Lotus seeds (Nelumbinis semen) as an emerging therapeutic seed: A comprehensive review

Proanthocyanidins isolated from lotus seed skin mitigate glycolipid metabolism disorder through the p38/Nrf2/NF-κB signaling pathway

Lotus seed skin extract is rich in flavonoids, making it a promising candidate for developing health products. In a previous study, we found that proanthocyanidins from lotus seed skin, particularly proanthocyanidin B1 (PB1), can indirectly activate the Nrf2 signaling pathway, exerting an antioxidant effect. In this study, we isolate proanthocyanidins from lotus seed skin (PLS) using ethanol extraction and RP-HPLC identification, and investigate its effects on glycolipid metabolism both in vivo and in vitro. Our results demonstrate that PLS reduces body weight in high-fat diet (HFD) mice by decreasing feed efficiency. PLS also normalizes serum glucose, insulin secretion, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and intraperitoneal glucose tolerance (IPGTT). Furthermore, PLS significantly improves blood lipid parameters and inhibits the expressions of six proinflammatory factors, including IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-3, IL-6, IFN-γ and TNF-α in HFD mice. Additionally, analysis of fresh liver tissues reveals that PLS and PB1 induce the expressions of antioxidant proteins such as HO-1 and NQO1 by activating the p38-Nrf2 signaling pathway and inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway. In conclusion, proanthocyanidins from lotus seed skin regulate glycolipid metabolism disorders by targeting the p38/Nrf2/NF-κB signaling pathway. Our study offers a new approach for the high-value comprehensive utilization of lotus seed skin by-products and precise dietary intervention for metabolic syndrome.

Metabolomics Combined with Correlation Analysis Revealed the Differences in Antioxidant Activities of Lotus Seeds with Varied Cultivars

Functional foods have potential health benefits for humans. Lotus seeds (LS) as functional foods have excellent antioxidant activities. However, the differences in chemical composition of different LS cultivars may affect their antioxidant activities. This study comprehensively analyzed the differences among five LS cultivars based on metabolomics and further revealed the effects of metabolites on antioxidant activities by correlation analysis. A total of 125 metabolites were identified in LS using UPLC-Q/TOF-MS. Then, 15 metabolites were screened as differential metabolites of different LS cultivars by chemometrics. The antioxidant activities of LS were evaluated by DPPH•, FRAP, and ABTS•+ assays. The antioxidant activities varied among different LS cultivars, with the cultivar Taikong 66 showing the highest antioxidant activities. The correlation analysis among metabolites and antioxidant activities highlighted the important contribution of phenolics and alkaloids to the antioxidant activities of LS. Particularly, 11 metabolites such as p-coumaric acid showed significant positive correlation with antioxidant activities. Notably, 6 differential metabolites screened in different LS cultivars showed significant effects on antioxidant activities. These results revealed the important effects of phytochemicals on the antioxidant activities of different LS cultivars. This study provided evidence for the health benefits of different LS cultivars.

Proposing anti-counterfeiting pharmacopoeia quality markers for Shenlingbaizhu granule based on UHPLC-Q-orbitrap-MS identification

INTRODUCTION

Shenlingbaizhu granule, a Traditional Chinese Medicine prescription comprising Renshen, Gancao, and Shanyao, is widely consumed in China nowadays.

OBJECTIVE

The study tries to propose pharmacopoeia quality markers (Q-markers) to prevent counterfeiting involving Renshen, Gancao, and Shanyao.

METHODOLOGY

A novel strategy, that is, library-based ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-orbitrap mass spectrometry, was used to analyse the lyophilised aqueous powder of Shenlingbaizhu granule. Subsequently, quantum chemistry calculation and UV-vis spectra scanning were also performed through theoretical or experimental approaches.

RESULT

Thirty-two isomers have been strictly distinguished, especially positional isomeric isochlorogenic acid B versus isochlorogenic acid C, positional isomeric schaftoside versus isoschaftoside, positional isomeric ginsenoside Rg2 versus 20S-ginsenoside Rg3, and stereoisomeric 20S-ginsenoside Rg3 versus 20R-ginsenoside Rg3. Seventeen compounds were unexpectedly observed, particularly scoparone and pectolinarigenin, while a total of 76 bioactive compounds have been putatively identified in the study. The quantum chemistry calculation and UV-vis spectra scanning results revealed that glycyrrhizic acid, ginsenoside Re, ginsenoside Rb1, and diosgenin displayed different dipole moment values and maximum absorption wavelengths from each other.

CONCLUSION

The study recommends glycyrrhizic acid, ginsenoside Re, ginsenoside Rb1, and diosgenin as four anti-counterfeiting Q-markers for the pharmacopoeia. The anti-counterfeiting Q-markers can be detected using conventional HPLC. The observation of 17 unexpected compounds updates our knowledge regarding the bioactives of Shenlingbaizhu granule.

Modifications of native lotus (Nelumbo nucifera G.) rhizome starch and its overall characterization: A review

Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera G.) rhizomes are an under-utilized and sustainable starch source that constitutes up to 20 % starch. The review mainly focused on the extraction methods of starch, the chemical composition of LRS, and techno-functional characteristics such as swelling power, solubility, in vitro digestibility, pasting property, and gelatinization is highlighted in LRS review. Lotus rhizome starch (LRS) is also used as a water retention agent, thickening, gelling, stabilizing, and filling in food and non-food applications. Native starch has limited functional characteristics in food applications so by modifying the starch, functional characteristics are enhanced. Single and dual treatment processes are available to enhance microstructural properties, resistant starch, techno-functional, morphological, and, film-forming properties. Compared with other starch sources, there is a lack of systematic information on the LRS. Many industries are interested in developing food products based on starch such as nanoparticles, hydrogels, edible films, and many others. Additionally, there are several recommendations to improve the applications in the food industry. Finally, we provide an outlook on the future possibility of LRS.

Isoliensinine Attenuates Renal Fibrosis and Inhibits TGF-β1/Smad2/3 Signaling Pathway in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms of isoliensinine, a kind of bibenzyl isoquinoline alkaloid which isolated from a TCM named Lotus Plumule (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn), in treating renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) by using RNA sequencing, KEGG analysis and in vivo experimental approaches.

Methods

Spontaneous hypertension rats (SHRs) were randomly assigned into five groups, consisting of SHR, SHR+Isoliensinine-L (2.5 mg/kg/day), SHR+Isoliensinine-M (5 mg/kg/day), SHR+Isoliensinine-H (10 mg/kg/day), and SHR+Valsartan (10 mg/kg/day) groups (n = 6 for each group). A control group of Wistar Kyoto rats (n = 6) was also included. Rats were treated intragastrically with isoliensinine, valsartan, or double-distilled water of equal volume for 10 weeks. To examine the therapeutic impact on hypertensive renal injury, fibrosis, and its underlying mechanisms, multiple techniques were employed, including hematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson trichrome staining, RNA sequencing, gene ontology (GO) function and pathway enrichment analysis and immunohistochemistry.

Results

Resultantly, the use of isoliensinine at different concentrations or valsartan showed significant improvement in renal pathological injury in SHRs. RNA sequencing and KEGG analysis uncovered 583 differentially expressed transcripts and pathways enriched in collagen formation and ECM-receptor interaction after treatment with isoliensinine. There was also a reduction in the increase of collagen and upregulation of collagen I & III, TGF-β1, p-Smad2, and p-Smad3 in the renal tissue of SHRs. Thus, isoliensinine ameliorated renal injury and collagen deposition in hypertensive rats, and inhibiting the activation of the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathway might be one of the underlying mechanisms.

Conclusion

This study showed that treatment with isoliensinine effectively reduced the renal injury and fibrosis in SHRs. In addition, isoliensinine inhibited the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling in-vivo. These findings provided strong evidence for the therapeutic benefits of isoliensinine in combating renal injury and fibrosis.

Potential benefits of Rehmanniae Radix after ancient rice-steaming process in promotion of antioxidant activity in rats' health

Rice steam processed product of Rehmanniae Radix (RSRR), one of the processed products of Rehmanniae Radix (RR), is popular as an herbal medicine and food. However, the health-promoting effects and mechanisms of RSRR are still unclear. In this study, 10-week-old Sprague-Dawley female rats were treated with different processed products of RR. No organ coefficient differences were observed between RSRR and the control group, indicating that RSRR did not cause damage to the rats. Compared with other RR products, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and catalase levels were significantly higher and malondialdehyde levels were significantly lower in the RSRR group, indicating that RSRR exerted a better antioxidant effect. Gene expression analysis showed that hemoglobin genes (Hba-a1, Hba-a2, Hbb-bs, Hbb, Hbq1b, Hbb-b1, and LOC103694857) may be potential biomarkers to evaluate the antioxidant effect of RSRR. Antioxidation-related signaling pathways in GO annotation, including cellular oxidant detoxification, hydrogen peroxide metabolic process, hemoglobin complex, and oxygen binding signaling pathways were significantly enriched, indicating these pathways may represent the antioxidant mechanism of RSRR. To explore the main active compounds primarily responsible for the antioxidant activity of RSRR, UPLC-Q-TOF-MS was used and six components (catalpol, rehmannioside A, rehmannioside D, melittoside, ajugol, and verbascoside) were identified in rat serum. Catalpol and rehmannioside A were predicted to be the major active components by network pharmacology. These results suggested that RSRR exhibits antioxidant activity and has health-promoting properties. This study provides a scientific basis for the antioxidant mechanism and clinical use of RSRR.

Bioactive polysaccharides from lotus as potent food supplements: a review of their preparation, structures, biological features and application prospects

Lotus is a famous plant of the food and medicine continuum for millennia, which possesses unique nutritional and medicinal values. Polysaccharides are the main bioactive component of lotus and have been widely used as health nutritional supplements and therapeutic agents. However, the industrial production and application of lotus polysaccharides (LPs) are hindered by the lack of a deeper understanding of the structure-activity relationship (SAR), structural modification, applications, and safety of LPs. This review comprehensively comments on the extraction and purification methods and structural characteristics of LPs. The SARs, bioactivities, and mechanisms involved are further evaluated. The potential application and safety issues of LPs are discussed. This review provides valuable updated information and inspires deeper insights for the large scale development and application of LPs.

Complex Extract of Polygonatum sibiricum and Nelumbinis semen Improves Menopause Symptoms via Regulation of Estrogen Receptor Beta in an Ovariectomized Rat Model

Menopause is a hormone-deficiency state that causes facial flushing, vaginal dryness, depression, anxiety, insomnia, obesity, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease as ovarian function decreases. Hormone-replacement therapy is mainly used to treat menopause; however, its long-term use is accompanied by side effects such as breast cancer and endometriosis. To identify the effect of a complex extract of Polygonatum sibiricum (PS) and Nelumbinis semen (NS) on improving menopause without side effects, an ovariectomized rat model was established to analyze several menopause symptoms. Compared to single extracts, the complex extract restored vaginal epithelial cell thickness and decreased serotonin concentration by increasing the estrogen receptors ERα (ESR1) and ERβ (ESR2), depending on the ratio. Although the complex extract exerted a lower weight-loss effect than the single extracts, improved blood-lipid metabolism was observed after increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and decreasing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis was alleviated by suppressing osteoclast production. Thus, by increasing only ERβ expression without regulating ERα expression in the uterus, the complex extract of PS and NS may be a natural treatment for improving menopause symptoms without side effects, such as endometriosis.

Liensinine ameliorates ischemia-reperfusion-induced brain injury by inhibiting autophagy via PI3K/AKT signaling

The current study aimed to explore the role of autophagy in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injuries (CIRI) and elucidate the efficacy of liensinine treatment. An in vitro ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) neuronal cell model was established and pretreated with liensinine or rapamycin (RAPA). Cell proliferation and survival were detected using a cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, while cell damage and apoptosis were detected using the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage rate and flow cytometry. Autophagy activity was detected using monodansylcadaverine (MDC) staining. Thereafter, I/R models were established in vivo in rats and the presence of neurological deficits was examined. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining was used to detect pathological damage in brain tissue and the volume ratio of the cerebral infarction. The levels of PI3K/AKT pathway-related proteins and autophagy-related proteins (mTOR, LC3, P62, and TSC2) were detected using Western blot. The findings showed that liensinine treatment increased cell viability, decreased cell injury and apoptosis, and inhibited autophagy. The addition of RAPA to promote autophagy inhibited cell viability and enhanced cell injury and apoptosis. The I/R rats in the model group exhibited deficient neurological function, while those in the liensinine treatment group showed restoration of normal neural function and reduction of the necrotic area and infarct volume ratio in the brain tissue. Furthermore, liensinine treatment also inhibited the PI3K/Akt pathway activity and autophagy. However, addition of RAPA reversed the effects of liensinine treatment and aggravated brain tissue injury. Therefore, liensinine can play a neuroprotective role in CIRI by inhibiting autophagy through regulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway.

Extraction, purification, structural characteristics, biological activities, and application of the polysaccharides from Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. (lotus): A review

Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. (lotus) is a widely distributed plant with a long history of cultivation and consumption. Almost all parts of the lotus can be used as foodstuff and nourishment, or as an herb. It is noteworthy that the polysaccharides obtained from lotus exhibit surprisingly and satisfying biological activities, which explains the various benefits of lotus to human health, including anti-diabetes, anti-osteoporosis, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, etc. Here, we systematically review the recent major studies on extraction and purification methods of polysaccharides from different parts (rhizome, seed, leaf, plumule, receptacle and stamen) of lotus, as well as the characterization of their chemical structure, biological activity and structure-activity relationship, and the applications of lotus polysaccharides in different fields. This article will give an updated and deeper understanding of lotus polysaccharides and provide theoretical basis for their further research and application in human health and manufacture development.

LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS Characterization and Estimation of the Antioxidant Potential of Phenolic Compounds from Different Parts of the Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) Seed and Rhizome

Edible lotus (Nelumbo nucifera G.) is widely consumed in Asian countries and treated as a functional food and traditional medicinal herb due to its abundant bioactive compounds. Lotus rhizome peels, rhizome knots, and seed embryos are important byproducts and processing waste of edible lotus (Nelumbo nucifera G.) with commercial significance. Nevertheless, the comprehensive phenolic profiling of different parts of lotus is still scarce. Thus, this study aimed to review the phenolic contents and antioxidant potential in lotus seeds (embryo and cotyledon) and rhizomes (peel, knot, and pulp) grown in Australia. In the phenolic content and antioxidant potential estimation assays by comparing to the corresponding reference standards, the lotus seed embryo exhibited the highest total phenolic content (10.77 ± 0.66 mg GAE/g_f.w.), total flavonoid content (1.61 ± 0.03 mg QE/g_f.w.), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity (9.66 ± 0.10 mg AAE/g_f.w.), 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) scavenging activity (14.35 ± 0.20 mg AAE/g_f.w.), and total antioxidant capacity (6.46 ± 0.30 mg AAE/g), while the highest value of ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) activity and total tannin content was present in the lotus rhizome knot (2.30 ± 0.13 mg AAE/g_f.w.). A total of 86 phenolic compounds were identified in five parts of lotus by liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS), including phenolic acids (20), flavonoids (51), lignans (3), stilbenes (2), and other polyphenols (10). The most phenolic compounds, reaching up to 68%, were present in the lotus seed embryo (59). Furthermore, the lotus rhizome peel and lotus seed embryo exhibit significantly higher contents of selected polyphenols than other lotus parts according to high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) quantification analysis. The results highlighted that byproducts and processing waste of edible lotus are rich sources of phenolic compounds, which may be good candidates for further exploitation and utilization in food, animal feeding, and pharmaceutical industries.

Modulation of Hair Growth Promoting Effect by Natural Products

A large number of people suffer from alopecia or hair loss worldwide. Drug-based therapies using minoxidil and finasteride for the treatment of alopecia are available, but they have shown various side effects in patients. Thus, the use of new therapeutic approaches using bioactive products to reduce the risk of anti-hair-loss medications has been emphasized. Natural products have been used since ancient times and have been proven safe, with few side effects. Several studies have demonstrated the use of plants and their extracts to promote hair growth. Moreover, commercial products based on these natural ingredients have been developed for the treatment of alopecia. Several clinical, animal, and cell-based studies have been conducted to determine the anti-alopecia effects of plant-derived biochemicals. This review is a collective study of phytochemicals with anti-alopecia effects, focusing mainly on the mechanisms underlying their hair-growth-promoting effects.