The composition, pharmacological effects, related mechanisms and drug delivery of alkaloids from Corydalis yanhusuo

A New Discovery: Corydalis yanhusuo Causes Idiosyncratic Hepatotoxicity and Its Potential Mechanisms

Corydalis yanhusuo W.T.Wang (YHS) is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine, often prescribed for treating a variety of pains. In recent years, there has been a gradual increase in the number of reports to liver injury caused by YHS and its preparations, but the exact type and mechanism of hepatotoxicity are still unclear. In the present study, we demonstrated that YHS could induce idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury (IDILI) in the inflammatory activation models. A total of 459 differential genes and 25 differential metabolites were identified by transcriptomics and metabolomics, which were significantly enriched in the TNF and NF-κB signaling pathways as well as glycerophospholipid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, and arachidonic acid metabolism. In addition, YHS significantly increased the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Therefore, we believe that the mechanism of toxicity may be related to the TNF and NF-κB signaling pathways, with glycerophospholipid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, and arachidonic acid metabolism also playing important roles. It provides a reference for the safe and rational use of YHS in clinical practice and contributes to the precise prevention and control of the risk of liver toxicity associated with YHS.

Dehydrocorydaline attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting fibroblast activation

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is an irreversible, progressive, chronic and fatal interstitial lung disease with limited therapeutic options. Dehydrocorydaline (DHC), derived from the traditional Chinese medicinal plant Corydalis yanhusuo, has exhibited a variety of pharmacological properties. Nevertheless, the potential function and mechanism of DHC in the management of PF have yet to be elucidated.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the therapeutical efficacy of DHC in different PF models and elucidate its underlying mechanism.

METHODS

A well-established Bleomycin-induced PF mouse model and human precision-cut lung slices (hPCLS) following fibrosis-inducing cocktail stimulation were employed. The antifibrotic effects of DHC on PF were measured by histopathological manifestation, immunofluorescent staining and expression levels of fibrosis related markers. Human primary pulmonary fibroblasts (HPFs) were used to explore the impact of DHC on fibroblast function and the underlying mechanism.

RESULTS

Here, we demonstrated that DHC exhibited a therapeutic efficacy in Bleomycin-induced PF mouse model with a dose dependent, as well as in hPCLS after fibrosis-inducing cocktail stimulation, as evidenced by histopathological staining, decrease of Fibronectin, Collagen 1 and α-SMA expression. Additionally, in vitro experiments indicated that DHC effectively suppressed fibroblast to myofibroblast transition, but had no significant effect on the proliferation and migration of fibroblast. Mechanistic studies revealed that the inhibitory effect of DHC on fibroblast activation was dependent on the endoplasmic reticulum stress, thereby inhibiting TGF-β/SMAD signal pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study implied that DHC hold a promise therapeutic approach against PF by suppressing fibroblast activation. The safety and efficacy of DHC have been preliminary demonstrated in a mouse model.

Design, synthesis and antimicrobial activity evaluation of novel tetrahydrocarbazole derivatives against phytopathogenic fungi and bacteria

BACKGROUND

Plant pathogenic bacteria and fungi had a wide impact on various crops and caused serious economic losses. Compared to traditional antibiotics and fungicides, alkaloids are noteworthy for their significant biological activities. Tetrahydrocarbazole (THCz) was widely present in many indole alkaloids and had various pharmacological activities. This study used Fischer indole synthesis method and fragment splicing strategy to design and synthesize a novel drug like chemical entity based on THCz alkaloid guidance, evaluated the antimicrobial activities of these derivatives against plant pathogenic bacteria and fungi and discussed the structure-activity relationship.

RESULTS

Among these derivatives, compound KZa-17 displayed good antibacterial activity against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri, Pseudo-monas sollamacearum and Erwinia aroideae. The MIC90 values were 3.12, 1.56, 6.25, 12.5 μg/mL, respectively, which were better than the positive control drugs thiodiazole copper and bismerthiazol. The results of in vivo antibacterial activity test showed that the protective effect of compound KZa-17 on rice at 200 μg/mL was 32.76%, which was better than that of thiodiazole copper (24.73%). The biochemical experiments showed that compound KZa-17 could inhibit biofilm formation of Xoo, reduce drug resistance and pathogenicity of bacteria, damage cell membrane integrity, increase permeability, and cause oxidative stress damage.

CONCLUSION

Most of the newly synthesized derivatives based on THCz alkaloid guidance showed favorable antimicrobial effects. In particular, compound KZa-17 can be used as a candidate lead compound for further structural optimization and development. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Corydaline Alleviates 1-Methyl-4-Phenylpyridium (MPP+)-Induced Human Neuroblastoma Cell Injury by BAP1-NRF2/HO-1/GPX4 Pathway

Corydaline (Cory) is a naturally extracted acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. In this study, we aimed to explore the possible roles and functions in Parkinson's disease (PD) using 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridium (MPP+)-induced human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells. SK-N-SH cells were treated with MPP+ to mimic PD in vitro model. MTT assay and EdU assay were conducted to evaluate cell proliferation. Flow cytometry analysis was performed to analyze cell apoptosis. ELISA kits were adopted to examine the concentrations of inflammatory factors. Ferroptosis-related markers were determined by related commercial kits. qRT-PCR and western blot were utilized to measure the expression of BRCA1-associated protein 1 (BAP1). MPP+ treatment repressed the proliferation and promoted the apoptosis, inflammation and ferroptosis in SK-N-SH cells. Cory alleviated MPP+-induced damage of SK-N-SH cells. BAP1 level was induced by MPP+ in SK-N-SH cells, while Cory treatment relieved the effect. Moreover, Cory ameliorated MPP+-induced SK-N-SH cell injury by altering BAP1 expression. Additionally, we demonstrated that Cory regulated NRF2, HO-1 and GPX4 expression in MPP+-treated SK-N-SH cells through BAP1. Cory alleviated MPP+-induced human neuroblastoma cell injury by modulating BAP1-NRF2/HO-1/GPX4 pathway, which might provide a novel regulatory axis in PD development.

Tetrahydropalmatine ameliorates peripheral nerve regeneration by enhancing macrophage anti-inflammatory response

BACKGROUND

Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is a common clinical problem that can result in partial or complete loss of sensory, motor, and autonomic functions. Tetrahydropalmatine (THP), a Corydalis yanhusuo-derived phytochemical alkaloid, possesses hypnotic, soothing, analgesic, and other effects, but little is known about the effect of THP on moderating peripheral nerve regeneration and its possible underlying mechanism of action.

PURPOSE

In this study, we aim to elucidate the protective function of THP on PNI and further reveal the underlying pharmacological mechanisms.

METHODS

PNI rats were in suit injection of THP solution at doses of 40 mg/kg for consecutive 3, 7, or 28 days, followed by harvesting the sciatic nerve tissues. The protective effect of THP on PNI was evaluated by electrophysiological test, transmission electron microscopy, immunofluorescence (IF), and western blotting (WB). Macrophage polarization, the expression of inflammatory-related genes and cytokines, and its upstream signaling pathways were detected by IF, WB, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), mRNA-seq, and WB. In vitro, the Raw 264.7 cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide containing with/without THP. The degree of inflammatory activation and its potential pharmacological mechanism were measured by ELISA, qRT-PCR, IF staining, flow cytometry, and WB. Additionally, a pharmacological agonist or inhibitor was added to the cell medium to further identify the role of THP's potential pharmacological mechanism in regulating inflammatory response via IF and ELISA technology.

RESULTS

Using the sciatic nerve crush model, we found that THP significantly enhanced the rate of axonal growth and functional recovery, and altered macrophage subtype transformation from the M1/M0 phenotype into the M2 phenotype, inducing the secretion of large amounts of anti-inflammatory factors. Moreover, THP significantly increased the phosphorylation level of PI3K, AKT, GSK3β, and IκBa, and decreased the expression of TLR4 protein and NF-κB phosphorylation. Similarly, in vitro, THP also facilitated Raw 264.7 cell polarization to the M2 subtype under the condition of LPS stimulation. Meanwhile, the change of PI3K/AKT/GSK3β and TLR4/NF-κB signaling-related proteins in vitro was consistent with the results in vivo. Additionally, the THP-medicated anti-inflammatory effect on Raw 264.7 cells was partly eliminated when pharmacological intervention of these two signaling pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

THP has anti-inflammatory effects on facilitating M2-subtype macrophage polarization, which produces abundant anti-inflammatory cytokines to ameliorate peripheral nerve regeneration. Moreover, the potential mechanism of THP action may be intimately associated with activating the PI3K/AKT/GSK3β axis and inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB pathway.

Corydalis yanhusuo extract and its pharmacological substances alleviate food allergy by inhibiting mast cells activation via PLC/PKC/STAT3 pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Food allergies have increasingly become a disease that affects global health and need for corresponding therapeutic drugs urgently. As a traditional Chinses medicine with a wide range of pharmacological effects, however, there was no clear research confirming therapeutic effect and pharmacological substances of Corydalis yanhusuo (YHS) on food allergies. Mast cells (MCs) are the main effector cells which mediate allergic and pseudo-allergic reactions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, we investigated the effect of YHS extract on treating food allergy and its underlying mechanism. The inhibitory effect of YHS on MCs activation in vitro was evaluated by Ca2+ influx, degranulation, and cytokine release detection. The in vivo effect was investigated using the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA), active systemic allergy as well as OVA-induced food allergy mice. Western blot was performed to reveal the signaling pathway.

RESULTS

YHS extract showed an inhibitory effect on MCs activation and food allergy both in vitro and in vivo. PLC/PKC/STAT3 signaling pathway was suppressed by YHS extract in the disease. HPLC analysis revealed YHS extract contains corydaline and tetrahydropalmatine, and both compounds inhibited MCs activation induced by C48/80 in vitro.

CONCLUSION

YHS extract inhibited the MCs activation and food allergy via PLC/PKC/STAT3 pathway.

Large variability in the alkaloid content of Corydalis yanhusuo dietary supplements

Introduction

Extracts from the rhizome of the traditional Chinese medicinal plant Corydalis yanhusuo (CY) mediate a number of biologic effects that are associated with its content of isoquinoline alkaloids. CY alkaloids have shown analgesic, cardioprotective, and anti-addictive effects in animal models of disease. Since CY alkaloids are available to consumers as dietary supplements we analyzed the content of alkaloids in 14 products including open powders, capsules, and liquid formulations, capturing a majority of the products available online in the US.

Methods

Nineteen alkaloids were quantified using HPLC analyses with diode array detection after extraction using a weak cation exchange column.

Results

Total alkaloid content was highly variable among the products, ranging from below quantifiable in some to ≈11 mg/g in others. Five of the products had comparable content of alkaloids (9.5 ± 1.6 mg/g), equaling about the amount of alkaloids of an extract prepared from CY rhizome (12.7 mg/g). The other samples had much lower content (1.8 ± 0.9 mg/g), or alkaloids were below quantifiable. One of the products was highly enriched in tetrahydropalmatine (≈5 mg/g), suggesting adulteration from the natural product, and raising concerns about possible toxicologic liability.

Discussion

Considering alkaloid content as a key quality criterium for CY supplements, the large variability among the products seems unacceptable and makes it difficult for consumers to select products with an appropriate content of alkaloids.

Total Alkaloids of Rhizoma Corydalis regulates gut microbiota and restores gut immune barrier to ameliorate cognitive dysfunction in diabetic rats

Background and objectives

Given the widespread dysbiosis of gut microbiota in patients with T2DM, it has been found that the microbiota-gut-brain axis plays an influential regulatory role in diabetic cognitive dysfunction, and improving gut dysbiosis may be a potential strategy for treating diabetic cognitive dysfunction. Total Alkaloids of Rhizoma Corydalis (TAC) is the main active component extracted from Rhizoma Corydalis. Pharmacological studies have demonstrated its significant pharmacological effects on the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems, and berberine, the main component of TAC, has a certain regulatory effect on gut microbiota.

Materials and methods

Rats were randomly divided into Control group, Model group, TAC-low group, TAC-mid group and TAC-high group. Cognitive function of diabetic rats was evaluated through behavioral testing using the Morris water maze experiment. The relative abundance of gut bacteria in rat feces was determined via 16S rRNA analysis. IHC and Western blot techniques were employed to assess IL-22, IL-23, Reg3g, ZO-1, occludin 1 expression in the colon tissue; GPX4, xCT, NLRP3, Caspase-1 p20, GSDMD-N were detected in the hippocampus.

Results

The cognitive function of diabetic rats decreased significantly. TAC demonstrated a significant reduction in inflammatory factors in serum, hippocampus, and colon, thus alleviating inflammation. Additionally, it effectively decreased ferroptosis induced by NLRP3 and reduced pathological damage in the hippocampus of diabetic rats. After treatment, the differential microbiota such as Lachnoclotridium and Bacteroides. TAC improved gut barrier permeability and integrity in rats while remodeling gut mucosal homeostasis. Moreover, pyroptosis and ferroptosis caused by the inflammatory cascade in the rat hippocampus were also significantly inhibited.

Conclusion

The combination of high lipid and high glucose with STZ can result in gut microbiota disturbance, damage gut immune barrier, decreased gut mucosal permeability and integrity, aggravated gut inflammation, further spread inflammatory factors to brain tissue, cause inflammatory cascade reaction of encephalopathy, and ultimately resulting in neuronal ferroptosis and cognitive dysfunction in diabetes mellitus. Our study suggests that TAC may regulate gut microbiota, restore gut immune homeostasis, improve gut barrier permeability and integrity, inhibit brain tissue inflammatory cascade, reduce neuronal ferroptosis, and thus improve diabetes. This provides new targets for its treatment strategy.

Integrating Metabolomic Analysis, Network Pharmacology, and Molecular Docking to Underlying Pharmacological Mechanism and Ethnobotanical Rationalization for Diabetes Mellitus: Study on Medicinal Plant Fibraurea tinctoria Lour

INTRODUCTION

Fibraurea tinctoria Lour. has long been used in traditional medicine to treat diabetes mellitus (DM). However, a comprehensive scientific understanding of its potential active compounds and underlying pharmacological mechanisms still needs to be unveiled.

OBJECTIVE

This study, therefore, presents a novel approach by integrating metabolomic profiling, pharmacological network, and molecular docking analysis to investigate the potential of F. tinctoria as antidiabetes mellitus.

METHODS

Active compounds were obtained through analysis using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-orbital ion trap-high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS) and screening of active compounds using Lipinski rule of five and ADMET parameters. Potential targets of F. tinctoria compounds and DM-related targets were retrieved from public databases, such as DisGeNET, GeneCards, OMIM, PharmaGKB, and TTD. The targets' gene ontology (GO) was created using DAVID and protein-protein interactions using STRING. The plant-organ-compound-target-disease network was constructed using Cytoscape. Then, molecular docking analysis predicted and verified the interactions of essential bioactive compounds of F. tinctoria and DM core targets.

RESULTS

The network pharmacology approach identified 35 active compounds, 565 compound-related targets, and 17,289 DM-related targets. EGFR, HSP90AA1, ESR1, HSP90AB1, and GSK3B were the core targets, whereas isolariciresinol, cubebin, corypalmine, (-)-8-oxocanadine, and (+)-N-methylcoclaurine were the most active compounds of F. tinctoria with DM potential. GO functional enrichment analysis revealed 483 biological processes, 485 cellular components, and 463 molecular functions. REACTOME pathway enrichment analysis yielded 463 significantly enriched signaling pathways. Of these pathways, the cytokine signaling in the immune system pathway may play a key role in treating DM. The results of molecular docking analysis showed that the core targets of DM, such as 5gnk, 3o0i, 6psj, 5ucj, and 1q5k, bind stably to the analyzed bioactive compounds of F. tinctoria.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides significant insights into the potential mechanism of F. tinctoria in treating DM. The main active compounds of F. tinctoria were found to interact with the core targets (EGFR, HSP90AA1, ESR1, HSP90AB1, and GSK3B) through the cytokine signaling pathway in the immune system, suggesting a potential therapeutic pathway for DM. However, it is essential to note that these findings are preliminary, and further research is necessary to validate them. Those research studies could involve in vitro and in vivo studies to confirm the bioactivity of the identified compounds and their interactions with the core targets. When the findings are confirmed, they could have significant clinical implications, potentially leading to developing new therapeutic strategies for DM.

Recent Advances in Alkaloids from Papaveraceae in China: Structural Characteristics and Pharmacological Effects

The Papaveraceae plant family serves as a botanical reservoir for a variety of medicinal compounds that have been traditionally utilized in Chinese medicine for numerous generations. Growing attention towards the pharmaceutical potential of Papaveraceae has resulted in the identification of many alkaloids, which have attracted significant attention from the scientific community because of their structural complexity and wide range of biological activities, such as analgesic, antihypertensive, antiarrhythmic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-tumor, anti-cancer, and other activities, making them potential candidates for medical use. The primary objective of this review is to analyze the existing literature on the historical use of Papaveraceae plants, focusing on their alkaloid structures and relationship with pharmacological effects, as well as provide a theoretical basis for their clinical application, with the goal of unveiling the future potential of Papaveraceae plants.

Current advances in the pain treatment and mechanisms of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), as a unique medical model in China, has been shown to be effective in the treatment of many diseases. It has been proven that TCM can increase the pain threshold, increase the level of endorphins and enkephalins in the body, and reduce the body's response to adverse stimuli. In recent years, TCM scholars have made valuable explorations in the field of pain treatment, using methods such as internal and external application of TCM and acupuncture to carry out research on pain treatment and have achieved more satisfactory results. TCM treats pain in a variety of ways, and with the discovery of a variety of potential bioactive substances for pain treatment. With the new progress in the research of other TCM treatment methods for pain, TCM will have greater potential in the clinical application of pain.

Future development trend of food-borne delivery systems of functional substances for precision nutrition

BACKGROUND

Precision nutrition, a personalized nutritional supplementation model, is widely acknowledged for its significant impact on human health. Nevertheless, challenges persist in the advancement of precision nutrition, including consumer dietary behaviors, nutrient absorption, and utilization. Thus, the exploration of effective strategies to enhance the efficacy of precision nutrition and maximize its potential benefits in dietary interventions and disease management is imperative.

SCOPE AND APPROACH

The primary objective of this comprehensive review is to synthesize and assess the latest technical approaches and future prospects for achieving precision nutrition, while also addressing the existing constraints in this field. The role of delivery systems is pivotal in the realization of precision nutrition goals. This paper outlines the potential applications of delivery systems in precision nutrition and highlights key considerations for their design and implementation. Additionally, the review offers insights into the evolving trends in delivery systems for precision nutrition, particularly in the realms of nutritional fortification, specialized diets, and disease prevention.

KEY FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS

By leveraging computer data collection, omics, and metabolomics analyses, this review scrutinizes the lifestyles, dietary patterns, and health statuses of diverse organisms. Subsequently, tailored nutrient supplementation programs are devised based on individual organism profiles. The utilization of delivery systems enhances the bioavailability of functional compounds and enables targeted delivery to specific body regions, thereby catering to the distinct nutritional requirements and disease prevention needs of consumers, with a particular emphasis on special populations and dietary preferences.

Refining the rheological characteristics of high drug loading ointment via SDS and machine learning

This paper presents an optimized preparation process for external ointment using the Definitive Screening Design (DSD) method. The ointment is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula developed by Professor WYH, a renowned TCM practitioner in Jiangsu Province, China, known for its proven clinical efficacy. In this study, a stepwise regression model was employed to analyze the relationship between key process factors (such as mixing speed and time) and rheological parameters. Machine learning techniques, including Monte Carlo simulation, decision tree analysis, and Gaussian process, were used for parameter optimization. Through rigorous experimentation and verification, we have successfully identified the optimal preparation process for WYH ointment. The optimized parameters included drug ratio of 24.5%, mixing time of 8 min, mixing speed of 1175 rpm, petroleum dosage of 79 g, liquid paraffin dosage of 6.7 g. The final ointment formulation was prepared using method B. This research not only contributes to the optimization of the WYH ointment preparation process but also provides valuable insights and practical guidance for designing the preparation processes of other TCM ointments. This advanced DSD method enhances the screening approach for identifying the best preparation process, thereby improving the scientific rigor and quality of TCM ointment preparation processes.

Variations of the fungal microbiome in Corydalis Rhizoma with different collection areas, processing methods, and storage conditions

Corydalis Rhizoma (CR, Yanhusuo in Chinese) has been widely used as an analgesic in herbal medicine and functional food. Cases of fungal and mycotoxin contamination in CR have been reported. In this study, the composition and diversity of fungal microbiome in CR samples from four herbal markets and two processing methods were investigated by DNA metabarcoding. Variations of the fungal microbiome in CR during cold and conventional storage were monitored. Results showed that Aspergillus was the dominant genus and saprotroph was the dominant trophic mode. Six potential toxigenic fungi, namely, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus ostianus, Aspergillus terreus, Penicillium citrinum, Penicillium oxalicum, and Trichothecium roseum, were detected. Differences in fungal composition and diversity among various groups based on collection areas and processing methods were also observed. Moreover, the relative abundance of dominant genera in CR samples stored at different temperatures was significantly different and changed with storage time. This study is the first to reveal the influence of collection areas, processing methods, and storage conditions on the fungal microbiome in CR, which was expected to provide a basis for control strategies of fungal contamination in the industrial chain of CR.