Total withanolides ameliorates imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin inflammation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Datura metel L. has been used as an anesthetic in clinic for more than 1800 years in China, and the main efficacy of D. metel L. flower is relieving asthma and cough, relieving spasm and relieving pain. From 1978 to 1980, Datura metel L. was used as an anesthetic agent and occasionally cured psoriasis patients during anesthesia clinically, and our group confirmed that the effective portion is total withanolides (YWS). Moreover, the new drug "Datura metel L. capsule" composed of YWS has since been approved and used for the treatment of more than 3,000 psoriasis patients, with efficacy and cure rates greater than 90% and 65%. However, the immunological mechanism has not been elucidated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Nowadays, although total withanolides from Datura metel L. have a better clinical efficacy in the treatment of psoriasis, there is a lack of overall understanding of the mechanism of their treatment, especially about some immune cells and proteins closely related to psoriasis and their relationship in executive function and biological significance. This study focused on investigating the mechanism of psoriasis treatment by YWS and determined the biochemical processes in the treatment of psoriasis based on Treg/Th17 axis cell-mediated bidirectional immunoregulatory functions, which provides an important scientific basis for understanding the mechanism underlying the treatment of psoriasis by YWS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The effects of YWS on the lesion pathology of IMQ-induced psoriasis mice and the underlying molecular mechanism were assessed directly using HE staining, the PASI score and the animal body mass. We also investigated the effects of YWS on the Treg/Th17 axis and their critical functions in psoriasis pathogenesis via molecular biological methods. Finally, we performed differential proteomics analysis on skin in IMQ-induced psoriasis mice to clarify the effect of YWS by incorporates mass spectrometry-bioinformatics and annotated the functions and pathways associated with the differential proteins through GO enrichment, KEGG pathway analysis and PPI networks analysis, respectively.

RESULTS

YWS regulated the imbalance of the Treg/Th17 axis. And proteomic analysis showed that YWS up-regulated 46 and down-regulated 37 proteins. According to the bioinformatics analysis, the improvement of Treg/Th17 imbalance may be the key immunological mechanism of YWS in the treatment of psoriasis by up-regulating the butyrate metabolism pathway, down-regulating leukocyte migration, inhibiting the phagocytic function of natural killer cells, suppressing osteoclast differentiation and interfering with chemokine activity, and the critical proteins involved are Lyn, HMGCS2, ABAT, ITGβ2, PRKCβ, MMP9, NCF1, JUNβ, and Hck.

CONCLUSION

This research clarified that the improvement of the imbalance of the Treg/Th17 axis may be the key immunological mechanism of YWS in the treatment of psoriasis through metabolic pathways and influencing key proteins. The results not only expand the therapeutic targets and approaches for the treatment of psoriasis, which is a challenging and complex disease, but also deepens the understanding of the mechanism of YWS in the treatment of psoriasis and other important conditions to open up a new way of thinking for research on YWS in the treatment of psoriasis.

Natural Products from Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii (Mast.) Makino: A Review on Their Structural Analysis, Quality Control, Pharmacology, and Pharmacokinetics

The calyxes and fruits of Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii (Mast.) Makino (P. alkekengi), a medicinal and edible plant, are frequently used as heat-clearing and detoxifying agents in thousands of Chinese medicine prescriptions. For thousands of years in China, they have been widely used in clinical practice to treat throat disease, hepatitis, and bacillary dysentery. This systematic review summarizes their structural analysis, quality control, pharmacology, and pharmacokinetics. Furthermore, the possible development trends and perspectives for future research studies on this medicinal plant are discussed. Relevant information on the calyxes and fruits of P. alkekengi was collected from electronic databases, Chinese herbal classics, and Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Moreover, information was collected from ancient documents in China. The components isolated and identified in P. alkekengi include steroids, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, alkaloids, nucleosides, terpenoids, megastigmane, aliphatic derivatives, organic acids, coumarins, and sucrose esters. Steroids, particularly physalins and flavonoids, are the major characteristic and bioactive ingredients in P. alkekengi. According to the literature, physalins are synthesized by the mevalonate and 2-C-methyl-d-erythritol-4-phosphate pathways, and flavonoids are synthesized by the phenylpropanoid pathway. Since the chemical components and pharmacological effects of P. alkekengi are complex and varied, there are different standards for the evaluation of its quality and efficacy. In most cases, the analysis was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with ultraviolet detection. A pharmacological study showed that the crude extracts and isolated compounds from P. alkekengi had extensive in vitro and in vivo biological activities (e.g., anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, immunosuppressive, antibacterial, anti-leishmanial, anti-asthmatic, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidative, anti-malarial, anti-Alzheimer's disease, and vasodilatory). Moreover, the relevant anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor mechanisms were elucidated. The reported activities indicate the great pharmacological potential of P. alkekengi. Similarly, studies on the pharmacokinetics of specific compounds will also contribute to the progress of clinical research in this setting.

A review of Chinese medicine for the treatment of psoriasis: principles, methods and analysis

Chinese medicine (CM) has a long history in the treatment of psoriasis, and its different understanding angle and treatment mode from modern medicine have unique wisdom. In this article, we consulted a large number of literatures and collected data in order to systematically clarify how CM understands psoriasis, including the classification and judgment of syndrome types, the diagnosis and thinking of etiology and pathogenesis, the application of treatment ideas, principles, methods and various prescriptions, and suggestions on patient care, so as to provide a clear CM treatment process and experience for the world clinic. In addition, we analyzed the efficacy and safety through clinical data, and summarize the methods and prescriptions worthy of promotion, so as to provide reference for doctors to prescribe prescriptions and medication. Finally, we found that compared with modern medicine, CM has unique advantages in the treatment of psoriasis, including the uniqueness of syndrome classification, the abundantly and flexibility of treatment ideas. Not only many famous doctors have studied the ideas in ancient books, but also made great efforts to innovate, which has left a lot of valuable experiences for clinical practice. Moreover, a large number of treatment methods, prescriptions and medicines have achieved high effectiveness and safety in clinical practices for many years, which has been proved to be worthy of clinical reference and in-depth research. In addition, we also think about the deficiencies of CM in the treatment of psoriasis and the direction of breakthrough combined with modern medicine. The treatment of psoriasis with CM is worth popularizing, and we hope it can benefit more patients.

A Review of the Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Application, Quality Control, Processing, Toxicology, and Pharmacokinetics of the Dried Rhizome of Atractylodes macrocephala

The product investigated herein is the dried rhizome of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. [Asteraceae] (Baizhu), which is also known as Dongbaizhu, Wuzhu, Yuzhu, Zhezhu, and Zhongzhu, among others. It invigorates the spleen, replenishes qi, and removes dampness, diuresis, and hidroschesis, and impacts fetal safety. It is often used for the treatment of diseases such as spleen function deficiency, abdominal distension, diarrhea, sputum, vertigo, edema, fever, and sweating and also aids cessation of minimal vaginal bleeding during pregnancy. In this study, research pertaining to the ethnopharmacology, application, phytochemistry, analytical methods, quality control, processing, pharmacology, toxicology, and pharmacokinetics of Baizhu has been reviewed. Relevant information and data reported for Baizhu were collected from CNKI, VIP, PubMed, Web of Science, scientific databases, Chinese Medicinal Material Encyclopedia, Chinese herbal medicine classics, Chinese medicine dictionary, doctoral and master's theses, and so on. Baizhu demonstrates diuretic, antidiuretic, anti-inflammatory effects and antitumor function and aids regulation of gastrointestinal function, hypoglycemic effect, analgesic action, protection on the liver ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) in rats, inhibition of aromatase, treatment of bone disease, strengthening myocardial contraction ability, detoxification and cholagogic effect, fall hematic fat action, such as the treatment of acute renal injury, and so on. It also can be an anticoagulant, improve the nervous system disease, affect the immune system, and regulate uterine smooth muscle, antioxidation, antiaging, and antibacterial effect. Sesquiterpenoids, triterpenoids, polyacetylenes, phenylpropanoids, coumarins, flavonoids, flavonoid glycosides, steroids, benzoquinones, polysaccharides, and other compounds were isolated from Baizhu. Among them, sesquiterpenoids, polysaccharides, and polyacetylenes are the main components of Baizhu. Baizhu exhibits a wide range of pharmacological effects and constitutes a considerable proportion of the composition of many proprietary crude drugs. It mainly affects the endocrine, nervous, and urinary systems. The presented information suggests that we should focus on the development of new drugs related to Baizhu, including specific components, to achieve a greater therapeutic potential that can be considered to further explore the information related to Baizhu.

"Gut-skin"axis: understanding psoriasis from the gut

Background: The exact pathogenesis of psoriasis is complex, and scholars use the intestinal mucosal immunity as an entry point to analyze the important role of the intestine in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Traditional Chinese medicine treats psoriasis from the intestine based on the theory that "the lung governs the fur" and "the Interior-Exterior Relationship Between the Lung and Large Intestine". Based on this understanding, this paper puts forward the idea of understanding psoriasis from the "gut-skin" axis. Objective: Based on the "gut-skin" axis to explore the pathogenesis of psoriasis from the intestines, and open up new ideas for research and development of new drugs for psoriasis. Method: Collect literature on the treatment of psoriasis from the perspective of the intestine and "gut-skin" axis; then, use Western medicine's intestinal pathogenesis, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory and examples of TCM treatment are demonstrated; finally, the treatment of psoriasis from the "gut-skin" axis is summarized. Results: Western medicine has not carried out treatment of psoriasis involving the intestinal tract. In-depth research and clinical applications based on the "gut-skin" axis are still needed. The effective rate of treating psoriasis by TCM has been as high as 90%, but the mechanism research is relatively scarce. Conclusion: The construction of the "gut-skin" axis mechanism is consistent with TCM theories, and is consistent with modern scientific connotations as well.

Polysaccharides from TCM herbs exhibit potent anti-obesity effect by mediating the community structure of gut microbiota

High-calorie food intake and unhealthy lifestyle have considerably raised the incidence of obesity. The gut microbiota is associated with metabolic disorders which promote excessive accumulation of fat, elicit host systemic, low-grade chronic inflammation, and insulin resistance. These features make gut microbiota a promising target for the prevention and intervention of obesity. Herbal polysaccharides in TCM are uneasy to digest by the host, but can be decomposed and utilized by the intestinal flora as the carbon source to mediate bacterial composition. In this review, we are describing the therapeutic effect of polysaccharides on the imbalanced structure of gut microbiota and its metabolites, and discuss the research progress that has been made to unravel the underlying mechanism by which polysaccharides of TCM inhibit the onset and development of obesity.

Role of NLRP3 Inflammasome in Lupus Nephritis and Therapeutic Targeting by Phytochemicals

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune inflammatory condition that affects multiple organs and provokes extensive and severe clinical manifestations. Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the main clinical manifestations of SLE. It refers to the deposition of immune complexes in the glomeruli, which cause kidney inflammation. Although LN seriously affects prognosis and represents a key factor of disability and death in SLE patients, its mechanism remains unclear. The NACHT, leucine-rich repeat (LRR), and pyrin (PYD) domains-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome regulates IL-1β and IL-18 secretion and gasdermin D-mediated pyroptosis and plays a key role in innate immunity. There is increasing evidence that aberrant activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and downstream inflammatory pathways play an important part in the pathogenesis of multiple autoimmune diseases, including LN. This review summarizes research progress on the elucidation of NLRP3 activation, regulation, and recent clinical trials and experimental studies implicating the NLRP3 inflammasome in the pathophysiology of LN. Current treatments fail to provide durable remission and provoke several sides effects, mainly due to their broad immunosuppressive effects. Therefore, the identification of a safe and effective therapeutic approach for LN is of great significance. Phytochemicals are found in many herbs, fruits, and vegetables and are secondary metabolites of plants. Evidence suggests that phytochemicals have broad biological activities and have good prospects in a variety of diseases, including LN. Therefore, this review reports on current research evaluating phytochemicals for targeting NLRP3 inflammasome pathways in LN therapy.

A comprehensive review of the botany, ethnopharmacology, biochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and toxicity of Filifolium sibiricum (L.)Kitam

Filifolium sibiricum (L.)Kitam (F. sibiricum), a compositae plant, is especially used to inhibit drug-resistant bacteria in folk medicine. Modern pharmacological studies also confirmed a variety of pharmacological properties about sedative activities, antibacterial activity, anti-inflammatory activity, analgesic activities, antitussive and asthma relieving. In this paper, the research progress of F. sibiricum in botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and toxicology was reviewed. Prospects for future investigation and application of this herb were also discussed. Information on F. sibiricum was gathered from various sources, including books on traditional Chinese herbal medicine and scientific databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Baidu Scholar, CNKI and other professional websites. The results indicate that ~ 66 chemical compounds were isolated and identified from F. sibiricum. Among them, flavonoids are generally considered to be the main bioactive and characteristic ingredients. F. sibiricum is a traditional Chinese medicine with pharmacological activities such as the immune system, nervous system, respiratory system and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems. Most importantly, we should concentrate on developing new drugs related to F. sibiricum, so as to exert greater potential for treatment.

A review of the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of the Flos Inulae

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Plants of the genus Inula have long been used as an ethnomedicine in Asia, Europe, and North America for its high medicinal value and health benefits. Inula japonica Thunb. (I. japonica) and Inula britanica L. (I. britanica) are included in Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 edition) as the traditional Chinese medicine Flos inulae (FI). In TCM, FI tastes bitter, pungent, and salt, with warm nature and has the functions of water removal, reduction in nausea, and prevention of vomiting and is often used for cold-related coughs, sputum, wheezing coughs, vomiting, belching and other related diseases. In addition, Inula japonica Thunb is used as a botanical medicine in Korea and Inula britannica L. is also used as a traditional plant medicine in Iran.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This paper collects the relevant research literature (1970-2021) and provides a systematic summary of the botany, ethnopharmacology, processing, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity, analytical methods and quality control of FI to explore its potential and expand its scope for better clinical application.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Information on Inula japonica Thunb. and Inula britanica L. was collected from scientific databases (1970-2021), including Google Scholar, Baidu Scholar, Springer, PubMed, CNKI and Wan Fang DATA. Information was also collected from classic books of Chinese herbal medicine and Ph.D. and M.Sc. theses.

RESULTS

More than 200 chemical compounds have been isolated from Inula japonica Thunb. and Inula britanica L., including sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, volatile oils, triterpenoids, diterpenoid glycosides, monoterpenoids, polysaccharides, steroid and small molecule acids. Based on a wide variety of chemically active ingredients, FI has a wide range of pharmacological effects. Modern pharmacological research has proven that the pharmacological effects of FI include anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antioxidant, antiallergy, antidiabetic, blood lipid reduction, skin whitening, liver protection, anticonstipation, and antinociceptive effects.

CONCLUSIONS

FI is a very important traditional Chinese herbal medicine with anti-inflammatory antitumor, antioxidant, antiallergy, antidiabetic and other pharmacological effects that can treat a variety of related diseases. This paper summarizes the botany, ethnopharmacology, processing, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity, analytical methods, and quality control of FI. However, the research on the processing, toxicity and quality control of FI is currently too shallow, especially concerning the relationship between the changes in active components before and after processing and the changes in its pharmacological action, which remains unclear. There are few toxicity experiments conducted with FI, so it is impossible to evaluate the safety of FI objectively and impartially. There are also few studies on the material basis and doses of FI causing toxicity and side effects, and more in-depth and concrete researches should be carried out in the future regarding these aspects. Furthermore, to ensure effective and safe clinical medication, we should also pay attention to the mixed use of FI in various regions of China to control the quality of the FI plant.

An Evolving Technology That Integrates Classical Methods with Continuous Technological Developments: Thin-Layer Chromatography Bioautography

Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) bioautography is an evolving technology that integrates the separation and analysis technology of TLC with biological activity detection technology, which has shown a steep rise in popularity over the past few decades. It connects TLC with convenient, economic and intuitive features and bioautography with high levels of sensitivity and specificity. In this study, we discuss the research progress of TLC bioautography and then establish a definite timeline to introduce it. This review summarizes known TLC bioautography types and practical applications for determining antibacterial, antifungal, antitumor and antioxidant compounds and for inhibiting glucosidase, pancreatic lipase, tyrosinase and cholinesterase activity constitutes. Nowadays, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to identify original, natural products with anti-COVID potential compounds from Chinese traditional medicine and natural medicinal plants. We also give an account of detection techniques, including in situ and ex situ techniques; even in situ ion sources represent a major reform. Considering the current technical innovations, we propose that the technology will make more progress in TLC plates with higher separation and detection technology with a more portable and extensive scope of application. We believe this technology will be diffusely applied in medicine, biology, agriculture, animal husbandry, garden forestry, environmental management and other fields in the future.

Mechanism of Chinese Medicinal-Medicated Leaven for Preventing and Treating Gastrointestinal Tract Diseases

In recent times, there has been an increased attention on gastrointestinal tract (GIT) diseases, with GIT diseases becoming one of the greatest crises to human health. In China, traditional Chinese medicine, Medicated leaven (ML), has been applied to treat gastrointestinal diseases for thousands of years. However, its mechanism remains unclear till date. Here we review both the antibacterial and antiviral effects of ML, the mechanisms for improving human immunity, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, the role of digestive function, and the role of its secondary metabolite. ML may be a new hope for GIT diseases.

The phytochemistry, pharmacology and traditional medicinal use of Glechomae Herba - a systematic review

Glechomae Herba is a Chinese herb, which has been used in China for thousands of years, mainly for the treatment of nephrolithiasis. This paper summarizes the modern research progress on Glechomae Herba from the aspects of botany, traditional medicinal use, phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, analytical methods and quality control. In addition, it also points out the deficiencies of current research on this herb and provides possible directions for its development. So far, more than 190 chemical components have been isolated and identified from Glechomae Herba, including organic acids and their esters, volatile oils, flavonoids and their glycosides, terpenes and other chemical components. Its extracts and compounds have a wide range of pharmacological effects, including anti-stone, anti-inflammatory, bacteriostatic, cholagogic and diuretic, effect on ileum smooth muscle, anti-tumor effect on tumor and hypoglycemic effects. However, future studies should focus on drug metabolism, clarify its pharmacodynamic mechanism, and establish a reasonable quality control standards for Glechomae Herba.

Application of Proteomics and Metabonomics to Reveal the Molecular Basis of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizome for Ameliorating Hypothyroidism Instead of Hyperthyroidism

As the treatments of diseases with Chinese herbs are holistic and characterized by multiple components, pathways, and targets, elucidating the efficacy of Chinese herbs in treating diseases, and their molecular basis, requires a comprehensive, network-based approach. In this study, we used a network pharmacology strategy, as well as in vivo proteomics and metabonomics, to reveal the molecular basis by which Atractylodis macrocephalae rhizome (AMR) ameliorates hypothyroidism. Eighteen main compounds from AMR and its fractions (volatile oil fraction, crude polysaccharides fraction, lactones fraction, oligosaccharide fraction, and atractyloside fraction) were identified by HPLC, and their targets were screened using the TCMSP database and Swiss Target Prediction. Disease targets were gathered from the TTD, CTD and TCMSP databases. Hub targets were screened by different plug-ins, such as Bisogene, Merge, and CytoNCA, in Cytoscape 3.7.1 software and analyzed for pathways by the DAVID database. Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism pharmacological models were established through systems pharmacology based on proteomic and metabolomic techniques. Finally, AMR and its fractions were able to ameliorate the hypothyroidism model to different degrees, whereas no significant improvements were noted in the hyperthyroidism model. The lactones fraction and the crude polysaccharides fraction were considered the most important components of AMR for ameliorating hypothyroidism. These amelioration effects were achieved through promoting substance and energy metabolism. In sum, the integrative approach used in this study demonstrates how network pharmacology, proteomics, and metabolomics can be used effectively to elucidate the efficacy, molecular basis, and mechanism of action of medicines used in TCM.

Intestinal Flora: A Pivotal Role in Investigation of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Intestinal flora is essential for maintaining host health and plays a unique role in transforming Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). TCM, as a bodyguard, has saved countless lives and maintained human health in the long history, especially in this COVID-19 pandemic. Pains of diseases have been removed from the effective TCM therapy, such as TCM preparation, moxibustion, and acupuncture. With the development of life science and technology, the wisdom and foresight of TCM has been more displayed. Furthermore, TCM has been also inherited and developed in innovation to better realize the modernization and globalization. Nowadays, intestinal flora transforming TCM and TCM targeted intestinal flora treating diseases have been important findings in life science. More and more TCM researches showed the significance of intestinal flora. Intestinal flora is also a way to study TCM to elucidate the profound theory of TCM. Processing, compatibility, and properties of TCM are well demonstrated by intestinal flora. Thus, it is no doubt that intestinal flora is a core in TCM study. The interaction between intestinal flora and TCM is so crucial for host health. Therefore, it is necessary to sum up the latest results in time. This paper systematically depicted the profile of TCM and the importance of intestinal flora in host. What is more, we comprehensively summarized and discussed the latest progress of the interplay between TCM and intestinal flora to better reveal the core connotation of TCM.

UPLC-orbitrap-MS-based metabolic profiling of HaCaT cells exposed to withanolides extracted from Datura metel.L: Insights from an untargeted metabolomics

In recent decades, more and more attention to the withanolides extracted from Datura metel.L has been paid due to their anti-psoriatic effects. Withanolides have also been reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties. Thus, withanolides have been considered as a promising candidate of anti-psoriatic drug. The aim of this study was to investigated the metabolic network of HaCaT cells after exposure to withanolides to identify anti-psoriatic mechanism induced by withanolides on skin cells. In this experiment, our results demonstrated that exposure to withanolides at concentrations beyond 50 μg/mL inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, withanolides-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and mitochondrial depolarization in HaCaT cells. In this research, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC-orbitrap-MS) method was applied to profile metabolite changes in HaCaT cells exposed to withanolides. In total, significant variations in 38 differential metabolites were identified between withanolides exposure and untreated groups. The exposure of HaCaT cells to withanolides at the dose of 200 μg/mL for 24 h was revealed by the disturbance of energy metabolism, amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism and nucleic acid metabolism. UPLC-orbitrap-MS-based cell metabolomics provided a comprehensive method for the identification of withanolides' anti-psoriasis mechanisms in vitro. And above metabolic disorders also reflected potential therapeutic targets for treating psoriasis.

Traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of genus Syringa: A comprehensive review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Genus Syringa, which belongs to Oleaceae family, contains 21 accepted species mainly distributed in Southeast Europe, Japan, China, Himalayas, etc. The various parts of Syringa species have been used as traditional Chinese herbal medicines for treatment of cough, myocardial ischemia, acute icteric hepatitis, diarrhea, conjunctivitis, bronchitis and other ailments.

AIM OF THE STUDY

A more comprehensive and in-depth review about the phytochemistry, pharmacology, traditional medicinal uses and clinical applications as well as toxicology of Syringa have summarized and hope to provide a relatively novel angle for further clinical applicantion on genus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The literatures about Syringa were collected via a series of scientific search engines including Web of Science, PubMed, Elsevier, Google Scholar, SciFinder and CNKI.

RESULTS

The phytochemical studies revealed that about 302 compounds include phenylpropanoids, iridoids, phenylethanols, flavonoids, triterpenes and other minor compounds have been isolated and identified from Syringa species. Phenylpropanoids and iridoids are the main constituents among these compounds and may be responsible for the activities directly or indirectly. As traditional medicine, Syringa applied to treat cough, diarrhea, acute icteric hepatitis, vomit, abdominal pain, bronchitis and other ailments. Most of traditional uses are related the biological activities and confirmed by modern studies. Pharmacological researches in vitro and in vivo revealed that the extracts and pure compounds possessed significantly hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antitumor, antiviral, cardioprotective, immunomodulatory and other activities.

CONCLUSIONS

The phytochemistry, pharmacology, traditional uses and clinical applications described in this article demonstrated that Syringa species possessed a huge number of activities and these findings will promote the further action mechanisms studies. However, fewer preclinical and clinical studies are focued on the pharmacokinetics of crudes extracts and conpounds from Syringa. The explored of new agents with Syringa species as ingredients may be limited. It points to the further in-depth investigations on pharmacokinetics as well as toxicological are essential in future for assessment the effectiveness and safety of drug.

Daturataturin A, a withanolide in Datura metel L., induces HaCaT autophagy through the PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway

Daturataturin A (DTA), a withanolide compound in Datura metel L., exhibits excellent anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative activities. Here, we report the study of DTA-induced proliferation and inflammation in human immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaTs) and the associated molecular mechanisms. HaCaTs are a model of the epidermal proliferative state of cells. The pharmacodynamics and mechanism of DTA were studied by western blot, immunofluorescence, apoptosis and proliferation detection, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. We confirmed that DTA induced HaCaT autophagy, which, in turn, induced HaCaT senescence and, ultimately, led to cell cycle arrest. DTA also negatively regulated inflammation through the activation of autophagy. This may be one of the mechanisms underlying the action of Datura metel L. preparation used for the treatment of psoriasis.

Paeoniae radix alba polysaccharides obtained via optimized extraction treat experimental autoimmune hepatitis effectively

The extraction process of Paeoniae radix alba polysaccharides (PRAP) was optimized as the liquid-solid ratio of 10.65 mL/g, the extraction time of 2.10 h, and the 2 extraction repetitions through a response surface methodology. The chemical profiles of the obtained PRAP were characterized by measuring the contents of total carbohydrates, total phenolics, uronic acid and protein, and by analyzing the FT-IR spectrum and monosaccharide composition. To determine the therapeutic effects of PRAP on experimental autoimmune hepatitis (EAH), we established an EAH mice model. After treated with PRAP, liver and spleen injuries were reduced, and hepatocyte regeneration and liver function were improved. Further study of the mechanism by which PRAP treats EAH showed that PRAP significantly inhibited oxidative stress in the livers of EAH model mice. More importantly, PRAP inhibited immune inflammatory reactions in EAH model mice, including the hepatic infiltration of inflammatory CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells, as well as overexpression of inflammatory cytokines IL-2, IL-6 and IL-10, via inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Characterizing metabolites and potential metabolic pathways changes to understanding the mechanism of medicinal plant Phellodendri Amurensis cortex against doxorubicin-induced nephritis rats using UPLC-Q/TOF-MS metabolomics

Phellodendri Amurensis cortex (PAC), a famous traditional Chinese herb with good anti-inflammatory efficacy, is used to treat various liver and kidney sickness in clinical practice. However, the potential mechanisms protecting against nephritis of PAC have not been comprehensively elucidated. The aim of this research was to explore the mechanism of PAC against doxorubicin- induced nephritis in rats by characterizing metabolites and potential metabolic pathways changes. The rat models of nephritis were established using 6.5 mg/kg doxorubicin injection from caudal vein for five weeks. The rats in the treatment group were respectively received PAC extract at the dose of 216, 432, and 864 mg/kg once a day during the experiment. Then, urine metabolomics strategy based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time of flight-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q/TOF-MS) has been employed to discover the possible significant metabolites and metabolic pathway of nephritis rats. At the end of the experiment, serum, urine and kidney tissue were collected for biochemical and pathological examination. The results showed that PAC treatment notably decreased urinary protein, serum Cr content and renal tissue lesions, and increased serum TP and ALB content. A total of potential twenty- eight metabolites such as 5'-methylthioadenosine, cGMP, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, salbuta, 2-phenylaminoadenosine contributing to nephritis rat model were selected and identified in the urine samples. Compared with the model group, the high-dose PAC group can recall 18 metabolites level, the medium-dose group can recall 13 metabolites level, and the low-dose PAC group can recall 8 metabolites level, which were involved in nine primary metabolic pathways such as steroid hormone biosynthesis, alanine,aspartate and glutamate metabolism, cysteine and methionine metabolism as well as glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism. The protein expressions of key enzymes involving methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (Mtap), cytidine deaminase (Cda), thymidine kinase (Tk), argininosuccinate synthase (Ass) in metabolic pathways were further verified by Western blot. The results showed that Phellodendron chinense up-regulated the protein expressions of Cda and Tk and down-regulated the protein expressions of Mtap and Ass. In conclusion, PAC possesses renoprotective effect against doxorubicin-induced nephritis, which may be mediated via regulating differential metabolites, reducing oxidative stress response, improving renal function, enhancing the ability of the immune system, regulating the role of key enzymes.

Spleen and thymus metabolomics strategy to explore the immunoregulatory mechanism of total withanolides from the leaves of Datura metel L. on imiquimod-induced psoriatic skin dermatitis in mice

Our previous work demonstrated that total withanolides of Datura metel L. leaves (TWD) exhibited excellent therapeutic effects on psoriasis. However, current knowledge of its mechanisms is incomplete. In this study, integrated spleen and thymus untargeted metabolomics were used to analyze the changes in endogenous metabolites underlying the immunosuppressive activity of TWD on psoriasis animal models induced by imiquimod. The results suggested that TWD treatment markedly attenuated imiquimod-induced psoriasis and showed significant immunosuppressive activity as evidenced by decreased elevation index of spleen and thymus. Meanwhile, TWD significantly reversed the elevation of immunoregulatory factors, including IL-10, IL-17, IL-22 and IL-23. Multivariate trajectory analysis revealed that TWD treatment could restore the psoriasis-disturbed spleen and thymus metabolite profiles towards the normal metabolic status. A total of 25 and 27 metabolites associated with the immunomodulatory effects for which levels changed markedly upon treatment have been identified in spleen and thymus, respectively. These differential metabolites were mainly involved in amino acid metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, fatty acid metabolism and lipid metabolism. Our investigation provided a holistic view of TWD for intervention in psoriasis through immunoregulation and provided further scientific information in vivo about a clinical value of TWD for psoriasis.