The Biological Active Substances of Taraxacum officinale and Arctium lappa from the Siberian Federal District.

Currently, scientists are increasingly focusing on utilizing the natural flora of the planet to search for and isolate individual bioactive substances that prevent various diseases, contribute to increased life expectancy, and affect all major life-supporting systems in the human body. This study describes the examination of the composition of plant raw materials from the Siberian Federal District. The research focuses on plant specimens from the root parts of Taraxacum officinale and Arctium lappa, collected in the Kemerovo region. The study determines the contents of the water-soluble vitamins B and C in the research subjects. The investigation includes assessing antioxidant properties, antimicrobial activity, and flavonoid content in extracts based on plant raw materials. All samples show a high percentage of antioxidant activity, with the highest antioxidant activity for T. officinale at 85.51 and that for A. lappa at 88.97. The results indicate low antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli (growth inhibition zone up to 15.5 mm). Plant extracts contain significant amounts of B-group vitamins, with pyridoxine in T. officinale (156.40 µg/mL) and thiamine (46.20 µg/mL) and pyridoxine (357.10 µg/mL) in Arctium lappa. Flavonoids (rutin and quercetin) are identified in T. officinale and A. lappa extracts based on the study results.

Extraction, structure and bioactivities of polysaccharide from root of Arctium lappa L.: A review.

Arctium lappa L. root is a well-known Chinese medicine with high medicinal and food values. Arctium lappa L. root polysaccharide (ALP), as the main component and bioactive substance, has a variety of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, antithrombotic, immunomodulatory activity and improvement of intestinal flora. The biological activities of polysaccharides are closely related to their structures, and different extraction and purification methods will yield different polysaccharide structures. As a kind of natural polysaccharide, ALP has a broad application prospect in drug carrier. In this paper, we reviewed the research progress on the extraction, purification, structural characterization, biological activities, structure-activity relationship and drug carrier application of ALP, in order to provide basic reference for the development and application of medical and health care value. At the same time, the shortcomings of ALP research are discussed in depth, and the potential development prospect and future research direction are prospected.

A Network of Processes for Biorefining Burdock Seeds and Roots.

In this work, a novel sustainable approach was proposed for the integral valorisation of Arctium lappa (burdock) seeds and roots. Firstly, a preliminary recovery of bioactive compounds, including unsaturated fatty acids, was performed. Then, simple sugars (i.e., fructose and sucrose) and phenolic compounds were extracted by using compressed fluids (supercritical CO2 and propane). Consequently, a complete characterisation of raw biomass and extraction residues was carried out to determine the starting chemical composition in terms of residual lipids, proteins, hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin, and ash content. Subsequently, three alternative ways to utilise extraction residues were proposed and successfully tested: (i) enzymatic hydrolysis operated by Cellulases (Thricoderma resei) of raw and residual biomass to glucose, (ii) direct ethanolysis to produce ethyl levulinate; and (iii) pyrolysis to obtain biochar to be used as supports for the synthesis of sulfonated magnetic iron-carbon catalysts (Fe-SMCC) to be applied in the dehydration of fructose for the synthesis of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF). The development of these advanced approaches enabled the full utilisation of this resource through the production of fine chemicals and value-added compounds in line with the principles of the circular economy.

Innovative application of a novel and thermostable inulin fructotransferase from Arthrobacter sp. ISL-85 to fructan inulin in burdock root to improve nutrition.

Inulin fructotransferase converts prebiotic polysaccharide inulin to difructose anhydride III, known for its numerous beneficial physiological effects. While previous studies focused on using inulin extracts under optimal conditions, this study delves into the enzyme's behavior when dealing with more complex food materials, inulin-rich burdock root, which possesses greater nutritional value but may influence the enzymatic reaction. An inulin fructotransferase from Arthrobacter sp. ISL-85 was identified and characterized, which has the highest activity of 783 U mg-1 at pH 6.5 and 65 °C and remains stable even up to 80 °C. When applied to inulin-rich burdock root (pH 4.7) at 80 °C for 2 h, the enzyme yielded 4.1 g of difructose anhydride III, concurrently increasing fructo-oligosaccharides. This study demonstrates the potential of this enzyme as a valuable tool for efficiently processing inulin within whole food materials under high temperatures. Such an approach could pave the way for enhancing nutrition and promoting health benefits.

Innovative application of a novel di-D-fructofuranose 1,2':2,3'-dianhydride hydrolase (DFA-IIIase) from Duffyella gerundensis A4 to burdock root to improve nutrition.

Burdock is native to Europe and Asia and rich in many functional ingredients, including biomacromolecule polysaccharide inulin. The prebiotic fructan inulin can provide energy to organisms via several pathways. One pathway is that inulin fructotransferase (IFTase) first converts inulin to III-type difructose anhydride (DFA-III), which has many beneficial physiological functions. Then, DFA-III is hydrolyzed to inulobiose, which is a Fn-type prebiotic fructo-oligosaccharide, via difructose anhydride hydrolase (DFA-IIIase). However, there has been no study on the application of IFTase or DFA-IIIase to process burdock to increase DFA-III or inulobiose. Moreover, only five DFA-IIIases have been reported to date and all of them are from the Arthrobacter genus. Whether other microbes except for the Arthrobacter genus can utilize DFA-III through DFA-IIIase is unknown. In this work, a DFA-IIIase from Duffyella gerundensis A4 (D. gerundensis A4), abbreviated as DgDFA-IIIase, was identified and characterized in detail. DgDFA-IIIase is a bifunctional enzyme, that is, besides its hydrolytic ability to DFA-III, it has the same catalytic ability as IFTase to inulin. The enzyme was applied to the burdock root aiming at inulin and DFA-III, and inulobiose was produced with an increase in Gn-type fructo-oligosaccharide. The work verifies that microorganisms of the non-Arthrobacter genus also have the potential ability to use DFA-III by DFA-IIIase, and DFA-IIIase is feasible to increase functional substances of burdock root instead of IFTase and endo-inulinase, which paves the way for the production of functional food utilizing the polysaccharide inulin to improve nutrition and health.

An ethanolic extract of Arctium lappa L. leaves ameliorates experimental atherosclerosis by modulating lipid metabolism and inflammatory responses through PI3K/Akt and NF-κB singnaling pathways.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Atherosclerosis (AS), a lipid-induced inflammatory condition of the arteries, is a primary contributor to atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases including stroke. Arctium lappa L. leaf (ALL), an edible and medicinal herb in China, has been documented and commonly used for treating stroke since the ancient times. However, the elucidations on its anti-AS effects and molecular mechanism remain insufficient. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the AS-ameliorating effects and the underlying mechanism of action of an ethanolic extract of leaves of Arctium lappa L. (ALLE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: ALLE was reflux extracted using with 70% ethanol. An HPLC method was established to monitor the quality of ALLE. High fat diet (HFD) and vitamin D3-induced experimental AS in rats were used to determine the in vivo effects; and oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced RAW264.7 macrophage foam cells were used for in vitro assays. Simvatatin was used as positive control. Biochemical assays were implemented to ascertain the secretions of lipids and pro-inflammatory mediators. Haematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and Oil red O stains were employed to assess histopathological alterations and lipid accumulation conditions, respectively. CCK-8 assays were used to measure cytotoxicity. Immunoblotting assay was conducted to measure protein levels. RESULTS: ALLE treatment significantly ameliorated lipid deposition and histological abnormalities of aortas and livers in AS rats; improved the imbalances of serum lipids including total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C); notably attenuated serum concentrations of inflammation-associated cytokines/molecules including TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1ß, VCAM-1, ICAM-1and MMP-9. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that ALLE suppressed the phosphorylation/activation of PI3K, Akt and NF-κB in AS rat aortas and in cultured foam cells. Additionally, the PI3K agonist 740Y-P notably reversed the in vitro inhibitory effects of ALLE on lipid deposition, productions of TC, TNF-α and IL-6, and protein levels of molecules of PI3K/Akt and NF-κB singnaling pathways. CONCLUSIONS: ALLE ameliorates HFD- and vitamin D3-induced experimental AS by modulating lipid metabolism and inflammatory responses, and underlying mechanisms involves inhibition of the PI3K/Akt and NF-κB singnaling pathways. The findings of this study provide scientific justifications for the traditional application of ALL in managing atherosclerotic diseases.

Arctium lappa L. polysaccharides enhanced the therapeutic effects of nasal ectomesenchymal stem cells against liver fibrosis by inhibiting the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway.

The oxidative microenvironment in fibrotic livers often diminishes the effectiveness of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-based therapy. Recent research suggests that pharmacological pre-treatment could enhance the therapeutic performance of MSCs. In this study, we assessed the impact of Arctium lappa L. polysaccharides (ALP) on the biological properties of nasal ectomesenchymal stem cells (EMSCs) and investigated the augmenting effect of ALP pretreatment on EMSCs (ALP-EMSCs) for the treatment of liver fibrosis. ALP treatment demonstrated multiple biological impacts on EMSC functions regarding liver fibrosis: firstly, it maintained the stemness of the cells while boosting the EMSCs' paracrine effects; secondly, it increased the expression of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant factors; thirdly, it inhibited the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and liver collagen build-up by modulating the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathways. Collectively, these effects helped to halt the progression of liver fibrosis. Therefore, the use of ALP-EMSCs presents an innovative and promising approach for treating hepatic fibrosis in clinical scenarios.

Immune regulation and inflammation inhibition of Arctium lappa L. polysaccharides by TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in cells.

Arctium lappa L. polysaccharides (ALP) are important active ingredients of burdocks with various bioactivities. In the present study, a crude polysaccharide was extracted from A. lappa L. roots and purified using DEAE-52 and Sephacryl™ S-400 columns to reach 99 % purity. This neutral polysaccharide contained fructose, glucose, galactose and arabinose in a ratio of 0.675:0.265:0.023:0.016 and had a Mw of 4256 Da. The immunomodulatory activity and intestinal inflammation inhibitory effects of ALP were investigated in in vitro models, including lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophage RAW264.7 and interleukin (IL)-1ß-induced colon Caco-2 cells. The results revealed that ALP possessed both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects by decreasing nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 mRNA expression and reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, ALP was found to have inhibitory effects on pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-8, IL-6, IL-1ß, and tumor necrosis factor-α, as well as inflammatory cytokines, such as intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 by down-regulating the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/NF-κB (nuclear factor-kappa B signaling) pathway. It indicated that A. lappa L. was an ideal source of bioactive polysaccharides having potential to be developed as functional foods or nutraceuticals to improve immune system and prevent/treat intestinal inflammation.

Effects of extraction methods on the physicochemical properties and functionalities of pectic polysaccharides from burdock (Arctium lappa L.).

In this work, the effects of four different extraction methods, acid (HCl), alkali (NaOH), enzymes (cellulase/pectinase), and buffer (pH 7.0) on the physicochemical properties and functionalities of burdock pectin were systematically investigated and compared. Buffer extraction gave a low yield (2.8 %) and is therefore limited in its application. The acid treatment hydrolyzed the neutral sidechains and gave a homogalacturonan content of 72.6 %. By contrast, alkali and enzymes preserved the sidechains while degrading the polygalacturonan backbone, creating a rhamnogalacturonan-I dominant structure. The branched structure, low molecular weight, and high degree of methylation (42.3 %) contributed to the interfacial adsorption, emulsifying capacity, and cellular antioxidant activity of the enzyme-extracted product. For the acid-extracted product, the strong intramolecular electrostatic repulsion restricted the formation of a contact interface to prevent coalescence of the emulsion. In addition, they did not have sufficient reducing ends to scavenge free radicals. Although a high branching size (5.0) was adopted, the low degree of methylation (19.5 %) affected the emulsifying capacity of the alkali-extracted products. These results provide useful information for pectic polysaccharides production with tailored properties.

Preventive Effect of Arctium lappa Polysaccharides on Acute Lung Injury through Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Activities.

The objective of this study was to investigate the preventive effects of polysaccharides extracted from the roots of Arctium lappa (ALP) against acute lung injury (ALI) models induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The polysaccharides were extracted and characterized, and their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacities were assessed. The findings demonstrated that ALP could mitigate the infiltration of inflammatory cells and reduce alveolar collapse in LPS-induced ALI in mice. The expression levels of the pro-inflammatory factor TNF-α decreased, while the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 increased. Furthermore, the administration of ALP improved the activities of lung antioxidant enzymes, including SOD, GSH, and CAT, and lowered MDA levels. These results suggest that ALP exhibits a preventive effect on ALI and has potential as an alternative treatment for lung injury.

Chlorogenic Acid from Burdock Roots Ameliorates Oleic Acid-Induced Steatosis in HepG2 Cells through AMPK/ACC/CPT-1 Pathway.

Hepatic steatosis can cause liver dysfunction and cell injury, on which natural functional factors are expected to be an effective approach for long-term intervention. However, the cellular molecular mechanisms are unclear. Chlorogenic acid is a phenolic compound, which can regulate lipid metabolism and is abundant in burdock root. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential molecular mechanism of the effect of chlorogenic acid from burdock root (ACQA) on steatosis in HepG2 cells. In this study, we found that ACQA reduced the number of lipid droplets and lipid levels in oleic acid-treated HepG2 cells. Molecular mechanistic results showed that ACQA enhanced CPT-1 expression by activating AMPK-related signaling pathways, and the concentrations of Ca2+ and cAMP were increased with the intervention of ACQA. In addition, ACQA enhanced the ß-oxidation of fatty acids, reduced alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase, and inhibited apoptosis in oleic acid-treated HepG2 cells. Our studies elucidate a novel mechanism that ACQA enhances the ß-oxidation of fatty acids through the AMPK/ACC/CPT-1 pathway to protect against steatosis in HepG2 cells, which provides insight into its molecular mechanism as well as intervention strategies for chlorogenic acid against fatty liver diseases.

Long-term oral administration of burdock fructooligosaccharide alleviates DSS-induced colitis in mice by mediating anti-inflammatory effects and protection of intestinal barrier function.

BACKGROUND: Ulcerative colitis, a typical subtype of inflammatory bowel disease, can cause many serious complications. Burdock fructooligosaccharide (BFO), a linear inulin with a purity of 99.439% and a molecular weight of 2345 Da, demonstrates anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. METHODS: The Kunming mice were divided into two experimental models: a normal pretreatment model and a colitis experimental model. During the experimental treatment period, we assessed changes in weight and disease activity index (DAI), quantified the intestinal index, and determined myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and reactive oxide species (ROS) levels in colitis mice. We also photographed colon morphology to investigate alterations in the integrity of the intestinal barrier function. Finally, we performed ELISA and qRT-PCR to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of BFO treatment on colitis mice. RESULT: The long-term oral administration of BFO alone exhibited protective effects by preventing disruption of the intestinal functional structure and increasing the colon index in mice. However, in a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model, BFO administration facilitated quick recovery of body weight and effectively reduced the DAI, especially in the BFO-H group (500 mg/kg/day). BFO treatment maintained the integrity of the intestinal barrier by attenuating the crypt distortion and increasing the goblet cells count It restored the DSS-induced colon shortening and reduced the symptoms of colitis. These effects may be attributed to the appropriate concentrations of BFO effectively inhibiting MPO activity, clearing excessive ROS, and relieving spleen abnormalitie. BFO also attenuated the overexpression and excessive secretion of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, and MCP-1) induced by DSS, reduced intestinal inflammation, and consequently protected the intestinal barrier function. CONCLUSION: BFO effectively alleviated the symptoms of DSS-induced colitis by mediating anti-inflammatory effects and protecting the intestinal barrier integrity, thereby potentially facilitating the utilization of safer and more efficacious polysaccharides for managing chronic inflammatory diseases.

[A new norsesquiterpenoid from Arctium lappa leaves].

Chemical constituents were isolated and purified from ethyl acetate fraction of Arctium lappa leaves by silica gel, ODS, MCI, and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography. Their structures were identified with multiple spectroscopical methods including NMR, MS, IR, UV, and X-ray diffraction combined with literature data. Twenty compounds(1-20) were identified and their structures were determined as arctanol(1), citroside A(2), melitensin 15-O-ß-D-glucoside(3), 11ß,13-dihydroonopordopicrin(4), 11ß,13-dihydrosalonitenolide(5), 8α-hydroxy-ß-eudesmol(6), syringin(7), dihydrosyringin(8), 3,4,3',4'-tetrahydroxy-δ-truxinate(9),(+)-pinoresinol(10), phillygenin(11), syringaresinol(12), kaeperferol(13), quercetin(14), luteolin(15), hyperin(16), 4,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid(17), 1H-indole-3-carboxaldehyde(18), benzyl-ß-D-glucopyranoside(19), and N-(2'-phenylethyl) isobutyramide(20). Among them, compound 1 is a new norsesquiterpenoid, and compounds 2-5, 7-8, and 18-20 are isolated from this plant for the first time.

Immunomodulatory mechanisms of an acidic polysaccharide from the fermented burdock residue by Rhizopus nigricans in RAW264.7 cells and cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressive mice.

RBAPS is an acidic polysaccharide extracted from the burdock residue fermentation by Rhizopus nigricans. In RBAPS-activated RAW264.7 cells, transcriptome analysis identified a total of 1520 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 1223 down-regulated genes and 297 up-regulated genes. DEGs were enriched in the immune-related biological processes, involving in Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway, according to Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. The results of the confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) observation, antibody neutralization and Western blot verified that RBAPS modulated macrophages activation and cytokines secretion mainly via TLR4/MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway. The immunomodulatory activity in vivo of RBAPS was investigated in cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppressive mice. RBAPS promoted the counts of white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC) and platelets (PLT) as well as the levels of immunoglobulins and cytokines (IgG, IgM, TNF-α, and IL-2) in immunosuppressive mice. RBAPS protected the spleen and thymus from CTX-induced injury by increasing the organ indexes, attenuating pathological damage, and promoting splenic lymphocytes proliferation. Importantly, RBAPS ameliorated the intestine integrity and function by promoting the expression of Occuldin, Claudin-5, Atg5, and Atg7, activating TLR4/MAPK signaling pathway in CTX-induced mice. This study suggested that RBAPS was a prime candidate of immunologic adjuvant in chemotherapy for the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical application.

Endovascular Therapy with Interwoven Nitinol Stent Placement after Predilation for Heavily Calcified Femoropopliteal Artery Disease: Results of the BURDOCK Study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the 1-year and 2-year clinical outcomes of interwoven stent (IWS) implantation for symptomatic femoropopliteal arterial disease with calcification. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective multicenter study evaluated 308 limbs (63% with the peripheral arterial calcium scoring system 3 and 4 severe calcification and 87% with ≥180° calcification on intravascular ultrasound) of 299 patients (diabetes in 66.9%, chronic renal failure in 52.8%, and dialysis in 49.2%) who underwent IWS (Supera; Abbott, Abbott Park, Illinois) implantation after sufficient predilation (residual stenosis < 30%) for calcified femoropopliteal lesions. The primary outcome measure was primary patency (freedom from restenosis) at 1 and 2 years, whereas the secondary outcome measure included freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR). Clinical parameters associated with loss of patency were explored. RESULTS: Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that primary patency was 88.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 84.5%-92.1%) at 1 year and 80.8% (95% CI, 76.1%-85.8%) at 2 years. The CD-TLR-free rate was 96.5% and 94.8% at 1 and 2 years, respectively. The characteristics associated with loss of patency were restenotic lesion with and without stent implantation (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.96 and 2.40; P = .047 and .041, respectively), chronic total occlusion (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.88; P = .022), and popliteal involvement (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.60; P = .002). CONCLUSIONS: The implantation of IWS after sufficient predilation for calcified femoropopliteal atherosclerotic disease demonstrated clinically acceptable primary patency.

Exploring the Mechanism of Arctium Lappa L. Leaves in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease Based on Chemical Profile, Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking.

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is an irreversible neurodegenerative disease, which urgently needs more effective treatment strategies. Arctium lappa L. leaf (burdock leaf) performs wide pharmacological activities, increasing evidence hinted that burdock leaves can ameliorate AD. This research aims to explore the bioactive ingredients and mechanisms of burdock leaves against AD by performing chemical profiles, network pharmacology, and molecular docking. 61 components are identified by liquid chromatography equipped with mass spectrometry. 792 targets of ingredients and 1661 AD-related genes are retrieved from public databases. Ten critical ingredients are identified from the topology analysis of the compound-target network. CytoNCA, AlzData database, and Aging Atlas database contribute to the foundation of 36 potential targets and four clinically significant targets (STAT3, RELA, MAPK8, and AR). The gene ontology (GO) analysis manifests that the included processes are close to the pathogenesis of AD. PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and AGE-RAGE signaling pathway may be important therapeutic mechanisms. Molecular docking results imply that network pharmacology results are reliable. Furthermore, the clinical meanings of core targets are also evaluated with the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. This research will provide research direction for the application of burdock leaves in the treatment of AD.

Isolation and Identification of Lactic Acid Bacteria and Their Effects on the Off-odor of Burdocks.

Burdocks have diverse nutritional and pharmacological functions, but their unique odor is unwelcome. Here, the effect and mechanism of lactic acid bacteria fermentation on the off-odor of burdocks were investigated. The sensory evaluation showed that burdocks had earthy, musty, grassy, and pepper odors. 2-Isobutyl-3-methoxypyrazine (IBMP) and 2-secbutyl-3-methoxypyrazine (IPMP) mainly contributed to burdock's unique off-odor and were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry combined with headspace-solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME-GC-MS) and relative odor activity value (ROAV) analysis. Weissella cibaria ZJ-5 from screened strains performed with the strongest ability to remove the off-odor and generate a fragrant odor, as determined by sensory evaluation. When incubated aerobically together with IBMP during fermentation, ZJ-5 degraded IBMP directly from 149.56 ± 0.72 to 71.55 ± 1.81 ng/mL. Additionally, linoleic acid content in fermented burdocks was significantly decreased compared with unfermented burdocks. (E,Z)-2,6-Nonadienal, which mainly contributed to fermented burdock's odor, may have been generated from linoleic acid during ZJ-5 fermentation, through the acid catalysis pathway. It indicated that LAB fermentation could improve burdock odor by degrading off-odor compounds and precursors and by generating new aldehydes.

Effect of arctigenin on neurological diseases: A review.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Arctium lappa L. is a common specie of Asteraceae. Its main active ingredient, Arctigenin (AG), in mature seeds exerts pharmacological effects on the Central Nervous System (CNS). AIM OF THE STUDY: To review studies on the specific effects of the AG mechanism on various CNS diseases and elucidate signal transduction mechanisms and their pharmacological actions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This investigation reviewed the essential role of AG in treating neurological disorders. Basic information on Arctium lappa L. was retrieved from the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. The related articles from 1981 to 2022 on the network database (including CNKI, PubMed, and Wan Fang and so on) were reviewed using AG and CNS diseases-related terms such as Arctigenin and Epilepsy. RESULTS: It was confirmed that AG has a therapeutic effect on Alzheimer's disease, Glioma, infectious CNS diseases (such as Toxoplasma and Japanese Encephalitis Virus), Parkinson's disease, Epilepsy, etc. In these diseases, related experiments such as a Western blot analysis revealed that AG could alter the content of some key factors (such as the reduction of Aß in Alzheimer's disease). However, in-vivo AG's metabolic process and possible metabolites are still undetermined. CONCLUSION: Based on this review, the existing pharmacological research has indeed made objective progress to elucidate how AG prevents and treats CNS diseases, especially senile degenerative disease such as Alzheimer's diseases. It was revealed that AG could be used as a potential nervous system drug as it has a wide range of effects in theory with markedly high application value, especially in the elder group. However, the existing studies are limited to in-vitro experiments; therefore, little is known about how AG metabolizes and functions in-vivo, limiting its clinical application and requiring further research.

Experimental evaluation of a hybrid solar dryer with flexible open sorption thermal energy storage unit on demand for burdock root drying.

Solar drying represents an attractive way to implement an efficient and green development strategy. The viability of open sorption thermal energy storage (OSTES) can compensate for the inherent shortcomings of intermittency and instability of solar energy for ensuring the continuity of the drying process. Nevertheless, the existing solar-powered OSTES technologies only allow a batch mode while being severely restricted by sunlight's availability, thereby heavily limiting the flexibility in managing OSTES on demand. Herein, a novel proof-of-concept that a standalone solar dryer integrated with a reversible solid-gas OSTES unit is presented. Using in situ electrothermal heating (in situ ETH) could rapidly release adsorbed water of activated carbon fibers (ACFs) in an energy-efficient manner to achieve a charging process with faster kinetics. Applying electrical power by a photovoltaic (PV) module, particularly during sunlight-absent or insufficient time, allowed multiple OSTES cycles to proceed. Moreover, ACFs cylindrical cartridges can be flexibly interconnected in either series or parallel, forming universal assemblies with well-controlled in situ ETH capacity. The mass storage density of ACFs with a water sorption capacity of 570 mg/g is 0.24 kW·h·kg-1. The desorption efficiencies of ACFs are higher than 90%, corresponding to 0.057 kW·h maximum energy consumption. The resulting prototype can diminish the fluctuation of air humidity along the night and provide a relatively steady and lower air humidity for the drying chamber. The energy-exergy and environment analysis of the drying section for both setups are estimated, respectively.

Genomic characterization of a novel torradovirus infecting Arctium lappa L. in China.

Burdock (Arctium lappa L.) is not only a popular vegetable crop but also an important medicinal plant. In burdock plants with symptoms of leaf mosaic, a novel torradovirus tentatively named "burdock mosaic virus" (BdMV) was identified by high-throughput sequencing. The complete genomic sequence of BdMV was further determined using RT-PCR and the rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) method. The genome is composed of two positive-sense single-stranded RNAs. RNA1 (6991 nt) encodes a polyprotein of 2186 aa, and RNA2 (4700 nt) encodes a protein of 201 aa and a polyprotein of 1212 aa that is predicted to be processed into one movement protein (MP) and three coat proteins (CPs). The Pro-Pol region of RNA1 and the CP region of RNA2 shared the highest amino acid sequence identity of 74.0% and 70.6%, respectively, with the corresponding sequences of lettuce necrotic leaf curl virus (LNLCV) isolate JG3. Phylogenetic analysis based on the amino acid sequences of the Pro-Pol and CP regions showed that BdMV clustered with other non-tomato-infecting torradoviruses. Taken together, these results suggest that BdMV is a new member of the genus Torradovirus.