Anti-inflammation Effects of Cordyceps sinensis Mycelium in Focal Cerebral Ischemic Injury Rats

Ethanolic extract of Arctium lappa leaves alleviates cerebral ischemia reperfusion-induced inflammatory injury via HDAC9-mediated NF-κB pathway

BACKGROUND

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a major cause of mortality and disability worldwide. Inflammatory response is crucial in the pathogenesis of tissue injury in cerebral infarction. Arctium lappa leaves are traditionally used to treat IS.

PURPOSES

To investigate the neuroprotective effects and molecular mechanisms of the ethanolic extract of A. lappa leaves (ALLEE) on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (CIR).

METHODS

Middle cerebral artery obstruction reperfusion (MCAO/R) rats and an oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) cell model were used to evaluate ALLEE pharmacodynamics. Various methods, including neurological function, 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride, hematoxylin and eosin, and Nissl, enzyme-linked immunosorbent, and TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling assays, were used to analyze the neuroprotective effects of ALLEE in vitro and in vivo. The major chemical components and potential target genes of ALLEE were screened using network pharmacology. Molecular docking, western blotting, and immunofluorescence analyses were performed to confirm the effectiveness of the targets in related pathways.

RESULTS

ALLEE exerted potent effects on the MCAO/R model by decreasing the neurological scores, infarct volumes, and pathological features (p < 0.01). Furthermore, network pharmacology results revealed that the treatment of IS with ALLEE involved the regulation of various inflammatory pathways, such as the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and chemokine signaling pathways. ALLEE also played key roles in targeting key molecules, including nuclear factor (NF)-κBIA, NF-κB1, interleukin (IL)-6, TNF-α and IL1β, and regulating the histone deacetylase (HDAC)-9-mediated signaling pathway. In vivo and in vitro analyses revealed that ALLEE significantly regulated the NF-κB pathway, promoted the phosphorylation activation of NF-κB P65, IκB and IKK (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05), and decreased the expression levels of the inflammatory factors, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α (p < 0.01). Moreover, ALLEE significantly decreased the expression of HDAC9 (p < 0.01) that is associated with inflammatory responses. However, HDAC9 overexpression partially reversed the neuroprotective effects of ALLEE and its suppressive effects on inflammation and phosphorylation of NF-κB (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, our results revealed that ALLEE ameliorates MCAO/R-induced experimental CIR by modulating inflammatory responses via the inhibition of HDAC9-mediated NF-κB pathway.

Cordyceps: Alleviating ischemic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular injury - A comprehensive review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cordyceps has a long medicinal history as a nourishing herb in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Ischemic cardio-cerebrovascular diseases (CCVDs), including cerebral ischemic/reperfusion injury (CI/RI) and myocardial ischemic/reperfusion injury (MI/RI), are major contributors to mortality and disability in humans. Numerous studies have indicated that Cordyceps or its artificial substitutes have significant bioactivity on ischemic CCVDs, however, there is a lack of relevant reviews.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This review was conducted to investigate the chemical elements, pharmacological effects, clinical application and drug safety of Cordycepson ischemic CCVDs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive search was conducted on the Web of Science, PubMed, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang databases using the keywords "Cordyceps", "Cerebral ischemic/reperfusion injury", and "Myocardial ischemic/reperfusion injury" or their synonyms. The retrieved literature was then categorized and summarized.

RESULTS

The study findings indicated that Cordyceps and its bioactive components, including adenosine, cordycepin, mannitol, polysaccharide, and protein, have the potential to protect against CI/RI and MI/RI by improving blood perfusion, mitigating damage from reactive oxygen species, suppressing inflammation, preventing cellular apoptosis, and promoting tissue regeneration. Individually, Cordyceps could reduce neuronal excitatory toxicity and blood-brain barrier damage caused by cerebral ischemia. It can also significantly improve cardiac energy metabolism disorders and inhibit calcium overload caused by myocardial ischemia. Additionally, Cordyceps exerts a significant preventive or curative influence on the factors responsible for heart/brain ischemia, including hypertension, thrombosis, atherosclerosis, and arrhythmia.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates Cordyceps' prospective efficacy and safety in the prevention or treatment of CI/RI and MI/RI, providing novel insights for managing ischemic CCVDs.

Unique Bioactives from Zombie Fungus (Cordyceps) as Promising Multitargeted Neuroprotective Agents

Cordyceps, also known as "zombie fungus", is a non-poisonous mushroom that parasitizes insects for growth and development by manipulating the host system in a way that makes the victim behave like a "zombie". These species produce promising bioactive metabolites, like adenosine, β-glucans, cordycepin, and ergosterol. Cordyceps has been used in traditional medicine due to its immense health benefits, as it boosts stamina, appetite, immunity, longevity, libido, memory, and sleep. Neuronal loss is the typical feature of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) (Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)) and neurotrauma. Both these conditions share common pathophysiological features, like oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and glutamatergic excitotoxicity. Cordyceps bioactives (adenosine, N6-(2-hydroxyethyl)-adenosine, ergosta-7, 9 (11), 22-trien-3β-ol, active peptides, and polysaccharides) exert potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities and display beneficial effects in the management and/or treatment of neurodegenerative disorders in vitro and in vivo. Although a considerable list of compounds is available from Cordyceps, only a few have been evaluated for their neuroprotective potential and still lack information for clinical trials. In this review, the neuroprotective mechanisms and safety profile of Cordyceps extracts/bioactives have been discussed, which might be helpful in the identification of novel potential therapeutic entities in the future.

Therapeutic potential and molecular mechanisms of salidroside in ischemic diseases

Rhodiola is an ancient wild plant that grows in rock areas in high-altitude mountains with a widespread habitat in Asia, Europe, and America. From empirical belief to research studies, Rhodiola has undergone a long history of discovery, and has been used as traditional medicine in many countries and regions for treating high-altitude sickness, anoxia, resisting stress or fatigue, and for promoting longevity. Salidroside, a phenylpropanoid glycoside, is the main active component found in all species of Rhodiola. Salidroside could enhance cell survival and angiogenesis while suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation, and thereby has been considered a potential compound for treating ischemia and ischemic injury. In this article, we highlight the recent advances in salidroside in treating ischemic diseases, such as cerebral ischemia, ischemic heart disease, liver ischemia, ischemic acute kidney injury and lower limb ischemia. Furthermore, we also discuss the pharmacological functions and underlying molecular mechanisms. To our knowledge, this review is the first one that covers the protective effects of salidroside on different ischemia-related disease.

Research Progress on the Ability of Astragaloside IV to Protect the Brain Against Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Stroke, a disease with a sudden onset and high morbidity and mortality rates, is difficult to treat in the clinic. Traditional Chinese medicine has become increasingly widely used in clinical practice. Modern pharmacological studies have found that Radix Astragali has a variety of medicinal properties, i.e., immunoregulatory, antioxidative, anti-cancer, anti-diabetes, myocardial protective, hepatoprotective, and antiviral functions. This article reviews the protective effect and mechanism of astragaloside IV, which is extracted from Radix Astragali, on stroke, discusses the cerebroprotective effect of astragaloside IV against ischemia-reperfusion-related complications, offers insight into research prospects, and expands the idea of integrating traditional Chinese and Western medicine treatment strategies and drugs to provide a theoretical reference for the clinical treatment of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury and the improvement of stroke prognosis.

Antidepressant-like effects of water extract of Cordyceps militaris (Linn.) Link by modulation of ROCK2/PTEN/Akt signaling in an unpredictable chronic mild stress-induced animal model

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE

Cordyceps militaris (Linn.) Link (CM) is a medicinal mushroom traditionally used in tonics for treating several neurological disorders, including epilepsy and anxiety, in Asia. Reports have shown that CM has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects and may be beneficial for depression management.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to investigate the potential of CM as an antidepressant for a long-term unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) rodent models and explore its underlying mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rats were orally administered with 125 (low, L), 250 (medium, M), and 500 (high, H) mg/kg bodyweight (bw) of the water extract of CM (WCM) for 35 consecutive days in the UCMS protocol. The levels of cerebral serotonin (5-HT), dopamine (DA), and metabolites in the frontal cortex of the rats were measured. Blood was collected to investigate the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, and the brain was dissected to assay the stress-associated ROCK2/PTEN/Akt signaling.

RESULTS

All doses of the WCM prevented abnormal behaviors induced by UCMS, including anhedonia and hypoactivity. The LWCM treatment reduced the turnover rate of 5-HT, and all doses of the WCM reduced the turnover rate of DA in the frontal cortex. The LWCM also attenuated the elevation of serum IL-1β induced by chronic stress. All doses of the WCM attenuated the ROCK2 protein hyperactivation, and the LWCM further increased the down-regulation of p-Akt/Akt signaling.

CONCLUSION

The WCM has antidepressant-like effects, which may result from the regulation of the stress-related ROCK2/PTEN/Akt pathway. Therefore, the WCM may be developed and used for the complementary treatment of depression.

Cordyceps sinensis aqueous extract regulates the adaptive immunity of mice subjected to 60 Co γ irradiation

Cordyceps sinensis (CS) is a traditional Chinese medicine that is known for treating various diseases, and particularly for exerting therapeutic effects in immune disorders. The adaptive immunoregulatory effects of CS aqueous extract (CSAE) on γ-irradiated mice have not been reported previously. The study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of CSAE in mice immunosuppressed by irradiation. We observed that CSAE administration significantly increased body weight and spleen index, as well as the number of white blood cells, lymphocytes, and platelets in peripheral blood, T and B lymphocytes in spleen tissue, and total serum immunoglobulins in irradiated mice, whereas total serum pro-inflammatory cytokine levels were decreased. Collectively, CSAE maintained the structural integrity of spleen tissue and repaired its damage in irradiated mice as shown by hematoxylin and eosin staining, and decreased the number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling-positive splenocytes. Mechanistically, CSAE upregulated Bcl-2, and downregulated Bax and cleaved caspase-3 in spleen of irradiated mice. However, there were no significant differences in red blood cells and neutrophils in different groups. The results revealed that CSAE had protective effects against irradiation-induced immunosuppression, which was likely associated with an antiapoptotic effect and the regulation of adaptive immunity.

Borneol in cardio-cerebrovascular diseases: Pharmacological actions, mechanisms, and therapeutics

With the coming acceleration of global population aging, the incidence rate of cardio-cerebrovascular diseases (CVDs) is increasing. It has become the leading cause of human mortality. As a natural drug, borneol (BO) not only has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-coagulant activities and improves energy metabolism but can also promote drugs to enter the target organs or tissues through various physiological barriers, such as the blood-brain barrier (BBB), mucous membrane, skin. Thus, it has a significant therapeutic effect on various CVDs, which has been confirmed in a large number of studies. However, the pharmacological actions and mechanisms of BO on CVDs have not been fully investigated. Hence, this review summarizes the pharmacological actions and possible mechanisms of BO, which provides novel ideas for the treatment of CVDs.

Astrocyte-derived exosome-transported microRNA-34c is neuroprotective against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury via TLR7 and the NF-κB/MAPK pathways

Exosomes and microRNAs (miRs) are critical in reducing ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, but the mechanism of astrocyte-derived exosome (ATC-Exo)-transported miR-34c in cerebral I/R injury is unclear. A rat model of cerebral I/R injury was established in this study, and the rats were injected with ATC-Exos. An oxygen glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) model in N2a cells was utilized to mimic cerebral I/R injury in vitro, and the effects of ATC-Exo-transported miR-34c on the biological episodes of OGD/R-stimulated N2a cells were evaluated. The downstream gene and pathway of miR-34c were verified, and a rescue experiment of the pathway was performed. Consequently, we found that I/R damaged neurons, and ATC-Exo-transported miR-34c alleviated the neuronal injury caused by I/R. In addition, ATC-Exo-transported miR-34c promoted proliferation and inhibited apoptosis in OGD/R-stimulated N2a cells. miR-34c targeted Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) and downregulated the NF-κB/MAPK axis. Treatment with NF-κB- or MAPK-specific inhibitors partially restored the impaired protection against I/R that was caused by ATC-Exos with low expression of miR-34c. Overall, ATC-Exo-transported miR-34c targets TLR7 to downregulate the NF-κB/MAPK axis and relieve neurological damage induced by I/R. This study may offer novel insight for the treatment of cerebral I/R injury.

Exosomes-carried microRNA-26b-5p regulates microglia M1 polarization after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion

Exosome and microRNAs (miRs) are implicated in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) process. In this study, I/R mouse model was established, and exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) were isolated, identified, and injected to I/R mice to observe nerve injury and microglia M1 polarization. The differentially expressed genes in I/R microglia from databases were analyzed, and miRs differentially expressed in exosomes-treated microglia were analyzed by microarray. miR-26b-5p expression in hUCMSCs was intervened. Besides, microglia was extracted and co-cultured with SH-SY5Y or PC12 cells in oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) models to simulate I/R in vivo. Additionally, Toll-like receptor (TLR) activator GS-9620 was added to microglia. Exosomes alleviated nerve injury and inhibited M1 polarization in microglia. After I/R modeling, CH25H expression in microglia was upregulated but decreased after exosome treatment. miR-26b-5p was upregulated in microglia after exosome treatment and could target CH25H. Reduction in exosomal miR-26b-5p reversed the effects of hUCMSCs-exos on microglia. TLR pathway was activated in microglia after I/R but exosomes prevented its activation. Exosomal miR-26b-5p could repress M1 polarization of microglia by targeting CH25H to inactivate the TLR pathway, so as to relieve nerve injury after cerebral I/R. This investigation may offer new approaches for I/R treatment.

The protective effect of cordyceps sinensis extract on cerebral ischemic injury via modulating the mitochondrial respiratory chain and inhibiting the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway

Cerebral ischemia is a common refractory brain disease, resulting from a reduction in the blood flow to the brain. Mitochondrial dysfunction leads to ischemic stroke and brain injury. Cordyceps sinensis (CS) is an important traditional Chinese medicine, which has been linked to neuroprotection in recent studies. In this study, we investigated the role of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway on the protective effect of Cordyceps sinensis extract (CSE) against cerebral ischemia injury both in vivo and in vitro. In a murine middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model, administration of CSE relieved neuronal morphological damage and attenuated the neuronal apoptosis. CSE also reduced neurobehavioral scores and oxygen free radical (OFR), while improving the levels of ATP, cytochrome c oxidase (COX), and mitochondrial complexes I-IV. Furthermore, the mRNA expression of Bax, cytochrome c (Cyt c) and caspase-3 were down-regulated. In brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) exposed to oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD), CSE prevented OGD-induced cellular apoptosis, and recovered the reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Moreover, CSE treatment induced an increase of Bcl-2 protein expression and a decrease of Bax, Cyt c and caspase-3 protein expression. Meanwhile, the caspase-3, -8, and -9 activities were also inhibited. The results indicate that CSE can relieve cerebral ischemia injury and exhibit protective effects via modulating the mitochondrial respiratory chain and inhibiting the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway.

The Prophylactic and Therapeutic Effects of Fermented Cordyceps sinensis Powder, Cs-C-Q80, on Subcortical Ischemic Vascular Dementia in Mice

Corbrin Capsule, a preparation of Cordyceps sinensis analogue, is a pleiotropic traditional Chinese patent medicine with the main component of fermentative cordyceps fungus powder (Cs-C-Q80). The neuroprotective effects of Cs-C-Q80, as a substitution of Cordyceps sinensis, have not been fully identified. The objectives of this study were to explore the prophylactic and therapeutic effects of Cs-C-Q80 in vascular dementia mice model. The efficacy of Cs-C-Q80 was investigated in a molecular level as well. The subcortical ischemic vascular dementia was modelled by permanent right unilateral common carotid arteries occlusion (rUCCAO) in adult male mice. The animals were randomly divided and treated by gavage with vehicle (1% CMC-Na solution) (rUCCAO model) or Cs-C-Q80 powder at 0.2 g/kg or 1.0 g/kg, respectively. Preventive treatment was administrated by gavage daily for 7 days before rUCCAO, while therapeutic treatment was administrated continuously from 28 days after rUCCAO. Object recognition test and Morris water maze test were performed to evaluate the learning and working memory. The luxol fast blue stain (Kluver-Barrera method) and immunohistochemistry for myelin basic protein (MBP) were employed to determine the severity of white matter damage. Both preventive and therapeutic treatment with Cs-C-Q80 protected against the rUCCAO-induced memory impair in mice as determined by object recognition and Morris water maze tests. The histopathological analyses revealed significant white matter rarefaction and reduction of MBP expression in corpus callosum after rUCCAO, which could be counteracted by either preventive or therapeutic treatment with Cs-C-Q80. Moreover, the Cs-C-Q80 treatments inhibited rUCCAO-induced astrocytes activation and the tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β expression, indicating the anti-inflammatory roles of Cs-C-Q80 against subcortical ischemia. Cs-C-Q80 is a potential preparation for the prophylaxis and treatment of subcortical ischemic vascular dementia. The underlying pharmacological efficacy might be associated with suppression of myelin degeneration, glia activation, and inflammatory cytokines release.

Rumex crispus and Cordyceps militaris Mixture Ameliorates Production of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines Induced by Lipopolysaccharide in C57BL/6 Mice Splenocytes

Rumex crispus (Rc) and Cordyceps militaris (Cm) mixture (Rc-Cm; AST2017-01) ameliorated production of proinflammatory cytokines, inflammation-related genes, and nitric oxide (NO) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in mouse splenocytes. Rc-Cm (6:4) and Taemyeongcheong (commercial healthy drink containing Rc-Cm) were co-administered along with LPS. Rc-Cm inhibited production of tumor necrosis factor α, interferon γ, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 in LPS-induced splenocytes. However, levels of inflammatory cytokines were elevated in the absence of LPS treatment. Rc-Cm significantly suppressed mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and the inflammation-related genes inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), as well as NO production upon LPS co-treatment. Whereas Rc-Cm increased mRNA expression of IL-1β, and IL-6, but did not up-regulate expression of iNOS and COX-2, or increase NO production without LPS co-treatment. Therefore, treatment of Rc-Cm to LPS-induced splenocytes ameliorated induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, inflammation-related genes, and NO production. In the absence of LPS, Rc-Cm treatment up-regulated pro-inflammatory cytokines but did not alter expression of the inflammation-related genes iNOS and COX-2 or NO production. These results indicate that the natural phytochemicals chrysophanol and cordycepin in Rc-Cm promote anti-inflammatory activities and immune cell responses.

Royal jelly mitigates cadmium-induced neuronal damage in mouse cortex

This study aimed to evaluate the potential neuroprotective effect of royal jelly (RJ) against Cd-induced neuronal damage. Twenty-eight adult mice were placed equally into four groups. The control group received intraperitoneal (IP) injections of normal saline; the cadmium chloride (CdCl₂) group was IP-injected 6.5 mg/kg (mg per kg of bodyweight) CdCl₂; the RJ group was gavaged 85 mg/kg RJ; and the RJ + CdCl₂ group was orally administered 85 mg/kg RJ 2 h before receiving IP-injections of 6.5 mg/kg CdCl₂. All groups were treated for seven consecutive days and the mice were decapitated 24 h after the final dose. Cd accumulation was recorded in the cortical homogenates, accompanied by elevated levels of lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and the pro-apoptotic mRNA Bax and caspase-3. Meanwhile, significantly decreased levels of detoxifying antioxidant enzymes including GSH-Px, GSH-R, SOD, and CAT, anti-apoptotic mRNA Bcl-2, and monoamines such as norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin were also observed, along with reduced gene expression of Nrf2-dependent antioxidants. Interestingly, in mice pretreated with RJ, the assessed parameters remained near normal levels. Our data provide evidence that RJ treatment has the potential to protect cortical neurons in Cd-intoxicated mice via its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and neuromodulatory activity.

Neuroprotective efficiency of Mangifera indica leaves extract on cadmium-induced cortical damage in rats

Due to the high ability of cadmium to cross the blood-brain barrier, cadmium (Cd) causes severe neurological damages. Hence, the purpose of this study was to investigate the possible protective effect of Mangifera indica leaf extract (MLE) against Cd-induced neurotoxicity. Rats were divided into eight groups. Group 1 served as vehicle control group, groups 2, 3 and 4 received MLE (100, 200, 300 mg /kg b.wt, respectively). Group 5 was treated with CdCl₂ (5 mg/kg b.wt). Groups 6, 7 and 8 were co-treated with MLE and CdCl₂ using the same doses. All treatments were orally administered for 28 days. Cortical oxidative stress biomarkers [Malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), glutathione content (GSH), oxidized form of glutathione (GSSG), 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)], inflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interlukin-1β (IL-1β)], biogenic amines [norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT)], some biogenic metabolites [3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA)], acetylcholine esterase activity (AChE) and purinergic compound [adenosine triphosphate (ATP)] were determined in frontal cortex of rats. Results indicated that Cd increased levels of the oxidative biomarkers (MDA, NO, GSSG and 8-OHdG) and the inflammatory mediators (TNF-α and IL-1β), while lowered GSH, SOD, CAT, GPx and ATP levels. Also, Cd significantly decreased the AChE activity and the tested biogenic amines while elevated the tested metabolites in the frontal cortex. Levels of all disrupted cortical parameters were alleviated by MLE co-administration. The MLE induced apparent protective effect on Cd-induced neurotoxicity in concern with its medium and higher doses which may be due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Preliminary characterization and immunostimulatory activity of a novel functional polysaccharide from Astragalus residue fermented by Paecilomyces sinensis

An Astragalus residue was reutilized through solid-state fermentation by Paecilomyces sinensis, which is a member of Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc.

Dual-Directional Immunomodulatory Effects of Corbrin Capsule on Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases

Purpose. To investigate the effects of Corbrin Capsule (CS-C-Q80), a drug derived from Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc., on autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD). Methods. 44 Patients with Graves's disease (GD) and 56 patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) were randomly assigned to treatment group (GD-Tx and HT-Tx) or control group (GD-Ct and HT-Ct). The control groups were given methimazole or levothyroxine only while the treatment groups were given Corbrin Capsule (2.0 g tid) besides the same conventional prescriptions as control groups. Thyroid hormones, thyroid antibodies, and T lymphocyte subsets were quantified at baseline and 24 weeks posttreatment. Results. Significant drop of serum anti-TPO-Ab levels was observed in both GD-Tx and HT-Tx groups. Before treatment, GD patients had higher helper T cells compared to cytotoxic T cells, while HT patients suffered from a nearly inverted proportion of helper T/cytotoxic T cells. There was a significant drop of the helper T/cytotoxic T cells ratio in GD-Tx to the median of the normal ranges after Corbrin treatment for 24 weeks, while that in HT-Tx was elevated. Conclusion. Corbrin Capsule could restore the balance between helper T and cytotoxic T cells in both GD and HT patients with dual-directional immunomodulatory effects. And it could significantly reduce the autoantibody levels in both GD and HT.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Traditional Chinese Medicines against Ischemic Injury in In Vivo Models of Cerebral Ischemia

Inflammation plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of acute ischemic stroke. In the ischemic cascade, resident microglia are rapidly activated in the brain parenchyma and subsequently trigger inflammatory mediator release, which facilitates leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions in inflammation. Activated leukocytes invade the endothelial cell junctions and destroy the blood-brain barrier integrity, leading to brain edema. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) stimulation in microglia/macrophages through the activation of intercellular signaling pathways secretes various proinflammatory cytokines and enzymes and then aggravates cerebral ischemic injury. The secreted cytokines activate the proinflammatory transcription factors, which subsequently regulate cytokine expression, leading to the amplification of the inflammatory response and exacerbation of the secondary brain injury. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), including TCM-derived active compounds, Chinese herbs, and TCM formulations, exert neuroprotective effects against inflammatory responses by downregulating the following: ischemia-induced microglial activation, microglia/macrophage-mediated cytokine production, proinflammatory enzyme production, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, matrix metalloproteinases, TLR expression, and deleterious transcription factor activation. TCMs also aid in upregulating anti-inflammatory cytokine expression and neuroprotective transcription factor activation in the ischemic lesion in the inflammatory cascade during the acute phase of cerebral ischemia. Thus, TCMs exert potent anti-inflammatory properties in ischemic stroke and warrant further investigation.

The Mechanisms of Pharmacological Activities of Ophiocordyceps sinensis Fungi

The entomopathogenic fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis, formerly known as Cordyceps sinensis, has long been used as a traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of many illnesses. In recent years its usage has increased dramatically because of the improvement of people's living standard and the emphasis on health. Such demands have resulted in over-harvesting of this fungus in the wild. Fortunately, scientists have demonstrated that artificially cultured and fermented mycelial products of O. sinensis have similar pharmacological activities to wild O. sinensis. The availability of laboratory cultures will likely to further expand its usage for the treatment of various illnesses. In this review, we summarize recent results on the pharmacological activities of the components of O. sinensis and their putative mechanisms of actions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Culture Conditions for Production of Biomass, Adenosine, and Cordycepin from Cordyceps sinensis CS1197: Optimization by Desirability Function Method

BACKGROUND

Cordyceps sinensis (CS) is a traditional Chinese medicine contains potent active metabolites such as nucleosides and polysaccharides. The submerged cultivation technique is studied for the large scale production of CS for biomass and metabolites production.

OBJECTIVE

To optimize culture conditions for large-scale production of CS1197 biomass and metabolites production.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The CS1197 strain of CS was isolated from dead larvae of natural CS and the authenticity was assured by the presence of two major markers adenosine and cordycepin by high performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. A three-level Box-Behnken design was employed to optimize process parameters culturing temperature, pH, and inoculum volume for the biomass yield, adenosine and cordycepin. The experimental results were regressed to a second-order polynomial equation by a multiple regression analysis for the prediction of biomass yield, adenosine and cordycepin production. Multiple responses were optimized based on desirability function method.

RESULTS

The desirability function suggested the process conditions temperature 28°C, pH 7 and inoculum volume 10% for optimal production of nutraceuticals in the biomass. The water extracts from dried CS1197 mycelia showed good inhibition for 2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2-azinobis-(3-ethyl-benzo-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid-free radicals.

CONCLUSION

The result suggests that response surface methodology-desirability function coupled approach can successfully optimize the culture conditions for CS1197.

SUMMARY

Authentication of CS1197 strain by the presence of adenosine and cordycepin and culturing period was determined to be for 14 daysContent of nucleosides in natural CS was found higher than in cultured CS1197 myceliumBox-Behnken design to optimize critical cultural conditions: temperature, pH and inoculum volumeWater extract showed better antioxidant activity proving credible source of natural antioxidants.

Calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside regulates nitric oxide /caveolin-1/matrix metalloproteinases pathway and protects blood-brain barrier integrity in experimental cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE

Astragali Radix (AR) has been used for thousands years to treat ischemic stroke. Calycosin and its glycoside form calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside (CG) are two representative isoflavones in Astragali Radix. However, its neurological effects and related molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. The present study aims to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of CG on blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity of ischemic brain tissue and explore the relevant signaling mechanisms.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Male adult Sprague-Daweley rats were subjected to 2 h of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) plus 24 h or 14 days of reperfusion. CG (26.8 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally administered into the rats at 15 min before onset of ischemia. The neuroprotective effects of CG were evaluated by measuring infarct volume, histological damage and BBB permeability. Furthermore, the effects of CG on scavenging nitric oxide (NO), and modulating matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and caveolin-1 (cav-1) were investigated with in vitro cultured brain microvascular endothelial cells treated with NO donor or oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) and/or in vivo rat model of MCAO cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.

RESULTS

CG treatment significantly reduced infarct volume, histological damage and BBB permeability in the in vivo MCAO ischemia-reperfusion rat model. CG treatment remarkably inhibited the expression and activities of MMPs, and secured the expression of cav-1 and tight junction proteins in the microvessels isolated from ischemic rat cortex. Furthermore, CG was revealed to scavenge NO, inhibit the activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9, and attenuate cell death in the in vitro cultured brain microvascular endothelial cells under OGD condition.

CONCLUSION

CG could protect BBB integrity in experimental cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury via regulating NO/cav-1/MMPs pathway.

Beta-asarone, a major component of Acorus tatarinowii Schott, attenuates focal cerebral ischemia induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats

Background

Ischemic hypoxic brain injury often causes irreversible brain damage. The lack of effective and widely applicable pharmacological treatments for ischemic stroke patients may explain a growing interest in traditional medicines. β-Asarone, which has significant pharmacological effects on the central nervous system (CNS), was used in the prevention of cerebral ischemia in this paper.

Methods

The right middle cerebral artery occlusion model was used in the study. The effects of β-Asarone on mortality rate, neurobehavior, grip strength, lactate dehydrogenase, glutathione content, Lipid peroxidation, glutathione peroxidase activity, glutathione reductase activity, catalase activity, Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase activity and glutathione S transferase activity in a rat model were studied respectively.

Results

β-Asarone significantly improved the neurological outcome after cerebral ischemia and reperfusion in terms of neurobehavioral function in rats. Meanwhile, supplementation of β-Asarone significantly boosted the defense mechanism against cerebral ischemia via increasing antioxidants activity related to lesion pathogenesis. Restoration of the antioxidant homeostasis in the brain after reperfusion may help the brain recover from ischemic injury.

Conclusions

These experimental results suggest that complement β-Asarone is protective against cerebral ischemia in specific way. The administration of β-Asarone could reduce focal cerebral ischemic/reperfusion injury. The Mechanism of β-Asarone in protection of cerebral ischemia was via increasing antioxidants activity related to lesion pathogenesis.

Bioactive principles from Cordyceps sinensis: A potent food supplement - A review

•

Introducing the importance of Cordyceps sinensis (CS) and its economics.

•

Alternative artificial cultivation methods for large scale production to meet the world demand for CS.

•

Chemical characterization of compounds in different extracts of CS.

•

Potential health benefits and mechanism of action of compounds in CS.

•

Possible application of whole fungus or its extracts in food and pharmaceutical industries.

Cordyceps sinensis (CS) is a well-known entamophagus fungus, naturally distributed in the Tibetan Plateau of Asia and Himalayas. Recently this synonym is transferred to Ophiocordyceps by both scientific and non-scientific communities. It is widely used as a tonic and medicinal food in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), as it possess wonderful health benefits. To support its functional attributes, various investigations have been carried out to find out its adaptogenic, aphrodisiac, anti-oxidant, anti-aging, neuroprotective, nootropic, immunomodulatory, anti-cancer and hepatoprotective role. Its fruiting portion as well as the larvae possesses potent bio-active fractions and their composition almost found to be similar in both. The bioactive principles are nucleosides, exo-polysaccharides, sterols and, proteins, among others. Among nucleosides, adenosine and cordycepin are the major biochemical markers. Further, different types of solvent extracts and their mixtures exhibit wide range of pharmacological activities, while the water and methanol extracts with the richest sources of nucleosides and polysaccharides also show wide range of pharmacological activities. This review gives a panoramic view of potential health benefits of various classes of bio-active fractions along with the need for sustainable management of CS for human wellness.

Anti-inflammatory effects of Neurotoxin-Nna, a peptide separated from the venom of Naja naja atra

Background

Neurotoxin-Nna (NT), an analgesic peptide separated from the venom of Naja naja atra, has reported to have an exceptional specificity to block transmission of the nerve impulse by binding to the α- subunit of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in the membrane. However, little information is available on the anti-inflammatory effects of NT. Therefore, the anti-inflammatory activity of Neurotoxin-Nna was investigated in this study.

Methods

The anti-inflammatory effects of NT were evaluated by measuring its influence on several crucial factors in inflammatory pathways, including total antioxidant activity, antinociceptive effects in vivo, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), polymorphonuclear cells (PMN), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) and tactile hyperalgesia.

Results

NT treatment decreased the levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β). NT treatment decreased the total antioxidant status (TAOS) and reduced CFA-induced tactile hyperalgesia in a dose-dependent manner. NT significantly inhibited regulation of NF-kappaB activation and the production of IL-1β, TNF-α, iNOS and CAM-1. Moreover, NT suppressed infiltration of PMN.

Conclusions

Our results showed that NT reduced CFA-induced tactile hyperalgesia through inhibition inflammatory pathways in experimental inflammatory rats.

A Systematic Review of the Mysterious Caterpillar Fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis in Dong-ChongXiaCao ( Dōng Chóng Xià Cǎo) and Related Bioactive Ingredients

The caterpillar fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis (syn.Cordyceps sinensis), which was originally used in traditional Tibetan and Chinese medicine, is called either "yartsa gunbu" or "DongChongXiaCao ( Dōng Chóng Xià Cǎo)" ("winter worm-summer grass"), respectively. The extremely high price of DongChongXiaCao, approximately USD $20,000 to 40,000 per kg, has led to it being regarded as "soft gold" in China. The multi-fungi hypothesis has been proposed for DongChongXiaCao; however, Hirsutella sinensis is the anamorph of O. sinensis. In Chinese, the meaning of "DongChongXiaCao" is different for O. sinensis, Cordyceps spp., and Cordyceps sp. Over 30 bioactivities, such as immunomodulatory, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, have been reported for wild DongChongXiaCao and for the mycelia and culture supernatants of O. sinensis. These bioactivities derive from over 20 bioactive ingredients, mainly extracellular polysaccharides, intracellular polysaccharides, cordycepin, adenosine, mannitol, and sterols. Other bioactive components have been found as well, including two peptides (cordymin and myriocin), melanin, lovastatin, γ-aminobutyric acid, and cordysinins. Recently, the bioactivities of O. sinensis were described, and they include antiarteriosclerosis, antidepression, and antiosteoporosis activities, photoprotection, prevention and treatment of bowel injury, promotion of endurance capacity, and learning-memory improvement. H. sinensis has the ability to accelerate leukocyte recovery, stimulate lymphocyte proliferation, antidiabetes, and improve kidney injury. Starting January 1(st), 2013, regulation will dictate that one fungus can only have one name, which will end the system of using separate names for anamorphs. The anamorph name "H. sinensis" has changed by the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants to O. sinensis.

The genus Cordyceps: a chemical and pharmacological review

Objectives

Natural remedies are becoming increasingly popular and important in the public and scientific communities. Historically, natural remedies have been shown to present interesting biological and pharmacological activity and are used as chemotherapeutic agents. For centuries Cordyceps, which is a genus of more than 400 species in the family Clavicipitaceae, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine. This study highlights the chemistry and pharmacology of Cordyceps, especially Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc. and C. militaris (Fr.) L. Information was obtained from Google Scholar and the journal databases PubMed and Scopus.

Key findings

Many bioactive components of Cordyceps have been extracted, such as cordycepin, cordycepic acid, ergosterol, polysaccharides, nucleosides and peptides. Studies show that Cordyceps and its active principles possess a wide range of pharmacological actions, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumour, antihyperglycaemic, antiapoptosis, immunomodulatory, nephroprotective, and hepatoprotective.

Summary

More research is required to discover the full extent of the activity of Cordyceps.

Anti-inflammation and antioxidant effect of Cordymin, a peptide purified from the medicinal mushroom Cordyceps sinensis, in middle cerebral artery occlusion-induced focal cerebral ischemia in rats

Cordymin is a peptide purified from the medicinal mushroom Cordyceps sinensis. The present study investigated the effects of Cordymin in prevention of focal cerebral ischemic/reperfusion (IR) injury. The right middle cerebral artery occlusion model was used in the study. The effects of Cordymin on mortality rate, neurobehavior, grip strength, glutathione content, lipid Peroxidation, glutathione peroxidase activity, glutathione reductase activity, catalase activity, Na(+)K(+)ATPase activity glutathione S transferase activity and on the regulation of C3 and C4 protein level, polymorphonuclear cells, interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α in a rat model were studied respectively. Treatment (orally) of Cordymin significantly boosted the defense mechanism against cerebral ischemia by increasing antioxidants activity related to lesion pathogenesis. Restoration of the antioxidant homeostasis in the brain after reperfusion may have helped the brain recover from ischemic injury. Moreover, Cordymin significantly inhibited infiltration of polymorphonuclear cells and IR-induced up-regulation of the brain production of C3 protein level, interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α. Cordymin significantly improved the outcome in rats after cerebral ischemia and reperfusion in terms of neurobehavioral function. Our findings suggest that cordymin have a neuroprotective effect in the ischemic brain, which is due to the inhibition of inflammation and increase of antioxidants activity related to lesion pathogenesis. Cordymin can be used as potential preventive agent against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Anti-inflammatory effects of fermented and non-fermented Sophora flavescens: a comparative study

Background

The roots of Sophora flavescens (Leguminosae) have been used in East Asian countries as an herbal medicine and a food ingredient for thousands of years. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of S. flavescens fermentation on endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU) in rats.

Methods

EIU was induced in rats via a footpad injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Immediately after the LPS inoculation, fermented and non-fermented extracts of S. flavescens (FSE and NFSE, respectively) were administered orally, and the aqueous humor was collected from both eyes 24 hours later. The anti-inflammatory effects of FSE and NFSE were examined in terms of regulation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation and the expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), intercellular cell adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). The regulation of maleic dialdehyde (MDA) levels and polymorphonuclear cell (PMN) infiltration by FSE and NFSE were also examined.

Results

Treatment with FSE significantly inhibited LPS-induced increases in IL-1β and TNF-α production and the expression of iNOS, ICAM-1 and COX-2. Moreover, FSE suppressed LPS-induced NF-κB activation, and reduced both MDA levels and infiltration by PMN.

Conclusion

These results indicate that solid state fermentation may enhance the anti-inflammatory effects of S. flavescens.