Immunomodulatory Properties of Natural Extracts and Compounds Derived from Bidens pilosa L.: Literature Review

Enhancing the color and stress tolerance of cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi var. red) using astaxanthin and Bidens Pilosa

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of astaxanthin and Bidens Pilosa compound feed additives on the color and hypoxia tolerance of cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi var. red). Color parameters were assessed using CIELAB color space, and differential gene expression related to color and stress was analyzed using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to understand the gene regulatory mechanisms affecting color expression and stability. Over a 56-day rearing period, the feed additives AX100 (astaxanthin 100 mg/kg) and AX100+BP (astaxanthin 100 mg/kg + B. pilosa 5 g/kg) significantly reduced the color difference values compared to the standard sample (ΔE*ab), indicating notable color boosting effects. This included a reduction in lightness (L*), a decrease in color hue angle (h*) with AX100, and an increase in redness (a*) and chroma (C*) with AX100+BP. We further designed 22 color-related gene primers, 16 of which amplified the target fragment. Six gene sets exhibited significant differences among all feed treatment groups and were correlated with color expression. After 9 hours of hypoxic stress, body color remained stable in the feed additive groups, especially in the AX100 + BP and AX200 + BP (astaxanthin 200 mg/kg + B. pilosa 5 g/kg) groups, with color differences before and after hypoxic stress remaining below the discernible threshold of the human eye, indicating optimal color stability. Additionally, the CAT gene, among the stress-related genes that successfully amplified, showed significant differences among feed treatment groups and correlated with color stability based on color difference values. In conclusion, the composite addition of 100 mg/kg astaxanthin and 5 g/kg Bidens pilosa (AX100 + BP) was identified as the most effective treatment. This formulation significantly enhanced cherry shrimp color, evidenced by improved parameters such as decreased lightness and increased redness. Moreover, AX100 + BP demonstrated superior color stability under hypoxic conditions, with ΔE*ab values remaining below the discernible threshold of the human eye, highlighting its potential for maintaining optimal color during transportation. Offering a basis for enhancing the commercial value and reducing the sale risks of cherry shrimp.

Okanin Inhibits Cell Growth and Induces Apoptosis and Pyroptosis in Oral Cancer

BACKGROUND

Okanin, a flavonoid compound derived from Bidens pilosa L., has garnered attention for its anti-inflammatory properties. Although Bidens pilosa is commonly used in healthcare products and functional foods, the anticancer potential of okanin, particularly in oral cancer, remains underexplored. This study aims to investigate the effects of okanin on oral cancer cell lines and its potential as a therapeutic agent.

METHODS

The study involved assessing the cytotoxic effects of okanin on oral cancer cell lines SAS, SCC25, HSC3, and OEC-M1. The IC50 values were determined using methylene blue assays, and the clonogenic capacity was evaluated through colony formation assays. Flow cytometry was used to analyze cell cycle progression and apoptosis. Caspase-3/7 activity assays and annexin V/7-AAD staining confirmed the induction of apoptosis and pyroptosis. In vivo efficacy was assessed using a SAS xenograft model, and immunohistochemical analysis of xenograft tissue was performed to examine pyroptosis-related markers.

RESULTS

Okanin exhibited potent cytotoxic effects with IC50 values of 12.0 ± 0.8, 58.9 ± 18.7, 18.1 ± 5.3, and 43.2 ± 6.2 μM in SAS, SCC25, HSC3, and OEC-M1 cells, respectively. It caused dose- and time-dependent reductions in cell viability and significantly impaired clonogenic capacity. Flow cytometry revealed G2/M cell cycle arrest and increased sub-G1 population, indicating cell cycle disruption and death. Okanin induced both apoptosis and pyroptosis, as confirmed by caspase-3/7 activity and annexin V/7-AAD staining. In vivo, okanin reduced tumor growth and involved pyroptosis-related markers such as CASP1, GSDMC, GSDMD, and GSDME.

CONCLUSIONS

Okanin demonstrates significant anticancer potential, particularly in oral cancer, by inducing both apoptosis and pyroptosis. Its efficacy in reducing tumor growth in vivo further supports its potential as a novel therapeutic option. Further mechanistic studies are needed to elucidate the pathways involved in okanin-mediated cell death and to explore its clinical applications.

Exploring Genomics and Microbial Ecology: Analysis of Bidens pilosa L. Genetic Structure and Soil Microbiome Diversity by RAD-Seq and Metabarcoding

Bidens pilosa L., native to South America and commonly used for medicinal purposes, has been understudied at molecular and genomic levels and in its relationship with soil microorganisms. In this study, restriction site-associated DNA markers (RADseq) techniques were implemented to analyze genetic diversity and population structure, and metabarcoding to examine microbial composition in soils from Palmira, Sibundoy, and Bogotá, Colombia. A total of 2,984,123 loci and 3485 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified, revealing a genetic variation of 12% between populations and 88% within individuals, and distributing the population into three main genetic groups, FST = 0.115 (p < 0.001) and FIT = 0.013 (p > 0.05). In the soil analysis, significant correlations were found between effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC) and apparent density, soil texture, and levels of Mg and Fe, as well as negative correlations between ECEC and Mg, and Mg, Fe, and Ca. Proteobacteria and Ascomycota emerged as the predominant bacterial and fungal phyla, respectively. Analyses of alpha, beta, and multifactorial diversity highlight the influence of ecological and environmental factors on these microbial communities, revealing specific patterns of clustering and association between bacteria and fungi in the studied locations.

A Bidens pilosa L. Non-Polar Extract Modulates the Polarization of Human Macrophages and Dendritic Cells into an Anti-Inflammatory Phenotype

Different communities around the world traditionally use Bidens pilosa L. for medicinal purposes, mainly for its anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and antioxidant properties; it is used as an ingredient in teas or herbal medicines for the treatment of pain, inflammation, and immunological disorders. Several studies have been conducted that prove the immunomodulatory properties of this plant; however, it is not known whether the immunomodulatory properties of B. pilosa are mediated by its ability to modulate antigen-presenting cells (APCs) such as macrophages (MØs) and dendritic cells (DCs) (through polarization or the maturation state, respectively). Different polar and non-polar extracts and fractions were prepared from the aerial part of B. pilosa. Their cytotoxic and immunomodulatory effects were first tested on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated PBMCs, respectively, via an MTT assay. Then, the non-cytotoxic plant extracts and fractions that showed the highest immunomodulatory activity were selected to evaluate their effects on human MØ polarization and DC maturation (cell surface phenotype and cytokine secretion) through multiparametric flow cytometry. Finally, the chemical compounds of the B. pilosa extract that showed the most significant immunomodulatory effects on human APCs were identified using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The petroleum ether extract and the ethyl acetate and hydroalcoholic fractions obtained from B. pilosa showed low cytotoxicity and modulated the PHA-stimulated proliferation of PBMCs. Furthermore, the B. pilosa petroleum ether extract induced M2 polarization or a hybrid M1/M2 phenotype in MØs and a semi-mature status in DCs, regardless of exposure to a maturation stimulus. The immunomodulatory activity of the non-polar (petroleum ether) extract of B. pilosa on human PBMC proliferation, M2 polarization of MØs, and semi-mature status in DCs might be attributed to the low-medium polarity components in the extract, such as phytosterol terpenes and fatty acid esters.