Bioactive metabolites of Blumea lacera attenuate anxiety and depression in rodents and computer-aided model

Immune infiltration landscape and potential drug-targeted implications for hepatocellular carcinoma with 'progression/hyper-progression' recurrence

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence was previously characterized into four types, and patients with progression/hyper-progression recurrence (type III-IV) have an extremely poor prognosis. However, the immune background of resectable HCC, particularly in patients who experience recurrence, remains underexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the immune landscape of resectable HCC, especially postoperative type III-IV recurrent HCC, and explore potential immune-targeted anti-relapse strategies for treated populations.

METHODS

The differences in gene expression in patients with recurrent HCC (type I-II (solitary or multi-intrahepatic oligo recurrence) vs. type III-IV) were investigated using bulk sequencing. Multiple immune infiltration methods (single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), Microenvironment Cell Populations-counter and ESTIMATE) were used, and patients were divided into four groups to identify four distinct immune subtypes: immune-enrichment/matrix-poor (IE1), immune-enrichment/matrix-rich (IE2), immune intermediate/matrix-rich (ITM) and immune desert/matrix-poor (ID). Co-expression and protein interaction analyses were used to identify characteristic genes in ITM closely associated with type III-IV recurrence, which was matched with drug targets for Huaier granules (HG) and lenvatinib. Virtual docking was used to identify potential therapeutic targets, and the results were verified using single-nuclei RNA sequencing and histological analysis.

RESULTS

ITM was closely related to type III-IV recurrence and exhibited immunotherapy potential. The potential efficacy of inhibiting CCNA2, VEGFA, CXCL8, PLK2, TIMP1, ITGB2, ALDOA, ANXA5 and CSK in ITM reversal was determined. Molecular docking demonstrated that the proteins of these genes could bind to HG or lenvatinib. The immunohistochemical findings demonstrated differential VEGFA (p < .01) and PLK2 (p < .001) expression in ITM type and ID in type III-IV recurrent HCC.

CONCLUSIONS

Three primary immunotypes of resectable HCC (IE2, ITM and ID) were identified, and HG and lenvatinib could potentially overcome immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) resistance in ITM patients with HCC, particularly those classified as type III-IV.

Investigating the Secondary Metabolite Profile and Neuropharmacological Activities of Ipomoea purpurea: A Multi-Method Approach Using GC-MS, In Vivo, and In Silico Techniques

Ipomoea purpurea, a traditional medicinal plant native to Mexico and Central America, was evaluated for its neuropharmacological effects. The methanol extract of I. purpurea leaves (IPML) was analyzed through in vivo and in silico approaches. The extract's secondary metabolites were identified through qualitative and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Anxiolytic effects were assessed using the elevated plus maze (EPM) and hole-board test (HBT), whereas sedative activity was evaluated through the open-field test (OFT) and hole cross test (HCT). Antidepressant properties were analyzed via the tail suspension test (TST) and forced swimming test (FST), and muscle relaxant activity was tested using the rota-rod test. IPML at 200 and 400 mg/kg showed significant anxiolytic (p < 0.001), sedative (p < 0.0001), antidepressant (p < 0.001), and muscle relaxant (p < 0.0001) effects. GC-MS analysis identified 19 bioactive compounds, and in silico molecular docking and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADME/T) analysis revealed strong binding affinities, favorable pharmacokinetics, and a safe toxicological profile. Findings suggest that IPML possesses significant neuropharmacological properties, supporting its role as a natural therapeutic agent. However, further research is needed to address key concerns, such as small sample sizes, limited replication, and the necessity for extensive dose-response studies across diverse animal models.

Vigna radiata extracts in pumpkin and soya bean oil: A novel therapeutic approach for Alzheimer's disease

Vigna radiate also known as mung beans, contains various bioactive compounds like polyphenols, flavonoids, and saponins. V. radiata therapeutic potential is enhanced by preparation of its extract in Pumpkin oil and soya bean oil by enrichment of bioactive compounds holding antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuro-protective properties. The research study was aimed was to explore the healing endeavors of V. radiate pumpkin and soya bean oil extract in rectification of neuro-motor dysfunction and mental health decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD) rat model. After preliminary physico-phytochemical characterization and GC-MS analysis, AD model was established by administration of oral D-galactose and aluminum chloride 150 mg/kg each for 42 days daily. V. radiate extract in pumpkin and soya bean oil at doses 250 and 500 mg/kg was administered and rivastigmine (3 milligrams per kilogram) to treatment animals. To determine the cognitive decline and neuro-coordination dysfunctions behavioral tests were performed along with biochemical, neurochemical and histopathological analysis. ELISA and real time polymerase chain reaction were carried out to estimate the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, Interleukine-6 and mRNA expression of neurodegenerative biomarkers. Gas chromatography Mass Spectrometry findings revealed the existence of favorable amount of neuro-defensive bioactive compounds in both oil extracts.V. radiate pumpkin and soya bean oil extract dose proportionally alleviated the behavioral dysfunctions, modulated the first line antioxidant enzymes and neurotransmitters s' level with anticholinesterase pursuits. The mRNA expression of AChE, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-1α and β secretase were downregulated by these extracts treatment. V. radiate oil extracts also modulated the neuro-inflammatory protein expression and histopathological hallmarks in AD model animals. Therefore, it is purposed that V. radiate enriched extract in pumpkin and soya bean oil could be used to treat AD like memory dysfunction and motor symptoms.

The ethanolic extract of Osmanthus fragrans var. thunbergii flowers ameliorates depressive-like behaviors of mice by modulating the serotonin system and suppressing neuroinflammation

It is crucial to explore the impact of dietary interventions on depression and develop functional antidepressant foods, due to the significant side effects and poor treatment compliance of antidepressant drugs. Osmanthus fragrans flowers are edible and medicinal materials owing to their delightful floral aroma and significant health benefits. Here, we evaluated the antidepressant effects of the ethanolic extract of O. fragrans var. thunbergii flowers (OFE) and investigated the mechanisms of action on the serotonin system and neuroinflammation, and analyzed the main chemical components of OFE. A single administration of OFE significantly reduced the immobility duration in the forced swimming and tail suspension tests in mice without affecting locomotor activity. OFE exhibited selective enhancing effects on 5-HTergic function in vivo, as demonstrated by its potentiating effects on 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)-induced head-twitch behavior and alleviation effects on reserpine-induced ptosis deficits. In addition, OFE increased 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) concentration and upregulated 5-HT1A expression in reserpine-treated mice, further validating its effects on 5-HT transmission. Interestingly, OFE significantly alleviated microglia activation and the production of inflammatory mediators, both in reserpine-treated mice in vivo and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV-2 cells in vitro. Additionally, 62 components in OFE were identified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight high-resolution mass spectrometry, and glycoside derivatives were shown to be the major constituents of OFE. The present study showed that OFE can alleviate depressive-like behaviors by modulating the serotonin system and reducing neuroinflammation. These results suggest that OFE can be valuable dietary supplements with therapeutic effects on depression.

Polyphenols of the Inuleae-Inulinae and Their Biological Activities: A Review

Polyphenols are ubiquitous plant metabolites that demonstrate biological activities essential to plant-environment interactions. They are of interest to plant food consumers, as well as to the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry. The class of the plant metabolites comprises both widespread (chlorogenic acids, luteolin, quercetin) and unique compounds of diverse chemical structures but of the common biosynthetic origin. Polyphenols next to sesquiterpenoids are regarded as the major class of the Inuleae-Inulinae metabolites responsible for the pharmacological activity of medicinal plants from the subtribe (Blumea spp., Dittrichia spp., Inula spp., Pulicaria spp. and others). Recent decades have brought a rapid development of molecular and analytical techniques which resulted in better understanding of the taxonomic relationships within the Inuleae tribe and in a plethora of data concerning the chemical constituents of the Inuleae-Inulinae. The current taxonomical classification has introduced changes in the well-established botanical names and rearranged the genera based on molecular plant genetic studies. The newly created chemical data together with the earlier phytochemical studies may provide some complementary information on biochemical relationships within the subtribe. Moreover, they may at least partly explain pharmacological activities of the plant preparations traditionally used in therapy. The current review aimed to systematize the knowledge on the polyphenols of the Inulae-Inulinae.

Lasia spinosa (L.) thw. attenuates chemically induced behavioral disorders in experimental and computational models

Lasia spinosa (L.) Thw. (L. spinosa) is widely used as a folk remedy for different physical ailments, and its neurological effects have yet to be assessed. Phytochemicals status of L. spinosa was evaluated by GC-MS analysis. Membrane stabilization test, elevated plus maze (EPM) tests and hole board tests (HBT), tail suspension tests (TST) and thiopental sodium-induced sleeping tests (TISTT) were used to assess anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic and anti-depressant activity. Fourteen compounds have been recorded from GC-MS analysis. The LSCTF showed 68.66 ± 2.46% hemolysis protections (p < 0.05) at 500 μg/mL, whereas LSCHF and LSNHF demonstrated efficiency rates of 68.6 ± 1.46% and 52.46 ± 5.28%, respectively. During EPM tests, LSNHF and LSCTF significantly (p < 0.001) increased the time spent in the open arm (59.88 ± 0.65 s and 50.77 ± 0.67 s, respectively) at the dosages of 400 mg/kg. In HBT, samples exhibited dose-dependent anxiolytic activity. LSNHF and LSCTF showed a significant (p < 0.001) hole poking tendency and a high number of head dips (78.66 ± 1.05 and 65.17 ± 0.96, respectively) at the higher dose. In TST, at 400 mg/kg dose demonstrated significantly (p < 0.001) smaller amounts of time immobile, at 81.33 ± 1.67 s and 83.50 ± 1.90 s, respectively, compared to the control group. A consistent finding was also observed in TISTT. The computer-assisted studies on the identified compounds strongly support the aforementioned biological activities, indicating that L. spinosa has potential as a source of medication for treating neuropsychiatric and inflammatory diseases.

In Vivo Neuropharmacological Effects of Neophytadiene

Neophytadiene (NPT) is a diterpene found in the methanolic extracts of Crataeva nurvala and Blumea lacera, plants reported with anxiolytic-like activity, sedative properties, and antidepressant-like actions; however, the contribution of neophytadiene to these effects is unknown. This study determined the neuropharmacological (anxiolytic-like, antidepressant-like, anticonvulsant, and sedative) effects of neophytadiene (0.1-10 mg/kg p.o.) and determined the mechanisms of action involved in the neuropharmacological actions using inhibitors such as flumazenil and analyzing the possible interaction of neophytadiene with GABA receptors using a molecular docking study. The behavioral tests were evaluated using the light-dark box, elevated plus-maze, open field, hole-board, convulsion, tail suspension, pentobarbital-induced sleeping, and rotarod. The results showed that neophytadiene exhibited anxiolytic-like activity only to the high dose (10 mg/kg) in the elevated plus-maze and hole-board tests, and anticonvulsant actions in the 4-aminopyridine and pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures test. The anxiolytic-like and anticonvulsant effects of neophytadiene were abolished with the pre-treatment with 2 mg/kg flumazenil. In addition, neophytadiene showed low antidepressant effects (about 3-fold lower) compared to fluoxetine. On other hand, neophytadiene had no sedative or locomotor effects. In conclusion, neophytadiene exerts anxiolytic-like and anticonvulsant activities with the probable participation of the GABAergic system.

Beneficial effects of arthrocen on neuroinflammation and behavior like depression in stroke in a murine model

Stroke is a considerable reason for death, disability, socioeconomic loss, and depression in the world. Notably, many attempts to the reduction of the complications of poststroke injuries like depression have failed so far. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of arthrocen, avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU), in the poststroke injuries like depression improvement in a mice model. We examined the antidepressant-like effect of arthrocen using the forced swimming test and tail suspension test in mice subjected to stroke. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry of proinflammatory cytokines, IL-10 and TNF-α, and neural cell count were performed in the ischemic brain hippocampus of mice. Oral arthrocen reduced significantly (p < .001) the immobility time in the forced swimming test and tail suspension test in the stroke animals. Also, immunohistochemistry analysis of the hippocampus indicated significantly (p < .01) the reduction of IL-10 and TNF-α cytokines production. Nissl staining showed a significant (p < .0001) increase in the number of viable neurons in stroke mice receiving arthrocen. In conclusion, our data revealed the antidepressant activity of arthrocen in the stroke mice which may be the result of its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective role.

Natural Compounds of Lasia spinosa (L.) Stem Potentiate Antidiabetic Actions by Regulating Diabetes and Diabetes-Related Biochemical and Cellular Indexes

Natural biometabolites of plants have been reported to be useful in chronic diseases including diabetes and associated complications. This research is aimed to investigate how the biometabolites of Lasia spinosa methanol stem (MEXLS) extract ameliorative diabetes and diabetes-related complications. MEXLS was examined for in vitro antioxidant and in vivo antidiabetic effects in a streptozotocin-induced diabetes model, and its chemical profiling was done by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. The results were verified by histopathological examination and in silico ligand-receptor interaction of characterized natural biometabolites with antidiabetic receptor proteins AMPK (PDB ID: 4CFH); PPARγ (PDB ID: 3G9E); and mammalian α-amylase center (PDB ID: 1PPI). The MEXLS was found to show a remarkable α-amylase inhibition (47.45%), strong antioxidant action, and significant (p < 0.05) decrease in blood glucose level, serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), urea, uric acid, creatinine, total cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), liver glycogen, creatinine kinase (CK-MB), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and increase in serum insulin, glucose tolerance, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Rat’s pancreas and kidney tissues were found to be partially recovered in histopathological analyses. Methyl α-d-galactopyranoside displayed the highest binding affinity with AMPK (docking score, −5.764), PPARγ (docking score, −5.218), and 1PPI (docking score, −5.615) receptors. Data suggest that the MEXLS may be an exciting source to potentiate antidiabetic activities affirming a cell-line study.

Mechanistic Insights into the Neuroprotective Potential of Sacred Ficus Trees

Ficus religiosa (Bo tree or sacred fig) and Ficus benghalensis (Indian banyan) are of immense spiritual and therapeutic importance. Various parts of these trees have been investigated for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticonvulsant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, hepatoprotective, dermoprotective, and nephroprotective properties. Previous reviews of Ficus mostly discussed traditional usages, photochemistry, and pharmacological activities, though comprehensive reviews of the neuroprotective potential of these Ficus species extracts and/or their important phytocompounds are lacking. The interesting phytocompounds from these trees include many bengalenosides, carotenoids, flavonoids (leucopelargonidin-3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, leucopelargonidin-3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranoside, lupeol, cetyl behenate, and α-amyrin acetate), flavonols (kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin), leucocyanidin, phytosterols (bergapten, bergaptol, lanosterol, β-sitosterol, stigmasterol), terpenes (α-thujene, α-pinene, β-pinene, α-terpinene, limonene, β-ocimene, β-bourbonene, β-caryophyllene, α-trans-bergamotene, α-copaene, aromadendrene, α-humulene, alloaromadendrene, germacrene, γ-cadinene, and δ-cadinene), and diverse polyphenols (tannin, wax, saponin, leucoanthocyanin), contributing significantly to their pharmacological effects, ranging from antimicrobial action to neuroprotection. This review presents extensive mechanistic insights into the neuroprotective potential, especially important phytochemicals from F. religiosa and F. benghalensis. Owing to the complex pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs), the currently existing drugs merely alleviate the symptoms. Hence, bioactive compounds with potent neuroprotective effects through a multitarget approach would be of great interest in developing pharmacophores for the treatment of NDDs.

Possible Effects and Mechanisms of Dietary Natural Products and Nutrients on Depression and Anxiety: A Narrative Review

Depression and anxiety are severe public health problems and have attracted more and more attention from researchers of food science and nutrition. Dietary natural products and nutrients, such as fish, coffee, tea, n-3 PUFA, lycopene, and dietary fiber, could play a vital role in the prevention and management of these diseases. The potential mechanisms of action mainly include inhibiting inflammation, ameliorating oxidative stress, modulating the microbiota-gut-brain axis, suppressing hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hyperactivity, and regulating the levels of monoamine neurotransmitters. In this narrative review, we summarize the most recent advancements regarding the effects of dietary natural products and nutrients on depression and anxiety, and their underlying mechanisms are discussed. We hope that this paper can provide a better understanding of the anti-depressive and anxiolytic action of dietary natural products, and that it is also helpful for developing dietary natural products for functional food, dietary supplements, or auxiliary agents for the prevention and management of these diseases.

Quercetin attenuates viral infections by interacting with target proteins and linked genes in chemicobiological models

Medicinally active compounds in the flavonoid class of phytochemicals are being studied for antiviral action against various DNA and RNA viruses. Quercetin is a flavonoid present in a wide range of foods, including fruits and vegetables. It is said to be efficient against a wide range of viruses. This research investigated the usefulness of Quercetin against Hepatitis C virus, Dengue type 2 virus, Ebola virus, and Influenza A using computational models. A molecular docking study using the online tool PockDrug was accomplished to identify the best binding sites between Quercetin and PubChem-based receptors. Network-pharmacological assay to opt to verify function-specific gene-compound interactions using STITCH, STRING, GSEA, Cytoscape plugin cytoHubba. Quercetin explored tremendous binding affinity against NS5A protein for HCV with a docking score of - 6.268 kcal/mol, NS5 for DENV-2 with a docking score of - 5.393 kcal/mol, VP35 protein for EBOV with a docking score of - 4.524 kcal/mol, and NP protein for IAV with a docking score of - 6.954 kcal/mol. In the network-pharmacology study, out of 39 hub genes, 38 genes have been found to interact with Quercetin and the top interconnected nodes in the protein-protein network were (based on the degree of interaction with other nodes) AKT1, EGFR, SRC, MMP9, MMP2, KDR, IGF1R, PTK2, ABCG2, and MET. Negative binding energies were noticed in Quercetin-receptor interaction. Results demonstrate that Quercetin could be a potential antiviral agent against these viral diseases with further study in in-vivo models.

Graphical abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40203-022-00132-2.

Traditional uses, pharmacological activities, and phytochemical constituents of the genus Syzygium: A review

The genus Syzygium comprises 1200-1800 species that belong to the family of Myrtaceae. Moreover, plants that are belonged to this genus are being used in the traditional system of medicine in Asian countries, especially in China, India, and Bangladesh. The aim of this review is to describe the scientific works and to provide organized information on the available traditional uses, phytochemical constituents, and pharmacological activities of mostly available species of the genus Syzygium in Bangladesh. The information related to genus Syzygium was analytically composed from the scientific databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Web of Science, Wiley Online Library, Springer, Research Gate link, published books, and conference proceedings. Bioactive compounds such as flavanone derivatives, ellagic acid derivatives and other polyphenolics, and terpenoids are reported from several species of the genus Syzygium. However, many members of the species of the genus Syzygium need further comprehensive studies regarding phytochemical constituents and mechanism-based pharmacological activities.

Antioxidative role of palm grass rhizome ameliorates anxiety and depression in experimental rodents and computer-aided model

Palm grass (Curculigo recurvata) is an ethnomedicinally important herb reported to have significant medicinal values. The present study aimed to evaluate the antidepressant and anxiolytic activities of a methanol extract of C. recurvata rhizome (Me-RCR) through different approaches. The antidepressant and anxiolytic properties of Me-RCR were assessed by using elevated plus maze (EPM), hole-board (HBT), tail suspension (TST), and forced swimming (FST) tests in Swiss Albino mice. The in-depth antioxidative potential of Me-RCR was also evaluated through DPPH radical scavenging activity, ferric-reducing power capacity, total phenolic, flavonoid, flavonol, and antioxidant content analysis. Computational investigations were performed using computer-aided methods for screening the anxiolytic, antidepressant, and antioxidative activities of the selected lead molecules. Treatment with Me-RCR (200 and 400 mg/kg, b.w.) notably increased the number of open arm entries and the time spent in the EPM test. In the HBT, Me-RCR exhibited significant anxiolytic activity at a dose of 200 mg/kg, whereas similar activity was observed at 400 mg/kg in the EPM test. Me-RCR significantly decreased the immobility time in a dose-dependent manner in both TST and FST. The IC₅₀ for DPPH and reducing power capacity assay were found to be 18.56 and 193 μg/mL, respectively. Promising outcomes were noted for the determination of total phenolics, flavonoids, flavonols, and antioxidant capacity. In the case of computer-aided studies, nyasicoside showed promising binding energy for antidepressant and anxiolytic activities, whereas isocurculigine demonstrated promising effects as an antioxidant. Overall, these findings suggest that Me-RCR could be a favourable therapeutic candidate for the treatment of mental and psychiatric disorders, as well as a good source of antioxidants.