Safety of ashitaba sap as a Novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on ashitaba sap as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. Ashitaba sap is collected from harvested stems of Angelica keiskei plants. The principal constituents of the sap with regard to the safety assessment are chalcones (1%-2.25%) and furanocoumarins (< 0.01%). The applicant proposed to use the NF in food supplements at a maximum dose of 780 mg per day. The target population is adults excluding pregnant and lactating women. Taking into consideration the composition of the NF and the proposed uses, the composition of the NF is not nutritionally disadvantageous. There are no concerns regarding genotoxicity of the NF. Based on a 90-day oral toxicity study performed with the product as intended to be placed on the market (30% ashitaba sap powder and 70% cyclodextrins), the Panel establishes a safe dose of 0.5 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day for the product as it is intended to be placed on the market. For the target population, i.e. adults, this safe dose corresponds to 35 mg per day of the product as it is intended to be placed on the market and 137 mg per day of the NF, which is lower than the use level proposed by the applicant. The Panel concludes that the NF is safe for the target population at intake levels up to 137 mg per day.

A Mixture of Morus alba and Angelica keiskei Leaf Extracts Improves Muscle Atrophy by Activating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway and Inhibiting FoxO3a In Vitro and In Vivo

Muscle atrophy, which is defined as a decrease in muscle mass and strength, is caused by an imbalance between the anabolism and catabolism of muscle proteins. Thus, modulating the homeostasis between muscle protein synthesis and degradation represents an efficient treatment approach for this condition. In the present study, the protective effects against muscle atrophy of ethanol extracts of Morus alba L. (MA) and Angelica keiskei Koidz. (AK) leaves and their mixtures (MIX) were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Our results showed that MIX increased 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide-induced C2C12 myotube thinning, and enhanced soleus and gastrocnemius muscle thickness compared to each extract alone in dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy Sprague Dawley rats. In addition, although MA and AK substantially improved grip strength and histological changes for dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy in vivo, the efficacy was superior in the MIX-treated group. Moreover, MIX further increased the expression levels of myogenic factors (MyoD and myogenin) and decreased the expression levels of E3 ubiquitin ligases (atrogin-1 and muscle-specific RING finger protein-1) in vitro and in vivo compared to the MA- and AK-alone treatment groups. Furthermore, MIX increased the levels of phosphorylated phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) that were reduced by dexamethasone, and downregulated the expression of forkhead box O3 (FoxO3a) induced by dexamethasone. These results suggest that MIX has a protective effect against muscle atrophy by enhancing muscle protein anabolism through the activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and attenuating catabolism through the inhibition of FoxO3a.

Bioherbicides for sustainable barnyard grass management in paddy field: an in-silico perspective

Paddy (Oryza sativa) yield is greatly influenced by the insidious presence of rice-mimicking weed, widely known as barnyard grass. This study explores the promising natural ACCase inhibitors that could enhance paddy yield by controlling weeds. A total of 2828 natural compounds were examined using diverse computational techniques. The results of this study depict that CNP0390839 (xanthoangelol) exhibited a better XP Gscore (-7.328 kcal/mol) and MM/GBSA score (-84.24 kcal/mol) than other investigated compounds. Importantly, ACCase-xanthoangelol complexes was thermodynamically stable with an RMSD value of ∼1.2 nm. Of note, 72% xanthoangelol resides in the Angelica keiskei plant root which exhibits 55% weed-inhibitory action. The A. keiskei plant mainly inhibits the hypocotyl (71.8 ± 5.4%) and root region (55.3 ± 4.7%) of weeds. Moreover, the existence of dihydroxyphenyl scaffold in xanthoangelol was also witnessed in literatures for weed inhibitory action. Overall, xanthoangelol might prove to be an effective ACCase herbicide in paddy weed management.

Angelica keiskei Impacts the Lifespan and Healthspan of Drosophila melanogaster in a Sex and Strain-Dependent Manner

Angelica keiskei is a perennial plant, belonging to the Apiaceae family and originating from Japan. This plant has been reported to act as a diuretic, analeptic, antidiabetic, hypertensive, tumor, galactagogue, and laxative. The mechanism of action of A. keiskei is not known, but previous studies have suggested that it may act as an antioxidant. In this work, we used Drosophila melanogaster to evaluate the impact of A. keiskei on lifespan and healthspan and its potential anti-aging mechanism by conducting multiple assays on three fly strains: w¹¹¹⁸, chico, and JIV. We observed that the extract extended lifespan and improved healthspan in a sex- and strain-dependent manner. A. keiskei extended lifespan and improved reproductive fitness in female flies and either had no effect or decreased survival and physical performance in males. The extract protected against the superoxide generator paraquat in both sexes. These sex-specific effects suggest that A. keiskei may act through age-specific pathways such as the insulin and insulin-like growth factor signaling (IIS) pathways. Upon examination, we found that the increased survival of A. keiskei-fed females was dependent on the presence of the insulin receptor substrate chico, supporting the role of IIS in the action of A. keiskei.

Anti-obesity effect of Angelica keiskei Jiaosu prepared by yeast fermentation on high-fat diet-fed mice

In this study, an Angelica keiskei (A. keiskei) Jiaosu (FAK) was prepared by yeast fermentation to investigate its anti-obesity effect on high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. 70 SPF grade male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into 7 groups (n = 10): blank control group (N), high-fat model group (M), positive control group (Orl), unfermented control group (NF), high-dose intervention group (FH), medium-dose intervention group (FM), and low-dose intervention group (FL). The results showed that FAK intervention significantly reduced the body weight, Lee's index and liver index of HFD-fed mice (P < 0.05). Compared with M group, the serum levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), leptin and glucose (GLU) in FH group were remarkably decreased and that of interleukin-27 (IL-27) were increased (P < 0.05). The levels of TG, and TC in the liver of mice were also markedly decreased in the FH group (P < 0.05). HE staining results showed that the liver cells in the three intervention groups had less degeneration and fatty vacuoles in the cytoplasm, and the liver cords were orderly arranged compared with that of M group. Furthermore, FAK significantly inhibited epididymal adipose tissue cell expansion induced by HFD. FAK up-regulated the protein expression levels of p-AMPK and PPARα to promote lipolysis and down-regulated the expression of PPARγ to reduce lipid synthesis (P < 0.05). Additionally, the results of gut microbiota showed that after the intervention, a decrease trend of F/B value and Deferribacterota was noticed in the FH group compared with M group. At the genus level, FAK intervention significantly increased that of Ileiobacterium compared to the M group (p < 0.05). A rising trend of norank_f_Muribaculaceae, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium were also observed in the HF group. Conclusively, these findings demonstrated that FAK intervention can effectively improve obesity in mice caused by HFD and the potential mechanisms was related to the regulation of serum levels of leptin and IL-27, lipogenesis and lipolysis in adipose tissue and gut microbiota composition.

Assessment of the Hypoglycemic and Hypolipidemic Activity of Flavonoid-Rich Extract from Angelica keiskei

Angelica keiskei contains a variety of bioactive compounds including chalcone, coumarin, and phytochemicals, endowing it with pharmacological effects such as lipid-lowering activity, antitumor activity, liver protection, and nerve protection. This study aims to study the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of the flavonoid-rich extract from Angelica keiskei (FEAK) in an effort to exploit new applications of FEAK and increase its commercial value. In this paper, flavonoid compounds in Angelica keiskei were extracted using 50% ethanol, and the contents of the flavonoid compounds were analyzed by UPLC-MS/MS. Then, the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities of the FEAK were investigated through in vitro enzyme activity and cell experiments as well as establishing in vivo zebrafish and Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) models. The UPLC-MS/MS results show that the major flavonoid compounds in the FEAK were aureusidin, xanthoangelol, kaempferol, luteolin, and quercetin. The inhibitory rates of the FEAK on the activity of α-amylase and cholesterol esterase were 57.13% and 72.11%, respectively. In cell lipid-lowering experiments, the FEAK significantly reduced the total cholesterol (TC) and total triglyceride (TG) levels in a dose-dependent manner, with 150 μg/mL of FEAK decreasing the intracellular levels of TC and TG by 33.86% and 27.89%, respectively. The fluorescence intensity of the FEAK group was 68.12% higher than that of the control group, indicating that the FEAK exhibited hypoglycemic effects. When the concentration of the FEAK reached 500 μg/mL, the hypoglycemic effect on zebrafish reached up to 57.7%, and the average fluorescence intensity of C. elegans in the FEAK group was 17% lower than that of the control group. The results indicate that the FEAK had hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities. The findings of this study provide theoretical references for the high-value utilization of Angelica keiskei and the development of natural functional food with hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities.

Silver nanoparticles decorated reduced graphene oxide: Eco-friendly synthesis, characterization, biological activities and embryo toxicity studies

This study was aimed on the eco-friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and AgNPs decorated rGO (rGO/AgNPs) nanocomposite and appraisal of their bioactivities and toxicity. As-prepared nanomaterials were established through high resolution X-ray diffraction (HR-XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, UV-Vis. spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). In this study, leaves extract, graphene oxide (GO) and rGO did not show antibacterial and anticancer activities; no significant embryo toxicity was recorded. On the other hand, AgNPs displayed good antibacterial and anticancer activities; however, higher toxic effects were observed even at the lowest test concentration (0.7 μg/ml). In case of rGO/AgNPs nanocomposite, significant antibacterial activity together with low cytotoxicity was noticed. Interestingly, the embryo toxicity of AgNPs was significantly reduced by rGO, implying the biocompatible nature of as-synthesized nanocomposite. Taken together, these results clearly suggest that rGO/AgNPs nano hybrid composite could be developed as the promising biomaterial for future biomedical applications.

Inhibitory activity of xanthoangelol isolated from Ashitaba (Angelica keiskei Koidzumi) towards α-glucosidase and dipeptidyl peptidase-IV: in silico and in vitro studies

In Indonesia, the sap of Angelica keiskei Koidzumi has been utilized traditionally as a blood-sugar reducer, nonetheless, its molecular mechanism still needs to be studied. This study aimed to isolate xanthoangelol (XA) from the yellow sap of A. keiskei planted in Mount Rinjani, Indonesia, and to investigate its mechanism by in silico and in vitro methods towards α-glucosidase and dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV). The dried yellow sap was macerated using ethanol, subjected to liquid-liquid extraction using a different polarity of solvents, further gradient-eluted with column chromatography. The isolated compound, formed as yellow crystals, melting point 114–114.4 °C, λ_max 368 nm, m/z 393.20 [M + H]⁺, was confirmed as XA. Acarbose, an α-glucosidase inhibitor, and sitagliptin, a DPP-IV inhibitor, respectively, were employed as the reference drugs for both the in silico and in vitro studies. XA interacts with essential amino acid residues 232–237 in the N-terminal N-loop of α-glucosidase by forming a hydrogen bond with Ala234, a salt-bridge with Asp232, and 9 hydrophobic interactions (binding energy -7.81 kcal/mol; Ki = 1.99 μM). These binding modes resemble those of acarbose. Moreover, XA forms hydrogen bonds with Glu205 and Glu206 in the subsite S2 and π-π interaction with Phe357 in the extensive subsite S2 of DPP-IV (binding energy -8.34 kcal/mol; Ki = 0.873 μM), which are similar to those of sitagliptin. XA inhibits both α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ XA = 14.45 μM; IC₅₀ acarbose = 207 μM) and DPP-IV (IC₅₀ XA = 10.49 μM; IC₅₀ sitagliptin = 0.87 μM). Taken together, XA isolated from the yellow sap of A. keiskei Koidzumi might possess the potential to be further developed as an inhibitor of α-glucosidase and DPP-IV.

leaves extract

The present study demonstrated the in vitro embryotoxicity assessment of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) prepared from the leaves extract of Angelica keiskei (Miq.) Koidz. and addressed their mode of antibacterial mechanisms. Both AuNPs and CuNPs were rapidly synthesized and the formations were observed within 1 h and 24 h, respectively. Further the morphological images of the nanoparticles were confirmed through transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The high-resolution X-ray diffraction (HR-XRD) analysis of the biosynthesized AuNPs and CuNPs were matched with joint committee on powder diffraction standards (JCPDS) file no of 04-0784 and 89-5899, respectively. A strong prominent Au and Cu signals were observed through energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis confirmed the responsible phytochemicals for the synthesis of AuNPs and CuNPs. In order to assess the toxic effects of AuNPs and CuNPs, bactericidal activity was performed against few of the test pathogens in which the effective inhibition was observed against Gram-negative bacteria than the Gram-positive bacteria. The mode of action and interaction of nanoparticles were performed on the bacterial pathogens and the results concluded that the interaction of nanoparticles initially initiated on the surface of the cell wall adherence followed by ruptured the cells and caused the cell death. In addition to the antibacterial activity, in vitro embryotoxicity studies were performed against zebrafish embryos and the results confirmed that 200 µg/ml concentration of AuNPs showed the embryotoxicity, whereas 2 µg/ml of CuNPs resulted the embryotoxicity. Furthermore, the morphological anomalies of zebrafish embryos revealed the toxic nature of the synthesized nanoparticles.

Chalcones from Angelica keiskei (ashitaba) inhibit key Zika virus replication proteins

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a dangerous human pathogen and no antiviral drugs have been approved to date. The chalcones are a group of small molecules that are found in a number of different plants, including Angelica keiskei Koidzumi, also known as ashitaba. To examine chalcone anti-ZIKV activity, three chalcones, 4-hydroxyderricin (4HD), xanthoangelol (XA), and xanthoangelol-E (XA-E), were purified from a methanol-ethyl acetate extract from A. keiskei. Molecular and ensemble docking predicted that these chalcones would establish multiple interactions with residues in the catalytic and allosteric sites of ZIKV NS2B-NS3 protease, and in the allosteric site of the NS5 RNA-dependent RNA-polymerase (RdRp). Machine learning models also predicted 4HD, XA and XA-E as potential anti-ZIKV inhibitors. Enzymatic and kinetic assays confirmed chalcone inhibition of the ZIKV NS2B-NS3 protease allosteric site with IC₅₀s from 18 to 50 µM. Activity assays also revealed that XA, but not 4HD or XA-E, inhibited the allosteric site of the RdRp, with an IC₅₀ of 6.9 µM. Finally, we tested these chalcones for their anti-viral activity in vitro with Vero cells. 4HD and XA-E displayed anti-ZIKV activity with EC₅₀ values of 6.6 and 22.0 µM, respectively, while XA displayed relatively weak anti-ZIKV activity with whole cells. With their simple structures and relative ease of modification, the chalcones represent attractive candidates for hit-to-lead optimization in the search of new anti-ZIKV therapeutics.

4-Hydroxyderricin Promotes Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest through Regulating PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway in Hepatocellular Cells

4-hydroxyderricin (4-HD), as a natural flavonoid compound derived from Angelica keiskei, has largely unknown inhibition and mechanisms on liver cancer. Herein, we investigated the inhibitory effects of 4-HD on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and clarified the potential mechanisms by exploring apoptosis and cell cycle arrest mediated via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Our results show that 4-HD treatment dramatically decreased the survival rate and activities of HepG2 and Huh7 cells. The protein expressions of apoptosis-related genes significantly increased, while those related to the cell cycle were decreased by 4-HD. 4-HD also down-regulated PI3K, p-PI3K, p-AKT, and p-mTOR protein expression. Moreover, PI3K inhibitor (LY294002) enhanced the promoting effect of 4-HD on apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in HCC cells. Consequently, we demonstrate that 4-HD can suppress the proliferation of HCC cells by promoting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway mediated apoptosis and cell cycle arrest.

Complete chloroplast genome of Angelica keiskei (Umbelliferae)

Angelica keiskei (Miq.) Koidz. is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the genus Angelica, Umbelliferae. As a plant with dual-purpose as food and medicine, it has the potential for the future development of high-value functional products. The complete chloroplast genome has a total size of 147,007 bp, consisting of two inverted repeats (IR, 18,508 bp, each), and separated by a large single-copy region (LSC, 92,415 bp) and a small single-copy region (SSC, 17,576 bp). Further annotation revealed the chloroplast genome contains 128 genes, including 84 protein-coding genes (80 PCG species), 36 tRNA genes (30 tRNA species), and 8 rRNA genes (4 rRNA species). A total of 83 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were identified in the chloroplast genome. This chloroplast genome resource will be useful for the study of the evolution and genetic diversity of Angelica keiskei in the future.

NMR and ESIMS data for bisabolane-type sesquiterpenoids

The data presented here are related to the research paper entitled “Norbisabolane and bisabolane sesquiterpenoids from the seeds of Angelica keiskei” [1]. In this data article, we provide 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESIMS) data of three undescribed norbisabolane- and bisabolene-type sesquiterpenoids, ashitabaol B-D isolated from the seeds of Angelica keiskei.

A Chalcone from Ashitaba (Angelica keiskei) Stimulates Myoblast Differentiation and Inhibits Dexamethasone-Induced Muscle Atrophy

Ashitaba, Angelica keiskei Koidzumi (AK), as a traditional medicine in Korea, Japan, and China, has been known as an elixir of life having therapeutic potential. However, there is no scientific evidence to support that Ashitaba can enhance or maintain muscle strength. To find a new therapeutic agent from the medicinal plant, we evaluated the anti-myopathy effect of chalcones from ethanol extract of AK (EAK) in cellular and animal models of muscle atrophy. To examine anti-myopathy activity, EAK was treated into dexamethasone injected rats and muscle thickness and histopathological images were analyzed. Oral administration of EAK (250 or 500 mg/kg) alleviated muscle atrophic damages and down-regulated the mRNA levels of muscle-specific ubiquitin-E3 ligases. Among ten compounds isolated from EAK, 4-hydroxyderricin was the most effective principle in stimulating myogenesis of C2C12 myoblasts via activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). In three cellular muscle atrophy models with C2C12 myoblasts damaged by dexamethasone or cancer cell-conditioned medium, 4-hydroxyderricin protected the myosin heavy chain (MHC) degradation through suppressing expressions of MAFbx, MuRF-1 and myostatin. These results suggest that the ethanol extract and its active principle, 4-hydroxyderricin from AK, can overcome the muscle atrophy through double mechanisms of decreasing muscle protein degradation and activating myoblast differentiation.

Simultaneous Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction for Flavonoids and Antioxidant Activity of Angelica keiskei Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM)

Angelica keiskei Koidzumi (A. keiskei), as a Japanese edible herbal plant, enjoys a variety of biological activities due to the presence of numerous active compounds, especially flavonoids. This study aims for the optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) for flavonoids in A. keiskei and their antioxidant activity by using the response surface methodology (RSM). Single-factor experiments and a four-factor three-level Box-Behnken design (BBD) were performed to explore the effects of the following parameters on flavonoid extraction and antioxidant activity evaluation: ultrasonic temperature (X1), ultrasonic time (X2), ethanol concentration (X3) and liquid-solid ratio (X4). The optimum conditions of the combination of total flavonoid content (TFC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity (DPPH-RSC) and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were as follows: X1 = 80 °C, X2 = 4 min, X3 = 78%, X4 = 35 mL/g, respectively. The experimental results provide a theoretical basis for the extensive utilization of A. keiskei and flavonoids extraction from A. keiskei as a potential source of antioxidants.

Characterizing Tyrosinase Modulators from the Roots of Angelica keiskei Using Tyrosinase Inhibition Assay and UPLC-MS/MS as the Combinatorial Novel Approach

In this study, an in vitro tyrosinase inhibition assay in combination with ultra performance liquid chromatography-orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC-orbitrap-MS) was developed for the rapid screening and identification of tyrosinase modulators from roots of Angelica keiskei. Of the 15 candidates considered, nine chalcones, xanthoangelols (1), B (2), D (3), E (4), G (5), H (6), 4-hydroxyderricin (7), xanthokeismin B (8) and (2E)-1-[4-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxy-2-propanyl)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-7-yl]-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-propen-1-one (9), five coumarins, umbelliferone (10), selinidin (11), isopimpinellin (12), phellopterin (13) and xanthyletin (14), and one other compound, ashitabaol A (15), were distinguished between the test samples and the controls with statistical significance, and the structure of each compound was determined by comparing with in-house standards and the literature. Among these, six compounds, xanthoangelol (1), xanthoangelol D (3), xanthoangelol H (6), 4-hydroxyderricin (7), laserpitin (16) and isolaserpitin (17), were isolated from roots of A. keiskei. Of the compounds isolated, compounds 1, 7 and 16 were subjected to tyrosinase inhibitory assay, and the IC₅₀ values were 15.87 ± 1.21, 60.14 ± 2.29 and >100 μM, respectively. The present study indicated that the combination of in vitro tyrosinase inhibition assay coupled with UPLC-MS/MS could be widely applied to the rapid screening of active substances from various natural resources.

Isobavachalcone from Angelica keiskei Inhibits Adipogenesis and Prevents Lipid Accumulation

We isolated isobavachalcone (IBC) from Angelica keiskei (AK) as an anti-obesity component. IBC dose-dependently inhibited 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation by down-regulating adipogenic factors. At the mitotic clonal expansion stage (MCE), IBC caused cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 with decreased expression of cell cycle-regulating proteins. IBC also inhibited autophagic flux by inducing intracellular accumulation of LC3B and SQSTM1/p62 proteins while decreasing expression levels of regulating factors for autophagy initiation. In parallel with the inhibition of adipocyte differentiation, IBC decreased intrahepatic fat deposits and rescued the liver steatosis in high fat cholesterol diet-fed zebrafish. In this study, we found that IBC isolated from AK suppresses mitotic clonal expansion and autophagy flux of adipocytes and also shows anti-obesity activity in a high cholesterol-diet zebrafish model by decreasing intrahepatic fat deposits. These results suggest that IBC could be a leading pharmacological compound for the development of anti-obesity drugs.

The ethanolic extract of ashitaba stem (Angelica keskei [Miq.] Koidz) as future antituberculosis

Considering the easy contagion of tuberculosis (TB) disease spread and the emergence of multidrug-resistant TB, which directly impacts the failure of therapeutic goals and mortality rates increasing, TB disease control remains to be the main concern of continuous health development effort. Therefore, the discovery of new TB drug is needed. This research assessed the new natural anti-TB drug from the ethanolic extract of Angelica keiskei stem obtained from Lombok, Indonesia. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the sensitivity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) H37Rv strain to A. keiskei stem extract and to determine its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The extraction methods of A. keiskei stem were done using a maceration method. In addition to phytochemical screening and water content analysis using standard method, the phytochemical parameters were analyzed by thin-layer chromatography. Ethanolic extract of A. keiskei stem was assayed for their Mtb inhibitory activity using the proportion method. The phytochemical analysis result showed that the secondary metabolites contain in the extract were flavonoid, polyphenol, tannin, monoterpenoid and sesquiterpen, quinon, and saponin. The anti-TB test result showed the active activity of ethanolic extract of A. keiskei against Mtb H37Rv strain with MIC ranging from 6% to 8% w/v. In conclusion, ethanolic extract of A. keiskei is a prospective natural anti-TB for the future.

Minor phenolics from Angelica keiskei and their proliferative effects on Hep3B cells

A new coumarin, (-)-cis-(3'R,4'R)-4'-O-angeloylkhellactone-3'-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (1) and two new chalcones, 3'-[(2E)-5-carboxy-3-methyl-2-pentenyl]-4,2',4'-trihydroxychalcone (4) and (±)-4,2',4'-trihydroxy-3'-{2-hydroxy-2-[tetrahydro-2-methyl-5-(1-methylethenyl)-2-furanyl]ethyl}chalcone (5) were isolated from the aerial parts of Angelica keiskei (Umbelliferae), together with six known compounds: (R)-O-isobutyroyllomatin (2), 3'-O-methylvaginol (3), (-)-jejuchalcone F (6), isoliquiritigenin (7), davidigenin (8), and (±)-liquiritigenin (9). The structures of the new compounds were determined by interpretation of their spectroscopic data including 1D and 2D NMR data. All known compounds (2, 3, and 6-9) were isolated as constituents of A. keiskei for the first time. To identify novel hepatocyte proliferation inducer for liver regeneration, 1-9 were evaluated for their cell proliferative effects using a Hep3B human hepatoma cell line. All isolates exhibited cell proliferative effects compared to untreated control (DMSO). Cytoprotective effects against oxidative stress induced by glucose oxidase were also examined on Hep3B cells and mouse fibroblast NIH3T3 cells and all compounds showed significant dose-dependent protection against oxidative stress.

Angelica keiskei, an emerging medicinal herb with various bioactive constituents and biological activities

Angelica keiskei (Miq.) Koidz. (Umbelliferae) has traditionally been used to treat dysuria, dyschezia, and dysgalactia as well as to restore vitality. Recently, the aerial parts of A. keiskei have been consumed as a health food. Various flavonoids, coumarins, phenolics, acetylenes, sesquiterpene, diterpene, and triterpenes were identified as the constituents of A. keiskei. The crude extracts and pure constituents were proven to inhibit tumor growth and ameliorate inflammation, obesity, diabetics, hypertension, and ulcer. The extract also showed anti-thrombotic, anti-oxidative, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial activities. This valuable herb needs to be further studied and developed not only to treat these human diseases but also to improve human health. Currently A. keiskei is commercialized as a health food and additives in health drinks. This article presents a comprehensive review of A. keiskei and its potential place in the improvement of human health.

Supplementation with Angelica keiskei inhibits expression of inflammatory mediators in the gastric mucosa of Helicobacter pylori-infected mice

Oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori-associated gastric ulceration and carcinogenesis. The oxidant-sensitive transcription factor, nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), regulates expression of inflammatory mediators such as interferon γ (IFN-γ), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). These inflammatory mediators increased in gastric mucosal tissues from patients infected with H pylori. Angelica keiskei (AK), a green leafy vegetable, is rich in carotenoids and flavonoids and shows antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, we hypothesized that AK may protect the gastric mucosa of H pylori-infected mice against inflammation. We determined lipid peroxide abundance, myeloperoxidase activity, expression levels of inflammatory mediators (IFN-γ, COX-2, and iNOS), NF-κB-DNA binding activity, and histologic changes in gastric mucosal tissues. The antioxidant N-acetylcysteine served as the positive control treatment. Supplementation with AK suppressed increases in lipid peroxide abundance, myeloperoxidase activity, induction of inflammatory mediators (IFN-γ, COX-2, and iNOS), activation of NF-κB, and degradation of nuclear factor of κ light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor α in gastric mucosal tissue from H pylori-infected mice. Inhibition of H pylori-induced alterations by AK was similar to that by N-acetylcysteine. Taken together, these results suggest that supplementation with AK may prevent H pylori-induced gastric inflammation by inhibiting NF-κB-mediated induction of inflammatory mediators in the gastric mucosa of patients infected with H pylori.

Chalcones from Angelica keiskei attenuate the inflammatory responses by suppressing nuclear translocation of NF-κB

The ethyl acetate-soluble fraction from the ethanolic extract of Angelica keiskei showed potent inhibitory activity against the production of nitric oxide (NO) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 cells. We identified seven chalcones (1-7) from EtOAc-soluble fractions through the activity-guided separation. Four active principles, identified as 4-hydroxyderrcine (1), xanthoangelol E (2), xanthokeismin A (4), and xanthoangelol B (5), inhibited the production of NO and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6, in LPS-activated macrophages. Western blotting and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated that these chalcones attenuated protein and mRNA levels of inflammatory enzymes such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Moreover, these active compounds suppressed the degradation of inhibitory-κBα (I-κBα) and the translocation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) into nuclei of LPS-activated macrophages. These data demonstrate that four chalcones (1, 2, 4, and 5) from A. keiskei can suppress the LPS-induced production of NO and the expression of iNOS/COX-2 genes by inhibiting the degradation of I-κBα and nuclear translocation of NF-κB. Taken together, four chalcones from A. keiskei may have efficacy as anti-inflammatory agents.

Chalcones isolated from Angelica keiskei inhibit cysteine proteases of SARS-CoV

Two viral proteases of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), a chymotrypsin-like protease (3CL(pro)) and a papain-like protease (PL(pro)) are attractive targets for the development of anti-SARS drugs. In this study, nine alkylated chalcones (1-9) and four coumarins (10-13) were isolated from Angelica keiskei, and the inhibitory activities of these constituents against SARS-CoV proteases (3CL(pro) and PL(pro)) were determined (cell-free/based). Of the isolated alkylated chalcones, chalcone 6, containing the perhydroxyl group, exhibited the most potent 3CL(pro) and PL(pro) inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 11.4 and 1.2 µM. Our detailed protein-inhibitor mechanistic analysis of these species indicated that the chalcones exhibited competitive inhibition characteristics to the SARS-CoV 3CL(pro), whereas noncompetitive inhibition was observed with the SARS-CoV PL(pro).

Bioavailability of plant pigment phytochemicals in Angelica keiskei in older adults: A pilot absorption kinetic study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Angelica keiskei is a green leafy vegetable rich in plant pigment phytochemicals such as flavonoids and carotenoids. This study examined bioavailability of flavonoids and carotenoids in Angelica keiskei and the alteration of the antioxidant performance in vivo.

SUBJECTS AND MATERIALS

Absorption kinetics of phytochemicals in Angelica keiskei were determined in healthy older adults (> 60 y, n = 5) and subjects with metabolic syndrome (n = 5). Subjects consumed 5 g dry Angelica keiskei powder encapsulated in gelatin capsules with a low flavonoid and carotenoid liquid meal. Plasma samples were collected at baseline, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 h. Samples were analyzed for flavonoids and carotenoids using HPLC systems with electrochemical and UV detection, respectively, and for total antioxidant performance by fluorometry.

RESULTS

After ingestion of Angelica keiskei increases in plasma quercetin concentrations were observed at 1-3 and 6-8 hr in the healthy group and at all time points in the metabolic syndrome group compared to baseline (P < 0.05). Plasma lutein concentrations were significantly elevated in both the healthy and metabolic syndrome groups at 8 hr (P < 0.05). Significant increases in total antioxidant performance were also observed in both the healthy and the metabolic syndrome groups compared to baseline (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings of this study clearly demonstrate the bioavailability of phytonutrients of Angelica keiskei and their ability to increase antioxidant status in humans.

Component analysis of propolis collected on Jeju Island, Korea

A study of propolis from Jeju Island, located off the southern tip of Korea, led to the isolation and identification of eight chalcones: (±)-(E)-4'-methoxy-4,2'-dihydroxy-3'-(2″,3″-dihydroxy-3″-methylbutyl)-chalcone, (E,E,E)-4,2',4'-trihydroxy-3'-(7″-hydroxy-3″,7″-dimethyloct-2″,5″-dienyl)-chalcone, (±)-(E,E)-4,2',4'-trihydroxy-3'-(5″-hydroxy-3″,7″-dimethyloct-2″,6″-dienyl)-chalcone, (±)-(E)-4'-methoxy-4,3″,4″-trihydroxy-2″,2″-dimethyldihydropyrano-(2',3')-chalcone, (±)-(E)-4'-methoxy-4,3″-dihydroxy-2″-(1″'-hydroxyisopropyl)-dihydrofurano-(2',3')-chalcone, (-)-(E)-4,4'-dihydroxy-2″-(1″'-hydroxy-1″',5″'-dimethylhex-4″'-enyl)-dihydrofurano-(2',3')-chalcone, (+)-(E)-4,2'-dihydroxy-2″-methyl-2″-(3″',4″'-dihydroxy-4″'-methylpentanyl)-2H-pyrano-(3',4')-chalcone and (-)-(E)-4,2'-dihydroxy-2″-methyl-2″-(3″',4″'-dihydroxy-4″'-methylpentanyl)-2H-pyrano-(3',4')-chalcone. Nineteen other known compounds were also isolated. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analyses and comparison with literature data. The propolis from Jeju Island contained compounds not present in propolis from other regions.