Fermentation of Panax notoginseng root extract polysaccharides attenuates oxidative stress and promotes type I procollagen synthesis in human dermal fibroblast cells

Protective Effect of Panax notoginseng Extract Fermented by Four Different Saccharomyces cerevisiae Strains on H2O2 Induced Oxidative Stress in Skin Fibroblasts

Purpose

To produce Panax notoginseng extract as a cosmetic ingredient through Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation.

Methods

We first compared the total sugar content, polysaccharide content, reducing sugar content, total phenolic content, total saponin content, DPPH free radical, ABTS free radical, hydroxyl free radical scavenging ability and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of Panax notoginseng fermented extract (pnFE) and unfermented extract (pnWE). Their potential correlations were analyzed by Pearson's correlation analysis. Then, the oxidative stress model of H2O2-induced MSFs was used to evaluate the effects of different pnFE on MSF viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and the activities of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) to explore their protective effects on MSFs subjected to H2O2-induced cellular oxidative damage. Finally, their safety and stability were evaluated by using the red blood cell (RBC) test and hen's egg test-chorioallantoic membrane (HET-CAM) assay, and changes in pH and content of soluble solids, respectively.

Results

Compared with pnWE, pnFE has more active substances and stronger antioxidant capacity. In addition, pnFE has a protective effect on H2O2-induced oxidative stress in MSFs with appropriate safety and stability.

Conclusion

PnFE has broad application prospects in the field of cosmetics.

Therapeutic applications of ginseng for skeletal muscle-related disorder management

Skeletal muscle (SM) is the largest organ of the body and is largely responsible for the metabolism required to maintain body functions. Furthermore, the maintenance of SM is dependent on the activation of muscle satellite (stem) cells (MSCs) and the subsequent proliferation and fusion of differentiating myoblasts into mature myofibers (myogenesis). Natural compounds are being used as therapeutic options to promote SM regeneration during aging, muscle atrophy, sarcopenia, cachexia, or obesity. In particular, ginseng-derived compounds have been utilized in these contexts, though ginsenoside Rg1 is mostly used for SM mass management. These compounds primarily function by activating the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, upregulating myogenin and MyoD to induce muscle hypertrophy, downregulating atrophic factors (atrogin1, muscle ring-finger protein-1, myostatin, and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production), and suppressing the expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in cachexia. Ginsenoside compounds are also used for obesity management, and their anti-obesity effects are attributed to peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) inhibition, AMPK activation, glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) translocation, and increased phosphorylations of insulin resistance (IR), insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), and Akt. This review was undertaken to provide an overview of the use of ginseng-related compounds for the management of SM-related disorders.

Biological Activity of Fermented Plant Extracts for Potential Dermal Applications

Fermented plant extracts (FPEs) are functional liquids formed as a result of the fermentation of fresh plants by microorganisms, mainly bacteria and fungi. The appropriate selection of plants, microorganism strains, and conditions under which the fermentation process is carried out is very important in terms of obtaining a suitable matrix of biologically active compounds with different biological properties. The purpose of this review is to provide verified data on the current knowledge acquired regarding the biological activity of FPEs for cosmetic use and dermal applications. The antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-melanogenic, and wound-healing activity of FPEs, as well as their potential dermal applications, will be described.

Recent advances in polysaccharide biomodification by microbial fermentation: production, properties, bioactivities, and mechanisms

Polysaccharides are natural chemical compounds that are extensively employed in the food and pharmaceutical industries. They exhibit a wide range of physical and biological properties. These properties are commonly improved by using chemical and physical methods. However, with the advancement of biotechnology and increased demand for green, clean, and safe products, polysaccharide modification via microbial fermentation has gained importance in improving their physicochemical and biological activities. The physicochemical and structural characteristics, biological activity, and modification mechanisms of microbially fermented polysaccharides were reviewed and summarized in this study. Polysaccharide modifications were categorized and discussed in terms of strains and fermentation techniques. The effects of microbial fermentation on the physicochemical characteristics of polysaccharides were highlighted. The impact of modification of polysaccharides on their antioxidant, immune, hypoglycemic, and other activities, as well as probiotic digestive enhancement, were also discussed. Finally, we investigated a potential enzyme-based process for polysaccharide modification via microbial fermentation. Modification of polysaccharides via microbial fermentation has significant value and application potential.

Extraction, purification, structural characterization, and antioxidant activity of a novel polysaccharide from Lonicera japonica Thunb

A novel water-soluble polysaccharide (HEP-4) with a molecular weight of 1.98 × 10⁵Da was extracted from honeysuckle. Structural characterization was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography, Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectrum, nucleus magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra, and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that HEP-4 is primarily composed of mannose, rhamnose, galacturonic acid, glucose, galactose, and arabinose with a mole ratio of 6.74:1.56:1.04:14.21:4.31:5.4, and the major types of the glycosidic bond types of HEP-4 were 1-α-D-Glcp, 1,4-β-D-Glcp, 1-β-D-Arap, 1,3,4-β-D-Arap, and 1,3,6-β-D-Manp. The results of bioactivity experiments revealed that HEP-4 had antioxidant in vitro. In addition, HEP-4 inhibited H₂O₂-induced oxidative damage and increased the activity of HepG2 cells by reducing MDA levels and inhibiting ROS production. Meanwhile, HEP-4 significantly enhanced the activities of GSH-Px and CAT, indicating that HEP-4 exerts a protective effect on H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress. These results indicate that HEP-4 could be a potential natural antioxidant.

Fermented Dendrobium officinale polysaccharides protect UVA-induced photoaging of human skin fibroblasts

In this study, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), gel permeation chromatograph‐liquid chromatography (GPC‐LC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to analyze the molecular characteristics of fermented Dendrobium officinale polysaccharides (FDOP) by Lactobacillus delbrueckii bulgaricus. The characteristic structural peak of FDOP was more prominent, showing a smaller molecular structure, and its porous structure showed better water solubility. The protective effect of FDOP on the damage of human skin fibroblasts (HSF) caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation was investigated by evaluating its antioxidative and antiaging indices. The results showed that the antioxidant capacity of HSF was improved, and the breakdown of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid was reduced, thus providing effective protection to the skin tissue. The antioxidative property of FDOP was explored using Nf‐E2‐related factor 2‐small interfering RNA‐3 (Nrf2‐siRNA‐3) (Nrf2‐si3) and qRT‐PCR (quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction), and the antiaging property of FDOP was explored using Western Blot and qRT‐PCR. The results show that FDOP can up‐regulate signal transduction of the Nrf2/Keap1 (Kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1) and transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β)/Smads pathways to reduce antioxidative damage and antiaging effects. Therefore, this study provides a theoretical basis for FDOP as a novel functional agent that can be used in the cosmetic industry.

The Antiviral Effect of Panax Notoginseng Polysaccharides by Inhibiting PRV Adsorption and Replication In Vitro

Porcine pseudorabies (PR) is an important infectious disease caused by pseudorabies virus (PRV), which poses a major threat to food safety and security. Vaccine immunization has become the main means to prevent and control the disease. However, since 2011, a new PRV variant has caused huge economic losses to the Chinese pig industry. Panax notoginseng polysaccharides have immunomodulatory activity and other functions, but the antiviral effect has not been reported. We studied the anti-PRV activity of Panax notoginseng polysaccharides in vitro. A less cytopathic effect was observed by increasing the concentration of Panax notoginseng polysaccharides. Western blot, TCID₅₀, plaque assay, and IFA revealed that Panax notoginseng polysaccharides could significantly inhibit the infectivity of PRV XJ5 on PK15 cells. In addition, we also found that Panax notoginseng polysaccharides blocked the adsorption and replication of PRV to PK15 cells in a dose-dependent manner. These results show that Panax notoginseng polysaccharides play an antiviral effect mainly by inhibiting virus adsorption and replication in vitro. Therefore, Panax notoginseng polysaccharides may be a potential anti-PRV agent.

Exploring the Protective and Reparative Mechanisms of G. lucidum Polysaccharides Against H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress in Human Skin Fibroblasts

BACKGROUND

Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) is one of China's traditional medicinal materials. G. lucidum polysaccharide has a wide range of promising pharmacological applications. However, there are many kinds of G. lucidum and they contain different kinds of polysaccharides. The biological mechanism through which Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (GLP) is able to protect human skin fibroblasts (HSFs) from H2O2-induced oxidative damage is still unclear.

METHODS

Six polysaccharides were obtained from G. lucidum to evaluate their free radical scavenging ability (DPPH free radical, ABTS free radical, hydroxyl-free radical, superoxide anion-free radical) in vitro, and their protective and reparative effects on oxidative damage induced by H2O2 in human skin fibroblasts. One polysaccharide was selected to detect oxidative damage markers and gene expression in the Keap1-Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway in HSFs.

RESULTS

All six polysaccharides showed the ability to scavenge free radicals and enhance the tolerance of human skin fibroblasts to H2O2 damage. Among them, GLP1 was selected and separated into two components (GLP1I and GLP1II). The results showed that GLP1, GLP1I and GLPII could significantly reduce the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA). The protective effect of GLP1II was stronger than that of positive control vitamin C. In addition, GLP1, GLP1I and GLP1II could significantly increase the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). And GLP1I works best in both ways. Meanwhile, Nrf2, a key regulator of keAP1-NRF2/ARE signaling pathway, was activated, while Keap1, a negative regulator, was inhibited, thus promoting the expression of downstream antioxidant enzyme genes (GSTs, GCLs, Nqo1, and Ho-1).

CONCLUSION

The results showed that GLP could protect human skin fibroblasts from oxidative damage caused by H2O2 peroxide by enhancing enzyme activity and activating Keap1-Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway. GLP will act as a natural antioxidant to protect the skin from oxidative stress damage.

Antioxidant activity of sulfated Porphyra yezoensis polysaccharides and their regulating effect on calcium oxalate crystal growth

The nucleation, growth and aggregation of calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals and the oxidative damage of renal tubular epithelial cells are the key factors to induce kidney stones. In this study, degraded Porphyra yezoensis polysaccharide (PYP0) with 14.14% sulfate group (-OSO₃^-) content was modified via the sulfur trioxide-pyridine method to obtain three kinds of sulfated P. yezoensis polysaccharides (PYPs), namely, PYPS1, PYPS2, and PYPS3, with -OSO₃^- group contents of 17.11%, 20.28%, and 27.14% respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ¹H NMR, and ¹³C NMR analyses showed that the -OSO₃^- groups replaced the hydroxyl groups at the C2, C4, and C6 positions on (1 → 3)-linked β-D-galactose, the basic structural skeleton unit of PYP0. The antioxidant activity of the PYPSs increased after sulfation, and their scavenging capacity for OH and DPPH free radicals was enhanced with the increase in their -OSO₃^- group content. Calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystal growth experiments showed that sulfated PYPs promoted the conversion of the thermodynamically stable and sharp CaOx monohydrate (COM) crystals into the thermodynamically unstable and round CaOx dihydrate crystals. With the increase in the -OSO₃^- group content of the polysaccharides, the concentration of soluble Ca²⁺ ions in the supernatant increased and the amount of CaOx precipitate decreased. PYPs were nontoxic to human kidney proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) and could protect HK-2 from oxidative damage caused by nano-COM and reduce the level of reactive oxygen species in cells. PYPS3, which had the highest degree of sulfation, had the best protective capability. The results of this work showed that sulfation improved the biological activity of PYPs. This study could provide inspiration for the development of new drugs for the prevention and treatment of kidney stones.

Comparisons of Isolation Methods, Structural Features, and Bioactivities of the Polysaccharides from Three Common Panax Species: A Review of Recent Progress

Panax spp. (Araliaceae family) are widely used medicinal plants and they mainly include Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, Panax quinquefolium L. (American ginseng), and Panax notoginseng (notoginseng). Polysaccharides are the main active ingredients in these plants and have demonstrated diverse pharmacological functions, but comparisons of isolation methods, structural features, and bioactivities of these polysaccharides have not yet been reported. This review summarizes recent advances associated with 112 polysaccharides from ginseng, 25 polysaccharides from American ginseng, and 36 polysaccharides from notoginseng and it compares the differences in extraction, purification, structural features, and bioactivities. Most studies focus on ginseng polysaccharides and comparisons are typically made with the polysaccharides from American ginseng and notoginseng. For the extraction, purification, and structural analysis, the processes are similar for the polysaccharides from the three Panax species. Previous studies determined that 55 polysaccharides from ginseng, 18 polysaccharides from American ginseng, and 9 polysaccharides from notoginseng exhibited anti-tumor activity, immunoregulatory effects, anti-oxidant activity, and other pharmacological functions, which are mediated by multiple signaling pathways, including mitogen-activated protein kinase, nuclear factor kappa B, or redox balance pathways. This review can provide new insights into the similarities and differences among the polysaccharides from the three Panax species, which can facilitate and guide further studies to explore the medicinal properties of the Araliaceae family used in traditional Chinese medicine.