Identification, targeted separation, and in vivo and in vitro anti-vascular endothelial injury abilities of bioactive compounds from Acanthopanax senticosus

Acanthopanax senticosus (Rupr. et Maxim.) Harms, a traditional medicinal and edible crop cultivated in China, exhibits extensive biological activities. In the present research, a screening and targeted isolation method using affinity ultrafiltration-UPLC-MS with GNPS (AUF-LC-MS-GNPS) methods was established and used to further verify the protective effect and potential mechanism of monomers on a vascular endothelial injury model. By utilizing the AUF-LC-MS-GNPS strategy, 9 potential active monomers were target isolated and 22 other compounds were obtained from Acanthopanax senticosus. The anti-endothelial injury activity of the monomers was further verified through in vitro cell experiments, which showed that the 9 monomers had protective effects on HUVECs damaged by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), and could increase the levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) while reducing the level of endothelin (ET)-1. Furthermore, an in vivo zebrafish experiment against lipopolysaccharide (LPS) damage proved the protective effects of the isolated monomers. Our research established a bioactive screening and targeted separation method by comprehensively utilizing an AUF, LC-MS and GNPS network. Concurrently, Acanthopanax senticosus may be a natural source of bioactive components, as well as possessing anti-endothelial injury activity.

Systems pharmacology-based mechanism exploration of Acanthopanax senticosusin for Alzheimer's disease using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, network analysis, and experimental validation

BACKGROUND

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease, characterized by progressive cognitive dysfunction and memory loss. However, the disease-modifying treatments for AD are still lacking. Traditional Chinese herbs, have shown their potentials as novel treatments for complex diseases, such as AD.

PURPOSE

This study was aimed at investigating the mechanism of action (MOA) of Acanthopanax senticosusin (AS) for treatment of AD.

METHODS

In this study, we firstly identified the chemical constituents in Acanthopanax senticosusin (AS) utilizing ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with Q-TOF-mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS), and next built the drug-target network of these compounds. We next performed the systems pharmacology-based analysis to preliminary explore the MOA of AS against AD. Moreover, we applied the network proximity approach to identify the potential anti-AD components in AS. Finally, experimental validations, including animal behavior test, ELISA and TUNEL staining, were conducted to verify our systems pharmacology-based analysis.

RESULTS

60 chemical constituents in AS were identified via the UPLC-Q-TOF-MS approach. The systems pharmacology-based analysis indicated that AS might exert its therapeutic effects on AD via acetylcholinesterase and apoptosis signaling pathway. To explore the material basis of AS against AD, we further identified 15 potential anti-AD components in AS. Consistently, in vivo experiments demonstrated that AS could protect cholinergic nervous system damage and decrease neuronal apoptosis caused by scopolamine.

CONCLUSION

Overall, this study applied systems pharmacology approach, via UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, network analysis, and experimental validation to decipher the potential molecular mechanism of AS against AD.

Pharmacological effects of Eleutherococcus senticosus on the neurological disorders

Eleutherococcus senticosus is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine and edible remedies with effects on anti-fatigue, sleep improvement, and memory enhancement. Recently, the application of E. senticosus to neurological disorders has been a focus. However, its overall pharmacological effect on neural diseases and relevant mechanisms are needed in an in-depth summary. In this review, the traditional uses and the therapeutic effect of E. senticosus on the treatment of fatigue, depression, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and cerebral ischemia were summarized. In addition, the underlying mechanisms involved in the anti-oxidative damage, anti-inflammation, neurotransmitter modulation, improvement of neuronal growth, and anti-apoptosis were discussed. This review will accelerate the understanding of the neuroprotective effects brought from the E. senticosus, and impetus its development as a phytotherapy agent against neurological disorders.

Possibilities of Using Phyto-Preparations to Increase the Adaptive Capabilities of the Organism of Test Animals in Swimming

Background: To study the possibilities of using phytopreparations to increase the adaptive capabilities of the animals on which the experiments were conducted in swimming. Methods: 100 mongrel male rats were divided into 5 groups of 20 animals in each one. For 30 days running, the animals were immersed for 10 min in a bath with water at a temperature of +4 °C. In addition to cold exposure, the animals of the first three groups were injected per os with stress protectors 30 min before the immersion in water. The rats of the first group received an inhibitor of the enzyme gamma-butyrobetaine hydroxylase, the second group was given an extract of Eleutherococcus, and the third group took an extract of Ligusticum wallichii. As a placebo, to control the effect of the stress protectors, the rats of the fourth group were injected per os with 0.9% NaCl solution, and the animals in the fifth group were not given any drugs. On days 1, 4 and 30 of the experiment, five randomly selected animals from each group were decapitated, the heart and liver were removed, and the activity of tissue enzymes—superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPO), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)—was analyzed. Results: The animals in the control group displayed a decrease in the activity of most of the studied enzymes, increasing from the 1st to the 30th day of the experiment. The NaCl solution had practically no effect on the analyzed parameters. Against the use of the enzyme gamma-butyrobetaine hydroxylase inhibitor, the activity of the enzymes did not change as compared with the pre-intervention level. On the first day of ingestion, the effects of the Ligusticum wallichii extract were similar to those of the enzyme gamma-butyrobetaine hydroxylase inhibitor. On the 30th day of ingestion, the effects of the Eleutherococcus extract were practically indistinguishable from those of the enzyme gamma-butyrobetaine hydroxylase inhibitor. Conclusions: The data obtained suggest the presence of cytoprotective effects in the two phytopreparations that are similar to the enzyme gamma-butyrobetaine hydroxylase inhibitor. In this case, the effect of the extract of Ligusticum wallichii is more pronounced under the acute stress conditions, and the extract of Eleutherococcus, under the chronic stress conditions.

A review of Acanthopanax senticosus (Rupr and Maxim.) harms: From ethnopharmacological use to modern application

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Acanthopanax senticosus (AS), previously classified as Eleutherococcus senticosus, is one of the most commonly used herbs in the Chinese materia medica. However, there is currently no comprehensive review summarising advances in AS research. AS has been used as a functional food and in various preparations since ancient times, to invigorate the liver and kidneys, replenish vitality, strengthen the bones, stimulate appetite, and improve memory. It is widely used in countries such as China, Korea, Japan, and Russia, for specific pharmacologic effects, although it contains various chemical components that ensure its broad-spectrum effect. Its chemical constituents mainly include glycosides and flavonoids. Over the past several decades, researchers worldwide have conducted systematic investigations on this herb. AS has positive pharmacological effects on the cardiovascular, central nervous, and immune systems. Representative pathways stimulated by AS are related to neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, cancer, and phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B signalling. Importantly, AS is safe and exerts no significant adverse effects at normal doses.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To provide comprehensive insights into the ethnobotany, medicinal uses, chemical composition, pharmacological activity, and toxicology of AS to aid its future development and utilisation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Information about AS was collected from various sources, including classic books about Chinese herbal medicine and scientific databases including scientific journals, books, and pharmacopoeia. We discuss the ethnopharmacology of AS from 1965 to 2020 and summarise the knowledge of AS phytochemicals, pharmacological activity, quality control, and toxicology.

CONCLUSIONS

From the current literature, we conclude that AS is a promising dietary Chinese herb with various potential applications owing to its multiple therapeutic effects.

Anti-diarrheal therapeutic potential of diminazene aceturate stimulation of the ACE II/Ang-(1-7)/Mas receptor axis in mice: A trial study

The angiotensin (Ang) II converting enzyme (ACE II) pathway has recently been shown to be associated with several beneficial effects on the body, especially on the cardiac system and gastrointestinal tract. ACE II is responsible for converting Ang II into the active peptide Ang-(1-7), which in turn binds to a metabotropic receptor, the Mas receptor (MasR). Recent studies have demonstrated that Diminazene Aceturate (DIZE), a trypanosomicide used in animals, activates the ACE II pathway. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the antidiarrheal effects promoted by the administration of DIZE to activate the ACE II/Ang-(1-7)/MasR axis in induced diarrhea mice models. The results show that activation of the ACE II pathway exerts antidiarrheal effects that reduce total diarrheal stools and enteropooling. In addition, it increases Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity and reduces gastrointestinal transit and thus inhibits contractions of intestinal smooth muscle; decreases transepithelial electrical resistance, epithelial permeability, PGE2-induced diarrhea, and proinflammatory cytokines; and increases anti-inflammatory cytokines. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) demonstrated that DIZE, when activating the ACE II/Ang-(1-7)/MasR axis, can still interact with GM1 receptors, which reduces cholera toxin-induced diarrhea. Therefore, activation of the ACE II/Ang-(1-7)/MasR axis can be an important pharmacological target for the treatment of diarrheal diseases.