Therapeutic applications of compounds in the Magnolia family

Regulation of pyroptosis by natural products in ulcerative colitis: mechanisms and therapeutic potential

Ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, is driven by dysregulated immune responses and persistent intestinal inflammation. Pyroptosis, a caspase/gasdermin-mediated inflammatory cell death that exacerbates mucosal damage through excessive cytokine release and epithelial barrier disruption. Although pyroptosis is considered to be a key mechanism in the pathogenesis of UC, the systematic assessment of the role of natural products in targeting the pyroptosis pathway remains a critical research gap. The purpose of this review is to investigate the regulatory effects of natural products on pyroptosis in UC and elucidate the mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic effects. Key findings highlight polyphenols (e.g., resveratrol), flavonoids (e.g., Quercetin), and terpenoids as promising agents that inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation, suppress gasdermin D cleavage, and restore barrier integrity, thereby reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine release in preclinical UC models. Current evidence shows enhanced efficacy and safety when these compounds are combined with standard therapies, but clinical translation requires overcoming three key barriers: limited human trial data, uncharacterized polypharmacology, and suboptimal pharmacokinetics needing formulation refinement. Future research should prioritize standardized animal-to-human translational models, mechanistic studies on synergistic pathways, and rigorous clinical validation to harness the full potential of natural products in pyroptosis-targeted UC therapies.

Effects of Magnolia officinalis extract on the growth performance and immune function of weaned piglets

BACKGROUND

Magnolia officinalis is a medicinal herb known for its pharmacological properties and as a potential natural feed additive. We aimed to assess the effects of dietary Magnolia officinalis extract (MOE) on the growth performance and immune function of piglets, and explored the potential of MOE as a natural alternative to antibiotics for piglet nutrition during weaning.

RESULTS

Compared with the basal diet group (CK), the MOE diet significantly increased average daily feed intake and reduced diarrhea incidence and serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels. Compared with 0.1% MOE group, the 0.05% MOE group had lower diarrhea rates, eosinophils (EOS) count, EOS' percentage, and serum interleukin-4 levels. Compared with CK, 0.05% MOE supplementation in the diet could reduce the diarrhea incidence and the thymus index by elevating the levels of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the serum, jejunum, and ileum. Compared with the basal diet group, 0.05% MOE supplementation upregulated the mRNA expressions of IL-10 and TGF-β1 in the jejunum and ileum (P < 0.05) and those of IL-10, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in the thymus (P < 0.05). Moreover, 0.05% MOE increased the levels of butyric, isobutyric, isovaleric, and valeric acids in the colon.

CONCLUSIONS

MOE supplementation could modulate the immune status of animals, lower production costs, and contribute to more sustainable and ethical pig farming practices by promoting healthier growth and reducing disease susceptibility. Our findings offer a sustainable solution to antibiotic use in animal farming, addressing concerns about antibiotic resistance and food safety.

Magnolol preserves the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier and mitigates intestinal injury through activation of PPAR γ in COPD rat

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Magnolia officinalis Rehder & E.H. Wilson is traditionally used in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, diarrhea, and cough. Its main active ingredient, magnolol, exhibits protective effects on the lungs and gastrointestinal tract, including the inhibition of inflammation in these organs.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This work aims to explore the molecular mechanism by which magnolol suppressed Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) intestinal damage by improving the intestinal epithelial barrier.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study focused on investigating the mitigation effect of magnolol on intestinal injury and epithelial barrier in a COPD rat. Caco-2 cells were induced with TNF-α or IL-1β to establish the barrier injury model in order to explore the direct protective effect of magnolol on the intestinal barrier and elucidate the molecular mechanism by which it activates peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors-γ (PPARγ).

RESULTS

Magnolol significantly improves pulmonary function and tissue damage in COPD rats by inhibiting inflammation, protease imbalance, and oxidative stress. It also suppresses colon tissue damage and inflammation, and protects colon epithelial barrier function by suppressing the decline of tight junction proteins, reducing colon epithelial permeability. In Caco-2 cells, magnolol directly reduces monolayer permeability, increases TEER, and upregulates tight junction protein expression induced by TNF-α or IL-1β. Drug Affinity Responsive Target Stability (DARTS) and thermal shift assays show that magnolol effectively binds to SRC, activating PPARγ signaling in Caco-2 cells and colon tissues of COPD rats. Furthermore, magnolol enhances the binding of PPARγ and RXRα, promoting their activation and entry into the nucleus. The PPARγ inhibitor GW9662 can reverse the effects of magnolol on PPARγ activation and tight junction protein upregulation in IL-1β or TNF-α induced Caco-2 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

This work demonstrates that magnolol enhances lung and intestinal functions in COPD rats, and elucidates its mechanism of action in protecting the intestinal epithelial barrier by activating PPARγ.

Multi-Omics Analysis Decodes Biosynthesis of Specialized Metabolites Constituting the Therapeutic Terrains of Magnolia obovata

Magnolia obovata is renowned for its unique bioactive constituents with medicinal properties traditionally used to treat digestive disorders, anxiety, and respiratory conditions. This study aimed to establish a comprehensive omics resource through untargeted metabolome and transcriptome profiling to explore biosynthesis of pharmacologically active compounds of M. obovata using seven tissues: young leaf, mature leaf, stem, bark, central cylinder, floral bud, and pistil. Untargeted metabolomic analysis identified 6733 mass features across seven tissues and captured chemo-diversity and its tissue-specificity in M. obovata. Through a combination of cheminformatics and manual screening approach, we confirmed the identities of 105 metabolites, including neolignans, such as honokiol and magnolol, which were found to be spatially accumulated in the bark tissue. RNA sequencing generated a comprehensive transcriptome resource, and expression analysis revealed significant tissue-specific expression patterns. Omics dataset integration identified T12 transcript module from WGCNA being correlated with the biosynthesis of magnolol and honokiol in M. obovata. Notably, phylogenetic analysis using transcripts from T12 module identified two laccase (Mo_LAC1 and Mo_LAC2) and three dirigent proteins from the DIR-b/d subfamily as potential candidate genes involved in neolignan biosynthesis. This research established omics resources of M. obovata and laid the groundwork for future studies aimed at optimizing and further understanding the biosynthesis of metabolites of therapeutic potential.

Polymer-Free Electrospinning of β-Cyclodextrin-Oligolactide for Magnolol and Honokiol Pharmaceutical Formulations

Background: Magnolol (MG) and honokiol (HK) are bioactive compounds extracted from Magnolia obovata and Magnolia Officinalis trees with significant pharmacological properties, including antioxidant and antibacterial activity. However, their poor water solubility and low bioavailability limit the therapeutic potential. Methods: To address these limitations, this study aims to develop MG and HK formulations by co-electrospinning using custom-synthesized β-cyclodextrin-oligolactide (β-CDLA) derivatives. MALDI MS and NMR were employed for the structural assessment of the β-CDLA derivatives. This polymer-free electrospinning technique utilizes the high solubility of β-CDLA to incorporate MG and HK into fibrous webs. The morphology of the resulting fibers is established by SEM and further characterized using FTIR and NMR spectroscopy to confirm the successful incorporation of MG and HK. The antioxidant activity was determined using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, while the antimicrobial activity was evaluated against several standard microorganisms (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans). Results: The MG and HK electrospun formulations were prepared using highly concentrated feed solutions in dimethylformamide (180% w/v). The resulting β-CDLA fibers, with diameters above 400 nm and an active compound content of 7% wt., exhibited enhanced long-term antioxidant activity and improved antimicrobial efficacy, including notable activity against Escherichia coli. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the potential of MG and HK-loaded β-CDLA fibrous formulations as delivery systems with prolonged antioxidant activity and notable antibacterial efficacy, providing a promising platform for biomedical applications.

Honokiol induces apoptosis and autophagy in dexamethasone-resistant T-acute lymphoblastic leukemia CEM-C1 cells

Objective: To study whether and, if so, how honokiol overcome dexamethasone resistance in DEX-resistant CEM-C1 cells. Methods: We investigated the effect of honokiol (0-20 µM) on cell proliferation, cell cycle, cell apoptosis and autophagy in DEX-resistant CEM-C1 cells and DEX-sensitive CEM-C7 cells. We also determined the role of c-Myc protein and mRNA in the occurrence of T-ALL associated dexamethasone resistance western blot and reverse transcription-qPCR (RT-qPCR) analysis. Results: Cell Counting Kit (CCK)-8 assay shows that DEX-resistant CEM-C1 cell lines were highly resistant to dexamethasone with IC50 of 364.1 ± 29.5 µM for 48 h treatment. However, upon treatment with dexamethasone in combination with 1.5 µM of honokiol for 48 h, the IC50 of CEM-C1 cells significantly decreased to 126.2 ± 12.3 µM, and the reversal fold was 2.88. Conversely, the IC50 of CEM-C7 cells was not changed combination of dexamethasone and honokiol as compared to that of CEM-C7 cells treated with dexamethasone alone. It has been shown that honokiol induced T-ALL cell growth inhibition by apoptosis and autophagy via downregulating cell cycle-regulated proteins (Cyclin E, CDK4, and Cyclin D1) and anti-apoptotic proteins BCL-2 and upregulating pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and led to PARP cleavage. Honokiol may overcome dexamethasone resistance in DEX-resistant CEM-C1 cell lines via the suppression of c-Myc mRNA expression. Conclusion: The combination of honokiol and DEX were better than DEX alone in DEX-resistant CEM-C1 cell lines. Honokiol may regulate T-ALL-related dexamethasone resistance by affecting c-Myc.

Exploring Biological Targets of Magnolol and Honokiol and their Nature-Inspired Synthetic Derivatives: In Silico Identification and Experimental Validation of Estrogen Receptors

In this work, we describe the results of a computational investigation aimed at identifying potential biological targets of honokiol, magnolol and a series of synthetic prodrug derivatives obtained through esterification of the free hydroxyl groups. The ligand-based and structure-based analyses revealed that these compounds potentially interact with several biological targets, some of which are known while others are new. Honokiol, magnolol, and three of the newly synthesized derivatives may bind to estrogen receptors ERα and ERβ. Biological testing confirmed that these compounds modulate estrogen-regulated transcriptional activity mediated by ERα or ERβ with potencies in the nanomolar range. In particular, magnolol and one of its derivatives (10) behaved as partial antagonists of ERα and ERβ, while compounds 8 and 11 behaved as partial agonists. These findings validate the computational predictions and shed light on the mechanism of action of these natural compounds, paving the way for further investigation in the context of targeted therapies.

STATs, promising targets for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases

Cytokines play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, with over 50 cytokines undergoing signal transduction through the Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription (STAT) signaling pathway. Recent studies have solidly confirmed the pivotal role of STATs in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Therefore, this review provides a detailed summary of the immunological functions of STATs, focusing on exploring their mechanisms in various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Additionally, with the rapid advancement of structural biology in the field of drug discovery, many STAT inhibitors have been identified using structure-based drug design strategies. In this review, we also examine the structures of STAT proteins and compile the latest research on STAT inhibitors currently being tested in animal models and clinical trials for the treatment of immunological diseases, which emphasizes the feasibility of STATs as promising therapeutic targets and provides insights into the design of the next generation of STAT inhibitors.

Modulation of NRF2/KEAP1 Signaling by Phytotherapeutics in Periodontitis

Periodontitis affects up to 40% of adults over 60 years old and is a consequence of gingivitis. Periodontitis is characterized by a chronic inflammation, periodontal damage, and alveolar bone resorption. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NFE2L2 or NRF2)/Kelch-like ECH-Associated Protein 1 (KEAP1) (NRF2/KEAP1) signaling pathway plays a key role in periodontitis by modulating redox balance and inflammation of the periodontium. However, NRF2 expression is decreased in gingival tissues of patients with periodontitis while oxidative stress is significantly increased in this pathology. Oxidative stress and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) produced by gram-negative bacteria favor the production of inflammatory causing periodontal inflammation and favoring alveolar bone. In this review, we analyzed the current literature regarding the role of natural and synthetic compounds in modulating the NRF2/KEAP1 pathway in in vitro and in vivo models of periodontitis in order to evaluate new potential treatments of periodontitis that can improve the outcome of this disease.

Natural compounds combined with imatinib as promising antileukemic therapy: An updated review

Natural products (NP) have been an alternative therapy for several diseases for centuries, and they also serve as an essential source of bioactive molecules, enhancing our drug discovery capacity. Among these NP, some phytochemicals have shown multiple biological effects, including anticancer activity, with higher effectiveness and less toxicity than actual treatments, suggesting their possible use on resilient human malignancies such as leukemia. Imatinib mesylate (Im) is a selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor widely used as an anticancer drug, the gold standard to attend chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Nevertheless, resistance to this drug in patients with CML renders it insufficient to eliminate cells with Philadelphia chromosome (BCR/ABL+). Moreover, recent studies show that imatinib can induce genotoxic and chromosomic damage in some in vitro and in vivo models. These facts urge finding new therapeutic alternatives to increase the effectiveness of antileukemic treatment. Recent research has shown that the combined effects of phytochemicals with imatinib can improve the cytotoxicity or resensitized the resistant cells to this drug in diverse leukemia cell lines. Independent mechanisms of action among phytochemicals and imatinib include BCR/ABL regulation, downregulation of transcription factors, inhibition of anti-apoptotic and activation of pro-apoptotic proteins, apoptosis induction dependent- and independent of ROS-overproduction, membrane functions disruption, induction of cell cycle arrest, and cell death. This review summarizes and discusses the synergic effect of some phytochemicals combined with imatinib on leukemia cells and the mechanism of action proposed for these combinations, looking to contribute to developing new effective alternatives for leukemia treatment.

Honokiol Exhibits Anti-Tumor Effects in Breast Cancer by Modulating the miR-148a-5p-CYP1B1 Axis

Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy in female patients. There is a significant lack of therapeutic strategies for BC, particularly triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Honokiol (HNK), a lignin extracted from the Magnolia genus plant, has demonstrated numerous pharmacological effects. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the antitumor effect of HNK on BC cells and employ high-throughput sequencing to elucidate its potential mechanism. We found that HNK significantly inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis on BC cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, HNK treatment suppressed migration and colony formation and initiated the intrinsic apoptotic pathway specifically in MDA-MB-231 cells. High-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics analysis revealed that miR-148a-5p expression was significantly up-regulated, whereas CYP1B1 expression was down-regulated following HNK treatment. Importantly, survival analysis based on TCGA database showed high miR-148a-5p expression was correlated with a better prognosis for BC patients. Inhibition of miR-148a-5p by inhibitor not only increased cell viability but also attenuated apoptosis induced by HNK. Finally, a strong synergistic effect between HNK and paclitaxel was observed in vitro. In conclusion, our study validated the antitumor efficacy of HNK against human BC cells and elucidated its underlying mechanism through high-throughput sequencing, thereby providing compelling evidence for further exploration of the potential clinical application of HNK towards the treatment of BC.

Natural bioactive compounds-The promising candidates for the treatment of intestinal failure-associated liver disease

Parenteral nutrition (PN) is a life-saving procedure conducted to maintain a proper nutritional state in patients with severe intestinal failure who cannot be fed orally. A serious complication of PN therapy is liver failure, known as intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD). The pathogenesis of IFALD is multifactorial and includes inhibition of the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) by PN components, bacteria translocation from impaired intestines, and intravenous line-associated bloodstream infection. Currently, the most frequently researched therapeutic option for IFALD is using lipid emulsions based on soy or fish oil and, therefore, free from phytosterols known as FXR antagonists. Nevertheless, the potential side effects of the lack of soybean oil delivery seem to outweigh the benefits, especially in the pediatric population. PN admixture provides all the necessary nutrients; however, it is deprived of exogenous natural bioactive compounds (NBCs) of plant origin, such as polyphenols, characterized by health-promoting properties. Among them, many substances have already been known to demonstrate the hepatoprotective effect in various liver diseases. Therefore, searching for new therapeutic options for IFALD among NBCs seems reasonable and potentially successful. This review summarizes the recent research on polyphenols and their use in treating various liver diseases, especially metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver diseases (MASLD). Furthermore, based on scientific reports, we have described the molecular mechanism of action of selected NBCs that exert hepatoprotective properties. We also summarized the current knowledge on IFALD pathogenesis, described therapeutic options undergoing clinical trials, and presented the future perspective of the potential use of NBCs in PN therapy.

In Vitro Ciclopirox Glucuronidation in Liver Microsomes from Humans and Various Experimental Animals

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Ciclopirox is a widely used antifungal drug, redisposition of which has drawn increasing attentions due to multiple promising activities. The drug undergoes extensive glucuronidation, which acts as a major obstacle in the ongoing novel application and still remains poorly understood. The current study aims to phenotype ciclopirox glucuronidation pathway and as well to decipher the related species differences.

METHODS

Ciclopirox glucuronidation was investigated in liver microsomes from humans (HLM) and various experimental animals. Assays with recombinant uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs), enzyme kinetic analyses and selective inhibitors were used to determine the role of individual UGTs in ciclopirox glucuronidation.

RESULTS

HLM is highly active in ciclopirox glucuronidation with Michaelis-Menten constant (Km), maximum velocity (Vmax), and intrinsic clearance (CLint) values of 139 μM, 7.89 nmol/min/mg, and 56 μL/min/mg, respectively. UGT1A9 displays by far the highest activity, whereas several other isoforms (UGT1A6, UGT1A7, and UGT1A8) catalyze formation of traced glucuronides. Further kinetic analysis demonstrates that UGT1A9 has a closed Km value (167 μM) to HLM. UGT1A9 selective inhibitor (magnolol) can potently inhibit ciclopirox glucuronidation in HLM with the IC50 value of 0.12 μM. The reaction displays remarkable differences across liver microsomes from mice, rats, cynomolgus monkey, minipig, and beagle dog, with the CLint values in the range of 26-369 μL/min/mg. In addition, ciclopirox glucuronidation activities of experimental animals' liver microsomes were less sensitive to magnolol than that of HLM.

CONCLUSIONS

Ciclopirox glucuronidation displays remarkable species differences with UGT1A9 as a dominant contributor in humans. It is suggested that the pharmacological or toxicological effects of ciclopirox may be UGT1A9 and species dependent.

Traditional Chinese medicine and plant-derived natural products in regulating triglyceride metabolism: Mechanisms and therapeutic potential

The incidence of cardiometabolic disease is increasing globally, with a trend toward younger age of onset. Among these, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Despite the efficacy of traditional lipid-lowering drugs, such as statins, in reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, a significant residual risk of cardiovascular events remains, which is closely related to unmet triglyceride (TG) targets. The clinical application of current TG-lowering Western medicines has certain limitations, necessitating alternative or complementary therapeutic strategies. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and plant-derived natural products, known for their safety owing to their natural origins and diverse biological activities, offer promising avenues for TG regulation with potentially fewer side effects. This review systematically summarises the mechanisms of TG metabolism and subsequently reviews the regulatory effects of TCM and plant-derived natural products on TG metabolism, including the inhibition of TG synthesis (via endogenous and exogenous pathways), promotion of TG catabolism, regulation of fatty acid absorption and transport, enhancement of lipophagy, modulation of the gut microbiota, and other mechanisms. In conclusion, through a comprehensive analysis of recent studies, this review consolidates the multifaceted regulatory roles of TCM and plant-derived natural products in TG metabolism and elucidates their potential as safer, multi-target therapeutic agents in managing hypertriglyceridemia and mitigating cardiovascular risk, thereby providing a basis for new drug development.

The Emerging Role of Natural Products in Cancer Treatment

The exploration of natural products as potential agents for cancer treatment has garnered significant attention in recent years. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the diverse array of natural compounds, including alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, lignans, polyketides, saponins, tannins, and terpenoids, highlighting their emerging roles in cancer therapy. These compounds, derived from various botanical sources, exhibit a wide range of mechanisms of action, targeting critical pathways involved in cancer progression such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Through a meticulous examination of preclinical and clinical studies, we provide insights into the therapeutic potential of these natural products across different cancer types. Furthermore, we discuss the advantages and challenges associated with their use in cancer treatment, emphasizing the need for further research to optimize their efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and delivery methods. Overall, this review underscores the importance of natural products in advancing cancer therapeutics and paves the way for future investigations into their clinical applications.

Neolignans in Magnolia officinalis as natural anti-Alzheimer's disease agents: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Magnolia officinalis, a traditional herbal medicine widely used in clinical practice, exerts antibacterial, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-aging activities. Neolignans are the main active ingredients of M. officinalis and exert a wide range of pharmacological effects, including anti-Alzheimer's disease (AD) activity.

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the published data on the therapeutic effect and mechanism of neolignans on AD in vivo and in vitro.

METHODS

PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Scopus were systematically reviewed (up to March 1, 2024) for pre-clinical studies.

RESULTS

M. officinalis-derived neolignans (honokiol, magnolol, 4-O-methylhonokiol, and obovatol) alleviated behavioral abnormalities, including learning and cognitive impairments, in AD animal models. Mechanistically, neolignans inhibited Aβ generation or aggregation, neuroinflammation, and acetylcholinesterase activity; promoted microglial phagocytosis and anti-oxidative stress; alleviated mitochondrial dysfunction and energy metabolism, as well as anti-cholinergic deficiency; and regulated intestinal flora. Furthermore, neolignans may achieve neuroprotection by regulating different molecular pathways, including the NF-κB, ERK, AMPK/mTOR/ULK1, and cAMP/PKA/CREB pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

Neolignans exert anti-AD effects through multiple mechanisms and pathways. However, the exact targets, pharmacokinetics, safety, and clinical efficacy in patients with AD need further investigation in multi-center clinical case-control studies.

Polyphenols targeting multiple molecular targets and pathways for the treatment of vitiligo

Vitiligo, a pigmentary autoimmune disorder, is marked by the selective loss of melanocytes in the skin, leading to the appearance of depigmented patches. The principal pathological mechanism is the melanocyte destruction mediated by CD8+ T cells, modulated by oxidative stress and immune dysregulation. Vitiligo affects both physical health and psychological well-being, diminishing the quality of life. Polyphenols, naturally occurring compounds with diverse pharmacological properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, have demonstrated efficacy in managing various dermatological conditions through multiple pathways. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of vitiligo and the therapeutic potential of natural polyphenolic compounds. We examine the roles of various polyphenols in vitiligo management through antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects, melanogenesis promotion, and apoptosis reduction. The review underscores the need for further investigation into the precise molecular mechanisms of these compounds in vitiligo treatment and the exploration of their combination with current therapies to augment therapeutic outcomes.

Experimental Insights on the Use of Secukinumab and Magnolol in Acute Respiratory Diseases in Mice

This study investigates the combined treatment of secukinumab (SECU) and magnolol (MAGN) in a mouse model of LPS-induced ALI overlapped with allergic pulmonary inflammation, aiming to better understand the mechanism behind this pathology and to assess the therapeutic potential of this novel approach in addressing the severity of ALI. The combined treatment reveals intricate immunomodulatory effects. Both treatments inhibit IL-17 and promote M2 macrophage polarization, which enhances anti-inflammatory cytokine production such as IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, and IL-13, crucial for lung repair and inflammation resolution. However, the combination treatment exacerbates allergic responses and increases OVA-specific IgE, potentially worsening ALI outcomes. MAGN pretreatment alone demonstrates higher potency in reducing neutrophils and enhancing IFN-γ, suggesting its potential in mitigating severe asthma symptoms and modulating immune responses. The study highlights the need for careful consideration in therapeutic applications due to the combination treatment's inability to reduce IL-6 and its potential to exacerbate allergic inflammation. Elevated IL-6 levels correlate with worsened oxygenation and increased mortality in ALI patients, underscoring its critical role in disease severity. These findings offer valuable insights for the advancement of precision medicine within the realm of respiratory illnesses, emphasizing the importance of tailored therapeutic strategies.

Dietary honokiol supplementation improves antioxidant capacity, enhances intestinal health, and modulates cecal microbial composition and function of broiler chickens

Honokiol is a multifunctional polyphenol present in Magnolia officinalis. The effects of honokiol as a supplement in broiler chicken diets, and the underlying mechanisms, remain unclear. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of honokiol on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal histomorphology of broiler chickens and to explore the underlying mechanisms. In total, 240 one-day-old broilers were randomly allocated to 5 dietary treatments, with 6 replicate pens and 8 birds per pen. Birds were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0 (blank control, BC), 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg honokiol (H100, H200, and H400), or 200 mg/kg bacitracin zinc (PC) for 42 d. The results showed that H200 and H400 increased body weight gain (BWG) and decreased feed conversion ratio (FCR) during the starter period (P < 0.05). H100 and H200 increased total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity in the serum and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) amount in the jejunum on d 42 (P < 0.05). Moreover, H100 increased villus height-to-crypt depth ratio in both the jejunum and ileum on d 21 (P < 0.05). PCR analysis showed that honokiol upregulated intestinal expression of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and downregulated intestinal expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) on d 42 (P < 0.05). The Shannon index, which represents the microbial alpha diversity, was reduced for the PC, H200, and H400 groups. Notably, honokiol treatment altered the cecal microbial community structure and promoted the enrichment of several bacteria, including Firmicutes and Lactobacillus. Higher production of short-chain fatty acids was observed in the cecal digesta of H100 birds, accompanied by an enriched glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathway, according to the functional prediction of the cecal microbiota. This study provides evidence that honokiol improves growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal health of broiler chickens, possibly by manipulating the composition and function of the microbial community.

Magnolol against enterovirus 71 by targeting Nrf2-SLC7A11-GSH pathway

Enterovirus 71 (EV71), a prominent pathogen associated with hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), has been reported worldwide. To date, the advancement of effective drugs targeting EV71 remains in the preliminary experimental stage. In this study, magnolol demonstrated a significant dose-dependent inhibition of EV71 replication in vitro. It upregulated the overall expression level of nuclear factor erythroid 2 - related factor 2 (Nrf2) and facilitated its nucleus translocation, resulting in the increased expression of various ferroptosis inhibitory genes. This process led to a reduction in reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation induced by viral infection. Additionally, magnolol exhibited a broad-spectrum antiviral effect against enteroviruses. Notably, treatment with magnolol substantially enhanced the survival rate of EV71-infected mice, attenuated viral load in heart, liver, brain, and limb tissues, and mitigated tissue inflammation. Taken together, magnolol emerges as a promising candidate for the development of anti-EV71 drugs.

The Anticancer Application of Delivery Systems for Honokiol and Magnolol

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, and the effectiveness of treatment is consistently not at a satisfactory level. This review thoroughly examines the present knowledge and perspectives of honokiol (HON) in cancer therapeutics. The paper synthesizes critical insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the observed anticancer effects, emphasizing both in vitro and in vivo studies. The effects of HON application, primarily in the common types of cancers, are presented. Because the therapeutic potential of HON may be limited by its physicochemical properties, appropriate delivery systems are sought to overcome this problem. This review discusses the effect of different nanotechnology-based delivery systems on the efficiency of HON. The data presented show that HON exhibits anticancer effects and can be successfully administered to the site of action. Honokiol exerts its anticancer activity through several mechanisms. Moreover, some authors used the combinations of classical anticancer drugs with HON. Such an approach is very interesting and worth further investigation. Understanding HON's multiple molecular mechanisms would provide valuable insights into how HON might be developed as an effective therapeutic. Therefore, further research is needed to explore its specific applications and optimize its efficacy in diverse cancer types.

Magnolol derivatives as specific and noncytotoxic inhibitors of breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP/ABCG2)

The breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP/ABCG2) transporter mediates the efflux of numerous antineoplastic drugs, playing a central role in multidrug resistance related to cancer. The absence of successful clinical trials using specific ABCG2 inhibitors reveals the urge to identify new compounds to attend this critical demand. In this work, a series of 13 magnolol derivatives was tested as ABCG2 inhibitors. Only two compounds, derivatives 10 and 11, showed partial and complete ABCG2 inhibitory effect, respectively. This inhibition was selective toward ABCG2, since none of the 13 compounds inhibited neither P-glycoprotein nor MRP1. Both inhibitors (10 and 11) were not transported by ABCG2 and demonstrated a low cytotoxic profile even at high concentrations (up to 100 µM). 11 emerged as the most promising compound of the series, considering the ratio between cytotoxicity (IG50) and ABCG2 inhibition potency (IC50), showing a therapeutic ratio (TR) higher than observed for 10 (10.5 versus 1.6, respectively). This derivative showed a substrate-independent and a mixed type of inhibition. The effect of compound 11 on the ABCG2 ATPase activity and thermostability revealed allosteric protein changes. This compound did not affect the expression levels of ABCG2 and increased the binding of the conformational-sensitive antibody 5D3. A docking study showed that 11 did not share the same binding site with ABCG2 substrate mitoxantrone. Finally, 11 could revert the chemoresistance to SN-38 mediated by ABCG2.

Hyaluronic acid-functionalized DDAB/PLGA nanoparticles for improved oral delivery of magnolol in the treatment of ulcerative colitis

Dysfunction of the mucosal barrier as well as local inflammation are major challenges in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). Mag, a natural compound derived from traditional Chinese medicine, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and mucosal protection properties. However, its poor gastrointestinal stability as well as its insufficient accumulation in inflamed colonic lesions limit its potential use as an alternative therapeutic drug in UC. The present research involved the design and preparation of a hybrid nanoparticle system (LPNs) specifically targeting macrophages at the colonic site. This was achieved by electrostatically adsorbing HA onto positively charged lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (HA-LPNs). The prepared HA-LPNs exhibited a rounded morphology and a narrow size distribution. In vitro, the anti-inflammatory efficacy of Mag-HA-LPNs (which control levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines NO, IL-6 and TNF-α) was assessed in RAW 264.7 cells. Analysis by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy demonstrated increased cellular uptake through HA/CD44 interaction. As expected, Mag-HA-LPNs was found to effectively increased colon length and reduced DAI scores in DSS-treated mice. This effect was achieved by regulating the inflammatory cytokines level and promoting the restoration of the colonic mucosal barrier through increased expression of Claudin-1, ZO-1 and Occludin. In this study, we developed an efficient and user-friendly delivery method for the preparation of HA-functionalized PLGA nanoparticles, which are intended for oral delivery of Mag. The findings suggest that these HA-LPNs possess the potential to serve as a promising approach for direct drug delivery to the colon for effective treatment of UC.

Applications of Saponin Extract from Asparagus Roots as Functional Ingredient

When replanting an asparagus field, the roots of the previous crop are crushed and incorporated into the soil, creating problems of autotoxicity and fungal infections. Asparagus roots can be considered as a valuable byproduct, since they are very rich in saponins (3-6%), compounds currently considered as bio-emulsifiers. The objective is to evaluate the emulsifying and foaming capacity of a saponin extract from asparagus roots (ARS) and compare it with other commercial extracts. ARS was obtained using a process patented by our research group. The results have shown that ARS has activity similar to Quillaja extract. Its critical micellar concentration falls between that of Quillaja and Tribulus extracts (0.064, 0.043, and 0.094 g/100 mL, respectively). Both emulsifying and foaming activities are affected by pH, salt, and sucrose to a similar extent as the other extracts. Additionally, it has demonstrated an inhibitory effect on pancreatic lipase, which is even better than the other two studied extracts, as indicated by its IC50 value (0.7887, 1.6366, and 2.0107 mg/mL for asparagus, Quillaja, and Tribulus, respectively). These results suggest that ARS could serve as a natural emulsifying/foaming agent for healthier and safer food products and as a potential aid in treatments for obesity and hyperlipidemia.

Neurotrophic Natural Products

Neurotrophins (NGF, BDNF, NT3, NT4) can decrease cell death, induce differentiation, as well as sustain the structure and function of neurons, which make them promising therapeutic agents for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. However, neurotrophins have not been very effective in clinical trials mostly because they cannot pass through the blood-brain barrier owing to being high-molecular-weight proteins. Thus, neurotrophin-mimic small molecules, which stimulate the synthesis of endogenous neurotrophins or enhance neurotrophic actions, may serve as promising alternatives to neurotrophins. Small-molecular-weight natural products, which have been used in dietary functional foods or in traditional medicines over the course of human history, have a great potential for the development of new therapeutic agents against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. In this contribution, a variety of natural products possessing neurotrophic properties such as neurogenesis, neurite outgrowth promotion (neuritogenesis), and neuroprotection are described, and a focus is made on the chemistry and biology of several neurotrophic natural products.

Application of the Mannich reaction in the structural modification of natural products

The Mannich reaction is commonly used to introduce N atoms into compound molecules and is thus widely applied in drug synthesis. The Mannich reaction accounts for a certain proportion of structural modifications of natural products. The introduction of Mannich bases can significantly improve the activity, hydrophilicity, and medicinal properties of compounds; therefore, the Mannich reaction is widely used for the structural modification of natural products. In this paper, the application of the Mannich reaction to the structural modification of natural products is reviewed, providing a method for the structural modification of natural products.

Natural compounds against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A review on the involvement of the LKB1/AMPK signaling pathway

Although various therapeutic approaches are used to manage nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the best approach to NAFLD management is unclear. NAFLD is a liver disorder associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes mellitus. NAFLD progression can lead to cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease. Hepatic kinase B1 (LKB1) is an upstream kinase of 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a crucial regulator in hepatic lipid metabolism. Activation of LKB1/AMPK inhibits fatty acid synthesis, increases mitochondrial β-oxidation, decreases the expression of genes encoding lipogenic enzymes, improves nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and suppresses NAFLD progression. One potential opening for new and safe chemicals that can tackle the NAFLD pathogenesis through the LKB1-AMPK pathway includes natural bioactive compounds. Accordingly, we summarized in vitro and in vivo studies regarding the effect of natural bioactive compounds such as a few members of the polyphenols, terpenoids, alkaloids, and some natural extracts on NAFLD through the LKB1/AMPK signaling pathway. This manuscript may shed light on the way to finding a new therapeutic agent for NAFLD management.

Zebrafish as a robust preclinical platform for screening plant-derived drugs with anticonvulsant properties-a review

Traditionally, selected plant sources have been explored for medicines to treat convulsions. This continues today, especially in countries with low-income rates and poor medical systems. However, in the low-income countries, plant extracts and isolated drugs are in high demand due to their good safety profiles. Preclinical studies on animal models of seizures/epilepsy have revealed the anticonvulsant and/or antiepileptogenic properties of, at least some, herb preparations or plant metabolites. Still, there is a significant number of plants known in traditional medicine that exert anticonvulsant activity but have not been evaluated on animal models. Zebrafish is recognized as a suitable in vivo model of epilepsy research and is increasingly used as a screening platform. In this review, the results of selected preclinical studies are summarized to provide credible information for the future development of effective screening methods for plant-derived antiseizure/antiepileptic therapeutics using zebrafish models. We compared zebrafish vs. rodent data to show the translational value of the former in epilepsy research. We also surveyed caveats in methodology. Finally, we proposed a pipeline for screening new anticonvulsant plant-derived drugs in zebrafish ("from tank to bedside and back again").

Honokiol-Rich Magnolia officinalis Bark Extract Attenuates Trauma-Induced Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathic pain (NP) affects about 8% of the general population. Current analgesic therapies have limited efficacy, making NP one of the most difficult to treat pain conditions. Evidence indicates that excessive oxidative stress can contribute to the onset of chronic NP and several natural antioxidant compounds have shown promising efficacy in NP models. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the pain-relieving activity of honokiol (HNK)-rich standardized extract of Magnolia officinalis Rehder & E. Wilson bark (MOE), well known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, in the spared nerve injury (SNI) model. The molecular mechanisms and efficacy toward neuroinflammation were investigated in spinal cord samples from SNI mice and LPS-stimulated BV2 microglia cells. MOE and HNK showed antioxidant activity. MOE (30 mg/kg p.o.) produced an antiallodynic effect in SNI mice in the absence of locomotor impairment, reduced spinal p-p38, p-JNK1, iNOS, p-p65, IL-1ß, and Nrf2 overexpression, increased IL-10 and MBP levels and attenuated the Notch signaling pathway by reducing Jagged1 and NEXT. These effects were prevented by the CB1 antagonist AM251. HNK reduced the proinflammatory response of LPS-stimulated BV2 and reduced Jagged1 overexpression. MOE and HNK, by modulating oxidative and proinflammatory responses, might represent interesting candidates for NP management.

Exploring the Impact of Nutrition on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Management: Unveiling the Roles of Various Foods, Food Components, and Compounds

There is a need to introduce standardized treatment options for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) due to its global prevalence and the complications of this disease. Many studies have revealed that food-derived substances may be beneficial in dealing with this disease. Therefore, this review aims to evaluate the recently published studies on the food-derived treatment options for NAFLD. A comprehensive search of the PubMed database using keywords such as "NAFLD", "nutrition", "food", "derived", "therapy", and "guidelines" yielded 219 relevant papers for our analysis, published from 2004 to 2023. The results show the significant benefits of food-derived treatment in NAFLD therapy, including improvements in liver histology, hepatic fat amounts, anthropometric measures, lipid profile, and other metabolic measures. The availability of the substances discussed makes them a significant adjuvant in the treatment of this disease. The usefulness of Viusid as additional therapy to diet and physical activity should be emphasized due to improvements in liver histology; however, many other substances lead to a decrease in liver fat amounts including, e.g., berberine or omega-3 fatty acids. In addition, the synbiotic Protexin seems to be useful in terms of NAFLD treatment, especially because it is effective in both obese and lean subjects. Based on the latest research results, we suggest revising the therapeutic recommendations for patients suffering from NAFLD.

Honokiol Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Replication in Cell Culture at a Post-Entry Step

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in 2019, and the resulting pandemic has already caused the death of over 6 million people. There are currently few antivirals approved for treatment of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and more options would be beneficial, not only now but also to increase our preparedness for future coronavirus outbreaks. Honokiol is a small molecule from magnolia trees for which several biological effects have been reported, including anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities. Honokiol has also been shown to inhibit several viruses in cell culture. In this study, we determined that honokiol protected Vero E6 cells from SARS-CoV-2-mediated cytopathic effect, with a 50% effective concentration of 7.8 μM. In viral load reduction assays, honokiol decreased viral RNA copies as well as viral infectious progeny titers. The compound also inhibited SARS-CoV-2 replication in the more relevant human A549 cells expressing angiotensin converting enzyme 2 and transmembrane protease serine 2. Time-of-addition and other assays showed that honokiol inhibited virus replication at a post-entry step of the replication cycle. Honokiol was also effective against more recent variants of SARS-CoV-2, including Omicron, and it inhibited other human coronaviruses as well. Our study suggests that honokiol is an interesting molecule to be evaluated further in animal studies and, when successful, maybe even in clinical trials to investigate its effect on virus replication and pathogenic (inflammatory) host responses. IMPORTANCE Honokiol is a compound that shows both anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects, and therefore its effect on SARS-CoV-2 infection was assessed. This small molecule inhibited SARS-CoV-2 replication in various cell-based infection systems, with up to an ~1,000-fold reduction in virus titer. In contrast to earlier reports, our study clearly showed that honokiol acts on a postentry step of the replication cycle. Honokiol also inhibited different recent SARS-CoV-2 variants and other human coronaviruses (Middle East respiratory syndrome CoV and SARS-CoV), demonstrating its broad spectrum of antiviral activity. The anticoronavirus effect, combined with its anti-inflammatory properties, make honokiol an interesting compound to be further explored in animal coronavirus infection models.

The Potential of Magnolia spp. in the Production of Alternative Pest Control Substances

The irrational use of synthetic pesticides in agriculture has had negative impacts on ecosystems and contributed to environmental pollution. Botanical pesticides offer a clean biotechnological alternative to meet the agricultural challenges posed by pests and arthropods. This article proposes the use of fruit structures (fruit, peel, seed, and sarcotesta) of several Magnolia species as biopesticides. The potential of extracts, essential oils, and secondary metabolites of these structures for pest control is described. From 11 Magnolia species, 277 natural compounds were obtained, 68.7% of which were terpenoids, phenolic compounds, and alkaloids. Finally, the importance of a correct management of Magnolia species to ensure their sustainable use and conservation is stressed.

Disruption of Bacterial Thiol-Dependent Redox Homeostasis by Magnolol and Honokiol as an Antibacterial Strategy

Some traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) possess various redox-regulation properties, but whether the redox regulation contributes to antibacterial mechanisms is not known. Here, ginger juice processed Magnoliae officinalis cortex (GMOC) was found to show strong antibacterial activities against some Gram-positive bacteria, but not Gram-negative bacteria including E. coli, while the redox-related transcription factor oxyR deficient E. coli mutant was sensitive to GMOC. In addition, GMOC and its main ingredients, magnolol and honokiol, exhibited inhibitory effects on the bacterial thioredoxin (Trx) system, a major thiol-dependent disulfide reductase system in bacteria. The effects of magnolol and honokiol on cellular redox homeostasis were further verified by elevation of the intracellular ROS levels. The therapeutic efficacies of GMOC, magnolol and honokiol were further verified in S. aureus-caused mild and acute peritonitis mouse models. Treatments with GMOC, magnolol and honokiol significantly reduced the bacterial load, and effectively protected the mice from S. aureus-caused peritonitis infections. Meanwhile, magnolol and honokiol produced synergistic effects when used in combination with several classic antibiotics. These results strongly suggest that some TCMs may exert their therapeutic effects via targeting the bacterial thiol-dependent redox system.

A Study of the Chemical Composition and Biological Activity of Michelia macclurei Dandy Heartwood: New Sources of Natural Antioxidants, Enzyme Inhibitors and Bacterial Inhibitors

The wood of Michelia macclurei Dandy (MD) is an excellent material that is widely used in the furniture, handicraft, and construction industries. However, less research has been conducted on the chemical composition and biological activity of heartwood, which is the main valuable part of the wood. This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition and biological activities of the heartwood of Michelia macclurei Dandy (MDHW) and to confirm the active ingredients. Triple quadrupole gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to characterize the volatile components of MDHW, while ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to analyze the non-volatile components (UPLC-MS). The total reducing power, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assays, acetylcholinesterase and α-glucosidase inhibition assays, and an antimicrobial test of 4 gram bacteria were used to describe the in vitro bioactivities. The GC-MS analysis showed that the volatile components of MDHW were mainly fatty compounds and terpenoids, with sesquiterpenes and their derivatives dominating the terpene composition. β-elemene was the main terpene component in the steam distillation (11.88%) and ultrasonic extraction (8.2%) methods. A total of 67 compounds, comprising 45 alkaloids, 9 flavonoids, 6 lignans, and others, were found by UPLC-MS analysis. The primary structural kinds of the non-volatile components were 35 isoquinoline alkaloids. Alkaloids were the predominant active constituent in all MDHW extracts, including crude extracts, alkaloid fractions, and non-alkaloid fractions. These extracts all demonstrate some biological effects in terms of antioxidant, enzyme inhibition, and bacterial inhibition. The findings of this study show that MDHW is abundant in chemical structure types, has great bioactivity assessment, and has the potential to be used to create natural antioxidants, products that postpone Alzheimer's disease and lower blood sugar levels and antibacterial agents.

Autophagy and Breast Cancer: Connected in Growth, Progression, and Therapy

Despite an increase in the incidence of breast cancer worldwide, overall prognosis has been consistently improving owing to the development of multiple targeted therapies and novel combination regimens including endocrine therapies, aromatase inhibitors, Her2-targeted therapies, and cdk4/6 inhibitors. Immunotherapy is also being actively examined for some breast cancer subtypes. This overall positive outlook is marred by the development of resistance or reduced efficacy of the drug combinations, but the underlying mechanisms are somewhat unclear. It is interesting to note that cancer cells quickly adapt and evade most therapies by activating autophagy, a catabolic process designed to recycle damaged cellular components and provide energy. In this review, we discuss the role of autophagy and autophagy-associated proteins in breast cancer growth, drug sensitivity, tumor dormancy, stemness, and recurrence. We further explore how autophagy intersects and reduces the efficacy of endocrine therapies, targeted therapies, radiotherapy, chemotherapies as well as immunotherapy via modulating various intermediate proteins, miRs, and lncRNAs. Lastly, the potential application of autophagy inhibitors and bioactive molecules to improve the anticancer effects of drugs by circumventing the cytoprotective autophagy is discussed.

Effect and mechanism of Magnolia officinalis pharmacopuncture for treating localized fat via network pharmacology and experimental study

Background

Recently, for various reasons, the need for non-invasive treatment for localized fat has emerged. This study confirmed whether Magnolia officinalis (MO) pharmacopuncture reduces localized fat by promoting lipolysis and inhibiting adipogenesis.

Methods

The network was built using genes related to the active compound of MO and the mode of action of MO was predicted by the functional enrichment analysis. Based on the result from network analysis, 100 µL of 2 mg/mL MO pharmacopuncture was injected into the inguinal fat pad for 6 weeks in obese C57BL/6J mice. Normal saline was injected into the right-side inguinal fat pad as a self-control.

Results

It was expected that the 'AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway' would be affected by the MO Network. MO pharmacopuncture reduced the weight and size of inguinal fat in HFD-induced obese mice. The phosphorylation of AMPK along with the increases of lipases was significantly increased by MO injection. Also, the expression levels of fatty acid synthesize-related mediators were suppressed by MO injection.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated that MO pharmacopuncture promoted the expression of AMPK, which has beneficial effects on activation of lipolysis and inhibition of lipogenesis. Pharmacopuncture of MO can be a non-surgical alternative therapy in the treatment of local fat tissue.

Honokiol acts as an AMPK complex agonist therapeutic in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome

BACKGROUND

Non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) and its related metabolic syndrome have become major threats to human health, but there is still a need for effective and safe drugs to treat these conditions. Here we aimed to identify potential drug candidates for NAFLD and the underlying molecular mechanisms.

METHODS

A drug repositioning strategy was used to screen an FDA-approved drug library with approximately 3000 compounds in an in vitro hepatocyte model of lipid accumulation, with honokiol identified as an effective anti-NAFLD candidate. We systematically examined the therapeutic effect of honokiol in NAFLD and metabolic syndrome in multiple in vitro and in vivo models. Transcriptomic examination and biotin-streptavidin binding assays were used to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms, confirmed by rescue experiments.

RESULTS

Honokiol significantly inhibited metabolic syndrome and NAFLD progression as evidenced by improved hepatic steatosis, liver fibrosis, adipose inflammation, and insulin resistance. Mechanistically, the beneficial effects of honokiol were largely through AMPK activation. Rather than acting on the classical upstream regulators of AMPK, honokiol directly bound to the AMPKγ1 subunit to robustly activate AMPK signaling. Mutation of honokiol-binding sites of AMPKγ1 largely abolished the protective capacity of honokiol against NAFLD.

CONCLUSION

These findings clearly demonstrate the beneficial effects of honokiol in multiple models and reveal a previously unappreciated signaling mechanism of honokiol in NAFLD and metabolic syndrome. This study also provides new insights into metabolic disease treatment by targeting AMPKγ1 subunit-mediated signaling activation.

Magnolia officinalis L. bark extract and respiratory diseases: From traditional Chinese medicine to western medicine via network target

The understanding of the use of Magnolia officinalis L. (Magnoliaceae) as a possible dietary supplement for supporting the treatment of airway pathologies might be of clinical interest. Two commercially available bark extracts (M. officinalis extract [MOE]) were characterized by quantitation in honokiol and magnolol content by means of high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection. MOE effects, as well as those of the reference compounds per se, on some targets connected to airway pathologies (antibacterial- and lung and trachea relaxing- activities) were investigated. Results showed that MOE possessed interesting antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. This was accompanied by a spasmolytic and antispasmodic activity, possibly owing to its ability to concurrently modulate different targets such as H₁ -, β₂ - and muscarinic receptors and l-type calcium channels involved in bronchodilation. All these effects were directly related to the MOE content in honokiol and magnolol. In conclusion, the properties of MOE highlighted here strongly encourage its application as dietary supplement in the treatment of airway diseases.

Evaluation of honokiol, magnolol and of a library of new nitrogenated neolignans as pancreatic lipase inhibitors

Obesity is a complex disease defined as an excessive amount of body fat. It is considered a risk factor for several pathologies; therefore, there is an increasing interest in its treatment. Pancreatic lipase (PL) plays a key role in fat digestion, and its inhibition is a preliminary step in the search for anti-obesity agents. For this reason, many natural compounds and their derivatives are studied as new PL inhibitors. This study reports the synthesis of a library of new compounds inspired by two natural neolignans, honokiol (1) and magnolol (2) and bearing amino or nitro groups linked to a biphenyl core. The synthesis of unsymmetrically substituted biphenyls was achieved through an optimisation of the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction followed by the insertion of allyl chains, thus furnishing the O- and/or N-allyl derivatives, and finally, a sigmatropic rearrangement yielding in some cases, the C-allyl analogues. Magnolol, honokiol and the twenty-one synthesised biphenyls were evaluated for their in vitro inhibitory activity toward PL. Three compounds (15b, 16 and 17b) were more effective inhibitors than the natural neolignans (magnolol IC₅₀ = 158.7 µM and honokiol IC₅₀ = 115.5 µM) with IC₅₀ of 41-44 µM. Detailed studies through kinetics suggested better inhibitory activity of the synthetic analogues compared with the natural 1 and 2. Magnolol (K_i = 614.3 µM; K'_i of 140.9 µM) and the synthetic biphenyls 15b (K_i = 286.4 µM; K'_i = 36.6 µM) and 16 (K_i = 176.2 µM; K'_i = 6.4 µM) are mixed-type inhibitors, whereas honokiol (K_i = 674.8 µM) and 17b (K_i = 249 µM) are competitive inhibitors. Docking studies corroborated these findings, showing the best fitting for intermolecular interaction between biphenyl neolignans and PL. The above outcomes highlighted how the proposed structures could be considered interesting candidates for future studies for the development of more effective PL inhibitors.

In Vitro Analysis of Cytotoxic Activities of Monotheca buxifolia Targeting WNT/β-Catenin Genes in Breast Cancer Cells

Breast cancer (BC) is known to be the most common malignancy among women throughout the world. Plant-derived natural products have been recognized as a great source of anticancer drugs. In this study, the efficacy and anticancer potential of the methanolic extract of Monotheca buxifolia leaves using human breast cancer cells targeting WNT/β-catenin signaling was evaluated. We used methanolic and other (chloroform, ethyl acetate, butanol, and aqueous) extracts to discover their potential cytotoxicity on breast cancer cells (MCF-7). Among these, the methanol showed significant activity in the inhibition of the proliferation of cancer cells because of the presence of bioactive compounds, including phenols and flavonoids, detected by a Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer and by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. The cytotoxic effect of the plant extract on the MCF-7 cells was examined by MTT and acid phosphatase assays. Real-time PCR analysis was performed to measure the mRNA expression of WNT-3a and β-catenin, along with Caspase-1,-3,-7, and -9 in MCF-7 cells. The IC50 value of the extract was found to be 232 μg/mL and 173 μg/mL in the MTT and acid phosphatase assays, respectively. Dose selection (100 and 300 μg/mL) was performed for real-time PCR, Annexin V/PI analysis, and Western blotting using Doxorubicin as a positive control. The extract at 100 μg/mL significantly upregulated caspases and downregulated the WNT-3a and β-catenin gene in MCF-7 cells. Western blot analysis further confirmed the dysregulations of the WNT signaling component (*** p< 0.0001). The results showed an increase in the number of dead cells in methanolic extract-treated cells in the Annexin V/PI analysis. Our study concludes that M. buxifolia may serve as an effective anticancer mediator through gene modulation that targets WNT/β-catenin signaling, and it can be further characterized using more powerful experimental and computational tools.

Depression and Its Phytopharmacotherapy-A Narrative Review

Depression is a mental health disorder that develops as a result of complex psycho-neuro-immuno-endocrinological disturbances. This disease presents with mood disturbances, persistent sadness, loss of interest and impaired cognition, which causes distress to the patient and significantly affects the ability to function and have a satisfying family, social and professional life. Depression requires comprehensive management, including pharmacological treatment. Because pharmacotherapy of depression is a long-term process associated with the risk of numerous adverse drug effects, much attention is paid to alternative therapy methods, including phytopharmacotherapy, especially in treating mild or moderate depression. Preclinical studies and previous clinical studies confirm the antidepressant activity of active compounds in plants, such as St. John's wort, saffron crocus, lemon balm and lavender, or less known in European ethnopharmacology, roseroot, ginkgo, Korean ginseng, borage, brahmi, mimosa tree and magnolia bark. The active compounds in these plants exert antidepressive effects in similar mechanisms to those found in synthetic antidepressants. The description of phytopharmacodynamics includes inhibiting monoamine reuptake and monoamine oxidase activity and complex, agonistic or antagonistic effects on multiple central nervous system (CNS) receptors. Moreover, it is noteworthy that the anti-inflammatory effect is also important to the antidepressant activity of the plants mentioned above in light of the hypothesis that immunological disorders of the CNS are a significant pathogenetic factor of depression. This narrative review results from a traditional, non-systematic literature review. It briefly discusses the pathophysiology, symptomatology and treatment of depression, with a particular focus on the role of phytopharmacology in its treatment. It provides the mechanisms of action revealed in experimental studies of active ingredients isolated from herbal antidepressants and presents the results of selected clinical studies confirming their antidepressant effectiveness.

A Chinese herb preparation, honokiol, inhibits Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the antibiofilm and anticariogenic effects of honokiol, a traditional Chinese medicine, on the cariogenic bacterium Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans).

DESIGN

The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of honokiol on S. mutans UA159 were measured. Then, S. mutans were treated with honokiol at concentrations of 1/2 MIC and 1/4 MIC. Extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) synthesis was assessed with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and the anthrone-sulfuric method. Crystal violet staining and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to demonstrate the characteristics and morphology of S. mutans biofilms. Colony-forming unit (CFU) assay was performed to observe the antibacterial effect of honokiol. Lactic acid production of 24-h biofilms was measured by the lactic acid assay. The expression level of caries-related genes (gtfB/C/D, comD/E and ldh) was identified by quantitative real-time PCR (qRTPCR) to explore the relevant mechanism. And the cytotoxic effect on human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) was evaluated by the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay.

RESULTS

The MIC and MBC of honokiol on S. mutans were 30 μg/mL and 60 μg/mL, respectively. Honokiol inhibited biofilm formation, EPS synthesis and lactic acid production. It also decreased the expression of glucosyltransferases (Gtfs) and quorum sensing (QS) system encoding genes. Moreover, honokiol showed favorable biocompatibility with HGFs.

CONCLUSIONS

Honokiol has an inhibitory effect on S. mutans and favorable biocompatibility, with application potential as a novel anticaries agent.

Ethnopharmacological Potential of Phytochemicals and Phytogenic Products against Human RNA Viral Diseases as Preventive Therapeutics

RNA viruses have been the most destructive due to their transmissibility and lack of control measures. Developments of vaccines for RNA viruses are very tough or almost impossible as viruses are highly mutable. For the last few decades, most of the epidemic and pandemic viral diseases have wreaked huge devastation with innumerable fatalities. To combat this threat to mankind, plant-derived novel antiviral products may contribute as reliable alternatives. They are assumed to be nontoxic, less hazardous, and safe compounds that have been in uses in the beginning of human civilization. In this growing COVID-19 pandemic, the present review amalgamates and depicts the role of various plant products in curing viral diseases in humans.

Transcriptomic insights into the effects of abscisic acid on the germination of Magnolia sieboldii K. Koch seed

Magnolia sieboldii K. Koch is a deciduous tree species. However, the wild resource of M. sieboldii has been declining due to excessive utilization and seed dormancy. In our previous research, M. sieboldii seeds have morphophysiological dormancy and low germination rates under natural conditions. The aim of the present study was to identify the genes involved in dormancy maintenance. In this study, the germination percentage of M. sieboldii seeds negatively correlated with the content of endogenous abscisic acid (ABA). The hydration of seeds for germination showed three distinct phases. Five key time points were identified: 0 h imbibition (dry seed, GZ), 0 day after imbibition (DAI), 16 DAI, 40 DAI, and 56 DAI. The comprehensive transcript profiles of M. sieboldii seeds treated with ABA and water at the five key germinating stages were obtained. A total of 9641 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, and 208 and 197 common DEGs were found throughout the ABA and water treatments, respectively. Compared with that in the GZ, 518, 696, 2133, and 1535 DEGs were identified in the SH group at 0, 16, 40 and 56 DAI, respectively. 666, 1725, 1560 and 1415 DEGs were identified in the ABA group at 0, 16, 40, and 56 DAI, respectively. Among the identified DEGs, 12 722 were annotated with GO terms, the top three enriched GO terms were different among the DEGs at 56 DAI in the ABA vs. SH treatments. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis for DEGs indicated that oxidative phosphorylation, protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum, starch and sucrose metabolism play an important role in seed response to ABA. 1926 TFs are obtained and classified into 72 families from the M. sieboldii transcriptome. Results of differential gene expression analysis together with qRT-PCR indicated that phase II is crucial for rapid and successful seed germination. This study is the first to present the global expression patterns of ABA-regulated transcripts in M. sieboldii seeds at different germinating phases.

Traditional Chinese medicine for colorectal cancer treatment: potential targets and mechanisms of action

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a disease with complex pathogenesis, it is prone to metastasis, and its development involves abnormalities in multiple signaling pathways. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, target therapy, and immunotherapy remain the main treatments for CRC, but improvement in the overall survival rate and quality of life is urgently needed. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a long history of preventing and treating CRC. It could affect CRC cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, migration, invasion, autophagy, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis, and chemoresistance by regulating multiple signaling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt, NF-κB, MAPK, Wnt/β-catenin, epidermal growth factor receptors, p53, TGF-β, mTOR, Hedgehog, and immunomodulatory signaling pathways. In this paper, the main signaling pathways and potential targets of TCM and its active ingredients in the treatment of CRC were systematically summarized, providing a theoretical basis for treating CRC with TCM and new ideas for further exploring the pathogenesis of CRC and developing new anti-CRC drugs.

The multifaceted roles of natural products in mitochondrial dysfunction

Mitochondria are the primary source of energy production in cells, supporting the metabolic demand of tissue. The dysfunctional mitochondria are implicated in various diseases ranging from neurodegeneration to cancer. Therefore, regulating dysfunctional mitochondria offers a new therapeutic opportunity for diseases with mitochondrial dysfunction. Natural products are pleiotropic and readily obtainable sources of therapeutic agents, which have broad prospects in new drug discovery. Recently, many mitochondria-targeting natural products have been extensively studied and have shown promising pharmacological activity in regulating mitochondrial dysfunction. Hence, we summarize recent advances in natural products in targeting mitochondria and regulating mitochondrial dysfunction in this review. We discuss natural products in terms of their mechanisms on mitochondrial dysfunction, including modulating mitochondrial quality control system and regulating mitochondrial functions. In addition, we describe the future perspective and challenges in the development of mitochondria-targeting natural products, emphasizing the potential value of natural products in mitochondrial dysfunction.

The genome of Magnolia hypoleuca provides a new insight into cold tolerance and the evolutionary position of magnoliids

Magnolia hypoleuca Sieb. & Zucc, a member of the Magnoliaceae of magnoliids, is one of the most economically valuable, phylogenetic and ornamental tree species in Eastern China. Here, the 1.64 Gb chromosome-level assembly covers 96.64% of the genome which is anchored to 19 chromosomes, with a contig N50 value of 1.71 Mb and 33,873 protein-coding genes was predicted. Phylogenetic analyses between M. hypoleuca and other 10 representative angiosperms suggested that magnoliids were placed as a sister group to the eudicots, rather than sister to monocots or both monocots and eudicots. In addition, the relative timing of the whole-genome duplication (WGD) events about 115.32 Mya for magnoliid plants. M. hypoleuca was found to have a common ancestor with M. officinalis approximately 23.4 MYA, and the climate change of OMT (Oligocene-Miocene transition) is the main reason for the divergence of M. hypoleuca and M. officinalis, which was along with the division of Japanese islands. Moreover, the TPS gene expansion observed in M. hypoleuca might contribute to the enhancement of flower fragrance. Tandem and proximal duplicates of younger age that have been preserved have experienced more rapid sequence divergence and a more clustered distribution on chromosomes contributing to fragrance accumulation, especially phenylpropanoid, monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes and cold tolerance. The stronger selective pressure drived the evolution of tandem and proximal duplicates toward plant self-defense and adaptation. The reference M. hypoleuca genome will provide insights into the evolutionary process of M. hypoleuca and the relationships between the magnoliids with monocots and eudicots, and enable us to delve into the fragrance and cold tolerance produced by M. hypoleuca and provide more robust and deep insight of how the Magnoliales evolved and diversified.

Magnolol, a Neolignan-like Drug, Inhibits Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus Replication in Cultured Cells

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a destructive pathogen that continues to adversely affect the swine industry worldwide due to a current lack of vaccines and drugs capable of effective disease control. In the present study, the neolignan-like drug, magnolol (MAG), was tested for its ability to inhibit a Vero-cell adapted PEDV strain DR13^att. Our data revealed that MAG exhibited anti-PEDV activity in vitro, with IC₅₀ and CC₅₀ values of 28.21 μM and 57.28 μM, respectively. MAG was an efficient inhibitor of viral replication, and repression of viral proliferation was strongest when the host cells were exposed to MAG and the virus at the same time. Although our data indicate that MAG has the potential to be a useful PEDV control agent, in vivo testing of the drug, using animal hosts, is required.