Quercetin as a possible complementary therapy in multiple sclerosis: Anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and remyelination potential properties

Valproic acid preconditioning of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells promotes remyelination of the corpus callosum in a cuprizone-induced demyelination model

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder that currently has no exact treatment. However, stem cell therapy shows promise in treating neurodegenerative disorders. One of the main challenges with this treatment is the high apoptosis rate and low migration capacity of the transplanted stem cells. In this study we used Valproic acid (VPA) for preconditioning of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) before transplantation into the cuprizone induced demyelination model in C57/BL6 mice. Cell viability and CXCR4 mRNA expression and protein levels were assessed after preconditioning of BM-MSCs with VPA. Homing of BM-MSCs into the corpus callosum and visceral organs (liver and lung) were assessed 48 h after intravenous transplantation. Also, myelin content and the number of oligodendrocytes and astrocytes were evaluated in the corpus callosum. Our results indicated that 3 h VPA (5 mM) preconditioning of BM-MSCs led to an increase in viability and CXCR4 mRNA and protein levels in BM-MSCs. After IV transplantation VPA preconditioned BM-MSCs had a greater homing ability into the CNS but not to the visceral organs than non-preconditioned BM-MSCs. Also, transplantation of VPA preconditioned BM-MSCs resulted in a significant increase in remyelination and the number of oligodendrocytes while decreasing the number of astrocytes. These findings suggest that VPA preconditioning enhances the therapeutic efficacy of BM-MSCs when applied to cuprizone induced demyelination model.

A network pharmacological target mendelian randomization study on the neuroprotective effects of active ingredients in mahuang fuzi xixin decoction for multiple sclerosis

Mahuang Fuzi Xixin Decoction (MFX), a traditional Chinese medicine containing 44 volatile components (97.36% total oil), includes key compounds like α-terpenol (13.34%) and 1,2,3-trimethoxy-5-methyl-benzene (22.64%). Using network pharmacology and Mendelian randomization, 24 active compounds were identified targeting MS-related pathways (NF-κB, NLRP3, Toll-like receptor). Genetic variants in CYP450, GSK3B, CYBB, and PON1 correlated with reduced MS risk. In EAE mice, MFX decreased spinal GSK-3B expression (immunofluorescence) and pro-inflammatory factors (ELISA), demonstrating neuroprotection via anti-inflammatory, antioxidative mechanisms and restored GSK-3B levels, highlighting therapeutic potential for MS.

The neuroprotective potential of Gerbera Jamesonii in a neuronal demyelination rat model through the modulation of interleukins, cyclooxygenase and tumor necrosis factor-α

Multiple sclerosis is characterized by the demyelination of neurons, which is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. This autoimmune disorder occurs due to an imbalance in the body's immune system as a result of uncontrolled oxidative stress. The B and T lymphocytes cross the blood-brain barrier and destroy the myelin sheath. Multiple sclerosis is one of the most common causes of disability in young adults affecting approximately 3 million individuals worldwide. Among them, females are considered at higher risk than males. It disrupts the normal functioning of life badly and major symptoms include loss of sensation, poor vision, impaired hearing, and cognitive abnormalities. Several treatments and drugs have been used to treat this medical condition, but they pose serious side effects also. So, the need of the hour is to explore such natural bioactive compounds that have neuroprotective properties, thus leading to the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Among various plants with medicinal properties, Gerbera jamesonii is a plant that exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. To enhance its therapeutic potential, this study aimed to load its ethanolic extract into solid-lipid nanoparticle formulations (SLNs), which is an innovative approach for treatment because nanoparticles provide effective targeted drug delivery due to their extremely small size. Solid-lipid nanoparticles were prepared using the emulsification-solvent evaporation method. For experimental design, 30 Wistar rats were randomly divided into seven groups (n = 10): normal, demyelination disease model, standard drugs, dimethyl fumarate and fingolimod (FTY 720) 15 mg/kg, and three treatment groups: GJ-NPs 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 750 mg/kg. Prior to treatment, 0.2% cuprizone solution was prepared for the induction of multiple sclerosis in all groups except the normal group for 42 days. Biochemical analyses such as determination of inflammatory biomarkers and antioxidant enzymes were performed. The plant extract was subjected to HPLC to examine its phenolic compounds which are active in healing neurodegeneration. Physiological changes in rats were observed such as motor dysfunction and anxiety-like behavior caused by cuprizone. Behavioral tests showed significant improvement of motor function, muscular coordination, and enhanced cognitive abilities in the treatment groups as compared to the demyelination disease model. Histopathology of the rat brain regions showed significant differences in the normal and demyelinated areas. The results showed that GJ-NPs treated demyelination, modulating oxidative stress manifested by pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, AβPP, α-synuclein, NF-KB, etc., thus restoring the levels of antioxidant enzymes to normal range.

Phytochemicals as Chemical Promoters of the Adaptive Chaos in Health Recovery. A Modelling Investigation

Adaptive chaos, a concept rooted in chaos theory, describes the dynamic and non-linear behaviour of biological systems that enables adaptability and resilience under fluctuating conditions. This study investigates the potential role of phytochemicals, specifically flavonoids, as chemical promoters of adaptive chaos in biological systems. Using mathematical and bioinformatics modelling, we analyzed 23 representative flavonoids to determine their ability to induce adaptive chaos through receptor-ligand interactions. Ordinary differential equations were employed to simulate binding dynamics and evaluate oscillatory patterns and entropy variations, providing insights into the chaotic properties of these interactions. Key findings highlight that flavonoids such as quercetin, catechin, epicatechin, kaempferol, and apigenin, exhibit distinct capacities to modulate chaotic dynamics, enhancing cellular flexibility and stability. Quercetin emerged as the most effective inducer of adaptive chaos, characterized by high entropy, fractal dimensions and Lyapunov exponents, indicating superior responsiveness to perturbations. Catechin and epicatechin demonstrated targeted effects, particularly in stabilizing mitochondrial oscillations and modulating immune system dynamics, while kaempferol and apigenin maintained moderate adaptability. Correlation analysis further linked flavonoid-induced adaptive chaos with their prevalence in scientific literature, supporting the translational relevance of these compounds in therapeutic applications. The results suggest that flavonoids act as hormetic agents that stabilize oscillatory dynamics, promoting homeostasis and resilience in pathological states such as inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction. This study introduces a novel approach for integrating chaos theory into biochemical modelling, providing a framework for future investigations into the dynamic regulatory roles of phytochemicals in health recovery and disease management.

Epigenetic and Mitochondrial Metabolic Dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis: A Review of Herbal Drug Approaches and Current Clinical Trials

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex autoimmune disease characterised by inflammation, demyelination, and neurodegeneration within the central nervous system (CNS). While the exact causes remain unclear, recent research highlights the significant role of epigenetic modifications and mitochondrial dysfunction in the disease's onset and progression. Epigenetic alterations, such as DNA methylation, histone modification, and microRNA regulation, influence gene expression without altering the DNA sequence, leading to immune dysregulation and inflammation. Similarly, mitochondrial dysfunction, marked by impaired oxidative phosphorylation, reduced adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), contributes to neurodegeneration and impaired remyelination in MS. The growing interest in targeting these two interconnected mechanisms has opened new avenues for MS treatment. Herbal drugs, known for their multi-targeted effects, have shown potential in modulating epigenetic markers and enhancing mitochondrial function. Compounds such as resveratrol, curcumin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), quercetin, and omega-3 fatty acids demonstrate potential in regulating DNA methylation, histone deacetylation, and mitochondrial biogenesis. These natural agents offer dual-action therapies by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation while promoting neuronal survival and remyelination. This review explores the therapeutic potential of herbal drugs targeting epigenetic and mitochondrial pathways in MS, evaluating their mechanisms of action and highlighting their promise as novel therapeutic agents. While initial findings are encouraging, further research and clinical trials are required to validate the efficacy of these herbal treatments and fully understand their potential in slowing disease progression and improving patient outcomes in MS. Such exploration could pave the way for safer, multi-targeted therapies, offering new hope in the management of MS and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Quercetin, a natural flavonoid, protects against hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury via inhibiting Caspase-8/ASC dependent macrophage pyroptosis

INTRODUCTION

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is an inevitable adverse event following liver surgery, leading to liver damage and potential organ failure. Despite advancements, effective interventions for hepatic IRI remain elusive, posing a significant clinical challenge. The innate immune response significantly contributes to the pathogenesis of hepatic IRI by promoting an inflammatory cytotoxic cycle. We have reported that blocking GSDMD-induced pyroptosis in innate immunity cells protected hepatic IRI from inflammatory injury. However, the search for effective pyroptosis inhibitors continues.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to evaluate whether quercetin, a natural flavonoid, can inhibit GSDMD-induced pyroptosis and mitigate hepatic IRI.

METHODS

We established the hepatic IRI murine model and cellular pyroptosis model to evaluate the efficacy of quercetin.

RESULTS

Quercetin effectively alleviated hepatic IRI-induced tissue necrosis and inflammation. We found that during hepatic IRI, the cleavage of GSDMD occurred in hepatic macrophages, but not in other non-parenchymal cells. Quercetin inhibited the cleavage of GSDMD in macrophages. Moreover, we found that quercetin blocked the ASC assembly to inhibit the formation of NLRP3 inflammasomes and AIM2 inflammasomes, suppressing macrophage pyroptosis. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments confirmed that quercetin inhibited the interaction between ASC and Caspase-8, which is the mechanism of ASC complex and inflammasome formation. Overexpression of Caspase-8 abolished the anti-pyroptosis effect of quercetin in NLRP3 and AIM2 inflammasome signaling. Furthermore, we found that the hepatoprotective activity of quercetin was reduced in myelocytic GSDMD-deficient mice.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that quercetin has beneficial effects on hepatic IRI. Quercetin could attenuate hepatic IRI and target inhibition of macrophage pyroptosis via blocking Caspase-8/ASC interaction. We recommend that quercetin might serve as a targeted approach for the prevention and personalized treatment of hepatic IRI in perioperative patients.

Polyphenols, Alkaloids, and Terpenoids Against Neurodegeneration: Evaluating the Neuroprotective Effects of Phytocompounds Through a Comprehensive Review of the Current Evidence

Neurodegenerative diseases comprise a group of chronic, usually age-related, disorders characterized by progressive neuronal loss, deformation of neuronal structure, or loss of neuronal function, leading to a substantially reduced quality of life. They remain a significant focus of scientific and clinical interest due to their increasing medical and social importance. Most neurodegenerative diseases present intracellular protein aggregation or their extracellular deposition (plaques), such as α-synuclein in Parkinson's disease and amyloid beta (Aβ)/tau aggregates in Alzheimer's. Conventional treatments for neurodegenerative conditions incur high costs and are related to the development of several adverse effects. In addition, many patients are irresponsive to them. For these reasons, there is a growing tendency to find new therapeutic approaches to help patients. This review intends to investigate some phytocompounds' effects on neurodegenerative diseases. These conditions are generally related to increased oxidative stress and inflammation, so phytocompounds can help prevent or treat neurodegenerative diseases. To achieve our aim to provide a critical assessment of the current literature about phytochemicals targeting neurodegeneration, we reviewed reputable databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, and COCHRANE, seeking clinical trials that utilized phytochemicals against neurodegenerative conditions. A few clinical trials investigated the effects of phytocompounds in humans, and after screening, 13 clinical trials were ultimately included following PRISMA guidelines. These compounds include polyphenols (flavonoids such as luteolin and quercetin, phenolic acids such as rosmarinic acid, ferulic acid, and caffeic acid, and other polyphenols like resveratrol), alkaloids (such as berberine, huperzine A, and caffeine), and terpenoids (such as ginkgolides and limonene). The gathered evidence underscores that quercetin, caffeine, ginkgolides, and other phytochemicals are primarily anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective, counteracting neuroinflammation, neuronal oxidation, and synaptic dysfunctions, which are crucial aspects of neurodegenerative disease intervention in various included conditions, such as Alzheimer's and other dementias, depression, and neuropsychiatric disorders. In summary, they show that the use of these compounds is related to significant improvements in cognition, memory, disinhibition, irritability/lability, aberrant behavior, hallucinations, and mood disorders.

Plant-derived compounds and neurodegenerative diseases: Different mechanisms of action with therapeutic potential

Neurodegenerative diseases are a group of disorders characterized by progressive degeneration of discrete groups of neurons causing severe disability. The main risk factor is age, hence their incidence is rapidly increasing worldwide due to the rise in life expectancy. Although the causes of the disease are not identified in about 90% of the cases, in the last decades there has been great progress in understanding the basis for neurodegeneration. Different pathological mechanisms including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, alteration in proteostasis and inflammation have been addressed as important contributors to neuronal death. Despite our better understanding of the pathophysiology of these diseases, there is still no cure and available therapies only provide symptomatic relief. In an effort to discover new therapeutic approaches, natural products have aroused interest among researchers given their structural diversity and wide range of biological activities. In this review, we focus on three plant-derived compounds with promising neuroprotective potential that have been traditionally used by folk medicine: the flavonoid quercetin (QCT), the phytocannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD)and the tryptamine N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT). These compounds exert neuroprotective effects through different mechanisms of action, some overlapping, but each demonstrating a principal biological activity: QCT as an antioxidant, CBD as an anti-inflammatory, and DMT as a promoter of neuroplasticity. This review summarizes current knowledge on these activities, potential therapeutic benefits of these compounds and their limitations as candidates for neuroprotective therapies. We envision that treatments with QCT, CBD, and DMT could be effective either when combined or when targeting different stages of these diseases.

A Narrative Review of Protective Effects of Natural Compounds Against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Injuries

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a large amphipathic glycoconjugate molecule in the cell wall of Gram-negative bacteria. This bacterial endotoxin binds to toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and stimulates the inflammatory reactions and oxidative stress. The current paper presents the protective effects of natural compounds against LPS-induced injuries. The relevant findings were extracted from PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases from the beginning of 2005 until the end of September 2023 were employed. The results of in vitro and in vivo studies indicated that thymoquinone, crocin, carvacrol, and quercetin effectively attenuated LPS-induced damages via lowering the level of inflammatory cytokines and free radicals. These natural compounds could also amplify the antioxidant defense against LPS by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). In addition, a part of the protective effects of these phytochemicals against detrimental impacts of LPS is attributed to their ability to downregulate the TLR4 expression and to inhibit the NF-κB signaling pathway. Briefly, the protective effects of natural compounds mentioned in current review against LPS-caused damages mainly are mediated by their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.

Quercetin alleviates neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic brain injury by rebalancing microglial M1/M2 polarization through silent information regulator 1/ high mobility group box-1 signalling

Neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) remains one of the major causes of neonatal death and long-term neurological disability. Due to its complex pathogenesis, there are still many challenges in its treatment. In our previous studies, we found that quercetin can alleviate neurological dysfunction after hypoxic-ischaemic brain injury (HIBI) in neonatal mice. As demonstrated through in vitro experiments, quercetin can inhibit the activation of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signalling pathway and the inflammatory response in the microglial cell line BV2 after oxygen-glucose deprivation. However, the in-depth mechanism still needs to be further elucidated. In the present study, 7 day-old neonatal ICR mice or BV2 cells were treated with quercetin with or without the SIRT1 inhibitor EX527 via neurobehavioural, histopathological and molecular methods. In vivo experiments have shown that quercetin can significantly improve the performance of HI mice in behavioural tests, such as the Morris water maze, rotarod test and pole climbing test, and reduce HI insult-induced structural brain damage, cell apoptosis and hippocampal neuron loss. Quercetin also inhibited the immunofluorescence intensity of the microglial M1 marker CD16 + 32 and significantly downregulated the expression of the M1-related proteins iNOS, IL-1β and TNF-α. Moreover, quercetin increased the immunofluorescence intensity of the microglial M2 marker CD206 and significantly increased the expression of the M2-related proteins Arg-1 and IL-10. In addition, quercetin limits the nucleocytoplasmic translocation and release of microglial HMGB1 and further suppresses the activation of the downstream TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signalling pathway. The above effects of quercetin are partially weakened by pretreatment with EX527. Similar results were found in in vitro experiments, and the mechanism further revealed that the rebalancing effect of quercetin on microglial polarization is achieved through the SIRT1-mediated reduction in HMGB1 acetylation levels. This study provides new and complementary insights into the neuroprotective effects of quercetin and a new direction for the treatment of neonatal HIE.

Prolamin-pectin complexes: Structural properties, interaction mechanisms and food applications

Prolamin, a class of plant protein mainly derived from grains, and pectins, complex-structured polysaccharides, are natural biological macromolecules with versatile functional properties. The interactions between prolamins and pectin have been widely studied and applied, demonstrating that both covalent and non-covalent interactions play pivotal roles in the formation of prolamin-pectin complexes. These interactions impart exceptional physicochemical and functional properties to the complexes. This review also details the main applications of prolamin-pectin complexes, including emulsions, nanoparticles, hydrogels and films. The similarities in their reaction principles are based on the interaction of complexes that improve their physicochemical and functional properties, while the difference lies in the specific modes of action, involving the emulsifying properties, self-assembly properties, gelling properties and film-forming properties of prolamin and pectin. By delving into the intricate mechanisms underlying prolamin-pectin interactions and their diverse applications in the food industry, this review offers valuable insights for advancing the development and utilization of these complexes.

Water-soluble sulfur quantum dots as a potential sensitive fluorescent probe for quercetin detection and cell imaging

A simple fluorescent quenching probe based on polyethylene glycol-400 capped sulfur quantum dots (PEG-SQDs) was fabricated to determine quercetin (QT) quantitatively. As anticipated, the PEG-SQDs exhibited favourable luminescent properties, stability and low cytotoxicity. QT effectively quenched the fluorescence of the PEG-SQDs through static quenching and the inner filter effect. Moreover, the PEG-SQDs showed rapid QT detection within a linear range of 0.100-45.0 μM, with a limit of detection of 0.014 μM (3σ/k). This fluorescent probe successfully detected QT in human serum, quercetin supplement capsules and red wine, achieving a standard recovery of 92.6 %-105 %.

Effects of Quercetin against fluoride-induced neurotoxicity in the medial prefrontal cortex of rats: A stereological, histochemical and behavioral study

BACKGROUND

Exposure to high levels of fluoride leads to brain developmental and functional damage. Motor performance deficits, learning and memory dysfunctions are related to fluoride neurotoxicity in human and rodent studies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Here, we evaluated the effects of Quercetin treatment (25 mg/kg) against sodium fluoride-induced neurotoxicity (NaF, 200 ppm) in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of male adult rats based on oxidative markers, behavioral performances, mRNA expressions, and stereological parameters. After a 4-week experimental period, the brains of rats were collected and used for molecular and histological analysis.

RESULTS

We found that 4 weeks of NaF exposure decreased body weight, working memory, Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA expression, total volume of mPFC, number of neurons and non-neuronal cells in the mPFC, and anti-oxidative markers (CAT, SOD, and GSH-Px), while increased lipid peroxidation, P53 mRNA expression and anxiety. Quercetin treatment could significantly reverse the neurotoxic effect of NaF in the mPFC.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, Quercetin could decrease the detrimental effects of NaF in the mPFC of adult rats by improving antioxidant potency and consequently decreasing neuronal and non-neuronal apoptosis.

Molecular Signaling Pathways of Quercetin in Alzheimer's Disease: A Promising Arena

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by cognitive impairment and memory deficit. Even with extensive research and studies, presently, there is no effective treatment for the management of AD. Besides, most of drugs used in the treatment of AD did not avert the AD neuropathology, and the disease still in a progressive status. For example, acetyl cholinesterase inhibitors are associated with many adverse effects, such as insomnia and nightmares. As well, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors augment cholinergic neurotransmission leading to the development of adverse effects related to high acetylcholine level, such as salivation, rhinorrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and seizure. Furthermore, tacrine has poor bioavailability and causes hepatotoxicity. These commonly used drugs do not manage the original causes of AD. For those reasons, natural products were repurposed for the treatment of AD and neurodegenerative diseases. It has been shown that phytochemicals produce neuroprotective effects against the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases by different mechanisms, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Quercetin (QCN) has been reported to exert an effective neuroprotective effect against AD and other neurodegenerative diseases by lessening oxidative stress. In this review, electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for possible relevant studies and article linking the effect of QCN on AD. Findings from this review highlighted that many studies highlighted different mechanistic signaling pathways regarding the neuroprotective effect of QCN in AD. Nevertheless, the precise molecular mechanism of QCN in AD was not completely clarified. Consequently, this review aims to discuss the molecular mechanism of QCN in AD.

Aspects of quercetin stability and its liposomal enhancement in yellow onion skin extracts

Quercetin is a flavonoid that occurs in many types of fruit and vegetables and is stable for no longer than 4.5 h in the investigated pH range (6.0-8.0), even at 4 °C in the dark. At higher temperatures, the degradation/oxidation process is much faster. Simple but effective proliposomal encapsulation was used to protect the quercetin from environmental conditions such as pH. With this approach, 65 to 90% of pure quercetin and quercetin-rich onion extract was kept after >60 days under conditions that favoured its oxidation (pH 7.4). In addition, the encapsulated quercetin decreases the lipid peroxidation induced by pulsed UV light by >50%. At a mass ratio of 1:100 quercetin to lipids (w/w), the liposomes remained intact in solutions for six months. Quercetin in lipid bilayers simultaneously protects the unsaturated lipids from peroxidation.

The Role of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Modulating Adaptive Immune Responses in Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, leading to significant disability through neurodegeneration. Despite advances in the understanding of MS pathophysiology, effective treatments remain limited. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have gained attention as a potential therapeutic option due to their immunomodulatory and regenerative properties. This review examines MS pathogenesis, emphasizing the role of immune cells, particularly T cells, in disease progression, and explores MSCs' therapeutic potential. Although preclinical studies in animal models show MSC efficacy, challenges such as donor variability, culture conditions, migratory capacity, and immunological compatibility hinder widespread clinical adoption. Strategies like genetic modification, optimized delivery methods, and advanced manufacturing are critical to overcoming these obstacles. Further research is needed to validate MSCs' clinical application in MS therapy.

Widely Targeted Metabolomics and Network Pharmacology Reveal the Nutritional Potential of Yellowhorn (Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge) Leaves and Flowers

Yellowhorn (Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge) is a unique oilseed tree in China with high edible and medicinal value. However, the application potential of yellowhorn has not been adequately explored. In this study, widely targeted metabolomics (HPLC-MS/MS and GC-MS) and network pharmacology were applied to investigate the nutritional potential of yellowhorn leaves and flowers. The widely targeted metabolomics results suggested that the yellowhorn leaf contains 948 non-volatile metabolites and 638 volatile metabolites, while the yellowhorn flower contains 976 and 636, respectively. A non-volatile metabolite analysis revealed that yellowhorn leaves and flowers contain a variety of functional components beneficial to the human body, such as terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, lignans and coumarins, phenolic acids, amino acids, and nucleotides. An analysis of volatile metabolites indicated that the combined action of various volatile compounds, such as 2-furanmethanol, β-icon, and 2-methyl-3-furanthiol, provides the special flavor of yellowhorn leaves and flowers. A network pharmacology analysis showed that various components in the flowers and leaves of yellowhorn have a wide range of biological activities. This study deepens our understanding of the non-volatile and volatile metabolites in yellowhorn and provides a theoretical basis and data support for the whole resource application of yellowhorn.