The Therapeutic Potential of Plant Polysaccharides in Metabolic Diseases

A novel bifunctional type I α-l-arabinofuranosidase of family 43 glycoside hydrolase (BoGH43_35) from Bacteroides ovatus with endo-β-1,4-xylanase activity

The gut bacterium Bacteroides ovatus harbors a diverse arsenal of glycoside hydrolases (GHs), which play pivotal roles in degrading dietary polysaccharides. In this study, we characterized a novel glycoside hydrolase from family 43 and subfamily 35 (BoGH43_35), cloned from B. ovatus. The 1956 bp gene was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3), yielding a homogeneous soluble recombinant enzyme (∼74 kDa) upon purification through immobilized metal-ion affinity chromatography (IMAC). BoGH43_35 exhibited a remarkable specificity for arabinoxylans, with maximum catalytic activity (4.9 U mg-1) against wheat arabinoxylan (low-viscosity), followed by 3.0 U mg-1 against rye arabinoxylan (high viscosity) and beechwood xylan (2.3 U mg-1). Optimal enzymatic performance was achieved at 37 °C and pH 7.0 having kinetic parameters of Vmax 5.7 U mg-1 and KM calculated to be 2.7 mg mL-1 for wheat arabinoxylan. Notably, BoGH43_35 retained stability within an acidic pH range (4-5) and displayed a half-life of 89 min at 30 °C. Protein thermal stability assays revealed a melting temperature (Tm) of 41.0 °C. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and 1H NMR analyses of hydrolysed products confirmed the enzyme's dual functionality: an initial α-l-arabinofuranosidase (EC 3.2.1.55) activity, followed by an endo-β-1,4-xylanase (EC 3.2.1.8) activity, as evidenced by the release of xylooligosaccharides, including xylobiose and xylotriose, from xylans. Further structural analysis demonstrated BoGH43_35's ability to hydrolyze monosubstituted arabinofuranosyl residues from α-1,2- or α-1,3-linked arabinoxylan, confirming its type I α-l-arabinofuranosidase activity. This multifunctional enzyme holds potential in the valorization of hemicellulosic biomass and the production of prebiotic oligosaccharides and other biotechnological applications.

Exploring the Impact of Polysaccharide-Based Nanoemulsions in Drug Delivery

Nanoemulsions are tiny mixtures of water and oil stabilized by surfactants, and they have become increasingly popular across various industries, including medicine. With droplet sizes in the nanometer scale, these mixtures are both compact and effective. This discussion explores the potential of polysaccharide-based nanotechnology as an innovative approach to drug delivery. Nanoemulsions offer several benefits, such as enhanced drug solubility and bioavailability, which are crucial for drugs that poorly dissolve in water. The incorporation of natural polysaccharides as emulsifiers in these nanoemulsions ensures their biocompatibility and safety within the body. Additionally, nanoemulsions can facilitate a sustained release of medications, allowing for gradual drug release over an extended period. This controlled release can be achieved through the careful selection and formulation of polysaccharides. This review addresses the methods for producing polysaccharide-based nanoemulsions and examines their physical and chemical properties. It highlights the influence of polysaccharide molecular weight and structure on the stability of nanoemulsions and the effectiveness of drug encapsulation. By understanding these factors, researchers can develop more efficient and safe drug delivery systems utilizing nanoemulsions. Additionally, the present article provides explicit and thorough information about the use of NPLS-based nano-carriers encapsulating a number of drugs designed to treat a variety of conditions, such as diabetes, cancer, HIV, malaria, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and skin diseases. For this reason, it is very important to review the most recent developments in polysaccharide-based nano-biocarriers in drug delivery and their application in the treatment of diseases. In this work, we concentrated on the preparation of polysaccharide-based nano-biocarriers, commonly used polysaccharides for the preparation of nano-biocarriers, and drugs loaded on polysaccharide-based nano-biocarriers to treat diseases. In the near future, polysaccharide-based nano-biocarriers will be used more and more frequently in drug delivery and disease treatment.

Recent developments in Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. (jackfruit) polysaccharides: Nutritional values, structural characteristics and health benefits

Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. (Jackfruit) is a common plant in the genus Artocarpus of Moraceae family, and its fruit has a variety of nutritional values. Jackfruit polysaccharides are considered to be one of the main bioactive compounds in jackfruit, which have immunomodulatory, anticancer, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, antibacterial and other health benefits. This article reviews the research progress in the extraction, purification, structural characteristics and health benefits of jackfruit polysaccharides. Mechanisms of action based on in vivo and in vitro experiments are also elucidated. The structural-activity relationships of jackfruit polysaccharides are discussed in depth, and their potential application values are revealed by combining the relationships between molecular structures and health benefits. This article aims to address the key issue of how to obtain jackfruit polysaccharides that feature both high yield and significant health benefits, and to conduct an in-depth exploration of the development pathways for their transformation into new health products, as well as their practical applications in the sustainable utilization of plant resources. Through a comprehensive analysis of the current research status and development trend, this article puts forward a new prospect for jackfruit polysaccharides research, hoping to provide innovative ideas and practical guidance for follow-up related work.

The Protective Effect of Ellagic Acid and Its Metabolites Against Organ Injuries: A Mitochondrial Perspective

Mitochondria are essential for maintaining health, and dysfunction of them leads to various diseases. Their role is not limited to energy production but serves multiple mechanisms varying from calcium hemostasis, reactive oxygen species production, and regulation of apoptotic cell death. In recent years, several strategies have been developed to preserve mitochondria. Ellagic acid (EA) is a polyphenol extracted from many plants. The intestinal microflora converts EA to urolithins with high bioavailability. EA and urolithins exhibit mitochondrial-protective effects by regulating mitochondrial complexes, sirtuins, mitophagy, and mitochondrial antioxidant enzymes. This review highlights the mito-protective effects of EA and urolithins on mitochondrial injuries induced by various drugs and toxic compounds.

Pharmacological landscape of endoplasmic reticulum stress: Uncovering therapeutic avenues for metabolic diseases

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) plays a fundamental role in maintaining cellular homeostasis by ensuring proper protein folding, lipid metabolism, and calcium regulation. However, disruptions to ER function, known as ER stress, activate the unfolded protein response (UPR) to restore balance. Chronic or unresolved ER stress contributes to metabolic dysfunctions, including insulin resistance, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. Recent studies have also highlighted the importance of mitochondria-ER contact sites (MERCs) and ER-associated inflammation in disease progression. This review explores the current pharmacological landscape targeting ER stress, focusing on therapeutic strategies for rare metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases. It examines small molecules such as tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) and 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA), repurposed drugs like 17-AAG (17-N-allylamino-17demethoxygeldanamycin (tanespimycin)) and berberine, and phytochemicals such as resveratrol and hesperidin. Additionally, it discusses emerging therapeutic areas, including soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) inhibitors for metabolic disorders and MERCs modulation for neurological diseases. The review emphasizes challenges in translating these therapies to clinical applications, such as toxicity, off-target effects, limited bioavailability, and the lack of large-scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs). It also highlights the potential of personalized medicine approaches and pharmacogenomics in optimizing ER stress-targeting therapies.

Polydatin combined with hawthorn flavonoids alleviate high fat diet induced atherosclerosis by remodeling the gut microbiota and glycolipid metabolism

Background

Atherosclerosis is a widely studied pathophysiological foundation of cardiovascular diseases. Inflammation and dyslipidemia are risk factors that promote the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. The gut microbiota and their metabolites are considered independent risk factors for atherosclerosis. Polydatin combined with hawthorn flavonoids, as the extracts of Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb. et Zucc. and Crataegus pinnatifida Bunge, have shown excellent cardiovascular protective effects. However, the underlying mechanism requires further investigation. Our study aimed to explore the anti-atherosclerotic mechanism through gut microbiota and their metabolites.

Methods

ApoE-/- mice were fed either a normal-chow diet or a high-fat diet. The polydatin combined with hawthorn flavonoids group received varied doses of polydatin and hawthorn flavonoids: a high dose (polydatin 200 mg/kg daily; hawthorn flavonoids 100 mg/kg daily), a medium dose (polydatin 100 mg/kg daily; hawthorn flavonoids 50 mg/kg daily), and a low dose (polydatin 50 mg/kg daily; hawthorn flavonoids 25 mg/kg daily). The control and model groups were administered distilled water (0.2 mL daily). The experiment lasted for 24 weeks.

Results

Polydatin combined with hawthorn flavonoids administration significantly reduced lipid and inflammatory cytokine levels, meanwhile, the atherosclerotic lesions in a high-fat diet-induced ApoE-/- mice were significantly decreased. Additionally, polydatin combined with hawthorn flavonoids also inhibited the enhancement of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), trimethylamine (TMA) levels of HFD-induced ApoE-/- mice by regulating the expression of hepatic flavin-containing enzyme monooxygenase 3 (FMO3). 16S rRNA sequencing results demonstrated that high-dose polydatin combined with hawthorn flavonoids treatment increased the abundance of Actinobacteriota, Atopobiaceae and Coriobacteriaea_UCG-002, and decreased the abundance of Desulfobacterota. Norank_f_Muribaculaceae was enriched in the medium-dose polydatin combined with hawthorn flavonoids and simvastatin groups, and Lactobacillus was mainly increased in the simvastatin and the low-dose polydatin combined with hawthorn flavonoids groups. According to the metagenetic results, functional annotations also suggested that the biological processes of each group mainly focused on metabolism-related processes. Specifically, polydatin combined with hawthorn flavonoids may regulate the abundance of TMA-producing bacteria (Coriobacteriaceae, Desulfovibrio, Muribaculum, and Clostridium) and related enzymes in glycolipid metabolic pathways to exert an important effect on the prevention of atherosclerosis.

Conclusion

Our results suggested that polydatin combined with hawthorn flavonoids could regulate the glucolipid metabolism-related pathway, attenuate inflammatory cytokine levels, and reduce atherosclerotic plaques by remodeling gut microbiota.

Green Sulfation of Arabinogalactan in the Melt of a Sulfamic Acid-Urea Mixture

Sulfation of arabinogalactan (AG) from larch wood (Larix sibirica Ledeb.) in the melt of a sulfamic acid-urea mixture has been first examined. The impact of the AG sulfation temperature on the AG sulfate yield and the sulfur content has been established. The high sulfur content (11.3-11.6%) in sulfated AG has been obtained in the temperature range of 115-120 °C for a sulfation time of 0.5 h. The process effectively prevents molecular degradation under these conditions. The incorporation of sulfate groups into the arabinogalactan structure has been confirmed by the appearance of absorption bands in the FTIR spectrum that are typical of sulfate group vibrations. The 13C NMR spectroscopy study has proven that the AG sulfation in the melt of a sulfamic acid-urea mixture leads to the substitution of some free hydroxyl groups for C6, C4, and C2 carbon atoms of the AG β-D-galactopyranose units. The advantage of the proposed AG sulfation method is that the reaction occurs without solvent, and the reaction time is only 0.5 h. The kinetics of the thermal decomposition of the initial AG and sulfated AG samples have been studied. It has been found that the sulfated AG samples have a lower thermal resistance than the initial AG. The kinetic analysis has revealed a decrease in the activation energy of the thermal degradation of the sulfated samples as compared to the initial AG.

Harnessing the FOXO-SIRT1 axis: insights into cellular stress, metabolism, and aging

Aging and metabolic disorders share intricate molecular pathways, with the Forkhead box O (FOXO)- Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) axis emerging as a pivotal regulator of cellular stress adaptation, metabolic homeostasis, and longevity. This axis integrates nutrient signaling with oxidative stress defence, modulating glucose and lipid metabolism, mitochondrial function, and autophagy to maintain cellular stability. FOXO transcription factors, regulated by SIRT1 deacetylation, enhance antioxidant defence mechanisms, activating genes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, thereby counteracting oxidative stress and metabolic dysregulation. Recent evidence highlights the dynamic role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as secondary messengers in redox signaling, influencing FOXO-SIRT1 activity in metabolic adaptation. Additionally, key redox-sensitive regulators such as nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1α) interact with this pathway, orchestrating mitochondrial biogenesis and adaptive stress responses. Pharmacological interventions, including alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), resveratrol, curcumin and NAD+ precursors, exhibit therapeutic potential by enhancing insulin sensitivity, reducing oxidative burden, and restoring metabolic balance. This review synthesizes current advancements in FOXO-SIRT1 regulation, its emerging role in redox homeostasis, and its therapeutic relevance, offering insights into future strategies for combating metabolic dysfunction and aging-related diseases.

The effects of fermented Astragalus polysaccharides on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity and intestinal health of broilers

This study aimed to investigate the effects of fermented Astragalus polysaccharides(FAP) on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity and intestinal health of broilers. A total of 1,080 Cyan-shank Partridge chickens were divided into 4 groups, with 6 replicates per group and 45 chickens per replicate. Add 0% (T1), 0.2% (T5), 0.4% (T6) and 0.6% (T7) of FAP to the basal diet, respectively. The trial lasted for 42 days. The results indicated that, compared to the T1 group, FW and ADG of broilers in each treatment group were significantly increased (p < 0.05). The slaughter rates of the T6 and T7 groups were significantly higher compared to the T1 group, meanwhile, the carcass yields of the T5, T6, and T7 groups were notably enhanced (p < 0.05). Compared with T1 group, the activities of CAT, GSH-Px and the content of T-AOC in T6 and T7 groups were increased (p < 0.05), while the content of MDA was decreased (p < 0.05). All groups exhibited significantly VH and VH/CD in the duodenum compared to the T1 group (p < 0.05). Compared with the T1 group, the relative mRNA expression levels of ZO-1 and Claudin in the jejunal mucosa of broilers in all groups were significantly up-regulated, while the expressions of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ were down-regulated (p < 0.05). 16S rDNA sequencing analysis revealed that at the phylum level, the abundance of Verrucomicrobiota in the T6 group was significantly increased compared to the T1 group (p < 0.05). Cyanobacteria, Nitrospirota, Elusimicrobiota, and Acidobacteriota were unique to the T6 group, while Cyanobacteria and Elusimicrobiota were unique to the T5 group compared to the T1 group. At the genus level, the abundance of Desulfovibrio was significantly reduced in the T6 group compared to the T1 group (p < 0.05). Additionally, fermented Astragalus polysaccharides increased the abundance of Bacteroidota, Campilobacterota, Deferribacterota, Firmicutes, Fusobacteriota, Proteobacteria, and Spirochaetota (p < 0.05). The LEfSe analysis found that Clostridia_vadinBB60_group and Comamonas were identified as potential biomarkers. Overall, feeding fermented Astragalus polysaccharides can enhance the growth performance, slaughter characteristics, and antioxidant capacity of broiler chickens by modulating the gut microbiota and strengthening intestinal barrier function.

Okra seed polysaccharides mitigate neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment via modulation of Nrf2/HO-1, HMGB1/RAGE/TLR4/NF-κB, NLRP3/Caspase-1, JAK-2/STAT-3, AMPK/SIRT1/m-TOR, PI3K/AKT/CREB/BDNF/TrkB and PERK/CHOP/Bcl-2 axes

Global healthcare systems are under tremendous strain due to the increasing prevalence of neurodegenerative disorders. Growing data suggested that overconsumption of high-fat/high-carbohydrates diet (HFHCD) is associated with enhanced incidence of metabolic alterations, neurodegeneration, and cognitive dysfunction. Functional foods have gained prominence in curbing metabolic and neurological deficits. Consequently, this study endeavored to explore effects of purified Okra seed polysaccharides (OP) (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) against HFHCD-induced metabolic alterations and cognitive dysfunction, with elucidating underlying contributed mechanistic pathways. OP hydrolysate was analyzed using GC-MS analysis. The biological study encompassed two phases, the first phase I (model establishment phase), for 3 months, involved a control group, fed standard diet, and HFHCD group. The second phase (phase II) where HFHCD fed rats were re-divided into 3 equal subgroups, 1st subgroup received HFHCD, whereas second and third subgroups received OP, 200 or 400 mg/kg/day, respectively, for 28 days. GC-MS characterized OP as an arabinogalactouranan and revealed the monosaccharide composition as galacturonic acid: arabinose: glucose: galactose: rhamnose: xylose in ratio of 28.2: 23.3: 11.5: 4.2: 3.5: 2.0. The findings demonstrated that OP dose-dependently mitigated HFHCD-induced rise in body weights, lipid profiles, levels of blood glucose and disruption in behavioral outcomes, neurotransmitters, together with histopathological alterations in brain. Moreover, OP dose-dependently improved redox, neuroinflammatory, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, autophagic and apoptotic biomarkers. OP can be regarded as promising functional food candidate to hamper HFHCD-induced metabolic alterations and cognitive deficit, via enhancing Nrf2/HO-1, AMPK/SIRT1 and PI3K/AKT/CREB axes, long with dampening of HMGB1/RAGE/TLR4, NLRP3/Caspase-1, JAK-2/STAT-3 and PERK/CHOP axes.

Extraction, purification, structural characteristics and pharmacological activities of abalone polysaccharide as ingredients for functional products: A review

Abalone has garnered significant attention from nutrition experts and health-conscious consumers owing to its exceptional nutritional value. Polysaccharides are considered to be one of their primary functional components, possessing various nutritional and biological properties, including immune modulation, anti-inflammatory effects, cardiovascular protection, antioxidant activity, anti-tumor effects, anti-diabetic properties, anticoagulation, and liver protection. Over the past few decades, a substantial amount of polysaccharides has been successfully extracted from abalone, demonstrating their potential in health and nutrition. However, significant gaps remain in the extraction processes of abalone polysaccharides, complex higher-order structures, and comprehensive evaluation of their structure-activity relationships. Therefore, this paper reviews the sources, extraction, purification, structural characteristics, biological activities, safety assessments, and structure-activity relationships of abalone polysaccharides. We hope that this research provides valuable insights for a deeper understanding of the structure of abalone polysaccharides and the development of new functional foods.

Targeting senescence and GATA4 in age-related cardiovascular disease: a comprehensive approach

The growing prevalence of age-related cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) poses significant health challenges, necessitating the formulation of novel treatment approaches. GATA4, a vital transcription factor identified for modulating cardiovascular biology and cellular senescence, is recognized for its critical involvement in CVD pathogenesis. This review collected relevant studies from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct using search terms like 'GATA4,' 'cellular senescence,' 'coronary artery diseases,' 'hypertension,' 'heart failure,' 'arrhythmias,' 'congenital heart diseases,' 'cardiomyopathy,' and 'cardiovascular disease.' Additionally, studies investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying GATA4-mediated regulation of GATA4 and senescence in CVDs were analyzed to provide comprehensive insights into this critical aspect of potential treatment targeting. Dysregulation of GATA4 is involved in a variety of CVDs, as demonstrated by both experimental and clinical research, comprising CAD, hypertension, congenital heart diseases, cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, and cardiac insufficiency. Furthermore, cellular senescence enhances the advancement of age-related CVDs. These observations suggested that therapies targeting GATA4, senescence pathways, or both as necessary may be an effective intervention in CVD progression and prognosis. Addressing age-related CVDs by targeting GATA4 and senescence is a broad mechanism approach. It implies further investigation of the molecular nature of these processes and elaboration of an effective therapeutic strategy. This review highlights the importance of GATA4 and senescence in CVD pathogenesis, emphasizing their potential as therapeutic targets for age-related CVDs.

Forecasting cardiovascular disease mortality using artificial neural networks in Sindh, Pakistan

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, and its incidence and prevalence are increasing in many countries. Modeling of CVD plays a crucial role in understanding the trend of CVD death cases, evaluating the effectiveness of interventions, and predicting future disease trends. This study aims to investigate the modeling and forecasting of CVD mortality, specifically in the Sindh province of Pakistan. The civil hospital in the Nawabshah area of Sindh province, Pakistan, provided the data set used in this study. It is a time series dataset with actual cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality cases from 1999 to 2021 included. This study analyzes and forecasts the CVD deaths in the Sindh province of Pakistan using classical time series models, including Naïve, Holt-Winters, and Simple Exponential Smoothing (SES), which have been adopted and compared with a machine learning approach called the Artificial Neural Network Auto-Regressive (ANNAR) model. The performance of both the classical time series models and the ANNAR model has been evaluated using key performance indicators such as Root Mean Square Deviation Error, Mean Absolute Error (MAE), and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE). After comparing the results, it was found that the ANNAR model outperformed all the selected models, demonstrating its effectiveness in predicting CVD mortality and quantifying future disease burden in the Sindh province of Pakistan. The study concludes that the ANNAR model is the best-selected model among the competing models for predicting CVD mortality in the Sindh province. This model provides valuable insights into the impact of interventions aimed at reducing CVD and can assist in formulating health policies and allocating economic resources. By accurately forecasting CVD mortality, policymakers can make informed decisions to address this public health issue effectively.

Plant polysaccharides and antioxidant benefits for exercise performance and gut health: from molecular pathways to clinic

In the last three decades, our understanding of how exercise induces oxidative stress has significantly advanced. Plant polysaccharides, such as dietary fibers and resistant starches, have been shown to enhance exercise performance by improving energy metabolism, reducing fatigue, increasing strength and stamina, mitigating oxidative stress post-exercise, facilitating muscle recovery, and aiding in detoxification. Moreover, antioxidants found in plant-based foods play a crucial role in protecting the body against oxidative stress induced by intense physical activity. By scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative damage, antioxidants can improve exercise endurance, enhance recovery, and support immune function. Furthermore, the interaction between plant polysaccharides and antioxidants in the gut microbiota can lead to synergistic effects on overall health and performance. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current research on plant polysaccharides and antioxidants in relation to exercise performance and gut health.

Physical Activity Reduces Metabolic Risk via Iron Metabolism: Cross-National Evidence Using the Triglyceride-Glucose Index

Purpose: Studies suggest that the triglyceride-glucose index (TyG) is a novel and comprehensive marker of metabolic health. While most research indicates that increased physical activity (PA) is linked to improved metabolic health, some studies argue that the previous markers may not fully capture this relationship. This study uses TyG as a marker of metabolic health to examine the association between PA and TyG. Methods: Data are from cross-sectional surveys in three large population studies in China and the United States: CHARLS, CHNS, and NHANES. Regression models were applied to analyze the relationship between PA and TyG, with covariates adjusted in a stepwise manner. Stratified analysis was used to explore this relationship among different population groups, and, since it has been suggested that iron metabolism plays an important role in metabolic health, it was used as a mediating variable to construct a mediation model for analysis and discussion. Results: Higher PA was significantly associated with lower TyG levels across all three databases (p < 0.001), and this relationship remained robust after full adjustment for covariates. This negative association was more pronounced in older males (over 45 years). Iron metabolism also mediated this relationship, with mediation proportions ranging from 10% to 12.5%. Conclusions: There is a significant inverse association between PA and TyG, suggesting a link between increased PA and metabolic health, with iron metabolism moderating this relationship, especially among older males.

The Potential of Plant Polysaccharides and Chemotherapeutic Drug Combinations in the Suppression of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women worldwide. The associated morbidity and mortality have been on the increase while available therapies for its treatment have not been totally effective. The most common treatment, chemotherapy, sometimes has dangerous side effects because of non-specific targeting, in addition to poor therapeutic indices, and high dose requirements. Consequently, agents with anticancer effects are being sought that can reduce the side effects induced by chemotherapy while increasing its cytotoxicity to cancer cells. This is possible using natural compounds that are safe and biologically active. There are many reports on plant polysaccharides due to their bioactive and anticancer properties. The use of plant polysaccharide together with a conventional cytotoxic drug may offer wide benefits in cancer therapy, producing synergistic effects, thereby reducing drug dose and, so, its associated side effects. In this review, we highlight an overview of the use of plant polysaccharides and chemotherapeutic drugs in breast cancer preclinical studies, including their mechanisms of anticancer activities. The findings emphasize the potential of plant polysaccharides to improve chemotherapeutic outcomes in breast cancer, paving the way for more effective and safer treatment strategies.

The Interaction Between Nutraceuticals and Gut Microbiota: a Novel Therapeutic Approach to Prevent and Treatment Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons, leading to motor and non-motor symptoms. Emerging research has shed light on the role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis and progression of PD. Nutraceuticals such as curcumin, berberine, phytoestrogens, polyphenols (e.g., resveratrol, EGCG, and fisetin), dietary fibers have been shown to influence gut microbiota composition and function, restoring microbial balance and enhancing the gut-brain axis. The mechanisms underlying these benefits involve microbial metabolite production, restoration of gut barrier integrity, and modulation of neuroinflammatory pathways. Additionally, probiotics and prebiotics have shown potential in promoting gut health, influencing the gut microbiome, and alleviating PD symptoms. They can enhance the gut's antioxidant capacity of the gut, reduce inflammation, and maintain immune homeostasis, contributing to a neuroprotective environment. This paper provides an overview of the current state of knowledge regarding the potential of nutraceuticals and gut microbiota modulation in the prevention and management of Parkinson's disease, emphasizing the need for further research and clinical trials to validate their effectiveness and safety. The findings suggest that a multifaceted approach involving nutraceuticals and gut microbiota may open new avenues for addressing the challenges of PD and improving the quality of life for affected individuals.

Alleviating Effect of Lipid Phytochemicals in Seed Oil (Brassica napus L.) on Oxidative Stress Injury Induced by H2O2 in HepG2 Cells via Keap1/Nrf2/ARE Signaling Pathway

α-tocopherol (α-T), β-sitosterol (β-S), canolol (CA), and sinapic acid (SA) are the four main endogenous lipid phytochemicals (LP) found in Brassica napus L. seed oil, which possess the bioactivity to prevent the risk of several chronic diseases via antioxidant-associated mechanisms. Discovering the enhancer effects or synergies between LP is valuable for resisting oxidative stress and improving health benefits. The objectives of this study were to identify a potentially efficacious LP combination by central composite design (CCD) and cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) and to investigate its protective effect and potential mechanisms against H2O2-induced oxidative damage in HepG2 cells. Our results indicated that the optimal concentration of LP combination was α-T 10 μM, β-S 20 μM, SA 125 μM, and CA 125 μM, respectively, and its CAA value at the optimal condition was 10.782 μmol QE/100 g. At this concentration, LP combination exerted a greater amelioration effect on H2O2-induced HepG2 cell injury than either antioxidant (tea polyphenols or magnolol) alone. LP combination could reduce the cell apoptosis rate induced by H2O2, lowered to 10.06%, and could alleviate the degree of oxidative damage to cells (ROS↓), lipids (MDA↓), proteins (PC↓), and DNA (8-OHdG↓). Additionally, LP combination enhanced the antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, GPX, and HO-1), as well as the T-AOC, and increased the GSH level in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, LP combination markedly upregulated the expression of Nrf2 and its associated antioxidant proteins. It also increased the expression levels of Nrf2 downstream antioxidant target gene (HO-1, SOD-1, MnSOD, CAT, GPX-1, and GPX-4) and downregulated the mRNA expression levels of Keap1. The oxidative-stress-induced formation of the Keap1/Nrf2 complex in the cytoplasm was significantly blocked by LP treatment. These results indicate that LP combination protected HepG2 cells from oxidative stress through a mechanism involving the activation of the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathways.

Molecular docking and in vivo protective effects of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) against metabolic dysfunction in high-fat, high-sodium diet-fed rats

Okra pods (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) have been used as a functional vegetable as they contain polysaccharides, flavonoids, and other bioactive molecules that protect the body from several chronic diseases. The purpose of this study was to look at the involvement of okra constituents (mucilage and flesh) in the prevention of metabolic dysfunctions induced in a rat model by a high-fat, high-salt (HF/NaCl) diet. Okra mucilage was extracted using an ultrasonic method, freeze-dried, characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and tested for swelling ratio and radical scavenging activity. Okra flesh (skin and seeds) was separated from pods; characterized using SEM; and tested for dietary fiber content, phenolic profile, and radical scavenging activity. The significance of okra bioactive compounds in inhibiting human salivary amylase, glutamine : fructose-6-phosphate amidotransferase (GFAT), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and C-reactive protein (CRP) was investigated using molecular docking. Rats were fed an HF/NaCl diet and orally treated daily with freeze-dried okra mucilage or flesh (100 mg per kg body weight) for 8 weeks. Glucose, insulin, inflammatory indicators (CRP, TNF-α, and interleukin 6), oxidative markers (red blood cell lipid peroxidation, glutathione peroxidase, nitric oxide, and superoxide dismutase), lipid profile, estradiol, feces lipids as well as femur and urine calcium were measured. The molecular docking findings showed the interaction of quercetin and chlorogenic acid, which are the most abundant phenolic compounds in okra pods, with the studied proteins, which gives an indication of the mechanism of okra's anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Okra mucilage and flesh significantly reduced glucose, insulin, cholesterol, lipid peroxidation, CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, and urine calcium levels while significantly increasing feces lipid and femur calcium levels. The findings suggested that okra mucilage and flesh seem to be promising candidates for protection against metabolic dysfunction.

A review of the pharmacological action and mechanism of natural plant polysaccharides in depression

Depression is a prevalent mental disorder. However, clinical treatment options primarily based on chemical drugs have demonstrated varying degrees of adverse reactions and drug resistance, including somnolence, nausea, and cognitive impairment. Therefore, the development of novel antidepressant medications that effectively reduce suffering and side effects has become a prominent area of research. Polysaccharides are bioactive compounds extracted from natural plants that possess diverse pharmacological activities and medicinal values. It has been discovered that polysaccharides can effectively mitigate depression symptoms. This paper provides an overview of the pharmacological action and mechanisms, intervention approaches, and experimental models regarding the antidepressant effects of polysaccharides derived from various natural sources. Additionally, we summarize the roles and potential mechanisms through which these polysaccharides prevent depression by regulating neurotransmitters, HPA axis, neurotrophic factors, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, tryptophan metabolism, and gut microbiota. Natural plant polysaccharides hold promise as adjunctive antidepressants for prevention, reduction, and treatment of depression by exerting their therapeutic effects through multiple pathways and targets. Therefore, this review aims to provide scientific evidence for developing polysaccharide resources as effective antidepressant drugs.

An analysis of the nutritional effects of Schisandra chinensis components based on mass spectrometry technology

OBJECTIVE

Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. (S. chinensis) is a Traditional Chinese medicinal herb that can be used both for medicinal purposes and as a food ingredient due to its beneficial properties, and it is enriched with a wide of natural plant nutrients, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, lignans, triterpenes, organic acids, and sugars. At present, there is lack of comprehensive study or systemic characterization of nutritional and active ingredients of S. chinensis using innovative mass spectrometry techniques.

METHODS

The comprehensive review was conducted by searching the PubMed databases for relevant literature of various mass spectrometry techniques employed in the analysis of nutritional components in S. chinensis, as well as their main nutritional effects. The literature search covered the past 5 years until March 15, 2023.

RESULTS

The potential nutritional effects of S. chinensis are discussed, including its ability to enhance immunity, function as an antioxidant, anti-allergen, antidepressant, and anti-anxiety agent, as well as its ability to act as a sedative-hypnotic and improve memory, cognitive function, and metabolic imbalances. Meanwhile, the use of advanced mass spectrometry detection technologies have the potential to enable the discovery of new nutritional components of S. chinensis, and to verify the effects of different extraction methods on these components. The contents of anthocyanins, lignans, organic acids, and polysaccharides, the main nutritional components in S. chinensis, are also closely associated to its quality.

CONCLUSION

This review will provide guidelines for an in-depth study on the nutritional value of S. chinensis and for the development of healthy food products with effective components.

Aloe vera-Based Hydrogels for Wound Healing: Properties and Therapeutic Effects

Aloe vera-based hydrogels have emerged as promising platforms for the delivery of therapeutic agents in wound dressings due to their biocompatibility and unique wound-healing properties. The present study provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in the application of Aloe vera-based hydrogels for wound healing. The synthesis methods, structural characteristics, and properties of Aloe vera-based hydrogels are discussed. Mechanisms of therapeutic agents released from Aloe vera-based hydrogels, including diffusion, swelling, and degradation, are also analyzed. In addition, the therapeutic effects of Aloe vera-based hydrogels on wound healing, as well as the reduction of inflammation, antimicrobial activity, and tissue regeneration, are highlighted. The incorporation of various therapeutic agents, such as antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory ones, into Aloe vera-based hydrogels is reviewed in detail. Furthermore, challenges and future prospects of Aloe vera-based hydrogels for wound dressing applications are considered. This review provides valuable information on the current status of Aloe vera-based hydrogels for the delivery of therapeutic agents in wound dressings and highlights their potential to improve wound healing outcomes.

Antidiabetic Properties of Plant Secondary Metabolites

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is one of the major medical problems that the modern world is currently facing. Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes mellitus both result in early disability and death, as well as serious social and financial problems. In some cases, synthetic drugs can be quite effective in the treatment of diabetes, though they have side effects. Plant-derived pharmacological substances are of particular interest. This review aims to study the antidiabetic properties of secondary plant metabolites. Existing review and research articles on the investigation of the antidiabetic properties of secondary plant metabolites, the methods of their isolation, and their use in diabetes mellitus, as well as separate articles that confirm the relevance of the topic and expand the understanding of the properties and mechanisms of action of plant metabolites, were analyzed for this review. The structure and properties of plants used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, including plant antioxidants, polysaccharides, alkaloids, and insulin-like plant substances, as well as their antidiabetic properties and mechanisms for lowering blood sugar, are presented. The main advantages and disadvantages of using phytocomponents to treat diabetes are outlined. The types of complications of diabetes mellitus and the effects of medicinal plants and their phytocomponents on them are described. The effects of phytopreparations used to treat diabetes mellitus on the human gut microbiota are discussed. Plants with a general tonic effect, plants containing insulin-like substances, plants-purifiers, and plants rich in vitamins, organic acids, etc. have been shown to play an important role in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and the prevention of its complications.

Effect of Agave Fructan Bioconjugates on Metabolic Syndrome Parameters in a Murine Model

Metabolic syndrome is a complex disorder that combines abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance. Metabolic syndrome affects 25% of the world's population. Agave fructans have shown positive effects on alterations related to metabolic syndrome, so some investigations have focused on their bioconjugation with fatty acids to increase their biological activity. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of agave fructan bioconjugates in a rat model with metabolic syndrome. Agave fructans enzymatically bioconjugated (acylated via food-grade lipase catalysis) with propionate or laurate were administered orally for 8 weeks in rats fed a hypercaloric diet. Animals without treatment were used as the control group, as well as animals fed with a standard diet. The data indicate that the group of animals treated with laurate bioconjugates showed a significant decrease in glucose levels, systolic pressure, weight gain, and visceral adipose tissue, as well as a positive effect of pancreatic lipase inhibition. These results allow us to demonstrate the potential of agave bioconjugates, particularly laurate bioconjugates, for the prevention of diseases associated with metabolic syndrome.

A Comparative Study of Serum Pharmacochemistry of Kai-Xin-San in Normal and AD Rats Using UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS

Kai-Xin-San (KXS) is a classic formula for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). KXS has been widely used to treat emotional diseases; however, its active components remain unknown. There have been some reports about the efficacy and metabolic analysis of KXS, which are mainly based on studying normal animals. The current work first established an AD rat model by injecting D-galactose into the abdominal cavity and injecting Aβ_25-35 into the hippocampus on both sides, followed by intragastric administration of KXS for a consecutive week; then, the analytical method for ethanol extraction from the serum of normal and model rats was developed using UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS; finally, the transitional components in the blood were systematically compared and analyzed by multivariate statistical analysis. A total of 36 components of KXS were identified in the rat serum of the normal group, including 24 prototype components (including ginsenosides, triterpenoid acids of Poria cocos, polygala saponins, polygala xanthones and polygala ester) and 13 metabolites (including desugar, hydration and oxidation products of ginsenosides, triterpenoid acid hydroxylation, deoxygenation, demethylation, desaturation, and glycine-conjugated products of Poria cocos). Twenty KXS-relevant components were detected in the rat serum of the model group, including 11 prototypes and 9 metabolites. The normal group and the model group shared 12 common components, including 9 prototypes and 3 metabolites. The intestinal microecological balance of the model rats probably was destroyed, affecting the absorption/metabolism of saponins by the body, which resulted in fewer transitional components in the model group. This study reflected the drug-body interaction from an objective and accurate perspective, offering references and insights for elucidating the basis of active components and mechanism of action of KXS for treating AD.