Preliminary Characterization, Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Activities of Polysaccharides from Taishan Pinus massoniana Pollen

Effects of simulated digestion and prebiotics properties of polysaccharides extracted from Imperatae Rhizoma based on different pilot processes

Recent studies have highlighted the prebiotic potential of natural plant polysaccharides, demonstrating their role in promoting beneficial gut microbiota and improving health. However, research on the digestive properties and prebiotic activities of Imperatae Rhizoma Polysaccharides (IRPs) remains limited. This study investigated fresh Imperatae Rhizoma as the research object. After processing, dry Imperatae Rhizoma and carbonized Imperatae Rhizoma were prepared. Three polysaccharides from the fresh, dry, and carbonized Imperatae Rhizoma were extracted with traditional hot water. And another polysaccharide was obtained by cold water extraction from fresh Imperatae Rhizoma. Total four IRPs were extracted and named: IRPs-F, IRPs-D, IRPs-C, and IRPs-J. This study evaluated the prebiotic activity of four polysaccharides derived from the roots of thatch, demonstrating their resistance to digestion, their ability to promote probiotic growth, and their enhancement of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production. The final results show that four IRPs exhibit strong resistance to digestion and IRPs-F ability to promote the growth of beneficial probiotics, making it a promising candidate for functional foods aimed at improving intestinal health, immune regulation, and metabolic benefits. This research is highly relevant to food microbiology and holds significant potential for application in the functional food and gut health sectors.

Anti-carcinogenic effects and mechanisms of actions of Citrus limon fruit peel hydroethanolic extract and limonene in diethylnitrosmine/2-acetylaminofluorene-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in Wistar rats

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most common cause of cancer death and disability in the world. Citrus species and their constituents have many biological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties. This study aimed to assess the anti-carcinogenic effects and postulate the possible mechanisms of action for Citrus limon fruit peel hydroethanolic extract (CLFPHE) and limonene in diethylnitrosamine (DEN)/2-acetylaminofluorene (2AAF)-induced HCC in male Wistar rats. For analysis and characterization of CLFPHE, gas chromatography-mass spectrum (GC-MS) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods were applied. A HCC was elaborated by DEN intraperitoneal injection (150 mg/kg/week) for two weeks followed by oral delivery of 2AAF (20 mg/kg) four times a week for three weeks. The DEN/2AAF-administered rats were treated with CLFPHE (50 mg/kg) and limonene (20 mg/kg) by oral gavage every other day for 24 weeks. CLFPHE and limonene significantly attenuated the harmful effects of DEN on liver function. Histopathological analysis confirmed that both treatments inhibited DEN/2AAF-induced tumorigenesis in association with the suppression of serum tumor markers including AFP, CEA, and CA19.9 and liver proliferator indicator (Ki-67). Moreover, CLFPHE and limonene prevented the oxidative stress and enhanced the antioxidant defenses in DEN/2AAF-administered rats. These ameliorations were manifested by decreases in liver lipid peroxidation, increases in GSH, SOD and GPx levels and upregulation of Nrf2. The treatments also abated inflammation by suppressing TNF-α and IL-1β levels and IL-8 and NF-κB expression. CLFPHE and limonene substantially decreased hepatic BCL-2, IQGAP1, IQGAP3, HRAS, KRAS and Ki-67 while they elevated BAX, P53, PDCD5 and IQGAP2 expressions. Our findings suggest that CLFPHE and limonene may abate HCC development via enhancement of apoptotic, antioxidant, cell anti-proliferatory and anti-inflammatory effects.

Extraction, structural-activity relationships, bioactivities, and application prospects of pine pollen polysaccharides as ingredients for functional products: A review

Pine pollen, a nutrient-rich pollen, is composed of significant amounts of protein, vitamins, and carbohydrates, featuring various functional groups. Pine pollen polysaccharide (PPP), a key bioactive component of pine pollen, exhibits a range of pharmacological activities, including anti-tumor, liver-protective, lipid-lowering, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. While numerous extraction and purification techniques have successfully isolated and characterized PPPs, understanding of their structure-activity relationships, safety profiles, and practical applications remains limited. This hampers their full potential in utilization and development. In this article, we present a comprehensive overview of the extraction, purification, structure characteristics, structural-activity relationships, biological activities, and pharmaceutical applications of PPPs derived from various sources, including Pinus massoniana Lamb, Pinus tabuliformis Carr, and related species. This review aims to provide extensive knowledge and insights for future research and the application of PPPs as therapeutic agents and versatile biomaterials.

Moringa oleifera leaf polysaccharides exert anti-lung cancer effects upon targeting TLR4 to reverse the tumor-associated macrophage phenotype and promote T-cell infiltration

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) participate in tumorigenesis, growth, invasion as well as metastasis by facilitating an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Reversing the pro-tumoral M2 phenotype of TAMs has become a hot spot in advancing cancer immunotherapy. In the current study, the content of Moringa oleifera leaf polysaccharides (MOLP) was determined and characterized, along with the anti-cancer mechanism of MOLP studied in a Lewis lung cancer (LLC) tumor-bearing mouse model and bone marrow-derived macrophages. The monosaccharide composition and gel permeation chromatography analyses show that MOLP are mainly composed of galactose, glucose, and arabinose, with approximately 17.35 kDa average molecular weight (Mw). In vivo studies demonstrate that MOLP convert TAMs from the immunosuppressive M2 phenotype to the antitumor M1 phenotype, thus inducing CXCL9 and CXCL10 expression and increasing T-cell infiltration in the tumor. Furthermore, macrophage depletion and T cell suppression demonstrated that the tumor suppressive effect of MOLP was reliant on reprogramming macrophage polarization and T cell infiltration. In vitro studies revealed that MOLP could induce the phenotypic switch from M2 macrophages to M1 by targeting TLR4. The current study highlights that MOLP are promising anticancer plant-derived polysaccharides with potential in modulating the immune microenvironment and have a bright application prospect in the immunotherapy of lung cancer.

Elemental composition of microstrobili and sprouts of <i>Pinus sylvestris, Pinus sibirica</i> and <i>Pinus pumila</i>

In recent years, the popularity of dietary supplements based on pine pollen has significantly increased due to over a thousand years of its use in Chinese traditional medicine and diverse biological activity. Microstrobili are harvested prior to flowering in order to obtain pine pollen, and, following its separation, waste comprising empty microstrobili in the amount of 90–95% of the mass of raw material is formed. In this work, the elemental composition of Pinus sylvestris, P. sibirica and P. pumila microstrobili obtained following the separation of pollen (empty microstrobili (EM) was determined and compared with pharmacopoeial raw material, i.e., P. sylvestris sprouts. The elemental composition was analysed using atomic absorption spectroscopy with preliminary acid mineralisation in a microwave system. A comparative analysis of the elemental composition showed that EM contains a significant amount of K (8710–10187 mg/kg), Mg (627–1079 mg/kg), Mn (129–179 mg/kg), as well as Zn (37–67 mg/kg) and Cu (7.4–10.3 mg/kg). The series of accumulation of chemical elements was identical for microstrobili and sprouts of the studied pine species (K>Mg>Ca>Mn>Fe~Zn>Na>Cu>Ni~Cr>Co>Pb>Cd>Hg). EM can be used to enrich the diet with macroand microelements such as K, Mg, Mn, Fe, Zn and Cu. The content of toxic Cd, Pb and Hg was below the maximum permissible standards for medicinal plant raw materials and dietary supplements thereof. Obtained for the first time, data on the elemental composition of EM of P. sylvestris, P. sibirica, P. pumila and sprouts of P. sibirica and P. pumila can be used for further sanitary measurements of a new type of raw material.

Research progress on the mechanisms underlying poultry immune regulation by plant polysaccharides

With the rapid development of poultry industry and the highly intensive production management, there are an increasing number of stress factors in poultry production. Excessive stress will affect their growth and development, immune function, and induce immunosuppression, susceptibility to a variety of diseases, and even death. In recent years, increasing interest has focused on natural components extracted from plants, among which plant polysaccharides have been highlighted because of their various biological activities. Plant polysaccharides are natural immunomodulators that can promote the growth of immune organs, activate immune cells and the complement system, and release cytokines. As a green feed additive, plant polysaccharides can not only relieve stress and enhance the immunity and disease resistance of poultry, but also regulate the balance of intestinal microorganisms and effectively alleviate all kinds of stress faced by poultry. This paper reviews the immunomodulatory effects and molecular mechanisms of different plant polysaccharides (Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz polysaccharide, Astragalus polysaccharides, Taishan Pinus massoniana pollen polysaccharide, and alfalfa polysaccharide) in poultry. Current research results reveal that plant polysaccharides have potential uses as therapeutic agents for poultry immune abnormalities and related diseases.

Pine Pollen Polysaccharides' and Sulfated Polysaccharides' Effects on UC Mice through Modulation of Cell Tight Junctions and RIPK3-Dependent Necroptosis Pathways

The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of pine pollen polysaccharides and sulfated polysaccharides on mice with ulcerative colitis and whether they could protect mice from inflammation by regulating the tight junctions of colonic epithelial cells and regulating the RIPK3-dependent necroptosis pathways. Pine pollen polysaccharides were prepared by water boiling and ethanol precipitation. After deproteinedization with trichloroacetic acid, the UV spectrum showed that there were no proteins. One polysaccharide component (PPM60-III) was made by gel filtration chromatography, and then sulfated polysaccharide (SPPM60-III) was derived using the chlorosulfonic acid-pyridine method. After treatment with PPM60-III and SPPM60-III, the body weight of mice with ulcerative colitis induced by dextran sodium sulfate increased, the DAI score decreased, the levels of pro-inflammatory factors and inflammation-related enzymes decreased, and the level of anti-inflammatory factors increased. In addition, after treatment, the expressions levels of tight junction proteins increased, the expressions levels of key proteins of programmed necroptosis decreased, while the level of Caspase-8 increased. The results indicated that pine pollen polysaccharides and sulfated polysaccharides have a certain therapeutic effect on UC mice, and the therapeutic effect may be achieved by regulating the tight junction of colonic epithelial cells and regulating the RIPK3-dependent necroptosis pathways.

Preventive Effects of Mandarin Fruit Peel Hydroethanolic Extract, Hesperidin, and Quercetin on Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatonephrotoxicity in Wistar Rats

Acetaminophen, also known as N-acetyl-para-aminophenol (NAPAP), is a traditional antipyretic and analgesic that is used extensively around the world to treat colds and fevers. However, a NAPAP excess causes rapid, severe liver and kidney damage. The goal of the study was to examine the protective effects and determine the mechanisms of action of MPHE, hesperidin, and quercetin in NAPAP-induced hepatorenal damage in Wistar rats. Male Wistar rats received a 0.5 g/kg oral supplement of NAPAP every other day for a period of four weeks. During the same period of NAPAP supplementation, MPHE (50 mg/kg), quercetin (20 mg/kg), and hesperidin (20 mg/kg) were administered to rats receiving NAPAP. MPHE, quercetin, and hesperidin treatments significantly improved liver function in NAPAP-supplemented rats. The high serum levels of aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, and γ-glutamyl transferase as well as total bilirubin were significantly reduced, while the levels of suppressed serum albumin were significantly increased, demonstrating this improvement. Treatments utilizing these natural substances significantly enhanced kidney function as seen by a considerable decline in the increased blood levels of urea, uric acid, and creatinine. Additionally, the injection of MPHE, hesperidin, and quercetin resulted in a decrease in the quantity of lipid peroxides while increasing the activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione-S-transferase in the liver and kidneys. The treatments markedly abated the NAPAP-induced liver and kidney histological perturbations and reduced the NAPAP-induced serum tumor necrosis factor-α level and liver and kidney proapoptotic protein 53 and caspase 3 expressions. Otherwise, serum interleukin-4 level significantly increased by treatments. The MPHE, hesperidin, and quercetin treatments resulted in marked decrease in liver and kidney histopathological scores including inflammation, necrosis, apoptosis, and congestion. In conclusion, the MPHE, quercetin, and hesperidin may induce hepatonephropreventive impacts in NAPAP-supplemented rats via enhancing the antioxidant defense system, anti-inflammatory activity, and antiapoptotic action.

Effect of the PmARF6 Gene from Masson Pine (Pinus massoniana) on the Development of Arabidopsis

Masson pine (Pinus massoniana) is a core industrial tree species that is used for afforestation in southern China. Previous studies have shown that Auxin Response Factors (ARFs) are involved in the growth and development of various species, but the function of ARFs in Masson pine is unclear. In this research, we cloned and identified Masson pine ARF6 cDNA (PmARF6). The results showed that PmARF6 encodes a protein of 681 amino acids that is highly expressed in female flowers. Subcellular analysis showed that the PmARF6 protein occurred predominantly in the nucleus and cytomembrane of Masson pine cells. Compared with wild-type (WT) Arabidopsis, transgenic Arabidopsis plants overexpressing PmARF6 had fewer rosette leaves, and their flower development was slower. These results suggest that overexpression of PmARF6 may inhibit the flower and leaf development of Masson pine and provide new insights into the underlying developmental mechanism.

Preclinical Study on the Hepatoprotective Effect of Pollen Extract of Pinus brutia Ten. (Red Pine) in Mice and Phenolic Acid Analysis

Objectives

Many agents, including those from herbal sources, have been sought as preventives or cures for hepatotoxicity. The pollen of Pinus brutia Ten., known as red pine (Pinaceae), is used against liver diseases in Anatolian folk medicine.

Materials and Methods

In the current study, pollen ethanol extract of P. brutia was investigated for its possible hepatoprotective activity using a mouse model of CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity. Swiss albino mice were divided into five groups, and extract-treated groups were compared with a silymarin-treated group as the reference. The extract was tested at 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg (b.w.). Phenolic acids were analyzed using high-performance column chromatography (HPLC) in the extracts as pollens are usually known to be rich in phenolics.

Results

Our data revealed that the extract displayed the best hepatoprotection at a dose of 100 mg/kg when compared with silymarin (Legalon^®), the reference drug. HPLC analysis indicated presence of protocatechuic acid (0.176 mg/g extract), p-hydroxybenzoic acid (0.001 mg/g extract), vanillic acid (VA) (0.537 mg/g extract), syringic acid (0.050 mg/g extract), and tr-cinnamic acid (0.310 mg/g extract), while the major phenolic acid was VA.

Conclusion

The outcomes of this study allow us to conclude that red pine pollen extract can serve as a promising hepatoprotective agent. Among the phenolic acids analyzed in the pollen extract, vanillic acid as the major one besides some other phenolic acids detected seems to be responsible for its remarkable hepatoprotective effect.

Resource, chemical structure and activity of natural polysaccharides against alcoholic liver damages

Many natural polysaccharides from bio-resources hold advantages of multi-functions, high efficiency, non-toxicity or low side effect, and have strong potentials in protection against alcoholic liver damages. This review summarized the bio-resources, chemical and structural characteristics of natural polysaccharides with potentials in inhibition against alcoholic liver damages, and also emphasized knowledge on correlations between their chemical structure and function. Approximately 95 species were confirmed in generation of hepatoprotective polysaccharides. Products as crude polysaccharides originated from 17 species were sum up despite the indetermination of their accurate structure. Additional four polysaccharides were described for their known chemical structures. Possible roles of hepatoprotective polysaccharides were provided with evidence on antioxidant promotion, lipids regulation, apoptosis inhibition and anti-inflammation, as well as confirmations in immune enhancement, iron removal and anti-fibrosis when currently treated against the alcoholic liver damages. To sum up, this overview could serve to guide development and utilization of natural hepatoprotective polysaccharides.

Chemical and cytological evaluation of honeybee pollen antioxidant ability

The crude flavonoid extract of pollen (CFP) of four species of honeybee pollens were extracted with ethanol, and the total flavonoid contents ranged from 3.4 to 14.5 mg rutin/g dry weight. The antioxidant activities of the CFPs were evaluated from both chemical and cytological aspects. Comprehensive antioxidant scores were determined based on these two evaluation systems. The results showed that canola CFP had the highest antioxidant capacity among the four CFPs. A cytotoxicity assay was conducted to assess the safety threshold of the CFPs, and canola CFP was proved to be the least toxic to vascular endothelial cell. Of the four tested CFPs, this research suggests that canola CFP is the most promising natural antioxidant. In addition, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis detected seven flavonoid glycosides in the hydrolysates of the four CFPs. Among them, quercetin and kaempferol were present in all four honeybee pollen extracts, but there were significant differences between their contents. A correlation analysis revealed a strong correlation between the content of quercetin in the pollen extract and the extract's antioxidant activity. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Many varieties of honeybee pollen are commercially available. The results of this study help guide consumers to choose honeybee pollens that have a better antioxidant effect. This report can also provide guidance and data in support of the development of honeybee pollen health products.

The Protective Effect of Sonneratia apetala Fruit Extract on Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury in Mice

Acute liver injury is a common consequence of taking overdose of acetaminophen (APAP). The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective effect of a mangrove plant Sonneratia apetala fruit extract (SAFE) on APAP-induced liver injury in mice. Mice were orally pretreated with SAFE (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) daily for one week. The control and APAP groups were intragastrically administered with distilled water, and NAC group was treated with N-Acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) before APAP exposure. The results manifested that SAFE significantly improved survival rates, attenuated hepatic histological damage, and decreased the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels in serum in APAP-exposed mice. SAFE treatment also increased glutathione (GSH) level and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity, enhanced catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), as well as reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) level in liver. In addition, the formation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and elevation of myeloperoxidase (MPO) in APAP-exposed mice were inhibited after SAFE treatment. And SAFE also displayed high DPPH radical scavenging activity and reducing power in vitro. The main bioactive components of SAFE such as total phenol, flavonoid, condensed tannin, and carbohydrate were determined. The current study proved that SAFE exerted potential protective effect against APAP-induced acute liver injury, which might be associated with the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of SAFE.