Schizonepeta Tenuifolia with Alpinia Oxyphylla Alleviates Atopic Dermatitis and Improves the Gut Microbiome in Nc/Nga Mice

Role of Polyphenols in Dermatological Diseases: Exploring Pharmacotherapeutic Mechanisms and Clinical Implications

Although not frequently lethal, dermatological diseases represent a common cause of consultation worldwide. Due to the natural and non-invasive approach of phytotherapy, research for novel alternatives, such as polyphenols, to treat skin disorders is a subject of interest in modern medicine. Polyphenols, in particular, have been considered because of their anti-inflammatory, antitumoral, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, low molecular weight, and lipophilic nature that enables the passage of these compounds through the skin barrier. This review discusses the treatment of common dermatological diseases such as acne vulgaris, fungal infections, dermatitis, alopecia, and skin cancer, using polyphenols as therapeutic and prophylactic options. The specific molecules considered for each disorder, mechanisms of action, current clinical trials, and proposed applications are also reviewed.

Two new sesquiterpenoids from the fruits of Alpinia oxyphylla

Two undescribed sesquiterpenoids, including one nor-eudesmane type (1) and one guaiane type (2), together with two known analogues (3-4) have been isolated and identified from the fruits of Alpinia oxyphylla. The structures of these new compounds were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses (1D-, 2D-NMR, HRESIMS, IR, UV) and NMR calculations with DP4+ analysis. The anti-inflammatory activities of all isolates were evaluated by measuring their inhibitory effects on PGE2 production in LPS stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages.

Four new diarylheptanoids and two new terpenoids from the fruits of Alpinia oxyphylla and their anti-inflammatory activities

Four previously unreported diarylheptanoids (1a/1b-2a/2b), one undescribed sesquiterpenoid (8), one new diterpenoid (12), and twelve known analogs were isolated from the fruits of Alpinia oxyphylla. The structural elucidation of these compounds was achieved through a comprehensive analysis of spectroscopic data, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, electronic circular dichroism (ECD), and modified Mosher's method. Enantiomeric mixtures (1a/1b, 2a/2b, 3a/3b, 4a/4b, and 5a/5b) were separated on a chiral column using acetonitrile-water mixtures as eluents. Among them, compounds 3a/3b and 4a/4b were isolated as optically pure enantiomers in the initial chiral separation. Furthermore, most of the isolates were evaluated for their inhibitory effects against the production of nitric oxide (NO) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophages. Interestingly, 2 and 4 showed significant inhibitory activities against NO production with IC50 values of 33.65 and 9.88 μmol·L-1 (hydrocortisone: IC50 34.26 μmol·L-1), respectively. Additionally, they also partially reduced the secretion of IL-6.

Recent Research Progress on the Chemical Constituents, Pharmacology, and Pharmacokinetics of Alpinae oxyphyllae Fructus

Alpinae oxyphyllae fructus (AOF), the dried mature fruit of Alpinia oxyphylla Miquel of the Zingiberaceae family, shows many special pharmacological effects. In recent years, there has been an abundance of research results on AOF. In this paper, the new compounds isolated from AOF since 2018 are reviewed, including terpenes, flavonoids, diarylheptanoids, phenolic acid, sterols, alkanes, fats, etc. The isolation methods that were applied include the microwave-assisted method, response surface method, chiral high-performance liquid chromatography-multiple reaction monitoring-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MRM-MS) analytical method, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-Orbitrap-HRMS) method, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method, hot water leaching method, ethanol leaching method, and so on. Additionally, the pharmacological effects of AOF found from 2018 to 2024 are also summarized, including neuroprotection, regulation of metabolic disorders, antioxidant activity, antiapoptosis, antiinflammatory activity, antidiabetic activity, antihyperuricemia, antiaging, antidiuresis, immune regulation, anti-tumor activity, renal protection, hepatoprotection, and anti-asthma. This paper provides a reference for further research on AOF.

Research progress on Alpinia oxyphylla in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) constitutes a major microvascular complication of diabetes and is a primary cause of mortality in diabetic individuals. With the global rise in diabetes, DN has become an urgent health issue. Currently, there is no definitive cure for DN. Alpinia oxyphylla, a Chinese herbal medicine traditionally used, exhibits a wide range of pharmacological effects and is frequently used in the prevention and management of DN. This paper offers an extensive review of the biological mechanisms by which A. oxyphylla delivers therapeutic advantages in DN management. These mechanisms include activating podocyte autophagy, regulating non-coding RNA, modulating gut microbiota, alleviating lipotoxicity, counteracting oxidative stress, and diminishing inflammatory responses, underscoring the therapeutic potential of A. oxyphylla in DN treatment.

Novel Sesquiterpenoids with Renoprotective Activities from the Fruits of Alpinae oxyphylla as Potent TGF-β1/Smads Phosphorylation Inhibitors

The fruit of Alpinia oxyphylla Miq is an important food spice in southern China and has been used in the treatment of kidney disorders for centuries. In order to discover the natural products with potent renoprotective activities in A. oxyphylla and provide some references for its usage, systematic phytochemical studies were carried out and 24 new diverse sesquiterpenoids, including seven guaiane sesquiterpenoids (1-7), 10 eudesmane sesquiterpenoids (9-13, 18, 19, and 21-23), six cadinane sesquiterpenoids (31-35 and 38), and an eremophilane sesquiterpenoid (40), along with 24 known analogues were isolated and elucidated by analysis of spectroscopic data and quantum-chemical calculations. Biological evaluation showed that 6 sesquiterpenoids could significantly inhibit the expression of extracellular matrix components, α-SMA in TGF-β1 induced kidney proximal tubular cells (NRK-52e) at low concentrations, and 9 sesquiterpenoids could also downregulate fibronectin and collagen I in a concentration-dependent manner, showing their potential in renal fibrosis. Further action mechanism study displayed that TGF-β1/Smads pathway might be involved in the antifibrotic effects of active sesquiterpenoids 15 and 43. These studies suggest that A. oxyphylla may have a potential to serve as a functional food in preventing renal fibrosis-associated diseases.

Eremophilane and cadinane sesquiterpenoids from the fruits of Alpinia oxyphylla and their anti-inflammatory activities

The fruits of Alpinia oxyphylla have been used for centuries in China as both edible resources and traditional Chinese medicine. In order to identify structurally interesting and bioactive constituents from the fruits of A. oxyphylla, bioassay-guided fractionation and purification of the crude extracts were performed, which led to the isolation of 38 sesquiterpenoids, including six previously undescribed eremophilane sesquiterpenoids (1-6), six new cadinane sesquiterpenoids (23-24, 26-29), and 26 known analogues (7-22, 25 and 31-38). The structures of these compounds were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis, single crystal X-ray diffraction, quantum chemistry calculations (13C-NMR and ECD), and Mo2(OAc)4 reaction. Several of the isolated compounds (8, 13, 17, 18, 30, 31 and 35) showed moderate to strong inhibition of the secretion of cytokines (NO, TNF-α and IL-6) in LPS-stimulated BV-2 cells. Furthermore, western blot, immunofluorescence, and real-time PCR assays indicated that 18 could down-regulate the mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-6, COX-2, and iNOS and the protein expression of COX-2 and iNOS. Meanwhile, 18 was able to partially inhibit the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, JNK, and p38. Thus, the discovery of structurally diverse anti-inflammatory sesquiterpenoids from the fruits of A. oxyphylla in this study could benefit the further development and utilization of this plant.

From gut to skin: exploring the potential of natural products targeting microorganisms for atopic dermatitis treatment

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease. Recent studies have revealed that interactions between pathogenic microorganisms, which have a tendency to parasitize the skin of AD patients, play a significant role in the progression of the disease. Furthermore, specific species of commensal bacteria in the human intestinal tract can have a profound impact on the immune system by promoting inflammation and pruritogenesis in AD, while also regulating adaptive immunity. Natural products (NPs) have emerged as promising agents for the treatment of various diseases. Consequently, there is growing interest in utilizing natural products as a novel therapeutic approach for managing AD, with a focus on modulating both skin and gut microbiota. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms and interplay between the skin and gut microbiota in relation to AD. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive overview of recent clinical and fundamental research on NPs targeting the skin and gut microbiota for AD treatment. We anticipate that our work will contribute to the future development of NPs and facilitate research on microbial mechanisms, based on the efficacy of NPs in treating AD.

Structurally diverse new eudesmane sesquiterpenoids with anti-inflammatory activity from the fruits of Alpinia oxyphylla

The phytochemical investigation of the fruits of Alpinia oxyphylla led to the isolation and identification of 40 structurally diverse sesquiterpenoids, including 17 new eudesmane sesquiterpenoids (1-17) and 23 known analogues (18-40). Among the isolates, 14 and 17 were unusual rearranged eudesmane sesquiterpenoids, featuring rare 5/6-fused and 6/8-fused bicyclic carbon skeleton, respectively; 15 and 16 were the novel 6,7-seco-eudesmane sesquiterpenoids isolated from plant-origin for the first time, 1 and 3-6 were rare nor-eudesmane sesquiterpenoids. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis (NMR, HRESIMS, IR, UV), single crystal X-ray diffraction, and quantum chemistry calculations (ECD and ¹³C NMR). Moreover, all isolates were evaluated by measuring their inhibitory effect on nitric oxide (NO) in LPS-stimulated BV-2 cells. As a result, compounds 11, 20, 24 and 40 showed moderate to strong inhibition on NO productions, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 21.63 to 60.70 μM. Meanwhile, these compounds also partially decreased the secretion of TNF-α and IL-6 in LPS-stimulated BV-2 cells. Furthermore, 20 could down-regulate protein expressions (COX-2 and iNOS) and observably inhibit the mRNA expressions of TNF-α, IL-6, COX-2 and iNOS. In this study, the discovery of structurally diverse anti-inflammatory sesquiterpenoids from the fruits of A. oxyphylla could benefit the further development and utilization of this plant.

Beneficial Effect of Gastrodia elata Blume and Poria cocos Wolf Administration on Acute UVB Irradiation by Alleviating Inflammation through Promoting the Gut-Skin Axis

Bioactive compounds in some herbs can, directly and indirectly, protect against photoaging. We evaluated the effects of Gastrodia elata Blume (GE) and Poria cocos Wolf (PC) water extracts on ultraviolet (UV) B-induced skin lesions by acute UVB exposure in ICR mice and explored their mechanism of action. After removing the hair on the back of the mice, UVB (280-310 nm) was exposed to the back for 30 min to induce skin damage. Four UVB exposure groups were divided into the following according to the local application (1,3-butanediol extract) on the dorsal skin and oral intake (0.3 g water extract/kg body weight/day): 1,3-butanediol and cellulose(control; UV-Con), retinoic acid (positive-control; UV-Positive), PC extracts (UV-PC), and GE extracts (UV-GE). The fifth group had no UVB exposure with the same treatment as the UV-Con (Normal-control). The erythema, burns, erosion, and wounds of the UV-PC and UV-PC groups were alleviated, and the most significant improvements occurred in the UV-PC group. PC and GE reduced the thickness of the dorsal skin tissue, the penetration of mast cells, and malondialdehyde contents. The mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-13, and IL-4, inflammatory factors, were also reduced significantly in the dorsal skin of the UV-PC and UV-GE groups. UV-PC, UV-GE, and UV-Positive showed improvements in UV-induced intestinal tissue inflammation. UV-Con deteriorated the intestinal morphology, and PC and GE alleviated it. The α-diversity of the fecal microbiota decreased in the UV-control, and UV-PC and UV-GE prevented the decrease. Fecal metagenome analysis revealed increased propionate biosynthesis in the UV-PC group but decreased lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis in the UV-PC and UV-GE groups compared to UV-Con. In conclusion, the local application and intake of PC and GE had significant therapeutic effects on acute UV-induced skin damage by reducing oxidative stress and proinflammatory cytokines, potentially promoting the gut-microbiota-gut-skin axis.

Review on Chemical Constituents of Schizonepeta tenuifolia Briq. and Their Pharmacological Effects

Schizonepeta tenuifolia Briq. is a famous Chinese traditional medicine with antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and hemostatic effects. Many chemical components can be isolated and detected by using various analysis methods, including monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, aldehydes, ketones, quinones, alcohols, phenols, carboxylic acids and esters, etc., in which volatile oil was considered to be the main chemical component. In this paper, the chemical constituents and their pharmacological effects were reviewed by summarizing the recent literature, revealing the relationship between them.

Mitigation of Memory Impairment with Fermented Fucoidan and λ-Carrageenan Supplementation through Modulating the Gut Microbiota and Their Metagenome Function in Hippocampal Amyloid-β Infused Rats

Attenuating acetylcholinesterase and insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 signaling in the hippocampus is associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) development. Fucoidan and carrageenan are brown and red algae, respectively, with potent antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiviral activities. This study examined how low-molecular-weight (MW) and high-MW fucoidan and λ-carrageenan would improve memory impairment in Alzheimer’s disease-induced rats caused by an infusion of toxic amyloid-β(Aβ). Fucoidan and λ-carrageenan were dissected into low-MW by Luteolibacter algae and Pseudoalteromonas carrageenovora. Rats receiving an Aβ(25–35) infusion in the CA1 region of the hippocampus were fed dextrin (AD-Con), 1% high-MW fucoidan (AD-F-H), 1% low-MW fucoidan (AD-F-L), 1% high-MW λ-carrageenan (AD-C-H), and 1% low-MW λ-carrageenan (AD-C-L) for six weeks. Rats to receive saline infusion (Normal-Con) had an AD-Con diet. The AD-F-L group showed an improved memory function, which manifested as an enhanced Y-maze spontaneous alternation test, water maze, and passive avoidance tests, similar to the Normal-Con group. AD-F-L also potentiated hippocampal insulin signaling and increased the expression of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus. AD-C-L improved the memory function mainly by increasing the BDNF content. AD-F-H and AD-C-H did not improve the memory function. Compared to AD-Con, the ascending order of AD-C-H, AD-F-H, AD-C-L, and AD-F-L increased insulin signaling by enhancing the pSTAT3→pAkt→pGSK-3β pathway. AD-F-L improved glucose tolerance the most. Compared to AD-CON, the AD-F-L treatment increased the serum acetate concentrations and compensated for the defect of cerebral glucose metabolism. AD-Con increased Clostridium, Terrisporobacter and Sporofaciens compared to Normal-Con, and AD-F-L and AD-C-L increased Akkermentia. In conclusion, AD-F-L and AD-C-L alleviated the memory function in the rats with induced AD symptoms by modulating.