Mechanisms for the biological activity of Gastrodia elata Blume and its constituents: A comprehensive review on sedative-hypnotic, and antidepressant properties

Parishin A alleviates insomnia by regulating hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis homeostasis and directly targeting orexin receptor OX2

Parishin A (PA), a bioactive compound derived from Gastrodia elata Blume, has been used as a herbal remedy for insomnia. Nevertheless, the mechanism underlying the effect of PA on promotion of sleep and its potential targets remain to be elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the potential of PA in ameliorating insomnia, probing into its interactions with the orexin receptor 2 (OX2), antagonists of which are used clinically for the treatment of sleep disorders. We employed an array of methodologies, including in vivo experiments involving the assessment of the impacts of PA on sleep behavior in a p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA)-induced insomnia mouse model, and the detection of neurotransmitters, inflammatory factors, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis-related hormones. In vitro experiments, such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 phosphorylation assay, drug-receptor binding stability assay (DARTS), cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA), solvent-induced protein precipitation (SIP), and molecular docking, were performed to validate the interaction between PA and OX2. The results showed that PA relieved insomnia in mice by effectively increasing the content of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) while reducing those of dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE) and glutamine/γ-aminobutyric acid (Glu/GABA), as well as the inflammatory factor tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in the hypothalamus. PA also improved the morphological changes in the hippocampus of insomnia mice and decreased the levels of HPA axis-related hormones. Furthermore, OX2 was found to be a potential direct target of PA. In conclusion, PA might be an antagonist of OX2 because of its ability to inhibit OX2-induced ERK 1/2 activation. These findings provide valuable insights into the therapeutic potential of PA in insomnia.

A comprehensive pharmacology study reveals the molecular mechanisms underlying the antidepressant effects of Gastrodiae Rhizoma

BACKGROUND

Gastrodiae Rhizoma (GR) and its extract have been widely used in the treatment of depression, but the underlying mechanism of its antidepressant effects is unclear due to its numerous components.

PURPOSE

Revealing the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the antidepressant effects of GR through a comprehensive pharmacology-based in vivo and in vitro investigation.

METHODS

A mouse model of depression was established using chronic mild stress (CMS) procedure, and the antidepressant effects of GR were evaluated using systematic behavior. Metabolites in GR decoction and in mouse brain were identified by UPLC-QTOF-MS technology. Core components and targets of GR against MDD were screened based on network pharmacology analysis and molecular docking. The mechanism through which GR mitigated MDD was explored using transcriptome analysis, immunohistochemistry and western blotting in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

A total of 273 components were identified in the GR decoction, out of which 15 were detected in the brain of depressed mice treated with the GR decoction. We further identified nine key active ingredients, six essential targets, and fifth signaling pathways associated with the therapeutic effects of GR against MDD. We confirmed that the active ingredients of GR can target the neural stem/precursor cells (NSPCs) in the hippocampus of depressed mice to promote neurogenesis, as evidenced by a significant increase in the numbers of DCX+ cells, BrdU+ cells, BrdU+-DCX+ cells, and BrdU+-NeuN+ cells within the hippocampus of GR-treated mice compared to salinetreated mice under CMS exposure. Moreover, we have identified that the key active constituents of GR, namely gastrodin and parishin C, exert a targeted effect on EGFR to activate PI3K-Akt signaling in NSPCs, thereby facilitating proliferation and differentiation of NSPCs.

CONCLUSION

The antidepressant effect of GR involves the facilitation of PI3K/Akt-mediated neurogenesis through gastrodin and parishin C targeting EGFR in NSPCs.

Gastrodia protects HT22 cells from damage caused by oxygen glucose deprivation and reperfusion through inhibiting ferroptosis

Gastrodin (Gas) is a key active ingredients of Gastrodia elata Bl., with applications in treating cardiovascular and neurodegenerative conditions. However, the impact of Gas on neuronal damage caused by cerebral ischemia/reperfusion remains uncertain. A cell model of oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) was established and the viability and apoptosis of HT22 cells were measured using the CCK-8 assay and TUNEL staining. Different kits detected the levels of LDH, Fe2+ and MDA. The levels of ferroptosis-related genes and proteins were evaluated utilizing RT-qPCR and Western blotting. Following OGD/R, there was a decrease in HT22 cell viability and an increase in LDH level and apoptosis rate. Gas (25µM) increased cell viability, decreased LDH, Fe2+, MDA and ACSL4 levels, up-regulated SLC7A11 and GPX4 and ameliorated OGD/R-induced apoptosis (P < 0.01). Ferroptosis inducer Erastin (Era, 10µM) successfully induced ferroptosis in HT22 cells, while Gas treatment attenuated the effect of Era. Era further promoted OGD/R-induced damage and ferroptosis in HT22 cells, whereas Gas inhibited the effect of Era. In conclusion, Gas might provide protection against induced HT22 cell injury caused by OGD/R through inhibiting ferroptosis, shows promising potential for clinical treatment of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion.

A Gastrodia elata polysaccharide for restoring intestinal immunocompromise

We here extracted a polysaccharide fragment from Gastrodia elata, characterized by a main chain connected via (1 → 4)-α-D-Glcp bonds, with terminal α-D-Glcp-(1→) linked to the main chain through O-6 of (1 → 4,6)-α-D-Glcp and O-3 of (1 → 3,4)-α-D-Glcp (SRGP). Both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that SRGP activates the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, exerting immunomodulatory effects and alleviating cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced intestinal mucosal damage in mice. High-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing further revealed that SRGP restores gut microbiota composition and enhances the abundance of specific bacterial populations. Additionally, SRGP improves CTX-induced intestinal mucosal damage by upregulating tight junction proteins, mitigating gut microbiota dysbiosis, and regulating both the overall microbial community and the levels of specific bacteria.

Treatment of Insomnia With Traditional Chinese Medicine Presents a Promising Prospect

Insomnia, a prevalent sleep disorder, significantly impacts global health. While Western medications provide temporary relief, their risks of dependency and cognitive impairment have spurred the search for safer alternatives. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a promising approach to treating insomnia by focusing on harmonizing the balance of Yin and Yang and the functions of internal organs. This review explores recent research advances in TCM for insomnia treatment, integrating classical theories with modern scientific understanding of key pathological mechanisms, including neurotransmitter regulation (GABA, monoamines), immune-inflammatory responses, the HPA axis, and interactions with the gut microbiota. Growing clinical evidence supports the effectiveness of classical TCM prescriptions and treatments like acupuncture in improving sleep quality, particularly when combined with Western medications to enhance efficacy and reduce dependency. However, TCM also has its limitations. Future research directions should focus on modernizing TCM applications, addressing comorbidities associated with insomnia, exploring the role of gut microbiota, and optimizing medicinal and edible homologous products. By integrating traditional knowledge with cutting-edge technologies, TCM holds great potential for advancing personalized and effective insomnia treatments globally.

Unveiling the Therapeutic Potential of Atractylis aristata Batt. Aqueous Extract: Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Sedative Activities & Phytochemical Profiling

Medicinal plants possess the potential to yield bioactive compounds that offer significant health benefits; positioning them as valuable and promising sources for the development of innovative pharmaceutical products. This study aims to comprehensively assess the in vitro and in vivo pharmacological effects of the aqueous extract of the plant Atractylis aristata (AEAA) as well as assessments of its phytochemical composition. UPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis of AEAA revealed a variety of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and phenolic acids. In antioxidant assays, AEAA demonstrated considerable activity, with IC50 values of 0.269±0.05 mg/mL for DPPH scavenging and 0.0376±0.003 mg/mL for hydrogen peroxide radical inhibition. AEAA exhibited strong anti-inflammatory activity in vitro, with an IC50 value of 2.563 mg/mL in the BSA denaturation test. In vivo, AEAA reduced carrageenan-induced paw edema by 56.51 %, in comparison to an 83.58 % reduction with Ibuprofen®. Antibacterial testing showed AEAA's broad-spectrum activity, with the highest inhibition against Bacillus subtilis (34 mm zone of inhibition). Additionally, AEAA induced significant sedative effects, reducing locomotor activity by 48.98 %. These findings underscore the diverse pharmacological potential in addressing oxidative stress, inflammation, microbial infections, and anxiety of A. aristata, which can be attributed to its rich phytochemical profile.

New advances in Traditional Chinese Medicine interventions for epilepsy: where are we and what do we know?

Epilepsy, one of the most common neurological diseases, affects more than 70 million people worldwide. Anti-seizure drugs targeting membrane ion channels or GABAergic neurotransmission are the first choices for controlling seizures, whereas the high incidence of pharmacoresistance and adverse effects largely restrict the availability of current anti-seizure drugs (ASDs). Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has shown historical evidence-based therapeutic effects for neurological diseases including epilepsy. But until the late 1990s, great efforts in both clinical and experimental fields advanced TCM interventions for epilepsy from evidence-based practices to more systematic neuropharmacological significance, and show new lights on preferable management of epilepsy in the last decade. This review summarized the advances of applying TCM interventions (ranging from herbal medicines and their active ingredients to other strategies such as acupuncture) for epilepsy, followed by associated mechanism theories. The therapeutic potential of TCM interventions for epilepsy as well as its comorbidities turns from somehow debatable to hopeful. Finally, some prospects and directions were proposed to drive further clinical translational research. The future directions of TCM should aim at not only deriving specific anti-epileptic molecules but also illustrating more precise mechanisms with the assistance of advanced multifaceted experimental tools.

Gastrodin Mitigates Ketamine-Induced Inhibition of F-Actin Remodeling and Cell Migration by Regulating the Rho Signaling Pathway

Background/Objects: Rho signaling plays a role in calcium-regulated cytoskeletal reorganization and cell movement, processes linked to neuronal function and cancer metastasis. Gastrodia elata, a traditional herbal medicine, can regulate glutamate-induced calcium influx in PC12 cells and influence cell function by modulating neuronal cytoskeleton remodeling via the monoaminergic system and Rho signaling. This study investigates the effects of gastrodin, a key component of Gastrodia elata, on Rho signaling, cytoskeleton remodeling, and cell migration in B35 and C6 cells. It also explores gastrodin's impact on Rho signaling in the prefrontal cortex of Sprague Dawley rats. Methods: B35 cells, C6 cells, and Sprague Dawley rats were treated with ketamine, gastrodin, or both. The expression of examined proteins from B35 cells, C6 cells, and the prefrontal cortex of Sprague Dawley rats were analyzed using immunoblotting. Immunofluorescent staining was applied to detect the phosphorylation of RhoGDI1. F-actin was stained using phalloidin-488 staining. Cell migration was analyzed using the Transwell and wound-healing assays. Results: Gastrodin reversed the ketamine-induced regulation of cell mobility inhibition, F-actin condensation, and Rho signaling modulation including Rho GDP dissociation inhibitor 1 (RhoGDI1); the Rho family protein (Ras homolog family member A (RhoA); cell division control protein 42 homolog (CDC42); Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1(Rac1)); rho-associated, coiled-coil-containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1); neural Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (NWASP); myosin light chain 2 (MLC2); profilin1 (PFN1); and cofilin-1 (CFL1) in B35 and C6 cells. Similar modulations on Rho signaling were also observed in the prefrontal cortex of rats. Conclusions: Our findings show that gastrodin counteracts ketamine-induced disruptions in Rho signaling, cytoskeletal dynamics, and cell migration by regulating key components like RhoGDI1, ROCK1, MLC2, PFN1, and CFL1. This suggests the potential of gastrodin as a comprehensive regulator of cellular signaling.

Genome-wide identification of carboxyesterase family members reveals the function of GeCXE9 in the catabolism of parishin A in Gastrodia elata

KEY MESSAGE

GeCXE9 can catalyze the hydrolysis of parishin A via two pathways during the medicinal processing of Gastrodia elata. Gastrodia elata Bl. is used in traditional Chinese medicine for its bioactive compounds, particularly phenols. The molecular mechanisms of phenols formation and regulation remain to be fully explored. Here, we identified 13 GeCXE genes in G. elata. These members were mapped to eight chromosomes and possessed motifs necessary for catalysis. Phylogenetic analyses grouped them into four categories, supported by gene structure and motif composition. The cis-acting elements analysis indicated most GeCXEs contained elements associated with plant hormones or stress response. In vitro expression experiments revealed that GeCXE9 can catalyze the hydrolysis of parishin A via two pathways, producing parishin B and parishin C, respectively. Whereas in the absence of GeCXE9, parishin A is hydrolyzed solely to parishin B. In conclusion, GeCXE9 plays a crucial role in determining the metabolic pathways of phenols in G. elata, and its discovery provides a viable approach for the artificial regulation of phenols in this species.

Study on the chemical composition of Gegen-Tianma decoction and its absorbed constituents in rat plasma, brain based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS and DESI-MSI

In traditional Chinese medicinal practices, Gegen (GG) and Tianma (TM) are widely utilized for headache relief, but their material basis has not been comprehensively characterized. This research utilized ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) for precise determination of Gegen-Tianma's (GGTM) material composition, and employed desorption electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry imaging (DESI-MSI) to pinpoint the brain-absorbed components and various metabolites post oral administration to rats. A total of 80 chemical constituents were identified from GGTM, 11 prototypes and 18 metabolites were identified from plasma. The brain tissue was identified in total 4 prototypes and 5 metabolites, these constituents were basically located in the prefrontal cortex and thalamus. The absorption patterns of components in the rat brain aligned with the varied distribution of metabolites within the brain. This study provides a solid theoretical basis for in-depth exploration of potential drug targets and elucidation of the specific mechanism of action of GGTM in the treatment of migraine.

Exploration the effective components of Gastrodia elata in improving cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury based on "Spectrum-effect" correlation and zebrafish verification experiment

BACKGROUND

Gastrodia elata (GE) has been widely used in clinical practice for many years with the functions of relieving stroke, suppressing liver Yang, dispelling wind and clearing collaterals. Our group's previous experimental studies have proved that GE has therapeutic effect on cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury (CIRI) (Ding et al., 2022). However, the active components of GE in treating CIRI remain unclear and require further research.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this paper was to explore the potential effective components of GE improving CIRI based on the "Spectrum-effect" correlation. Zebrafish model was used for verification in vivo experimental.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

First, the absorption components and metabolites of GE in rat serum were identified using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS). Second, pharmacodynamic indexes were determined by ELISA kit method, and the effect-time curve of each pharmacodynamic indexes was established. The potential compounds were screened using the statistical method of grey correlation between pharmacodynamic indicator and component response. Finally, the zebrafish CIRI model was successfully established, and the in vivo effect of the active components of GE was verified intuitively.

RESULTS

45 chemical components were detected in GE. A total of 87 active components in serum of GE were identified including 25 prototype components and 62 metabolites. GE can improve CIRI by regulating the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), MDA levels and SOD levels. It was found that p‑hydroxy benzaldehyde (PHB), p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol (PHBA) and gastrodin (GA) of GE were the possibly main active components by grey correlation statistics. The in vivo experiments of zebrafish model showed that PHB, PHBA, and GA have the ability to ameliorate cerebral thrombosis by regulation of oxidative stress and apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The potential active components of GE on CIRI were initially excavated using UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, pharmacodynamics, and in vivo experiments of zebrafish model. It makes up for the disadvantages of separate research on chemical components and pharmacodynamics, and reflects the material basis of pharmacodynamics more objectively. It has provided theoretical basis for further quality evaluation and scientific foundation for rational drug using of GE in clinical.

The role of gastrodin in the management of CNS-related diseases: Underlying mechanisms to therapeutic perspectives

Central nervous system (CNS)-related diseases have a high mortality rate, are a serious threat to physical and mental health, and have always been an important area of research. Gastrodin, the main active metabolite of Gastrodia elata Blume, used in Chinese medicine and food, has a wide range of pharmacological effects, mostly related to CNS disorders. This review aims to systematically summarize and discuss the effects and underlying mechanisms of gastrodin in the treatment of CNS diseases, and to assess its potential for further development as a lead drug in both biomedicine and traditional Chinese medicine. Studies on the pharmacological effects of gastrodin on the CNS indicate that it may exert anti-neurodegenerative, cerebrovascular protective, and ameliorative effects on diabetic encephalopathy, perioperative neurocognitive dysfunction, epilepsy, Tourette's syndrome, depression and anxiety, and sleep disorders through various mechanisms. To date, 110 gastrodin products have been approved for clinical use, but further multicenter clinical case-control studies are relatively scarce. Preclinical studies have confirmed that gastrodin can be used to treat CNS-related disorders. However, important concerns need to be addressed in the context of likely non-specific, assay interfering effects when gastrodin is studied using in vitro and in silico approaches, calling for a systematic assessment of the evidence to date. High-quality clinical trials should have priority to evaluate the therapeutic safety and clinical efficacy of gastrodin. Further experimental research using appropriate in vivo models is also needed, focusing on neurodegenerative diseases, cerebral ischemic and hypoxic diseases, brain damage caused by methamphetamine or heavy metals, and epilepsy.

Structural characterization of the glucan from Gastrodia elata Blume and its ameliorative effect on DSS-induced colitis in mice

The polysaccharide glucan was extracted from Gastrodia elata Blume, and its structural characterizations and beneficial effects against acute dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis were investigated. The results showed that a polysaccharide GP with a molecular weight of 811.0 kDa was isolated from G. elata Blume. It had a backbone of α-D-1,4-linked glucan with branches of α-d-glucose linked to the C-6 position. GP exhibited protective effects against DSS-induced ulcerative colitis, and reflected in ameliorating weight loss and pathological damages in mice, increasing colon length, inhibiting the expression of inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), decreasing the levels of inflammatory related proteins NLRP3 and ASC, and elevating the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) level in mouse colon tissues. GP supplementation also reinforced the intestinal barrier by promoting the expression of ZO-1, Occludin, and MUC2 of colon tissues, and positively regulated intestinal microbiota. Thus, GP treatment possessed a significant improvement in ulcerative colitis in mice, and it was expected to be developed as a functional food.

Fermented Gastrodia elata Bl. Alleviates Cognitive Deficits by Regulating Neurotransmitters and Gut Microbiota in D-Gal/AlCl3-Induced Alzheimer's Disease-like Mice

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurological disease with recognition ability loss symptoms and a major contributor to dementia cases worldwide. Gastrodia elata Bl. (GE), a food of medicine-food homology, has been reported to have a mitigating effect on memory and learning ability decline. However, the effect of GE fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum, Acetobacter pasteurianus, and Saccharomyces (FGE) on alleviating cognitive deficits in AD was not studied. Mice were randomly divided into six groups, control, model, donepezil, low, medium, and high doses of FGE, and D-Galactose/Aluminum chloride (D-Gal/AlCl3) was used to establish an AD-like mouse model. The results indicated that FGE could improve the production of neurotransmitters and relieve oxidative stress damage in AD-like mice, which was evidenced by the declined levels of amyloid-β (Aβ), Tau, P-Tau, acetylcholinesterase (AchE), and malondialdehyde (MDA), and increased acetylcholine (Ach), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in brain tissue. Notably, FGE could enhance the richness of the gut microbiota, especially for beneficial bacteria such as Lachnospira and Lactobacillus. Non-target metabolomics results indicated that FGE could affect neurotransmitter levels by regulating amino acid metabolic pathways to improve AD symptoms. The FGE possessed an ameliorative effect on AD by regulating neurotransmitters, oxidative stress levels, and gut microbiota and could be considered a good candidate for ameliorating AD.

Sleep promoting and omics exploration on probiotics fermented Gastrodia elata Blume

Fermenting Chinese medicinal herbs could enhance their bioactivities. We hypothesized probiotic-fermented gastrodia elata Blume (GE) with better potential to alleviate insomnia than that of unfermented, thus the changes in chemical composition and the insomnia-alleviating effects and mechanisms of fermented GE on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced insomnia zebrafish were explored via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectroscopy-coupled HPLC (HPLC-MS), phenotypic, transcriptomic, and metabolomics analysis. The results demonstrated that probiotic fermented GE performed better than unfermented GE in increasing the content of chemical composition, reducing the displacement, average speed, and number of apoptotic cells in zebrafish with insomnia. Metabolomic investigation showed that the anti-insomnia effect was related to regulating the pathways of actin cytoskeleton and neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions. Transcriptomic and reverse transcription qPCR (RT-qPCR) analysis revealed that secondary fermentation liquid (SFL) significantly modulated the expression levels of neurod1, msh2, msh3, recql4, ercc5, rad5lc, and rev3l, which are mainly involved in neuron differentiation and DNA repair. Collectively, as a functional food, fermented GE possessed potential for insomnia alleviation.