Aloe-emodin: A review of its pharmacology, toxicity, and pharmacokinetics

Tongfu Xingshen capsule alleviates stroke-associated pneumonia-induced multiple organ injuries by modulating the gut microbiota and sphingolipid metabolism

BACKGROUND

Stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) represents a major complication and cause of death in patients suffering from intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). It's urgent to develop more effective therapeutic strategies. Tongfu Xingshen capsule (TFXS) is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been utilised in clinical studies for the treatment of ICH and SAP, but the underlying mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated.

PURPOSE

This study aims to explore the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of TFXS on SAP using an aspiration-induced Klebsiella pneumoniae infection-complicating ICH rat model and an intratracheal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury-complicating ICH rat model.

METHODS

The chemical components of TFXS are characterised using ULPLC-Q Exactive-Orbitrap-MS. The therapeutic effects of TFXS are evaluated through neurological scoring, histopathology analysis, magnetic resonance imaging, immunofluorescence, Alcian blue-nuclear fast red staining, myeloperoxidase activity assessment, leukocyte counting, and ELISA. To investigate the underlying mechanisms, faecal microbiota transplantation, 16S rRNA sequencing, untargeted metabolomics, and Spearman correlation analyses are performed.

RESULTS

A total of 60 compounds are identified in TFXS. Pharmacological analysis reveals that TFXS significantly mitigates neurological deficits, enhances haematoma absorption, attenuates brain damage and neuroinflammation, and improves pneumonia and pulmonary injury by reducing the infiltration of leukocytes and lymphocytes, as well as suppressing the infiltration and overactivation of neutrophils. TFXS also alleviates intestinal lesions and barrier damage by increasing acidic mucins and the expression of the tight junction protein zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1). Mechanistically, TFXS ameliorates pneumonia and pulmonary injury in a gut microbiota-dependent manner. It reverses sphingolipid metabolism disorders and ceramide accumulation by modulating SAP-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis and enhancing the abundance of probiotics, including Lactobacillus, Allobaculum and Enterococcus.

CONCLUSION

TFXS exerts anti-inflammatory and protective effects on the brain, lung, and gut by alleviating gut microbiota dysbiosis and sphingolipid metabolism disorders. These findings highlight TFXS as a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of SAP.

Mechanisms and therapeutic strategies for NLRP3 degradation via post-translational modifications in ubiquitin-proteasome and autophagy lysosomal pathway

The NLRP3 inflammasome is crucial for immune responses. However, its overactivation can lead to severe inflammatory diseases, underscoring its importance as a target for therapeutic intervention. Although numerous inhibitors targeting NLRP3 exist, regulating its degradation offers an alternative and promising strategy to suppress its activation. The degradation of NLRP3 is primarily mediated by the proteasomal and autophagic pathways. The review not only elaborates on the traditional concepts of ubiquitination and NLRP3 degradation but also investigates the important roles of indirect regulatory modifications, such as phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitin-like modifications, and palmitoylation-key post-translational modifications (PTMs) that influence NLRP3 degradation. Additionally, we also discuss the potential targets that may affect NLRP3 degradation during the proteasomal and autophagic pathways. By unraveling these complex regulatory mechanisms, the review aims to enhance the understanding of NLRP3 regulation and its implications for developing therapeutic strategies to combat inflammatory diseases.

Canal Disinfectants: Potassium Titanyl Phosphate Laser, Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles, and Aloe-emodin on Smear Layer Removal and Bond Strength of Glass Fiber Post to Root Dentin

AIM

To assess the influence of different root canal disinfectants i.e., Potassium titanyl phosphate laser (KTPL), Aloe-emodin (AE) mediated Photodynamic therapy (PDT), Magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles (NPs) on smear layer (SL) removal and push out bond strength (PBS) of Glass fiber post (GFP) to the canal dentin.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Forty-eight extracted premolars, having a single root and a solitary canal were included. A root canal procedure was performed on each tooth and subsequently, post-space preparation was executed using peeso-reamers leaving approximately 4 mm of gutta percha in the canal. According to the type of disinfection used the samples were categorized into 4 groups (n = 11). Group 1 (2.5% NaOCl + EDTA), Group 2 (KTPL+ EDTA), Group 3 (AE mediated PDT+ EDTA), and Group 4 (MgONPs+ EDTA). Cementation of fiber posts was performed using a self-adhesive resin cement. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) assessed the SL removal from the canals (n=2). Failure mode and PBS were assessed with a stereomicroscope and universal testing machine respectively(n=10). One-way analysis of variance and Tukey posthoc test at p-value  ≤ 0.05 were used to compare the mean scores of PBS and SL removal.

RESULT

The cervical region in Group 4 (MgONPs + EDTA) samples showed the highest PBS scores (10.41±0.38 MPa) and the maximum level of SL removal (1.55±0.10). Conversely, Group 3 at the apical third of the root (AE mediated PDT + EDTA) displayed the least efficacy for SL removal (2.81±0.09) and lowest PBS(7.69±0.19MPa).

CONCLUSION

MgO nanoparticles, when paired with Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid as a final irrigant, offer a promising alternative to conventional root canal sterilants.

Aloe-Emodin activated by Photodynamic therapy and Diode laser on Carious affected dentin and survival of S. mutans. An-invitro SEM assessment

AIMS

To evaluate the effect of different sterilizing agents i.e., Chlorhexidine (CHX), Diode laser (DL) and Aloe-emodin (AE) activated via Photodynamic therapy (PDT) on the viability of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and the shear bond strength (SBS) of self-etch (SE) adhesive to carious affected dentin (CAD) MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-four human molars in which carious lesion extends up to the middle third of the dentin ICDAS criteria- 5 were collected and disinfected using 0.5% chloramine Tsolution. To identify the CAD, visual and tactile examinations were used. Specimens were randomly assigned into four experimental cohorts based on cavity disinfection protocol (n=11) Group 1 (No disinfection), Group 2 (CHX), Group 3 (DL), and Group 4 (AE-mediated PDT). Fresh cultures of S.mutans were cultivated on CAD and their survival rate assessment was performed following the type of disinfection. SE adhesive and composite application were performed on CAD following assessment of SBS and failure mode utilizing a universal testing machine (UTM) and stereo microscope respectively. Quantification of resin tags was performed via Scanning electron Microscopy (SEM). One-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test were implemented to investigate the statistical variances among different experimental groups (p≤0.05) RESULTS: The lowest survival rate was presented in Group 4 (AE mediated PDT) (1.52±1.32CFU/mL) samples. Whereas, the highest survival was established in control (3.27±0.82 CFU /mL). Group 3 (DL) treated CAD presented the lowest bond strength (7.12±0.03MPa) and shortest resin tag length (53.79±2.32μm). Whereas, the highest SBS (9.45±0.14MP) and longest resin tags (109.21 ±1.09μm) were exhibited by Group 4 (AE-mediated PDT) CONCLUSION: Aloe-Emodin mediated photodynamic therapy could serve as a potent approach for CAD disinfection as it exhibits exceptional antibacterial efficiency and also enhances the bond strength of the self-etch adhesive to carious affected dentin.

Prediction of potential targets of aloe-emodin in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma using network pharmacology combined with bioinformatics

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most common and malignant tumors worldwide. Although aloe-emodin (AE), a pure natural drug, can effectively kill hepatocellular carcinoma cells, its internal molecular mechanism has not been fully elucidated. In this study, the anti-hepatocellular carcinoma targets of AE were predicted using network pharmacology and bioinformatics.

METHODS

The differentially expressed genes between hepatocellular carcinoma and normal tissues were first identified and then further intersected with the potential pharmacological target genes of AE for subsequent analysis. Moreover, the potential targets of AE were enriched and analyzed to identify potential downstream pathways. The binding ability and interaction between the above drug targets and AE were analyzed by molecular docking. The prognostic model of hepatocellular carcinoma was subsequently constructed via univariate Cox regression analysis, LASSO regression analysis and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Finally, the potential targets that can stably bind to AE were further screened through molecular dynamics simulation. Finally, we validated the potential utility of AE in treating hepatocellular carcinoma through in vitro experiments.

RESULTS

After 90 target genes related to AE were crossed with hepatocellular carcinoma differential genes, 13 cross genes were obtained. The above 13 genes might act on hepatocellular carcinoma through the following pathways: p53 signaling pathway, cell cycle, cellular sense, mismatch repair, apoptosis-multiple specifications, base example repair and DNA replication. Molecular docking revealed that the combination of the BAX, FASN, CDK1, PCNA, CLIC1, VWF, RAN, FOXM1, TGM3, CANT1, and NSMCE2 proteins with AE was relatively stable. A 4-gene prognostic model was further constructed. The area under the curve (AUC) values of the 1-year, 3-year and 5-year survival rates from the ROC curve were 0.809, 0.673 and 0.641, respectively. Molecular dynamics analysis revealed that CDK1 and PCNA were the most stable binding targets among the above proteins. CCK8 and wound healing assays revealed that AE inhibited the proliferation and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma cells at increasing concentrations. Western blot experiments revealed that AE achieved therapeutic effects on hepatocellular carcinoma by promoting apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on network pharmacology, bioinformatics, molecular dynamics simulation, and in vitro experimental verification, we found that AE achieved a therapeutic effect on hepatocellular carcinoma by promoting apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

Artificial α-amino acid based on cysteine grafted natural aloe-emodin for aqueous organic redox flow batteries

Natural redox-active anthraquinone derivatives possess promising attributes for applications in aqueous organic redox flow batteries (AORFBs) due to their environmental friendliness and abundant sources. However, their limited aqueous solubility and electrochemical stability have posed significant challenges to their practical utilization. Herein, inspired by click chemistry, we report the synthesis of an artificial α-amino acid derived from cysteine-functionalized natural aloe-emodin (namely Cys-AE), which exhibits good water-solubility and redox-reversibility, particularly suited for alkaline AORFBs. The bio-inspired Cys-AE molecule exhibits a threefold increase in aqueous solubility compared to pristine aloe-emodin. Furthermore, the AORFB based Cys-AE negolyte with an electron concentration of 1.0 M demonstrates a low capacity fade rate of 0.000948% cycle-1 (equivalent to 0.0438% day-1) during 592 cycles, significantly outperforming the AORFB based on pristine aloe-emodin (0.00446% cycle-1, or 0.908% day-1) during 1564 cycles. Our investigation incorporates time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) simulations and detailed spectroscopic analyses reveal the essential role played by the asymmetric distribution of multiple solubilizing groups in enhancing the aqueous solubility and cycling stability of Cys-AE. This study highlights the potential of nature-inspired molecular engineering strategies in creating and crafting redox-reversible organic species poised to revolutionize large-scale and sustainable energy storage applications.

Deciphering the the molecular mechanism of aloe-emodin in managing type II diabetes mellitus using network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation approaches

Aloe-emodin (AE) has drawn interest due to its potential activity against type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the mechanisms underlying its antidiabetic activity are not well explored. Using network pharmacology, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation studies, we investigated its molecular mechanisms in the management of T2DM. Potential target genes of AE were predicted using the Swiss Target Prediction (http://www.swisstargetprediction.ch/) database. The GeneCards, OMIM and DisGeNET databases were used to compile a comprehensive list of genes associated with T2DM. A compound-disease-target network was constructed, and protein-protein interaction networks were analysed to identify hub genes. Finally, molecular docking and interaction analysis between AE and the identified proteins were performed using AutoDock tools. Investigation of AE targets and genes associated with T2DM identified 32 overlapping genes. Gene ontology studies revealed that AE may exert its anti-diabetic effects by modulating glucose metabolism and enhancing cellular response to glucose. Furthermore, KEGG pathway analysis suggested that AE influences these processes by targeting pathways related to apoptosis, insulin resistance, and T2DM signaling. The core target proteins identified were TNF, ALB, TP53, PPARG, BCL2, CASP3, and EGFR. AE interaction with each of these proteins exhibited a binding energy of > - 5 kcal/mol, with TNF showing the lowest binding energy (- 7.75 kcal/mol). Molecular dynamics simulation further validated the molecular docking results with TNF and EGFR exhibiting a strong affinity for AE and forming stable interactions. AE exerts its antidiabetic activity through multiple mechanisms, with the most significant being the amelioration of pancreatic β-cell apoptosis by binding to and inhibiting the actions of TNFα. Further cellular and molecular studies are needed to validate these findings.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40203-025-00337-1.

Aloe-Emodin Improves Mitophagy in Alzheimer's Disease via Activating the AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3 Signaling Pathway

BACKGROUND

Impaired mitophagy results in the accumulation of defective mitochondria that are unable to be cleared effectively in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Aloe-emodin (AE), a key component of the traditional Chinese medicine Rhubarb, exhibits neuroprotective effects against Alzheimer's disease, though the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Studying aloe-emodin's role in enhancing mitophagy is vital for improving cognitive function and reducing neuronal damage in Alzheimer's disease.

METHODS

The APP/PS1 double transgenic mice were adopted as models for AD to assess the effects of aloe-emodin upon cognitive function and its neuroprotective impact on hippocampal neurons. Additionally, we investigated the regulatory mechanisms of proteins within the aforementioned pathway, and the morphological characteristics of mitophagy-related proteins. An AD hippocampal neuron model was developed using Aβ25-35 to evaluate the mitochondrial function, the protein expression of such a pathway and the mitophagy. This approach aims to elucidate the effects and underlying mechanisms of aloe-emodin in relation to AD.

RESULTS

AE activates mitophagy in neurons, improves cognitive dysfunction, reduces hippocampal damage, and alleviates AD symptoms in model mice. AE activates the expression of AMPK, PGC-1α and SIRT3. Increased expression of SIRT3 in mitochondria promotes mitophagy and regulates the function of mitochondrial proteins. When mitochondrial autophagy is enhanced, the expression of Beclin1, LC3, P62, Parkin, and PINK1-related proteins changes. Further in vitro experiments showed that AE can enhance mitochondrial function in Alzheimer's disease cell models. The mitochondrial membrane potential, GSH, ROS and Ca2+ levels gradually recover, alleviating the pathological manifestations of AD. Knocking down SIRT3 leads to increased mitochondrial damage and a reduction in mitophagy in HT22 cells.

CONCLUSION

Experimental results show that AE can activate mitophagy through AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3 pathway, alleviate cognitive dysfunction in AD, and reduce damage to hippocampal neurons.

Emodin, a Potent Anthraquinone Mitigates MPTP-Induced Parkinsons' Disease Pathology by Regulating Nrf2 and Its Downstream Targets: In Silico and In Vivo Approach

Parkinson's disease (PD) is marked by neurodegeneration that follows the destruction of dopaminergic neurons, mainly localized to the substantia nigra. It results in debilitating motor as well as non-motor symptoms. The current study investigated the neuroprotective potential of emodin, a naturally occurring anthraquinone derivative, in a well-established model of PD in mice induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). The key focus is the Nrf2 signaling pathway, the major defense mechanism of the cells against oxidative damage and neuroinflammation, both exacerbated in the pathology of PD. Using molecular docking, the binding affinity of emodin to Nrf2 was predicted, revealing strong interactions that suggest emodin's potential to activate Nrf2. Subsequently, in vivo experiments were conducted where MPTP-induced PD mice were treated with emodin, and additional groups received Nrf2 modulators: dimethyl fumarate (DMF) as an agonist and all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) as an antagonist. Emodin treatment led to a significant upregulation of Nrf2 expression, a reduction in oxidative stress markers such as malondialdehyde, and notable improvements in motor and cognitive behavior. DMF co-administration enhanced emodin's neuroprotective effects, whereas ATRA diminished them, highlighting the central role of Nrf2. These findings suggest that emodin effectively targets PD pathology via the Nrf2 pathway.

In Vitro Study of the Biological Activity of Aloe barbadensis Miller and its Physicochemical Characterization

Aloe barbadensis is a natural source of bioactive compounds whose combined effects have been linked to the improvement of several diseases. There is scientific evidence obtained through in vitro and in vivo assays showing the possible benefits of aloe gel. The aim of this research was to characterize and determine the in vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive and antibacterial capacities of aloe gel extract. The gel was extracted by removing the exocarp of aloe leaves. Physicochemical characterization, antioxidant activity, quantification of phenolic compounds, spectroscopic techniques (Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Raman, XPS and XRD) and in vitro biological activities were then performed. The aloe gel contained 66.95% of polysaccharides, corresponding to dietary fiber. FTIR and Raman spectroscopy revealed bands of functional groups (e.g., COO-, CO-, and OH) related to the structure of polymannans. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses revealed the presence of minerals such as manganese, magnesium, molybdenum, potassium, sodium, and cobalt. The phenolic compounds identified by HPLC were diverse, highlighting the presence of aloe emodin, aloin and gallic acid. The aloe gel exhibited anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive and antibacterial (Salmonella Typhi, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) activities, indicating the possible use of Aloe barbadensis M. as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of diseases.

Exploring the application of herbal photosensitizers in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy against Mycobacterium Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the leading causes of death in the world, despite being a preventable and curable disease. Irrespective of tremendous advancements in early detection and treatment, this disease still has high mortality rates. This is due to the development of antibiotic resistance, which significantly reduced the efficacy of antibiotics, rendering them useless against this bacterial infection. This, in turn, causes immune system evasion, antibiotic treatment failures, and recurrence of disease in patients. Regarding this, photodynamic inactivation (PDI) may serve as a useful substitute for antibiotic therapy against drug-resistant mycobacteria. This century-old therapy is already being used in cancer treatment, dentistry, and skeletal and cardiovascular diseases, but it is not yet used in tuberculosis treatment. Researchers have previously used PDI to eradicate other members of the genus Mycobacteria in both in vitro and in vivo settings. This suggests PDI can be explored against M. tuberculosis too. The one limitation associated with PDI is the use of chemical photosensitizers, which are fatal to normal tissues and induce side effects. Recent studies suggest herbal photosensitizers are equally potent as chemically synthesized ones. Therefore, herbal photosensitizers could be used to solve the problem because of their less toxicity to healthy tissues and decreased frequency of side effects. This review emphasizes the importance of herbal photosensitizers and their role as anti-tuberculosis drugs in PDI therapy and also presents five potential herbal photosensitizers-curcumin, quercetin, resveratrol, aloe emodin, and phloretin that could be utilized in the clinical development of PDT-mediated tuberculosis therapies.

Phytochemical Analysis and Biological Activities of Flavonoids and Anthraquinones from Cassia alata (Linnaeus) Roxburgh and Their Implications for Atopic Dermatitis Management

To study Cassia alata (CA) (Linnaeus) Roxburgh's effectiveness towards atopic dermatitis (AD), CA leaf extracts were prepared using three methanol-based extraction solvent systems. Bioactive constituents were characterized and quantified via high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection. Antioxidant properties and antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus, a major AD exacerbation factor, were assessed. Four polyphenols (two flavonoids, two anthraquinones) beneficial in AD control were detected (rhein > aloe-emodin > astragalin > kaempferol). The 75% v/v MeOH/water extract had the most polyphenols and the best antioxidant profile (total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl-hydrate radical scavenging activity, ascorbic acid equivalent antioxidant capacity), with excellent S. aureus inhibition (minimum inhibitory concentration = 0.625 mg/mL; minimum bactericidal concentration = 1.25 mg/mL). Hence, it was selected for the in vitro examination of cytotoxicity and wound healing activity towards human epidermal keratinocyte cells using a 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2h-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and wound scratch assay. The extract showed no cytotoxicity (IC50 > 100 µg/mL) without significant reduction in cell viability up to 200 µg/mL compared to the vehicle control. An amount of 50 μg/mL extract concentration showed the best wound-healing activity (p < 0.05), with a cell migration rate of 5.89 ± 0.80 µm/h over 96 h post-treatment. Such antioxidant, antimicrobial, and wound-healing activities suggest CA and its polyphenols to be promising natural, long-term AD remedies for skin health.

Current status and trend of global research on the pharmacological effects of emodin family: bibliometric study and visual analysis

Emodin, as a natural active ingredient, has shown great application potential in the fields of medicine, food and cosmetics due to its unique pharmacological effects, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, etc. In recent years, with the development of science and technology and the increase of people's demand for natural medicine, emodin research has been paid more and more attention by the global scientific research community. The bibliometric analysis of emodin and the construction of knowledge map are still blank. We searched the publications of emodin related studies in the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database from 2004 to 2024 and conducted a bibliometric analysis. Data processing was done using the R packages Bibliometrix, VOSviewer and CiteSpace. The consensus identified 4,125 emodin related articles from multiple countries, with China being the main contributor. The number of publications in this field is increasing year by year. China Medical University, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine are all prominent research institutions in this field. The Journal of ethnopharmacology published the most articles on the subject. The total number of authors of these articles has reached 14,991, among which Yi Wang is the author with the most output and Xiaoxv Dong is the author with the most cited times. "emodin", "apoptosis", and "liver injury" were the main research focuses. Topics such as "pharmacology", "photodynamic therapy", "advancing drug discovery" and "gallbladder cancer cell" may represent emerging areas of research in medicine. The results of this study help to identify the latest research frontiers and hot topics, and provide a valuable reference for the study of emodin family.

Protective Effect of Aloe-emodin on Cognitive Function in Copper-loaded Rats Based on The Inhibition of Hippocampal Neuron Ferroptosis

BACKGROUND

Aloe-emodin (AE), a monomer derived from traditional Chinese medicine, has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in the clinical management of cognitive disorders. Ferroptosis (FPT), a specialized form of programmed cell death, plays a critical role in the pathological progression of various cognitive diseases.

METHODS

This study explored the therapeutic potential of AE in a rat model of Wilson's disease cognitive impairments (WDCI) and examined whether these effects are mediated through the silencing information regulator 1 (SIRT1)-regulated FPT signaling pathway. Employing techniques, such as the Morris water maze (MWM), Hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) staining, Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Immunofluorescence (IF), assessments of oxidative stress markers, and measurements of FPT-related protein levels, we evaluated the extent of SIRT1-mediated FPT and the therapeutic efficacy of AE.

RESULTS

The findings from the WD copper-loaded rat model experiments revealed that MWM, H&E, TEM, and IF outcomes indicated AE's potential to promote the restoration of learning and memory functions, ameliorate hippocampal neuronal morphological damage, and preserve cell membrane integrity. Results from western blot (WB) and ELISA analyses demonstrated that AE markedly upregulated the expression of SIRT1, nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SCL7A11), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) proteins while simultaneously reversing the expression of oxidative stress markers such as malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Consequently, we posit that AE may attenuate WD copper-loaded rat model hippocampal neuronal FPT by activating the SIRT1-mediated signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggested that AE mitigates WD copper-loaded rat model hippocampal neuronal damage through the activation of SIRT1-mediated FPT, thereby presenting a valuable candidate Chinese herbal monomer for the clinical treatment of WDCI.

Aloe vera gel relieves cadmium triggered hepatic injury via antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic routes

Aloe vera (AV) gel extracted from fresh AV leaves was chosen in this study to evaluate its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic activities against cadmium (Cd) -induced liver injury. Forty Wistar male adult rats were equally divided into four groups. Group I (standard control) ingested with 2.5 ml/kg b.w. of physiological saline. Group II (Cd-intoxicated) received 3 mg/kg b.w./day of CdCl2 dissolved in saline. Group III (AV) received 200 mg/kg b.w./day of AV gel dissolved in saline. Group IV (Cd+AV) ingested with 200 mg/kg b.w./day of AV gel solution along with 3 mg/kg b.w. CdCl2. All groups were ingested orally by gavage for 3 consecutive weeks. Paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) and HSP70 were measured in serum. The deposited Cd level, nitric oxide content, lipid peroxidation, collagen-1 (COL-1), and metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) levels were all determined in liver tissue homogenates. Gene expression of NF-κB and IL-6, Bax, and Bcl2, as well as immunohistochemistry analysis of activated caspase-3, was performed. Results showed that ingestion of AV gel greatly relieved all oxidative stress due to Cd exposure, modulated the NF-κB, IL-6, Bax, and Bcl2 expression levels, and improved the apoptotic state. In conclusion, AV gel confirmed its potential ameliorating effect against liver injury induced due to Cd exposure.

Unveiling Anthraquinones: Diverse Health Benefits of an Essential Secondary Metabolite

Since ancient times, plants have been used as a remedy for numerous diseases. The pharmacological properties of plants are due to the presence of secondary metabolites like terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, etc. Anthraquinones represent a group of naturally occurring quinones found generously across various plant species. Anthraquinones attract a significant amount of attention due to their reported efficacy in treating a wide range of diseases. Their complex chemical structures, combined with inherent medicinal properties, underscore their potential as agents for therapy. They demonstrate several therapeutic properties such as laxative, antitumor, antimalarial, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, etc. Anthraquinones are found in different forms (derivatives) in plants, and they exhibit various medicinal properties due to their structure and chemical nature. The precursors for the biosynthesis of anthraquinones in higher plants are provided by different pathways such as plastidic hemiterpenoid 2-C-methyl-D-erthriol4-phosphate (MEP), mevalonate (MVA), isochorismate synthase and polyketide. Anthraquinones possess several medicinal properties and a complex biosynthetic pathway, making them good candidates for patenting new products, synthesis methods, and biotechnological production advancements. By conducting a thorough analysis of scientific literature, this review provides insights into the intricate interplay between anthraquinone biosynthesis and its broad-ranging contributions to human health.

Aloe-emodin plus TIENAM ameliorate cecal ligation and puncture-induced sepsis in mice by attenuating inflammation and modulating microbiota

Despite the high sepsis-associated mortality, effective and specific treatments remain limited. Using conventional antibiotics as TIENAM (imipenem and cilastatin sodium for injection, TIE) is challenging due to increasing bacterial resistance, diminishing their efficacy and leading to adverse effects. We previously found that aloe-emodin (AE) exerts therapeutic effects on sepsis by reducing systemic inflammation and regulating the gut microbiota. Here, we investigated whether administering AE and TIE post-sepsis onset, using a cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis model, extends survival and improves physiological functions. Survival rates, inflammatory cytokines, tissue damage, immune cell populations, ascitic fluid microbiota, and key signaling pathways were assessed. Combining AE and TIE significantly enhanced survival rates, and reduced inflammation and bacterial load in septic mice, indicating potent antimicrobial properties. Moreover, substantial improvements in survival rates of AE + TIE-treated mice (10% to 60%) within 168 h were observed relative to the CLP group. This combination therapy also effectively modulated inflammatory marker (interleukin [IL]-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α) levels and immune cell counts by decreasing those of B, NK, and TNFR2+ Treg cells, while increasing that of CD8+ T cells; alleviated tissue damage; reduced bacterial load in the peritoneal cavity; and suppressed the NF-κB signaling pathway. We also observed a significantly altered peritoneal cavity microbiota composition post-treatment, characterized by reduced pathogenic bacteria (Bacteroides) abundance. Our findings underscore the potential of AE + TIE in treating sepsis, and encourage further research and possible clinical implementations to surmount the limitations of TIE and amplify the therapeutic potential of AE.

Mentha haplocalyx Briq. (Mint): a comprehensive review on the botany, traditional uses, nutritional value, phytochemistry, health benefits, and applications

Mentha haplocalyx Briq. (M. haplocalyx), a notable member of the Lamiaceae family, occupies a significant role in the realm of health foods and botanical medicines. Traditionally, it has been employed to address various diseases, including colds, coughs, fever, indigestion, asthma, and influenza. Recent phytochemical investigations have identified the presence of terpenoids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, anthraquinones, alkanes, and polysaccharides in M. haplocalyx, with terpenoids being the primary bioactive constituents. Notably, both in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated its diverse health benefits, such as neuroprotective, anti-asthmatic, anti-inflammatory, gut health improvement, hypoglycemic, anti-aging, anti-bacterial, and antioxidant effects. Additionally, M. haplocalyx is a rich source of carbohydrates, dietary fiber, amino acids, minerals, and vitamins, further underscoring its nutritional value. A thorough literature review was conducted using databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) to consolidate existing knowledge on M. haplocalyx. This review synthesizes recent advancements in the botany, traditional uses, nutritional value, phytochemistry, health benefits, and research on the edible uses of M. haplocalyx. Furthermore, the commercial potential and future research opportunities for M. haplocalyx are briefly explored, with the goal of fostering continued interest in this multifunctional plant and inspiring future research and commercial endeavors.

Evaluating anticancer activity of emodin by enhancing antioxidant activities and affecting PKC/ADAMTS4 pathway in thioacetamide-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in rats

Emodin is a naturally occurring anthraquinone derivative with a wide range of pharmacological activities, including neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory activities. We aim to assess the anticancer activity of emodin against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in rat models using the proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis biomarkers. After induction of HCC, assessment of the liver impairment and the histopathology of liver sections were investigated. Hepatic expression of both mRNA and protein of the oxidative stress biomarkers, HO-1, Nrf2; the mitogenic activation biomarkers, ERK5, PKCδ; the tissue destruction biomarker, ADAMTS4; the tissue homeostasis biomarker, aggregan; the cellular fibrinolytic biomarker, MMP3; and of the cellular angiogenesis biomarker, VEGF were measured. Emodin increased the survival percentage and reduced the number of hepatic nodules compared to the HCC group. Besides, emodin reduced the elevated expression of both mRNA and proteins of all PKC, ERK5, ADAMTS4, MMP3, and VEGF compared with the HCC group. On the other hand, emodin increased the expression of mRNA and proteins of Nrf2, HO-1, and aggrecan compared with the HCC group. Therefore, emodin is a promising anticancer agent against HCC preventing the cancer prognosis and infiltration. It works through many mechanisms of action, such as blocking oxidative stress, proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis.

Therapeutic Potential of Natural Compounds to Modulate WNT/β-Catenin Signaling in Cancer: Current State of Art and Challenges

Targeted therapies and immunotherapies have improved the clinical outcome of cancer patients; however, the efficacy of treatment remains frequently limited due to low predictability of response and development of drug resistance. Therefore, novel therapeutic strategies for various cancer types are needed. Current research emphasizes the potential therapeutic value of targeting WNT/β-catenin dependent signaling that is deregulated in various cancer types. Targeting the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway with diverse synthetic and natural agents is the subject of a number of preclinical studies and clinical trials for cancer patients. The usage of nature-derived agents is attributed to their health benefits, reduced toxicity and side effects compared to synthetic agents. The review summarizes preclinical studies and ongoing clinical trials that aim to target components of the WNT/β-catenin pathway across a diverse spectrum of cancer types, highlighting their potential to improve cancer treatment.

Candidate SNP Markers Significantly Altering the Affinity of the TATA-Binding Protein for the Promoters of Human Genes Associated with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most common form of glaucoma. This condition leads to optic nerve degeneration and eventually to blindness. Tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, fast-food diets, obesity, heavy weight lifting, high-intensity physical exercises, and many other bad habits are lifestyle-related risk factors for POAG. By contrast, moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and the Mediterranean diet can alleviate POAG. In this work, we for the first time estimated the phylostratigraphic age indices (PAIs) of all 153 POAG-related human genes in the NCBI Gene Database. This allowed us to separate them into two groups: POAG-related genes that appeared before and after the phylum Chordata, that is, ophthalmologically speaking, before and after the camera-type eye evolved. Next, in the POAG-related genes' promoters, we in silico predicted all 3835 candidate SNP markers that significantly change the TATA-binding protein (TBP) affinity for these promoters and, through this molecular mechanism, the expression levels of these genes. Finally, we verified our results against five independent web services-PANTHER, DAVID, STRING, MetaScape, and GeneMANIA-as well as the ClinVar database. It was concluded that POAG is likely to be a symptom of the human self-domestication syndrome, a downside of being civilized.

Polymer lipid hybrid nanoparticles for phytochemical delivery: challenges, progress, and future prospects

Phytochemicals, naturally occurring compounds in plants, possess a wide range of therapeutic properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antimicrobial activities. However, their clinical application is often hindered by poor water solubility, low bioavailability, rapid metabolism, and instability under physiological conditions. Polymer lipid hybrid nanoparticles (PLHNPs) have emerged as a novel delivery system that combines the advantages of both polymeric and lipid-based nanoparticles to overcome these challenges. This review explores the potential of PLHNPs to enhance the delivery and efficacy of phytochemicals for biomedical applications. We discuss the obstacles in the conventional delivery of phytochemicals, the fundamental architecture of PLHNPs, and the types of PLHNPs, highlighting their ability to improve encapsulation efficiency, stability, and controlled release of the encapsulated phytochemicals. In addition, the surface modification strategies to improve overall therapeutic efficacy by site-specific delivery of encapsulated phytochemicals are also discussed. Furthermore, we extensively discuss the preclinical studies on phytochemical encapsulated PLHNPs for the management of different diseases. Additionally, we explore the challenges ahead and prospects of PLHNPs regarding their widespread use in clinical settings. Overall, PLHNPs hold strong potential for the effective delivery of phytochemicals for biomedical applications. As per the findings from pre-clinical studies, this may offer a promising strategy for managing various diseases.

Drug metabolism and transport mediated the hepatotoxicity of Pleuropterus multiflorus root: a review

Pleuropterus multiflorus root (PMR, Polygoni Multiflori Radix) is an herbal medicine widely used in East Asia, particularly China. However, the potential hepatotoxicity has hindered its rational and safe application of PMR in clinical practice. Recently, the hepatotoxic study of PMR have made great progress, especially drug metabolism and transport-mediated liver injury. In this review, we summarized the advancement of drug metabolism and transport regluated hepatic injury of PMR, pointed out the key role of drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters in regulating hepatic injury of PMR, and emphasized the main hepatotoxic substances, toxicity promoter, and hepatic toxic substance-toxicity promoter interactions in PMR. On this basis, the clinical prospect of preventing and treating hepatic injury of PMR from the perspective of metabolism and transporter was discussed, to provide a useful reference and theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of hepatic injury of PMR.

Integrated serum pharmacochemistry, 16S rDNA sequencing, and metabolomics to reveal the material basis and mechanism of Shouhui Tongbian capsule against diphenoxylate-induced slow transit constipation in rats

BACKGROUND

Slow transit constipation (STC) is highly prevalent and has rising incidence. Shouhui Tongbian capsule (SHTB) is a traditional Chinese Medicine formula with extensive and highly efficacious usage in STC treatment, however, its mechanism of action, especially the regulation of microbiome and lipid metabolites, remains unclear.

METHODS

After quality control of SHTB using LC‒MS to obtain its material basis, we tried to elucidate the cohesive modulatory network of SHTB against STC using hyphenated methods from microbiomics, lipidomics, mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) and molecular methods.

RESULTS

SHTB could repair intestinal barrier damage, reduce systemic inflammation and increase intestinal motility in a diphenoxylate-induced STC rat model. Based on 16S rDNA sequencing results, SHTB rehabilitated the abnormal changes in Alloprevotella, Coprococcus, Marvinbryantia, etc., which were associated with STC symptoms. Meanwhile, microbial functional prediction showed that lipid metabolism was improved with SHTB administration. The differential lipids, including fatty acids, lysophosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylcholine, sphingomyelin triglyceride and ceramide, that are closely related to STC disease and SHTB efficacy. Furthermore, SHTB significantly reversed the abnormal expression of these key target enzymes in colon samples, including CTP-phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase, CTP-phosphoethanolamine cytidylyltransferase, phosphatidic acid phosphatase, acid sphingomyelinase etc. CONCLUSIONS: Combined analysis demonstrated that SHTB reducing lipid accumulation and recovery of intestinal microbial homeostasis was the critical mechanism by which SHTB treats STC.

Natural redox mediator anthraquinone aloe-emodin facilitated the in-situ mineralized γ-FeO(OH) membrane for the removal of tannic acid through photocatalytic-PMS activation

The growing utilization of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has resulted in an increase in wastewater. Herein, a new kind of organic-inorganic redox mediator membrane by immobilizing γ-FeO(OH) and aloe-emodin(AE) with the characteristic large π-conjugation anthraquinone structure on PVDF membrane was innovatively achieved. AE exhibiting both electron deficiency and redox activity possesses a co-catalyst role in degradation of tannic acid (TA), aiding in the separation of charge carriers through the sequential hydrogenation and dehydrogenation of AE. The removal rates of TA were 92.8 % in the tannic acid solution and 60.3 % in the simulated rhubarb wastewater by the AE-γ-FeO(OH) membrane under PMS+Vis conditions in 45 min. Also, they show a higher recovery of pure water flux and owning good fouling performance. Overall, this current work presents a novel approach for the design and preparation of organic-inorganic photocatalytic composite membrane using readily available natural products for the purification TCM wastewater.

Evaluating the Root Extract of Reynoutria ciliinervis (Nakai) Moldenke: An Analysis of Active Constituents, Antioxidant Potential, and Investigation of Hepatoprotective Effects in Rats

Reynoutria ciliinervis (Nakai) Moldenke (R. ciliinervis) root, a traditional Chinese medicine, was found to exhibit remarkable pharmacological properties through a series of comprehensive investigations. Our study commenced with a qualitative phytochemical analysis that identified 12 bioactive compounds within the plant. Subsequently, utilizing ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, the methanol extract emerged as the optimal solvent extract, which was abundant in diverse classes of compounds such as carbohydrates, phenolics, steroids, alkaloids, phenolic acids, and tannins. In vitro antioxidant assays underscored the exceptional free radical scavenging, metal ion chelation, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, singlet oxygen quenching, and β-carotene bleaching capabilities of the methanol extract, significantly outperforming other solvent extracts. Further ultra high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole time of flight-mass spectrometry analysis revealed the presence of 45 compounds, predominantly anthraquinones and phenolics, in the methanol extract. The extract demonstrated robust stability under various conditions, including high temperatures, varying pH levels, and simulated gastrointestinal digestion as well as efficacy in inhibiting the oxidation in edible oils. Acute toxicity tests in mice confirmed the safety of the methanol extract and provided a valuable dosage reference for future studies. Importantly, high-dose methanol extract exhibited a significant pre-protective effect against D-galactosamine-induced liver injury in rats, as evidenced by reduced alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, malondialdehyde levels, and elevated catalase and albumin levels. These findings suggest a potential role for the methanol extract of R. ciliinervis root in treating oxidative stress-related disorders, highlighting the plant's immense medicinal potential. Our research offers a thorough evaluation of the bioactive components, antioxidant properties, stability, and liver-protecting effects of the methanol extract, setting the stage for deeper investigation and potential clinical applications.

Treatment of constipation with Aloe and its compatibility prescriptions

Constipation is a common and prevalent digestive system disease in clinical practice, which seriously affects human physical and mental health. Currently, chemical drugs have good short-term therapeutic effects. However, because of their adverse reactions, easy recurrence after drug discontinuation, and dependence with long-term use, the long-term efficacy is unsatisfactory. The pathogenesis of constipation is mainly attributed to dysfunction of zang-fu organs and imbalance of qi-blood and yin-yang, with the syndrome being asthenia in origin and asthenia in superficiality. Aloe is a traditional Chinese medicine with cold properties and a bitter taste, and one of the most commonly used herbs for constipation. Based on Aloe and its monomer components, combined with the existing compatibility studies of Aloe and several Chinese patent drugs represented by Aloe, this paper comprehensively and systematically introduced the research progress of Aloe and its compatibility prescriptions in the treatment of constipation from basic experiments to clinical observations, providing theoretical basis and medication guidance for the clinical rational application of Aloe and its prescriptions in the treatment of constipation. At the same time, it also provides the direction for future research on the mechanism of Aloe in the treatment of constipation.

Emodin repairs interstitial cells of Cajal damaged by cholelithiasis in the gallbladder

BACKGROUND

Hypercholesterolemia induces cholelithiasis and dysfunction of gallbladder motility. Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) contribute to gallbladder motility. Emodin modulates the contractility of the gallbladder muscle; however, the underlying mechanism is unknown.

AIM

This study aimed to explore the effects of emodin on gallbladder ICCs with cholelithiasis in a guinea pig model.

METHODS

Animals were randomly divided into a healthy control group and three study groups. All study groups received a high-cholesterol diet (HCD) for 8 weeks. Subsequently, they were randomly assigned to either the HCD group or one of the emodin treatment groups lasting 4 or 8 weeks. Total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) were measured to determine changes in serum lipid levels. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the morphology and number of ICCs. TUNEL assays were performed to detect ICC apoptosis. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to observe ICC structure. Western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to detect changes in stem cell factor (SCF)/c-kit pathway expression.

RESULTS

Serum TC and TG were higher in all study groups. In cases of cholelithiasis, the SCF/c-kit pathway was downregulated, the number of gallbladder ICCs decreased, apoptosis increased, and the ICC network structure was damaged. After emodin treatment, the SCF/c-kit pathway was upregulated, the number of gallbladder ICCs increased, apoptosis decreased, and the ICC network structure recovered.

CONCLUSION

Cholelithiasis downregulates the SCF/c-kit pathway and damages gallbladder ICCs. Emodin upregulates the SCF/c-kit pathway and increases gallbladder ICCs, contributing to recovery from gallbladder motility disorders.\.

Combination of aloe emodin, emodin, and rhein from Aloe with EDTA sensitizes the resistant Acinetobacter baumannii to polymyxins

Background

The continuous emergence and spread of polymyxin-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii pose a significant global health challenge, necessitating the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Aloe, with its long-standing history of medicinal use, has recently been the subject of substantial research for its efficacy against pathogenic infections.

Methods

This study investigates the potential application of anthraquinone components in aloe against polymyxin-resistant A. baumannii by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, in vitro activity assessment, and construction of animal infection models.

Results

The findings demonstrate that aloe emodin, emodin, rhein, and their mixtures in equal mass ratios (EAR) exhibit strain-specific antibacterial activities against polymyxin-resistant A. baumannii. Co-administration of EAR with EDTA synergistically and universally enhanced the antibacterial activity and bactericidal efficacy of polymyxins against polymyxin-resistant A. baumannii, while also reducing the frequency of polymyxin-resistant mutations in polymyxinssensitive A. baumannii. Following toxicity assessment on human hepatic and renal cell lines, the combination therapy was applied to skin wounds in mice infected with polymyxin-resistant A. baumannii. Compared to monotherapy, the combination therapy significantly accelerated wound healing and reduced bacterial burden.

Conclusions

The combination of EAR and EDTA with polymyxins offers a novel therapeutic approach for managing skin infections caused by polymyxinresistant A. baumannii.

Ferroptosis: A novel therapeutic target of natural products against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity

Doxorubicin (DOX), a commonly used chemotherapy drug, is hindered due to its tendency to induce cardiotoxicity (DIC). Ferroptosis, a novel mode of programmed cell death, has received substantial attention for its involvement in DIC. Recently, natural product-derived ferroptosis regulator emerged as a potential strategy for treating DIC. In this review, a comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect databases to gather relevant articles on the use of natural products for treating DIC in relation to ferroptosis. The available papers were carefully reviewed to summarize the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of natural products in modulating ferroptosis for DIC treatment. It was found that ferroptosis plays an important role in DIC pathogenesis, with dysregulated expression of ferroptosis-related proteins strongly implicated in the condition. Natural products, such as flavonoids, polyphenols, terpenoids, and quinones can act as GPX4 activators, Nrf2 agonists, and lipid peroxidation inhibitors, thereby enhancing cell viability, attenuating myocardial fibrosis, improving cardiac function, and suppressing ferroptosis in both in vitro and in vivo models of DIC. This review demonstrates a strong correlation between DOX-induced cardiac ferroptosis and key proteins, such as GPX4, Keap1, Nrf2, AMPK, and HMOX1. Natural products are likely to exert therapeutic effects against DIC by modulating the activity of these proteins.

Aloe emodin promotes mucosal healing by modifying the differentiation fate of enteroendocrine cells via regulating cellular free fatty acid sensitivity

The proper differentiation and reorganization of the intestinal epithelial cell population is critical to mucosal regeneration post injury. Label retaining cells (LRCs) expressing SRY-box transcription factor 9 (SOX9) promote epithelial repair by replenishing LGR5+ intestinal stem cells (ISCs). While, LRCs are also considered precursor cells for enteroendocrine cells (EECs) which exacerbate mucosal damage in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The factors that determine LRC-EEC differentiation and the effect of intervening in LRC-EEC differentiation on IBD remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of a natural anthraquinone called aloe emodin (derived from the Chinese herb rhubarb) on mucosal healing in IBD models. Our findings demonstrated that aloe emodin effectively interfered with the differentiation to EECs and preserved a higher number of SOX9+ LRCs, thereby promoting mucosal healing. Furthermore, we discovered that aloe emodin acted as an antagonist of free fatty acid receptors (FFAR1), suppressing the FFAR1-mediated Gβγ/serine/threonine-protein kinase (AKT) pathway and promoting the translocation of forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) into the nucleus, ultimately resulting in the intervention of differentiation fate. These findings reveal the effect of free fatty acid accessibility on EEC differentiation and introduce a strategy for promoting mucosal healing in IBD by regulating the FFAR1/AKT/FOXO1 signaling pathway.

Aloe-emodin alleviates inflammatory bowel disease in mice by modulating intestinal microbiome homeostasis via the IL-4/IL-13 axis

Introduction

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a global health concern. Aloe-emodin (AE) has diverse pharmacological benefits, including anti-inflammatory effects. However, its role in IBD remains unclear, prompting our investigation of its regulatory effects and mechanisms in an IBD mouse model.

Methods

We studied the therapeutic efficacy of AE in alleviating symptoms and modulating cytokine secretion in a murine model of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. BALB/c mice were administered DSS to induce colitis and were subsequently treated with varying doses of AE. Changes in body weight, fecal lipocalin-2 (LCN2) levels, colon tissue histology, and serum cytokine concentrations were evaluated to assess the effects of AE treatment. Additionally, 16 S rRNA sequencing was used to analyze alterations in the composition of the gut microbiota following AE intervention. Finally, the database was used to analyze the signaling pathways associated with IBD in AE and to detect the expression levels of interleukin (IL)-4 pathway using real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Exogenous IL-4 was used in rescue experiments to observe its effects on the disease process of IBD under AE regulation.

Results

AE treatment resulted in a dose-dependent mitigation of weight loss, reduction in fecal LCN2 levels, and amelioration of histological damage in DSS-induced colitis in mice. The levels of superoxide dismutase and catalase increased, whereas malondialdehyde decreased following AE treatment, indicating a dose-dependent alleviation of colitis symptoms. Furthermore, AE administration attenuated the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-17, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and chemokine ligand 1, while promoting the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-13. Analysis of the gut microbiota revealed that AE effectively suppressed the overgrowth of colitis-associated bacterial species and restored microbial homeostasis. Finally, we found that overexpression of IL-4 was able to reverse the therapeutic effect of AE for DSS-induced IBD.

Conclusion

AE shows promise in alleviating colitis severity, influencing inflammatory cytokines, and modulating the gut microbiota in an IBD mouse model via the IL-4/IL-13 pathway, suggesting its potential as a natural IBD remedy.

The application of rhubarb concoctions in traditional Chinese medicine and its compounds, processing methods, pharmacology, toxicology and clinical research

Objective

This study reviews the development of rhubarb processing and the current status of pharmacological research. We summarized the effects of different processing methods on the active compounds, pharmacological effects, and toxicity of rhubarb, as well as the clinical application of different concoctions, providing reference for further pharmacological research and clinical application of rhubarb.

Methods

A comprehensive literature review was conducted using databases such as Pubmed, Embase, National Science and Technology Library, Web of science, CNKI, China Science and Technology Journal Database, SinoMed, and the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. Search terms included "rhubarb", "raw rhubarb", "wine rhubarb", "cooked rhubarb", "rhubarb charcoal", "herbal processing", "compounds", "pharmacological effects", "inflammation", "gastrointestinal bleeding", and "tumor".

Results

Historical records of rhubarb processing date back to the Han Dynasty, with continual innovations. Currently, the types of rhubarb used in traditional Chinese medicine have stabilized to three species: Rheum palmatum L., Rheum tanguticum Maxim.ex Balf. and Rheum officinale Baill. Common concoctions include raw rhubarb, wine rhubarb, cooked rhubarb and rhubarb charcoal. The active compounds of rhubarb are known to defecation, exhibit antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, regulate coagulation, protect the digestive system, and possess anti-tumor activities. Guided by Chinese medicine theory, the use of different rhubarb concoctions can enhance specific effects such as purgation to eliminate accumulation, clearing heat and toxins, cooling blood to stop hemorrhages, activating blood circulation to remove blood stasis, and inducing dampness to descend jaundice, thereby effectively treating various diseases. The therapeutic impact of these concoctions on diseases reflects not only in the changes to the active compounds of rhubarb but also in the formulations of traditional Chinese medicine. Processing has also shown advantages in reducing toxicity.

Conclusion

Different processing methods alter the active compounds of rhubarb, thereby enhancing its various pharmacological effects and meeting the therapeutic needs of diverse diseases. Selecting an appropriate processing method based on the patient's specific conditions can maximize its pharmacological properties and improve clinical outcomes.

Screening study on significant Chinese herb for anti-idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis by combining clinical experience prescriptions and molecular dynamics simulation technologies

Various techniques such as data mining, network pharmacology, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation were used in this study to screen and validate effective herbal medicines for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and to reveal their mechanisms of action at the molecular level. The use of this approach will provide new tools and ideas for future drug screening, especially for the application of herbal medicines in the treatment of complex diseases. Among them, the five identified core targets, including IL6, TP53, AKT1, VEGFA, and TNF, as well as a series of major active compounds, will be important references for future anti-IPF drug development. This information will accelerate the discovery and development of relevant drugs. Meanwhile, this study further confirmed the potential value of four Chinese herbal medicines, including Gancao, Danshen, Huangqin, and Sanqi, in the treatment of IPF. This will promote more clinical trials and practices to confirm and optimise the application of these herbs. Finally, this study is an important theoretical guide to enhance the advantages of Chinese herbal medicines in the prevention and treatment of major and difficult diseases, as well as to understand and utilise the potential efficacy of Chinese herbal medicines. This will further promote the scientific research and clinical application of herbal medicines and provide more possibilities for future disease treatmentCommunicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Aloe vera-An Extensive Review Focused on Recent Studies

Since ancient times, Aloe vera L. (AV) has attracted scientific interest because of its multiple cosmetic and medicinal properties, attributable to compounds present in leaves and other parts of the plant. The collected literature data show that AV and its products have a beneficial influence on human health, both by topical and oral use, as juice or an extract. Several scientific studies demonstrated the numerous biological activities of AV, including, for instance, antiviral, antimicrobial, antitumor, and antifungal. Moreover, its important antidepressant activity in relation to several diseases, including skin disorders (psoriasis, acne, and so on) and prediabetes, is a growing field of research. This comprehensive review intends to present the most significant and recent studies regarding the plethora of AV's biological activities and an in-depth analysis exploring the component/s responsible for them. Moreover, its morphology and chemical composition are described, along with some studies regarding the single components of AV available in commerce. Finally, valorization studies and a discussion about the metabolism and toxicological aspects of this "Wonder Plant" are reported.

Integrative analysis of metabolomics and proteomics reveals mechanism of berberrubine-induced nephrotoxicity

Berberrubine (BRB), a main metabolite of berberine, has stronger hypoglycemic and lipid-lowering activity than its parent form. We previously found that BRB could cause obvious nephrotoxicity, but the molecular mechanism involved remains unknown. In this study, we systematically integrated metabolomics and quantitative proteomics to reveal the potential mechanism of nephrotoxicity caused by BRB. Metabolomic analysis revealed that 103 significant- differentially metabolites were changed. Among the mentioned compounds, significantly upregulated metabolites were observed for phosphorylcholine, sn-glycerol-3-phosphoethanolamine, and phosphatidylcholine. The top three enriched KEGG pathways were the mTOR signaling pathway, central carbon metabolism in cancer, and choline metabolism in cancer. ERK1/2 plays key roles in all three metabolic pathways. To further confirm the main signaling pathways involved, a proteomic analysis was conducted to screen for key proteins (such as Mapk1, Mapk14, and Caspase), indicating the potential involvement of cellular growth and apoptosis. Moreover, combined metabolomics and proteomics analyses revealed the participation of ERK1/2 in multiple metabolic pathways. These findings indicated that ERK1/2 regulated the significant- differentially abundant metabolites determined via metabolomics analysis. Notably, through a cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) and molecular docking, ERK1/2 were revealed to be the direct binding target involved in BRB-induced nephrotoxicity. To summarize, this study sheds light on the understanding of severe nephrotoxicity caused by BRB and provides scientific basis for its safe use and rational development.

Aloe-emodin alleviates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by regulating microglial polarization and pyroptosis through inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation

BACKGROUND

Microglial activation plays a crucial role in injury and repair after cerebral ischemia, and microglial pyroptosis exacerbates ischemic injury. NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation has an important role in microglial polarization and pyroptosis. Aloe-emodin (AE) is a natural anthraquinone compound originated from rhubarb and aloe. It exerts antioxidative and anti-apoptotic effects during cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, whether AE affects microglial polarization, pyroptosis, and NLRP3 inflammasome activation remains unknown.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to explore the effects of AE on microglial polarization, pyroptosis, and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the cerebral infarction area after I/R.

METHODS

The transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) and oxygen-glucose deprivation/re-oxygenation (OGD/R) methods were used to create cerebral I/R models in vivo and in vitro, respectively. Neurological scores and triphenyl tetrazolium chloride and Nissl staining were used to assess the neuroprotective effects of AE. Immunofluorescence staining, quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot were applied to detect NLRP3 inflammasome activation and microglial polarization and pyroptosis levels after tMCAO or OGD/R. Cell viability and levels of interleukin (IL)-18 and IL-1β were measured. Finally, MCC950 (an NLRP3-specific inhibitor) was used to evaluate whether AE affected microglial polarization and pyroptosis by regulating the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome.

RESULTS

AE improved neurological function scores and reduced the infarct area, brain edema rate, and Nissl-positive cell rate following I/R injury. It also showed a protective effect on BV-2 cells after OGD/R. AE inhibited microglial pyroptosis and induced M1 to M2 phenotype transformation and suppressed microglial NLRP3 inflammasome activation after tMCAO or OGD/R. The combined administration of AE and MCC950 had a synergistic effect on the inhibition of tMCAO- or OGD/R-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation, which subsequently suppressed microglial pyroptosis and induced microglial phenotype transformation.

CONCLUSION

AE exerts neuroprotective effects by regulating microglial polarization and pyroptosis through the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation after tMCAO or OGD/R. These findings provide new evidence of the molecular mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of AE and may support the exploration of novel therapeutic strategies for cerebral ischemia.

DNA barcoding combined with high-resolution melting analysis to discriminate rhubarb species and its traditional Chinese patent medicines

Introduction: Rhubarb is a frequently used and beneficial traditional Chinese medicine. Wild resources of these plants are constantly being depleted, meaning that rhubarb products have been subjected to an unparalleled level of adulteration. Consequentially, reliable technology is urgently required to verify the authenticity of rhubarb raw materials and commercial botanical drugs. Methods: In this study, the barcode-DNA high-resolution melting (Bar-HRM) method was applied to characterize 63 rhubarb samples (five Polygonaceae species: Rheum tanguticum, Rh. palmatum, Rh. officinale, Rumex japonicus and Ru. sp.) and distinguish the rhubarb contents of 24 traditional Chinese patent medicine (TCPM) samples. Three markers, namely ITS2, rbcL and psbA-trnH, were tested to assess the candidate DNA barcodes for their effectiveness in distinguishing rhubarb from its adulterants. A segment from ITS2 was selected as the most suitable mini-barcode to identify the botanical drug rhubarb in TCPMs. Then, rhubarbs and TCPM samples were subjected to HRM analysis based on the ITS2 barcode. Results: Among the tested barcoding loci, ITS2 displayed abundant sites of variation and was effective in identifying Polygonaceae species and their botanical origins. HRM analysis based on the ITS2 mini-barcode region successfully distinguished the authenticity of five Polygonaceae species and eight batches of TCPMs. Of the 18 TCPM samples, 66.7 % (12 samples) were identified as containing Rh. tanguticum or Rh. officinale. However, 33.3 % were shown to consist of adulterants. Conclusions: These results demonstrated that DNA barcoding combined with HRM is a specific, suitable and powerful approach for identifying rhubarb species and TCPMs, which is crucial to guaranteeing the security of medicinal plants being traded internationally.

The Anthraquinone Derivative C2 Enhances Oxaliplatin-Induced Cell Death and Triggers Autophagy via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway

Chemotherapy resistance in cancer is an essential factor leading to high mortality rates. Tumor multidrug resistance arises as a result of the autophagy process. Our previous study found that compound 1-nitro-2 acyl anthraquinone-leucine (C2) exhibited excellent anti-colorectal cancer (CRC) activity involving autophagy and apoptosis-related proteins, whereas its underlying mechanism remains unclear. A notable aspect of this study is how C2 overcomes the multidrug susceptibility of HCT116/L-OHP, a colon cancer cell line that is resistant to both in vitro and in vivo oxaliplatin (trans-/-diaminocyclohexane oxalatoplatinum; L-OHP). In a xenograft tumor mouse model, we discovered that the mixture of C2 and L-OHP reversed the resistance of HCT116/L-OHP cells to L-OHP and inhibited tumor growth; furthermore, C2 down-regulated the gene expression levels of P-gp and BCRP and decreased P-gp's drug efflux activity. It is important to note that while C2 re-sensitized the HCT116/L-OHP cells to L-OHP for apoptosis, it also triggered a protective autophagic pathway. The expression levels of cleaved caspase-3 and Beclin 1 steadily rose. Expression of PI3K, phosphorylated AKT, and mTOR were decreased, while p53 increased. We demonstrated that the anthraquinone derivative C2 acts as an L-OHP sensitizer and reverses resistance to L-OHP in HCT116/L-OHP cells. It suggests that C2 can induce autophagy in HCT116/L-OHP cells by mediating p53 and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

A comprehensive review of natural product-derived compounds acting on P2X7R: The promising therapeutic drugs in disorders

BACKGROUND

The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is known to play a significant role in regulating various pathological processes associated with immune regulation, neuroprotection, and inflammatory responses. It has emerged as a potential target for the treatment of diseases. In addition to chemically synthesized small molecule compounds, natural products have gained attention as an important source for discovering compounds that act on the P2X7R.

PURPOSE

To explore the research progress made in the field of natural product-derived compounds that act on the P2X7R.

METHODS

The methods employed in this review involved conducting a thorough search of databases, include PubMed, Web of Science and WIKTROP, to identify studies on natural product-derived compounds that interact with P2X7R. The selected studies were then analyzed to categorize the compounds based on their action on the receptor and to evaluate their therapeutic applications, chemical properties, and pharmacological actions.

RESULTS

The natural product-derived compounds acting on P2X7R can be classified into three categories: P2X7R antagonists, compounds inhibiting P2X7R expression, and compounds regulating the signaling pathway associated with P2X7R. Moreover, highlight the therapeutic applications, chemical properties and pharmacological actions of these compounds, and indicate areas that require further in-depth study. Finally, discuss the challenges of the natural products-derived compounds exploration, although utilizing compounds from natural products for new drug research offers unique advantages, problems related to solubility, content, and extraction processes still exist.

CONCLUSION

The detailed information in this review will facilitate further development of P2X7R antagonists and potential therapeutic strategies for P2X7R-associated disorders.

Emodin inhibits respiratory syncytial virus entry by interactions with fusion protein

Introduction

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) fusion (F) protein is essential for facilitating virus entry into host cells, providing a hopeful path for combating viral diseases. However, F protein inhibitors can rapidly select for viral resistance. Thus, discovering new inhibitors of F-protein is necessary to enrich the RSV drug development pipeline.

Methods

In this study, we screen 25 bioactive compounds from Chinese herbal medicines that exhibit a strong binding to the RSV-F protein using surface plasmon resonance.

Results

After screening, we found emodin could strongly bind to RSV-F protein, and could effectively curb RSV infection. Further investigations certificated that emodin specifically disrupts the attachment and internalization phases of RSV infection by targeting the RSV-F protein. In vivo studies with mice infected with RSV demonstrated that emodin effectively reduces lung pathology. This therapeutic effect is attributed to emodin's capacity to diminish pro-inflammatory cytokine production and reduce viral load in the lungs.

Discussion

In conclusion, our findings provide initial insights into the mechanism by which emodin counters RSV infection via engagement with the RSV-F protein, establishing it as a viable contender for the development of novel therapeutic agents aimed at RSV.

Hydrazyl hydroxycoumarins as new potential conquerors towards Pseudomonas aeruginosa

A class of unique hydrazyl hydroxycoumarins (HHs) as novel structural scaffold was developed to combat dreadful bacterial infections. Some HHs could effectively suppress bacterial growth at low concentrations, especially, pyridyl HH 7 exhibited a good inhibition against Pseudomonas aeruginosa 27853 with a low MIC value of 0.5 μg/mL, which was 8-fold more active than norfloxacin. Furthermore, pyridyl HH 7 with low hemolytic activity and low cytotoxicity towards NCM460 cells showed much lower trend to induce the drug-resistant development than norfloxacin. Preliminarily mechanism exploration indicated that pyridyl HH 7 could eradicate the integrity of bacterial membrane, result in the leakage of intracellular proteins, and interact with bacterial DNA gyrase via non-covalent binding, and ADME analysis manifested that compound 7 gave good pharmacokinetic properties. These results suggested that the newly developed hydrazyl hydroxycoumarins as potential multitargeting antibacterial agents should be worthy of further investigation for combating bacterial infection.

Aloe juvenna Brandham & S.Carter as α-Amylase Inhibitor and Hypoglycaemic Agent with Anti-inflammatory Properties for Diabetes Management

Despite Aloe's traditional use, Aloe juvenna Brandham & S.Carter is poorly characterized. Other Aloes are known for their antidiabetic activity. This study describes the antidiabetic potentials and phytoconstituents of the A. juvenna leaves methanolic extract (AJME). Twenty-six phytoconstituents of AJME were described using HPLC/MS-MS. Lupeol and vitexin were isolated using column chromatography. The antidiabetic activity of AJME was investigated using an in vivo high-fat diet/streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model and in vitro α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activity assays. AJME demonstrated its α-amylase inhibitory activity (IC50=313±39.9 ppm) with no effect on α-glucosidase. In vivo, AJME dose-dependently improved hyperglycaemia in a high-fat diet/streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model. Notably, the higher dose (1600 mg/kg) of AJME significantly downregulated serum interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and matrix metalloproteinase-1 genes, suggesting its anti-inflammatory effect. These findings indicate AJME's potential as a significant antidiabetic agent through its α-amylase inhibition, hypoglycaemic, and anti-inflammatory properties.

New opportunities and perspectives on biosynthesis and bioactivities of secondary metabolites from Aloe vera

Historically, the genus Aloe has been an indispensable part of both traditional and modern medicine. Decades of intensive research have unveiled the major bioactive secondary metabolites of this plant. Recent pandemic outbreaks have revitalized curiosity in aloe metabolites, as they have proven pharmacokinetic profiles and repurposable chemical space. However, the structural complexity of these metabolites has hindered scientific advances in the chemical synthesis of these compounds. Multi-omics research interventions have transformed aloe research by providing insights into the biosynthesis of many of these compounds, for example, aloesone, aloenin, noreugenin, aloin, saponins, and carotenoids. Here, we summarize the biological activities of major aloe secondary metabolites with a focus on their mechanism of action. We also highlight the recent advances in decoding the aloe metabolite biosynthetic pathways and enzymatic machinery linked with these pathways. Proof-of-concept studies on in vitro, whole-cell, and microbial synthesis of aloe compounds have also been briefed. Research initiatives on the structural modification of various aloe metabolites to expand their chemical space and activity are detailed. Further, the technological limitations, patent status, and prospects of aloe secondary metabolites in biomedicine have been discussed.

Aloe-emodin from Sanhua Decoction inhibits neuroinflammation by regulating microglia polarization after subarachnoid hemorrhage

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) triggers a cascade of events that lead to early brain injury (EBI), which contributes to poor outcomes and appears within 3 days after SAH initiation. EBI involves multiple process including neuronal death, blood-brain barrier (BBB) injury and inflammation response. Microglia are cluster of immune cells originating in the brain which respond to SAH by changing their states and releasing inflammatory molecules through various signaling pathways. M0, M1, M2 are three states of microglia represent resting state, promoting inflammation state, and anti-inflammation state respectively, which can be modulated by pharmacological strategies.

AIM OF THE STUDY

After identified potential active ingredients and targets of Sanhua Decoction (SHD) for SAH, we selected aloe-emodin (AE) as a potential ingredient modulating microglia activation states.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Molecular mechanisms, targets and pathways of SHD were reveal by network pharmacology technique. The effects of AE on SAH were evaluated in vivo by assessing neurological deficits, neuronal apoptosis and BBB integrity in a mouse SAH model. Furthermore, BV-2 cells were used to examine the effects of AE on microglial polarization. The influence of AE on microglia transformation was measured by Iba-1, TNF-α, CD68, Arg-1 and CD206 staining. The signal pathways of neuronal apoptosis and microglia polarization was measured by Western blot.

RESULTS

Network pharmacology identified potential active ingredients and targets of SHD for SAH. And AE is one of the active ingredients. We also confirmed that AE via NF-κB and PKA/CREB pathway inhibited the microglia activation and promoted transformation from M1 phenotype to M2 at EBI stage after SAH.

CONCLUSIONS

AE, as one ingredient of SHD, can alleviate the inflammatory response and protecting neurons from SAH-induced injury. AE has potential value for treating SAH-induced nerve injury and is expected to be applied in clinical practice.

Integrated chemical characterization, metabolite profiling, and pharmacokinetics analysis of Zhijun Tangshen Decoction by UPLC-Q/TOF-MS

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the main cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide and a major public issue affecting the health of people. Therefore, it is essential to explore effective drugs for the treatment of DN. In this study, the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, Zhijun Tangshen Decoction (ZJTSD), a prescription modified from the classical formula Didang Decoction, has been used in the clinical treatment of DN. However, the chemical basis underlying the therapeutic effects of ZJTSD in treating DN remains unknown. In this study, compounds of ZJTSD and serum after oral administration in rats were identified and analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q/TOF-MS). Meanwhile, a semi-quantitative approach was used to analyze the dynamic changes in the compounds of ZJTSD in vivo. UPLC-Q/TOF-MS analysis identified 190 compounds from ZJTSD, including flavonoids, anthraquinones, terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, alkaloids, and other categories. A total of 156 xenobiotics and metabolites, i.e., 51 prototype compounds and 105 metabolites, were identified from the compounds absorbed into the blood of rats treated with ZJTSD. The results further showed that 23 substances with high relative content, long retention time, and favorable pharmacokinetic characteristics in vivo deserved further investigations and validations of bioactivities. In conclusion, this study revealed the chemical basis underlying the complexity of ZJTSD and investigated the metabolite profiling and pharmacokinetics of ZJTSD-related xenobiotics in rats, thus providing a foundation for further investigation into the pharmacodynamic substance basis and metabolic regulations of ZJTSD.

Natural Extracts for Antibacterial Applications

Bacteria-induced epidemics and infectious diseases are seriously threatening the health of people around the world. In addition, antibiotic therapy has been inducing increasingly more serious bacterial resistance, which makes it urgent to develop new treatment strategies to combat bacteria, including multidrug-resistant bacteria. Natural extracts displaying antibacterial activity and good biocompatibility have attracted much attention due to greater concerns about the safety of synthetic chemicals and emerging drug resistance. These antibacterial components can be isolated and utilized as antimicrobials, as well as transformed, combined, or wrapped with other substances by using modern assistive technologies to fight bacteria synergistically. This review summarizes recent advances in natural extracts from three kinds of sources-plants, animals, and microorganisms-for antibacterial applications. This work discusses the corresponding antibacterial mechanisms and the future development of natural extracts in antibacterial fields.

Anthraquinones against Cryptococcus neoformans sensu stricto: antifungal interaction, biofilm inhibition and pathogenicity in the Caenorhabditis elegans model

Introduction. Cryptococcal biofilms have been associated with persistent infections and antifungal resistance. Therefore, strategies, such as the association of natural compounds and antifungal drugs, have been applied for the prevention of biofilm growth. Moreover, the Caenorhabditis elegans pathogenicity model has been used to investigate the capacity to inhibit the pathogenicity of Cryptococcus neoformans sensu stricto.Hypothesis. Anthraquinones and antifungals are associated with preventing C. neoformans sensu stricto biofilm formation and disrupting these communities. Antraquinones reduced the C. neoformans sensu stricto pathogenicity in the C. elegans model.Aim. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro interaction between aloe emodin, barbaloin or chrysophanol and itraconazole or amphotericin B against growing and mature biofilms of C. neoformans sensu stricto.Methodology. Compounds and antifungal drugs were added during biofilm formation or after 72 h of growth. Then, the metabolic activity was evaluated by the MTT reduction assay, the biomass by crystal-violet staining and the biofilm morphology by confocal laser scanning microscopy. C. neoformans sensu stricto's pathogenicity was investigated using the nematode C. elegans. Finally, pathogenicity inhibition by aloe emodin, barbarloin and chrysophanol was investigated using this model.Results. Anthraquinone-antifungal combinations affected the development of biofilms with a reduction of over 60 % in metabolic activity and above 50 % in biomass. Aloe emodin and barbaloin increased the anti-biofilm activity of antifungal drugs. Chrysophanol potentiated the effect of itraconazole against C. neoformans sensu stricto biofilms. The C. elegans mortality rate reached 76.7 % after the worms were exposed to C. neoformans sensu stricto for 96 h. Aloe emodin, barbaloin and chrysophanol reduced the C. elegans pathogenicity with mortality rates of 61.12 %, 65 % and 53.34 %, respectively, after the worms were exposed for 96 h to C. neoformans sensu stricto and these compounds at same time.Conclusion. These results highlight the potential activity of anthraquinones to increase the effectiveness of antifungal drugs against cryptococcal biofilms.

Microbial responses and changes in metabolic products in bovine uteri infected with Staphylococcus aureus

There is mounting evidence that the uterine microbiota has an important role in the pathogenesis of endometritis, with invasion of pathogenic bacteria being a main cause of uterine microbial imbalance. However, mechanisms of uterine microbiota resistance to pathogen invasion remain unclear. In this study, an intrauterine infusion of Staphylococcus aureus was used as a bovine endometritis model; it significantly increased abundance of pathogenic bacteria (Streptococcus, Helccoccus, Fusobacterium, and Escherichia-Shigella) and significantly decreased abundance of probiotics (Allstipes, Bacteroides, Phascolarctobacterium, Romboutsia, and Prevotella). In addition, the metabolite aloe-emodin was positively correlated with Prevotella and based on combined analyses of omics and probiotics, the presence of its metabolite aloe-emodin in the uterus at least partially resisted Staphylococcus aureus invasion. Therefore, Aloe-emodin has potential for regulating microbial structure and preventing endometritis.

Natural products and derivatives as Japanese encephalitis virus antivirals

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) causes acute Japanese encephalitis (JE) in humans and reproductive disorders in pigs. There are ~68 000 cases of JE worldwide each year, with ~13 600-20 400 deaths. JE infections have a fatality rate of one-third, and half of the survivors experience permanent neurological sequelae. The disease is prevalent throughout the Asia-Pacific region and has the potential to spread globally. JEV poses a serious threat to human life and health, and vaccination is currently the only strategy for long-term sustainable protection against JEV infection. However, licensed JEV vaccines are not effective against all strains of JEV. To date, there are no drugs approved for clinical use, and the development of anti-JEV drugs is urgently needed. Natural products are characterized by a wide range of sources, unique structures, and low prices, and this paper provides an overview of the research and development of anti-JEV bioactive natural products.