Anti-Inflammatory Effects of p-Coumaric Acid, a Natural Compound of Oldenlandia diffusa, on Arthritis Model Rats

Nutritional, phytochemical, and antimicrobial properties of Senna siamea leaves

Senna siamea is a medicinal plant with numerous benefits in different parts of the world. This study evaluated the leaf's nutritional composition, mineral composition, phytochemical constituents, antioxidant properties and antimicrobial properties, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using standard methods. The proximate analysis revealed the presence of moisture content (12.14 ± 0.01), ash content (1.05 ± 0.07), crude fat (4.21 ± 0.10), crude protein at (9.78 ± 0.11), crude fiber (2.70 ± 0.32), and carbohydrate content (70.12 ± 0.37). Mineral analysis showed an abundance of potassium (125.18 ± 0.04), followed by magnesium (32.62 ± 0.01), and phosphorus (18.30 ± 0.02). The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, phenolics, steroids, and alkaloids with 13.25 ± 0.03 mg GAE/g total phenolics and 3.99 ± 0.01 mg QE/g flavonoid contents, respectively. IC50 values of the scavenging abilities of DPPH, NO radicals, and TBARS were 206.01 µg/mL, 347.66 µg/mL, and 394.92 µg/mL, respectively while the IC50 value for FRAP was 145.01 µg/mL. Salmonella typhimurium 14028 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 27853 were most susceptible. At 100 mg/mL, their average zone of inhibition was 18 and 16 mm for ethyl acetate and 15 and 12 mm for methanol, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for both isolates was 25 and 50 mg/mL while the leaves were rich in chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid, friedelin, quercetin, emodin, cassiarin A, and kaempferol. These results reveal the leaf as a good source of nutrients and also confirm its phenolic antioxidant activity and antimicrobial properties.

Oral co-administration of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 16 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus P118 improves host defense against influenza A virus infection

Influenza is an important zoonotic disease that persistently threatens global public health. While it is widely acknowledged that probiotics can modulate the host response to protect the host against infectious disease, the prophylactic efficacy on respiratory viral infection and the detailed mechanism remains elusive. Lactobacillus, the most commonly used probiotic widely applied in food production, has garnered significant attention. In our study utilizing both C57BL/6 and BALB/c mouse models, we explored the protective effect against two strains of influenza virus, A/Mink/China/01/2014(H9N2) and A/California/04/2009(H1N1), through the administration of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strain 16 (L. plantarum 16) and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus strain P118 (L. rhamnosus P118), aiming to identify robust probiotic strains with antiviral properties. Our findings indicate that administering L. plantarum 16 or L. rhamnosus P118 alone does not provide sufficient protection against influenza. However, the co-administration of L. plantarum 16 and L. rhamnosus P118 dramatically reduces viral titers in the respiratory tract and lung, thereby markedly alleviating the clinical symptoms, improving prognosis, and reducing mortality. The mechanisms underlying this effect involve the modulation of host gut microbiota and metabolism through the co-administration of L. plantarum 16 and L. rhamnosus P118, resulting in enrichment of Firmicutes and enhancement of phenylalanine-related metabolism, ultimately leading to an augmentation of the antiviral immune response. Notably, we identified that the circulating metabolic molecule 2-Hydroxycinnamic acid plays a significant role in combating influenza. Our data suggest the potential utility of L. plantarum 16 and L. rhamnosus P118 two-bacterium or 2-Hydroxycinnamic acid in preventing influenza.IMPORTANCEVaccination represents the most optimal strategy to control influenza. Nevertheless, influenza viruses constantly evolve due to antigenic drift and shift, leading to the need for regular updates on influenza vaccines. Additionally, vaccination failure poses significant challenges to influenza prevention. Therefore, it is essential and beneficial to identify novel or universal antiviral measures to protect against influenza. While cumulative data suggest that probiotics offer protection against infectious diseases, the specific mechanisms, such as the effective metabolites or components, remain largely unknown. Our research discovered the capacity of combinational two-bacterium Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 16 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus P118 to fight against influenza infection in a mouse model. The protection may occur through modulating the host's gut microbiota and metabolism, further influencing the host's antiviral immune response. Notably, we have identified a novel metabolic molecule, 2-Hydroxycinnamic acid, capable of enhancing antiviral response and restricting viral replication in vivo.

Exploring the role of Yuxuebi tablet in neuropathic pain with the method of similarity research of drug pharmacological effects based on unsupervised machine learning

Introduction

Having multiple pharmacological effects is a characteristic of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Currently, there is a lack of suitable methods to explore and discover modern diseases suitable for TCM treatment using this characteristic. Unsupervised machine learning technology is an efficient strategy to predict the pharmacological activity of drugs. This study takes Yuxuebi Tablet (YXB) as the research object. Using the unsupervised machine learning technology of drug cell functional fingerprint similarity research, the potential pharmacological effects of YXB were discovered and verified.

Methods

LC-MS combined with the in vitro intestinal absorption method was used to identify components of YXB that could be absorbed by the intestinal tract of rats. Unsupervised learning hierarchical clustering was used to calculate the degree of similarity of cellular functional fingerprints between these components and 121 marketed Western drugs whose indications are diseases and symptoms that YXB is commonly used to treat. Then, based on the Library of Integrated Network-based Cellular Signatures database, pathway analysis was performed for selected Western drugs with high similarity in cellular functional fingerprints with the components of YXB to discover the potential pharmacological effects of YXB, which were validated by animal experiments.

Results

We identified 40 intestinally absorbed components of YXB. Through predictive studies, we found that they have pharmacological effects very similar to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids. In addition, we found that they have very similar pharmacological effects to anti-neuropathic pain medications (such as gabapentin, duloxetine, and pethidine) and may inhibit the NF-κB signaling pathway and biological processes related to pain perception. Therefore, YXB may have an antinociceptive effect on neuropathic pain. Finally, we demonstrated that YXB significantly reduced neuropathic pain in a rat model of sciatic nerve chronic constriction injury (CCI). Transcriptome analysis further revealed that YXB regulates the expression of multiple genes involved in nerve injury repair, signal transduction, ion channels, and inflammatory response, with key regulatory targets including Sgk1, Sst, Isl1, and Shh.

Conclusion

This study successfully identified and confirmed the previously unknown pharmacological activity of YXB against neuropathic pain through unsupervised learning prediction and experimental verification.

The Anti-Inflammatory, Analgesic, and Antioxidant Effects of Polyphenols from Brassica oleracea var. capitata Extract on Induced Inflammation in Rodents

This study investigates the anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant properties of polyphenols extracted from Brassica oleracea var. capitata (cabbage) ethanolic extract (BOE). Given the historical use of cabbage in traditional medicine for treating various ailments, this research aims to validate these effects scientifically. The study involved the characterization of BOE's bioactive compounds using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Liquid Chromatography-Diode Array Detection-Electro-Spray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-ESI MS) analysis. We assessed the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of topical and oral BOE administration on rodent models with acute and subacute inflammation. Additionally, the antioxidant capacity of orally administered BOE was evaluated. The results showed that BOE possesses significant levels of phenolic compounds with a potent antioxidant activity. The topical administration of BOE demonstrated notable anti-inflammatory effects in the tested rodent models, which were comparable with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These findings suggest that BOE could be a valuable natural remedy for inflammation-related conditions, supporting its traditional uses and highlighting its potential for further pharmacological development.

Grape Pomace Polyphenols Reduce Acute Inflammatory Response Induced by Carrageenan in a Murine Model

Grape pomace (GP), a by-product of wine production, contains bioactive polyphenols with potential health benefits. This study investigates the anti-inflammatory properties of a polyphenolic fraction derived from GP, obtained by ultrasound-microwave hybrid extraction and purified using ion-exchange chromatography. In the inflammation model, mice were divided into six groups: intact, carrageenan, indomethacin, and three GP polyphenols treatment groups. Paw edema was induced by subplantar injection of carrageenan, and the GP polyphenols were administered intraperitoneally at doses of 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg. The anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated by measuring paw volume, and expression of inflammatory markers: cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and cytokines (IL-1β and IL-6), along with lipid peroxidation levels. The GP polyphenols significantly reduced paw edema and expression levels of COX-2, MPO, and cytokines in a dose-dependent manner effect, with the highest dose showing the greatest reduction. Additionally, lipid peroxidation levels were also decreased by GP polyphenols treatment at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg. These findings suggest that ultrasound-microwave extraction combined with amberlite purification proved to be effective in obtaining a polyphenolic-rich fraction from GP. Thus, GP polyphenols may serve as a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent for treating inflammation and oxidative stress-related diseases.

Phytochemistry, pharmacology, and medical uses of Oldenlandia (family Rubaceae): a review

The Oldenlandia genus comprises approximately 240 species of plants, yet only a limited number of these have been investigated for their chemical composition and medicinal properties. These species contain a wide range of compounds such as iridoids, anthraquinones, triterpenes, phytosterols, flavonoids, anthocyanidins, vitamins, essential oils, phenolic acids, and coumarins. These diverse phytochemical profiles underscore the pharmacological potential of Oldenlandia plants for various medical purposes. Among other chemical constituents, ursolic acid stands out as the most important active compound in Oldenlandia, owing to its proven anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and hepatoprotective properties. The evaluation of Oldenlandia's pharmacological prospects indicates that the holistic utilization of the entire plant yields the most significant effects. Oldenlandia diffusa showcases anticancer and anti-inflammatory capabilities attributed to its varying constituents. Across a broad spectrum of pharmacological capacities, anticancer research predominates, constituting the majority of medical uses. Oldenlandia diffusa emerges as a standout for its remarkable anticancer effects against diverse malignancies. Antioxidant applications follow, with O. corymbosa demonstrating potent antioxidant properties alongside O. umbellata and O. diffusa. Subsequent priority lies in anti-inflammatory studies, wherein O. diffusa exhibits noteworthy efficacy, trailed by O. corymbosa also takes the lead in antimicrobial activity, with O. umbellata as a strong contender. Additional investigation is essential to ascertain the relative significance of these species in various pharmacological applications. This comprehensive assessment underscores the multifaceted potential of Oldenlandia as a versatile herbal resource, offering diverse pharmacological capacities. The call for sustained exploration and research remains essential to unlock the full extent of Oldenlandia's medicinal benefits.

P-coumaric Acid: Advances in Pharmacological Research Based on Oxidative Stress

P-coumaric acid is an important phenolic compound that is mainly found in fruits, vegetables, grains, and fungi and is also abundant in Chinese herbal medicines. In this review, the pharmacological research progress of p-coumaric acid in recent years was reviewed, with emphasis on its role and mechanism in oxidative stress-related diseases, such as inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and nervous system diseases. Studies have shown that p-coumaric acid has a positive effect on the prevention and treatment of these diseases by inhibiting oxidative stress. In addition, p-coumaric acid also has anti-tumor, antibacterial, anti-aging skin and other pharmacological effects. This review will provide reference and inspiration for further research on the pharmacological effects of p-coumaric acid.

Attenuation of CFA-induced arthritis through regulation of inflammatory cytokines and antioxidant mechanisms by Solanum nigrum L. leaves extracts

Solanum nigrum L. is a popular traditional medicine for various inflammatory conditions including rheumatism and joint pain. The current study aimed to evaluate the anti-arthritic mechanism of Solanum nigrum L. Four extracts were prepared using n-hexane, methanol, chloroform, and water. The anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity was carried out with 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg body wt. PO of each extract by the hot plate and carrageenan-induced paw oedema methods, respectively. The anti-arthritic study was performed with chloroform and aqueous extracts (300 mg/kg) in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis. Paw size (mm), ankle joint diameter (mm), and latency time (sec) were recorded on day 0 and every 4th day till 28 days. The hematological, inflammatory, and oxidative biomarkers were estimated. Results showed that significant analgesia (p < 0.05) and reduction in paw inflammation were achieved with all extracts. The highest percent inhibition in Carrageenan-induced inflammation was achieved with 300 mg/kg of chloroform (72.19%) and aqueous (71.30%) extracts, respectively. In the CFA model, both extracts showed a significant reduction in paw size and ankle joint diameter (p < 0.05). The RT-qPCR analysis revealed the upregulation of interleukin-4 and interleukin-10, and down-expression of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, cycloxygenase-2, nuclear factor-κB, prostaglandin E synthase 2, and interferon-γ. A significant increase in superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione levels was observed. Hence, it is concluded that Solanum nigrum L. leaf extracts regulate the expression of inflammatory markers and improve oxidative stress resulting in the attenuation of CFA-induced arthritis.

Validation of vaginal microbiome proxies for in vitro experiments that biomimic Lactobacillus-dominant vaginal cultures

The vaginal microbiome includes diverse microbiota dominated by Lactobacillus [L.] spp. that protect against infections, modulate inflammation, and regulate vaginal homeostasis. Because it is challenging to incorporate vaginal microbiota into in vitro models, including organ-on-a-chip systems, we assessed microbial metabolites as reliable proxies in addition to traditional vaginal epithelial cultures (VECs). Human immortalized VECs cultured on transwells with an air-liquid interface generated stratified cell layers colonized by transplanted healthy microbiomes (L. jensenii- or L. crispatus-dominant) or a community representing bacterial vaginosis (BV). After 48-h, a qPCR array confirmed the expected donor community profiles. Pooled apical and basal supernatants were subjected to metabolomic analysis (untargeted mass spectrometry) followed by ingenuity pathways analysis (IPA). To determine the bacterial metabolites' ability to recreate the vaginal microenvironment in vitro, pooled bacteria-free metabolites were added to traditional VEC cultures. Cell morphology, viability, and cytokine production were assessed. IPA analysis of metabolites from colonized samples contained fatty acids, nucleic acids, and sugar acids that were associated with signaling networks that contribute to secondary metabolism, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory functions indicative of a healthy vaginal microbiome compared to sterile VEC transwell metabolites. Pooled metabolites did not affect cell morphology or induce cell death (∼5.5%) of VEC cultures (n = 3) after 72-h. However, metabolites created an anti-inflammatory milieu by increasing IL-10 production (p = .06, T-test) and significantly suppressing pro-inflammatory IL-6 (p = .0001), IL-8 (p = .009), and TNFα (p = .0007) compared to naïve VEC cultures. BV VEC conditioned-medium did not affect cell morphology nor viability; however, it induced a pro-inflammatory environment by elevating levels of IL-6 (p = .023), IL-8 (p = .031), and TNFα (p = .021) when compared to L.-dominate microbiome-conditioned medium. VEC transwells provide a suitable ex vivo system to support the production of bacterial metabolites consistent with the vaginal milieu allowing subsequent in vitro studies with enhanced accuracy and utility.

Structures, Antioxidant Properties, and Antimicrobial Properties of Eu(III), Gd(III), and Dy(III) Caffeinates and p-Coumarates

In this study, we investigated the structures of lanthanide (Eu(III), Dy(III), and Gd(III)) complexes with p-coumaric (p-CAH2) and caffeic (CFAH3) acids using the FTIRKBr, FTIRATR, and Raman spectroscopic methods. The compositions of the solid phase caffeinates and p-coumarates were obtained on the basis of the amounts of hydrogen and carbon determined using an elemental analysis. The degree of hydration and the thermal decomposition of each compound were examined via a thermal analysis of TG, DTG, and DSC. Antioxidant spectroscopic tests were performed using the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical), FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant activity), and ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (diammonium salt radical cation) methods. The antimicrobial activity of each compound against Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Candida albicans was investigated. The electrical properties of the liposomes which mimicked the microbial surfaces formed in the electrolyte containing the tested compounds were also investigated. The above biological properties of the obtained complexes were compared with the activities of p-CAH2 and CFAH3. The obtained data suggest that lanthanide complexes are much more thermally stable and have higher antimicrobial and antioxidant properties than the ligands (with the exception of CFAH3 in the case of antioxidant activity tests). The Gd(III) complexes revealed the highest biological activity among the studied lanthanide complexes.

Network pharmacology and experimental validation to identify the potential mechanism of Hedyotis diffusa Willd against rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic, autoimmune disease that may lead to joint damage, deformity, and disability, if not treated effectively. Hedyotis diffusa Willd (HDW) and its main components have been widely used to treat a variety of tumors and inflammatory diseases. The present study utilized a network pharmacology approach, microarray data analysis and molecular docking to predict the key active ingredients and mechanisms of HDW against RA. Eleven active ingredients in HDW and 180 potential anti-RA targets were identified. The ingredients-targets-RA network showed that stigmasterol, beta-sitosterol, quercetin, kaempferol, and 2-methoxy-3-methyl-9,10-anthraquinone were key components for RA treatment. KEGG pathway results revealed that the 180 potential targets were inflammatory-related pathways with predominant enrichment of the AGE-RAGE, TNF, IL17, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. Screened through the PPI network and with Cytoscape software, RELA, TNF, IL6, TP53, MAPK1, AKT1, IL10, and ESR1 were identified as the hub targets in the HDW for RA treatment. Molecular docking was used to identify the binding of 5 key components and the 8 related-RA hub targets. Moreover, the results of network pharmacology were verified by vitro experiments. HDW inhibits cell proliferation in MH7A cells in a dose and time-dependent manner. RT-qPCR and WB results suggest that HDW may affect hub targets through PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, thereby exerting anti-RA effect. This study provides evidence for a clinical effect of HDW on RA and a research basis for further investigation into the active ingredients and mechanisms of HDW against RA.

Benefits of p-coumaric acid in mice with rotenone-induced neurodegeneration

The paper examines the use of natural antioxidant and anti-inflammation substances as therapeutic candidates for brain disease. Para-coumaric acid (pCA), a phenolic compound with a variety of medicinal properties, was used against deterioration caused by various diseases. Recently, pCA has gained attention for use against cardiovascular disease but less so for neurodegenerative disease (i.e., Parkinson's disease). Therefore, the present study intended to investigate the effect of pCA against rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease-like pathology in mice. Thirty male institute of cancer research (ICR) mice were randomly divided into three experimental groups: Sham-veh, Rot-veh, and Rot-pCA100. Rotenone (Rot) 2.5 mg/kg was subcutaneously injected every 48 h in the rotenone groups. Alternately, a 100 mg/kg pCA dose was given every 48 h via intragastric gavage to the Rot-pCA100 group for 6 weeks. Motor ability was assessed at the second, fourth, and sixth week before brain collection for biochemical and histological analyses. Results indicated significant motor deficits appeared from the second to sixth week after rotenone injection. Brain analysis detected a significant effect of rotenone in the increase of malondialdehyde and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). This result was observed in accordance with a reduction of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and an increase of neuronal degeneration in the substantia nigra par compacta (SNc) and striatum. However, pCA was able to reverse all of the deterioration (i.e., reduced malondialdehyde and TNF-α) rotenone had caused, and it protected against TH and neuronal loss in the SNc and striatum. Therefore, the present study has depicted the neuroprotective effect of pCA against rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease-like pathology in mice. Benefits of pCA include anti-lipid peroxidation and anti-inflammatory effects, inhibition of neurodegeneration, and a nurturing effect on the TH level in the SNc and striatum, leading to mitigation of motor deficits.

Unravelling Potential Health-Beneficial Properties of Corema album Phenolic Compounds: A Systematic Review

Corema (C.) album belongs to the family Ericaceae and can be found in the Iberian Peninsula, especially on the coastal areas facing the Atlantic coast. C. album berries have been used for centuries in traditional medicine. Recent studies have revealed that not only the berries but also the leaves have relevant antioxidant, antiproliferative, and anti-inflammatory properties, bringing this plant to the forefront of discussion. A systematic review of the literature was carried out to summarize the phenolic compounds and bioactive properties identified in C. album berries and leaves and to search for research gaps on this topic. The search was conducted in three electronic databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science) using PRISMA methodology. The inclusion criteria were the chemical compositions of the berries, leaves, or their extracts and their bioactive properties. The exclusion criteria were agronomic and archaeological research. The number of studies concerning phenolic compounds' composition and the bioactive properties of C. album berries and leaves is still limited (11 articles). However, the variety of polyphenolic compounds identified make it possible to infer new insights into their putative mechanism of action towards the suppression of NF-kB transcription factor activation, the modulation of inflammatory mediators/enzymes, the induction of apoptosis, the modulation of mitogen activated protein kinase, cell cycle arrest, and the reduction of oxidative stress. These factors can be of major relevance concerning the future use of C. album as nutraceuticals, food supplements, or medicines. Nevertheless, more scientific evidence concerning C. album's bioactivity is required.

The mechanism of the anti-inflammatory effect of Oldenlandia diffusa on arthritis model rats: a quantitative proteomic and network pharmacologic study

BACKGROUND

In China, Oldenlandia diffusa (OD) has been prescribed as a therapeutic herb for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We previously conducted a preliminary study of the anti-inflammatory effect of OD, and the purpose of this study is to further investigate its mechanism.

METHODS

We performed a quantitative proteomic analysis of synovium, identified the differentially expressed proteins, and performed bioinformatics analyses. With the help of network pharmacology, we aimed to find the key synovial proteins which OD or its key compound might influence. To verify the result, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was applied to quantify and qualify the absorbable potential compounds of OD. The anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated by morphological, histopathological, and cytokine analyses. Target proteins were observed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

MMP3 and CAV1 were identified as 2 of the differentially expressed proteins in RA synovium, and might be influenced by quercetin, the active compound of OD. MMP3 might be altered through atherosclerosis signaling, while CAV1 might be altered through caveolar-mediated endocytosis signaling. According to our verification, quercetin was identified as the absorbed and effective compound of OD, and it could exert an anti-inflammatory effect on the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model, including serum cytokine expression, synovial hyperplasia and lymphocyte infiltration, articular cartilage lesion. Quercetin could also down-regulate the synovial expression of MMP3 and CAV1, and could exert better effects at a high dose.

CONCLUSIONS

Quercetin was the main active compound of OD in the treatment of RA. OD might alleviate inflammatory responses in CIA rats by suppressing the expression of MMP3 and CAV1 through quercetin, and at a high dose, quercetin could exert a better anti-inflammatory effect.

Phytochemicals from Red Onion, Grown with Eco-Sustainable Fertilizers, Protect Mammalian Cells from Oxidative Stress, Increasing Their Viability

Red onion, a species of great economic importance rich in phytochemicals (bioactive compounds) known for its medicinal properties, was fertilized with sulphur-bentonite enriched with orange residue or olive pomace, with the aim of producing onion enriched in health beneficial compounds. There is a worldwide great demand of minimally processed food or food ingredients with functional properties because of a new awareness of how important healthy functional nutrition is in life. Phytochemicals have the capacity to regulate most of the metabolic processes resulting in health benefits. Red onion bioactive compound quantity and quality can vary according to cultivation practices. The main aims of the current research were to determine the chemical characteristics of the crude extracts from red onion bulbs differently fertilized and to evaluate their biological activity in normal and oxidative stress conditions. The lyophilized onion bulbs have been tested in vitro on two cellular models, i.e., the H9c2 rat cardiomyoblast cell line and primary human dermal fibroblasts, in terms of viability and oxygen radical homeostasis. The results evidenced different phytochemical compositions and antioxidant activities of the extracts obtained from red onions differently fertilized. Sulphur-bentonite fertilizers containing orange waste and olive pomace positively affected the red onion quality with respect to the red onion control, evidencing that sulphur-bentonite-organic fertilization was able to stimulate plant a secondary metabolism inducing the production of phytochemicals with healthy functions. A positive effect of the extracts from red onions treated with fertilizers—in particular, with those containing orange waste, such as the reduction of oxidative stress and induction of cell viability of H9c2 and human fibroblasts—was observed, showing a concentration- and time-dependent profile. The results evidenced that the positive effects were related to the phenols and, in particular, to chlorogenic and p-coumaric acids and to the flavonol kaempferol, which were more present in red onion treated with low orange residue than in the other treated ones.

Quantitative proteomic analysis of Bi Zhong Xiao decoction against collagen-induced arthritis rats in the early and late stages

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, progressive, systemic autoimmune inflammatory disease. Bi Zhong Xiao decoction (BZXD) performs multiple functions for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment for decades. In this study, we aimed to study the protein alterations of BZXD in the early and late stages of RA.

Methods

Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into the Control, collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and BZXD groups. Clinical assessment, paw thickness, weight changes and serum inflammatory cytokine levels were used to evaluate anti-inflammatory effects. Histopathological tests were performed to assess the improvement of inflammation and synovial hyperplasia. Moreover, we analyzed the proteins profiling of synovial tissue samples with different time intervals after BZXD treatment by Isobaric Tag for Relative Absolute (ITRAQ) quantitative proteomics technology. To further explore the interrelationships among differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), we used DAVID Bioinformatics Resources v6.8 and STRING 11.0 for bioinformatics analysis. Besides, the western blot and immunohistochemistry were exerted to verify related proteins.

Results

In our study, BZXD ameliorated joint inflammation, and suppressed the pathological changes in arthrosis of CIA rats. The proteomic analysis demonstrated that CIA rats were mainly involved in two significant pathways (the focal adhesion and the ECM-receptor interaction) in the early stage. BZXD down-regulated the expression of proteins involved in these pathways, such as CAV1, CHAD, COL3A1, COL5A2, COL6A1, and COL6A5. Additionally, BZXD exerts anti-inflammatory effects in the late stage mainly by increasing the expression of FASN and affecting fatty acid metabolism.

Conclusion

BZXD exerts therapeutic effects on RA through multi-pathways in the early and late stages. This work may provide proteomic clues for treating RA by BZXD.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12906-022-03663-5.

Pentacyclic triterpenoid ursolic acid induces apoptosis with mitochondrial dysfunction in adult T-cell leukemia MT-4 cells to promote surrounding cell growth

We investigated the antitumor effects of oleanolic acid (OA) and ursolic acid (UA) on adult T-cell leukemia cells. OA and UA dose-dependently inhibited the proliferation of adult T-cell leukemia cells. UA-treated cells showed caspase 3/7 and caspase 9 activation. PARP cleavage was detected in UA-treated MT-4 cells. Activation of mTOR and PDK-1 was inhibited by UA. Autophagosomes were detected in MT-4 cells after UA treatment using electron microscopy. Consistently, mitophagy was observed in OA- and UA-treated MT-4 cells by confocal microscopy. The mitochondrial membrane potential in MT-4 cells considerably decreased, and mitochondrial respiration and aerobic glycolysis were significantly reduced following UA treatment. Furthermore, MT-1 and MT-4 cells were sorted into two regions based on their mitochondrial membrane potential. UA-treated MT-4 cells from both regions showed high activation of caspase 3/7, which were inhibited by Z-vad. Interestingly, MT-4 cells cocultured with sorted UA-treated cells showed enhanced proliferation. Finally, UA induced cell death and ex vivo PARP cleavage in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with adult T-cell leukemia. Therefore, UA-treated MT-4 cells show caspase activation following mitochondrial dysfunction and may produce survival signals to the surrounding cells.

Exploration of molecular mechanisms responsible for anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic attributes of methanolic extract of Viola betonicifolia

Uncontrolled inflammation plays a central role in the pathogenesis of various diseases. Currently available anti-inflammatory agents on prolonged use may lead to ulcers or thrombus formation. The present study was designed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic and anti-angiogenic potentials of methanol extract of Viola betonicifolia using battery of in vivo models. Methanol extract of Viola betonicifolia (Vb.Me) was prepared through maceration. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography mass spectrometery (GC-MS) were performed to identify bioactive compounds present in Vb.Me. In vivo safety profile of Vb.Me was evaluated following OECD 425 acute toxicity guidelines. Anti-inflammatory potential of Vb.Me at three different dose levels was evaluated in in vivo acute (carrageenan and, histamine-induced paw oedema), sub-chronic (cotton pellet-induced granuloma) and chronic (Complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis) models. Blood and paws samples were collected to study effects of Vb.Me treatment on the expression of various pro- and anti-inflammatory genes (RT-PCR) and to study the histopathological changes at tissue levels. Effects of Vb.Me on neovasculature development were studied in ex-ovo chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. Quercetin and n-hexadecanoic were identified as one of the major bioactive molecules in HPLC and GC-MS analysis of Vb.Me. Toxicity data revealed that Vb.Me was safe for administration up to the dose of 2000 mg/kg. Findings of inflammatory models showed that Vb.Me produced time and dose-dependent effects. 500 mg/kg Vb.Me showed significantly (p < 0.05) better effects as compared with 125 and 250 mg/kg. 500 mg/kg Vb.Me also showed comparable anti-inflammatory effects with indomethacin in both acute and chronic models respectively. RT-PCR data exhibited significant (p < 0.05) down-regulation of IL-6, IL-1ß, NF-kß, TNF-α and COX-2 genes with simultaneous up-regulation of IL-4 and IL-10 genes in the blood samples of animals treated with 500 mg/kg of Vb.Me and 10 mg/kg of indomethacin respectively. CAM assay data revealed arrest of microvessel outgrowth in Vb.Me-treated eggs. Altogether, findings of the current study indicate that Vb.Me exerts in vivo anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic effects through regulation of expression of various pro- and anti-inflammatory genes. Synergist actions of various bioactive molecules in Vb.Me are proposed to be responsible for these attributes. However, further studies to standardize the extract and evaluation of its potential in various inflammation-induced diseases are warranted.

New Approaches and advancement in drug development from phenolic p-coumaric acid

P-coumaric acid occurs as a common dietary polyphenol distributed in fruits, vegetables, and cereals in associated and free form. The toxicity profile of the drug is very low and it exhibits many pharmacological actions (antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial activity, antidiabetic, anticancer, and antioxidant effect). P-coumaric acid also acts as a free radical scavenger and inhibits various enzymes which generate free radicals. It is also used as the raw material for the preparation of preservatives, vanillin, sports foods, skin defense agents, and as a cross-linker for the formation of edible films and food gels. The current study is based upon biological effectiveness, molecular docking, SAR, sources of p-coumaric acid, and related derivatives.

Sarcococca saligna Hydroalcoholic Extract Ameliorates Arthritis in Complete Freund's Adjuvant-Induced Arthritic Rats via Modulation of Inflammatory Biomarkers and Suppression of Oxidative Stress Markers

Traditionally, Sarcococca saligna has been used for the treatment of arthritis and many other inflammatory disorders. The current study was planned to give scientific evidence to this traditional use of S. saligna. Phytochemical profiling of SSME was carried out by using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS). Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA), 150 μL was injected in the subplantar region of the left hind paw to induce arthritis in rats. Aqueous methanolic extract of S. saligna (SSME) was administered orally at 250, 500, or 1000 mg/kg dose from the 7th day to the 28th day of the study to explore its anti-arthritic potential. Histopathological and radiographic assessment of joints and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analyses were performed. Determination of oxidative stress biomarkers in the serum was also carried out. ESI-MS/MS identified ten such phytoconstituents which have reported strong anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity. The SSME extract considerably reduced paw inflammation and arthritic index, subdued cachexia, and significantly improved biochemical and hematological changes. Oxidative stress decreased in SSME administered rats dose-dependently. Histopathological and radiographic evaluations also showed the anti-arthritic activity of SSME, which was associated with the downregulation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, nuclear factor (NF)-kB, COX-2, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β and upregulation of I-kB, IL-4, and IL-10, in contrast to disease group rats. The outcomes of the study proposed that S. saligna have anti-arthritic potential, supporting its traditional use for rheumatoid arthritis treatment.

Phytocompounds as an Alternative Antimicrobial Approach in Aquaculture

Despite culturing the fastest-growing animal in animal husbandry, fish farmers are often adversely economically affected by pathogenic disease outbreaks across the world. Although there are available solutions such as the application of antibiotics to mitigate this phenomenon, the excessive and injudicious use of antibiotics has brought with it major concerns to the community at large, mainly due to the rapid development of resistant bacteria. At present, the use of natural compounds such as phytocompounds that can be an alternative to antibiotics is being explored to address the issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). These phytocompounds are bioactive agents that can be found in many species of plants and hold much potential. In this review, we will discuss phytocompounds extracted from plants that have been evidenced to contain antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral and antiparasitic activities. Further, it has also been found that compounds such as terpenes, phenolics, saponins and alkaloids can be beneficial to the aquaculture industry when applied. This review will focus mainly on compounds that have been identified between 2000 and 2021. It is hoped this review will shed light on promising phytocompounds that can potentially and effectively mitigate AMR.

Mono- and dioleyl p-coumarate phenolipids and their antioxidant activity in a muscle food model system

Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the degree of esterification of p-coumaric acid to triolein via lipase-catalyzed acidolysis, and enzyme load, reaction time and mole ratio of substrates were selected as variables in the experimental design. The results showed that the model employed was highly sufficient for determining the effectiveness and interaction of three selected variables, enzyme load, reaction time and the mole ratio of substrates, on the dependent variable, the degree of esterification. Although the optimization point was not found in the selected range of the three variables, the steepest ascent analysis suggested that an increase of these three variables might lead to a stationary point. However, based on the limitations on increasing the range of tested variables, including possible oxidation of synthesized lipids and increased cost, the degree of esterification so yielded in the designed central composite design should be the one closest to the possible ideal optimized degree. The p-coumarates so produced exhibited varying antioxidant performance in the tested muscle food model, which could be explained by their different lipophilicity. Moreover, the potential health benefits of synthesized phenolic lipids have been discussed.

Graphical Abstract

Dietary polyphenols for management of rheumatoid arthritis: Pharmacotherapy and novel delivery systems

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, complex, systemic autoimmune disease causing chronic inflammation, swelling, and pain. It affects pulmonary and ocular physiology, gastrointestinal disturbance, skeletal disorders, and renal malfunctioning. Although conventional and biological drugs available to treat RA are potent and effective, they lead to life-threatening side effects and patient discomfort. Hence, alternative therapies are explored for their treatment which is safe, effective, and economical. Herbal drugs are widely used as an alternative therapy and some medicinal plants, especially dietary polyphenols proved their efficacy in treating RA. Polyphenols are secondary metabolites of plants possessing several pharmacological actions. They exert anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and anti-rheumatoid activity by modulating tumor necrosis factor, mitogen-activated protein kinase, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, and c-Jun N-terminal kinases. Thus, polyphenols could be a promising option for the management of RA. Unfortunately, polyphenols suffer from poor bioavailability due to their physicochemical properties and incorporation into novel delivery systems such as liposomes, nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, micelles improved their oral bioavailability. This review article summarizes dietary polyphenols, their pharmacological actions and novel delivery systems for the treatment of RA. Nevertheless, the commercial translation of polyphenols could be only possible after establishing their safety profile and successful clinical trials.

Phytochemical constituents and protective efficacy of Schefflera arboricola L. leaves extract against thioacetamide-induced hepatic encephalopathy in rats

Context: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a severe neuropsychiatric syndrome resulting from liver failure. Objective: To evaluate the protective effect of Schefflera arboricola L. leaves methanol extract against thioacetamide (TAA) induced HE in rats. Materials and methods: GC/MS, LC-ESI-MS and the total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined. The methanol extract was orally administrated (100 and 200 mg/kg) for 21 days. TAA (200 mg/kg) was given intraperitoneally on day 19 and continued for three days. The evaluation was done by measuring alanine aminotransferases (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), ammonia, reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) alpha tumor necrotic factor (TNFα), toll like receptor (TLR4), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), interlukin 6 (IL-6), cyclooxygenase 2(COX2), B cell lymphoma (BCL2), alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and cluster of differentiation 163 (CD163). The histological features of liver and brain were conducted. Results: Forty five compounds were identified from the n-hexane fraction, while twenty nine phenolic compounds were determined from the methanol extract. Pretreatment with the plant extract returned most of the measurements under investigation to nearly normal. Conclusion: Due to its richness with bioactive compounds, Schefflera arboricola L. leaves extract succeeded to exert anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidants properties in TAA-induced HE in rats with more efficacy to its high protective dose.

Sarcococca saligna extract attenuates formaldehyde-induced arthritis in Wistar rats via modulation of pro-inflammatory and inflammatory biomarkers

Sarcococca saligna plant is commonly used as traditional therapy for arthritis especially in Asian countries. The current study is designed to explore the anti-arthritic potential of S. saligna aqueous methanolic extract (SSME). Preliminary proximate study and HPLC analysis were performed to investigate the phytochemical characterization and quality control. The safety of the SSME was evaluated by performing an acute oral toxicity study (OECD guidelines 425). The anti-arthritic potential of SSME was explored by in vivo formaldehyde-induced arthritis model. The antiarthritic effect of the SSME was determined through paw diameter, arthritic index, body weight, biochemical and haematological parameters. Radiographic and histopathological studies were also carried out to evaluate the results. qRT-PCR was performed to determine the upregulation and downregulation of anti- and pro-inflammatory cytokines in rats while ELISA was done to determine the concentration of HSP-70, IL-6 and TNF-α in the serum. Results of acute oral toxicity showed no abnormality and mortality. There was no noticeable change in haematological and biochemical parameters. Histopathological examination exhibited the normal structure of vital organs. So, SSME might be safe at a 2000 mg/kg dose, proposing that LD₅₀ was higher than 2000 mg/kg body weight. Gallic acid, catechin, hydroxyl benzoic acid, sinapic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid and p-cumaric acid were identified by HPLC. The outcomes of in vivo formaldehyde-induced arthritic model showed that SSME significantly reduced paw inflammation and arthritic index and improved haematological and biochemical parameters. Moreover, the SSME influentially down-regulated the gene expression of IL-1β, IL-6, COX-2, PGE2, TNF-α and NF-κB, and up-regulated the expression of IL-4, and IL-10. The results of the undertaken study suggest that S. saligna have strong anti-arthritic activity supporting its conventional application as the remedy of rheumatoid arthritis.

Ethnobotanical Survey on Bitter Tea in Taiwan

Ethnopharmacological evidence: In Taiwan, herbal tea is considered a traditional medicine and has been consumed for hundreds of years. In contrast to regular tea, herbal teas are prepared using plants other than the regular tea plant, Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze. Bitter tea (kǔ-chá), a series of herbal teas prepared in response to common diseases in Taiwan, is often made from local Taiwanese plants. However, the raw materials and formulations have been kept secret and verbally passed down by store owners across generations without a fixed recipe, and the constituent plant materials have not been disclosed.

Aim of the study: The aim was to determine the herbal composition of bitter tea sold in Taiwan, which can facilitate further studies on pharmacological applications and conserve cultural resources.

Materials and methods: Interviews were conducted through a semi-structured questionnaire. The surveyed respondents were traditional sellers of traditional herbal tea. The relevant literature was collated for a systematic analysis of the composition, characteristics, and traditional and modern applications of the plant materials used in bitter tea. We also conducted an association analysis of the composition of Taiwanese bitter tea with green herb tea (qing-cao-cha tea), another commonly consumed herbal tea in Taiwan, as well as herbal teas in neighboring areas outside Taiwan.

Results: After visiting a total of 59 stores, we identified 32 bitter tea formulations and 73 plant materials. Asteraceae was the most commonly used family, and most stores used whole plants. According to a network analysis of nine plant materials used in high frequency as drug pairs, Tithonia diversifolia and Ajuga nipponensis were found to be the core plant materials used in Taiwanese bitter tea.

Conclusion: Plant materials used in Taiwanese bitter tea were distinct, with multiple therapeutic functions. Further research is required to clarify their efficacy and mechanisms.

Chinese Herbal Medicine Therapy Reduces the Risks of Overall and Anemia-Related Mortalities in Patients With Aplastic Anemia: A Nationwide Retrospective Study in Taiwan

Aplastic Anemia (AA) is a rare but fatal hematologic disease that may occur at any age and especially higher in Asia. We investigated whether Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) is beneficial to AA patients as a complementary therapy using a nationwide population-based database in Taiwan between 2000-2016. Patient survival was estimated by Kaplan‒Meier survival analyses and Cox proportional-hazard model. CHM-users presented lower risks of overall and anemia-related mortalities when compared to non-users. The risk of overall mortality for CHM-users in AA patients was 0.70-fold [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 0.70, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.66-0.74, p < 0.001). The risk of anemia-related mortality was lower in CHM-users when compared to non-users (aHR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.32-0.67, p < 0.001). The association rule analysis revealed that CHM pairs were Ban-Zhi-Lian (BZL; Scutellaria barbata D. Don)→Bai-Hua-She-She-Cao (BHSSC; Oldenlandia diffusa (Willd.) Roxb.), followed by Dang-Gui (DG; Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels)→Huang-Qi (HQi; Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge), and Xian-He-Cao (XHC; Agrimonia pilosa f. borealis (Kitag.) Chu)→Gui-Pi-Tang (GPT). Network analysis showed that BZL, BHSSC, DG, HQi, XHC, GPT, and Dan-Shen (DanS; Salvia miltiorrhiza var. charbonnelii (H.Lév.) C.Y.Wu) were commonly used CHMs for AA patients. Therefore, further studies for these commonly prescribed herbs are needed in functional investigations in hematopoiesis-stimulating effect and large-scale randomized controlled trials (RCT) in bone marrow failure related diseases.

Propolis and Its Gastroprotective Effects on NSAID-Induced Gastric Ulcer Disease: A Systematic Review

Gastric ulcer disease induced by the consumption of NSAIDs is a major public health problem. The therapy used for its treatment causes adverse effects in the patient. Propolis is a natural product that has been used for the treatments of different diseases around the world. Nevertheless, there is little information about the activity of propolis in gastric ulcers caused by treatment with NSAIDs. Therefore, this review evaluates and compares the gastroprotective potential of propolis and its function against NSAID-induced gastric ulcers, for which a systematic search was carried out in the PubMed and ScienceDirect databases. The main criteria were articles that report the gastroprotective activity of propolis against the damage produced by NSAIDs in the gastric mucosa. Gastroprotection was related to the antioxidant, antisecretory, and cytoprotective effects, as well as the phenolic compounds present in the chemical composition of propolis. However, most of the studies used different doses of NSAIDs and propolis and evaluated different parameters. Propolis has proven to be a good alternative for the treatment of gastric ulcer disease. However, future studies should be carried out to identify the compounds responsible for these effects and to determine their potential use in people.

Analysis of Bioactive Components in the Fruit, Roots, and Leaves of Alpinia oxyphylla by UPLC-MS/MS

Alpinia oxyphylla (A. oxyphylla) fruit has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine. In our study, the bioactive components of its roots, fruit, and leaves were investigated, and their potential medical value was predicted. The root, fruit, and leaf samples were analyzed using a UPLC-MS/MS system. The mass spectrometry outcomes were annotated by MULTIAQUANT. The “compound-disease targets” were used to construct a pharmacology network. A total of 293, 277, and 251 components were identified in the roots, fruit, and leaves, respectively. The fruit of A. oxyphylla had a higher abundance of flavonols. The roots of A. oxyphylla were enriched in flavonols and phenolic acids. The leaves of A. oxyphylla exhibited high contents of flavonols, phenolic acids, and tannins. Furthermore, network pharmacology analysis showed that flavonoids are the most important effectors in the fruit of A. oxyphylla and phenolic acids are the most important effectors in the roots and leaves. Moreover, the results suggested that the tissues of A. oxyphylla might play a role in the regulation of disease-related genes. The whole plant of A. oxyphylla is rich in natural drug components, and each tissue has high medicinal value. Therefore, comprehensive utilization of A. oxyphylla can greatly improve its economic value.

Scavenging Properties of Plant-Derived Natural Biomolecule Para-Coumaric Acid in the Prevention of Oxidative Stress-Induced Diseases

Para-coumaric acid (p-CA) is a plant derived secondary metabolite belonging to the phenolic compounds. It is widely distributed in the plant kingdom and found mainly in fruits, vegetables, and cereals. Various in vivo and in vitro studies have revealed its scavenging and antioxidative properties in the reduction of oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions. This evidence-based review focuses on the protective role of p-CA including its therapeutic potential. p-CA and its conjugates possesses various bioactivities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, and anti-melanogenic properties. Due to its potent free radical scavenging activity, it can mitigate the ill effects of various diseases including arthritis, neurological disorders, and cardio-vascular diseases. Recent studies have revealed that p-CA can ameliorate the harmful effects associated with oxidative stress in the reproductive system, also by inhibiting enzymes linked with erectile function.

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of Moroccan medicinal plants: Phytochemistry, in vitro and in vivo investigations, mechanism insights, clinical evidences and perspectives

Moroccan medicinal plants exhibit several pharmacological properties such as antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects, which are related to the presence of numerous bioactive compounds, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and terpenoids. In the present review, we systematically evaluate previously published reports on the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Moroccan medicinal plants. The in vitro investigations revealed that Moroccan medicinal plants inhibit several enzymes related to inflammatory processes, whereas in vivo studies noted significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects as demonstrated using different experimental models. Various bioactive compounds exhibiting in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, with diverse mechanisms of action, have been identified. Some plants and their bioactive compounds reveal specific secondary metabolites that possess important anti-inflammatory effects in clinical investigations. Our review proposes the potential applications of Moroccan medicinal plants as sources of anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents.

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Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Moroccan medicinal plants were highlighted.

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Chemical nature of Moroccan medicinal plants with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects was reported.

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Insights into anti-inflammatory mechanisms of bioactive compounds were highlighted.

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Toxicological investigations of Moroccan medicinal plants were reviewed.

Propolis Extract and Its Bioactive Compounds-From Traditional to Modern Extraction Technologies

Propolis is a honeybee product known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antimicrobial effects. It is rich in bioactive molecules whose content varies depending on the botanical and geographical origin of propolis. These bioactive molecules have been studied individually and as a part of propolis extracts, as they can be used as representative markers for propolis standardization. Here, we compare the pharmacological effects of representative polyphenols and whole propolis extracts. Based on the literature data, polyphenols and extracts act by suppressing similar targets, from pro-inflammatory TNF/NF-κB to the pro-proliferative MAPK/ERK pathway. In addition, they activate similar antioxidant mechanisms of action, like Nrf2-ARE intracellular antioxidant pathway, and they all have antimicrobial activity. These similarities do not imply that we should attribute the action of propolis solely to the most representative compounds. Moreover, its pharmacological effects will depend on the efficacy of these compounds’ extraction. Thus, we also give an overview of different propolis extraction technologies, from traditional to modern ones, which are environmentally friendlier. These technologies belong to an open research area that needs further effective solutions in terms of well-standardized liquid and solid extracts, which would be reliable in their pharmacological effects, environmentally friendly, and sustainable for production.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Activities of Compounds Isolated from Distichochlamys benenica

Distichochlamys benenica is a native black ginger that grows in Vietnam. In point of fact, there is limitation of available information in the literature making mention of the chemical constituents and bioactive properties of this plant. This study is aimed at isolating trans-o-coumaric acid (1), trans-cinnamic acid (2), and borneol (3) from the rhizomes of D. benenica Q.B.Nguyen & Škorničk and evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities of 1-3 using the carrageenan paw edema model and the dilution broth method, respectively. This revealed that 1 was as effective as diclofenac in reducing the intensity of the edema development. The in silico research showed that the activity of 1 might be derived from inhibiting COX-2 by generating h-bonds at the positions of Arg 120, Tyr 355, and Arg 513 residues. The antimicrobial activities against Gram-positive strains (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) were comparable, with the minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 1.52 to 3.37 mM. This is the first study of the bioactivity of compounds isolated from D. benenica Q.B.Nguyen & Škorničk. Our results suggest that 1 may be a nature-derived compound which demonstrates the anti-inflammatory properties and inhibit the proliferation of several Gram-positive bacteria.

Antihypernociceptive and Neuroprotective Effects of the Aqueous and Methanol Stem-Bark Extracts of Nauclea pobeguinii (Rubiaceae) on STZ-Induced Diabetic Neuropathic Pain

The greatest common and devastating complication of diabetes is painful neuropathy that can cause hyperalgesia and allodynia. It can disturb psychosocial functioning by increasing levels of anxiety and depression. This work was designed to evaluate the antihyperalgesic, antidepressant, and anxiolytic-like effects of the aqueous and methanol extracts of Nauclea pobeguinii stem-bark in diabetic neuropathy induced by streptozotocin in mice. Diabetic neuropathy was induced in mice by the intraperitoneal administration of 200 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) to provoke hyperglycemia. Nauclea pobeguinii aqueous and methanol extracts at the doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg were administered by oral route, and their effects were evaluated on antihyperalgesic activity (Von Frey filaments, hot plate, acetone, and formalin tests), blood glucose levels, body weight, serum, sciatic nerve proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) and sciatic nerve growth factor (IGF and NGF) rates, depression (open field test, forced swimming test, tail suspension test), and anxiety (elevated plus maze, light-dark box test, social interaction). Oral administration of Nauclea pobeguinii stem-bark aqueous and methanol extracts (150 and 300 mg/kg) produced antihyperalgesic, antidepressant, and anxiolytic-like effects in STZ-induced diabetic neuropathic mice. Extracts also triggered a decrease in glycaemia and increased body weight in treated animals. They also significantly (p <0.001) reduced tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and IL-6 and significantly (p <0.001) increased nerve growth factor (NGF) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) in sciatic nerves. The results of this study confirmed that Nauclea pobeguinii aqueous and methanol extracts possess antihyperalgesic, antidepressant, and anxiolytic activities and could be beneficial therapeutic agents.

Local administration of p-coumaric acid decreases lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice: In vitro and in silico studies

Acute lung injury (ALI) remains to cause a high rate of mortality in critically ill patients. It is known that inflammation is a key factor in the pathogenesis of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI, which makes it a relevant approach to the treatment of ALI. In this study, we evaluated the potential of nasally instilled p-coumaric acid to prevent LPS-induced ALI in mice, by evaluating its effects on cellular and molecular targets involved in inflammatory response via in vitro and in silico approaches. Our results demonstrated that p-coumaric acid reduced both neutrophil accumulation and pro-inflammatory cytokine abundance, and simultaneously increased IL-10 production at the site of inflammation, potentially contributing to protection against LPS-induced ALI in mice. In the in vitro experiments, we observed inhibitory effects of p-coumaric acid against IL-6 and IL-8 production in stimulated A549 cells, as well as reactive oxygen species generation by neutrophils. In addition, p-coumaric acid treatment decreased neutrophil adhesion on the TNF-α-stimulated endothelial cells. According to the in silico predictions, p-coumaric acid reached stable interactions with both the ATP-binding site of IKKβ as well as the regions within LFA-1, critical for interaction with ICAM-1, thereby suppressing the production of proinflammatory mediators and hindering the neutrophil infiltration, respectively. Collectively, these findings indicate that p-coumaric acid is a promising anti-inflammatory agent that can be used for developing a pharmaceutical drug for the treatment of ALI and other inflammatory disorders.

Potential of dates (Phoenix dactylifera L.) as natural antioxidant source and functional food for healthy diet

Date fruit is well known for their taste and concentrated nutritional components. Present study investigated two Omani date varieties i.e., Umsellah and Khalas, related to their physical traits, antioxidant properties, carbohydrates and nutritional values. Results showed that total-phenolic in Umsellah were 62% higher compared to Khalas, i.e., 164.22 and 103.85 mg/100 g. Among antioxidants, gallic acid in both Umsellah and Khalas were 35.77 and 27.41 mg/ 100 g respectively. Caffeic and syringic acid resulted 50% greater in Umsellah compared to Khalas. The ρ-coumaric acid contents in Umsellah and Khalas were 24.94 and 21.69 mg/ 100 g respectively. Total sugar in Umsellah (51.37 g of glucose equivalent / 100 g of dates) was found higher compared to Khalas (44.78 g of glucose equivalent / 100 g of dates). Among nutrients, potassium (K) level is very high (> 450 mg/100 g) in both the varieties with optimum range of other nutrients. For dietary fibers, Umsellah (81.17 g/100 g) reported higher proportion than Khalas (67.35 g/100 g). Overall findings inferred that Umsellah contained greater amount of beneficial individual phenolic and sugar compounds for the nourishment of health than Khalas. Therefore, as high antioxidant and nourished with several nutritional components, Umsellah and Khalas can be well adopted as organic and medicinal diets and can be used for various by-products irrespective of their market value.

The phytochemical analysis and pharmacological potentials of husk and straw as paddy waste products

Rice serves as a staple food for one-half of the global population. However, rice production, particularly the rice milling process, results in a substantial amount of paddy waste products (e.g. bran, husk and straw) annually. Because the potentials of bran have been extensively explored in prior studies, the present review focuses exclusively on the phytochemical analysis and pharmacological potentials of husk and straw. This comprehensive review establishes a solid foundation for promoting husk and straw as medicinal substances given their promising pharmacological potentials as bioactive compound sources with therapeutic functions. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Natural Sources, Pharmacokinetics, Biological Activities and Health Benefits of Hydroxycinnamic Acids and Their Metabolites

Hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs) are important natural phenolic compounds present in high concentrations in fruits, vegetables, cereals, coffee, tea and wine. Many health beneficial effects have been acknowledged in food products rich in HCAs; however, food processing, dietary intake, bioaccessibility and pharmacokinetics have a high impact on HCAs to reach the target tissue in order to exert their biological activities. In particular, metabolism is of high importance since HCAs' metabolites could either lose the activity or be even more potent compared to the parent compounds. In this review, natural sources and pharmacokinetic properties of HCAs and their esters are presented and discussed. The main focus is on their metabolism along with biological activities and health benefits. Special emphasis is given on specific effects of HCAs' metabolites in comparison with their parent compounds.

Coix lachryma-jobi extract ameliorates inflammation and oxidative stress in a complete Freund's adjuvant-induced rheumatoid arthritis model

Context: Adlay seed [Job's tears, Coix lachryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen Stapf (Poaceae)] is a Traditional Chinese Medicine, which has been investigated to treat inflammatory diseases and rheumatism.Objective: This study evaluates the ameliorative effects of adlay seed extract (ASE) in a complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced rheumatoid arthritis (RA) rats.Materials and methods: The RA Sprague-Dawley rat model was induced and randomly divided into six groups with or without ASE treatment (50, 100 or 200 mg/kg). After 28 d administration, the symptoms, biochemical parameters and molecular mechanisms were investigated.Results: The values of paw oedema, PGE₂ and MMP-3 decreased from 1.46 ± 0.04 to 0.66 ± 0.07 cm³, from 126.2 ± 11.48 to 79.71 ± 6.8 pg/mL and from 142.7 ± 8.36 to 86.51 ± 5.95 ng/mL, respectively; the values of body weight increased from 177.25 ± 5.94 to 205 ± 6.52 g in HASE group. In addition, treatment of ASE reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, MCP-1), and increased the activities of antioxidant enzyme (GSH-Px, SOD, and CAT). Furthermore, ASE could suppress the mRNA expression of COX-2 and CHI3L1 and improve the mRNA expression of CAT and GPx-1 in ankle tissues of RA rats.Discussion and conclusions: For the first time, our results indicated ASE exerts anti-RA effects via inhibiting pro-inflammatory factors and alleviating oxidative stress. Our finding sheds light on the research and development of anti-RA functional foods from adlay seed.

Herbal compounds for rheumatoid arthritis: Literatures review and cheminformatics prediction

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic disease characterized by autoimmunity, joint inflammation, and cartilage destruction, which affects 0.5-1% of the population. Many compounds from herbal medicines show the potentials to treat RA. On this basis, the compounds with good pharmacokinetic behaviors and drug-likeness properties will be further studied and developed. Therefore, the herbal compounds with anti-RA activities were reviewed in this paper, and the cheminformatics tools were used to predict their drug-likeness properties and pharmacokinetic parameters. A total of 90 herbal compounds were analyzed, which were reported to be effective on RA models through anti-inflammation, chondroprotection, immunoregulation, antiangiogenesis, and antioxidation. Most of the herbal compounds have good drug-likeness properties. Most of the compounds can be an alternative and valuable source for anti-RA drug discovery.

Anti-Wrinkling and Anti-Melanogenic Effect of Pradosia mutisii Methanol Extract

Ultraviolet (UV) exposure causes skin photoaging leading to skin wrinkling and sagging via production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). For this reason, protection from photoaging is an important feature in cosmeceutical and dermatological products. Natural product-derived biomaterials are highly desired as future possible ingredients, because these biomaterials are often safe and effective. In this study, we aimed to characterize the skin protective activity of Pradosia mutisii, traditionally used to treat sunburn and erythema. We determined the free radical scavenging, anti-melanogenic, and moisturizing effects of a methanol extract of Pradosia mutisii (Pm-ME) in keratinocytes (HaCaT cells), melanocytes (B16F10 cells), and fibroblasts (human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs)) at non-cytotoxic concentrations. Pradosia mutisii methanol extract contains coumaric acid as a major component, and the extract exhibited protective activity against UVB- and H₂O₂-induced cytotoxicity. This extract also suppressed the expression of metalloproteinases (MMPs) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 in HaCaT cells. A reduction of Sirt-1 expression under UVB- and H₂O₂-treated conditions was recovered in HaCaT cells by Pm-ME. This extract displayed significant free radical scavenging activity according to the 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) assay. The Pm-ME also upregulated the expression levels of hyaluronic acid synthase (HAS) and transglutaminase-1 (TGM-1) in HaCaT cells, indicating a putative moisturizing activity. Interestingly, the expression of collagen type 1 (Col1A1) gene and its promoter activity, as assessed by a reporter gene assay, were found to be increased in HDF and HEK293 cells. Similarly, Pm-ME helped recover collagen levels after UVB and H₂O₂ treatment in HDFs as well as decreased the synthesis and secretion of melanin from B16F10 melanoma cells, which may indicate a beneficial whitening cosmetic value. The p38 inhibitor SB203580 and the JNK inhibitor SP600125 suppressed MMP-9 and COX-2 expression in H₂O₂-treated HaCaT cells. Similarly, the ERK inhibitor U0126 inhibited HAS-2 in Pm-ME/H₂O₂-treated HaCaT cells. These findings suggested that inhibition of JNK and p38 and activation of ERK could be targeted by Pm-ME. Therefore, Pm-ME may exert anti-photoaging and anti-melanogenic properties via the regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase, which could be beneficial in the cosmeceutical industry.

Antidepressant-like Effects of p-Coumaric Acid on LPS-induced Depressive and Inflammatory Changes in Rats

Depression causes mental and physical changes which affect quality of life. It is estimated to become the second most prevalent disease, but despite its commonness, the pathophysiology of depression remains unclear and medicine is not sufficiently protective. p-Coumaric acid (p-CA) is a dietary phenolic acid which has been proven to have antifungal, anti-HIV, anti-melanogenic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Considering these effects, we investigated whether p-CA can prevent depressive symptoms by reducing inflammatory cytokines in animals injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Changes in despair-related behaviors, inflammatory cytokines, neurotrophic factors and synaptic activity were measured. In these animals, p-CA improved despair-related behavioral symptoms induced by LPS in the forced swim test (FST), tail suspension test (TST) and sucrose splash test (SST). p-CA also prevented the increase of inflammatory cytokines in the hippocampus such as cycloxigenase-2 and tumor necrosis factor-α due to LPS. Similarly, it prevented the reduction of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) by LPS. Electrophysiologically, p-CA blocked the reduction of long-term depression in LPS-treated organotypic tissue slices. In conclusion, p-CA prevented LPS-induced depressive symptoms in animals, as determined by behavioral, biochemical and electrophysiological measures. These findings suggest the potential use of p-CA as a preventive and therapeutic medicine for depression.