A new triterpenoid from Alisma orientale and their antibacterial effect

HPLC-HESI-MS/MS Analysis of Phenolic Compounds from Cynoglossum tubiflorus Leaf Extracts: An Assessment of Their Cytotoxic, Antioxidant, and Antibacterial Properties

The current study aimed to investigate the chemical composition, antioxidant, antibacterial, and cytotoxic properties of three extracts (hexane, dichloromethane, and methanol) from Cynoglossum tubiflorus. The composition of the methanolic extract was elucidated using HPLC-HESI-MS/MS analysis. The antioxidant effect was examined using NO, DPPH, FRAP, and TAC assays. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by broth microdilution using various bacterial strains such as S. aureus, S. epidermidis, P. aeruginosa, E. coli, and K. pneumoniae. Structural disruptions in Gram-positive bacteria were visualized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Cytotoxic effects were evaluated on human MRC-5 in culture according to the MTT assay. The outcomes suggest that methanol extract contained a high amount of phenolic compounds (254.35 ± 0.360 mg GAE/g DE and 211.59 ± 0.939 mg QE/g DE). By applying the HPLC-HESI-MS/MS analysis, 32 compounds were identified, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, lignans, and fatty acids. This extract showed strong antioxidant (IC50 = 0.043 ± 0.001 mg/mL) and antimicrobial (MIC = 156 µg/mL) activities. The SEM suggests that cells exhibited membrane distortions characterized by surface depressions and alterations in bacterial shape, including dents, when compared to untreated cells. The in vitro cytotoxicity effect on human MRC-5 cells showed no toxicity effects at a concentration of 600 µg/mL. In silico analysis predicted low toxicity for all tested compounds across four different administration routes. This research indicates that this plant could be explored as a powerful source of natural drugs to target pathogens, with applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and medical industries.

Alisol B 23-acetate promotes white adipose tissue browning to mitigate high-fat diet-induced obesity by regulating mTOR-SREBP1 signaling

OBJECTIVE

Obesity is a global health concern with management strategies encompassing bariatric surgery and anti-obesity drugs; however, concerns regarding complexities and side effects persist, driving research for more effective, low-risk strategies. The promotion of white adipose tissue (WAT) browning has emerged as a promising approach. Moreover, alisol B 23-acetate (AB23A) has demonstrated efficacy in addressing metabolic disorders, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent in obesity management. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of AB23A for mitigating obesity by regulating metabolic phenotypes and lipid distribution in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD).

METHODS

An obesity mouse model was established by administration of an HFD. Glucose and insulin metabolism were assessed via glucose and insulin tolerance tests. Adipocyte size was determined using hematoxylin and eosin staining. The expression of browning markers in WAT was evaluated using Western blotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Metabolic cage monitoring involved the assessment of various parameters, including food and water intake, energy metabolism, respiratory exchange rates, and physical activity. Moreover, oil red O staining was used to evaluate intracellular lipid accumulation. A bioinformatic analysis tool for identifying the molecular mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine was used to examine AB23A targets and associated signaling pathways.

RESULTS

AB23A administration significantly reduced the weight of obese mice, decreased the mass of inguinal WAT, epididymal WAT, and perirenal adipose tissue, improved glucose and insulin metabolism, and reduced adipocyte size. Moreover, treatment with AB23A promoted the expression of browning markers in WAT, enhanced overall energy metabolism in mice, and had no discernible effect on food intake, water consumption, or physical activity. In 3T3-L1 cells, AB23A inhibited lipid accumulation, and both AB23A and rapamycin inhibited the mammalian target of rapamycin-sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (mTOR-SREBP1) signaling pathway. Furthermore, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, dexamethasone and insulin, at concentrations of 0.25 mmol/L, 0.25 μmol/L and 1 μg/mL, respectively, induced activation of the mTOR-SREBP1 signaling pathway, which was further strengthened by an mTOR activator MHY1485. Notably, MHY1485 reversed the beneficial effects of AB23A in 3T3-L1 cells.

CONCLUSION

AB23A promoted WAT browning by inhibiting the mTOR-SREBP1 signaling pathway, offering a potential strategy to prevent obesity. Please cite this article as: Han LL, Zhang X, Zhang H, Li T, Zhao YC, Tian MH, Sun FL, Feng B. Alisol B 23-acetate promotes white adipose tissue browning to mitigate high-fat diet-induced obesity by regulating mTOR-SREBP1 signaling. J Integr Med. 2024; 22(1): 83-92.

PI3K/AKT/SERBP-1 pathway regulates Alisma orientalis beverage treatment of atherosclerosis in APOE-/- high-fat diet mice

CONTEXT

Previously, we found Alisma orientalis beverage (AOB), a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulation, had the potential effect of treating atherosclerosis (AS). The underlying mechanism was still unclear.

OBJECTIVE

As an extention of our previous work, to investigate the underlying mechanism of action of AOB in the treatment for AS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Network pharmacology was conducted using SwissTargetPrediction, GeneCards, DrugBank, Metascape, etc., to construct component-target-pathway networks. In vivo, AS models were induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 consecutive weeks in APOE^-/- mice. After the administration of AOB (3.8 g/kg, i.g.) for 8 weeks, we assessed the aortic plaque, four indicators of blood lipids, and expression of the PI3K/AKT/SREBP-1 pathway in liver.

RESULTS

Network pharmacology showed that PI3K/AKT/SREBP-1 played a role in AOB's treatment for AS (PI3K: degree = 18; AKT: degree = 17). Moreover, we found that the arterial plaque area and four indicators of blood lipids were all significantly reversed by AOB treatment in APOE^-/- mice fed with HFD (plaque area reduced by about 37.75%). In addition, phosphorylated expression of PI3K/AKT and expression of SREBP-1 were obviously increased in APOE^-/- mice fed with HFD, which were all improved by AOB (PI3K: 51.6%; AKT: 23.6%; SREBP-1: 40.0%).

CONCLUSIONS

AOB had therapeutic effects for AS by improving blood lipids and inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/SERBP-1 pathway in the liver. This study provides new ideas for the treatment of AS, as well as new evidence for the clinical application of AOB.

Alisol B 23-acetate broadly inhibits coronavirus through blocking virus entry and suppresses proinflammatory T cells responses for the treatment of COVID-19

INTRODUCTION

Emerging severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus (CoV)-2 causes a global health disaster and pandemic. Seeking effective anti-pan-CoVs drugs benefit critical illness patients of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) but also may play a role in emerging CoVs of the future.

OBJECTIVES

This study tested the hypothesis that alisol B 23-acetate could be a viral entry inhibitor and would have proinflammatory inhibition for COVID-19 treatment.

METHODS

SARS-CoV-2 and its variants infected several cell lines were applied to evaluate the anti-CoVs activities of alisol B 23-aceate in vitro. The effects of alisol B 23-acetate on in vivo models were assessed by using SARS-CoV-2 and its variants challenged hamster and human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) transgenic mice. The target of alisol B 23-acetate to ACE2 was analyzed using hydrogen/deuterium exchange (HDX) mass spectrometry (MS).

RESULTS

Alisol B 23-acetate had inhibitory effects on different species of coronavirus. By using HDX-MS, we found that alisol B 23-acetate had inhibition potency toward ACE2. In vivo experiments showed that alisol B 23-acetate treatment remarkably decreased viral copy, reduced CD4+ T lymphocytes and CD11b+ macrophages infiltration and ameliorated lung damages in the hamster model. In Omicron variant infected human ACE2 transgenic mice, alisol B 23-acetate effectively alleviated viral load in nasal turbinate and reduced proinflammatory cytokines interleukin 17 (IL17) and interferon γ (IFNγ) in peripheral blood. The prophylactic treatment of alisol B 23-acetate by intranasal administration significantly attenuated Omicron viral load in the hamster lung tissues. Moreover, alisol B 23-acetate treatment remarkably inhibited proinflammatory responses through mitigating the secretions of IFNγ and IL17 in the cultured human and mice lymphocytes in vitro.

CONCLUSION

Alisol B 23-acetate could be a promising therapeutic agent for COVID-19 treatment and its underlying mechanisms might be attributed to viral entry inhibition and anti-inflammatory activities.

Sesquiterpenoids from the leaves of Chimonanthus nitens

Two new sesquiterpenoids (1 and 3), one new natural product (2), and two known compounds (4 and 5) were isolated from the leaves of Chimonanthus nitens. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis, and the absolute configuration of compound 3 was determined by the X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis. The cytotoxicity of compounds 1-5 was evaluated at three concentrations on two human breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-231) by MTT assay. As a result, we found that the cytotoxicity was weak even with a concentration of these compounds up to 100 μM.

Triterpenes from Momordica balsamina (African pumpkin): ABCB1 inhibition and synergistic interaction with doxorubicin in resistant cancer cells

Aiming at overcoming multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer, we have been studying Momordica balsamina, a vegetable known as African pumpkin. Five undescribed cucurbitane-type triterpenoids (balsaminaepoxide, balsaminatriol, balsaminoic acid, balsaminal, and balsaminol G) along with five known cucurbitacins were isolated from the methanol extract of Momordica balsamina aerial parts, whose structures were elucidated by spectroscopic data, mainly 1D and 2D NMR experiments. Compounds were evaluated for their ability as P-glycoprotein (P-gp/ABCB1) inhibitors in multidrug resistant human ABCB1-transfected mouse lymphoma cells (L5178Y, MDR) and resistant human colon adenocarcinoma cells (COLO 320), using the rhodamine-123 exclusion test, by flow cytometry. Several compounds, which were found to be non-cytotoxic, strongly inhibited P-gp efflux activity in a dose-dependent manner in both cell models. In MRD mouse lymphoma cells, balsaminol G and karavilagenin B were the most active, while in resistant colon adenocarcinoma cells, the strongest inhibitory activity was found for balsaminaepoxide, balsaminatriol and karavilagenin C, being several-fold more active than the positive control verapamil. In chemosensitivity assays, in a model of combination chemotherapy, selected compounds showed to interact synergistically with doxorubicin, thus substantiating their potential as MDR reversers. The strongest synergistic interaction was found for balsaminal and balsaminol G.

Pharmacological Properties and Molecular Targets of Alisol Triterpenoids from Alismatis Rhizoma

More than 100 protostane triterpenoids have been isolated from the dried rhizomes of Alisma species, designated Alismatis rhizoma (AR), commonly used in Asian traditional medicine to treat inflammatory and vascular diseases. The main products are the alisols, with the lead compounds alisol-A/-B and their acetate derivatives being the most abundant products in the plant and the best-known bioactive products. The pharmacological effects of Ali-A, Ali-A 24-acetate, Ali-B, Ali-B 23-acetate, and derivatives have been analyzed to provide an overview of the medicinal properties, signaling pathways, and molecular targets at the origin of those activities. Diverse protein targets have been proposed for these natural products, including the farnesoid X receptor, soluble epoxide hydrolase, and other enzymes (AMPK, HCE-2) and functional proteins (YAP, LXR) at the origin of the anti-atherosclerosis, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-fibrotic, and anti-proliferative activities. Activities were classified in two groups. The lipid-lowering and anti-atherosclerosis effects benefit from robust in vitro and in vivo data (group 1). The anticancer effects of alisols have been largely reported, but, essentially, studies using tumor cell lines and solid in vivo data are lacking (group 2). The survey shed light on the pharmacological properties of alisol triterpenoids frequently found in traditional phytomedicines.

Efficient Microcystis removal and sulfonamide-resistance gene propagation mitigation by constructed wetlands and functional genes analysis

Increasingly prevalent Microcystis blooms and the propagation of the associated resistance genes represent global environmental problems. Constructed wetlands (CWs) are a cost-effective technology used for wastewater treatment. In this study, the herb Alisma orientale and three industrial byproducts, namely, blast furnace slag, biochar, and sawdust, were selected to construct mini-CW units. Their potential to remediate toxic Microcystis and their influences on the behaviors of antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs, sul1, sul2, and intl1) were analyzed. Approximately 98.46% of Microcystis cells were removed by the sawdust-based CW in just 2 d, wherein <0.37 μg/L residual microcystin (MC)-LR was detected, with a removal efficiency of >96.47%, which is potentially caused by the higher relative abundance of MC-degrading gene mlrA on the substrate. Lower target ARG accumulations in the sawdust-based CW may be attributed to the lower intl1 relative abundance and microbial function mobile element content, which could influence horizontal gene transfer. In three sequential batches for the treatment of eutrophic lake water, six sawdust-based CW units were assembled into CW microcosms. The efficiency of removal of Microcystis and MC-LR by planted CW microcosms ranged between 92.00% and 95.88% and between 86.48% and 94.82%, respectively; this was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that by unplanted ones. Less accumulation of target ARGs was also observed in planted CWs. Planting considerably improved nitrogen removal, possibly owing to the enrichment of genes involved in the KEGG nitrogen metabolism pathway in the substrate through metagenomic analysis.

Anti-Diabetic Potential of Plant-Based Pentacyclic Triterpene Derivatives: Progress Made to Improve Efficacy and Bioavailability

Diabetes mellitus (DM) results from the inability of the pancreas to produce sufficient insulin or weakened cellular response to the insulin produced, which leads to hyperglycemia. Current treatments of DM focus on the use of oral hypoglycemic drugs such as acarbose, alpha-glucose inhibitors, sulphonylureas, thiazolidinediones, and biguanides to control blood glucose levels. However, these medications are known to have various side effects in addition to their bioavailability, efficacy, and safety concerns. These drawbacks have increased interest in the anti-diabetic potential of plant-derived bioactive compounds such as oleanolic and maslinic acids. Although their efficacy in ameliorating blood glucose levels has been reported in several studies, their bioavailability and efficacy remain of concern. The current review examines the anti-diabetic effects of oleanolic, maslinic, asiatic, ursolic, and corosolic acids and their derivatives, as well as the progress made thus far to enhance their bioavailability and efficacy. The literature for the current review was gathered from leading academic databases-including Google Scholar and PubMed-the key words listed below were used. The literature was searched as widely and comprehensively as possible without a defined range of dates.

Alisol A Inhibited the Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells by Inhibiting the Hippo Signaling Pathway

PURPOSE

Alisol A is a bioactive triterpenoid isolated from the Rhizoma Alismatis. Previous studies have shown that alisol A has anticancer potential. In this study, we explored the effect of alisol A on the growth of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MTT assay, colony formation assay, flow cytometry, transwell assay, wound healing assay, and western blotting were used to assess cell viability, proliferation, cell cycle, migration, invasion, and protein expression, respectively, in vitro. AutoDock Vina and Discovery Studio software were used for molecular docking.

RESULTS

Alisol A inhibited the viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion of NPC cells. The molecular docking simulation assay confirmed that alisol A bound to YAP protein. In addition, alisol A promoted the phosphorylation of YAP and suppressed the expression of YAP in NPC cells.

CONCLUSION

Alisol A inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of NPC cells by inhibiting the Hippo signaling pathway. Alisol A may be a candidate drug for NPC.

Rapid screening for natural lipase inhibitors from Alisma orientale combining high-performance thin-layer chromatography-bioautography with mass spectrometry

Lipase inhibitors are an attractive class of hypolipidemic compounds, which inhibit the activity of human pancreatic lipase, thereby preventing the absorption of triglycerides in vivo. As a library of promising lead compounds for drug development, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has gained growing attention in quick discovery and identification of enzyme inhibitors of natural-origin. The purpose of this work was to discover unknown lipase inhibitors from Alisma orientale by the activity oriented analysis method thin-layer chromatography-bioautography, then use electrospray ionization mass spectrometry technology via the elution based TLC-MS interface to identify their structures. As a result, eleven natural lipase inhibitors from Alisma orientale extracts were identified based on molecular mass and fragment ions obtained by HPTLC-MS, and further confirmed by a series of complementary means including UV spectra, ¹H NMR characteristic proton signals and polarity of compounds, eleven lipase inhibitors were tentatively assigned as triterpenoids: alisol B (m/z 495.50 [M + Na]⁺), alisol B 23-acetate (m/z 537.58 [M + Na]⁺), 11-deoxy-alisol B (m/z 479.50 [M + Na]⁺), 11-deoxy-alisol B 23-acetate (m/z 521.50 [M + Na]⁺), alisol A/epialisol A (m/z 513.50 [M + Na]⁺), 16-oxo-11-deoxy-alisol A (m/z 511.50 [M + Na]⁺), 16-oxo-alisol A (527.50 [M + Na] ⁺), alisol C (m/z 509.58 [M + Na]⁺), alisol C 23-acetate (m/z 551.50 [M + Na]⁺), alisol M 23-acetate (m/z 567.50 [M + Na]⁺), and alismanol Q/neoalisol (m/z 493.42 [M + Na]⁺). The integrated approach is an efficient method for rapid screening lipase inhibitors from complex plant extracts and provides a reasonable and favorable basis for the identification and separation of other enzymatic system and other important compounds with therapeutic values.

Alisol B 23-Acetate Ameliorates Azoxymethane/Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Male Murine Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer via Modulating the Composition of Gut Microbiota and Improving Intestinal Barrier

Hunting for natural compounds that can modulate the structure of the intestinal flora is a new hotspot for colitis‐associated cancer (CAC) prevention or treatment. Alisol B 23-acetate (AB23A) is a natural tetracyclic triterpenoid found in Alismatis rhizoma which is well known for dietary herb. Alismatis rhizoma is often used clinically to treat gastrointestinal diseases in China. In this study, we investigated the potential prevention of AB23A in male mouse models of azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced CAC. AB23A intervention alleviated the body weight loss, disease activity index, colon tumor load, tissue injury, and inflammatory cytokine changes in CAC mice. AB23A intervention leads to remarkable reductions in the activation of TLR, NF-κB and MAPK. AB23A significantly decreased the phosphorylation of p38, ERK, and JNK and up-regulated mucin-2 and the expression of tight junction proteins. The gut microbiota of AB23A-interfered mice was characterized with high microbial diversity, the reduced expansion of pathogenic bacteria, such as Klebsiella, Citrobacter, and Akkermansia, and the increased growth of bacteria including Bacteroides, Lactobacillus, and Alloprevotella. These data reveal that AB23A has the potential to be used to treat CAC in the future.

Comprehensive metabolic profiling of Alismatis Rhizoma triterpenes in rats based on characteristic ions and a triterpene database

Alismatis Rhizoma (AR) is widely used in Chinese medicine, and its major bioactive components, triterpenes, reportedly possess various pharmacological activities. Therefore, it is very important to study the metabolism of triterpenes in vivo. However, the metabolism of AR triterpene extract has not been comprehensively elucidated due to its complex chemical components and metabolic pathways. In this study, an ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry method, which was based on the characteristic ions from an established database of known triterpenes, was used to analyze the major metabolites in rats following the oral administration of Alismatis Rhizoma extracts (ARE). As a result, a total of 233 constituents, with 85 prototype compounds and 148 metabolites, were identified for the first time. Hydrogenation, oxidation, sulfate and glucuronidation conjugation were the major metabolic pathways for triterpenes in AR. In addition, the mutual in vivo transformation of known ARE triterpenes was discovered and confirmed for the first time. Those results provide comprehensive insights into the metabolism of AR in vivo, which will be useful for future studies on its pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. Moreover, this established strategy may be useful in metabolic studies of similar compounds.

Alisma genus: Phytochemical constituents, biosynthesis, and biological activities

The genus Alisma contains 11 species distributed worldwide, of which at least two species (A. orientale [Sam.] Juzep. and A. plantago-aquatica Linn.) have been used as common herbal medicines. Secondary metabolites obtained from the genus Alisma are considered to be the material basis for the various biological functions and medicinal applications. In this review, we mainly focused on the recent investigations of secondary metabolites from plants of the genus Alisma and their biological activities, with the highlighting on the diversity of the chemical structures, the biosynthesis of interesting secondary metabolites, the biological activities, and the relationships between structures and bioactivities.

Epoxide containing molecules: A good or a bad drug design approach

Functional group modification is one of the main strategies used in drug discovery and development. Despite the controversy of being identified for many years as a biologically hazardous functional group, the introduction of an epoxide function in a structural backbone is still one of the possible modifications being implemented in drug design. In this manner, it is our intention to prove with this work that epoxides can have significant interest in medicinal chemistry, not only as anticancer agents, but also as important drugs for other pathologies. Thus, this revision paper aims to highlight the biological activity and the proposed mechanisms of action of several epoxide-containing molecules either in preclinical studies or in clinical development or even in clinical use. An overview of the chemistry of epoxides is also reported. Some of the conclusions are that effectively most of the epoxide-containing molecules referred in this work were being studied or are in the market as anticancer drugs. However, some of them in preclinical studies, were also associated with other different activities such as anti-malarial, anti-arthritic, insecticidal, antithrombotic, and selective inhibitory activity of FXIII-A (a transglutaminase). As for the epoxide-containing molecules in clinical trials, some of them are being tested for obesity and schizophrenia. Finally, drugs containing epoxide groups already in the market are mostly used for the treatment of different types of cancer, such as breast cancer and multiple myeloma. Other diseases for which the referred drugs are being used include heart failure, infections and gastrointestinal disturbs. In summary, epoxides can be a suitable option in drug design, particularly in the design of anticancer agents, and deserve to be better explored. However, and despite the promising results, it is imperative to explore the mechanisms of action of these compounds in order to have a better picture of their efficiency and safety.

Triterpenoids From Alisma Species: Phytochemistry, Structure Modification, and Bioactivities

Plants from Alisma species belong to the genus of Alisma Linn. in Alismataceae family. The tubers of A. orientale (Sam.) Juzep, also known as Ze Xie in Chinese and Takusha in Japanese, have been used in traditional medicine for a long history. Triterpenoids are the main secondary metabolites isolated from Alisma species, and reported with various bioactive properties, including anticancer, lipid-regulating, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and diuretic activities. In this brief review, we aimed to summarize the phytochemical and pharmacological characteristics of triterpenoids found in Alisma, and discuss their structure modification to enhance cytotoxicity as well.

Alisol B 23-Acetate Ameliorates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Cardiac Dysfunction by Suppressing Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4)/NADPH Oxidase 2 (NOX2) Signaling Pathway

Background

Cardiac dysfunction during endotoxemia is a major cause of cardiovascular disease with high morbidity and mortality. Alisol B 23-acetate (AB23A) is a triterpenoid extracted from the Rhizoma Alismatis, a kind of traditional Chinese medicine, exhibits anti-inflammatory activity on endotoxemia. This investigation aimed to uncover the protective effects of AB23A against sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction.

Material/Methods

Adult male C57BL/6 mice received lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (20 mg/kg intravenous) stimulation, with or without pre-treatment of AB23A (10 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg, or 40 mg/kg). Histopathological staining and cardiac function were performed 4 hours after LPS stimulation. Then the levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were monitored with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, H9C2 cells were treated with LPS (5 μg/mL) with or without pre-treated with AB23A (0.1 μM, 1 μM, or 10 μM), and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was detected by DCFH-DA combined with flow cytometry. The expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2), NOX4, P38, p-P38, extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and p-ERK were assessed by western blotting.

Results

AB23A improved the survival rate and ameliorated myocardial injury, decreased inflammatory infiltration and the level of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the LPS-stimulated mouse model. Moreover, AB23A inhibited the ROS production in LPS-treated H9C2 cells. In addition, AB23A suppressed the levels of TLR4 and NOX2 as well as the activation levels of P38 and ERK both in vivo and in vitro.

Conclusions

AB23A reduced LPS-induced myocardial dysfunction by inhibiting inflammation and ROS production through the TLR4/NOX2 pathway.

Novel C-17 spirost protostane-type triterpenoids from Alisma plantago-aquatica with anti-inflammatory activity in Caco-2 cells

Twenty-one protostane-type triterpenoids with diverse structures, including nine new compounds (1-9), were isolated from the of Alisma plantago-aquatica Linn. Structurally, alisolides A‒F (1-6), composed of an oxole group coupled to a five-membered ring, represent unusual C-17 spirost protostane-type triterpenoids. Alisolide H (8) is a novel triterpenoid with an unreported endoperoxide bridge. Alisolide I (9) represents the first example of 23,24-acetal triterpenoid. Their structures were elucidated based on spectroscopic analysis, wherein the absolute configurations of 4‒6, 8 were further confirmed by the Mo2(OAc)4-induced ECD method. Furthermore, all isolates were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on LPS-induced NO production in Caco-2 cells, and all the compounds showed remarkable inhibitory activities, with IC50 values in the range of 0.76-38.20 μmol/L.

Alisol B 23‑acetate inhibits the viability and induces apoptosis of non‑small cell lung cancer cells via PI3K/AKT/mTOR signal pathway

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of alisol B 23‑acetate (AB23A) on inhibiting the viability and inducing apoptosis of human non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and the anticancer mechanisms of AB23A in vitro. The viability of A549 cells following treatment with different doses of AB23A was examined using a Cell Counting Kit‑8 assay. Subsequently, apoptosis and the cell cycle were detected using flow cytometric analysis. The effect of AB23A on migration and invasion of A549 cells was detected by wound healing and Transwell assays. Western blotting was performed to determine the relative expression of Bax/Bcl‑2, phosphatidylinositol 3‑kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). AB23A markedly inhibited the viability enhanced apoptosis of A549 cells and arrested the cell cycle in G1 phase. Additionally, AB23A upregulated the ratio of Bax/Bcl‑2 in the A549 cells in a concentration‑dependent manner. The results of wound healing and Transwell assays indicated that AB23A also suppresses the migration and invasion ability of A549 cells. Furthermore, AB23A reduced the protein levels of phosphorylated AKT, PI3K and mTOR. In conclusion, AB23A exerted anti‑cancer activity via inhibiting cells viability, migration and invasion, and promoting apoptosis. Therefore, AB23A is a potential antitumor drug for the treatment of NSCLC.

Susceptibility Assessment of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strains to Lepidium sativum Extract

Many plant-derived compounds have been used to treat microbial infections. Staphylococcus aureus a common cause of many organ infections, has generated increasing concern due to its resistance to antibacterial drugs. This work was carried out to explore the susceptibility of 6 strains (LN872136, LN872137, LN871238, LN871239, LN872140, and LN871241) of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus to aqueous extract of Lepidium sativum seeds in vitro. Various concentrations (5-20 mg/mL) were used to evaluate the effect of the extract on bacteria growth via the assessment of the microbial biomass and the inhibition zone (IZ). The results showed that the plant extract at 15 or 20 mg/mL, significantly decreased the the biomass of S aureus strains after 24 or 48 hours exposure period. Staphylococcus aureus (LN871241) showed the largest IZ at 20 mg/mL and documented by scanning electron microscope. The current work may suggest that L sativum seed extract can be candidate as a promising antimicrobial agent to treat infection with methicillin-resistant S aureus.

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

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

Alisol B 23-Acetate Inhibits IgE/Ag-Mediated Mast Cell Activation and Allergic Reaction

Alisol B 23-acetate (AB23A), a natural triterpenoid, has been reported to exert hepatoprotective and antitumor activities. Aiming to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity, this study examined the effect of AB23A on mast cells and allergic reaction. AB23A inhibited the degranulation of mast cells stimulated by immunoglobulin E/antigen (IgE/Ag), and also decreased the synthesis of leukotriene C₄ (LTC₄), production of interlukin-6 (IL-6), and expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in a concentration-dependent manner with no significant cytotoxicity in bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs). AB23A inhibited spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) and the downstream signaling molecules including phospholipase Cγ (PLCγ), serine-threonine protein kinase/inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase/nuclear factor kappa-B (Akt/IKK/NF-κB), and mitogen-activated protein kinases/cytosolic phospholipase A₂ (MAPK/cPLA₂). Furthermore, AB23A blocked mobilization of Ca²⁺. Similar results were obtained in other mast cell lines Rat basophilic leukemia (RBL)-2H3 cells and a human mast cell line (HMC-1). In addition, AB23A attenuated allergic responses in an acute allergy animal model, passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA). Taken together, this study suggests that AB23A inhibits the activation of mast cells and ameliorates allergic reaction, and may become a lead compound for the treatment of mast cell-mediated allergic diseases.

An integrated approach to uncover quality marker underlying the effects of Alisma orientale on lipid metabolism, using chemical analysis and network pharmacology

BACKGROUND

Quality control of traditional Chinese medicines is currently a great concern, due to the correlation between the quality control indicators and clinic effect is often questionable. According to the "multi-components and multi-targets" property of TCMs, a new special quality and bioactivity evaluation system is urgently needed.

PURPOSE

Present study adopted an integrated approach to provide new insights relating to uncover quality marker underlying the effects of Alisma orientale (AO) on lipid metabolism.

METHODS

In this paper, guided by the concept of the quality marker (Q-marker), an integrated strategies "effect-compound-target-fingerprint" was established to discovery and screen the potential quality marker of AO based on network pharmacology and chemical analysis. Firstly, a bioactivity evaluation was performed to screen the main active fractions. Then the chemical compositions were rapidly identified by chemical analysis. Next, networks were constructed to illuminate the interactions between these component and their targets for lipid metabolism, and the potential Q-marker of AO was initially screened. Finally, the activity of the Q-markers was validated in vitro.

RESULTS

50% ethanol extract fraction was found to have the strongest lipid-lowering activity. Then, the network pharmacology was used to clarify the unique relationship between the Q-markers and their integral pharmacological action.

CONCLUSION

Combined with the results obtained, five active ingredients in the 50% ethanol extract fraction were given special considerations to be representative Q-markers: Alisol A, Alisol B, Alisol A 23-acetate, Alisol B 23-acetate and Alisol A 24-acetate, respectively. The chromatographic fingerprints based Q-marker was establishment. The integrated Q-marker screen may offer an alternative quality assessment of herbal medicines.

Terpenoids from the Soft Coral Sinularia sp. Collected in Yongxing Island

Three new sesquiterpenoids (sinuketal (1), sinulins A and B (2 and 3)) and two new cembranoids (sinulins C and D (4 and 5)), as well as eight known sesquiterpenoids (6–13) and eight known cembranoids (14–21), were isolated from the Xisha soft coral Sinularia sp. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis. Compound 1 possesses an unprecedented isopropyl-branched bicyclo [6.3.0] undecane carbon skeleton with unique endoperoxide moiety, and a plausible biosynthetic pathway of it was postulated. According to the reported biological properties of endoperoxide, the antimalarial, cytotoxic, antiviral, and target inhibitory activities of 1 were tested. Compound 1 showed mild in vitro antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum 3D7, weak cytotoxic activities toward Jurkat, MDA-MB-231, and U2OS cell lines, inhibitory effects against influenza A viruses H1N1 and PR8, as well as mild target inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase. The other compounds were evaluated for cytotoxicities against HeLa, HCT-116, and A549 tumor cell lines and target inhibitory activities against protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B). Compound 20 exhibited cytotoxicities against HeLa and HCT-116, and compounds 5, 11, and 15 showed mild target inhibitory activities against PTP1B.

Alisol B 23-acetate induces autophagic-dependent apoptosis in human colon cancer cells via ROS generation and JNK activation

Alisol B 23-acetate (AB23A), a natural triterpenoid from the rhizome of Alisma orientale, a Chinese medicinal herb, has multiple physiological activities including anticancer. However, its effect on human colon cancer and the underlying mechanism are not clear. Here, we reported for the first time that AB23A induced cell cycle G₁ phase arrest and apoptotic cell death in colon cancer cells. Autophagy also occurred in AB23A-treated HCT116 cells as evidenced by the accumulation of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 form II (LC3-II) and degradation of SQSTM1/p62. An autophagy inhibitor, 3-methyladenine (3-MA) was found to attenuate AB23A-mediated autophagy, apoptosis, and cell death, indicating that AB23A-induced apoptotic response was dependent on the induction of autophagy. In addition, the treatment of HCT116 cells with AB23A resulted in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). A ROS scavenger, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and a JNK-specific inhibitor, SP600125 attenuated AB23A-induced autophagy and apoptotic cell death. Moreover, NAC was able to eliminate AB23A-induced JNK phosphorylation. This finding provides a novel mechanism of action of AB23A in colon cancer HCT116 cells that AB23A induces autophagic-dependent apoptotic cell death in colon cancer cells, at least in part, though the accumulation of intracellular ROS and subsequent activation of JNK.

Guaiane-Type Sesquiterpenoids from Alismatis Rhizoma and Their Anti-inflammatory Activity

Twelve guaiane-type sesquiterpenoids, including four new ones, 10-O-methyl-orientalol A (1), 10-O-ethyl-alismoxide (2), 3β,4β-expoxy-chrysothol (3), orientalol G (4), and a new norsesquiterpenoid, orientalol H (5), were isolated from Chinese Alismatis Rhizoma, the dried rhizome of Alisma orientale. The structures of new compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data. Moreover, the inhibition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW264.7 cells of all compounds was tested.

Alisol B 23-acetate protects against non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in mice via farnesoid X receptor activation

Alisol B 23-acetate (AB23A) is a natural triterpenoid isolated from the traditional Chinese medicine rhizoma alismatis, which exhibits a number of pharmacological activities, including anti-hepatitis virus, anti-cancer and antibacterial effects. In this study we examined whether AB23A protected against non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in mice, and the mechanisms underlying the protective effects. NASH was induced in mice fed a methionine and choline-deficient (MCD) diet for 4 weeks. The mice were simultaneously treated with AB23A (15, 30, and 60 mg·kg^-1·d^-1, ig) for 4 weeks. On the last day, blood samples and livers were collected. Serum liver functional enzymes, inflammatoru markers were assessed. The livers were histologically examined using H&E, Oil Red O, Masson's trichrome and Sirius Red staining. Mouse primary hepatocytes were used for in vitro experiments. The mechanisms underlying AB23A protection were analyzed using siRNA, qRT-PCR, and Western blot assays. AB23A treatment significantly and dose-dependently decreased the elevated levels of serum ALT and AST in MCD diet-fed mice. Furthermore, AB23A treatment significantly reduced hepatic triglyceride accumulation, inflammatory cell infiltration and hepatic fibrosis in the mice. AB23A-induced decreases in serum and hepatic lipids were related to decreased hepatic lipogenesis through decreasing hepatic levels of SREBP-1c, FAS, ACC1 and SCD1 and increased lipid metabolism via inducing PPARα, CPT1α, ACADS and LPL. The reduction in inflammatory cell infiltration corresponded to deceased serum levels of mKC and MCP-1 and decreased hepatic gene expression of MCP-1 and VCAM-1. The reduction in hepatic fibrosis was correlated with decreased hepatic gene expression of fibrosis markers. The protective effects of AB23A were FXR-dependent, because treatment with the FXR agonist CDCA mimicked AB23A-induced hepato-protection in the mice, whereas co-administration of FXR antagonist guggulsterone abrogated AB23A-induced hepato-protection. In mouse primary hepatocytes, FXR gene silencing abrogated AB23A-induced changes in gene expression of Apo C-II, CPT1α, ACADS and LPL. AB23A produces protective effects against NASH in mice via FXR activation.

Alisma orientale: Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of an Important Traditional Chinese Medicine

Alisma orientale (Sam.) Juzep. (Alismataceae) is a traditional and famous Chinese medicinal herb. Its rhizomes, which possess versatile bioactivities, are commonly used to treat oliguria, edema, gonorrhea with turbid urine, leukorrhea, diarrhea and dizziness. Approximately 120 compounds have been isolated from A. orientale. Terpenoids have been identified as A. orientale's characteristic constituents, which include protostane triterpenoids and guaiane sesquiterpenoids. The traditional medical uses of A. orientale in TCM have been evaluated in modern pharmacological studies, which have shown that A. orientale and its active constituents exhibit a wide range of bioactivities, such as diuretic, anti-urolithiatic, antinephritic, anti-atherosclerotic, immunomodulatory, and hepatoprotective activities. The medicinal potential of A. orientale makes it an ideal candidate for new drug development. Further studies are still required to identify its bioactive constituents, and elucidate the structure-activity relationship and detailed mechanisms of action. Additionally, the use of the other medicinal parts of A. orientale may reduce resource waste and afford novel secondary metabolites.

Structures and biological activities of the triterpenoids and sesquiterpenoids from Alisma orientale

Sixteen triterpenoids and nine sesquiterpenoids were isolated from the rhizome of Alisma orientale. Structures of 16-oxo-11-anhydroalisol A 24-acetate, 13β,17β-epoxy-24,25,26,27-tetranor-alisol A 23-oic acid, 1αH,5αH-guaia-6-ene-4β,10β-diol, and alisguaiaone were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis. The cytotoxic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of isolated terpenoids were evaluated. Triterpenoids alisol A, alisol A 24-acetate, 25-O-ethylalisol A, 11-deoxyalisol A, alisol E 24-acetate, alisol G, alisol B 23-acetate and sesquiterpenoids 1αH,5αH-guaia-6-ene-4β,10β-diol, 10-hydroxy-7,10-epoxysalvialane exhibited cytotoxicities against the three tested human cancer cell lines with IC₅₀ values ranging from 11.5 ± 1.7 μM to 76.7 ± 1.4 μM. Triterpenoids alisol A, 25-O-ethylalisol A, 11-deoxyalisol A, alisol E 24-acetate, alisol G, and 25-anhydroalisol F showed antibacterial activities against the Gram-positive strains Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus with MIC values of 12.5-100 μg/mL. Sesquiterpenoid 4β,10β-dihydroxy-1αH,5βH-guaia-6-ene exhibited antibacterial activity against B. subtilis with an MIC value of 50 μg/mL, and 10-hydroxy-7,10-epoxysalvialane exhibited activity against S. aureus with an MIC value of 100 μg/mL. Compounds 16-oxo-11-anhydroalisol A 24-acetate, alisol F, 25-anhydroalisol F, and alisguaiaone exhibited inhibitory effects on lipopolysaccharide-induced NO production in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. None of the compounds showed obvious inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase.

The Cholesterol-Lowering Effect of Alisol Acetates Based on HMG-CoA Reductase and Its Molecular Mechanism

This study measured the impact of alisol B 23-acetate and alisol A 24-acetate, the main active ingredients of the traditional Chinese medicine Alismatis rhizoma, on total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels of hyperlipidemic mice. The binding of alisol B 23-acetate and alisol A 24-acetate to the key enzyme involved in the metabolism of TC, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutary-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, was studied using the reagent kit method and the western blotting technique combined with a molecular simulation technique. According to the results, alisol acetates significantly lower the TC, TG, and LDL-C concentrations of hyperlipidemic mice, while raising HDL-C concentrations. Alisol acetates lower HMG-CoA reductase activity in a dose-dependent fashion, both in vivo and in vitro. Neither of these alisol acetates significantly lower the protein expression of HMG-CoA. This suggests that alisol acetates lower the TC level via inhibiting the activity of HMG-CoA reductase by its prototype drug, which may exhibit an inhibition effect via directly and competitively binding to HMG-CoA. The side chain of the alisol acetate was the steering group via molecular simulation.

Effects of alisol B 23-acetate on ovarian cancer cells: G1 phase cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, migration and invasion inhibition

BACKGROUND

Ovarian cancer is the first leading cause of death among gynecologic malignancies worldwide. Discovery of new chemotherapeutic drugs is still imperative for the improvement of the survival rate.

PURPOSE

This study aims to investigate the anti-cancer potential of alisol B 23-acetate (AB23), a protostane-type triterpene isolated from the Alismatis Rhizoma, in the parental and paclitaxel-resistant ovarian cancer cells.

METHODS

MTT assay was performed to evaluate cell viability after treatment with AB23, along with flow cytometry for apoptosis and cell cycle analysis. Western blotting was conducted to determine the relative protein level. Wound healing and transwell assays were performed to investigate the effect of AB23 on cell migration and invasion.

RESULTS

AB23 obviously inhibited proliferation of the three ovarian cancer cell lines, down-regulated the protein levels of CDK4, CDK6, and cyclin D1, and blocked the cell cycle progressions in G1 phase. Meanwhile, AB23 induced accumulation of the sub-G1 phase in the three cell lines in a concentration dependent manner. The protein levels of cleaved poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) and the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 were up-regulated after treatment with AB23. Further study showed that AB23 induced endoplasmic reticulum stress through IRE1 signaling pathway and silencing of IRE1α partially enhanced AB23-induced apoptosis. Wound healing and transwell assays showed that AB23 could also suppress the migration and invasion of HEY cells. Moreover, it down-regulated the protein levels of matrix metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MMP-9.

CONCLUSION

AB23 possessed anti-proliferation, anti-migration and anti-invasion activities as a single agent on ovarian cancer cells.

Chemical Composition and Characteristic Odor Compounds in Essential Oil from Alismatis Rhizoma (Tubers of Alisma orientale)

Chemical composition and potent odorants that contribute to the characteristic odor of essential oil from Alismatis Rhizoma (tubers of Alisma orientale) were investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), GC-olfactometry (GC-O), aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA) and relative flavor activity (RFA) methods. Fifty components, representing 94.5% of the total oil, were identified. In this study, we newly identified thirty-nine compounds in the oil from tubers of A. orientale. The major constituents of the essential oil were khusinol (36.2%), δ-elemene (12.4%), germacron (4.1%), alismol (3.8%), β-elemene (3.1%), and α-bisabolol (1.9%). Through sensory analysis, sixteen aroma-active compounds were detected and the key contributing aroma-active compounds were δ-elemene (woody, flavor dilution (FD)-factor = 4, RFA = 0.3) β-elemene (spicy, FD = 5, RFA = 0.7), spathulenol (green, FD = 5, RFA = 1.0), γ-eudesmol (woody, FD = 6, RFA = 1.5), and γ-cadinol (woody, FD = 5, RFA = 1.0). These compounds are thought to contribute to the odor from tubers of A. orientale. These results imply that the essential oil from the tubers of A. orientale deserve further investigations in the phytochemical and medicinal fields.

Characterization and function of the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase gene in Alisma orientale (Sam.) Juz. and its relationship with protostane triterpene production

Protostane triterpenes from Alisma orientale (Sam.) Juz. have exhibited distinct pharmacological properties that are currently in high demand. 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR) is considered the first rate-limiting enzyme in isoprenoid biosynthesis via the mevalonic acid (MVA) pathway. In this study, we cloned a full-length cDNA of A. orientale (Sam.) Juz. HMGR (AoHMGR; 2252 bp; GenBank accession no. KP342318) with an open reading frame (ORF) of 1809 bp. The deduced protein sequence contained four conserved motifs and exhibited homology with HMGR proteins from other plants. We next expressed the cloned gene in Escherichia coli BL21 (Rosetta) cells, collected the expressed products, and incubated those with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) to determine enzymatic activity. GC/MS analysis revealed that the products were able to catalyze HMG-CoA and NADPH to form MVA. The purified protein was used to immunize New Zealand rabbits and prepare an antibody against AoHMGR. Western blot results demonstrated that the antibodies specifically recognized AoHMGR protein in A. orientale (Sam.) Juz. We then established a rapid test to detect AoHMGR protein in the plant, and found the tuber to be the most AoHMGR protein-abundant organ in A. orientale (Sam.) Juz. Furthermore, we detected the expression level of AoHMGR and contents of the main active component, Alisol B 23-acetate, at different growth phases of A. orientale (Sam.) Juz. A significant positive correlation was identified, indicating that AoHMGR represents a key enzyme in the synthetic pathway of protostane triterpenes.

Protective Effects of Alisma orientale Extract against Hepatic Steatosis via Inhibition of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is associated with the pathogenesis of hepatic steatosis. Alisma orientale Juzepzuk is a traditional medicinal herb for diuretics, diabetes, hepatitis, and inflammation. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of methanol extract of the tuber of Alisma orientale (MEAO) against ER stress-induced hepatic steatosis in vitro and in vivo. MEAO inhibited the tunicamycin-induced increase in luciferase activity of ER stress-reporter constructs containing ER stress response element and ATF6 response element. MEAO significantly inhibited tunicamycin-induced ER stress marker expression including GRP78, CHOP, and XBP-1 in tunicamycin-treated Human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells and the livers of tunicamycin-injected mice. It also inhibited tunicamycin-induced accumulation of cellular triglyceride. Similar observations were made under physiological ER stress conditions such as in palmitate (PA)-treated HepG2 cells and the livers of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. MEAO repressed hepatic lipogenic gene expression in PA-treated HepG2 cells and the livers of HFD obese mice. Furthermore, MEAO repressed very low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) expression and improved ApoB secretion in the livers of tunicamycin-injected mice or HFD obese mice as well as in tunicamycin or PA-treated HepG2 cells. Alismol, a guaiane-type sesquiterpenes in Alisma orientale, inhibited GRP78 expression in tunicamycin-treated HepG2 cells. In conclusion, MEAO attenuates ER stress and prevents hepatic steatosis pathogenesis via inhibition of expression of the hepatic lipogenic genes and VLDLR, and enhancement of ApoB secretion.

Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Major Triterpenoids in Alismatis Rhizoma by High Performance Liquid Chromatography/Diode-Array Detector/Quadrupole-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry and Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography/Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry

Alismatis Rhizoma (AMR) is a well-known natural medicine with a long history in Chinese medicine and has been commonly used for treating a wide range of ailments related to dysuria, edema, nephropathy, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes, inflammation as well as tumors in clinical applications. Most beneficial effects of AMR are attributed to the presence of protostane terpenoids, the major active ingredients of Alismatis Rhizoma (AMR). In this study, a systematic high performance liquid chromatography/diode-array detector/quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-Q-TOF MS) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography/triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-QqQ MS) method was developed for qualitative and quantitative analyses of the major AMR triterpenoids. First, a total of 25 triterpenoid components, including 24 known compounds and one new compound were identified by comparison with UV spectra, molecular ions and fragmentation behaviors of reference standards or the literature. Second, an efficient method was established for the rapid simultaneous determination of 14 representative triterpenoids by UPLC-QqQ MS. Forty-three batches of AMR were analyzed with linearity (r, 0.9980-0.9999), intra-day precision (RSD, 1.18%-3.79%), inter-day precision (RSD, 1.53%-3.96%), stability (RSD, 1.32%-3.97%), repeatability (RSD, 2.21%-4.25%), and recovery (98.11%-103.8%). These results indicated that new approaches combining HPLC-DAD-Q-TOF MS and UPLC-QqQ MS are applicable in the qualitative and quantitative analysis of AMR.

New cytotoxic constituents from the Red Sea soft coral Nephthea sp

Nephthea are soft coral species rich in sesquiterpenoids and steroids. An organic extract of Nephthea sp. resulted in the isolation of a new steroid (1), as well as several previously reported metabolites (2-9). Structures were elucidated by employing NMR and HR-EI-MS analyses. The total extract, fractions and purified compounds exhibited differential cytotoxicity against the breast cancer MCF-7 cell line.

Alisol B 23-acetate protects against ANIT-induced hepatotoxity and cholestasis, due to FXR-mediated regulation of transporters and enzymes involved in bile acid homeostasis

Intrahepatic cholestasis is a clinical syndrome with systemic and intrahepatic accumulation of excessive toxic bile acids that ultimately cause hepatobiliary injury. Appropriate regulation of bile acids in hepatocytes is critically important for protection against liver injury. In the present study, we characterized the protective effect of alisol B 23-acetate (AB23A), a natural triterpenoid, on alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced liver injury and intrahepatic cholestasis in mice and further elucidated the mechanisms in vivo and in vitro. AB23A treatment dose-dependently protected against liver injury induced by ANIT through reducing hepatic uptake and increasing efflux of bile acid via down-regulation of hepatic uptake transporters (Ntcp) and up-regulation of efflux transporter (Bsep, Mrp2 and Mdr2) expression. Furthermore, AB23A reduced bile acid synthesis through repressing Cyp7a1 and Cyp8b1, increased bile acid conjugation through inducing Bal, Baat and bile acid metabolism through an induction in gene expression of Sult2a1. We further demonstrate the involvement of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) in the hepatoprotective effect of AB23A. The changes in transporters and enzymes, as well as ameliorative liver histology in AB23A-treated mice were abrogated by FXR antagonist guggulsterone in vivo. In vitro evidences also directly demonstrated the effect of AB23A on FXR activation in a dose-dependent manner using luciferase reporter assay in HepG2 cells. In conclusion, AB23A produces protective effect against ANIT-induced hepatotoxity and cholestasis, due to FXR-mediated regulation of transporters and enzymes.

Protective effects of alisol B 23-acetate from edible botanical Rhizoma alismatis against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in mice

Alisol B 23-acetate protects against CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity via FXR and STAT3-mediated gene regulation in mice.

Triterpenoids

This review covers the isolation and structure determination of triterpenoids reported during 2012 including squalene derivatives, lanostanes, holostanes, cycloartanes, cucurbitanes, dammaranes, euphanes, tirucallanes, tetranortriterpenoids, quassinoids, lupanes, oleananes, friedelanes, ursanes, hopanes, serratanes, isomalabaricanes and saponins; 348 references are cited.

Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology and quality control of Alisma orientale (Sam.) Juzep: a review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Rhizoma alismatis (simplified as RA, "Zexie" in Chinese, ) is a well-known natural medicine with long history in Chinese medicine. As a traditional medicine in China, RA is an important part of many prescriptions and has been commonly used for treating a wide range of ailments related to dysuria, edema, nephropathy, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes, inflammation as well as tumor in clinical applications. Based on scientific literatures, the present paper aims to provide comprehensive and up-to date information about the traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology and quality control of RA as well as critical analysis of the research. The review will provide a new foundation and direction for the further studies of RA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All available information about RA was supplied by library database and electronic search (ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Pubmed, Google Scholar, etc.). The different types of useful information were collected and arranged in corresponding part of the paper.

RESULTS

Phytochemical studies showed that the main chemical composition of RA was the terpenoid including sesquiterpene, diterpene and triterpene. The crude extracts and isolated compounds from RA showed diverse pharmacological activities including diuretic, nephroprotective, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities. However, high-dose or long-term use of RA can lead to water-electrolyte imbalance, bloody urine, acidosis and even hepatotoxicity or nephrotoxicity, which have been proven by several studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Pharmacological researches show RA possessing various bioactivities including diuresis, nephroprotective effect, anti-hyperlipidemia, etc. However, more bioactive components especially diuretic and nephroprotective compounds need to be isolated and identified, and more rigorous researches on action mechanisms are required. More experiments in vitro or in vivo and clinical studies are encouraged to clarify correlation between traditional uses and modern applications, and the toxicity need to be further and precisely explored. In addition, a standardized fingerprint for RA is indispensable and emergent. These achievements will further expand to therapeutic potential and usage of RA and provide a powerful support for clinical use.