Cucurbitacin IIa: A review of phytochemistry and pharmacology.

Cucurbitacin IIa was first found in plants and it belongs to tetracyclo triterpenoids. It is one of the most important active components in cucurbitaceae plants. Studies have found that cucurbitacin IIa has a variety of pharmacological effects, such as antitumor, antiinflammatory, antibacterial, antihepatitis B virus, inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus replication, and antidepressant effect. However, the underlying mechanisms, intracellular targets, and structure-activity relationships of cucurbitacin IIa remain to be completely elucidated. This review summarizes the current advances concerning the phytochemistry and pharmacology of cucurbitacin IIa. Electronic databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and CNKI were used to find relevant information about cucurbitacin IIa using keywords such as "Cucurbitacin IIa," "Pharmacology," and "Phytochemistry." These pharmacological effects involve the actin cytoskeleton aggregation, the regulation of JAK2/STAT3, ERBB-MAPK, CaMKII α/CREB/BDNF signal pathways, as well as the regulation of survivin, caspases, and other cell cycles, apoptosis, autophagy-related cytokines, and kinases. It has high development and use value.

Antihypertensive effect of soybean bioactive peptides: A review.

Hypertension is a global disease that is extremely harmful to humans. Timely lowering of blood pressure is necessary in order to avoid the occurrence of corresponding complications. This review shows that soy peptides are beneficial in resisting hypertension. One of the advantages is the abundance of raw materials for producing soybean peptides. Secondly, there are no reports of adverse reactions due to soy peptides. Moreover, they exert protective effect against hypertension-induced complications such as long-term memory impairment and kidney damage. However, there are still some obstacles associated with the development of soybean peptides. Therefore, this review is focused on statistical analysis of peptide sequences, amino acid residues, and possible targets of anti-hypertensive soybean peptides. Eventually, it proposes that application of genetic engineering technology to specifically modify the N- and C-terminal of the soybean peptides, and possible targets in identifying the likely drug targets involved in the antihypertensive effects of these peptides.

Network pharmacology-based analysis of Zukamu granules for the treatment of COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: Zukamu granules may play a potential role in the fight against the Coronavirus, COVID-19. The purpose of this study was to explore the mechanisms of Zukamu granules using network pharmacology combined with molecular docking. METHODS: The Traditional Chinese Medicine systems pharmacology (TCMSP) database was used to filter the active compounds and the targets of each drug in the prescription. The Genecards and OMIM databases were used for identifying the targets related to COVID-19. The STRING database was used to analyze the intersection targets. Compound - target interaction and protein-protein interaction networks were constructed using Cytoscape to decipher the anti-COVID-19 mechanisms of action of the prescription. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome (KEGG) pathway and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis was performed to investigate the molecular mechanisms of action. Finally, the interaction between the targets and the active compounds was verified by molecular docking technology. RESULTS: A total of 66 targets were identified. Further analysis identified 10 most important targets and 12 key compounds. Besides, 1340 biological processes, 43 cell compositions, and 87 molecular function items were obtained (P < 0.05). One hundred and thirty pathways were obtained (P < 0.05). The results of molecular docking showed that there was a stable binding between the active compounds and the targets. CONCLUSION: Analysis of the constructed pharmacological network results allowed for the prediction and interpretation of the multi-constituent, multi-targeted, and multi-pathway mechanisms of Zukamu granules as a potential source for supportive treatment of COVID-19.

Strobilanthes cusia (Nees) Kuntze, a multifunctional traditional Chinese medicinal plant, and its herbal medicines: A comprehensive review.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Strobilanthes cusia (Nees) Kuntze (SCK, Malan), a traditional Chinese medicinal plant, has long applied to detoxification, defervescence, detumescence and antiphlogosis. "Southern Banlangen" (Rhizoma et Radix Baphicacanthis Cusiae, RRBC), root and rhizome of SCK, is widely used for treatment of many epidemic diseases. Malanye (Southern Daqingye), stem and leaf of SCK, is an antipyretic-alexipharmic drug frequently-used in southern China. Qingdai (Indigo Naturalis, IN), a processed product of SCK, is always applied to dermatoses in the folk. AIM OF THE REVIEW: In order to elucidate the historical uses, recent advances and pharmaceutical prospects of SCK, we summarized roundly in aspects of history, processing method, chemical constitution, quality control, pharmacological activity and toxicity. Some deficiencies in current studies and research directions in the future are also discussed. This is the first comprehensive review of SCK and its herbal medicines, which may be of some help for further research. METHODOLOGY: Comprehensive analysis was conducted on the basis of academic papers, pharmaceutical monographs, ancient medicinal works, and drug standards of China. All available information on SCK and its herbal medicines was collected by using the keywords such as "Strobilanthes cusia", "Southern Banlangen", "indirubin", "tryptanthrin" through different electronic databases including NCBI Pubmed, Google Scholar, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure and so on. Pharmacopoeia of China and some ancient works were obtained from National Digital Library of China. RESULT: Medicinal uses of SCK were already described by famous ancient researchers. Because of vague description, plant species in some works cannot be confirmed. Literature demonstrated that multiple components including total 36 alkaloids and 35 glycosides, the main bioactive components of SCK, were found in SCK and its herbal medicines. Modern studies indicated that SCK and some of its components had multiple pharmacological effects including resistance to cancer, remission of inflammation, suppression of microorganisms, relief of dermatoses, and so on. However, studies on pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and quality control are still not enough. CONCLUSION: A number of reports suggested that SCK and its processed medicines could be promising drug candidates for multiple diseases especially promyelocytic leukemia, ulcerative colitis (UC) and psoriasis. However, bioactive activities of most components, especially glycosides should still be explored further. It is crucial to elucidate the in-depth molecular mechanisms, and pharmacokinetic characteristics of main components in those herbal medicines. Moreover, to ensure the effectiveness of clinical medication, future studies should undoubtedly give the priority to clarifying the effective compositions of SCK, and then a measurement standard of those indicators should be protocolled to establish a comprehensive quality evaluation mode.

Galla Chinensis, a Traditional Chinese Medicine: Comprehensive review of botany, traditional uses, chemical composition, pharmacology and toxicology.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Galla chinensis (GC), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has a wide range of pharmacological properties which have been widely used for more than 1400 years. Based on shape, GC is divided into two groups: jiaobei and dubei. It is a bitter, sour, cold and astringent substance which is usually used for treating diarrhea, constipation, bleeding, cough, vomiting, sweating, hemorrhoids, and anal and uterine prolapse. It is distributed in Japan, North Korea, and all parts of China. AIM OF STUDY: This study was aimed at carrying out a comprehensive overview of the current status of research on Galla chinensis (GC) for better understanding of it characteristics, while providing a clear direction for future studies. It has aroused the interest of researchers, leading to development of medicinal value, expansion of its application, and provision of wider and more effective drug choices. This study was focused on the traditional uses, botany, chemical composition, pharmacology and toxicology of GC. Finally, the study focused on possible future research directions for GC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive analysis was done based on academic papers, pharmaceutical monographs, ancient medicinal works, and drug standards of China. This review used Galla and Galla chinensis as keywords for retrieval of information on GC from online databases such as PubMed, Elsevier, CNKI, Web of Science, Google Scholar, SCI hub, and Baidu academic. RESULTS: It was found that the chemical constituents of GC included tannins, phenolic acid, amino acids and fatty acid, with polyphenol compounds (especially tannins and gallic acid) as the distinct components. In vitro and in vivo studies revealed that GC exerted numerous biological effects such as anti-caries, antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, and antioxidant effects. The therapeutic effect of GC was attributed mainly to the biological properties of its bioactive components. CONCLUSIONS: GC is an important TCM which has potential benefit in the treatment of a variety of diseases. However, the relationship amongst the structure and biological activity of GC and its components, mechanism of action, toxicity, pharmacokinetics and target organs need to be further studied. Quality control and quality assurance programs for GC need to be further developed. There is need to study the dynamics associated with the accumulation of chemical compounds in GC as well as the original plants and aphid that form GC.

Effects of Haima Duobian Pill in a Rat Model of Kidney Yang Deficiency Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Modern research shows that Haima Duobian pill (HDP) can relieve the kidney yang deficiency syndrome (KYDS), but the mechanism is still unclear. The aim of this work was to study the effects of HDP in a rat model of KYDS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The network pharmacology methods were used to predict the therapeutic effects of Haima Duobian pill. Adenine was used to establish the rat model of kidney yang deficiency syndrome. The general physical signs of rats were observed after different doses of Haima Duobian pill (HDP) were given. Serum cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Then, the histopathologic changes and sperm activity were detected. RESULTS: HDP could improve the general signs of kidney yang deficiency syndrome rats. After the rats were treated with HDP, the expression of cGMP and E2 was significantly inhibited and the expression of cAMP and T was significantly increased. The pathological damage of testis, epididymis, and seminal vesicle was alleviated, and the sperm activity was improved. CONCLUSION: For adenine-induced kidney yang deficiency syndrome in rats, HDP had a significant therapeutic effect.

The Important Role of Volatile Components From a Traditional Chinese Medicine Dayuan-Yin Against the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Aromatic Chinese herbs have been used to prevent plagues since ancient times. Traditional Chinese medicine has unique advantages in the prevention and treatment of epidemic diseases. According to the traditional Chinese medicine treatment plan in the National COVID-19 Diagnosis and Treatment Plan (Trial Seventh Edition) of the National Health Commission, Chinese patent medicines or prescriptions rich in aromatic Chinese herbs are selected for prevention and treatment during the period of medical observation, clinical treatment, and recovery of confirmed COVID-19 patients. Some local health committees or traditional Chinese medicine administrations recommend a variety of other ways of using traditional aromatic Chinese herbs to prevent and cure COVID-19. These involve external fumigation, use of moxibustion, and wearing of sachet. The efficacy of aromatic Chinese herbs plays a decisive role in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. The unique properties, chemical composition, and mechanism of action of aromatic Chinese herbs are worthy of extensive and in-depth experimental and clinical research. The findings are expected to provide a reference for follow-up treatment of novel coronavirus and the development of corresponding drugs. In 2003, Dayuan-Yin produced excellent results in the treatment of the SARS virus. Individually, 112 confirmed cases were administered this drug between January and April 2003, and more than 93.7% of the patients showed noticeable mitigation of the symptoms, as well as recovery. Dayuan-Yin also was selected as one of the nationally recommended prescriptions for the COVID-19. Based on the national recommendation of Dayuan-Yin prescription, this review discusses the role of volatile components in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19, and speculates the possible mechanism of action, so as to provide a basis for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.