Extraction, characterization of Angelica sinensis polysaccharides and modulatory effect of the polysaccharides and Tai Chi exercise on oxidative injury in middle-aged women subjects

Structural characteristics, biotechnological production and applications of exopolysaccharides from Bacillus sp.: A comprehensive review

Exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by Bacillus species display various biological activities and characteristics such as anti-oxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-bacterial, and bioadhesive effects. These attributes confer Bacillus species broad potential applications in diverse fields such as food, medicine, environment, and agriculture. Moreover, Bacillus-derived EPS are easier to produce and yield higher quantities than plant-derived polysaccharides. Despite these advantages, Bacillus-derived EPS still encounter numerous obstacles in industrial production and commercial applications, including elevated costs, the absence of mature fermentation tank production procedures, and the lack of systematic in vivo and in vitro activity and metabolic evaluation. Therefore, it is essential to gain insight into the current status of structure, production, and applications of Bacillus-derived EPS for facilitating their future broader application. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current research on the production, separation, characteristics and applications of these related biological products. Furthermore, this paper summarizes the current challenges impeding industrial production of Bacillus-derived EPS, along with potential solutions, and their prospective applications in enhancing the attributes of beneficial biofilms, laying a solid scientific foundation for the applications of Bacillus-derived EPS in industry and agriculture.

Total Synthesis of the Tridecasaccharide Motif from Angelica Sinensis APS-1 II Polysaccharide with Anti-Leukemia Activity and Structure-Activity Relationship Studies

A polysaccharide APS-1 II from a medicinal plant Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels represents a potential therapeutic agent against leukemia. However, the synthetic accessibility of the highly branched and complex APS-1 II polysaccharide with multiple 1, 2-cis-glycosidic linkages remains a difficult task, impeding the in-depth structure-activity relationship biological studies and the development of carbohydrates-based therapeutics against leukemia. Here, we report the first chemical synthesis of tridecasaccharide repeating unit together with shorter sequences 4-mer, 6-mer and 9-mer from APS-1 II polysaccharide via one-pot orthogonal glycosylation strategy based on glycosyl ortho-(1-phenylvinyl)benzoates, which precluded the potential issues such as aglycone transfer associated with one-pot assembly with thioglycosides. The synthetic pathway also features the following aspects: 1) three contiguous and challenging 1, 2-cis-Fuc bonds were highly stereoselectively constructed via the newly developed stereoselective 1, 2-cis-fucosylation method; 2) several 1, 2-trans-glycosidic linkages were formed via neighboring group participation effect, while 1,2-cis-Glc linkage was stereoselectively assembled via N,N-dimethylformamide reagent modulation; 3) the final [1+1+2+9] one-pot assembly of the target tridecasaccharide via strategic utilizations of glycosyl N-phenyltrifluoroacetimidates, ortho-alkynylbenzoates and ortho-(1-phenylvinyl)benzoates. Biological studies revealed that human leukemia K562 and mouse L1210 cells could be effectively inhibited by tridecasaccharide repeating unit and substructure nonasaccharide.

Medicine and food homology substances: A review of bioactive ingredients, pharmacological effects and applications

In recent years, the idea of medicine and food homology (MFH), which highlights the intimate relationship between food and medicine, has gained international recognition. Specifically, MFH substances have the ability to serve as both food and medicine. Many foods have been reported to have good nutritional and medical values, not only for satiety but also for nourishing the body and treating diseases pharmacologically. As modern scientific research has progressed, the concept of MFH has been emphasized and developed in a way that has never been seen before. Therefore, in this paper, we reviewed the development history of MFH substances, summarized some typical bioactive ingredients, and recognized pharmacological effects. In addition, we further discussed the application of MFH substances in the food field, with the goal of providing ideas and references for the research and development of MFH in the food industry as well as the progress of related industries.

Pharmacological action of Angelica sinensis polysaccharides: a review

Angelica sinensis, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine and food, which has a long history of clinical application, is used to improve health conditions and treat various diseases. Angelica sinensis polysaccharides (ASP), the main active component of this traditional Chinese medicine, have multicomponent, multitarget characteristics and very broad pharmacological activities. They play important roles in the treatment of several diseases. In addition, the effect is significant, which may provide a more comprehensive database and theoretical support for applying ASP in the treatment of disease and could be considered a promising candidate for preventing disease. This review summarizes the research progress on the extraction, chemical structure, pharmacological effects, and mechanisms of ASP and its derivatives by reviewing relevant national and international literature and provides comprehensive information and a reliable basis for the exploration of new treatment strategies involving botanical drugs for disease therapy. Literature information was obtained from scientific ethnobotany and ethnomedicine databases (up to September 2024), mainly from the PubMed, Web of Science, and CNKI databases. The literature has explored the extraction, purification, structure, and pharmacological effects of Angelica sinensis polysaccharides. The search keywords for such work included "Angelica sinensis" or "Angelica sinensis polysaccharides," and "pharmacological effects," "extraction" and "structure." Multiple studies have shown that ASP has important pharmacological effects, such as antitumor, anemia-improving, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, antifibrotic, hypoglycemic, antiradiation, and antiviral effects, the mechanisms of which appear to involve the regulation of inflammation, oxidative stress, and profibrotic signaling pathways. As a natural polysaccharide, ASP has potential applications as a drug. However, further research should be undertaken to clarify the unconfirmed regulatory mechanisms, conduct standard clinical trials, and evaluate the possible side effects. This review establishes a theoretical foundation for future studies on the structure, mechanism, and clinical use of ASP.

Effect of Tai Chi on Markers of Oxidative Stress: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: This study aimed to synthesize the evidence of the effect of practicing Tai Chi on oxidative stress markers (OxSM). Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducting using the MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Epistemonikos, Lilacs, and Ovid databases to identify randomized (RCT) and non-randomized (NRCT) clinical trials that evaluated the Tai Chi effect on OxSM compared to sedentary behavior, walking or yoga. Pooled mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were estimated using the inverse variance method to determine the effect of Tai Chi on OxSM. PROSPERO register: CRD42019138362. Results: Five RCT and five NRCT were included. Compared to sedentary behavior, regular Tai Chi practice increases the levels of the enzymes superoxide dismutase (MD = 34.97 U/mL, (95%CI, 9.45 to 60.48), 344 participants) and catalase (MD = 15.63 U/mL, (95%CI, 4.05 to 27.22), 110 participants), as well as reducing the levels of lipoperoxides (MD = −0.02 µmol/L, (95%CI, −0.04 to −0.00), 234 participants). For comparisons with walking or yoga, only one study per activity was identified comparing the effect on OxSM. Conclusions: Regular Tai Chi practice increases the levels of superoxide dismutase and catalase, as well as reducing the levels of lipoperoxides. More studies are necessary to determine the effect of Tai Chi on OxSM when compared to other physical activities.

Stimulating effects of polysaccharide from Angelica sinensis on the nonspecific immunity of white shrimps (Litopenaeus vannamei)

Angelica sinensis polysaccharide (ASP) was prepared by hot water extraction. Then, high-performance liquid chromatography and ion chromatography analyses were conducted, and the results indicated that ASP is a heteropolysaccharide, has a molecular mass of 82,000 Da and consists of arabinose, galactose and glucose (molar ratio of 6:1:1). The effects of ASP on the nonspecific immunity of white shrimps (Litopenaeus vannamei) were investigated by feeding them with ASP-containing diets (0.5, 1 and 1.5 g/kg) during a 12-week breeding experiment. Oral ASP administration significantly improved the survival rate, phenoloxidase activity, superoxide dismutase activity, glutathione peroxidase level, disease resistance against V. alginolyticus, total haemocyte count and number of hyaline cells, semigranular cells and granular cells (p < .05). ASP exhibits immunostimulatory effects on Pacific white shrimps (L. vannamei) and may thus be used as a diet supplement for them.

Optimization conditions for extracting polysaccharide from Angelica sinensis and its antioxidant activities

In this study, polysaccharides from Angelica sinensis were extracted using the ultrasound-assisted extraction method. Based on the results of single factor experiments and orthogonal tests, three independent variables-water/raw material ratio, ultrasound time, and ultrasound power-were selected for investigation. Then, we used response surface methodology to optimize the extraction conditions. The experimental data were fitted to a quadratic equation using multiple regression analysis, and the optimal conditions were as follows: water/raw material ratio, 43.31 mL/g; ultrasonic time, 28.06 minutes; power, 396.83 W. Under such conditions, the polysaccharide yield was 21.89±0.21%, which was well matched with the predicted yield. In vitro assays, scavenging activity of superoxide anion radicals, hydroxyl radicals, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picry-hydrazyl radical showed that polysaccharides had certain antioxidant activities and that hydroxyl radicals have a remarkable scavenging capability. Therefore, these studies provide reference for further research and rational development of A. sinensis polysaccharide.

Angelica sinensis in China-A review of botanical profile, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and chemical analysis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, known as Dang Gui (in Chinese), is a traditional medicinal and edible plant that has long been used for tonifying, replenishing, and invigorating blood as well as relieving pain, lubricating the intestines, and treating female irregular menstruation and amenorrhea. A. sinensis has also been used as a health product and become increasingly popular in China, Japan, and Korea.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This paper aims to provide a systemic review of traditional uses of A. sinensis and its recent advances in the fields of phytochemistry, analytical methods and toxicology. In addition, possible trends, therapeutic potentials, and perspectives for future research of this plant are also briefly discussed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An extensive review of the literature was conducted, and electronic databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Reaxys were used to assemble the data. Ethnopharmacological literature and digitalised sources of academic libraries were also systematically searched. In addition, information was obtained from local books and The Plant List (TPL, www.theplantlist.org).

RESULT

This study reviews the progress in chemical analysis of A. sinensis and its preparations. Previously and newly established methods, including spectroscopy, thin-layer chromatography (TLC), gas chromatography (GC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), ultra-performance liquid chromatography(UPLC), and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis (NMR), are summarized. Moreover, identified bioactive components such as polysaccharides, ligustilide and ferulic acid were reviewed, along with analytical methods for quantitative and qualitative determination of target analytes, and fingerprinting authentication, quality evaluation of A. sinensis, and toxicology and pharmacodynamic studies. Scientific reports on crude extracts and pure compounds and formulations revealed a wide range of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory activity, antifibrotic action, antispasmodic activity, antioxidant activities, and neuroprotective action, as well as cardio- and cerebrovascular effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the published scientific literature are numerous reports regarding analytical methods that use various chromatographic and spectrophotometric technologies to monitor various types of components with different physicochemical properties simultaneously. This review discusses the reasonable selection of marker compounds based on high concentrations, analytical methods, and commercial availabilities with the goal of developing quick, accurate, and applicable analytical approaches for quality evaluation and establishing harmonised criteria for the analysis of A. sinensis and its finished products. Compounds isolated from A. sinensis are abundant sources of chemical diversity, from which we can discover active molecules. Thus, more studies on the pharmacological mechanisms of the predominant active compounds of A. sinensis are needed. In addition, given that A. sinensis is one of the most popular traditional herbal medicines, its main therapeutic aspects, toxicity, and adverse effects warrant further investigation in the future.

Phytochemical and pharmacological studies on Radix Angelica sinensis

The roots of Angelica sinensis (RAS), are a Chinese herbal medicine traditionally used in prescriptions for replenishing blood, treating abnormal menstruation, and other women's diseases. It has also been widely marketed as health food for women's care in Asia, and as a dietary supplement in Europe and America. RAS is well-known for its hematopoietic, antioxidant, and immunoregulatory activities. RAS also possesses anti-cancer, memory, radioprotective, and neuroprotective effects. Phytochemical investigations on this plant led to organic acids, phthalides, polysaccharides, and other metabolites. Based on recent animal studies and clinical trials, RAS has been used in the treatment of gynecologic diseases, cardio-cerebrovascular disease, nervous system diseases, and nephrotic syndrome. In this review, the recent phytochemical and pharmacological studies, drug-drug interactions, clinical applications, and toxicity of RAS are summarized.

The Influence of "wuqinxi" exercises on the Lumbosacral Multifidus

[Purpose] To investigate the effect of the five animals (wuqinxi) exercises on the lumbosacral multifidus. [Subjects and Methods] This study enrolled two groups of volunteers, 15 volunteers who did the five animals exercises, the experimental group, and 15 volunteers who did aerobic exercise (walking), the control group. Both before and after the 1 year exercise intervention, the average surface electromyography (ASEMG) of the two groups in the process of flexion and extension was recorded and analyzed using DASYLab10.0 software, and the flexion extension ratio (FER) was calculated. [Results] The ASEMG in the process of flexion was lower than the ASEMG in the process of extension both before and after the 1 year exercise intervention on both sides of all volunteers. There was no significant difference in FER between the experimental group and control group before the 1 year exercise intervention; however, the FER of experimental group was lower than that of the control group after the 1 year exercise intervention. There was no significant difference between the two sides in any individual both before and after the 1 year exercise intervention in both groups. [Conclusion] The “wuqinxi” exercises improved the function of the lumbosacral multifidus, and might be an alternative method of reducing low back pain.

In vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity of a fructan from the roots of Arctium lappa L

To explore new antioxidant resource from food, a water-soluble polysaccharide (ALP1) was extracted and purified from the roots of Arctium lappa L. (A. lappa L.) through hot water extraction followed by ethanol precipitation, ion-exchange chromatography and gel filtration. The antioxidant activity of ALP1 was then evaluated in vitro and in vivo. ALP1 was characterized as a fructan composed of fructose and glucose in the ratio of 13.0:1.0, with an average molecular weight of 4600 Da. The linkages in ALP1 were →1)-Fruf-(2→, Fruf-(2→ and Glcp-(1→. In vitro antioxidant assays demonstrated that ALP1 possessed moderate ABTS(+) scavenging activity, strong hydroxyl radical scavenging activity and strong ferrous ion chelating activity. In in vivo antioxidant assays, ALP1 administration significantly enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities and total antioxidant capacity, as well as decreased the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in both the serum and liver of aging mice. These results suggest that ALP1 has potential as a novel natural antioxidant in food industry and pharmaceuticals.

Angelica sinensis polysaccharide nanoparticles as novel non-viral carriers for gene delivery to mesenchymal stem cells

This study centers on the use of a nanoparticle based on the polysaccharide from Angelica sinensis (ASP) as an efficient and safe non-viral gene vector. After modification with branched low molecular weight polyethylenimine (1200 Da), the cationized ASP (cASP) was combined with the plasmid encoding transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) to form a spherical nano-scaled particle (i.e., cASP-pTGF-β1 nanoparticle). This nanoparticle was applied to transfect rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells. As a result, nanoparticles (cASP/pDNA weight ratio 10:1) had the greatest transfection efficiency in both cells, which was significantly higher than those of Lipofectamine2000 and PEI (25 kDa). This was in agreement with the findings of the semi-quantitative RT-PCR and live cell imaging. These nanoparticles were also less toxic than Lipofectamine2000 and PEI (25 kDa). Therefore, cASP could be a potential candidate for a novel non-viral gene vector.

FROM THE CLINICAL EDITOR

These authors demonstrate the use of a nanoparticle-based efficient and safe non-viral gene vector delivery system via a spherical nanoparticle based on a polysaccharide from Angelica sinensis, with parameters superior to Lipofectamine2000.