Chemical constituents, biological functions and pharmacological effects for comprehensive utilization of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver

Eucommia ulmoides leaf extracts combined with Astragalus polysaccharides: Effects on growth, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal inflammation in juvenile large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea)

Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract (ELE) and Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) have been widely used as immunopotentiators in aquaculture. Our prior research on large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) demonstrated that dietary 1 g/kg APS bolstered fish immunity and antioxidant defense. However, the combined effect of ELE and APS in juvenile large yellow croaker remains unknown. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the synergistic effect of ELE and APS on the growth, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal inflammation in large yellow croaker. A total of 1200 fish were divided into five groups and fed diets with 1 g/kg APS and varying ELE levels: 0 g/kg (ELE0), 0.25 g/kg (ELE0.25), 0.5 g/kg (ELE0.5), 1 g/kg (ELE1), and 2 g/kg (ELE2). After an 8-week feeding period, the ELE0.5 and ELE1 groups showed superior weight gain rate, specific growth rate, and feed efficiency compared to other groups. The ELE1 group also had elevated trypsin and lipase activities in the intestine, whereas α-amylase activity was not influenced by ELE addition. Antioxidant enzyme activities, such as hepatopancreas superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in the ELE1 group were significantly enhanced, while malondialdehyde (MDA) levels decreased with increasing ELE. Intestinal morphology revealed the highest villi height in proximal and distal intestines of ELE1 group, with no significant change in mucosal thickness. In terms of cytokines, the ELE1 group showed significant down-regulation of pro-inflammatory (tnf-α, il-1β and il-6) and up-regulation of anti-inflammatory (il-4/13a, il-10 and tgf-β) markers, modulated by MAPK and mTOR signaling. In conclusion, this study indicates that supplementing diets with 1 g/kg ELE alongside 1 g/kg APS in juvenile large yellow croaker offers the best synergistic effect on fish immunity, including enhanced growth, antioxidant capacity, and relieved intestinal inflammation through MAPK and mTOR signaling.

Habitat Suitability Shifts of Eucommia ulmoides in Southwest China Under Climate Change Projections

As a Chinese endemic species with dual medicinal-industrial importance, Eucommia ulmoides faces habitat challenges under climate change. Using 21 bioclimatic variables and 704 occurrence records, we modeled current and future (2021-2100) distributions via MaxEnt 3.4.4 and ArcGIS 10.8. The results indicate the following: (1) current optimal habitats cluster in the mid-elevation valleys of Daba-Wuling Mountains (Guizhou-Chongqing core); (2) SSP5-8.5 projections suggest a 19.2% reduction in high-suitability areas by 2081-2100 versus SSP1-2.6; and (3) distribution centroids migrate southward under both scenarios. Our multi-temporal analysis provides actionable intelligence for ex situ conservation and agroforestry planning.

Identification of Key Active Constituents in Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. Leaves Against Parkinson's Disease and the Alleviative Effects via 4E-BP1 Up-Regulation

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common progressive neurodegenerative disorder, affecting an increasing number of older adults. Despite extensive research, a definitive cure remains elusive. Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. leaves (EUOL) have been reported to exhibit protective effects on neurodegenerative diseases, however, their efficacy, key active constituents, and pharmacological mechanisms are not yet understood. This study aims to explore the optimal constituents of EUOL regarding anti-PD activity and its underlying mechanisms. Using a zebrafish PD model, we found that the 30% ethanol fraction extract (EF) of EUOL significantly relieved MPTP-induced locomotor impairments, increased the length of dopaminergic neurons, inhibited the loss of neuronal vasculature, and regulated the misexpression of autophagy-related genes (α-syn, lc3b, p62, and atg7). Assays of key regulators involved in PD further verified the potential of the 30% EF against PD in the cellular PD model. Reverse phase protein array (RPPA) analysis revealed that 30% EF exerted anti-PD activity by activating 4E-BP1, which was confirmed by Western blotting. Phytochemical analysis indicated that cryptochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, asperuloside, caffeic acid, and asperulosidic acid are the main components of the 30% EF. Molecular docking and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) indicated that the main components of the 30% EF exhibited favorable binding interactions with 4E-BP1, further highlighting the roles of 4E-BP1 in this process. Accordingly, these components were observed to ameliorate PD-like behaviors in the zebrafish model. Overall, this study revealed that the 30% EF is the key active constituent of EUOL, which had considerable ameliorative effects on PD by up-regulating 4E-BP1. This suggests that EUOL could serve as a promising candidate for the development of novel functional foods aimed at supporting PD treatment.

Integrated proteomic and metabolomic analysis reveals the potential therapeutic mechanism of Quanduzhong capsule in rats with spontaneous hypertension and knee osteoarthritis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Quanduzhong capsule (QDZ), derived from Eucommia ulmoides Oliv., has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine for its beneficial effects on musculoskeletal health. Its clinical application has extended to conditions such as spontaneous hypertension combined with knee osteoarthritis (SKOA). However, the specific mechanisms by which QDZ alleviates symptoms and improves outcomes in this complex condition remain to be fully elucidated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic potential of QDZ in treating SKOA. By performing serum proteomics and metabolomics, we seek to explore the related biological pathways and elucidate the mechanisms underlying QDZ's effects on SKOA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Serum samples from control, spontaneous hypertension (SHR), SKOA, and SKOA treated with QDZ groups were analyzed using data-independent acquisition-based proteomics to identify differentially expressed proteins. Serum levels of angiotensin II, norepinephrine, endothelin-1, classical pro-inflammatory factors such as macrophage colony-stimulating factor, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-1 beta were measured. Additionally, serum metabolomics was performed to examine the changes in metabolite profiles. Correlation analysis was conducted to link changed proteins and metabolites with key pathways affected by QDZ.

RESULTS

Proteomics analysis revealed significant alterations in serum protein expression between control, SHR, and SKOA groups, with changes in pathways related to immune regulation and vascular function. KEGG enrichment analysis highlighted pathways such as endocytosis, synaptic vesicle cycling, and immune responses were enriched in SKOA group compared with control group. QDZ treatment significantly modulated above pathways and reduced inflammatory and cardiovascular markers which were upregulated in SKOA group. Metabolomics analysis showed that QDZ reversed SKOA-induced changes in amino acid and organic acid metabolism, affecting pathways including valine, leucine, and isoleucine metabolism, as well as the TCA cycle. Correlation analysis revealed significant relationships between key proteins and metabolites, underscoring the integrated role of immune and metabolic pathways in QDZ's effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate QDZ has a significant therapeutic potential for SKOA by modulating both protein and metabolite profiles associated with inflammation, vascular dysfunction, and metabolic imbalance. Our findings provide insights into the mechanisms through which QDZ exerts its effects and support its use as a promising treatment for SKOA. This study highlights the impact of QDZ on proteomic and metabolomic alterations, offering a basis for its broader application in treating SKOA.

Relationship between secondary metabolites and ecological suitability zones for Eucommia ulmoides

The quality of Chinese medicinal materials is closely related to the types and contents of their secondary metabolites, while ecological adaptability influences the production of secondary metabolites. Therefore, identifying the relationship between ecological adaptability and secondary metabolites is important for enhancing the quality of Chinese medicinal materials. In this study, we collected 10-year-old Cortex Eucommiae (Eucommia ulmoides, EU) samples from 21 plots in eight provinces which are the primary production areas of EU in central China. We used the MaxEnt model to determine the ecological suitability zones for EU at the 21 sampling sites and classified them accordingly. The contents of six pharmacologically active secondary metabolites, including chlorogenic acid, aucubin, geniposidic acid, geniposide, pinoresinol monoglucoside, and pinoresinol diglucoside were measured in the EU bark. The results demonstrated significant variations in the content of the six secondary metabolites in EU bark among different sampling sites. Correlation analysis indicated a close relationship between the content of chlorogenic acid and aucubin in EU bark and the ecological suitability of their respective production areas. The total content of the six secondary metabolites also showed good consistency with the ecological suitability of the production areas. Exploratory factor analysis further revealed a strong consistency between the factor analysis comprehensive scores based on the content of major secondary metabolites and the types of suitability zones at the sample locations. The cluster analysis results demonstrated good consistency between clustering groups and ecological suitability zone groups, with higher consistency as the suitability level of the ecological zone increased. This indicated a significant impact of suitable ecological environments on the content of EU secondary metabolites.

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.

Microbiota dynamics and source tracing during the growing, aging, and decomposing processes of Eucommia ulmoides leaves

Eucommia ulmoides, an important tree, faces serious threat to its growth from environmental stress, particularly climate change. Using plant microbes to enhance host adaptation to respond climate change challenges has been recognized as a viable and sustainable strategy. However, it is still unclear how the perennial tree microbiota varies across phenological stages and the links between respective changes in aboveground and belowground niches. Here, we sequenced 27 root and 27 leaf samples of E. ulmoides using 16S rRNA and ITS amplicon sequencing techniques. These samples were obtained from the three main phenological stages of leaves, including leaf growing, aging and decomposing stages. Results showed that the diversity, composition, and function of the leaf microbiota of E. ulmoides showed more obvious changes at three phenological time points compared to roots. Regarding alpha diversity, the root microbiota showed no difference across three sampling stages, while the leaf microbiota varied with sampling stages. Regarding beta diversity, the root microbiota clustered from different sampling stages, while the leaf microbiota exhibited distinct separation. Regarding composition and function, the dominant taxa and main functions of the root microbiota were the same in three sampling stages, while the leaf microbiota in the decomposing stage was obviously different from the remaining two stages. Additionally, taxa overlap and source-sink relationship existed between E. ulmoides microbiota. Specifically, the degree of overlap among root microbiota was higher than that of leaf microbiota in three sampling stages. The bidirectional source-sink relationship that existed between the root and leaf niches varied with sampling stage. During the leaf growing and aging stages, the proportion of microbial members migrating from roots to leaves was higher than the proportion of members migrating from leaves to roots. During the leaf decomposing stage, the migration characteristics of the fungal community between the root and leaf niches maintained the same as in the remaining two stages, but the proportion of bacterial members migrating from leaves to roots was significantly higher than that of members migrating from roots to leaves. Our findings provide crucial foundational information for utilizing E. ulmoides microbiota to benefit their host under climate change challenges.

Nutraceuticals as Modulators of Molecular Placental Pathways: Their Potential to Prevent and Support the Treatment of Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia (PE) is a serious condition characterized by new-onset hypertension and proteinuria or organ dysfunction after the 20th week of gestation, making it a leading cause of maternal and fetal mortality worldwide. Despite extensive research, significant gaps remain in understanding the mechanisms underlying PE, contributing to the ineffectiveness of current prevention and treatment strategies. Consequently, premature cesarean sections often become the primary intervention to safeguard maternal and fetal health. Emerging evidence indicates that placental insufficiency, driven by molecular disturbances, plays a central role in the development of PE. Additionally, the maternal microbiome may be implicated in the pathomechanism of preeclampsia by secreting metabolites that influence maternal inflammation and oxidative stress, thereby affecting placental health. Given the limitations of pharmaceuticals during pregnancy due to potential risks to fetal development and concerns about teratogenic effects, nutraceuticals may provide safer alternatives. Nutraceuticals are food products or dietary supplements that offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition, including plant extracts or probiotics. Their historical use in traditional medicine has provided valuable insights into their safety and efficacy, including for pregnant women. This review will examine how the adoption of nutraceuticals can enhance dysregulated placental pathways, potentially offering benefits in the prevention and treatment of preeclampsia.

Extraction, Characterization, and Antioxidant Activity of Eucommia ulmoides Polysaccharides

Herein, the ultrasound-assisted extraction conditions affecting the yield of EUPS (Eucommia ulmoides polysaccharide) were analyzed using a Box-Behnken response surface design. The alleviation effect of EUPS on diquat-induced oxidative stress in mice was also studied. A maximum EUPS yield of 2.60% was obtained under the following optimized conditions: an extraction temperature of 63 °C, extraction time of 1 h, and ratio of liquid to raw materials of 22:1. EUPS exhibited strong 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging ability (87.05%), 2'-Azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate) (ABTS) radical-scavenging ability (101.17%), and hydroxyl radical-scavenging ability (62.92%). The administration of EUPS increased the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase and decreased malondialdehyde levels in the livers of mice exposed to diquat. EUPS may inhibit the downregulation of NAD(P)H:quinoneoxidoreductase 1 and heme oxygenase 1 mRNA expression in the livers of diquat-administered mice through the Nrf2-Keap1 signaling pathway. Moreover, the abundance of Firmicutes and Ligilactobacillus was enhanced, whereas that of Helicobacter decreased in the gut of the remaining groups of mice compared with that of the diquat-treated mice. Therefore, EUPS exhibited an antioxidant effect and improved oxidative stress and intestinal flora abundance in mice.

Advances in Eucommia ulmoides polysaccharides: extraction, purification, structure, bioactivities and applications

Eucommia ulmoides (EU) is a precious tree species native to China originating during the ice age. This species has important economic value and comprehensive development potential, particularly in medicinal applications. The medicinal parts of EU are its bark (Eucommiae cortex) and leaves (Eucommiae folium) which have been successively used as a traditional Chinese medicine to treat diseases since the first century BC. During the last 2 decades, as natural polysaccharides have become of increasing interest in pharmacology, biomedicine, cosmetic and food applications, more and more scholars have begun to study polysaccharides derived from EU as well. EU polysaccharides have been found to have a variety of biological functions both in vivo and in vitro, including immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticomplementary, antifatigue, and hepatoprotective activities. This review aims to summarize these recent advances in extraction, purification, structural characteristics, pharmacological activities and applications in different fields of EU bark and leaf polysaccharides. It was found that both Eucommiae folium polysaccharides and Eucommiae cortex polysaccharides were suitable for medicinal use. Eucommiae folium may potentially be used to substitute for Eucommiae cortex in terms of immunomodulation and antioxidant activities. This study serves as a valuable reference for improving the comprehensive utilization of EU polysaccharides and further promoting the application of EU polysaccharides.

Investigating the Pharmacological Mechanisms of Total Flavonoids from Eucommia ulmoides Oliver Leaves for Ischemic Stroke Protection

The aim of this study was to explore how the total flavonoids from Eucommia ulmoides leaves (EULs) regulate ischemia-induced nerve damage, as well as the protective effects mediated by oxidative stress. The cell survival rate was significantly improved compared to the ischemic group (p < 0.05) after treatment with the total flavonoids of EULs. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased, while catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) increased, indicating that the total flavonoids of EULs can significantly alleviate neurological damage caused by ischemic stroke by inhibiting oxidative stress (p < 0.01). The mRNA expression level of VEGF increased (p < 0.01), which was consistent with the protein expression results. Meanwhile, the protein expression of ERK and CCND1 increased (p < 0.01), suggesting that the total flavonoids of EULs could protect PC12 cells from ischemic injury via VEGF-related pathways. MCAO rat models indicated that the total flavonoids of EULs could reduce brain ischemia-reperfusion injury. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the potential mechanisms of the total flavonoids of EULs in treating ischemic stroke and their potential therapeutic effects in reducing ischemic injury, which provides useful information for ischemic stroke drug discovery.

Eucommia ulmoides Leaves Alleviate Cognitive Dysfunction in Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)-Induced Colitis Mice through Regulating JNK/TLR4 Signaling Pathway

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is one of the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) that is characterized by systemic immune system activation. This study was performed to assess the alleviative effect of administering an aqueous extract of Eucommia ulmoides leaves (AEEL) on cognitive dysfunction in mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. The major bioactive compounds of AEEL were identified as a quinic acid derivative, caffeic acid-O-hexoside, and 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid using UPLC Q-TOF/MSE. AEEL administration alleviated colitis symptoms, which are bodyweight change and colon shortening. Moreover, AEEL administration protected intestinal barrier integrity by increasing the tight junction protein expression levels in colon tissues. Likewise, AEEL improved behavioral dysfunction in the Y-maze, passive avoidance, and Morris water maze tests. Additionally, AEEL improved short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) content in the feces of DSS-induced mice. In addition, AEEL improved damaged cholinergic systems in brain tissue and damaged mitochondrial and antioxidant functions in colon and brain tissues caused by DSS. Also, AEEL protected against DSS-induced cytotoxicity and inflammation in colon and brain tissues by c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway. Therefore, these results suggest that AEEL is a natural material that alleviates DSS-induced cognitive dysfunction with the modulation of gut-brain interaction.

Research Progress of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv and Predictive Analysis of Quality Markers Based on Network Pharmacology

Du Zhong is a valuable Chinese medicinal herb unique to China. It is a national second- class precious protected tree, known as "plant gold", which has been used to treat various diseases since ancient times. The main active ingredients are lignans, phenylprophetons, flavonoids, iridoids and steroids and terpenoids, which have pharmacological effects such as lowering blood pressure, enhancing immunity, regulating bone metabolism, protecting nerve cells, protecting liver and gallbladder and regulating blood lipids. In this paper, a comprehensive review of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. was summarized from the processing and its compositional changes, applications, chemical components, pharmacological effects, and pharmacokinetics, and the Q-marker of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. is preliminarily predicted from the aspects of traditional efficacy, medicinal properties and measurability of chemical composition, and the pharmacodynamic substance basis and potential Q-marker of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. are further analyzed through network pharmacology. It is speculated that quercetin, kaempferol, β-sitosterol, chlorogenic acid and pinoresinol diglucoside components are selected as quality markers of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv., which provide a basis for the quality control evaluation and follow-up research and development of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv.

Dietary Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract improves laying performance by altering serum metabolic profiles and gut bacteria in aged laying hens

The leaves of Eucommia ulmoides are rich in bioactive constituents that have potential gastrointestinal benefits for animals. In aged laying hens, intestinal health issues contribute to a significant decline in egg-laying capacity during intermediate and later stages. It remains unclear whether E. ulmoides leaf extract (ELE) can improve intestinal health and enhance egg production in elderly laying hens, and the underlying mechanisms are yet to be elucidated. Therefore, we conducted a study with 480 laying hens (65 weeks old) randomly allocated into four groups: a control group fed with the basal diet, and three treatment groups supplemented with 500, 1,000, and 2,000 mg/kg of ELE, respectively. The primary active constituents of ELE include flavonoids, polysaccharides, terpenoids, and phenolic acids. Dietary supplementation with ELE at 1,000 mg/kg (ELE1000) significantly improved laying performance and egg quality compared to the other groups. ELE1000 stimulated the maturation of intestinal epithelial cells, increased villus height, and reduced crypt depth. It also influenced the levels of proteins associated with tight junctions (claudin-1 and claudin-2) and intestinal inflammatory factors (IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-2) in different intestinal sections. Integrative analysis of serum metabolomics and gut microbiota revealed that ELE1000 improved nutrient metabolism by modulating amino acid and ubiquinone biosynthesis and influenced the abundance of intestinal microbiota by enriching pivotal genera such as Bacteroides and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group. We identified 15 metabolites significantly correlated with both gut microbiota and laying performance, e.g., DL-methionine sulfoxide, THJ2201 N-valerate metabolite, tetracarbonic acid, etc. In conclusion, ELE1000 improved laying performance in elderly laying hens by affecting intestinal morphology, barrier function, microbiota, and serum metabolite profiles. These findings suggest that ELE can be a beneficial feed additive for extending the peak producing period in aged laying hens.

The Effects of Natural Product-Derived Extracts for Longitudinal Bone Growth: An Overview of In Vivo Experiments

Approximately 80% of children with short stature are classified as having Idiopathic Short Stature (ISS). While growth hormone (GH) treatment received FDA approval in the United States in 2003, its long-term impact on final height remains debated. Other treatments, like aromatase inhibitors, metformin, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), have been explored, but there is no established standard treatment for ISS. In South Korea and other Asian countries, East Asian Traditional Medicine (EATM) is sometimes employed by parents to potentially enhance their children's height growth, often involving herbal medicines. One such product, Astragalus membranaceus extract mixture HT042, claims to promote height growth in children and has gained approval from the Korean Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). Research suggests that HT042 supplementation can increase height growth in children without skeletal maturation, possibly by elevating serum IGF-1 and IGF-binding protein-3 levels. Preclinical studies also indicate the potential benefits of natural products, including of EATM therapies for ISS. The purpose of this review is to offer an overview of bone growth factors related to ISS and to investigate the potential of natural products, including herbal preparations, as alternative treatments for managing ISS symptoms, based on their known efficacy in in vivo studies.

Quantitative Detection of Natural Rubber Content in Eucommia ulmoides by Portable Pyrolysis-Membrane Inlet Mass Spectrometry

Eucommia ulmoides gum (EUG) is a natural polymer predominantly consisting of trans-1,4-polyisoprene. Due to its excellent crystallization efficiency and rubber-plastic duality, EUG finds applications in various fields, including medical equipment, national defense, and civil industry. Here, we devised a portable pyrolysis-membrane inlet mass spectrometry (PY-MIMS) approach to rapidly, accurately, and quantitatively identify rubber content in Eucommia ulmoides (EU). EUG is first introduced into the pyrolyzer and pyrolyzed into tiny molecules, which are then dissolved and diffusively transported via the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane before entering the quadrupole mass spectrometer for quantitative analysis. The results indicate that the limit of detection (LOD) for EUG is 1.36 μg/mg, and the recovery rate ranges from 95.04% to 104.96%. Compared to the result of pyrolysis-gas chromatography (PY-GC), the average relative error is 1.153%, and the detection time was reduced to less than 5 min, demonstrating that the procedure was reliable, accurate, and efficient. The method has the potential to be employed to precisely identify the rubber content of natural rubber-producing plants such as Eucommia ulmoides, Taraxacum kok-saghyz (TKS), Guayule, and Thorn lettuce.

Establishment of Male and Female Eucommia Fingerprints by UPLC Combined with OPLS-DA Model and Its Application

Eucommia ulmoides Oliver is a dioecious plant, which plays an important role in traditional Chinese medicine. However, there has not yet been any research on male and female E. ulmoides. The UPLC fingerprints and OPLS-DA approach were able to quickly and easily identify and quantify E. ulmoides and differentiate between the male and female fingerprints. In this study, we optimized the UPLC conditions and analyzed them to investigate fingerprints of twenty-four extracts of Eucommiae Cortex (EC) and twenty-four extracts of Eucommiae Folium (EF) under optimal conditions. It was demonstrated that thirteen and twelve substances were possible chemical markers for EC and EF male and female discrimination and that the level of these markers - chlorogenic acid and protocatechuic acid - was many times higher in male than in female. This approach offered a reference for quality control and precise treatment of male and female E. ulmoides in the clinic.

Eucommia Bark/Leaf Extract Improves Lipid Metabolism Disorders by Affecting Intestinal Microbiota and Microbiome-Host Interaction in HFD Mice

Eucommia bark contains many bioactive compounds and has anti-hyperlipidemic effects. However, due to the slow growth rate of the plant, there is a limited supply of this resource. Studies have demonstrated that Eucommia leaves contain active ingredients similar to those of Eucommia bark and also have anti-hyperlipidemic effects. It is not currently clear whether Eucommia leaf can be used as a substitute for Eucommia bark. Furthermore, their mechanism of action for anti-hyperlipidemia by improving the structure of the gut microbiota is also unclear. We aimed to determine the composition of the active ingredients in EBE and ELE by HPLC, establish an HFD-induced hyperlipidemia model, and combine fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) experiments to investigate the mechanism of EBE/ELE anti-hyperlipidemia by modifying the structure of intestinal microbiota, as well as to compare the effects of EBE and ELE. Our results showed that EBE and ELE contained similar active ingredients and significantly alleviated lipid metabolism disorders and blood glucose levels in the HFD-induced hyperlipidemia model. In this study, EBE and ELE significantly reduced the relative abundance of Desulfovibrionaceae and Erysipelotrichaceae and significantly increased the relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae. They also promoted the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and activated the gene expression of the SCFA receptors G protein-coupled receptor 41 (GPR41) and GPR43. In addition, EBE and ELE can significantly increase the expression of the fasting-induced adipose factor (Fiaf) gene in the colon and inhibit the secretion of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in the liver, thereby inhibiting triglyceride (TG) synthesis. They also significantly activate the expression of GPR41 and GPR43 genes in the epididymal fat tissue, leading to reduced lipid accumulation in adipocytes. These effects on the target genes were associated with changes in the abundance of Desulfovibrionaceae, Erysipelotrichaceae, and Ruminococcaceae bacteria in the intestinal microbiota. Thus, regulating the relative abundance of these microbes may serve as prospective targets for EBE/ELE to influence the Fiaf-LPL gut-liver axis and the SCFAs-GPR41/GPR43 gut-fat axis. In addition, there was no significant difference in the anti-hyperlipidemic effects of ELE and EBE, suggesting that Eucommia leaf may be a suitable alternative to Eucommia bark for managing hyperlipidemia by regulating the structure of the intestinal microbiota. These findings suggest that Eucommia leaves have great potential for development as a functional food with lipid-lowering properties.

Eucommia bark/leaf extract improves HFD-induced lipid metabolism disorders via targeting gut microbiota to activate the Fiaf-LPL gut-liver axis and SCFAs-GPR43 gut-fat axis

BACKGROUND

The bark of Eucommia ulmoides (a perennial deciduous tree termed eucommia hereafter) has anti-hyperlipidemia effects due to its bioactive components. However, the slow growth of eucommia bark leads to a deficit in this resource. Studies have shown that eucommia leaf has bioactive components similar to those of eucommia bark and anti-hyperlipidemia effects. At present, the strength of the anti-hyperlipidemia effect of eucommia bark and eucommia leaf has not been reported. Their interaction with the gut microbiota and the mechanism by which the gut microbiota exerts anti-hyperlipidemia effects are unclear.

PURPOSES

Through fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) experiments, this study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which fecal bacteria suspensions containing chlorogenic acid (CGA), eucommia bark extract (EBE), and eucommia leaves extract (ELE) improve high-fat diet (HFD)-induced lipid metabolism disorders. Difference in anti-hyperlipidemia effects between EBE and ELE and exploring an eucommia bark substitute to improve the sustainable utilization of eucommia were also evaluated.

RESULTS

EBE and ELE contain eight identical bioactive ingredients, and fecal bacteria suspensions containing EBE and ELE significantly improved HFD-induced lipid metabolism disorders and elevated blood glucose levels. The fecal bacteria suspension of healthy mice containing CGA, EBE, and ELE significantly reduced the relative abundance of Erysipelothrichaceae and Ruminococcaceae and promoted short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production thereby activating the expression of the SCFA. G protein-coupled receptor 43 (GPR43) gene in colon and epididymal fat tissues. In addition, fecal bacteria suspensions of healthy mice containing CGA, EBE, or ELE significantly activated fasting-induced adipose factor (Fiaf) gene expression in colon tissue and inhibited the secretion of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in liver tissue, thereby inhibiting the synthesis of triglycerides (TG). Changed in the Erysipelotrichaceae and Ruminococcaceae relative abundances were significantly correlated with these target genes. Thus, regulating the abundance of the Erysipelotrichaceae and Ruminococcaceae could serve as a potential target for the role of fecal bacteria suspensions of healthy mice containing CGA, EBE, or ELE in the Fiaf-LPL gut-liver axis and SCFAs-GPR43 gut-fat axis. In addition, regarding HFD-induced lipid metabolism disorders and gut microbiota structural disorders, we found no significant difference between ELE and EBE.

CONCLUSIONS

Our FMT experiments evidenced that EBE and ELE improve lipid metabolism disorders by regulating the gut microbiota, providing a new pathway for treating hyperlipidemia using eucommia dietary therapy. There was no significant difference in the anti-hyperlipidemia effects of ELE and EBE; thus, eucommia leaf could replace eucommia bark in traditional Chinese medicine, so as to achieve a sustainable utilization of eucommia resources.

Innovation in sweet rice wine with high antioxidant activity: Eucommia ulmoides leaf sweet rice wine

The dried leaves of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv., which have a high nutritional value, are mainly used in both medicine and food. In this study, we used Eucommia ulmoides leaf superfine powder as an additive in the fermentation of glutinous rice (Semen Oryzae Glutinosae) to develop a new healthcare product, Eucommia leaf sweet rice wine. The fermentation conditions were optimized, and the nutrient value was evaluated through analyses of metabolites, functional compositions, antioxidant capacity, and antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, and antihypertensive abilities. The metabolic analysis demonstrated that Eucommia leaf sweet rice wine contained a large number of flavonoids and other metabolites. Eucommia leaf sweet rice wine had higher contents of flavonoid (729.0 ± 0.11 μg/g), free amino acids (55.0 ± 0.37 μg/g), polyphenol (150.0 ± 0.43 μg/g), and polysaccharide (0.25 ± 0.03 μg/g) than traditional sweet rice wine, with increases of 14.7, 2.6, 6.8, and 6.3 times, respectively. In addition, an analysis of antioxidant capacity in vitro revealed that Eucommia leaf sweet rice wine had a high level of activity in scavenging 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), superoxide anion, and hydroxyl radicals, as well as in reducing iron, indicating that it was a strong antioxidant. Furthermore, Eucommia leaf sweet rice wine had a high cholate binding capacity and could significantly inhibit α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity. In conclusion, this study developed a new application of Eucommia leaf in sweet rice wine fermentation and brewed Eucommia leaf sweet rice wine with strong antioxidant activity and positive antihypertensive, antihyperglycemic, and antihyperlipidemic effects in vitro. This study suggests new opportunities for the wider use of Eucommia ulmoides leaves and adds variety to sweet rice wine.

Feeding Laying Ducks Eucommia ulmoides oliv. Leaves Increases the n-3 Fatty Acids Content and Decreases the n-6: n-3 PUFA Ratio in Egg Yolk without Affecting Laying Performance or Egg Quality

The objective was to determine the effects of supplementing duck diets with Eucommia ulmoides oliv. leaf powder (EUL). Laying ducks (n = 480) were randomly allocated into 4 experimental treatments and fed diets containing 0, 1, 2, or 4% EUL. Dietary inclusion of EUL had no effect (p > 0.05) on laying performance or egg quality, but linearly increased (p < 0.05) total plasma protein, globulin, and HDL-C concentrations with concurrent reductions (p < 0.05) in plasma concentrations of cholesterol and LDL-C. Eggs laid by ducks receiving EUL had yolks with linearly higher phenolic concentrations (p < 0.05) but lower cholesterol concentrations (p < 0.05). EUL supplementation in duck diets significantly reduced n-6: n-3 PUFA ratio by enriching n-3 fatty acids in yolks (p < 0.05) with no changes in n-6 PUFA (p >0.05).

Eucommia ulmoides male flower as a remarkable edible floral resource exerts lifespan/healthspan-promoting effects on Caenorhabditis elegans

Natural products, especially phytochemicals, can effectively improve the health of various model organisms and ultimately prolong their lifespan. As an emerging resource of plant-based food, edible flowers have potential anti-aging effects. Here, we showed that twelve out of 30 drug-food homologous flowers' extracts significantly extended the lifespan of C. elegans, and the Eucommia ulmoides male flower was screened out by comparing centrally. The lifespan of C. elegans increased by 18.61% under the treatment of 100 μg mL^-1 floral extract (EUFE). Interestingly, this effect was attenuated when EUFE was administered late or at higher concentrations. Significantly, EUFE improved health indicators that decline with aging including pharyngeal pumping, mobility, muscle morphology, and lipofuscin accumulation. EUFE also enhanced the resistance of C. elegans to oxidative/heat stress. The longevity-extending effect of EUFE was dependent on transcription factor DAF-16 and mitochondrial function. Moreover, EUFE triggered the nuclear translocation of DAF-16 and promoted downstream LGG-1 and SOD3 protein expression. In body-wall muscles, EUFE stimulated mitochondrial fission and mitophagy to mitigate age-related mitochondrial impairments. The transcriptional checkpoints of daf-16, drp-1, eat-3, lgg-1, and dct-1 further showed that EUFE regulated DAF-16 signaling and mitochondrial homeostasis. Finally, the interpretation of the EUFE components by correlation analysis, UHPLC-QE-MS, and verification experiments showed that aucubin, geniposide, and asperuloside are the main active compounds. We revealed the excellent lifespan/healthspan-promoting efficacy of EUFE and highlighted that edible flowers are worthy of further investigation as anti-aging dietary resources. Meanwhile, related mechanisms enriched the hypothesis that mitochondria might be involved in the healthspan modulation of longevity pathways.

A water-soluble polysaccharide from Eucommia folium: the structural characterization and anti-tumor activity in vivo

In this study, a water-soluble polysaccharide from Eucommia folium was extracted by hot water and purified using Sephadex G-200 gel columns. The results showed that the purified fraction (EFP) has a molecular weight of 9.98 × 10⁵ Da and consisted of rhamnose, arabinose, galactose, glucose, mannose, xylose, galacturonic acid, and glucuronic acid (molar ratio: 0.226: 1.739: 2.183: 1: 0.155: 0.321: 0.358: 0.047). The combination of infrared spectroscopy and NMR analysis proved that EFP is an acidic polysaccharide whose main chain consists of α-L-Araf-(1 → , → 3,5)-α-Araf-(1 → , → 3)-β-Galp-(1 → , → 3,6)-β-Glcp-(1 → , → 2)-α-D-Manp-(1 → , → 4)-α-GalpA-(1 → , → 2,4)-α-Rhap-(1 → . In addition, the in vivo antitumoral activity of EFP was studied using a H22 tumor-bearing mice model. EFP effectively inhibited tumor growth in mice following intragastric administration. By Combining with the results of the apoptosis assay and JC-1 staining analysis, we confirmed that EFP induces apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway. Furthermore, cell cycle analysis demonstrated that EFP blocks the cell cycle at S phase.

Quantitative Analysis and Stability Study on Iridoid Glycosides from Seed Meal of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver

As a traditional Chinese medicine, Eucommia ulmoides Oliver (E. ulmoides Oliv.) is an important medicinal plant, and its barks, male flowers, leaves, and fruits have high value of utilization. The seed meal of E. ulmoides Oliv. is the waste residue produced after oil extraction from seeds of E. ulmoides Oliv. Though the seed meal of E. ulmoides Oliv. is an ideal feed additive, its medicinal value is far from being developed and utilized. We identified six natural iridoid compounds from the seed meal of E. ulmoides Oliv., namely geniposidic acid (GPA), scyphiphin D (SD), ulmoidoside A (UA), ulmoidoside B (UB), ulmoidoside C (UC), and ulmoidoside D (UD). Six natural iridoid compounds were validated to have anti-inflammatory activities. Hence, six compounds were quantified at the optimum extracting conditions in the seed meal of E. ulmoides Oliv. by an established ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) method. Some interesting conversion phenomena of six tested compounds were uncovered by a systematic study of stability performed under different temperatures and pH levels. GPA was certified to be stable. SD, UA, and UC were only hydrolyzed under strong alkaline solution. UB and UD were affected by high temperature, alkaline, and strong acid conditions. Our findings reveal the active compounds and explore the quantitative analysis of the tested compounds, contributing to rational utilization for the seeds residues of E. ulmoides Oliv.

Concurrent use of Chinese herbal medicine and anticoagulants may reduce major bleeding events

Background

This retrospective cohort study investigated the risk of major bleeding events during the concurrent use of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) and anticoagulants in clinical practice.

Methods

A total of 4,470 patients receiving anticoagulant drugs were selected from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). Half (n = 2,235) were also using CHMs (CHM cohort); the other half were not (non-CHM cohort). Each cohort was matched 1:1 using the propensity score. Chi-square testing and the Student’s t-test were used to examine differences between two cohorts. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis assessed the risks for major bleeding events in each cohort, as well as bleeding risks associated with specific CHM formulas and herbs. Cumulative incidence curves for major bleeding events were calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis.

Results

Compared with the non-CHM cohort, the CHM cohort had a lower risk of overall bleeding events (p < 0.001) including hemorrhagic stroke (p = 0.008), gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding (p < 0.001), urogenital bleeding (p ≤ 0.001) and nasal/ear/eye bleeding (p = 0.004). Single herbs, such as Glycyrrhiza uralensis et Rhizoma, Panax notoginseng, Panax ginseng, Platycodon grandiflorum, Eucommia ulmoides Oliver and formulas, such as Shu Jing Huo Xue Tang, Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang and Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan were associated with a lower risk of major bleeding events.

Conclusion

Using CHMs with anticoagulants appeared to decrease the risk of major bleeding, especially CHMs products containing Glycyrrhiza uralensis et Rhizoma, Panax notoginseng, Panax ginseng, Platycodon grandiflorum and Eucommia ulmoides Oliver. Further investigations are needed to determine whether CHM can maintain the therapeutic efficacy of anticoagulants while simultaneously reducing potential side effects.

Protective effect of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver male flowers on ethanol-induced DNA damage in mouse cerebellum and cerebral cortex

Ethanol is a principal ingredient of alcoholic beverages with potential neurotoxicity and genotoxicity, and the ethanol-associated oxidative DNA damage in the central nervous system is well documented. Natural product may offer new options to protect the brain against ethanol-induced neurotoxicity. The male flower of Eucommia ulmoides (EUF) Oliver has been extensively utilized as the tea, the healthy hot drink on the market. In this study, 19 constituents in the effective fraction of EUF were identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). In the single-cell gel electrophoresis assay, EUF was observed to ameliorate DNA damage in mouse cerebellum and cerebral cortex caused by acute ethanol administration, which was further confirmed by the morphological observation. The protective effects of EUF were associated with increasing total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) activities, and a decrease in nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and kelch-like ECH-associated protein-1 (Keap1) levels. Molecular docking results demonstrated that compounds 4, 7, 9, and 16 from EUF have a strong affinity to the Keap1 Kelch domain to hinder the interaction of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) with Keap1. These findings suggest that EUF is a potent inhibitor of ethanol-induced brain injury possibly via the inhibition of oxidative stress.

Neuroendocrine-Immune Regulatory Network of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver

Eucommia ulmoides Oliver (E. ulmoides) is a popular medicinal herb and health supplement in China, Japan, and Korea, and has a variety of pharmaceutical properties. The neuroendocrine-immune (NEI) network is crucial in maintaining homeostasis and physical or psychological functions at a holistic level, consistent with the regulatory theory of natural medicine. This review aims to systematically summarize the chemical compositions, biological roles, and pharmacological properties of E. ulmoides to build a bridge between it and NEI-associated diseases and to provide a perspective for the development of its new clinical applications. After a review of the literature, we found that E. ulmoides has effects on NEI-related diseases including cancer, neurodegenerative disease, hyperlipidemia, osteoporosis, insomnia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and obesity. However, clinical studies on E. ulmoides were scarce. In addition, E. ulmoides derivatives are diverse in China, and they are mainly used to enhance immunity, improve hepatic damage, strengthen bones, and lower blood pressure. Through network pharmacological analysis, we uncovered the possibility that E. ulmoides is involved in functional interactions with cancer development, insulin resistance, NAFLD, and various inflammatory pathways associated with NEI diseases. Overall, this review suggests that E. ulmoides has a wide range of applications for NEI-related diseases and provides a direction for its future research and development.

Influences of dietary Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract on the hepatic lipid metabolism, inflammation response, intestinal antioxidant capacity, intestinal microbiota, and disease resistance of the channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract (ELE) on the common occurrence of liver steatosis, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, disturbance of gut microbiota, and disease susceptibility in high-fat diet-fed channel catfish. Channel catfish fed three diets, including a high-fat diet (11% crude fat) and ELE-supplemented diets containing 1‰ or 2‰ ELE for 4 weeks. The results showed the contents of liver triacylglycerol of 1‰ and 2‰ ELE groups were reduced, and ELE treatments decreased the expression of lipogenesis related genes (srebp-1c, pparγ, and acc-1), and increased the expression of lipolysis related genes (pparα). In addition, the supplementation of ELE improved the inflammatory response of the liver and intestine. ELE could improve the destruction of intestinal morphology structure and increase the expression level of hif-1a and tight junction proteins (Occludin, Claudin2, Claudin15). 2‰ ELE significantly enhanced the antioxidant capacity of intestine by increasing the activity of SOD enzyme. Moreover, the supplement of ELE significantly increased the abundance of Cetobacterium and Romboutsia (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the expression of immune factor nf-κb had a significant decrease, and il-1β showed a tendency to decrease in the ELE supplement groups after pathogenic bacteria challenge. In conclusion, the ELE alleviated fatty liver disease and inflammation response, improved the oxidative capacity and physiological structure of intestine, and improved the structure of intestinal microbiota and disease resistance in HFD-fed channel catfish.

Antibacterial Mode of Eucommia ulmoides Male Flower Extract Against Staphylococcus aureus and Its Application as a Natural Preservative in Cooked Beef

The research was conducted to elucidate the antibacterial performance and mode of action of Eucommia ulmoides male flower extract (EUMFE) against Staphylococcus aureus and its application as a natural preservative in cooked beef. The antibacterial activity was evaluated by determining the diameter of inhibition zone (DIZ), minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericide concentration (MBC). The changes in membrane potential, contents of bacterial DNA and protein, integrity and permeability of the cell membrane, and cell morphology were analyzed to reveal the possible mode of action. The effect of EUMFE on the counts of S. aureus, pH, color, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) of the cooked beef stored at 4°C for 9 days were studied. The results showed that the DIZ, MIC, and MBC of EUMFE against S. aureus were 12.58 ± 0.23 mm, 40 mg/mL, and 80 mg/mL, respectively. The mode of action of EUMFE against S. aureus included hyperpolarization of cell membrane, decrease in bacterial DNA and protein contents, destruction of cell membrane integrity, increase in cell membrane permeability, and damage of cell morphology. After treatments with EUMFE, the growth of S. aureus and lipid oxidation in cooked beef were significantly inhibited (P < 0.05). The pH and TVB-N values of cooked beef treated with EUMFE were significantly reduced as compared to control group (P < 0.05). The color of cooked beef samples containing EUMFE showed decreased L* and b* values, and increased a* and ΔE* values. Therefore, our findings showed that EUMFE had a good antibacterial effect on S. aureus, and provided a theoretical basis for the application of EUMFE as a natural preservative in the preservation of cooked beef.

Effects of Different Supplemental Levels of Eucommia ulmoides Leaf Extract in the Diet on Carcass Traits and Lipid Metabolism in Growing–Finishing Pigs

This study examined the effects of dietary Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract (ELE) supplements on carcass traits and lipid metabolism in growing–finishing pigs. A total of 144 crossbred (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) piglets with an average initial weight of 10.11 ± 0.03 kg were randomly allotted to four treatment groups, each with six replicates and six piglets per replicate. Each group of pigs was fed a basal diet or a diet supplemented with increasing levels of ELE (0.1, 0.2, or 0.3%). The results showed that adding ELE had no negative effect on the growth performance of pigs. Dietary supplements of 0.1% ELE significantly increased carcass weight (p &lt; 0.01), dressing percentage (p &lt; 0.01), carcass length (p &lt; 0.05), and eye muscle area (p &lt; 0.05). Compared with the control group, a 0.2% ELE supplement significantly increased (p &lt; 0.01) the levels of adiponectin, insulin-like growth factor 1, and hormone-sensitive lipase and lipoprotein lipase activity in the serum. Histological examination showed that ELE inhibited fat deposition in the backfat tissue. Lipid metabolism-related biochemical indices and mRNA expression levels were improved after supplementing diets with ELE. Moreover, all three levels of ELE dramatically upregulated (p &lt; 0.05) the protein levels of p-AMPK-α and p-ACC. In summary, adding ELE to pig diets could improve the carcass traits of growing–finishing pigs and exert a lipid-lowering effect by activating the AMPK-ACC pathway and regulating mRNA expression levels related to lipid metabolism. Supplementing the diet with 0.1–0.2% ELE is the optimal range to reduce fat deposition in pig backfat tissue.

Two Alkaloids From Delphinium brunonianum Royle, Their Anti-inflammatory and Anti-oxidative Stress Activity via NF-κB Signaling Pathway

In this study, we isolated and identified four compounds in Delphinium brunonianum Royle, and they were Delbrunine (1), 4-O-α-D-Glucosyl benzoic acid (2), Kaempferol 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside 7-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (3) and Eldeline (4). Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory activity of these compounds was screened in RAW264.7 cells. The results showed that the anti-inflammatory activities of compounds 2 and 3 were weak, and 1, 4 had good anti-inflammatory activity. The macrophage inflammation model was established by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Then, the anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by ELISA kits, qRT-PCR experiment and western blot experiment. And the anti-oxidative stress activity was assessed by flow cytometry. The results showed that compounds 1, 4 could significantly inhibit the elevation of inflammatory factors nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and also had obvious inhibitory effects on the production of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2). In addition, compounds 1 and 4 could effectively inhibit the overexpression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in RAW264.7 cells that activated by LPS. These results indicated that compounds 1 and 4 may exert anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress effects through the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Network Pharmacological Dissection of the Mechanisms of Eucommiae Cortex-Achyranthis Radix Combination for Intervertebral Disc Herniation Treatment

Eucommiae cortex (EC) and Achyranthis radix (AR) are herbal medicines widely used in combination for the treatment of intervertebral disc herniation (IDH). The mechanisms of action of the herbal combination have not been understood from integrative and comprehensive points of view. By adopting network pharmacological methodology, we aimed to investigate the pharmacological properties of the EC-AR combination as a therapeutic agent for IDH at a systematic molecular level. Using the pharmacokinetic information for the chemical ingredients of the EC-AR combination obtained from the comprehensive herbal drug-associated databases, we determined its 31 bioactive ingredients and 68 IDH-related therapeutic targets. By analyzing their enrichment for biological functions, we observed that the targets of the EC-AR combination were associated with the regulation of angiogenesis; cytokine and chemokine activity; oxidative and inflammatory stress responses; extracellular matrix organization; immune response; and cellular processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, differentiation, migration, and activation. Pathway enrichment investigation revealed that the EC-AR combination may target IDH-pathology-associated signaling pathways, such as those of cellular senescence and chemokine, neurotrophin, TNF, MAPK, toll-like receptor, and VEGF signaling, to exhibit its therapeutic effects. Collectively, these data provide mechanistic insights into the pharmacological activity of herbal medicines for the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases such as IDH.

Trait Variations and Probability Grading Index System on Leaf-Related Traits of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver Germplasm

Eucommia ulmoides Oliver (EUO), an economic tree grown specifically in China, is widely used in various fields. To satisfy the requirements of industrial development, superior varieties need to be selected for different uses. However, there is no unified standard for breeders to reference. In this study, leaf-related traits were classified by a probability grading method. The results indicated there were significant differences between different planting models for the studied traits, and the traits in the Arbor forest model showed more abundant variation. Compared with genotype, the planting model accounted for relatively bigger variance, indicating that the standard should be divided according to planting models. Furthermore, the optimum planting model for different traits would be obtained by analyzing the variation range. Association analyses were conducted among traits to select the crucial evaluation indexes. The indexes were divided into three grades in different planting models. The evaluation system on leaf-related traits of EUO germplasm was established preliminarily, which considered planting models and stability across years for the first time. It can be treated as a reference to identify and evaluate EUO germplasm resources. Additionally, the study served as an example for the classification of quantitative traits in other economically important perennial plants.

An Overview on Total Valorization of Litsea cubeba as a New Woody Oil Plant Resource toward a Zero-Waste Biorefinery

With the increasing global demand for edible oils and the restriction of arable land minimum in China, woody oil plants have gradually become the optimal solution to cover the shortage of current edible oil supply and to further improve the self-sufficiency rate. However, due to the lack of knowledge and technique, problems like “how to make full use of these plant resources?” and “how to guide consumers with reasonable data?” limit the development of woody oilseed industry towards a sustainable circular economy. In this review, several emerging unique woody oil plants in China were introduced, among which Litsea cubeba as a new woody oil plant was highlighted as a reference case based on its current research progress. Unlike other woody oil plants, essential oil rather than oil from Litsea cubeba has always been the main product through the years due to its interesting biological activities. Most importantly, its major component, citral, could be the base for other synthesized perfume compounds with added value. Moreover, the sustainable biorefinery of large amounts of waste residual after Litsea cubeba essential oil processing is now technically feasible, which could inspire a total valorization pathway for other woody oil plants to make more competitive plant-based products with both economic, social, and ecological benefits.

Systematic investigation of the pharmacological mechanism for renal protection by the leaves of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver using UPLC-Q-TOF/MS combined with network pharmacology analysis

Bark is the traditional medicinal component of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver (E. ulmoides). However, the demand for E. ulmoides medicinal materials seriously limits their sustainability. To alleviate resource constraints, the bioactivity of E. ulmoides leaves and its pharmacodynamic basis were investigated. In the present study, extracts of E. ulmoides leaves were found to display potential renal protective properties in rat glomerular mesangial (HBZY-1) cells treated with high levels of glucose, suggesting that they possess potential factors capable of treating diabetic nephropathy. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) was used to comprehensively characterize the chemical components of E. ulmoides leaves. A total of 83 possible chemical components, including 12 iridoids, 13 flavonoids, 14 lignans, 20 phenylpropanoids, 14 phenolic acids, and 10 additional components, were identified in E. ulmoides leaves. Network pharmacology was used for a preliminary exploration of the potential mechanism of action of renal protection afforded by E. ulmoides leaves towards diabetic nephropathy. The network pharmacology results were verified using a series of biological experiments. The present study provided the basis for the comprehensive development and utilization of E. ulmoides leaves and the discovery of potential drugs.

Natural Polymer Eucommia Ulmoides Rubber: A Novel Material

As the second natural rubber resource, Eucommia ulmoides rubber (EUR) from Eucommia ulmoides Oliver is mainly composed of trans-1,4-polyisoprene, which is the isomer of natural rubber cis-1,4-polyisoprene from Hevea brasiliensis. In the past few years, the great potential application of EUR has received increasing attention, and there is a growing awareness that the natural polymer EUR could become an emerging research topic in field of the novel materials due to its unique and excellent duality of both rubber and plastic. To gain insight into its further development, in this review, the extraction, structure, physicochemical properties, and modification of EUR are discussed in detail. More emphasis on the potential applications in the fields of the environment, agriculture, engineering, and biomedical engineering is summarized. Finally, some insights into the challenges and perspectives of EUR are also suggested.

Novel Hybrids of Podophyllotoxin and Coumarin Inhibit the Growth and Migration of Human Oral Squamous Carcinoma Cells

Oral squamous cell carcinoma is the most common malignancy of oral tumor. In this study, two novel hybrids of podophyllotoxin and coumarin were designed using molecular hybridization strategy and synthesized. Pharmacological evaluation showed that the potent compound 12b inhibited the proliferation of three human oral squamous carcinoma cell lines with nanomolar IC₅₀ values, as well as displayed less toxicity on normal cells. Mechanistic studies indicated that 12b triggered HSC-2 cell apoptosis, induced cell cycle arrest, and inhibited cell migration. Moreover, 12b could disturb the microtubule network via binding into the tubulin. It was noteworthy that induction of autophagy by 12b was associated with the upregulation of Beclin1, as well as LC3-II. Furthermore, 12b significantly stimulated the AMPK pathway and restrained the AKT/mTOR pathway in HSC-2 cells. These results indicated that compound 12b was a promising candidate for further investigation.

Enhanced Healthspan in Caenorhabditis elegans Treated With Extracts From the Traditional Chinese Medicine Plants Cuscuta chinensis Lam. and Eucommia ulmoides Oliv

To uncover potential anti-aging capacities of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans was used to investigate the effects of Eucommia ulmoides and Cuscuta chinensis extracts, selected by screening seven TCM extracts, on different healthspan parameters. Nematodes exposed to E. ulmoides and C. chinensis extracts, starting at the young adult stage, exhibited prolonged lifespan and increased survival after heat stress as well as upon exposure to the pathogenic bacterium Photorhabdus luminescens, whereby the survival benefits were monitored after stress initiation at different adult stages. However, only C. chinensis had the ability to enhance physical fitness: the swimming behavior and the pharyngeal pumping rate of C. elegans were improved at day 7 and especially at day 12 of adulthood. Finally, monitoring the red fluorescence of aged worms revealed that only C. chinensis extracts caused suppression of intestinal autofluorescence, a known marker of aging. The results underline the different modes of action of the tested plants extracts. E. ulmoides improved specifically the physiological fitness by increasing the survival probability of C. elegans after stress, while C. chinensis seems to be an overall healthspan enhancer, reflected in the suppressed autofluorescence, with beneficial effects on physical as well as physiological fitness. The C. chinensis effects may be hormetic: this is supported by increased gene expression of hsp-16.1 and by trend, also of hsp-12.6.

Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract alters gut microbiota composition, enhances short-chain fatty acids production, and ameliorates osteoporosis in the senescence-accelerated mouse P6 (SAMP6) model

The bark and the leaf of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. content similar bioactive components, but the leaf of this medically important plant is mostly abandoned. In this study, we revealed that the aqueous extract of E. ulmoides leaf (EUL) can promote the growth of the probiotic Lactobacillus bulgaricus (LB) and inhibit the formation of osteoclast in vitro. This extract was next administrated to senescence-accelerated mice P6 to evaluate examine its influence on the composition of gut microbiota (GM), short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and osteoporosis (OP). The results showed that supplementation of the EUL aqueous extract to the mouse model: (a) increased bacterial diversity and Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio in the gut, (b) increased SCFAs concentration in the feces and serum, and (c) ameliorated OP based on the results of bone mineral density (BMD), Dual-energy X-ray bone scan, and HE staining of distal femur.

Antihypertensive phytocomplexes of proven efficacy and well-established use: Mode of action and individual characterization of the active constituents

Hypertension has become the leading risk factor for worldwide cardiovascular diseases. Conventional pharmacological treatment, after both dietary and lifestyle changes, is generally proposed. In this review, we present the antihypertensive properties of phytocomplexes from thirteen plants, long ago widely employed in ethnomedicines and, in recent years, increasingly evaluated for their activity in vitro and in vivo, also in humans, in comparison with synthetic drugs acting on the same systems. Here, we focus on the demonstrated or proposed mechanisms of action of such phytocomplexes and of their constituents proven to exert cardiovascular effects. Almost seventy phytochemicals are described and scientifically sound pertinent literature, published up to now, is summarized. The review emphasizes the therapeutic potential of these natural substances in the treatment of the 'high normal blood pressure' or 'stage 1 hypertension', so-named according to the most recent European and U.S. guidelines, and as a supplementation in more advanced stages of hypertension, however needing further validation by clinical trial intensification.