Gallic acid inhibits osteoclastogenesis and prevents ovariectomy-induced bone loss

Flaxseed and mulberry extract improve trabecular bone quality in estrogen-deficient rats

Many hormones, including estrogens, modulate bone metabolism, which plays a crucial role in maintaining bone health. Estrogen depletion, as occurs in menopause, leads to increased bone resorption and decreased formation, resulting in osteopenia/osteoporosis. This study investigates the effects of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) and mulberry (Morus nigra L.) extracts, known for their phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties, against estrogen deficiency-induced bone loss in female Wistar rats. These extracts were administered to ovariectomized rats for 60 days. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed the presence of some phenolic compounds in the extracts, including trigonelline, gallic acid, theobromine, chlorogenic acid, syringic acid and p-coumaric acid. The extracts improved bone microstructure with higher trabecular bone, bone mineral density, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium levels, and lower porosity and intertrabecular space in bone tissue. Furthermore, plasma alkaline phosphatase activity was elevated in extract-treated animals, indicating enhanced bone tissue formation. Although serum carboxy-terminal fragment levels showed no significant change, the data suggest that flaxseed and mulberry extracts may protect against trabecular bone loss and support bone formation in estrogen-deficient conditions. These results suggest that supplementing these natural extracts holds promise in preventing or alleviating the signs and symptoms associated with estrogenic deficiency.

Osteoprotective Activity of Sambucus javanica Reinw Ex Blume subsp. javanica Leaf Extracts by Suppressing ROS Production

Sambucus javanica subsp. javanica (SJ) has been used in traditional medicine in the northern region of Thailand for healing bone fractures; however, studies on how this plant stimulates bone formation are still scarce. The present study aimed to investigate the potential of crude extracts and fractions obtained from SJ leaves for osteoporotic protection. All samples were investigated in murine preosteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells for bone formation and resorption biomarkers, namely alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OC), osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), and the OPG/RANKL ratio. Additionally, calcium deposits were determined using the alizarin red S staining technique. The results indicated that the crude water and the crude ethanol extracts contained gallic acid, rutin, and chlorogenic acid as major compounds. The extracts stimulated osteoblastic cell differentiation and enhanced osteoprotective activity, as measured by a significant increase in ALP activity, OC, OPG, the OPG/RANKL ratio, and the degree of calcification. Additionally, they exhibited a negative impact on bone resorption by significantly reducing RANKL and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Therefore, our findings add novel evidence indicating that the SJ crude extracts from water and ethanol extraction could be further utilized as a natural active pharmaceutical ingredient (NAPI) for the development of bone health products.

Phytochemical Screening Using LC-MS to Study Antioxidant and Toxicity Potential of Methanolic Extracts of Atraphaxis pyrifolia Bunge

Atraphaxis pyrifolia, a native medicinal plant of Central Asia, has a long history of traditional medicinal use; however, scientific research on its phytochemical and biological properties remains scarce. This paper aims to elucidate its chemical profile and assess its pharmacological potential through a comprehensive investigation of the phytochemical composition of stems and leaves using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), in conjunction with the assessment of its antioxidant (DPPH and ABTS) and cytotoxicity test on Artemia salina. Predominantly, glycosylated flavonoids were detected in stems and leaves extracts, notably including 8-Acetoxy-3',4',5,5'-tetrahydroxy-7-methoxy-3-α-L-rhamno-pyranosyloxyflavone, pyrifolin, and dehydroxypyrifolin. While the latter compound is exclusive to A. pyrifolia, the former compounds serve as shared chemical markers with other Atraphaxis species. The methanolic extracts of A. pyrifolia leaves exhibited significant antioxidant capacity without toxicity against Artemia salina. This study contributes to current research through providing valuable insights into the chemical diversity and potential medicinal properties of this plant species.

Gallic acid promotes macrophage phagosome acidification and phagolysosome formation by activating NLRP3/mTOR signaling pathway

INTRODUCTION

Gallic acid (GA) has a good therapeutic effect in bacteriological inhibition and plays a variety of functions in maintaining the stability of the immune system. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of GA on the bactericidal activity of macrophages against Vibrio vulnificus (Vv).

METHODS

A cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was carried out to test the cytotoxicity of GA on J774A.1 cells. Concentration of proinflammatory cytokines in J774A.1 cells were evaluated by ELISA. The internalization and degradation of Vv in the phagosomes were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The phagosome acidification and phagolysosome formation were detected to evaluate the bacteria-clearing function of J774A.1 cells. The bactericidal activity of GA in vivo was also investigated by collecting the survival time of Vv infected mice and observing the inflammatory infiltration of organs.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrated that GA at 50 μM significantly inhibited the proinflammatory cytokines levels, promoted phagosome acidification and phagolysosome formation in J774A.1 cells with Vv infection. This may be related to the activation of NLRP3/mTOR signaling pathway. Additionally, GA treatment improves the survival and bactericidal activity of mice infected with Vv.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, GA exerts bactericidal activity against Vv infection by regulating the formation and acidification of phagocytic lysosomes in macrophages.

Gallic acid suppresses the progression of clear cell renal cell carcinoma through inducing autophagy via the PI3K/Akt/Atg16L1 signaling pathway

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), the most common type of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), is not sensitive to traditional radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The polyphenolic compound Gallic acid (GA) can be naturally found in a variety of fruits, vegetables and plants. Autophagy, an intracellular catabolic process, regulates the lysosomal degradation of organelles and portions in cytoplasm. It was reported that autophagy and GA could affect the development of several cancers. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of GA on ccRCC development and clarify the role of autophagy in this process. In the present study, the effects of GA on the proliferation, migration and invasion of ccRCC cells were investigated in vitro by Cell Counting Kit‑8, colony formation, flow cytometry, wound healing and Transwell migration assays, respectively. Additionally, the effects of GA on ccRCC growth and metastasis were evaluated using hematoxylin‑eosin and immunohistochemical staining in vivo. Moreover, it was sought to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms using transmission electron microscopy, western blotting and reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR analyses. In the present study, it was revealed that GA had a more potent viability inhibitory effect on ccRCC cells (786‑O and ACHN) than the effect on normal renal tubular epithelial cell (HK‑2), which demonstrated that GA selectively inhibits the viability of cancer cells. Furthermore, it was identified that GA dose‑dependently inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of ccRCC cells in vitro and in vivo. It was demonstrated that GA promoted the release of autophagy markers, which played a role in regulating the PI3K/Akt/Atg16L1 signaling pathway. All the aforementioned data provided evidence for the great potential of GA in the treatment of ccRCC.

Pharmacological mechanism of natural antidepressants: The role of mitochondrial quality control

BACKGROUND

Depression is a mental illness characterized by persistent sadness and a reduced capacity for pleasure. In clinical practice, SSRIs and other medications are commonly used for therapy, despite their various side effects. Natural products present distinct advantages, including synergistic interactions among multiple components and targeting multiple pathways, suggesting their tremendous potential in depression treatment. Imbalance in mitochondrial quality control (MQC) plays a significant role in the pathology of depression, emphasizing the importance of regulating MQC as a potential intervention strategy in addressing the onset and progression of depression. However, the role and mechanism through which natural products regulate MQC in depression treatments still need to be comprehensively elucidated, particularly in clinical and preclinical settings.

PURPOSE

This review was aimed to summarize the findings of recent studies and outline the pharmacological mechanisms by which natural products modulate MQC to exert antidepressant effects. Additionally, it evaluated current research limitations and proposed new strategies for future preclinical and clinical applications in the depression domain.

METHODS

To study the main pharmacological mechanisms underlying the regulation of MQC by natural products in the treatment of depression, we conducted a thorough search across databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect databases to classify and summarize the relationship between MQC and depression, as well as the regulatory mechanisms of natural products.

RESULTS

Numerous studies have shown that irregularities in the MQC system play an important role in the pathology of depression, and the regulation of the MQC system is involved in antidepressant treatments. Natural products mainly regulate the MQC system to induce antidepressant effects by alleviating oxidative stress, balancing ATP levels, promoting mitophagy, maintaining calcium homeostasis, optimizing mitochondrial dynamics, regulating mitochondrial membrane potential, and enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis.

CONCLUSIONS

We comprehensively summarized the regulation of natural products on the MQC system in antidepressants, providing a unique perspective for the application of natural products within antidepressant therapy. However, extensive efforts are imperative in clinical and preclinical investigations to delve deeper into the mechanisms underlying how antidepressant medications impact MQC, which is crucial for the development of effective antidepressant treatments.

Exploring Four Atraphaxis Species: Traditional Medicinal Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Activities

Atraphaxis is a genus of flowering plants in the family Polygonaceae, with approximately 60 species. Species of Atraphaxis are much-branched woody plants, forming shrubs or shrubby tufts, primarily inhabiting arid zones across the temperate steppe and desert regions of Central Asia, America, and Australia. Atraphaxis species have been used by diverse groups of people all over the world for the treatment of various diseases. However, their biologically active compounds with therapeutic properties have not been investigated well. Studying the biologically active components of Atraphaxis laetevirens, Atraphaxis frutescens, Atraphaxis spinosa L., and Atraphaxis pyrifolia is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it can unveil the therapeutic potential of these plants, aiding in the development of novel medicines or natural remedies for various health conditions. Understanding their bioactive compounds enables scientists to explore their pharmacological properties, potentially leading to the discovery of new drugs or treatments. Additionally, investigating these components contributes to preserving traditional knowledge and validating the historical uses of these plants in ethnomedicine, thus supporting their conservation and sustainable utilization. These herbs have been used as an anti-inflammatory and hypertension remedies since the dawn of time. Moreover, they have been used to treat a variety of gastrointestinal disorders and problems related to skin in traditional Kazakh medicine. Hence, the genus Atraphaxis can be considered as a potential medicinal plant source that is very rich in biologically active compounds that may exhibit great pharmacological properties, such as antioxidant, antibacterial, antiulcer, hypoglycemic, wound healing, neuroprotective, antidiabetic, and so on. This study aims to provide a collection of publications on the species of Atraphaxis, along with a critical review of the literature data. This review will constitute support for further investigations on the pharmacological activity of these medicinal plant species.

Plant molecules reinforce bone repair: Novel insights into phenol-modified bone tissue engineering scaffolds for the treatment of bone defects

Bone defects have become a major cause of disability and death. To overcome the limitations of natural bone implants, including donor shortages and immune rejection risks, bone tissue engineering (BTE) scaffolds have emerged as a promising therapy for bone defects. Despite possessing good biocompatibility, these metal, ceramic and polymer-based scaffolds are still challenged by the harsh conditions in bone defect sites. ROS accumulation, bacterial infection, excessive inflammation, compromised blood supply deficiency and tumor recurrence negatively impact bone tissue cells (BTCs) and hinder the osteointegration of BTE scaffolds. Phenolic compounds, derived from plants and fruits, have gained growing application in treating inflammatory, infectious and aging-related diseases due to their antioxidant ability conferred by phenolic hydroxyl groups. The prevalent interactions between phenols and functional groups also facilitate their utilization in fabricating scaffolds. Consequently, phenols are increasingly incorporated into BTE scaffolds to boost therapeutic efficacy in bone defect. This review demonstrated the effects of phenols on BTCs and bone defect microenvironment, summarized the intrinsic mechanisms, presented the advances in phenol-modified BTE scaffolds and analyzed their potential risks in practical applications. Overall, phenol-modified BTE scaffolds hold great potential for repairing bone defects, offering novel patterns for BTE scaffold construction and advancing traumatological medicine.

Cornus officinalis: a potential herb for treatment of osteoporosis

Osteoporosis (OP) is a systemic metabolic skeletal disorder characterized by a decline in bone mass, bone mineral density, and deterioration of bone microstructure. It is prevalent among the elderly, particularly postmenopausal women, and poses a substantial burden to patients and society due to the high incidence of fragility fractures. Kidney-tonifying Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has long been utilized for OP prevention and treatment. In contrast to conventional approaches such as hormone replacement therapy, TCM offers distinct advantages such as minimal side effects, low toxicity, excellent tolerability, and suitability for long-term administration. Extensive experimental evidence supports the efficacy of kidney-tonifying TCM, exemplified by formulations based on the renowned herb Cornus officinalis and its bioactive constituents, including morroniside, sweroside, flavonol kaempferol, Cornuside I, in OP treatment. In this review, we provide a comprehensive elucidation of the underlying pathological principles governing OP, with particular emphasis on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, the homeostasis of osteogenic and osteoclastic, and the regulation of vascular and immune systems, all of which critically influence bone homeostasis. Furthermore, the therapeutic mechanisms of Cornus officinalis-based TCM formulations and Cornus officinalis-derived active constituents are discussed. In conclusion, this review aims to enhance understanding of the pharmacological mechanisms responsible for the anti-OP effects of kidney-tonifying TCM, specifically focusing on Cornus officinalis, and seeks to explore more efficacious and safer treatment strategies for OP.

Apoptotic Effect of Gallic Acid via Regulation of p-p38 and ER Stress in PANC-1 and MIA PaCa-2 Cells Pancreatic Cancer Cells

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is currently recognized as the seventh most prevalent cause of cancer-related mortality among individuals of both genders. It is projected that a significant number of individuals will succumb to this disease in the forthcoming years. Extensive research and validation have been conducted on both gemcitabine and 5-fluorouracil as viable therapeutic options for PC. Nevertheless, despite concerted attempts to enhance treatment outcomes, PC continues to pose significant challenges in terms of achieving effective treatment alone through chemotherapy. Gallic acid, an endogenous chemical present in various botanical preparations, has attracted considerable attention due to its potential as an anticancer agent. The results of the study demonstrated that gallic acid exerted a decline in cell viability that was dependent on its concentration. Furthermore, it efficiently suppressed cell proliferation in PC cells. This study observed a positive correlation between gallic acid and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Additionally, it confirmed the upregulation of proteins associated with the protein kinase-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) pathway, which is one of the pathways involved in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Moreover, the administration of gallic acid resulted in verified alterations in the transmission of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signals. Notably, an elevation in the levels of p-p38, which represents the phosphorylated state of p38 MAPK was detected. The scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS), N-Acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), has shown inhibitory effects on phosphorylated p38 (p-p38), whereas the p38 inhibitor SB203580 inhibited C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP). In both instances, the levels of PARP have been successfully reinstated. In other words, the study discovered a correlation between endoplasmic reticulum stress and the p38 signaling pathway. Consequently, gallic acid induces the activation of both the p38 pathway and the ER stress pathway through the generation of ROS, ultimately resulting in apoptosis. The outcomes of this study provide compelling evidence to support the notion that gallic acid possesses considerable promise as a viable therapeutic intervention for pancreatic cancer.

The role of GRP78/ATF6/IRE1 and caspase-3/Bax/Bcl2 signaling pathways in the protective effects of gallic acid against cadmium-induced liver damage in rats

Objectives

Cadmium (CD) causes widespread and severe toxic effects on various tissues. Studies have shown that apoptosis, inflammation, and endoplasmic reticulum stress play a role in organ damage caused by CD. Phenolic compounds with strong antioxidant effects are found in various fruits and vegetables. One of these compounds is Gallic acid (GA), which is found both free and hydrolyzable in grapes, pomegranate, tea, hops, and oak bark. Result of various studies show that GA has active antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. In our study, we investigated the mechanism of the protective effect of GA on CD-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Materials and Methods

In this study, 50 adult male Sprague Dawley rats weighing approximately 200-250 g were used and the rats were divided into 5 groups: Control, CD, GA50+CD, GA100+CD, and GA100. The rats were treated with GA (50 and 100 mg/kg body weight), and Cd (6.5 mg/kg) was administrated to the rats for 5 consecutive days. The liver enzymes, TB levels in serum samples, oxidative stress, inflammation, ER stresses, apoptosis marker, histopathology, 8-OHDG, and caspase-3 positivity were analyzed.

Results

CD administration significantly increased liver enzyme levels (AST, ALT, ALP, and LDH), MDA, IL-1-β, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-6, GRP78, CHOP, ATF6, p -IRE1, sXBP, Bax mRNA expression, Caspase 3, and 8-OHdG expression (P<0.05). These values were found to be significantly lower in the Control, GA100+CD, and GA100 groups compared to the CD group (P<0.05). CD administration significantly decreased the expression levels of TB, IL-4, SOD, GSH, CAT, GPX, and Bcl-2 mRNA (P<0.05). These values were found to be significantly higher in the Control, GA100+CD, and GA100 groups compared to the CD group (P<0.05).

Conclusion

The results of the present study indicated that GA prevented Cd-induced hepatic oxidative stress, inflammation, ER stress, apoptosis, and tissue damage in rats.