In vitro effects of essential oils fromOstericum koreanum against antibiotic-resistantSalmonella spp

Chemical Constituents from the Roots of Angelica reflexa That Improve Glucose-Stimulated Insulin Secretion by Regulating Pancreatic β-Cell Metabolism

The aim of this study was to discover bioactive constituents of Angelica reflexa that improve glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) in pancreatic β-cells. Herein, three new compounds, namely, koseonolin A (1), koseonolin B (2), and isohydroxylomatin (3), along with 28 compounds (4-31) were isolated from the roots of A. reflexa by chromatographic methods. The chemical structures of new compounds (1-3) were elucidated through spectroscopic/spectrometric methods such as NMR and HRESIMS. In particular, the absolute configuration of the new compounds (1 and 3) was performed by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) studies. The effects of the root extract of A. reflexa (KH2E) and isolated compounds (1-31) on GSIS were detected by GSIS assay, ADP/ATP ratio assay, and Western blot assay. We observed that KH2E enhanced GSIS. Among the compounds 1-31, isohydroxylomatin (3), (-)-marmesin (17), and marmesinin (19) increased GSIS. In particular, marmesinin (19) was the most effective; this effect was superior to treatment with gliclazide. GSI values were: 13.21 ± 0.12 and 7.02 ± 0.32 for marmesinin (19) and gliclazide at a same concentration of 10 μM, respectively. Gliclazide is often performed in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). KH2E and marmesinin (19) enhanced the protein expressions associated with pancreatic β-cell metabolism such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1, and insulin receptor substrate-2. The effect of marmesinin (19) on GSIS was improved by an L-type Ca²⁺ channel agonist and K+ channel blocker and was inhibited by an L-type Ca²⁺ channel blocker and K⁺ channel activator. Marmesinin (19) may improve hyperglycemia by enhancing GSIS in pancreatic β-cells. Thus, marmesinin (19) may have potential use in developing novel anti-T2D therapy. These findings promote the potential application of marmesinin (19) toward the management of hyperglycemia in T2D.

Falcarindiol Stimulates Apoptotic and Autophagic Cell Death to Attenuate Cell Proliferation, Cell Division, and Metastasis through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR/p70S6K Pathway in Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas

Human oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) have high cancer mortality and a 5-year survival rate lower than that of most other carcinomas. New therapeutic strategies are required for the treatment and prevention against OSCCs. An approach to cancer therapy using plant-derived natural compounds has been actively in progress as a trend. Falcarindiol (FALC), or its isolated form Ostericum koreanum Kitagawa (O. koreanum), is present in many food and dietary plants, especially in carrots, and this compound has a variety of beneficial effects. However, biological activity of FALC has not been reported in OSCCs yet. This study aimed to demonstrate the antitumor effects of FALC against OSCCs, YD-10B cells. In this study, FALC was selected as a result of screening for compounds isolated from various natural products in YD-10B cells. FALC suppressed cell growth, and FALC-induced apoptotic cell death was mainly accompanied by the dephosphorylation of PI3K, AKT, mTOR, and p70S6K. The apoptotic cell death was also associated with autophagy as evidenced by the expression of Beclin-1, the conversion of LC3-II, and the formation of autophagosome. FALC-induced autophagy was accompanied by MAPKs including ERK1/2 and p38. Furthermore, FALC caused the antimetastatic effects by inhibiting the migration and invasion of YD-10B cells. Taken together, the findings suggest the potential value of FALC as a novel candidate for therapeutic strategy against OSCCs.

An Efficient Ionic Liquid-Mediated Extraction and Enrichment of Isoimperatorin from Ostericum koreanum (Max.) Kitagawa

Ionic liquids (ILs) have attracted significant interest because of their desirable properties. These characteristics have improved their application to overcome the shortcomings of conventional separation techniques for phytochemicals. In this study, several ILs were investigated for their capacity to extract isoimperatorin, a bioactive furanocoumarin, from the roots of Ostericum koreanum. Herein, 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([Bmim][BF4]) was selected as a promising IL for separating isoimperatorin. A central composite design was applied to optimize the extraction conditions. Under the optimal conditions, the yield of isoimperatorin reached 97.17 ± 1.84%. Additionally, the recovery of isoimperatorin from the [Bmim][BF4] solution was successfully achieved (87.73 ± 2.37%) by crystallization using water as an antisolvent. The purity of the isoimperatorin was greatly enhanced, from 0.26 ± 0.28% in the raw material to 26.94 ± 1.26% in the product, in a one-step crystallization process. Namely, an enhancement of approximately 103-folds was reached. The developed approach overcomes the shortcomings of conventional separation methods applied for gaining isoimperatorin by significantly reducing the laboriousness of the process and the consumption of volatile organic solvents. Moreover, the simplicity and effectiveness of the method are assumed to be valuable for producing isoimperatorin-enriched products and for promoting its purification. This work also confirms the efficiency of ILs as a promising material for the separation of phytochemicals.

Pharmacological Role of Ostericum koreanum: A Short Viewpoint

Ostericum koreanum Maxim., a perennial medicinal plant native to Asian countries, is traditionally exploited in Korean Oriental and Chinese Herbal Medicine. It has been used in the treatment of neuralgia, respiratory problems, and joint pain due to its rich content of phytochemicals. Therefore, the significant role of compounds present in O. koreanum should not be overlooked to explore and develop drugs against diseases. The purpose of this review is to provide a reference for researchers and to describe the phytochemical constituents and pharmacological activity of O. koreanum. In this mini review, we have collected the data from 1980 to 2020 regarding the phytochemicals present and pharmacological activities of this plant. Our findings indicated that this plant possesses a rich source of phytochemicals that have significant pharmacological activities, such as anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, anti-influenza, anti-cancer, and neuroprotective. These phytochemicals have promising pharmacological activity which should be further explored for the treatment of various diseases.

The Natural Products Targeting on Allergic Rhinitis: From Traditional Medicine to Modern Drug Discovery

More than 500 million people suffer from allergic rhinitis (AR) in the world. Current treatments include oral antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroids; however, they often cause side effects and are unsuitable for long-term exposure. Natural products could work as a feasible alternative, and this study aimed to review the efficacies and mechanisms of natural substances in AR therapies by examining previous literature. Fifty-seven studies were collected and classified into plants, fungi, and minerals decoction; clinical trials were organized separately. The majority of the natural products showed their efficacies by two mechanisms: anti-inflammation regulating diverse mediators and anti-oxidation controlling the activity of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NFκB) pathway stimulated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). The main AR factors modified by natural products included interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-13, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), and phospho-ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2). Although further studies are required to verify their efficacies and safeties, natural products can significantly contribute to the treatment of AR.

Antimicrobial Effects of Chemical Compounds Isolated from Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine (TCHM) Against Drug-Resistant Bacteria: A Review Paper

Infectious diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria seriously threaten human lives. Although antibiotic therapy is effective in the treatment of bacterial infections, the overuse of antibiotics has led to an increased risk of antibiotic resistance, putting forward urgent requirements for novel antibacterial drugs. Traditional Chinese herbal medicine (TCHM) and its constituents are considered to be potential sources of new antimicrobial agents. Currently, a series of chemical compounds purified from TCHM have been reported to fight against infections by drug-resistant bacteria. In this review, we summarized the recent findings on TCHM-derived compounds treating drug-resistant bacterial infections. Further studies are still needed for the discovery of potential antibacterial components from TCHM.

Evaluation of efficacy of the essential oil from Ostericum viridiflorum (Turcz.) Kitagawa in control of stored product insects

The natural and ecologically safe control of stored product insects has gained considerable attention in modern society. In this study of further searching for botanical pesticides from wild-growing plant, the contact toxicity and repellency towards Tribolium castaneum and Liposcelis bostrychophila were assessed for the essential oil (EO) from Ostericum viridiflorum. The EO was distilled from aboveground parts of O. viridiflorum and checked by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Twenty-two compounds were identified and the main components were β-caryophyllene (24.3%), α-humulene (21.0%), apiol (10.2%), and carotol (2.5%). For bioactivity tests, results indicated that the EO and its two main compounds (β-caryophyllene and α-humulene) all showed potent contact toxicity towards L. bostrychophila with LD₅₀ values of 44.52 μg/cm², 74.11 μg/cm², and 118.56 μg/cm², respectively. The EO and the two main compounds also exhibited comparable repellency towards T. castaneum and L. bostrychophila. The results evidenced the EO of O. viridiflorum aboveground parts and its major compounds could be considered for the development of eco-friendly botanical insecticides and repellents in controlling stored product insects.

Eupatilin suppresses the allergic inflammatory response in vitro and in vivo

INTRODUCTION

Eupatilin, a pharmacologically active ingredient found in Artemisia asiatica, has been reported to have anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities. However, molecular mechanisms underlying its anti-allergic properties are not yet clear. In this study, we investigated the effects of eupatilin on allergic inflammation in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate plus calcium ionophore A23187 (PMACI)-stimulated human mast cells and a compound 48/80-induced anaphylactic shock model.

METHODS

Cytokine assays, histamine assays, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis, western blot analysis and compound 48/80-induced anaphylactic shock model were used in this study.

RESULTS

Eupatilin significantly suppresses the expression and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-6 in vitro and in vivo. In addition, eupatilin inhibits nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation by regulating the phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα via the Akt/IKK(α/β) pathway. Eupatilin treatment also attenuates the phosphorylation of p38, ERK, and JNK MAPKs. Furthermore, eupatilin blocked anaphylactic shock and decreased the release of histamine.

CONCLUSIONS

Anti-allergic inflammation may involve the expression and production of regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines via Akt/IKK(α/β) and MAPK activation of NF-κB. On the basis of these data, eupatilin is a potential candidate for the treatment of allergic diseases.

Ostericum koreanum Reduces LPS-Induced Bone Loss Through Inhibition of Osteoclastogenesis

The roots of Ostericum koreanum (OK) Maximowicz have traditionally been used to produce an herbal medicine reported to possess anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, antimicrobial, and antitumor activities; however, its effect on bone metabolism has not yet been reported. The present study examined the effects of OK extract on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced bone loss in mice by investigating bone structure and the levels of the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in serum and bone marrow fluid (BMF). The effects of OK extract on osteoclastogenesis were also investigated in mouse bone marrow macrophages by examining the formation of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive cells, the actin ring, and bone resorption activity. OK reduced LPS-induced bone destruction in vivo via a decrease in the RANKL/OPG ratio. Furthermore, it suppressed the formation of TRAP-positive cells and the actin ring, and reduced the bone-resorbing activity of mature osteoclasts. OK also significantly down-regulated the expression of various osteoclast-specific genes. However, it did not affect osteoblast differentiation, or the expression of genes involved in this process. These results demonstrated that OK prevented LPS-induced bone loss by decreasing the RANKL/OPG ratio in serum and BMF, and inhibited osteoclast differentiation and function, suggesting that OK represents a potential therapeutic drug for the treatment of osteoclast-associated bone diseases.

Effect of Chicoric Acid on Mast Cell-Mediated Allergic Inflammation in Vitro and in Vivo

Chicoric acid (dicaffeoyl-tartaric acid), is a natural phenolic compound found in a number of plants, such as chicory (Cichorium intybus) and Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea), which possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and analgesic activities. Although these biological effects of chicoric acid have been investigated, there are no reports of its antiallergic-related anti-inflammatory effects in human mast cells (HMC)-1 or anaphylactic activity in a mouse model. Therefore, we investigated the antiallergic-related anti-inflammatory effect of chicoric acid and its underlying mechanisms of action using phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate plus calcium ionophore A23187 (PMACI)-stimulated HMC-1 cells. Chicoric acid decreased the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β. We studied the inhibitory effects of chicoric acid on the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and activation of caspase-1. However, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation was not sufficient to abrogate the stimulus. In addition, we investigated the ability of chicoric acid to inhibit compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylaxis in vivo. Oral administration of chicoric acid at 20 mg/kg inhibited histamine release and protected mice against compound 48/80-induced anaphylactic mortality. These results suggest that chicoric acid has an antiallergic-related anti-inflammatory effect that involves modulating mast cell-mediated allergic responses. Therefore, chicoric acid could be an efficacious agent for allergy-related inflammatory disorders.

Comparative pharmacokinetics of a marker compound, baicalin in KOB extract after oral administration to normal and allergic-induced rats

KOB extracts are a polyherbal medicine had been prescribed for the treatment of hyperhydrosis and allergic diseases such as allergic asthma and rhinitis in oriental clinics. Therefore, the pharmacokinetic studies of the KOB extract administered orally to normal rats and rhinitis-induced rats to understand the correlation of the efficacy and plasma concentration of KOB in patients of allergic rhinitis in future were performed. The study was conducted according to administration for pure baicalin in normal rats, baicalin in KOB extract in normal rats and rhinitis-induced rats. Baicalin in rat plasma was analyzed and validated by HPLC analysis. The interday precision based on the standard deviation of replicates of quality control samples ranged from 3.6% to 7.9% with accuracy ranging from 92.9% to 101.2% for baicalin. Based on validated analysis, pharmacokinetic study was carried out. Pure baicalin in normal rats and baicalin in KOB extract in normal rats showed bimodal curves due to direct absorption and glucuronidation. The Tmax, Cmax and AUC of pure baicalin in normal rats or baicalin in KOB extract in normal rats were 12 h, 0.68 µg/ml and 9.85 µg h/ml, respectively, or 12 h, 0.46 µg/ml and 6.36 µg h/ml, respectively. The analytical method showed excellent sensitivity, precision and accuracy, being successfully employed in a pharmacokinetic study of polyherbal medicine, KOB extract. Allergic-induced condition did not affect the pharmacokinetics of KOB extracts, suggesting KOB extracts did not require dosage adjustment in subjects with allergic-induced diseases.

Food protective effects of the active constituent isolated from Ostericum praeteritum against the stored food mite, Tyrophagus putrescentiae

The acaricidal effects of the active constituent isolated from Ostericum praeteritum oil and its derivatives were compared with that of benzyl benzoate using fumigant and contact toxicity bioassays against Tyrophagus putrescentiae mites. The active compound of O. praeteritum was isolated by various chromatographic techniques and was identified as 3-methylphenol (C7H8O). On the basis of 50 % lethal dose values, 3-methylphenol (1.42 μg/cm(2)) was determined to be 9.18 times more effective than benzyl benzoate (13.04 μg/cm(2)), followed by 6-fluoro-3-methylphenol (2.18 μg/cm(2)), 4-isopropyl-3-methylphenol (2.53 μg/ cm(2)), and 6-chloro-3-methylphenol (4.03 μg/cm(2)), against Tyrophagus putrescentiae mites in the fumigant bioassay. In the contact toxicity bioassay, 3-methylphenol (1.03 μg/cm(2)) was the most-toxic compound against T. putrescentiae mites, followed by 6-fluoro-3-methylphenol (2.09 μg/cm(2)), 4-isopropyl-3-methylphenol (2.11 μg/cm(2)), 6-chloro-3-methylphenol (3.78 μg/cm(2)), and benzyl benzoate (10.33 μg/cm(2)). These results indicate that the introduction of chloro, isopropyl, and fluoro functional groups to the 3-methylphenol skeleton increased the acaricidal activity. Therefore, 3-methylphenol and its derivatives could potentially be used as natural acaricides against T. purescentiae.

Vasorelaxant effect of osterici radix ethanol extract on rat aortic rings

The root of Ostericum koreanum Maximowicz has been used as a traditional medicine called “Kanghwal” in Korea (or “Qianghuo” in China). The purpose of this study was to investigate the vasorelaxant activity and mechanism of action of an ethanol extract of the O. koreanum root (EOK). We used isolated rat aortic rings to assess the effects of EOK on various vasorelaxant or vasoconstriction factors. EOK induced vasorelaxation in phenylephrine hydrochloride (PE) or KCl precontracted aortic rings in a concentration-dependent manner. However, the vasorelaxant effects of EOK on endothelium-intact aortic rings were reduced by pretreatment with L-NAME or methylene blue. In Ca²⁺-free Krebs-Henseleit solution, pretreatment with EOK (0.3 mg/mL) completely inhibited PE-induced constriction. In addition, EOK (0.3 mg/mL) also completely inhibited vasoconstriction induced by supplemental Ca²⁺ in aortic rings that were precontracted with PE or KCl. Furthermore, the EOK-induced vasorelaxation in PE-contracted aortic rings was inhibited by preincubation with nifedipine. These results indicate that the vasorelaxant effects of EOK are responsible for the induction of NO formation from L-Arg and NO-cGMP pathways, blockage of the extracellular Ca²⁺ entry via the receptor-operative Ca²⁺ channel and voltage-dependent calcium channel, and blockage of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ release via the inositol triphosphate pathway.

Effect of KOB03, a polyherbal medicine, on ovalbumin-induced allergic rhinitis in guinea pigs

BACKGROUND

KOB03 is a polyherbal medicine that originated from the oriental prescription for the treatment of chronic allergic diseases such as rhinitis and asthma. This study aims to evaluate the effect of KOB03 on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic rhinitis (AR) in guinea pigs.

METHODS

Hartley guinea pigs were sensitized to OVA by intraperitoneal injection on days 0, 7, and 14 and challenged with intranasal exposure to OVA three times for 7 days after the last sensitization. KOB03 at doses of 200 and 500 mg/kg were orally administrated to guinea pigs once daily during challenge. The serum levels of histamine, OVA-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and cytokines (TNF-α, IL-4 and IFN-γ) in OVA sensitization/challenge-induced AR guinea pigs were measured. We also observed histological changes in nasal tissues of AR guinea pigs by staining with H&E, Periodic acid-Schiff, and toluidine blue.

RESULTS

The administration of KOB03 at a dose of 500 mg/kg significantly decreased the serum levels of histamine (P = 0.001), OVA-specific IgE (P = 0.0017), ECP (P = 0.008), and TNF-α (P = 0.0003) in OVA-sensitized/challenged guinea pigs compared with controls. KOB03 significantly decreased the serum levels of a Th2 cytokine, IL-4 (P = 0.017), while significantly increasing the levels of a Th1 cytokine, IFN-γ (P = 0.0006) in OVA-sensitized/challenged guinea pigs compared with controls. In addition, KOB03 suppressed the epithelial destruction, goblet cell hyperplasia and eosinophilic infiltration into nasal mucosa associated with AR.

CONCLUSION

KOB03 may regulate allergic inflammation in AR by inhibiting nasal damage, the release of allergic mediators and modulating the balance of Th1/Th2 cytokines.

Antiallergic effect of KOB03, a polyherbal medicine, on mast cell-mediated allergic responses in ovalbumin-induced allergic rhinitis mouse and human mast cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

KOB03 is a polyherbal medicine consisting of five different herbs and has commonly been used for the treatment of various allergic diseases. However, its precise anti-allergic effect and mechanism remain unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of KOB03 on allergic responses through the regulation of mast-cell mediated allergic inflammation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To determine the effect of KOB03 on mast cell-mediated allergic reactions, we investigated the parameter changes of in vivo models such as compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylaxis and ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic rhinitis, and the release of allergic inflammatory mediators such as histamine, immunoglobulin (Ig) E, and inflammatory cytokines via the MAPKs and NF-kappaB pathways.

RESULTS

The oral administration of KOB03 at doses of 100 and 200mg/kg inhibited histamine release and mortality in compound 48/80-induced anaphylactic rats. KOB03 also improved rhinitis symptoms, inhibited the histopathological changes of nasal mucosa, and decreased the serum levels of histamine, OVA-specific IgE and TNF-α in OVA-induced allergic rhinitis in mice. In vitro, KOB03 suppressed compound 48/80-induced histamine release by blocking mast cell degranulation. In addition, KOB03 inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 in PMA/A23187-stimulated HMC-1 mast cells by suppressing their gene expression and blocking the ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK and NF-κB pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that KOB03 has an anti-allergic effect by modulating mast cell-mediated allergic responses in allergic rhinitis.

Simultaneous analysis of six major compounds in Osterici Radix and Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix by HPLC and discrimination of their origins from chemical fingerprint analysis

Osterici Radix, the dried roots of Ostericum koreanum Maximowicz, has long been used to treat cold, headache and arthralgia in Chinese medicine. Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix, the dried rhizomes and roots of Notopterygium incisum Ting et H.T. Chang or Notopterygium forbesii Boiss (family: Umbelliferae), are well-known traditional Chinese medicines. These all herbal medicines were named kangwhoal in China, Japan and Korea. However no discrimination methods for the origin and no simultaneous analysis methods for bioactive components are currently available. We developed simultaneous analysis of six biomarkers including nodakenin (1), oxypeucedanin (2), bisabolangelone (3), notopterol (4), imperatorin (5), and isoimperatorin (6) using HPLC method. HPLC chromatographic separation was conducted with C18 column and mobile phase of acetonitrile (A) - water (B) (gradient, (A) 35%-65% (30 min)). The analytical condition was validated with specificity, selectivity, linearity (correlation coefficients of all bio marker were more than 0.999.), recovery (94.9-106.8%), precision and accuracy (intra and inter RSD < 2.99%). In addition, principal component analysis and cluster analysis was performed on analytical data of 38 commercial kangwhoal samples from different places. We confirmed to classify kangwhoal origins and this study was applied to quality evaluation and chemotaxonomy of medicinal herbs.