Chemical compositions, pharmacological activities, quality control studies of Erycibes plants, and the development of their substitutes

FR429 from Polygonum capitatum Demonstrates Potential as an Anti-hepatic Injury Agent by Modulating PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway

FR429, an ellagitannin isolated and purified from the whole herb Polygonum capitatum (P. capitatum), possesses a robust pharmacological profile, which is particularly noteworthy for its anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. Despite these established effects, its potential in mitigating hepatic injury remains to be fully explored. The present investigation delineates the hepatoprotective efficacy of FR429 and unveils its underlying molecular mechanisms. Initially, of the tested compounds, 10 compounds (specifically, compounds 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, and 14) exhibited significant protective effects at a concentration of 10 μM, elevating HepG2 (human liver cancer cell) cell viability from 43.4 to 70% following carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) exposure. Among them, compounds 2 (FR429, half-maximum effective concentration (EC50) = 6.46 μM) and 6 (2"-O-galloylquercitrin, EC50 = 5.36 μM) demonstrated the highest cytoprotective activities. In the murine model, FR429 dramatically attenuated serum levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase, indicative of its hepatoprotective potential. Histopathological evaluation further substantiated these findings, as FR429 noticeably mitigated CCl4-induced hepatic lesions, involving necrosis, ballooning degeneration, and neutrophil infiltration. Transcriptomic analysis unveiled 178 differentially expressed genes in FR429-treated mice liver tissue, with significant alterations indicative of a hepatoprotective response. Mechanistic investigations revealed that FR429's hepatoprotective effects involve modulation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway, evidenced by downregulation of toll-like receptor 2, phosphorylated PI3K, phosphorylated Akt, nuclear factor-kappa-B, interleukin-1 beta, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha expression. Furthermore, FR429 modulated the gene and protein expression levels of apoptotic markers (apoptotic protein (Bax) and B-lymphoblastoma-2 gene (Bcl2)), reinforcing its anti-hepatic damage efficacy. This study represents the first report establishing FR429 as an effective hepatoprotective compound, paving the way for further investigation into its therapeutic applications.

The genus Porana (Convolvulaceae) - A phytochemical and pharmacological review

There are about 20 species of Porana Burm. f. worldwide in tropical and subtropical Asia, Africa and neighboring islands, Oceania, and the Americas. In China, India, and other places, this genus enjoys a wealth of experience in folk applications. Nevertheless, the chemical composition of only five species has been reported, and 59 compounds have been isolated and identified, including steroids, coumarins, flavonoids, quinic acid derivatives, and amides. Pharmacological studies revealed that extracts from this genus and their bioactive components exhibit anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, anti-gout, anti-cancer, and anti-diabetic effects. Although this genus is abundant, the development of its pharmacological applications remains limited. This review will systematically summarize the traditional and current uses, chemical compositions, and pharmacological activities of various Porana species. Network analysis was introduced to compare and confirm its output with current research progress to explore the potential targets and pathways of chemical components in this genus. We hope to increase understanding of this genus’s medicinal value and suggest directions for rational medicinal development.

Investigation of the active ingredients and pharmacological mechanisms of Porana sinensis Hemsl. Against rheumatoid arthritis using network pharmacology and experimental validation

Background

Porana sinensis Hemsl. has been widely used as a substitute for Erycibes Caulis to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, little is known about the active ingredients and pharmacological mechanisms that mediate the action of P. sinensis against RA.

Methods

The compounds contained in P. sinensis were analyzed by Q Exactive Focus mass spectrometer. The active constituents and pharmacological mechanism of P. sinensis against RA were clarified using a network pharmacology-based investigation. LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells was used to verify anti-inflammatory effects of the active compounds screened by network pharmacology. Collagen-induced arthritis model was used to further investigate the mechanism of P. sinensis against RA.

Results

The potential components and targets of P. sinensis against RA were analyzed using network pharmacology, and five compounds, twenty-five targets, and eight pathways were identified. Experimental validation suggested that P. sinensis extract and five compounds (esculetin, umbelliferone, trans-N-feruloyltyramine, caffeic acid and scopolin) could inhibit the release of inflammatory mediators (NO, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6) in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cell. P. sinensis extract attenuated the severity, pathological changes, and release of cytokines (IL-6 and HIF-1α) during RA progression by regulating the PI3K/AKT and HIF-1 pathways.

Conclusion

The study provides a basis for the application of P. sinensis against RA. Our findings may provide suggestions for developing P. sinensis into a substitute for Erycibes Caulis.