Scutellaria baicalensis, the golden herb from the garden of Chinese medicinal plants

Convergent gene clusters underpin hyperforin biosynthesis in St John's wort

The meroterpenoid hyperforin is responsible for the antidepressant activity of St John's wort extracts, but the genes controlling its biosynthesis are unknown. Using genome mining and biochemical work, we characterize two biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) that encode the first three steps in the biosynthesis of hyperforin precursors. The findings of syntenic and phylogenetic analyses reveal the parallel assembly of the two BGCs. The syntenous BGC in Mesua ferrea indicates that the first cluster was assembled before the divergence of the Hypericaceae and Calophyllaceae families. The assembly of the second cluster is the result of a coalescence of genomic fragments after a major duplication event. The differences between the two BGCs - in terms of gene expression, response to methyl jasmonate, substrate specificity and subcellular localization of key enzymes - suggest that the presence of the two clusters could serve to generate separate pools of precursors. The parallel assembly of two BGCs with similar compositions in a single plant species is uncommon, and our work provides insights into how and when these gene clusters form. Our discovery helps to advance our understanding of the evolution of plant specialized metabolism and its genomic organization. Additionally, our results offer a foundation from which hyperforin biosynthesis can be more fully understood, and which can be used in future metabolic engineering applications.

Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Profiling Uncover the Underlying Mechanism of Color Differentiation in Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. Flowers

Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. (Chinese skullcap or Huang-qin) is an extremely crucial medicinal plant in the Labiate family, and the color of its flowers naturally appears purple. However, during the long-term cultivation of S. baicalensis, very few plants of S. baicalensis also present white and purple-red flower colors under the same ecological conditions. However, the complex metabolic and transcriptional networks underlying color formation in white, purple-red, and purple flowers of S. baicalensis remain largely unclarified. To gain an insight into this issue, we conducted transcriptome and metabolomic profiling to elucidate the anthocyanin synthesis metabolic pathway in the flowers of S. baicalensis, and to identify the differentially expressed candidate genes potentially involved in the biosynthesis of anthocyanins. The results showed that 15 anthocyanins were identified, among which cyanidin 3-rutinoside and delphin chloride were the primary anthocyanins, and accumulation was significantly related to the flower color changes of S. baicalensis. Furthermore, the down-regulation of SbDFR (Sb02g31040) reduced the anthocyanin levels in the flowers of S. baicalensis. The differential expression of the Sb3GT (Sb07g04780 and Sb01g72290) gene in purple and purple-red flowers affected anthocyanin accumulation, suggesting that anthocyanin levels were closely associated with the expression of SbDFR and Sb3GT, which play important roles in regulating the anthocyanin biosynthesis process of S. baicalensis flowers. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that transcription factors WRKY, bHLH, and NAC were also highly correlated with anthocyanin accumulation, especially for NAC35, which positively regulated SbDFR (Sb02g31040) gene expression and modulated anthocyanin biosynthesis in flower color variation of S. baicalensis. Overall, this study presents the first experimental evidence for the metabolomic and transcriptomic profiles of S. baicalensis in response to flower coloration, which provides a foundation for dynamic metabolic engineering and plant breeding, and to understand floral evolution in S. baicalensis plants.

Effect of Baicalein on the Pharmacokinetics of Cilostazol and Its Two Metabolites in Rat Plasma Using UPLC-MS/MS Method

This study aimed to explore the effect of baicalein on the pharmacokinetics of cilostazol (CLZ) and its two metabolites 3,4-dehydro cilostazol (3,4-CLZ) and 4'-trans-hydroxy cilostazol (4'-CLZ) in rats using a newly established ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method. Ticagrelor was used as an internal standard (IS), then cilostazol and its two metabolites were separated by means of a UPLC BEH C18 column (2.1 mm × 50 mm, 1.7 μm) using gradient elution method with 0.4 ml/min of flow rate. Acetonitrile as organic phase and water with 0.1% formic acid as aqueous phase constructed the mobile phase. Selective reaction monitoring (SRM) mode and positive ion mode were preferentially chosen to detect the analytes. Twelve SD rats were divided into two groups (n = 6) when CLZ was administered orally (10 mg/kg) with or without oral baicalein (80 mg/kg). The selectivity, linearity, recovery, accuracy, precision, matrix effect and stability of UPLC-MS/MS assay were satisfied with the standards of United States Food and Drug Administration guidelines. In control group, AUC_0-∞ and C_max of CLZ were 2,169.5 ± 363.1 ng/ml^*h and 258.9 ± 82.6 ng/ml, respectively. The corresponding results were 3,767.6 ± 1,049.8 ng/ml^*h and 308.6 ± 87.9 ng/ml for 3, 4-CLZ, 728.8 ± 189.9 ng/ml^*h and 100.3 ± 51.3 ng/ml for 4'-CLZ, respectively. After combination with baicalein, AUC_0-∞ and C_max of CLZ were 1.48, 1.38 times higher than the controls. Additionally, AUC_0-∞ and C_max were separately decreased by 36.12 and 19.54% for 3,4-CLZ, 13.11 and 44.37% for 4'-CLZ. Baicalein obviously alters the pharmacokinetic parameters of CLZ, 3,4-CLZ and 4'-CLZ in rats. These results suggested that there was a potential drug-drug interaction between baicalein and CLZ. Therefore, it must raise the awareness when concomitant use of CLZ with baicalein, the dosage regimen of CLZ should be taken into consideration, if this result is confirmed in clinical studies.

Geochemical characteristics and growth suitability assessment of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi in the Earth's critical zone of North China

Geochemical differentiation of soils has a series of consequences on plant and places pressure on the ecological environment. The quantitative evaluation of element migration in the Earth's critical zone is a challenging task. In this study, two demonstration study areas of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi were selected, and multiple chemical weathering indexes, chemical loss fraction, mass migration coefficients and biological enrichment coefficient method were used to assess the ecological and geochemical suitability. The results show that for the element of Fe, Zn, Se, Cu, Co, Ni, Mo and Ge, the degree of weathering and soil maturation, were greater in the rhyolitic tuff area than in the Plagioclase gneiss area. In both research sites, the heavy metal level of samples in Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi did not exceed the standard limits. The plagioclase gneiss region's surface soil environment was more alkaline, and the content of soil organic matter was lower, resulting in a higher bioenrichment intensity of Ge, Co, Cu, and Se elements in Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi than in the rhyolite-tuff area. The elements of Cd, Nb, Mo, Pb and As are considerably enriched in the soil of the plagioclase gneiss area but lost by leaching in the soil of the rhyolite tuff area, which is connected to the interplay of elemental abundance and human impact in the parent materials. This study provides a good example of how to assess growth suitability of Chinese medicinal materials in the Earth's critical zone.

Baicalein: A review on its anti-cancer effects and mechanisms in lung carcinoma

Plant-derived flavonoids are reported to function as potential anti-cancer agents against different types of cancer. Baicalein (BE) is an important flavonoid found in the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis that is popularly used in Chinese medicine as an ingredient in herbal tea preparations to promote wellness. BE has been studied for its several biological effects including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hepatotoxic, antiviral, and anti-tumor properties. BE has now been discovered to be an effective agent against lung neoplasm. The molecular factors supporting baicalein's anti-cancer activity against lung cancer and its value to human health are discussed in this article. This would help in identifying BE as a promising competent drug against lung carcinoma. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Baicalein is a flavonoid obtained from the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis. It has been widely used as an antioxidant, anti-inflam5matory, anti-hepatotoxic, antiviral, and anti-cancer agent. Lung cancer is one of the most common malignancies in the world with a high fatality rate. Several studies have found that Baicalein is an important candidate for treating lung cancer. Its mechanism of action includes regulation of cell proliferation, metastasis, apoptosis, autophagy, and so on. Baicalein could be used as a novel anti-cancer drug for the treatment of lung carcinoma.

A Review on the Ethnopharmacology and Phytochemistry of the Neotropical Sages (Salvia Subgenus Calosphace; Lamiaceae) Emphasizing Mexican Species

Salvia is the most diverse genus within the mint family (Lamiaceae), many of its species are well-known due to their medicinal and culinary uses. Most of the ethnopharmacological and phytochemical studies on Salvia are centred on species from the European and Asian clades. However, studies about the most diverse clade, the Neotropical sages (Salvia subgenus Calosphace; 587 spp.), are relatively scarce. This review aims to compile the information on the traditional medicinal uses, pharmacological and phytochemistry properties of the Neotropical sages. To do so, we carried out a comprehensive review of the articles available in different online databases published from the past to 2022 (i.e., PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, among others) and summarized the information in tables. To uncover phylogenetic patterns in the distribution of four different groups of metabolites (mono-, sesqui-, di-, and triterpenes), we generated presence-absence matrices and plotted the tip states over a dated phylogeny of Salvia. We found several studies involving Mexican species of Salvia, but only a few about taxa from other diversity centres. The main traditional uses of the Mexican species of Calosphace are medicinal and ceremonial. In traditional medicine 56 species are used to treat diseases from 17 categories according to the WHO, plus cultural-bound syndromes. Pharmacological studies reveal a wide range of biological properties (e.g., antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, cytotoxic, and antidiabetic, etc.) found in extracts and isolated compounds of 38 Neotropical sages. From extracts of these species, at least 109 compounds have been isolated, identified and evaluated pharmacologically; 73 of these compounds are clerodanes, 21 abietanes, six flavonoids, five sesquiterpenoids, and four triterpenoids. The most characteristic metabolites found in the Neotropical sages are the diterpenes, particularly clerodanes (e.g., Amarisolide A, Tilifodiolide), that are found almost exclusively in this group. The Neotropical sages are a promising resource in the production of herbal medication, but studies that corroborate the properties that have been attributed to them in traditional medicine are scarce. Research of these metabolites guided by the phylogenies is recommended, since closely related species tend to share the presence of similar compounds and thus similar medicinal properties.

De Novo Production of Plant 4'-Deoxyflavones Baicalein and Oroxylin A from Ethanol in Crabtree-Negative Yeast

Baicalein and oroxylin A are well-known medicinal 4'-deoxyflavones found mainly in the roots of traditional medicinal plant Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. However, extraction from plants is time-consuming, environmentally unfriendly, and insufficient. Although microbial synthesis of flavonoids has been extensively reported, synthesis of downstream modified 4'-deoxyflavones has not, and their yields are extremely low. Here, we reassembled the S. baicalensis 4'-deoxyflavone biosynthetic pathway in a Crabtree-negative yeast, Pichia pastoris, with activity analysis and combinatorial expression of eight biosynthetic genes, allowing production of 4'-deoxyflavones like baicalein, oroxylin A, wogonin, norwogonin, 6-methoxywogonin, and the novel 6-methoxynorwogonin. De novo baicalein synthesis was then achieved by complete pathway assembly. Toxic intermediates highly impaired the cell production capacity; hence, we alleviated cinnamic acid growth inhibition by culturing the cells at near-neutral pH and using alcoholic carbon sources. To achieve pathway balance and improve baicalein and oroxylin A synthesis, we further divided the pathway into five modules. A series of ethanol-induced and constitutive transcriptional amplification devices were constructed to adapt to the modules. This fine-tuning pathway control considerably reduced byproduct and intermediate accumulation and achieved high-level de novo baicalein (401.9 mg/L with a total increase of 1182-fold, the highest titer reported) and oroxylin A (339.5 mg/L, for the first time) production from ethanol. This study provides new strategies for the microbial synthesis of 4'-deoxyflavones and other flavonoids.

Liver-Targeted Nanoparticles Facilitate the Bioavailability and Anti-HBV Efficacy of Baicalin In Vitro and In Vivo

The anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) efficacy of baicalin (BA) is mediated by HBV-related hepatocyte nuclear factors (HNFs). However, this efficacy is severely limited by the low bioavailability of BA. Therefore, a novel liver-targeted BA liposome was constructed to promote the bioavailability and antiviral ability of BA. The results showed that apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1)–modified liposomes (BAA1) significantly enhanced BA’s cellular uptake and specific distribution in the liver. Furthermore, the substantial inhibitory effects of BAA1 on HBsAg, HBeAg, HBV RNA, and HBV DNA were assessed in HB-infected cells and mice. Western blotting, co-immunoprecipitation, and transcriptomics analysis further revealed that the enhanced anti-HBV efficacy of BAA1 was attributed to the interaction between hepatocyte nuclear factors (HNFs) and estrogen receptors (ERs). Based on the findings, we propose that the ApoA1-modified liposomes aid BA in inhibiting HBV transcription and replication by augmenting its bioavailability and the HNFs–ERs axis.

Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of the WRKY Gene Family in Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi under Diverse Abiotic Stress

The WRKY gene family is an important inducible regulatory factor in plants, which has been extensively studied in many model plants. It has progressively become the focus of investigation for the secondary metabolites of medicinal plants. Currently, there is no systematic analysis of the WRKY gene family in Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. For this study, a systematic and comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of the WRKY gene family was conducted based on the genomic data of S. baicalensis. A total of 77 WRKY members were identified and 75 were mapped onto nine chromosomes, respectively. Their encoded WRKY proteins could be classified into three subfamilies: Group I, Group II (II-a, II-b, II-c, II-d, II-e), and Group III, based on the characteristics of the amino acid sequences of the WRKY domain and genetic structure. Syntenic analysis revealed that there were 35 pairs of repetitive fragments. Furthermore, the transcriptome data of roots, stems, leaves, and flowers showed that the spatial expression profiles of WRKYs were different. qRT-PCR analysis revealed that 11 stress-related WRKYs exhibited specific expression patterns under diverse treatments. In addition, sub cellular localization analysis indicated that SbWRKY26 and SbWRKY41 were localized in nucleus. This study is the first to report the identification and characterization of the WRKY gene family in S. baicalensis, which is valuable for the further exploration of the biological function of SbWRKYs. It also provides valuable bioinformatics data for S. baicalensis and provides a reference for assessing the medicinal properties of the genus.

Baicalin inhibits inflammation of lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury toll like receptor-4/myeloid differentiation primary response 88/nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect and mechanism of baicalin in the treatment of acute lung injury (ALI) by and experiments.

METHODS

ALI was induced by instilling 10 mg/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into the airway of rats. Different doses of baicalin (50 and 100 mg·kg ·d) were administered by gavage one day before modeling.

RESULTS

Baicalin significantly reduced the permeability of the alveolocapillary membrane, alleviated tissue injury and inflammatory infiltration, and inhibited the secretion of inflammatory factors and the infiltration of neutrophils. The decline in these inflammations was related to the inhibition of the toll like receptor-4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)/nod-like receptor pyrin containing 3 (NLRP3) signaling pathway and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Baicalin inhibits the secretion of inflammatory factors by inhibiting the TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway and the MAPK signaling pathway. Thus, it reduces lung bronchial epithelial layer, alveolar damage, and pulmonary edema as detected in the and experiments. Therefore, baicalin may be a potential preventive and therapeutic drug for ALI.

A focus on natural products for preventing and cure of mitochondrial dysfunction in Parkinson's disease

Mitochondria are considered the only source of energy production within cells. This organelle is vital for neural function and survival by producing energy (adenosine triphosphate (ATP)) and regulating intracellular calcium. Mitochondrial dysfunction, which significantly contributes to both idiopathic and familial types of Parkinson's disease (PD), depletes cellular energy, disrupts homeostasis, and induces oxidative stress, leading to cell death. In recent years several natural products have been discovered to be protective against mitochondrial dysfunction. This review discusses the role of mitochondria in the progression of PD to define the path for using natural products to prevent and/or cure PD.

Baicalein inhibits cell proliferation and enhances apoptosis in human A549 cells and benzo(a)pyrene-induced pulmonary carcinogenesis in mice

Our current study is done to explore the possible mechanisms to elaborate on the growth inhibitory effect of baicalein (BE) in human lung carcinoma. Initially, BE (25 and 50 µM) treatment for 24 h, suppressed the viability and inhibited population growth in A549 cells. BE upholds the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) with concomitant replenishment of glutathione, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activity. The expression level of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and heme oxygenase-1 markedly increased after BE treatment will intimidate A549 cells proliferation by the ROS-independent pathway via the antioxidant pathway. In vivo investigations were carried out on BE (12 mg/kg, oral) in benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P; 50 mg/kg, oral) induced lung carcinogenesis in mice. BE induces caspase-dependent apoptosis by increasing the levels of cytosolic cytochrome c accompanied by upregulating the outflow of p53, Bax, and caspase-3 with a concomitant abatement in the outflow of Bcl-2 in both in vitro and in vivo. In the murine model, BE treatment hindered the countenance of proliferation-related proteins (argyrophilic nucleolar organizing regions and proliferating cell nuclear antigen). Additionally, appraisal of the cell nucleus by transmission electron microscopic assessment uncovered that BE treatment adequately counteracts B(a)P-induced lung cancer cell survival. During the transition of the G₀ /G₁ phase, BE is arrested in the cell cycle process. This might be the cause of a substantial increase in the appearance of p21^Cip1 with concomitant downregulating the expressions of CDK4, cyclin D, and cyclin E both in vitro and in vivo. Our results conclude that BE treatment induced apoptosis and repressed proliferation both in vitro and in vivo of human lung carcinoma.

Comparative Review on Effects of Pien Tze Huang and AnGong NiuHuang Pill and their Potential on Treatment of Central Nervous System Diseases

Abstract:

The ancient composite formulae Angong Niuhuang pill and Pien Tze Huang that were used a few hundred years ago to treat febrile disease and inflammation respectively are found to exert effects benefiting other neurological diseases and conditions. This short review introduces the main constituents of the two formulae, looking into both the cumulative synergetic and possible individual effects of each herb or animal apcoien. In essence, the main effects of Angong Niuhuang pill include antiinflammation, antioxidation, anti-cell death, anticonvulsion, antiedema, antipyretic, antithrombotic, antimicrobial (bacteria, viruses, fungi), neuroprotective effects, and cardiovascular protection. The main effects of Pien Tze Huang include antiinflammation, antioxidation, anti-cell death, antithrombotic, antimicrobial, neuroprotective effects, and cardiovascular protection. Comparing both composites, similarities of the effects and part of the components are found, showing some pharmacological evidence. This review casts light on research on the effects of neuroprotective and cardiovascular protective mechanisms as well as treatment mechanisms for cerebral accidents in the integrative medicine perspective.

Up-to-Date Overview of the Use of Natural Ingredients in Sunscreens

The photoprotective skincare segment is in high demand to meet consumer concerns on UV-induced skin damage, with a recent trend towards sunscreen alternatives with a natural origin. In this study, the use of natural ingredients, either from terrestrial or marine origin, in a panel of 444 sunscreen commercial formulations (2021) was analyzed. Ingredients from terrestrial organisms represent the large majority found in the analyzed sunscreen formulations (48%), whereas marine ingredients are present only in 13% of the analyzed products. A deeper analysis regarding the most prevalent families of ingredients from terrestrial and marine organisms used as top ingredients is also presented, as well as their mechanisms of action. This study provides an up-to-date overview of the sunscreen market regarding the use of natural ingredients, which is of relevance for scientists involved in the development of new sunscreens to identify opportunities for innovation.

Relationship between Immune Cells, Depression, Stress, and Psoriasis: Could the Use of Natural Products Be Helpful?

Psoriasis is one of the most widespread chronic inflammatory skin diseases, affecting about 2%-3% of the worldwide adult population. The pathogenesis of this disease is quite complex, but an interaction between genetic and environmental factors has been recognized with an essential modulation of inflammatory and immune responses in affected patients. Psoriatic plaques generally represent the clinical psoriatic feature resulting from an abnormal proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes, which cause dermal hyperplasia, skin infiltration of immune cells, and increased capillarity. Some scientific pieces of evidence have reported that psychological stress may play a key role in psoriasis, and the disease itself may cause stress conditions in patients, thus reproducing a vicious cycle. The present review aims at examining immune cell involvement in psoriasis and the relationship of depression and stress in its pathogenesis and development. In addition, this review contains a focus on the possible use of natural products, thus pointing out their mechanism of action in order to counteract clinical and psychological symptoms.

Traditional Knowledge to Contemporary Medication in the Treatment of Infectious Disease Dengue: A Review

Dengue has become a worldwide affliction despite incessant efforts to search for a cure for this long-lived disease. Optimistic consequences for dengue vaccine are implausible as the efficiency is tied to previous dengue virus (DENV) exposure and a very high cost is required for large-scale production of vaccine. Medicinal plants are idyllic substitutes to fight DENV infection since they constitute important components of traditional medicine and show antiviral properties, although the mechanism behind the action of bioactive compounds to obstruct viral replication is less explored and yet to be discovered. This review includes the existing traditional knowledge on how DENV infects and multiplies in the host cells, conscripting different medicinal plants that obtained bioactive compounds with anti-dengue properties, and the probable mechanism on how bioactive compounds modulate the host immune system during DENV infection. Moreover, different plant species having such bioactive compounds reported for anti-DENV efficiency should be validated scientifically via different in vitro and in vivo studies.

Inspiration for COVID-19 Treatment: Network Analysis and Experimental Validation of Baicalin for Cytokine Storm

Background: Cytokine storm (CS) is a systemic inflammatory syndrome and a major cause of multi-organ failure and even death in COVID-19 patients. With the increasing number of COVID-19 patients, there is an urgent need to develop effective therapeutic strategies for CS. Baicalin is an anti-inflammatory and antiviral traditional Chinese medicine. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the therapeutic mechanism of baicalin against CS through network analysis and experimental validation, and to detect key targets of CS that may bind closely to baicalin through molecular docking. Method: Access to potential targets of baicalin and CS in public databases. We constructed the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of baicalin and CS by Cytoscape 9.0 software and performed network topology analysis of the potential targets. Then, the hub target was identified by molecular docking technique and validated in the CS model. Finally, GO and KEGG pathway functional enrichment analysis of common targets were confirmed using R language, and the location of overlapping targets in key pathways was queried via KEGG Mapper. Result: A total of 86 overlapping targets of baicalin and CS were identified, among which MAPK14, IL2, FGF2, CASP3, PTGS2, PIK3CA, EGFR, and TNF were the core targets. Moreover, it was found that baicalin bound most closely to TNF through molecular docking, and demonstrated that baicalin can effectively inhibit the elevation of TNF-α in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, bioenrichment analysis revealed that the TNF signaling pathway and IL-17 signaling pathway may be potential key pathways for baicalin to treat CS. Conclusion: Based on this study, baicalin was identified as a potential drug for the alleviation of CS, and the possible key targets and pathways of baicalin for the treatment of CS were elucidated to reveal the main pharmacological mechanisms.

Specific Flavonoids and Their Biosynthetic Pathway in Scutellaria baicalensis

Scutellaria baicalensis, is one of the most traditional medicinal plants in the Lamiaceae family, and has been widely used to treat liver and lung complaints and as a complementary cancer treatment in traditional Chinese medicine. The preparation from its roots, called "Huang Qin," is rich in specialized flavones such as baicalein, wogonin, and their glycosides which lack a 4'-hydroxyl group on the B ring (4'-deoxyflavones), with anti-tumor, antioxidant, and antiviral activities. Baicalein has recently been reported to inhibit the replication of the COVID-19 virus. These 4'-deoxyflavones are found only in the order Lamiales and were discovered in the genus Scutellaria, suggesting that a new metabolic pathway synthesizing 4'-deoxyflavones evolved recently in this genus. In this review, we focus on the class of 4'-deoxyflavones in S. baicalensis and their pharmacological properties. We also describe the apparent evolutionary route taken by the genes encoding enzymes involved in the novel, root-specific, biosynthetic pathway for baicalein and wogonin, which provides insights into the evolution of specific flavone biosynthetic pathways in the mint family.

Multifunctional Baicalin-Modified Contact Lens for Preventing Infection, Regulating the Ocular Surface Microenvironment and Promoting Corneal Repair

Corneal injury inevitably leads to disruption of the ocular surface microenvironment, which is closely associated with delayed epithelial cell repair and the development of infection. Recently, drug-loaded therapeutic contact lenses have emerged as a new approach to treating corneal injury due to their advantages of relieving pain, promoting corneal repair, and preventing infection. However, few therapeutic contact lenses could modulate the ocular surface’s inflammation and oxidative stress microenvironment. To address this, in this study, we covalently immobilized multifunctional baicalin (BCL), a flavon molecular with anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative stress, and antibacterial capabilities, onto the surface of the contact lens. The BCL-modified contact lens showed excellent optical properties, powerful antibacterial properties, and non-toxicity to endothelial cells. Furthermore, the BCL-modified contact lens could significantly modulate the ocular surface microenvironment, including inhibition of macrophage aggregation and resistance to epithelium damage caused by oxidative stress. In animal models, BCL-modified corneal contact lens effectively promoted corneal epithelial cells repair. These excellent properties suggested that multifunctional BCL molecules had great application potential in the surface engineering of ophthalmic medical materials.

Characterization of UDP-glycosyltransferase family members reveals how major flavonoid glycoside accumulates in the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis

Background

Flavonoid glycosides extracted from roots of Scutellaria baicalensis exhibit strong pharmaceutical antitumor, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral activities. UDP glycosyltransferase (UGT) family members are responsible for the transfer of a glycosyl moiety from UDP sugars to a wide range of acceptor flavonoids. Baicalin is the major flavonoid glycoside found in S. baicalensis roots, and its aglycone baicalein is synthesized from a specially evolved pathway that has been elucidated. However, it is necessary to carry out a genome-wide study of genes involved in 7-O-glucuronidation, the final biosynthesis step of baicalin, which might elucidate the relationship between the enzymes and the metabolic accumulation patterns in this medicinal plant.

Results

We reported the phylogenetic analysis, tissue-specific expression, biochemical characterization and evolutionary analysis of glucosyltransferases (SbUGTs) and glucuronosyltransferases (SbUGATs) genes based on the recently released genome of S. baicalensis. A total of 124 UGTs were identified, and over one third of them were highly expressed in roots. In vitro enzyme assays showed that 6 SbUGTs could use UDP-glucose as a sugar donor and convert baicalein to oroxin A (baicalein 7-O-glucoside), while 4 SbUGATs used only UDP-glucuronic acid as the sugar donor and catalyzed baicalein to baicalin. SbUGAT4 and SbUGT2 are the most highly expressed SbUGAT and SbUGT genes in root tissues, respectively. Kinetic measurements revealed that SbUGAT4 had a lower Km value and higher Vmax/Km ratio to baicalein than those of SbUGT2. Furthermore, tandem duplication events were detected in SbUGTs and SbUGATs.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that glucosylation and glucuronidation are two major glycosylated decorations in the roots of S. baicalensis. Higher expression level and affinity to substrate of SbUGAT4, and expansion of this gene family contribute high accumulation of baicalin in the root of S. baicalensis.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08391-1.

Targets and Potential Mechanism of Scutellaria baicalensis in Treatment of Primary Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on Bioinformatics Analysis

Objective

To analyze the target and potential mechanism of Scutellaria baicalensis (SB) in the treatment of HCC based on bioinformatics, so as to provide suggestions for the diagnosis, treatment, and drug development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

The regulated gene targets of SB were screened by gene expression pattern clustering and differential analysis of gene expression data of HepG2 cells treated with SB at 0 h, 1 h, 3 h, 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h. The module genes related to HCC were identified by the weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA). KEGG and GO enrichment were used to analyze the molecular function and structure of the module, and GSEA was used to evaluate the different functional pathways between normal people and patients with HCC. Then, the module gene was used for univariate Cox proportional hazard analysis and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analysis to build a prognostic model. The protein-protein interaction network (PPI) was used to analyze the core genes regulated by SB (CGRSB) of the module, and the survival curve revealed the CGRSB impact on patient survival. The CIBERSORT algorithm combined with correlation analysis to explore the relationship between CGRSB and immune infiltration. Finally, the single-cell sequencing technique was used to analyze the distribution of CGRSB at the cellular level.

Results

SB could regulate 903 genes, of which 234 were related to the occurrence of HCC. The prognosis model constructed by these genes has a good effect in evaluating the survival of patients. KEGG and GO enrichment analysis showed that the regulation of SB on HCC mainly focused on some cell proliferation, apoptosis, and immune-related functions. GSEA enrichment analysis showed that these functions are related to the occurrence of HCC. A total of 24 CGRSB were obtained after screening, of which 13 were significantly related to survival, and most of them were unfavorable factors for patient survival. The correlation analysis of gene expression showed that most of CGRSB was significantly correlated with T cells, macrophages, and other functions. The results of single-cell analysis showed that the distribution of CGRSB in macrophages was the most.

Conclusion

SB has high credibility in the treatment of HCC, such as CDK2, AURKB, RRM2, CENPE, ESR1, and PRIM2. These targets can be used as potential biomarkers for clinical diagnosis. The research also shows that the p53 signal pathway, MAPK signal pathway, apoptosis pathway, T cell receptor pathway, and macrophage-mediated tumor immunity play the most important role in the mechanism of SB in treating HCC.

Protective effect of baicalin against arsenic trioxide-induced acute hepatic injury in mice through JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway

Baicalin (BA) is a kind of flavonoid that is isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, which has been verified to have hepatoprotective effects in some diseases. However, the role of BA in acute hepatic injury induced by arsenic trioxide (ATO) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective action of BA on acute hepatic injury induced by ATO and to probe its possible mechanism. Mice were pretreated with BA (50, 100 mg/kg) by gavage. After 7 h, ATO (7.5 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally to induce liver injury. After 7 days of treatment, serum and hepatic specimens were collected and assayed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of BA. Pathological sections and the liver function index indicated that ATO caused significant liver injury. The fluorescence of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress indicators showed that ATO also increased oxidative stress. The inflammatory markers in ATO-induced mice also increased significantly. Staining of the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling and apoptotic factor assay showed that apoptosis increased. However, with BA pretreatment, these changes were significantly weakened. In addition, BA treatment promoted the expression of proteins related to the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. The results suggest that BA can ameliorate acute ATO-induced hepatic injury in mice, which is related to the inhibition of oxidative stress, thereby reducing inflammation and apoptosis. The mechanism of this protection is potentially related to the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

The Flavonoid Baicalein Negatively Regulates Progesterone Target Genes in the Uterus in Vivo

Baicalein is a flavonoid extracted from the root of Scutellaria baicalensis (Chinese skullcap) and is consumed as part of this botanical dietary supplement to reduce oxidative stress, pain, and inflammation. We previously reported that baicalein can also modify receptor signaling through the progesterone receptor (PR) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in vitro, which is interesting due to the well-established roles of both PR and GR in reducing inflammation. To understand the effects of baicalein on PR and GR signaling in vivo in the uterus, ovariectomized CD-1 mice were treated with DMSO, progesterone (P4), baicalein, P4 with baicalein, and P4 with RU486, a PR antagonist, for a week. The uteri were collected for histology and RNA sequencing. Our results showed that baicalein attenuated the antiproliferative effect of P4 on luminal epithelium as well as on the PR target genes HAND2 and ZBTB16. Baicalein did not change levels of PR or GR RNA or protein in the uterus. RNA sequencing data indicated that many transcripts significantly altered by baicalein were regulated in the opposite direction by P4. Similarly, a large portion of GO/KEGG terms and GSEA gene sets were altered in the opposite direction by baicalein as compared to P4 treatment. Treatment of baicalein did not change body weight, organ weight, or blood glucose level. In summary, baicalein functioned as a PR antagonist in vivo and therefore may oppose P4 action under certain conditions such as uterine hyperplasia, fibroids, and uterine cancers.

On the Scavenging Ability of Scutellarein against the OOH Radical in Water and Lipid-like Environments: A Theoretical Study

The antioxidant capability of scutellarein, a flavonoid extracted from different plants of the Scutellaria family, was computationally predicted by considering its reaction with the OOH radical in both lipid-like and water environments. The pKa and equilibrium behavior in the aqueous phase were also calculated. Different reaction mechanisms involving the most populated species were considered. The work was performed by using the density functional level of theory. The individual, total, and fraction-corrected total rate constants were obtained. The results show that scutellarein has scavenging power against the hydroperoxyl radical similar to that of Trolox, which is generally used as a reference antioxidant.

An efficient strategy based on two-stage chromatography and in vitro evaluation for rapid screening and isolation of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi

The extraction of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi was investigated using the response surface methodology-genetic algorithm mathematical regression model, and the extraction variables were optimized to maximize the flavonoid yield. Furthermore, a simple and efficient ultrafiltration-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and molecular docking methods was developed for the rapid screening and identification of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors present in Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. Subsequently, four major chemical constituents, namely baicalein, norwogonin, wogonin, and oroxylin A, were identified as potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. This novel approach, involving the use of ultrafiltration-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and molecular docking methods combined with stepwise flow rate counter-current chromatography and semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography, could potentially provide a powerful tool for the screening and extraction of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors from complex matrices and be a useful platform for the production of bioactive and nutraceutical ingredients. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Challenges in Medicinal and Aromatic Plants DNA Barcoding-Lessons from the Lamiaceae

The potential value of DNA barcoding for the identification of medicinal plants and authentication of traded plant materials has been widely recognized; however, a number of challenges remain before DNA methods are fully accepted as an essential quality control method by industry and regulatory authorities. The successes and limitations of conventional DNA barcoding are considered in relation to important members of the Lamiaceae. The mint family (Lamiaceae) contains over one thousand species recorded as having a medicinal use, with many more exploited in food and cosmetics for their aromatic properties. The family is characterized by a diversity of secondary products, most notably the essential oils (EOs) produced in external glandular structures on the aerial parts of the plant that typify well-known plants of the basil (Ocimum), lavender (Lavandula), mint (Mentha), thyme (Thymus), sage (Salvia) and related genera. This complex, species-rich family includes widely cultivated commercial hybrids and endangered wild-harvested traditional medicines, and examples of potential toxic adulterants within the family are explored in detail. The opportunities provided by next generation sequencing technologies to whole plastome barcoding and nuclear genome sequencing are also discussed with relevant examples.

Nanotechnology-Based Drug Delivery System for Anticancer Active Ingredients from Traditional Chinese Medicines: A Review

The variable dosage forms of most traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) could be disadvantaged by low selectivity, poor biological distribution, limited bioavailability with low efficacy, and some adverse effects. These issues limit the control of clinical pharmacodynamics of the antitumor active components. With the progress of science and technology, many new polymer materials and new technologies have emerged, such as nanotechnology, cyclodextrin inclusion, solid dispersion, microcapsule and microsphere technologies. These new technologies provide a good basis for exploring novel TCM dosage forms for overcoming the shortcomings. The increased numbers of new technologies have been used to study TCM dosage forms with remarkable achievements. In this review paper, we will provide a systematic overview of the new dosage forms of nano-formulations and co-medications in relation to nano-delivery systems in an attempt to provide useful references for practical application of active antitumor ingredients from the TCMs.

Two types of O-methyltransferase are involved in biosynthesis of anticancer methoxylated 4'-deoxyflavones in Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi

The medicinal plant Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi is rich in specialized 4'-deoxyflavones, which are reported to have many health-promoting properties. We assayed Scutellaria flavones with different methoxyl groups on human cancer cell lines and found that polymethoxylated 4'-deoxyflavones, like skullcapflavone I and tenaxin I have stronger ability to induce apoptosis compared to unmethylated baicalein, showing that methoxylation enhances bioactivity as well as the physical properties of specialized flavones, while having no side-effects on healthy cells. We investigated the formation of methoxylated flavones and found that two O-methyltransferase (OMT) families are active in the roots of S. baicalensis. The Type II OMTs, SbPFOMT2 and SbPFOMT5, decorate one of two adjacent hydroxyl groups on flavones and are responsible for methylation on the C6, 8 and 3'-hydroxyl positions, to form oroxylin A, tenaxin II and chrysoeriol respectively. The Type I OMTs, SbFOMT3, SbFOMT5 and SbFOMT6 account mainly for C7-methoxylation of flavones, but SbFOMT5 can also methylate baicalein on its C5 and C6-hydroxyl positions. The dimethoxylated flavone, skullcapflavone I (found naturally in roots of S. baicalensis) can be produced in yeast by co-expressing SbPFOMT5 plus SbFOMT6 when the appropriately hydroxylated 4'-deoxyflavone substrates are supplied in the medium. Co-expression of SbPFOMT5 plus SbFOMT5 in yeast produced tenaxin I, also found in Scutellaria roots. This work showed that both type I and type II OMT enzymes are involved in biosynthesis of methoxylated flavones in S. baicalensis.

Therapeutic potential of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi in lung cancer therapy

BACKGROUND

Globally, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer associated mortalities. The current conventional chemotherapy remains the preferred treatment option for lung cancer, as surgical resection plays little role in the treatment of over 75% of lung cancer patients. Therefore, there is a need to develop novel potential therapeutic drugs or adjuvants with a high efficiency and safety against lung cancer. Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, a common Chinese medicinal herb that has been in use for more than 2000 years, has recently been shown to possess significant activities against lung cancer. However, current research progress on pharmacological effects and relevant molecular mechanisms of S. baicalensis in lung cancer therapy have not been systematically summarized.

PURPOSE

This review aimed at elucidating on the anti-lung cancer mechanisms and antitumor efficacies of S. baicalensis as well as its active ingredients, and providing a valuable reference for further investigation in this field.

METHODS

We used "Scutellaria baicalensis" or the name of the compound in S. baicalensis, in combination with "lung cancer" as key words to systematically search for relevant literature from the Web of Science and PubMed databases. Publications that investigated molecular mechanisms were the only ones selected for analysis. The PRISMA guidelines were followed.

RESULTS

Fifty-four publications met the inclusion criteria for this study. Five anti-lung cancer mechanisms of S. baicalensis and its constituent components are discussed. These mechanisms include apoptosis induction, cell-cycle arrest, suppression of proliferation, blockade of invasion and metastasis, and overcoming drug-resistance. These compounds exhibited high antitumor efficacies and safety against lung cancer xenografts.

CONCLUSION

Studies should aim at elucidating on the anti-cancer mechanisms of S. baicalensis to achieve the ultimate goal of lung cancer therapy.

An overview of pharmacological activities of baicalin and its aglycone baicalein: New insights into molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways

The flavonoids, baicalin, and its aglycone baicalein possess multi-fold therapeutic properties and are mainly found in the roots of Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz and Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. These flavonoids have been reported to possess various pharmacological properties, including antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, anticonvulsant, anti-oxidant, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective effects. The pharmacological properties of baicalin and baicalein are due to their abilities to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and interaction with various signaling molecules associated with apoptosis, inflammation, autophagy, cell cycle, mitochondrial dynamics, and cytoprotection. In this review, we summarized the molecular mechanisms underlying the chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic applications of baicalin and baicalein in the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases. In addition, the preventive effects of baicalin and baicalein on mitochondrial dynamics and functions were highlighted with a particular emphasis on their anti-oxidative and cytoprotective properties. The current review highlights could be useful for future prospective studies to further improve the pharmacological applications of baicalein and baicalin. These studies should define the threshold for optimal drug exposure, dose optimization and focus on therapeutic drug monitoring, objective disease markers, and baicalin/baicalein drug levels.

Role of nutraceuticals on neurodegenerative diseases: neuroprotective and immunomodulant activity

Neurodegeneration is a degenerative process characterized by the progressive loss of the structure and function of neurons that involves several immune cells. It is the primary cause of dementia and other several syndromes, known as neurodegenerative diseases. These disorders are age-related and it is estimated that by 2040 there will be approximately 81.1 million people suffering from these diseases. In addition to the traditional pharmacological therapy, in recent years nutraceuticals, naturally based compounds with a broad spectrum of biological effects: anti-aging, antioxidants, hypoglycaemic, hypocholesterolemic, anticancer, anxiolytic, antidepressant, etc., assumed an important role in counteracting these pathologies. In particular, several compounds such as astaxanthin, baicalein, glycyrrhizin, St. John's wort, and Ginkgo biloba L. extracts show particular neuroprotective and immunomodulatory abilities, involving several immune cells and some neurotransmitters that play a critical role in neurodegeneration, making them particularly useful in improving the symptoms and progression of neurodegenerative diseases.

Optimization of ultrasound-assisted enzymatic pretreatment for enhanced extraction of baicalein and wogonin from Scutellaria baicalensis roots

It is of great theoretical interest and industrial significance to improve the extraction efficiency of baicalein and wogonin from Scutellaria baicalensis roots because of their high pharmacological activities. The present study was aimed to establish the optimized ultrasound-assisted enzymatic pretreatment (UAEP) process by which ultrasound irradiation and the exogenous enzyme were simultaneously applied to efficiently transform baicalin and wogonoside into baicalein and wogonin, enhancing their extraction efficiency. Single-factor experiment and Box-Behnken design were used to optimize the main UAEP conditions to maximize the total extraction yield of baicalein and wogonin. The optimized UAEP conditions were cellulase concentration of 1.1%, pH of 5.5, UAEP temperature of 56.5 °C, UAEP time of 39.4 min, and ultrasonic power of 200 W with the total extraction yield of 82.51 ± 0.85 mg/g DW. The comparison of the established technique with the reference method based on the enzymatic pretreatment revealed that the productive efficiency was significantly improved with the transformation rates nearly doubled. These results suggest that the optimized UAEP process has the potential to be applied for the green, simple, and efficient extraction of baicalein and wogonin in the pharmaceutical and food industry.

A metabolomic approach to elucidate the inhibitory effects of baicalin in pulmonary fibrosis

CONTEXT

Baicalin, a major flavonoid extracted from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (Lamiaceae), has been shown to exert therapeutic effects on pulmonary fibrosis (PF).

OBJECTIVE

To use serum metabolomics combined with biochemical and histopathological analyses to clarify anti-PF mechanisms of baicalin on metabolic pathways and the levels of potential biomarkers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the control, PF model, prednisolone acetate-treated (4.2 mg/kg/day) and baicalin-treated (25 and 100 mg/kg/day) groups. A rat model of PF was established using a tracheal injection of bleomycin, and the respective drugs were administered intragastrically for 4 weeks. Histomorphology of lung tissue was examined after H&E and Masson's trichrome staining. Biochemical indicators including SOD, MDA and HYP were measured. Serum-metabonomic analysis based on UPLC-Q-TOF/MS was used to clarify the changes in potential biomarkers among different groups of PF rats.

RESULTS

Both doses of baicalin effectively alleviated bleomycin-induced pathological changes, and increased the levels of SOD (from 69.48 to 99.50 and 112.30, respectively), reduced the levels of MDA (from 10.91 to 5.0 and 7.53, respectively) and HYP (from 0.63 to 0.41 and 0.49, respectively). Forty-eight potential biomarkers associated with PF were identified. Meanwhile, the metabolic profiles and fluctuating metabolite levels were normalized or partially reversed after baicalin treatment. Furthermore, baicalin was found to improve PF potentially by the regulation of four key biomarkers involving taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and glycerophospholipid metabolism.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings revealed the anti-fibrotic mechanisms of baicalin and it may be considered as an effective therapy for PF.

Natural Products as Potential Lead Compounds for Drug Discovery Against SARS-CoV-2

For the past 2 years, the coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 infection has become a world pandemic, ruining the lives and economies of several nations in the world. This has scaled up research on the virus and the resulting infection with the goal of developing new vaccines and therapies. Natural products are known to be a rich source of lead compounds for drug discovery, including against infectious diseases caused by microbes (viruses, bacteria and fungi). In this review article, we conducted a literature survey aimed at identifying natural products with inhibitory concentrations against the coronaviruses or their target proteins, which lie below 10 µM. This led to the identification of 42 compounds belonging to the alkaloid, flavonoid, terpenoid, phenolic, xanthone and saponin classes. The cut off concentration of 10 µM was to limit the study to the most potent chemical entities, which could be developed into therapies against the viral infection to make a contribution towards limiting the spread of the disease.

Baicalin attenuates angiotensin II-induced blood pressure elevation and modulates MLCK/p-MLC signaling pathway

Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi is an extensively used medicinal herb for the treatment of hypertension in traditional Chinese medicine. Baicalin, is an important flavonoid in Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi extracts, which exhibits therapeutic effects on anti-hypertension, but its underlying mechanisms remain to be further explored. Therefore, we investigated the effects and molecular mechanisms of Baicalin on anti-hypertension. In vivo studies revealed that Baicalin treatment significantly attenuated the elevation in blood pressure, the pulse propagation and thickening of the abdominal aortic wall in C57BL/6 mice infused with Angiotensin II (Ang II). Moreover, RNA-sequencing and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses identified 537 differentially expressed transcripts and multiple enriched signaling pathways (including vascular smooth muscle contraction and calcium signaling pathway). Consistently, we found that Baicalin pretreatment significantly alleviated the Ang II induced constriction of abdominal aortic ring, while promoted NE pre-contracted vasodilation of abdominal aortic ring at least partly dependent on L-type calcium channel. In addition, Ang II stimulation significantly increased cell viability and PCNA expression, while were attenuated after Baicalin treatment. Moreover, Baicalin pretreatment attenuated Ang II-induced intracellular Ca2+ release, Angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) expression and activation of MLCK/p-MLC pathway in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). The present work further addressed the pharmacological and mechanistic insights on anti-hypertension of Baicalin, which may help better understand the therapeutic effect of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi on anti-hypertension.

Development and Evaluation of Thermosensitive Hydrogels with Binary Mixture of Scutellariae baicalensis radix Extract and Chitosan for Periodontal Diseases Treatment

Scutellaria baicalensis root displays anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties due to the presence of flavonoids, particularly baicalin, baicalein, and wogonin. Our work aimed at developing thermosensitive hydrogels containing a binary mixture of S. baicalensis radix lyophilized extract and chitosan as a novel approach for periodontal diseases treatment. Two types of chitosan were employed in preliminary studies on binary mixtures with S. baicalensis radix lyophilized extract standardized for baicalin, baicalein, and wogonin. Thermosensitive hydrogels were prepared of poloxamer 407, alginate sodium, and cellulose derivatives and evaluated in terms of rheological and mucoadhesive behavior. The presence of chitosan altered the release profile of active compounds but did not affect their in vitro permeation behavior in PAMPA assay. The synergistic effects of S. baicalensis radix lyophilized extract and chitosan toward ferrous ion-chelating activity, inhibition of hyaluronidase, and pathogen growth were observed. The thermosensitive gelling system showed shear-thinning properties, gelation temperature between 25 and 27 °C, and favorable mucoadhesiveness in contact with porcine buccal mucosa, which was enhanced in the presence of binary mixture of S. baicalensis radix extract and chitosan. The release tests showed that baicalin and baicalein were liberated in a prolonged manner with a fast onset from hydrogel formulations.

Discovery of Natural Products as Multitarget Inhibitors of Insect Chitinolytic Enzymes through High-Throughput Screening

Small-molecule inhibitors of insect chitinolytic enzymes are potential insecticides. However, the reported inhibitors that target one enzyme usually exhibit unsatisfactory bioactivity. On the basis of the multitarget strategy, we performed a high-throughput screening of a natural product library to find insecticide leads against four chitinolytic enzymes from the Asian corn borer Ostrinia furnacalis (OfChtI, OfChtII, OfChi-h, and OfHex1). Several phytochemicals were discovered to be multitarget inhibitors of these enzymes and were predicted to occupy the -1 substrate-binding subsite and engage in polar interactions with catalytically important residues. Shikonin and wogonin, which had good inhibitory activities toward all four enzymes, also exhibited significant insecticidal activities against lepidopteran agricultural pests. This study provides the first example of using a multitarget high-throughput screening strategy to exploit natural products as insecticide leads against chitin biodegradation during insect molting.

Immunostimulant and Antidepressant Effect of Natural Compounds in the Management of Covid-19 Symptoms

In recent years, the use of natural compounds as adjuvant treatments and alternatives to traditional pharmacological therapies has become increasingly popular. These compounds have a wide range of biological effects, such as: antioxidant, anti-aging, hypocholesterolizing, hypoglycemic, antitumoral, antidepressant, anxiolytic activity, etc. Almost all of these compounds are easily available and are contained in different foods. At the end of 2019 the Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 appeared in China and quickly spread throughout the world, causing a pandemic. The most common symptoms of this infection are dry cough, fever, dyspnea, and in severe cases bilateral interstitial pneumonia, with consequences that can lead to death. The nations, in trying to prevent the spread of infection, have imposed social distancing and lockdown measures on their citizens. This had a strong psychological-social impact, leading to phobic, anxious and depressive states. Pharmacological therapy could be accompanied by treatment with several natural compounds, such as vitamins, baicalein, zinc and essential oils. These compounds possess marked immunostimulant activity, strengthening the immune response and mitigating interactions between the virus and the host cell. They also have an antidepressant effect, acting on certain neurotransmitters.

Natural Small Molecules Targeting NF-κB Signaling in Glioblastoma

Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) is a transcription factor that regulates various genes that mediate various cellular activities, including propagation, differentiation, motility, and survival. Abnormal activation of NF-κB is a common incidence in several cancers. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive brain cancer described by high cellular heterogeneity and almost unavoidable relapse following surgery and resistance to traditional therapy. In GBM, NF-κB is abnormally activated by various stimuli. Its function has been associated with different processes, including regulation of cancer cells with stem-like phenotypes, invasion of cancer cells, and radiotherapy resistance identification of mesenchymal cells. Even though multimodal therapeutic approaches such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapeutic drugs are used for treating GBM, however; the estimated mortality rate for GBM patients is around 1 year. Therefore, it is necessary to find out new therapeutic approaches for treating GBM. Many studies are focusing on therapeutics having less adverse effects owing to the failure of conventional chemotherapy and targeted agents. Several studies of compounds suggested the involvement of NF-κB signaling pathways in the growth and development of a tumor and GBM cell apoptosis. In this review, we highlight the involvement of NF-κB signaling in the molecular understanding of GBM and natural compounds targeting NF-κB signaling.

Phytochemicals: A Promising Weapon in the Arsenal against Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

The extensive usage of antibiotics and the rapid emergence of antimicrobial-resistant microbes (AMR) are becoming important global public health issues. Many solutions to these problems have been proposed, including developing alternative compounds with antimicrobial activities, managing existing antimicrobials, and rapidly detecting AMR pathogens. Among all of them, employing alternative compounds such as phytochemicals alone or in combination with other antibacterial agents appears to be both an effective and safe strategy for battling against these pathogens. The present review summarizes the scientific evidence on the biochemical, pharmacological, and clinical aspects of phytochemicals used to treat microbial pathogenesis. A wide range of commercial products are currently available on the market. Their well-documented clinical efficacy suggests that phytomedicines are valuable sources of new types of antimicrobial agents for future use. Innovative approaches and methodologies for identifying plant-derived products effective against AMR are also proposed in this review.

Anti-metastatic Effects of Baicalein by Targeting STAT3 Activity in Breast Cancer Cells

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is considered a potential target for cancer treatment because of its relationship with cellular transformation and tumor initiation and progression. In this study, we aimed to identify a new anti-cancer drug candidate from natural products by targeting STAT3 activity. Using STAT3-luciferase reporter cell line, we screened the chemical library of natural products and found that baicalein, a flavone isolated from the roots of Scutelleria baicalensis, strongly suppressed STAT3 activity in breast cancer cells. Baicalein inhibited STAT3 transcriptional activity and its phosphorylation, and further exhibited anti-proliferative effects in breast cancer cells. Moreover, baicalein suppressed the production of interleukin (IL)-6 and the metastatic potential of breast cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, our study suggests baicalein as an attractive phytochemical compound for reducing metastatic potential of breast cancer cells by regulating STAT3 activity.

Baicalin Rescues Cognitive Dysfunction, Mitigates Neurodegeneration, and Exerts Anti-Epileptic Effects Through Activating TLR4/MYD88/Caspase-3 Pathway in Rats

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the beneficial effects of anti-epileptic mechanisms of baicalin (BA) on cognitive dysfunction and neurodegeneration in pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced epileptic rats.

Methods

First, PTZ-induced epileptic rats were administered intraperitoneally a sub-convulsive dose of PTZ (40 mg/kg) daily, and the seizure susceptibility (the degree of seizures and latency) was evaluated using Racine’s criterion. Then, classical behavioral experiments were performed to test whether BA ameliorated cognitive dysfunction. Neurodegeneration was assessed using Fluoro Jade-B (FJB), and NeuN staining was used to determine whether BA offered a neuroprotective role. After BA had been proven to possess anti-epileptic effects, its possible mechanisms were analyzed through network pharmacology. Finally, the key targets for predictive mechanisms were experimentally verified.

Results

The epileptic model was successfully established, and BA had anti-epileptic effects. Epileptic rats displayed significant cognitive dysfunction, and BA markedly ameliorated cognitive dysfunction. Further, we also discovered that BA treatment mitigated neurodegeneration of the hippocampus CA3 regions, thereby ameliorated cognitive dysfunction of epileptic rats. Subsequent network pharmacology analysis was implemented to reveal a possible mechanism of BA in the anti-epileptic process and the TLR4/MYD88/Caspase-3 pathway was predicted. Finally, experimental studies showed that BA exerted an anti-epileptic effect by activating the TLR4/MYD88/Caspase-3 pathway in PTZ-induced epileptic rats.

Conclusion

In conclusion, BA had a protective effect against PTZ-induced seizures. BA improved cognitive dysfunction and exerted a neuroprotective action. The anti-epileptic effects of BA may be potentially through activation of the TLR4/MYD88/Caspase-3 pathway.

Autophagy Modulators From Chinese Herbal Medicines: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potentials for Asthma

Asthma has become a global health issue, suffering more than 300 million people in the world, which is a heterogeneous disease, usually characterized by chronic airway inflammation and airway hyperreactivity. Combination of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long acting β-agonists (LABA) can relieve asthma symptoms and reduce the frequency of exacerbations, especially for patients with refractory asthma, but there are limited treatment options for people who do not gain control on combination ICS/LABA. The increase in ICS dose generally provides little additional benefit, and there is an increased risk of side effects. Therefore, therapeutic interventions integrating the use of different agents that focus on different targets are needed to overcome this set of diseases. Some findings suggest autophagy is closely correlated with the severity of asthma through eosinophilic inflammation, and its modulation may provide novel therapeutic approaches for severe allergic asthma. The chinese herbal medicine (CHM) have been demonstrated clinically as potent therapeutic interventions for asthma. Moreover some reports have found that the bioactive components isolated from CHM could modulate autophagy, and exhibit potent Anti-inflammatory activity. These findings have implied the potential for CHMs in asthma or allergic inflammation therapy via the modulation of autophagy. In this review, we discuss the basic pathomechanisms underpinning asthma, and the potential role of CHMs in treating asthma with modulating autophagy.

Role of Coptis chinensis in antibiotic susceptibility of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae

BACKGROUND

The incidence of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) has rapidly increased. This study aimed to assess the effect of Coptis chinensis and its compounds on the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of eight antibiotics against CRKP.

METHODS

Cell cultures were used to investigate the effects of C. chinensis and its compounds on the MICs of eight antibiotics against CRKP. The MICs for antibiotics alone and antibiotics with C. chinensis or compounds were measured and compared. Furthermore, the effects of C. chinensis on cell membrane injury and intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) CRKP concentration were also measured. The Mann-Whitney rank-sum test was used to analyze the differences between means.

RESULTS

C. chinensis exhibits a notable MIC bacteriostatic effect at 5 mg/mL on CRKP. A significant MIC reduction against CRKP exists when C. chinensis was added to colistin and colistin-containing two-antibiotic combinations. Moreover, C. chinensis could damage cell membrane integrity and decrease intracellular ATP concentration in CRKP. Thus, C. chinensis exhibits antimicrobial activity superiority with colistin against CRKP. Furthermore, the effects of identified compounds in C. chinensis on the MICs of colistin, four-to eight-, two-to four-, and one-to two-fold reductions were found in ferulic acid, magnoflorine, and jatrorrhizine hydrochloride, respectively. Among these compounds, ferulic acid destroys membrane integrity and decreases intracellular ATP concentration.

CONCLUSION

C. chinensis and ferulic acid can potentiate the antimicrobial activity of colistin and may represent a promising component of combination therapy against CRKP infections in a clinical setting.

Exploring the Mechanism of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi Efficacy against Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Analysis

BACKGROUND

Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SBG) has been widely shown to induce apoptosis and inhibit invasion and migration of various cancer cells. Increased evidence shows that SBG may be useful to treat oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, the biological activity and possible mechanisms of SBG in the treatment of OSCC have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to clarify the bioactive component and multitarget mechanisms of SBG against OSCC using network pharmacology and molecular docking.

METHODS

Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database was used to predict the active components in SBG, and putative molecular targets of SBG were identified using the Swiss Target Prediction database. OSCC-related targets were screened by GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), and Therapeutic Target Database (TTD). Then, we established protein-protein interaction (PPI), compound-target-disease (C-T-D), and compound-target-pathway (C-T-P) networks by Cytoscape to identify the main components, core targets, and pharmacological pathways of SBG against OSCC via applying data mining techniques and topological parameters. Metascape database was utilized for Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analysis. The potential interaction of the main components with core targets was revealed by molecular docking simulation, and for the correlation between core targets and OSCC prognosis analysis, the Kaplan-Meier Plotter online database was used.

RESULTS

There were 25 active compounds in SBG and 86 genes targeted by OSCC. A total of 141 signaling pathways were identified, and it was found that the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway may occupy core status in the anti-OSCC system. GO analysis revealed that the primary biological processes were related to apoptosis, proliferation, and migration. Molecular docking results confirmed that core targets of OSCC had a high affinity with the main compounds of SBG.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated multicomponent, multitarget, and multipathway characteristics of SBG in the treatment of OSCC and provided a foundation for further drug development research.

Cogent role of flavonoids as key orchestrators of chemoprevention of hepatocellular carcinoma: A review

Chemopreventive approaches with food-derived phytochemicals are progressively rising as a significant aspect of tumor management and control. Herein, we have showcased the major phytoconstituents belonging to the group of flavanoid, as anti-cancer agents used for the treatment and prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Sorafenib is the sole drug used for the treatment of advanced HCC, but its clinical application is limited because of its severe adverse effects and drug resistance. Diet-based chemoprevention seems to be the way forward for this disease of malignant nature. As HCC is derived from a chronic inflammatory milieu, the regular incorporation of bioactive phytochemicals in the diet will confer protection and prevent progression to hepatocarcinogenesis. Many preclinical studies proved that the health benefits of flavonoids confer cytotoxic potential against various types of cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma. As flavonoids with excellent safety profile are abundantly present in common vegetables and fruits, they can be better utilized for chemoprevention and chemosensitization in such chronic condition. This review highlights the plausible role of the eight most promising flavonoids (Curcumin, Kaempferol, Resveratrol, Quercetin, Silibinin, Baicalein, Galangin and Luteolin) as key orchestrators of chemoprevention in hepatocellular carcinoma with preclinical and clinical evidence. An attempt to address the challenges in its clinical translation is also included. This review also provides an insight into the close association of HCC and metabolic disorders which may further decipher the chemopreventive effect of dietary bioactive from a proof of concept to extensive clinical translation. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: According to GLOBOCAN 2020 database, it is estimated that 905,677 new cases of liver cancer and approximately 830,180 deaths related to that. The cancer incidence and mortality are almost similar as it is diagnosed at an advanced stage in patients where systemic drug therapy is the sole approach. Due to the emergence of multidrug resistance and drug-related toxicities, most of the patient can not adhere to the therapy regimen. Flavonoids are known to be a potential anticancer agent with an excellent safety profile. These are found to be effective preclinically against hepatocellular carcinoma through modulation of numerous pathways in hepatocarcinogenesis. But, the bioavailability issue, lack of well designed-validated clinical evidence, the possibility of food-drug interaction etc limit its clinical utility. The research inputs mainly to overcome pharmacokinetic issues along with suitable validation of efficacy and toxicity will be a critical point for establishing flavonoids as an effective, safe, affordable therapeutics.

Application of network pharmacology and molecular docking to elucidate the potential mechanism of Astragalus-Scorpion against prostate cancer

The present study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism of the Astragalus-Scorpion drug pair in the treatment of prostate cancer (PCa). We employed network pharmacology and molecular docking technology to retrieving the active ingredients and corresponding targets of Astragalus-Scorpion by using TCMSP, BATMAN-TCM, TCMID and Swiss Target Prediction Databases. The targets related to PCa were retrieved through GeneCards. Cytoscape software was used to construct the 'active ingredient-target disease' network, and GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed on the common targets. Autodock software was used for molecular docking verification. In total, 26 active ingredients, 340 potential targets related to active ingredients and 122 common targets were screened from Astragalus-Scorpion drug pair. The core targets of the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were JUN, AKT1, IL6, MAPK1 and RELA, whereas the core active ingredients were quercetin, kaempferol, formononetin, 7-o-methylisomucronulatol and calycosin. Nearly 762 GO entries and 154 pathways were obtained by using the pathway enrichment analysis. Molecular docking results revealed that quercetin and kaempferol bind to AKT1 and formononetin binds to RELA, all of which were found to be stable bounds.

Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and food effect of baicalein tablets in healthy Chinese subjects: A single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-dose phase I study

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Scutellaria baicalensis (Huang-Qin in Chinese) is a dry root of the perennial herb Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, which has been used extensively in current prescriptions. Scutellaria baicalensis is an herb high in flavonoids, and baicalein is the one flavonoid found in the highest amount in Scutellaria baicalensis.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Influenza virus could cause mild respiratory tract illness to severe pneumonia and even death. Baicalein has been proved to be one of the effective components against the influenza virus. However, there have been few reports on human trials of baicalein. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety of baicalein in vivo and analyze its pharmacokinetic characteristics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three randomized studies were conducted to evaluate the pharmacokinetics (PK), safety, tolerability, and food effects of baicalein tablets. In the 7-month single-dose safety study, 60 subjects were enrolled and randomized to receive 100-800 mg baicalein tablets or placebo. In the single-dose PK study, 40 subjects were enrolled and randomized to receive 200 mg, 400 mg, 600 mg, 800 mg baicalein tablets. In the study of food effect on PK of baicalein, an additional 10 subjects were enrolled in the 400 mg group, this part of the trial lasted for 7 months. Blood and urine samples for PK analysis were collected at a pre-specified time. PK properties in both fasted and fed states were evaluated, as well as safety and tolerability.

RESULTS

Among the 80 subjects who were evaluable for the single-dose safety and tolerability, 56 adverse events (AEs) were observed in 32/80 subjects, of which 49 events were from 28/68 subjects in baicalein group and 7 events were from 4/12 subjects in placebo group. All AEs were mild and resolved without any medical intervention. The most common AEs were elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level and high triglycerides. After a single administration of baicalein tablets (200 mg, 400 mg, 600 mg, or 800 mg), C_max were 280.44, 628.80, 845.20, 489.55 ng/mL; AUC_0-∞ were 2035.57, 2939.31, 4494.88, and 3754.43 h*ng/mL, respectively. And t_1/2z ranged from 7.80 to 14.91 h. The exposure of baicalein and its metabolites increased in a less than dose-proportional manner.

CONCLUSION

Baicalein tablets within the studied dose range were safe and well-tolerated in healthy Chinese subjects with no serious or severe adverse effects. Further investigation will be needed to assess the safety and efficacy in the target patients.