Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus Bunge): botanical, geographical, and historical aspects to pharmaceutical components and beneficial role

Ultrasonic replacement of natural aging: Potential strategies for improving the color, antioxidant activity, and volatile compound profile of astragalus mead

The growing demand for natural and functional beverages has driven research aimed at improving the quality of herbal meads. This study investigates the use of non-thermal processing methods, ultrasonic, microwave, and high hydrostatic pressure processing, as alternatives to traditional natural aging for improving the physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity, color stability, and volatile compound profile of astragalus mead. Response surface methodology was employed to optimize fermentation conditions, which yielded the highest flavonoid content and sensory quality at an impregnation time of 12 h, an impregnation temperature of 10 °C, and a fermentation temperature of 20 °C. Among the processing methods evaluated (natural aging, ultrasound, microwave irradiation, and high hydrostatic pressure), ultrasound treatment resulted in the most significant improvements. Specifically, it increased total phenol content by 7.22 %, total flavonoid content by 9.41 %, and antioxidant capacity by 65.43 %. Volatile compound analysis also revealed a 191.30 % increase in ester content, significantly enhancing floral and fruity notes. Sensory analysis using quantitative descriptive analysis, partial least squares discriminant analysis, and weighted gene co-expression network analysis confirmed the efficacy of ultrasound, with ethyl caprylate identified as a key aroma contributor. These findings suggest that ultrasound is an effective non-thermal processing technique for improving the aging process and overall quality of astragalus mead. This study provides valuable insights for the industrial application of non-thermal processing technologies in astragalus mead production.

Simultaneous extraction of flavonoids and saponins from functional food via basic deep eutectic solvent-assisted mechanochemical extraction

An efficient, green, and novel basic deep eutectic solvent (DES)-assisted mechanochemical extraction method, combined with ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, is proposed for simultaneous extraction and determination of target compounds from functional food. Several parameters are investigated using single-factor optimization, and response surface methodology is employed to determine the optimum extraction conditions. The conditions include a grinding time of 316.29 s, 83.72 μL of DES (K2CO3 and glycerol), and vortex time of 2.408 min. The developed method provides good linearity (R2 > 0.9958), stable intraday and interday precision ranging from 0.07 % to 3.31 %, high sensitivity (LODs <20.83 ng/mL), and acceptable accuracy with recoveries of 83.75 %-102.02 %. Moreover, satisfactory greenness (0.71) and practicality (72.5) are achieved in terms of the Analytical Greenness metric and the blue applicability grade index. The proposed method notably contributes to the simultaneous extraction and detection of flavonoids and saponins in astragali radix.

Modified Tou Nong Powder obstructs ulcerative colitis by regulating autophagy and mitochondrial function

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Modified Tou Nong Powder (MTNP) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula widely used for treating body surface ulcers. Since colonic ulcers share similar pathological characteristics, MTNP has shown promising results in alleviating ulcerative colitis (UC) and has been safely used in clinical practice.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to investigate how MTNP alleviates experimental colitis by inducing autophagy through the regulation of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) signaling pathway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, UC rat models were created using 2,4,6-Trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS). The therapeutic effects of MTNP on TNBS-induced colitis were evaluated through various methods such as disease activity index, visual examination, and histological examination of the colon. An inflammation model was also established in Caco-2 cells using H2O2. Western blot analysis was used to assess the expression of autophagy-related proteins, while immunofluorescence detection was employed for protein localization. Furthermore, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed to analyze the expression of autophagy-related genes, confirming the role of MTNP in modulating the AMPK/PGC-1α signaling pathway.

RESULTS

In vivo, oral administration of MTNP led to a remarkable reduction in colonic injury, inhibition of inflammatory infiltration, and improvement in the abnormal expression of inflammatory factors in colonic tissues. Furthermore, MTNP stimulated autophagy by activating the AMPK/PGC-1α signaling pathway, thereby mitigating mitochondrial dysfunction. In vitro, exposure to MTNP drug-containing serum (MTNP-DS) resulted in a reduction of reactive oxygen species levels, improvement in mitochondrial membrane potential, and activation of the AMPK/PGC-1α pathway, leading to the promotion of mitochondrial autophagy.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that MTNP triggers autophagy and enhances mitochondrial function, leading to the alleviation of UC in both in vitro and in vivo. These benefits are strongly linked to the activation of the AMPK/PGC-1α signaling pathway.

Astragalus mongholicus and Scutellaria baicalensis Extracts Mixture Target Pyroptosis in Ischemic Stroke via the NLRP3 Pathway

Ischemic stroke, caused by blocked cerebral blood flow, requires prompt intervention to prevent severe motor and cognitive impairments. Despite extensive drug development efforts, the failure rate of clinical trials remains high, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic approaches. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of a natural herbal extract mixture of Astragalus mongholicus Bunge (AM) and Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SB), traditionally used in Eastern Asian herbal medicine (EAHM) for ischemic stroke treatment. Using transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) and photothrombotic (PTB) mouse models, oral administration of the AM-SB mixture was evaluated during both acute and chronic phases. Results showed that AM-SB significantly reduced infarction volume, inflammation (IL-1β, TNF-α), and pyroptosis-related markers (NLRP3, GSDMD, ASC, Caspase-1), while decreasing gliosis and improving cerebral metabolites. Behavioral assessments revealed that early and sustained AM-SB intervention enhanced motor and cognitive functions, as measured by mNSS, Rotarod, Novel Object Recognition, and Passive Avoidance tests. These findings suggest that AM-SB extract is a promising alternative therapy for ischemic stroke management.

Herbal extract (Cervus elaphus Linnaeus, Angelica gigas Nakai, and Astragalus membranaceus Bunge) ameliorates chronic fatigue: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial

Background

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) reduces the health-related quality of life in the working-age population; however, studies have rarely investigated this group. A mixture of Cervus elaphus Linnaeus, Angelica gigas Nakai, and Astragalus membranaceus Bunge (CAA) may be an effective anti-fatigue supplement. However, few clinical trials have explored the anti-fatigue effects of herbal medicines in human participants. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of the CAA herbal complex on muscle fatigue and endurance capacity in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial.

Methods

In an 8-week trial, 80 patients with chronic fatigue symptoms were randomly assigned to the CAA (43.5 ± 1.2 years) or placebo group (41.8 ± 1.3 years). Fatigue and cardiorespiratory endurance were measured at baseline, interim, and post-intervention. Fatigue-related blood biomarkers were assessed before and at the end of the intervention.

Results

A significant improvement in overall fatigue scores was observed on the fatigue severity scale (p = 0.038), multidimensional fatigue inventory (p = 0.037), and 24-hour visual analog scale (p = 0.002) in the CAA group compared to those in the placebo group. Fatigue improvement was observed in the CAA group, as well as physiological variables, such as increased maximal exercise time to exhaustion (p = 0.003), distance until exhaustion (p = 0.003), and maximum oxygen consumption (p = 0.039).

Conclusion

CAA positively and significantly affected fatigue and cardiorespiratory endurance in patients with chronic fatigue, suggesting the potential use of herbal supplements for treating chronic fatigue.

Trial registration

Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS, https://cris.nih.go.kr/): KCT0005613.

Astragaloside IV induces the protective effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells derived exosomes in acute myocardial infarction by inducing angiogenesis and inhibiting apoptosis

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMECs)-derived exosomes (MSC-Exo) can improve acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) has also been reported to have cardioprotective pharmacological effects. However, it is not entirely clear whether AS-IV can improve AMI by inducing MSC-Exo. BMSCs and MSC-Exo were isolated and identified, and we also established the AMI rat model and the OGD/R model with H9c2 cells. After MSC-Exo or AS-IV-mediated MSC-Exo treatment, cell angiogenesis, migration, and apoptosis were evaluated by tube formation, wound healing, and TUNEL staining. The cardiac function of the rats was measured by echocardiography. The pathological changes and collagen deposition in rats were also assessed with Masson and Sirius red staining. The levels of α-SMA, CD31 and inflammatory factors were determined by immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In vitro, AS-IV-mediated MSC-Exo can significantly enhance the angiogenesis and migration of H9c2 cells induced by OGD/R, and significantly reduce their apoptosis. In vivo, AS-IV-mediated MSC-Exo can improve the cardiac function of rats, and attenuate pathological damage and collagen deposition in AMI model rats. In addition, AS-IV-mediated MSC-Exo can also promote angiogenesis and reduce inflammatory factors in rats with AMI. AS-IV-stimulated MSC-Exo can improve myocardial contractile function, myocardial fibrosis and angiogenesis, reduce inflammatory factors and induce apoptosis in rats after AMI.

Chemical Composition and Therapeutic Effects of Several Astragalus Species (Fabaceae)

The review integrates information on the component composition and biological activity of some Astragalus L. (Fabaceae) species from studies reported over the past 5-7 years. The aerial and underground parts of 34 Astragalus species contain triterpene saponins, flavonoids, polysacharides, tannins, free organic acids, higher fatty acids, vitamins, trace elements, and other constituents. Among the Astragalus species, A. membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge is the best studied in terms of component composition and biological activity. Anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anticancer, cardioprotective, and hepathoprotective activities have been experimentally detected in total bioactive substances, fractions, and individual compounds extracted from various parts of A. membranaceus and A. membranaceus var. mongholicus in vitro and in vivo. The composition and biological effects of other Astragalus species are still poorly understood. The review summarizes the recent advances in studying new compounds extracted from Astragalus species and their biological activities.

Astragalus membranaceus, Nigella sativa, and Perilla frutescens as Immunomodulators-Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Effectiveness in Allergic Diseases

Plants are the source of numerous remedies in modern medicine, and some of them have been studied due to their potential immunomodulatory activity. Astragalus membranaceus Fisch. ex Bunge (A. membranaceus), Nigella sativa L. (N. sativa), and Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton (P. frutescens) are plant species used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases. Their potential to act as immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic agents makes them interesting for investigating their clinical potential in alleviating the symptoms of allergic diseases. Allergy affects a large number of people; according to some sources more than 30% of the world population suffer from some type of allergic reaction, with pollen allergy as the most common type. Treatment is usually pharmacological and may not be completely effective or have side effects. Thus, we are seeking traditional medicine, mostly medicinal plants, with promising potential for alleviating allergy symptoms. A literature overview was conducted employing databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Springer, and Google Scholar. This manuscript summarizes recent in vivo preclinical and clinical studies on three species with immunomodulatory activity, provides a comparison of their anti-allergic effects, and underlines the potential of their application in clinical practice. The obtained results confirmed their efficacy in the in vivo and clinical studies, but also emphasize the problem of phytochemical characterization of the species and difference between tested doses. More clinical trials with standardized protocols (defined active molecules, dosage, side effects) are required to obtain safe and effective herbal drugs.

Research progress of treating hyperuricemia in rats and mice with traditional Chinese medicine

Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a common chronic metabolic disease caused by abnormal purine metabolism and uric acid excretion. Despite extensive research on HUA, no clear treatment has been found so far. Improving purine metabolism and promoting uric acid excretion is crucial for the effective treatment of HUA. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine and traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions have shown good effects in treating HUA. This article summarizes the latest progress in treating HUA in rats and mice using traditional Chinese medicine and prescriptions, elaborates on the pathogenesis of HUA, explores the application of commonly used traditional Chinese medicine treatment methods and prescriptions, and discusses the previous pharmacological mechanisms. In general, our research indicates that traditional Chinese medicine can effectively relieve the symptoms related to elevated uric acid levels in HUA rats and mice. However, further exploration and research are needed to verify its efficacy, safety, and feasibility.

Astraoleanosides E-P, oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins from the aerial parts of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge and their β-glucuronidase inhibitory activity

Historically, Astragalus membranaceus Bunge has been used as a beneficial medicinal plant, particularly in the Asian traditional medical systems, for the treatment of various human diseases such as stomach ulcers, diarrhea, and respiratory issues associated with phlegm. In this study, a phytochemical characterization of the aerial parts of A. membranaceusled to the isolation of 29 oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins, including 11 new compounds named astraoleanosides E-P (6-9, 13, 14, 18-22), as well as 18 known ones. The structures of these compounds were elucidated using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Among them, astraoleanoside H (9) and cloversaponin III (15) demonstrated the most potent β-glucuronidase inhibitory activities, with IC50 values of 21.20 ± 0.75 and 9.05 ± 0.47 µM, respectively, compared to the positive control d-saccharic acid 1,4-lactone (IC50 = 20.62 ± 1.61 µM). Enzyme kinetics studies were then conducted to investigate the type of inhibition exhibited by these active compounds. In addition, the binding mechanism, key interactions, binding stability, and dynamic behavior of protein-ligand complexes were investigated through in silico approaches, such as molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. These findings highlight the promising potential of triterpenoid saponins from A. membranaceus as lead compounds for β-glucuronidase inhibitors, offering new possibilities for the development of therapeutic agents targeting various diseases where β-glucuronidase plays a crucial role.

Calycosin ameliorates osteoarthritis by regulating the imbalance between chondrocyte synthesis and catabolism

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a severe chronic inflammatory disease. As the main active component of Astragalus mongholicus Bunge, a classic traditional ethnic herb, calycosin exhibits anti-inflammatory action and its mechanism of exact targets for OA have yet to be determined. In this study, we established an anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) mouse model. Mice were randomized to sham, OA, and calycosin groups. Cartilage synthesis markers type II collagen (Col-2) and SRY-Box Transcription Factor 9 (Sox-9) increased significantly after calycosin gavage. While cartilage matrix degradation index cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), phosphor-epidermal growth factor receptor (p-EGFR), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) expression were decreased. With the help of network pharmacology and molecular docking, these results were confirmed in chondrocyte ADTC5 cells. Our results indicated that the calycosin treatment significantly improved cartilage damage, this was probably attributed to reversing the imbalance between chondrocyte synthesis and catabolism.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities in soils where astragalus had grown for 2 years were similar to those in the abandoned farmland

Purpose

Astragalus-cultivated soils are enriched in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF); however, the community changes of AMF between years in stragalus-cultivated soils are still unclear.

Methods

To illustrate this, using high-throughput amplicon sequencing and quantitative real-time PCR, we analyzed the AMF communities of the abandoned farmlands and interannual astragalus-cultivated soils for 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-years, including community composition, dominant, core, specific and significantly fluctuating AMF, co-occurrence network, alpha diversity, and beta diversity.

Results

A total of 74 OTUs were classified into one phylum, Glomeromycota; one class, Glomeromycetes; four orders; four families; and six genera. The 2-year soil had the highest number of reads among the interannual soils. Only one OTU was shared among all interannual soils. The treatments significantly affected the Ace, Shannoneven, and Shannon estimators of the communities. The 2-year soil had the highest richness, evenness, and diversity among all interannual soils and was the closest to the abandoned farmland in terms of alpha diversity. Glomus of the family Glomeraceae was the dominant genus present in all treatments, and the composition of the dominant genus in interannual soils was different. Both Glomus and Diversispora were the core AMF in interannual soils, and specific AMF existed in different interannual soils. Glomus is a genus that exhibits significant interannual variation. The interannual time significantly affected the network connectivity. The results of the principal coordinate analysis showed that the community composition of the interannual soils was close to each other and separated from the abandoned farmland, and that the interannual time significantly affected the community composition.

Conclusion

Among the interannual soils, the 2-year soil may be more suitable for A. sinensis seedling rotation.

Unraveling the chemical profile, antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, cytotoxic potential of different extracts from Astragalus caraganae

Six extracts (water, ethanol, ethanol-water, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, and n-hexane) of Astragalus caraganae were studied for their biological activities and bioactive contents. Based on high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), the ethanol-water extract yielded the highest total bioactive content (4242.90 µg g-1 ), followed by the ethanol and water extracts (3721.24 and 3661.37 µg g-1 , respectively), while the least total bioactive content was yielded by the hexane extract, followed by the dichloromethane and ethyl acetate extracts (47.44, 274.68, and 688.89 µg g-1 , respectively). Rutin, p-coumaric, chlorogenic, isoquercitrin, and delphindin-3,5-diglucoside were among the major components. Unlike the dichloromethane extracts, all the other extracts showed radical scavenging ability in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay (8.73-52.11 mg Trolox equivalent [TE]/g), while all extracts displayed scavenging property in the 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assay (16.18-282.74 mg TE/g). The extracts showed antiacetylcholinesterase (1.27-2.73 mg galantamine equivalent [GALAE]/g), antibutyrylcholinesterase (0.20-5.57 mg GALAE/g) and antityrosinase (9.37-63.56 mg kojic acid equivalent [KAE]/g) effects. The molecular mechanism of the H2 O2 -induced oxidative stress pathway was aimed to be elucidated by applying ethanol, ethanol/water and water extracts at 200 µg/mL concentration to human dermal cells (HDFs). A. caraganae in HDF cells had neither a cytotoxic nor genotoxic effect but could have a cytostatic effect in increasing concentrations. The findings have allowed a better insight into the pharmacological potential of the plant, with respect to their chemical entities and bioactive contents, as well as extraction solvents and their polarity.

A Review of the Potential Benefits of Herbal Medicines, Small Molecules of Natural Sources, and Supplements for Health Promotion in Lupus Conditions

The Latin word lupus, meaning wolf, was in the medical literature prior to the 1200s to describe skin lesions that devour flesh, and the resources available to physicians to help people were limited. The present text reviews the ethnobotanical and pharmacological aspects of medicinal plants and purified molecules from natural sources with efficacy against lupus conditions. Among these molecules are artemisinin and its derivatives, antroquinonol, baicalin, curcumin, emodin, mangiferin, salvianolic acid A, triptolide, the total glycosides of paeony (TGP), and other supplements such as fatty acids and vitamins. In addition, medicinal plants, herbal remedies, mushrooms, and fungi that have been investigated for their effects on different lupus conditions through clinical trials, in vivo, in vitro, or in silico studies are reviewed. A special emphasis was placed on clinical trials, active phytochemicals, and their mechanisms of action. This review can be helpful for researchers in designing new goal-oriented studies. It can also help practitioners gain insight into recent updates on supplements that might help patients suffering from lupus conditions.

Study on semi-bionic extraction of Astragalus polysaccharide and its anti-aging activity in vivo

Astragalus membranaceus (A. membranaceus) is a homologous plant with high medicinal and edible value. Therefore, the extraction methods of Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) have attracted the attention of many research groups, but the yield of the active components is still not high. The aim of this study was to extract APS by a semi-bionic extraction method, optimize the extraction process, and evaluate the anti-aging activities of APS in vivo. The results showed that the APS yield was 18.23% when extracted by the semi-bionic extraction method. Anti-aging evaluation in rats showed that APS extracted by this method significantly decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity to cope with D-galactose-induced aging. Serum metabolomic analysis indicated that a total of 48 potential biomarkers showed significant differences, mainly involving 5 metabolic pathways. These altered metabolic pathways were mainly related to energy metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and lipid metabolism. These results indicated that the semi-bionic extraction method can effectively improve the yield of APS, and the extracted APS exhibited anti-aging activity in rats. Our study provided a novel and effective method to extract APS and indicated that APS can be used as functional food and natural medicine to delay aging and prevent its complications.

Zhilong Huoxue Tongyu capsule attenuates intracerebral hemorrhage induced redox imbalance by modulation of Nrf2 signaling pathway

Background: One of the severely debilitating and fatal subtypes of hemorrhagic stroke is intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), which lacks an adequate cure at present. The Zhilong Huoxue Tongyu (ZLHXTY) capsule has been utilized effectively since last decade to treat ICH, in some provinces of China but the scientific basis for its mechanism is lacking. Purpose: To investigate the neuroprotective role of ZLHXTY capsules for ICH-induced oxidative injury through the regulation of redox imbalance with the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Methods: Autologous blood injection model of ICH in C57BL/6J mice was employed. Three treatment groups received ZLHXTY once daily through oral gavage at doses 0.35 g/kg, 0.7 g/kg, and 1.4 g/kg, started after 2 h and continued for 72 h of ICH induction. The neurological outcome was measured using a balance beam test. Serum was tested for inflammatory markers IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α through ELISA, oxidative stress through hydrogen peroxide content assay, and antioxidant status by total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) assay. Nuclear extract from brain tissue was assayed for Nrf2 transcriptional factor activity. RT-qPCR was performed for Nfe2l2, Sod1, Hmox1, Nqo1, and Mgst1; and Western blotting for determination of protein expression of Nrf2, p62, Pp62, Keap, HO1, and NQO1. Fluoro-jade C staining was also used to examine neuronal damage. Results: ZLHXTY capsule treatment following ICH demonstrated a protective effect against oxidative brain injury. Neurological scoring showed improvement in behavioral outcomes. ELISA-based identification demonstrated a significant decline in the expression of serum inflammatory markers. Hydrogen peroxide content in serum was found to be reduced. The total antioxidant capacity was also reduced in serum, but the ZLHXTY extract showed a concentration-dependent increase in T-AOC speculating at its intrinsic antioxidant potential. Nrf2 transcriptional factor activity, mRNA and protein expression analyses revealed normalization of Nrf2 and its downstream targets, which were previously elevated as a result of oxidative stress induced by ICH. Neuronal damage was also reduced markedly after ZLHXTY treatment as revealed by Fluoro-jade C staining. Conclusion: ZLHXTY capsules possess an intrinsic antioxidant potential that can modulate the ICH-induced redox imbalance in the brain as revealed by the normalization of Nrf2 and its downstream antioxidant targets.

Advances in Biotechnological Production and Metabolic Regulation of Astragalus membranaceus

Legume medicinal plants Astragalus membranaceus are widely used in the world and have very important economic value, ecological value, medicinal value, and ornamental value. The bioengineering technology of medicinal plants is used in the protection of endangered species, the rapid propagation of important resources, detoxification, and the improvement of degraded germplasm. Using bioengineering technology can effectively increase the content of secondary metabolites in A. membranaceus and improve the probability of solving the problem of medicinal plant resource shortage. In this review, we focused on biotechnological research into A. membranaceus, such as the latest advances in tissue culture, including callus, adventitious roots, hairy roots, suspension cells, etc., the metabolic regulation of chemical compounds in A. membranaceus, and the research progress on the synthetic biology of astragalosides, including the biosynthesis pathway of astragalosides, microbial transformation of astragalosides, and metabolic engineering of astragalosides. The review also looks forward to the new development trend of medicinal plant biotechnology, hoping to provide a broader development prospect for the in-depth study of medicinal plants.

Spectroscopic analysis, kinetic mechanism, computational docking, and molecular dynamics of active metabolites from the aerial parts of Astragalus membranaceusBunge as tyrosinase inhibitors

A new isoflavane derivative (2), a new natural isoflavane (6), four new oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins (23, 25, 28, and 29), and twenty three known secondary metabolites (1, 3-5, 7-22, 24, 26, and 27) were isolated from the aerial parts of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge. The chemical structures of these compounds were elucidated through spectroscopic analysis and compared with those identified in previous studies. Tyrosinase inhibition ability of isolated compounds (1-29) was evaluated. Of these, compounds 3, 4, 6, and 14 exhibited inhibitory effects, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 24.6 to 59.2 μM. According to kinetic analysis, compounds 3 and 4 were non-competitive inhibitors of tyrosinase, whereas compounds 6 and 14 inhibited tyrosinase in uncompetitive and competitive modes, respectively. Molecular docking analysis identified that compounds 3, 4, and 6 could bind to allosteric sites and compound 14 could bind to the catalytic site of tyrosinase, which is consistent with the results of kinetic studies. Molecular dynamics behaviors of the active compounds in complex with tyrosinase were investigated via 60 ns simulation which demonstrated their high stability. These findings indicate that the aerial parts of A. membranaceus are a potential source of natural tyrosinase inhibitors.

Dragon’s Blood: antioxidant properties for nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals

Plants are the source of a large spectrum of phytochemicals, and the combined and concerted action of biologically active compounds lead to the potential beneficial properties of each plant matrix. A great attention is being addressed over the years toward herbs and medicinal plants. Dragon’s Blood is a reddish resin oil extracted from Croton lechleri tree. It has been extensively used by indigenous cultures of the Amazon River since ancient times due to the beneficial nutraceutical and pharmaceutical properties. This perspective aims at providing a current framework on Dragon’s Blood with focus on antioxidant properties for nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals in a novelty integrated and multidisciplinary manner, highlighting the current knowledge, the main research lines, and emerging strategies. A literature quantitative research analysis approach was applied as starting point. The literature search was carried out by means of the Scopus database; 365 documents have been retrieved in the year range from 1854 to 2021, and a total of 269 terms were identified. Among the top-recurring keywords appear: unclassified drug, nonhuman, plant extract/s, Dragon’s Blood, dracaena, Dragon Blood, chemistry, human, animal/s, plant resin. Source, chemical composition, potential nutraceutical, and therapeutical applications of Dragon’s Blood are discussed here. The anti-inflammatory, wound healing, antidiarrheals, anticancer, antirheumatic, antiseptic, and antioxidant activities identified in the Dragon’s Blood extracts can open novel perspectives for its use in food and pharmaceutical industries. While different bioactive compounds have already been identified in Dragon’s Blood extract, only a few studies can be found in literature.

Research progress on effects of traditional Chinese medicine on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury: A review

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a high-risk disease in the middle-aged and elderly population. The ischemic heart may be further damaged after reperfusion therapy with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and other methods, namely, myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI), which further affects revascularization and hinders patient rehabilitation. Therefore, the investigation of new therapies against MIRI has drawn great global attention. Within the long history of the prevention and treatment of MIRI, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has increasingly been recognized by the scientific community for its multi-component and multi-target effects. These multi-target effects provide a conspicuous advantage to the anti-MIRI of TCM to overcome the shortcomings of single-component drugs, thereby pointing toward a novel avenue for the treatment of MIRI. However, very few reviews have summarized the currently available anti-MIRI of TCM. Therefore, a systematic data mining of TCM for protecting against MIRI will certainly accelerate the processes of drug discovery and help to identify safe candidates with synergistic formulations. The present review aims to describe TCM-based research in MIRI treatment through electronic retrieval of articles, patents, and ethnopharmacology documents. This review reported the progress of research on the active ingredients, efficacy, and underlying mechanism of anti-MIRI in TCM and TCM formulas, provided scientific support to the clinical use of TCM in the treatment of MIRI, and revealed the corresponding clinical significance and development prospects of TCM in treating MIRI.

Scientific production on medicinal plants and their efficacy against Covid-19: A review and scientometric analysis based on VOSviewer

Historically, numerous plants have been used to alleviate various diseases, particularly viral diseases (bronchitis, influenza virus and dengue virus). This review evaluated their therapeutic potential against Covid-19 and mapped the 10 most studied plants during the pandemic. The standardized protocol for systematic reviews (PRISMA-P) was developed in this study. All studies involving medicinal plants and their potential against Covid-19 infection were also considered. Two specific search fields “traditional medicine and Covid-19” and “medicinal plants and Covid-19” with appearance in the title, abstract and keywords were used to search for information. Only papers (review and original) published between 2020 and October 2021 were included. Short communications, letters to the editor, books and book chapters were excluded. A total of 24,046 articles were recorded among the four databases and an increase of 69% in publications for the 2021 search date, a higher percentage compared to the previous year (31%). China was the country with the highest production with 28% (2725 papers). The analysis of variance showed that the number of studies of Nigella sativa L. (1.62 ± 0.21; p = 0.02), Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (1.50 ± 0.32; p = 0.03), Zingiber officinale Roscoe (1.51 ± 0.32; p = 0.03) were statistically significant with respect to the other species. This is probably because these species show compounds with high antiviral spectrum. Despite the pharmacological potential found in medicinal plants, more large-scale clinical trials are still needed to demonstrate the efficacy of phytocompounds against viral diseases.

Authentication of Shenqi Fuzheng Injection via UPLC-Coupled Ion Mobility—Mass Spectrometry and Chemometrics with Kendrick Mass Defect Filter Data Mining

Nearly 5% of the Shenqi Fuzheng Injection’s dry weight comes from the secondary metabolites of Radix codonopsis and Radix astragali. However, the chemical composition of these metabolites is still vague, which hinders the authentication of Shenqi Fuzheng Injection (SFI). Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with a charged aerosol detector was used to achieve the profiling of these secondary metabolites in SFI in a single chromatogram. The chemical information in the chromatographic profile was characterized by ion mobility and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Polygonal mass defect filtering (PMDF) combined with Kendrick mass defect filtering (KMDF) was performed to screen potential secondary metabolites. A total of 223 secondary metabolites were characterized from the SFI fingerprints, including 58 flavonoids, 71 saponins, 50 alkaloids, 30 polyene and polycynes, and 14 other compounds. Among them, 106 components, mainly flavonoids and saponins, are contributed by Radix astragali, while 54 components, mainly alkaloids and polyene and polycynes, are contributed by Radix codonopsis, with 33 components coming from both herbs. There were 64 components characterized using the KMDF method, which increased the number of characterized components in SFI by 28.70%. This study provides a solid foundation for the authentification of SFIs and the analysis of its chemical composition.

Promoting the Development of Astragalus mongholicus Bunge Industry in Guyang County (China) Based on MaxEnt and Remote Sensing

To provide high-quality Astragalus mongholicus Bunge to domestic and foreign markets and maintain sustainable development of the A. mongholicus industry, Firstly, we evaluated the impact of environmental factors and planting areas on the A. mongholicus industry. The maximum entropy method (MaxEnt) was utilized to simulate the suitability distribution of A. mongholicus and establish the relationship between the active component contents of A. mongholicus and ecological factors through linear regression analysis. The random forest algorithm was subsequently used to perform feature selection and classification extraction on Sentinel-2 imagery covering the study area. Furthermore, the planting, processing, and sales of A. mongholicus in Guyang County were investigated, and the roles of stakeholders in the value chains were analyzed. The results demonstrated that precipitation of the warmest quarter, minimum temperature of the coldest month, standard deviation of seasonal temperature changes, range of mean annual temperature, and mean diurnal range [mean of monthly (max temp - min temp)] were the five environmental variables that contributed the most to the growth of A. mongholicus. The most influential factor on the distribution of high-quality A. mongholicus was the mean temperature of the coldest quarter. The classification results of image features showed that the planting areas of A. mongholicus was consistent with the suitable planting areas predicted by MaxEnt, which can provide data support to the relevant departments for the macro development of the A. mongholicus industry. In the production of A. mongholicus, 10 value chains were constructed, and the study demonstrated that the behavior of stakeholders, target markets, and the selected planting area had a significant impact on the quality of A. mongholicus.

Total phenolic, flavonoid contents, and biological activities of stem extracts of Astragalus spinosus (Forssk.) Muschl. grown in Northern Border Province, Saudi Arabia

Background and objective

Genus Astragalus belongs to the family Fabaceae and is one among the largest genera consisting of around 3000 species. The plants have been used traditionally in treatment of various ailments in folklore. The study was planned to assess the analgesic and inflammatory activity of Astragulus spinosus (Forssk.) Muschl extract of the stem.

Materials and methods

Course powder of stems of Astragulus spinosus was extracted using chloroform and methanol as solvents. Folin ciocalteu method was employed for determination of the phenolic acid content. Aluminum chloride colorimetric procedure was followed for estimating the flavonoid content. Both chloroform and methanolic extracts at 250 and 500 mg/kg, were tested for the analgesic activity, however, only methanolic extract was selected for anti-inflammatory property based on the results of analgesic activity. The analgesic effect was executed on male rats by the hot plate model. The anti-inflammatory effect was studied in the carrageenan rat paw edema model. The experimental information was interpreted statistically using one-way ANOVA and p < 0.05 was used to express importance of the results.

Results

The total phenolics of the methanol extract was 420 µg and that of chloroform extract was 265 µgwhile total flavonoid content in terms of quercetin was found to be 68 µg and 17.5 µg for methanol and chloroform extract respectively. Only methanolic extract exhibited significant (p < 0.001) analgesic activity by elevating the pain threshold starting from 15 min. The methanolic extract inhibited (p < 0.001) the edema in carrageenan induced model. The performance of higher dose (500 mg/kg) was better with reference to lower dose (250 mg/kg).

Conclusion

Outcome of the results show that the methanolic stem extracts exhibited significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory-like activity with reference to chloroform extract. Credit of which is given to flavonoids and phenolic content present in the methanolic extract. However, more research is suggested to establish the safety and effectiveness of the herbal drug to manage diseased states including pain and inflammation.

Efficacy of Rubus coreanus Miq. and Astragalus membranaceus Bunge Extract for Postmenopausal Syndrome: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo Comparative Clinical Trial

Objectives

The most effective way to improve menopausal symptoms is to supplement deficient oestrogen; however, long-term administration of synthetic oestrogen increases the risk for breast and uterine cancers. Here, we report results from a clinical trial of Rubus coreanus Miq. and Astragalus membranaceus Bunge as agents for improving the menopause syndrome.

Methods

This study was a single-centre, double-blinded, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study. The efficacy of an extract of R. coreanus Miq. and A. membranaceus Bunge was investigated. Participants were females with postmenopausal syndrome in the menopausal or menopausal transition period. The primary endpoint of validation was improvement in the Kupperman index (KI) score of women. The secondary end point was change in the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) and lipid profile. The participants were randomly allocated at a 1 : 1 ratio into R. coreanus Miq. and A. membranaceus Bunge extract (RCAM) or placebo groups and were administered 2000 mg of the extract or placebo, respectively, daily for 12 weeks. Outcomes were measured at visits 2 (day 0) and 5 (week 12).

Results

The RCAM group demonstrated decreased KI score and MRS compared with the placebo group after 12 weeks. In the safety evaluation, laboratory tests and vital signs demonstrated no clinically significant changes in subjects, and there was no difference in adverse reactions between the groups. The R. coreanus Miq. and A. membranaceus Bunge extract was effective in reducing postmenopausal symptoms in women. Moreover, the extract was found to be safe.

Conclusions

For females with menopausal symptoms in the menopausal transitional and postmenopausal periods, ingestion of the R. coreanus Miq. and A. membranaceus Bunge extract for 12 weeks was effective, as demonstrated by a decrease in KI score and MRS relative to that in the placebo group, and significantly improved the menopausal symptoms.

Combining network pharmacology with chromatographic fingerprinting and multi-component quantitative analysis for the quality evaluation of Astragali Radix

Nowadays, the cultivated variant and adulterant of Astragali Radix (AR) have flooded the market, causing the quality of AR to be challenging to distinguish. To address this issue, we combined network pharmacology with chromatographic fingerprinting and multi-component quantitative analysis for the quality evaluation of AR. Specifically, through network pharmacology, a complete understanding of the active components and pharmacological activities of AR was established. In addition, the establishment of the fingerprint profiles and multi-component quantitation by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is convenient and comprehensive, which can more fully reflect the overall situation of the distribution of various chemical components. To evaluate and differentiate AR from different origins, hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were performed. The result showed that AR acts synergistically through multiple targets and pathways. And the content of chemical components in AR from different origins varied significantly. Combining network pharmacology and multi-component quantification results, astragaloside II, astragaloside IV and formononetin can be used as quality markers for quality control of AR. This study provides a comprehensive and reliable strategy for the quality evaluation of AR and identifies its quality markers to ensure the quality of the herb.

UHPLC-MS/MS Analysis on Flavonoids Composition in Astragalus membranaceus and Their Antioxidant Activity

Astragalus membranaceus is a valuable medicinal plant species widely distributed in Asia. Its root is the main medicinal tissue rich in methoxylated flavonoids. Origin can highly influence the chemical composition and bioactivity. To characterize the principal chemicals influenced by origin and provide more information about their antioxidant profile, the extracts of A. membranaceus roots from four origins were analysed by UHPLC-MS/MS. Thirty-four flavonoids, including thirteen methoxylated flavonoids, fifteen flavonoid glycosides and six flavonols, were identified. By principal component analysis, eighteen identified compounds were considered to be principal compounds. They could be used to differentiate A. membranaceus from Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang and Gansu. The antioxidant activity was analysed by ORAC assay, DPPH radical scavenging activity assay and cell antioxidant activity assay. 'Inner Mongolia' extract showed the highest antioxidant activity. These results were helpful to understand how origin influenced the quality of A. membranaceus.