H-indolo-3-carbaldehyde, isoacteoside, and myristic acid, were evaluated by electron transfer signal blocking activities (ETSBA), which is based on the electron transfer signal of XOD enzymatic reaction. The blocking activities were detected using an electrochemical biosensing method. Compared with control, significant effects were observed after the addition of P. asiatica extract, acteoside, and 1H-indolo-3-carbaldehyde (all p < 0.05). The IC50 values of the extract and acteoside are 89.14 and 7.55 µg·mL-1, respectively. The IC20 values of the extract, acteoside, and 1H-indolo-3-carbaldehyde are 24.28, 3.88, and 16.16 µg·mL-1, respectively. Due to the relatively lower inhibitory potential of 1H-indolo-3-carbaldehyde, its IC50 was not obtained. In addition, isoacteoside and myristic acid did not show any XOD inhibitory effects. Our data demonstrated that the XOD inhibitory effects of the extract, acteoside, and 1H-indolo-3-carbaldehyde can be accurately evaluated by the ETSBA method. The results from this study indicated that Plantaginis Semen significantly inhibited XOD activities to reduce hyperuricemia and treat gout. The study also proves that measuring the electron transfer signal blocking activities is a simple, sensitive, and accurate method to evaluate the XOD inhibitory effects.

[Fast identification of constituents of Lagotis brevituba by using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS method].

The chemical constituents of Lagotis brevituba were rapidly determined and analyzed by using ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) method, providing material basis for the clinical application of L. brevituba. The separation was performed on UPLC YMC-Triart C18 (2.1 mm×100 mm, 1.9 µm) column, with acetonitrile-water containing 0.2% formic acid as mobile phase for gradient elution. The flow rate was 0.4 mL•min-1 gradient elution and column temperature was 40 ℃, the injection volume was 2 µL. ESI ion source was used to ensure the data collected in a negative ion mode. The chemical components of L. brevituba were identified through retention time, exact relative molecular mass, cleavage fragments of MS/MS and reported data. The results showed that a total of 22 compounds were identified, including 11 flavones, 6 phenylethanoid glycosides, 1 iridoid glucosides, and 4 organic acid. The UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS method could fast identify the chemical components of L. brevituba, providing valuable information about L. brevituba for its clinical application.

[Study on genetic polymorphism of Platycodon grandiflorum based on barcoding of ITS2].

OBJECTIVE: ITS2 of DNA barcoding was used to study genetic polymorphism of Platycodon grandiflorum. METHOD: Total genomic DNA was isolated from P. grandiflorum. PCR was used to amplified the region of internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2), and PCR products were sequenced. The sequences of ITS2 were analyzed and compared by Clustal. The intraspecies genetic distance was calculated based on Kimura 2-parameter model by using MEGA 5.05. The ITS2 sequence of Codonopsis pilosula was used as the outreach value for plants of the genus, and the phylogenic tree used constructed by Neighbor-Joining (NJ) method. RESULT: The K2-P's genetic distance of all samples were ranged from 0 to 0.930. The K2-P's genetic distance of samples at the same area were ranged from 0 to 0.178. The K2-P's genetic distance of samples at different areas were ranged from 0.735 to 0.930. The analytical result showed that the degree of genetic variation were heavy in intraspecies of P. grandiflorum and significantly correlated with geographical location. CONCLUSION: The DNA barcoding of ITS2 can applied to study the intraspecific genetic diversity, it provides a reference for further development of DNA barcoding technology applications.

[Chemical Constitutes from Seeds of Plantago asiatica].

OBJECTIVE: To study the chemical constituents of Plantago asiatica seeds. METHODS: The constituents were isolated from the seeds of Plantago asiatica by column chromatography over silica gel, MCI gel, macroporous resin HP-20, Sephadex LH-20, Polyamide and by preparative HPLC. Their structures were elucidated by analysis of physical and chemical properties and spectral data. RESULTS: Five compounds were isolated and their structures were identified as acteoside (1), isoacteoside (2), decaffeoylacteoside (3), tetradecanoic acid (4), and bis (2-ethythexyl) benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate (5). CONCLUSION: Compound 5 is isolated from Plantaginaceae for the first time. Compounds 3 and 4 are firstly characterized in Plantago asiatica.

[Study on the liver-protective and choleretic effect of zhizi baipi soup and its disassembled prescription].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Zhizi Baipi soup and its disassembled prescription on protecting liver and improving choleresis and explore the regularity of Zhizi Baipi soup composition. METHODS: The model of mouse liver injury induced by carbon tetraehlofide (CCl4) was used to observe the effects of Zhizi Baipi soup and its disassembled prescription by oral adminstration, the bile volume was determinied by common bile duct drainage. RESULTS: Zhizi Baipi soup and each treatment group with gardenia could significantly inhibit the increased serum ATL and AST activities, reduce liver MDA level, and significantly promote the bile flow and bilirubin in bile in normal rats. CONCLUSION: Zhizi Baipi soup has effects on protecting liver and increasing bile secretion, its monarch drug, gardenia plays an important role in the decoction, the effect of eliminating dampness and heat are mainly ascribed to the synergic effect of gardenia and phellodendron.

[HPLC fingerprint and chemical pattern recognition of liposoluble chemical components for euodiae fructus].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a method of HPLC fingerprint and chemical pattern recognition of liposoluble chemical components for quality evaluation of Euodiae Fructus. METHODS: The HPLC chromatographic separation was performed on a C18 column (250 mm x 4.6 mm, 5 microm). The mobile phase was a mixture of acetonitrile-0.5% acetic acid in gradient elution with flow rate of 1 mL/min. The detection wavelength was set at 249 nm, and the column temperature was 30 degrees C. RESULTS: There were 9 common peaks in the HPLC fingerprint of 34 batches of Euodiae Fructus samples. The results of cluster analysis and principal component analysis showed that the liposoluble chemical components of Euodia rutaecarpa (Juss.) Benth. var. officinalis (Dode) Huang and Euodia rutaecarpa (Juss.) Benth. var. bodinieri (Dode) Huang were more similar than that of Euodia rutaecarpa (Juss.) Benth. CONCLUSION: The results provide new experimental and theoretical basis for quality control and evaluation of Euodiae Fructus.

[Determination of geniposide and croein-1 in different breed of fructus gardeniae].

OBJECTIVE: To determinate geniposide and croein-1 in Fructus Gardeniae from different breeds. METHODS: RP-HPLC method was adopted. The chromatographic separation was performed on an Eclipse XDB-C18 column (250 mm x 4.6 mm, 5 microm, Agilent). The mobile phase was a mixture of acetonitrile-0.1% phosphoric acid aqueous solution in gradient elution. The wavelength of 238 nm and 440 nm was selected to determinate geniposide and crocins simultaneously. RESULT: The contents of geniposide and croein-1 in different breeds of Fructus Gardeniae are different. CONCLUSION: This method is simple and repeatable, and could be used for the quality control of Fructus Gardeniae.

Application of a novel electrosynthesized polydopamine-imprinted film to the capacitive sensing of nicotine.

The application of novel electrosynthesized polydopamine (PDA)-imprinted film as a recognition element for the capacitive sensing of nicotine is reported. The PDA-imprinted film was electropolymerized directly on the gold electrode surface in the presence of nicotine without an additional self-assembled thiol sublayer. The compact PDA film has various functional groups that aid the imprinting procedure. Furthermore, the film shows good capacitive response since it is insulating in nature and ultrathin. The sensor's linear response range for nicotine was between 1-25 micromol L(-1), with a detection limit of 0.5 micromol L(-1). The proposed molecularly imprinted polymer capacitive (MIPC) sensor exhibited good selectivity for nicotine. The reproducibility and repeatability of the MIPC sensor were all found to be satisfactory. The results from sample analysis confirmed the applicability of the MIPC sensor to quantitative analysis.