1
|
Li Z, Li J, Li Y, Guo L, Xu P, Du H, Lin N, Xu Y. The role of Cistanches Herba and its ingredients in improving reproductive outcomes: A comprehensive review. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 129:155681. [PMID: 38718638 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility patients account for an astonishing proportion of individuals worldwide. Due to its complex etiology and challenging treatment, infertility has imposed significant psychological and economic burdens on many patients. C. Herba (Cistanche tubulosa (Schenk) Wight and Cistanche deserticola Ma), renowned as one of the most prominent Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs), is abundant in diverse bioactive compounds that exhibit therapeutic effects on many diseases related to oxidative stress (OS) and disorders of sex hormone levels. OBJECTIVE Due to the limited drugs currently used in clinical practice to improve reproductive outcomes and their inevitable side effects, developing safe and effective new medications for infertility is of significance. This article comprehensively reviewed the phytochemicals of C. Herba, focusing on their efficacy and mechanisms on infertility and their safety for the first time, aiming to offer valuable insights for the development and application of C. Herba, and for developing novel strategies for treating infertility. METHODS We used "Cistanche" and its known bioactive components in combination with "sperm", "testicles", "epididymis", "ovaries", "uterus", and "infertility" as keywords to search in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and CNKI up to November 2023. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guideline was followed. RESULTS The therapeutic effects of C. Herba on infertility are mainly attributed to echinacoside (ECH), verbascoside (VB), salidroside (SAL), polysaccharides, and betaine. They can effectively improve spermatogenic dysfunction, gonadal dysfunction and erectile dysfunction (ED) by exerting anti-oxidation, sex hormones regulation and anti-hypoxia. Moreover, they can also improve premature ovarian failure (POF), ovarian and uterine cancer, oocyte maturation by exerting anti-oxidation, anti-apoptosis, and anti-cancer. C. Herba and its active ingredients also exhibit pleasing safety. CONCLUSION C. Herba is a promising source of natural medicine for infertility. Additionally, compared to current therapeutic drugs, its favorable safety also supports its development as a nutritional supplement. However, high-quality clinical studies are required to validate its effectiveness for the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zehui Li
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Jiashan Li
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Li Guo
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Panyu Xu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Hanqian Du
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Na Lin
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ahmadi F, Kariman K, Mousavi M, Rengel Z. Echinacea: Bioactive Compounds and Agronomy. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1235. [PMID: 38732450 PMCID: PMC11085449 DOI: 10.3390/plants13091235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
For centuries, medicinal plants have been used as sources of remedies and treatments for various disorders and diseases. Recently, there has been renewed interest in these plants due to their potential pharmaceutical properties, offering natural alternatives to synthetic drugs. Echinacea, among the world's most important medicinal plants, possesses immunological, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Nevertheless, there is a notable lack of thorough information regarding the echinacea species, underscoring the vital need for a comprehensive review paper to consolidate existing knowledge. The current review provides a thorough analysis of the existing knowledge on recent advances in understanding the physiology, secondary metabolites, agronomy, and ecology of echinacea plants, focusing on E. purpurea, E. angustifolia, and E. pallida. Pharmacologically advantageous effects of echinacea species on human health, particularly distinguished for its ability to safeguard the nervous system and combat cancer, are discussed. We also highlight challenges in echinacea research and provide insights into diverse approaches to boost the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites of interest in echinacea plants and optimize their large-scale farming. Various academic databases were employed to carry out an extensive literature review of publications from 2001 to 2024. The medicinal properties of echinacea plants are attributed to diverse classes of compounds, including caffeic acid derivatives (CADs), chicoric acid, echinacoside, chlorogenic acid, cynarine, phenolic and flavonoid compounds, polysaccharides, and alkylamides. Numerous critical issues have emerged, including the identification of active metabolites with limited bioavailability, the elucidation of specific molecular signaling pathways or targets linked to echinacoside effects, and the scarcity of robust clinical trials. This raises the overarching question of whether scientific inquiry can effectively contribute to harnessing the potential of natural compounds. A systematic review and analysis are essential to furnish insights and lay the groundwork for future research endeavors focused on the echinacea natural products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Ahmadi
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia; (K.K.); (M.M.); (Z.R.)
| | - Khalil Kariman
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia; (K.K.); (M.M.); (Z.R.)
| | - Milad Mousavi
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia; (K.K.); (M.M.); (Z.R.)
| | - Zed Rengel
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia; (K.K.); (M.M.); (Z.R.)
- Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation, 21000 Split, Croatia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wei J, Zheng Z, Hou X, Jia F, Yuan Y, Yuan F, He F, Hu L, Zhao L. Echinacoside inhibits colorectal cancer metastasis via modulating the gut microbiota and suppressing the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 318:116866. [PMID: 37429503 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Echinacoside (ECH) is the dominant phenylethanoid glycoside-structured compound identified from our developed herbal formula Huangci granule, which has been previously reported to inhibit the invasion and metastasis of CRC and prolong patients' disease-free survival duration. Though ECH has inhibitory activity against aggressive colorectal cancer (CRC) cells, its anti-metastasis effect in vivo and the action mechanism is undetermined. Given that ECH has an extremely low bioavailability and gut microbiota drives the CRC progression, we hypothesized that ECH could inhibit metastatic CRC by targeting the gut microbiome. AIM OF THE STUDY The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of ECH on colorectal cancer liver metastasis in vivo and its potential mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS An intrasplenic injection-induced liver metastatic model was established to examine the efficiency of ECH on tumor metastasis in vivo. Fecal microbiota from the model group and the ECH group were separately transplanted into pseudo-sterile CRLM mice in order to verify the role of gut flora in the ECH anti-metastatic effect. The 16S rRNA gene sequence was applied to analyze the structure and composition of the gut microbiota after ECH intervention, and the effect of ECH on short-chain fatty acid (SCFAs)-producing bacteria growth was proven by anaerobic culturing in vitro. GC-MS was applied to quantitatively analyze the serum SCFAs levels in mice. RNA-seq was performed to detect the gene changes involving tumor-promoting signaling pathway. RESULTS ECH inhibited CRC metastasis in a dose-dependent manner in the metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) mouse model. Manipulation of gut bacteria in the mCRC mouse model further proved that SCFA-generating gut bacteria played an indispensable role in mediating the antimetastatic action of ECH. Under an anaerobic condition, ECH benefited SCFA-producing microbiota without affecting the total bacterial load, presenting a dose-dependent promotion on the growth of a butyrate producer, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (F.p). Furthermore, ECH-reshaped or F.p-colonized microbiota with a high butyrate-producing capability inhibited liver metastasis by suppressing PI3K/AKT signaling and reversing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, whereas this anti-metastatic ability was abrogated by the butyrate synthase inhibitor heptanoyl-CoA. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that ECH exhibits oral anti-metastatic efficacy by facilitating butyrate-producing gut bacteria, which downregulates PI3K/AKT signaling and EMT. It hints at a novel role for ECH in CRC therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Wei
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zongmei Zheng
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinxin Hou
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fengjing Jia
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fuwen Yuan
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng He
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Liang Hu
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ling Zhao
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Liang H, Yin G, Shi G, Liu Z, Liu X, Li J. Echinacoside regulates PI3K/AKT/HIF-1α/VEGF cross signaling axis in proliferation and apoptosis of breast cancer. Anal Biochem 2024; 684:115360. [PMID: 37865269 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2023.115360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Echinacoside (ECH) is a natural anti-cancer compound and is of great value in cancer treatment. However, the mechanism underlying this effect on breast cancer (BC) was unclear. OBJECTIVE To explore the mechanism of ECH treating BC by network pharmacology and experimental validation. MATERIALS & METHODS Several databases were searched to screen potential targets of ECH and obtain information on targets related to BC. STRING was applied to construct a Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. DAVID was applied for Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis. Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) was searched for the relationship between the expression profile and overall survival of major targets in normal breast and BC tissues. Finally, the results of network pharmacology analysis were validated by experiments. RESULTS Seventeen targets of ECH overlapped with targets in BC. Ten hub targets were determined through PPI. By GO and KEGG analysis 15 entries and 25 pathways were obtained, in which phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT), hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) played greater roles. Validation of key targets in the GEPIA database showed that PIK3R1 and PIK3CD remained consistent with the results of the study. Experiments in vitro showed ECH inhibited proliferation, induced apoptosis and reduced mRNA levels and protein expression of PI3K, AKT, hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) in MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, experiments in vivo revealed that ECH significantly reduced tumor growth, promoted apoptosis and decreased the related mRNA levels and protein expression, suggesting ECH works on BC by regulating PI3K/AKT/HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway. DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION In summary, ECH played an important role in anti-BC by regulating PI3K/AKT/HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway. Furthermore, ECH had multi-target and multi-pathway effects, which may be a promising natural compound for treating BC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongyi Liang
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoliang Yin
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangxi Shi
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiyong Liu
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaofei Liu
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jingwei Li
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wang W, Jiang S, Zhao Y, Zhu G. Echinacoside: A promising active natural products and pharmacological agents. Pharmacol Res 2023; 197:106951. [PMID: 37804927 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Echinacoside, a natural phenylethanoid glycoside, was discovered and isolated from the garden plant Echinacea angustifolia DC., belonging to the Compositae family, approximately sixty years ago. Extensive investigations have revealed that it possesses a wide array of pharmacologically beneficial activities for human health, particularly notable for its neuroprotective and anticancer activity. Several crucial concerns surfaced, encompassing the recognition of active metabolites that exhibited inadequate bioavailability in their prototype form, the establishment of precise molecular signal pathways or targets associated with the aforementioned effects of echinacoside, and the scarcity of dependable clinical trials. Hence, the question remains unanswered as to whether scientific research can effectively utilize this natural compound. To support future studies on this natural product, it is imperative to provide a systematic overview and insights into potential future prospects. The current review provides a comprehensive analysis of the existing knowledge on echinacoside, encompassing its wide distribution, structural diversity and metabolism, diverse therapeutic applications, and improvement of echinacoside bioavailability for its potential utilization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wang Wang
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Shujun Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
| | - Guoxue Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chen Y, Wang Y, Song S, Zhang X, Wu L, Wu J, Li X. Topical Application of Baicalin Combined with Echinacoside Ameliorates Psoriatic Skin Lesions by Suppressing the Inflammation-Related TNF Signaling Pathway and the Angiogenesis-Related VEGF Signaling Pathway. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:40260-40276. [PMID: 37929119 PMCID: PMC10620902 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c04281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Baicalin (BAI), the main active component of Scutellaria baicalensis, has significant anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. Echinacoside (ECH), an active component from Echinacea purpurea, has significant antiangiogenesis and antioxidant effects. In previous studies, BAI or ECH has been used for some skin inflammation problems by topical treatment. Psoriasis (PSO) is a common inflammatory skin disease with typical features such as excessive inflammatory response and vascular proliferation in skin lesions. Because of the anti-inflammatory effect of BAI and the antiangiogenic activity of ECH, it is proposed that the combination of BAI and ECH can ameliorate psoriatic skin lesions better than a single component. This study aims to explore the effects and potential mechanisms of BAI combined with ECH on imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriatic skin lesions by topical treatment. Transcriptome analysis first showed that the TNF signaling pathway and the VEGF signaling pathway were significantly enriched in IMQ-induced psoriatic skin lesions. Topical application of BAI combined with ECH could ameliorate IMQ-induced skin lesions in mice, especially the better effects of B2-E1 (BAI/ECH = 2:1). Network pharmacology analysis and molecular docking indicated that BAI-treated PSO on the skin by regulating the TNF signaling pathway, and ECH treated PSO on the skin by regulating the VEGF signaling pathway. Meanwhile, the ELISA test and the qPCR assay showed that BAI combined with ECH could inhibit the expression of key cytokines and genes related to the TNF signaling pathway and the VEGF signaling pathway. Zebrafish experiments demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic effects of BAI combined with ECH and revealed the potential mechanisms associated with regulating the inflammation-related TNF signaling pathway and the angiogenesis-related VEGF signaling pathway. This suggested that BAI combined with ECH may be a promising topical agent to ameliorate psoriatic skin lesions in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Chen
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union
Medical College, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Yongfang Wang
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union
Medical College, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Shasha Song
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union
Medical College, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union
Medical College, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Lili Wu
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union
Medical College, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Jianbing Wu
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union
Medical College, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union
Medical College, Nanjing 210042, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Guo A, Lin J, Zhong P, Chen J, Wang L, Lin X, Feng M. Phellopterin attenuates ovarian cancer proliferation and chemoresistance by inhibiting the PU.1/CLEC5A/PI3K-AKT feedback loop. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2023; 477:116691. [PMID: 37708916 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2023.116691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is known as the second leading cause of gynecologic cancer-associated deaths in women worldwide. Developing new and effective compounds to alleviate chemoresistance is an urgent priority in ovarian cancer. Here, we aimed to reveal the biological function and underlying mechanisms of phellopterin, a naturally sourced ingredient of Angelica dahurica, in ovarian cancer progression as well as evaluate the therapeutic potential of phellopterin in ovarian cancer patients. In this investigation, we found that phellopterin mitigated DNA replication and induced cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and DNA damage, attenuating cell proliferation and chemoresistance of ovarian cancer. Interestingly, bioinformatics analyses of data from our RNA sequencing and The Cancer Genome Atlas ovarian cancer dataset suggested that phellopterin presented anti-cancer activities in ovarian cancer cells by modulating signals affecting ovarian cancer progression and identified phellopterin as a potential compound in improving ovarian cancer patients' prognosis. In addition, the C-Type Lectin Domain Containing 5A (CLEC5A) was demonstrated as a downstream effector of phellopterin and involved in a positive PU.1/CLEC5A/PI3K-AKT feedback loop. Interestingly, phellopterin might inactivate the positive feedback circuit to suppress ovarian cancer progression. Collectively, our investigation revealed that phellopterin mitigated ovarian cancer proliferation and chemoresistance through suppressing the PU.1/CLEC5A/PI3K-AKT feedback loop, and predicted phellopterin as a new and effective cytotoxic drug and CLEC5A as a potential target for the treatment of ovarian cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aihua Guo
- Department of Gynecology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou 350014, China
| | - Jie Lin
- Department of Gynecology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou 350014, China
| | - Peilin Zhong
- Department of Gynecology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou 350014, China
| | - Jiyun Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou 350014, China
| | - Linghua Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou 350014, China
| | - Xiurong Lin
- Department of Gynecology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou 350014, China
| | - Mei Feng
- Department of Gynecology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou 350014, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Cai J, Hu Q, He Z, Chen X, Wang J, Yin X, Ma X, Zeng J. Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi and Their Natural Flavonoid Compounds in the Treatment of Ovarian Cancer: A Review. Molecules 2023; 28:5082. [PMID: 37446743 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28135082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most common types of cancer in women with a high mortality rate, and the treatment of OC is prone to high recurrence rates and side effects. Scutellaria baicalensis (SB) is a herbal medicine with good anti-cancer activity, and several studies have shown that SB and its flavonoids have some anti-OC properties. This paper elucidated the common pathogenesis of OC, including cell proliferation and cell cycle regulation, cell invasion and metastasis, apoptosis and autophagy, drug resistance and angiogenesis. The mechanisms of SB and its flavonoids, wogonin, baicalein, baicalin, Oroxylin A, and scutellarein, in the treatment of OC, are revealed, such as wogonin inhibits proliferation, induces apoptosis, inhibits invasion and metastasis, and increases the cytotoxicity of the drug. Baicalein also inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression etc. Analyzing their advantages and disadvantages in treating OC provides a new perspective on the role of SB and its flavonoids in OC treatment. It serves as a resource for future OC research and development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiaying Cai
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China
| | - Qichao Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Zhelin He
- Endoscopy Center, Guang'an Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guang'an 638000, China
| | - Xiaoyan Chen
- Endoscopy Center, Guang'an Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guang'an 638000, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Endoscopy Center, Guang'an Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guang'an 638000, China
| | - Xiang Yin
- Endoscopy Center, Guang'an Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guang'an 638000, China
| | - Xiao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Jinhao Zeng
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Liu XT, Sun DM, Yu WX, Lin WX, Liu LY, Zeng Y. A Novel Strategy for Screening Active Components in Cistanche tubulosa Based on Spectrum-Effect Relationship Analysis and Network Pharmacology. JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL METHODS IN CHEMISTRY 2023; 2023:9030015. [PMID: 36760656 PMCID: PMC9904937 DOI: 10.1155/2023/9030015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Cistanche tubulosa (Schenk) R. Wight is a valuable herbal medicine in China. The study aimed to explore the potential mechanisms of C. tubulosa on antioxidant activity using spectrum-effect relationship and network pharmacology and the possibilities of utilizing herbal dregs. In this work, different extracts of C. tubulosa, including herbal materials, water extracts, and herbal residues, were evaluated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technology. In addition, the antioxidant activities were estimated in vitro, including 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl; superoxide anion; and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays. The spectrum-effect relationships between the HPLC fingerprints and the biological capabilities were analyzed via partial least squares regression, bivariate correlation analysis, and redundancy analysis. Furthermore, network pharmacology was used to predict potential mechanisms of C. tubulosa in the treatment of antioxidant-related diseases. According to the results, eleven common peaks were shared by different extracts. Geniposidic acid, echinacoside, verbascoside, tubuloside A, and isoacteoside were quantified and compared among different forms of C. tubulosa. The spectrum-effect relationship study indicated that peak A 6 might be the most decisive component among the three forms. Based on network pharmacology, there were 159 target genes shared by active components and antioxidant-related diseases. Targets related to antioxidant activity and relevant pathways were discussed. Our results provide a theoretical basis for recycling the herbal residues and the potential mechanisms of C. tubulosa in the treatment of antioxidant-related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Tong Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Dong-Mei Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Granule, Guangdong E-Fong Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Foshan 528244, China
| | - Wen-Xin Yu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Wei-Xiong Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Granule, Guangdong E-Fong Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Foshan 528244, China
| | - Liao-Yuan Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Granule, Guangdong E-Fong Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Foshan 528244, China
| | - Yu Zeng
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Shi S, Qin Y, Chen D, Deng Y, Yin J, Liu S, Yu H, Huang H, Chen C, Wu Y, Zou D, Wang Z. Echinacoside (ECH) suppresses proliferation, migration, and invasion of human glioblastoma cells by inhibiting Skp2-triggered epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 932:175176. [PMID: 35995211 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Echinacoside (ECH) is a phenylethanoid extracted from the stems of Cistanches salsa, an herb used in Chinese medicine formulations, and is effective against glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the cornerstone of tumorigenesis and metastasis, and increases the malignant behavior of GBM cells. The S phase kinase-related protein 2 (skp2), an oncoprotein associated with EMT, is highly expressed in GBM and significantly associated with drug resistance, tumor grade and dismal prognosis. The aim of this study was to explore the inhibitory effects of ECH against GBM development and skp2-induced EMT. METHODS CCK-8, EdU incorporation, transwell, colony formation and sphere formation assays were used to determine the effects of ECH on GBM cell viability, proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro. The in vivo anti-glioma effects of ECH were examined using a U87 xenograft model. The expression levels of skp2 protein, EMT-associated markers (vimentin and snail) and stemness markers (Nestin and sox2) were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence staining and western blotting experiments. RESULTS ECH suppressed the proliferation, invasiveness and migration of GBM cells in vitro, as well as the growth of U87 xenograft in vivo. In addition, ECH downregulated the skp2 protein, EMT-related markers (vimentin and snail) and stemness markers (sox2 and Nestin). The inhibitory effects of ECH were augmented in the skp2-knockdown GBM cells, and reversed in cells with ectopic expression of skp2. CONCLUSION ECH inhibits glioma development by suppressing skp2-induced EMT of GBM cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shengying Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Biomedicine Research Center, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, Guangdong, China
| | - Yixin Qin
- Guangxi International Zhuang Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530201, China
| | - Danmin Chen
- Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Yanhong Deng
- Department of Pharmacy, Biomedicine Research Center, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinjin Yin
- Department of Pharmacy, Biomedicine Research Center, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, Guangdong, China
| | - Shaozhi Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Biomedicine Research Center, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, Guangdong, China
| | - Hang Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, Biomedicine Research Center, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, Guangdong, China
| | - Hanhui Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, Biomedicine Research Center, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, Guangdong, China
| | - Chaoduan Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Biomedicine Research Center, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, Guangdong, China
| | - Yinyue Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Biomedicine Research Center, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, Guangdong, China
| | - Duan Zou
- Department of Pharmacy, Biomedicine Research Center, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhaotao Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Jiang T, Gu H, Wei J. Echinacoside Inhibits Osteoclast Function by Down-Regulating PI3K/Akt/C-Fos to Alleviate Osteolysis Caused by Periprosthetic Joint Infection. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:930053. [PMID: 35814196 PMCID: PMC9263215 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.930053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Infected osteolysis as a common secondary osteoporosis is associated with excessive osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption. The inhibition of osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption have been demonstrated an effective approach in the treatment of osteolytic diseases. Echinacoside (ECH) is a natural phenylethanoid glycoside with multiple biological functions, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and osteoblast differentiation promotion. However, the effects of ECH on osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption function remain unknown. In vitro, we investigated the effects of ECH on osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption induced by RANKL and its potential mechanisms. In vivo, we established a periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) rat model and demonstrated the changes of infected osteolysis and osteoclasts activities in surgical sites. ECH (20 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally after debridement for 4 weeks. Radiological evaluation and bone histomorphometric analysis was performed to assess the efficacy of ECH. The results showed that ECH inhibited osteoclast differentiation, F-actin belts formation, bone resorption function and osteoclast-specific gene expression by preventing NFATc1 translocation, down-regulating its expression and affecting the PI3K/Akt/c-Fos pathway in vitro. ECH also alleviated in vivo PJI-induced osteolysis and maintained bone mass by inhibiting osteoclast activity. Our study indicated that ECH attenuated RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis and PJI-induced bone loss and was shown as a potentially effective therapeutic agent for osteoclast-related bone diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tao Jiang
- Department of Joint Orthopedics, Affiliated Liutie Central Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, China
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hanwen Gu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jian Wei
- Department of Joint Orthopedics, Affiliated Liutie Central Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jian Wei,
| |
Collapse
|