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Zhang K, He M, Su D, Pan X, Li Y, Zhang H, Yang J, Wu C. Quantitative proteomics reveal antidepressant potential protein targets of xiaochaihutang in corticosterone induced model of depression. J Ethnopharmacol 2019; 231:438-445. [PMID: 30445107 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2018.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Xiaochaihutang (XCHT), one of famous Chinese herbal prescription for treating Shaoyang symptom, has been used successfully in depressive disorders for many years. Our laboratory has demonstrated that XCHT remarkably alleviated various depressive behaviors induced by several depressive animal models, but previous studies only focused on one or several protein targets, lacked dynamic change and interrelation of proteins. Therefore, potential protein targets and mechanisms are required further systematic investigation. AIM OF THE STUDY To discover and assess the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) of hippocampus after oral administration of XCHT in corticosterone (CORT) induced model of depression by using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS The antidepressant effects of XCHT were assessed by two behavioral despair models (forced swimming test and tail suspension test) in CORT induced model of depression. The DEPs of hippocampus after XCHT treatment were investigated by iTRAQ analysis. Potential protein targets and mechanisms were assessed by gene ontology (GO), Kyoto encyclopedia of gene and genomes (KEGG) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. RESULTS Our data demonstrated XCHT could significantly improve depressive behaviors. A total of 241 DEPs were identified after XCHT treatment, including 68 up regulation and 173 down regulation proteins. GO enrichment results indicated that XCHT mainly regulated intracellular structural proteins involved in cellular response to stress, transferase activity and steroid hormone. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that endocytosis might be the principal pathway of XCHT on depression. PPI analysis predicted cell division cycle and apoptosis regulator protein 1 (Ccar1) and Calretinin (Calb2) might play the central roles in XCHT's antidepressant network. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that XCHT plays the important roles in antidepressant action by restoring DEPs, which results in the dysregulation of hippocampal neurogenesis, neurotransmitter and steroid hormone. The current results wish to provide novel perspectives for revealing the potential protein targets of XCHT on depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Box 31, 103 Wenhua Road, 110016 Shenyang, PR China.
| | - Meiyao He
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Box 31, 103 Wenhua Road, 110016 Shenyang, PR China.
| | - Dongmei Su
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Box 31, 103 Wenhua Road, 110016 Shenyang, PR China.
| | - Xing Pan
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Box 31, 103 Wenhua Road, 110016 Shenyang, PR China.
| | - Yuting Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Box 31, 103 Wenhua Road, 110016 Shenyang, PR China.
| | - Haotian Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Box 31, 103 Wenhua Road, 110016 Shenyang, PR China.
| | - Jingyu Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Box 31, 103 Wenhua Road, 110016 Shenyang, PR China.
| | - Chunfu Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Box 31, 103 Wenhua Road, 110016 Shenyang, PR China.
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Hsieh YJ, Yen MH, Chiang YW, Yeh CF, Chiang LC, Shieh DE, Yeh IJ, Chang JS. Gan-Lu-Siao-Du-yin, a prescription of traditional Chinese medicine, inhibited enterovirus 71 replication, translation, and virus-induced cell apoptosis. J Ethnopharmacol 2016; 185:132-139. [PMID: 26993050 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.03.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2015] [Revised: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 03/11/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Gan-Lu-Siao-Du-yin (GLSDY) is a prescription of traditional Chinese medicine. GLSDY contains 11 ingredients and is commonly used for endemic diseases. Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is an endemic disease that can cause meningoencephalitis with mortality and neurologic sequelae without any effective management. It is unknown whether GLSDY is effective against EV71 infection. AIM OF THE STUDY To test the hypothesis that GLSDY can protect cell from EV71-induced injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS Effects of a hot water extract of GLSDY on EV71 were tested in human foreskin fibroblast cells (CCFS-1/KMC) and human rhabdomyosarcoma cells (RD cells) by plaque reduction assay and flow cytometry respectively. Inhibition of viral replication was further examined by reverse quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). Its effect on viral protein translation and virus-induced apoptosis were examined by western blot. RESULTS GLSDY was dose-dependently effective against EV71 infection (p<0.0001) in both CCFS-1/KMC cells and RD cells. GLSDY was highly effective when supplemented after viral inoculation (P<0.0001) with an IC50 of 8.7μg/mL. GLSDY inhibited viral RNA replication (P<0.0001), formation of viral structural proteins (VP0, VP1, VP2 and VP3) and non-structural proteins (protease 2B and 3AB). Furthermore, 300μg/mL GLSDY is effective to inhibit virus-induced apoptosis possibly through direct inhibition of caspase-8 and indirectly by inhibition of Bax. CONCLUSIONS GLSDY is cheap and readily available to manage EV71 infection by inhibiting viral replication, viral protein formations, and EV71-induced apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Ju Hsieh
- Department of Medical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ming Hong Yen
- School of Pharmacy and Graduate Institute of Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan
| | - Ya Wen Chiang
- Department of Renal Care, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan
| | - Chia Feng Yeh
- Department of Renal Care, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan
| | - Lien Chai Chiang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan
| | - Den En Shieh
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Tajen University of Technology, Ping-Tung, Taiwan
| | - IJeng Yeh
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Taiwan
| | - Jung San Chang
- Department of Renal Care, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan; Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, 100 Shih-Chuan 1st Road, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan.
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Zou H, Long J, Zhang Q, Zhao H, Bian B, Wang Y, Zhang J, Zhao H, Wang L. Induced cortical neurogenesis after focal cerebral ischemia--Three active components from Huang-Lian-Jie-Du Decoction. J Ethnopharmacol 2016; 178:115-124. [PMID: 26657578 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Revised: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 12/02/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Decoction (HLJDD) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clinical prescription noted for its neuroprotective effects. The total alkaloids, flavonoids, and iridoids are the main active components of HLJDD. In the present study we explored the possible effects of the total alkaloids, flavonoids, and iridoids from HLJDD on behavioral recovery and cortical neurogenesis after stroke. METHODS The stroke model was induced by permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMACO). The total alkaloids (44 mg/kg), flavonoids (50 mg/kg), and iridoids (80 mg/kg) from HLJDD were orally administered for 2h after stroke and daily thereafter. Neurological function was assessed and then rats were sacrificed 7 days after pMACO. Following repeated intraperitoneal injections of the cell proliferation - specific marker 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) after stroke induction, precursor cell proliferation and differentiation was monitored by immunofluorescent staining. The levels of relevant proteins were determined by western blotting and the mRNA expressions were assessed by quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). RESULTS Total alkaloids, flavonoids and iridoids from HLJDD showed improved functional outcome after brain ischemia. The total alkaloids and iridoids increased number of BrdU-positive cells and enhanced neuronal differentiation in the cortex. Alkaloids-enhanced neurogenesis might be associated with increased VEGF, Ang-1, and Ang-2 protein expression. And the neuroproliferative effect of alkaloids was partially correlated with increased phosphorylation of AKT, and GSK-3β. Flavonoids treatment was found to promote differentiation of cortical precursor cells into neuronal but not glial cells, which may be at least attributable to the regulation of AKT, GSK-3β mRNA and Ang-1 protein levels. CONCLUSIONS Total alkaloids, iridoids and flavonoids from HLJDD promoted functional recovery likely via enhancing cortical neurogenesis and thus have potential as a treatment for ischemic brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Zou
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Jianfei Long
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Beijing 100069, China; Department of Pharmacy, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Qiuxia Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Haiyu Zhao
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Baolin Bian
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Yali Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Beijing 100069, China.
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Beijing 100069, China.
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Zhang K, Wang F, Yang JY, Wang LJ, Pang HH, Su GY, Ma J, Song SJ, Xiong ZL, Wu CF. Analysis of main constituents and mechanisms underlying antidepressant-like effects of Xiaochaihutang in mice. J Ethnopharmacol 2015; 175:48-57. [PMID: 26318746 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Revised: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Xiaochaihutang (XCHT), a famous Chinese herbal formula which consists of seven Chinese herbs, has been used clinically in depressive disorders in China. Our previous studies have demonstrated that XCHT improved depressive-like behavior in several animal models of depression. However, therapeutic basis of XCHT on depression are challenging, due to the complex active constituents of XCHT and the unclear pharmacological mechanism of action. MATERIALS AND METHODS To provide further insights into therapeutic basis of XCHT, the core in compatibility of XCHT on antidepressant therapy was assessed by the method of orthogonal array design. The comparative evaluations on antidepressant effects of XCHT and its core in compatibility were executed by tail suspension test (TST), forced swim test (FST), novelty suppressed feeding test (NSFT), reserpine-induced hypothermia and palpebral ptosis. Moreover, the potential mechanism was explored by investigating levels of monoamine neurotransmitters in hypothalamus and striatum and neurogenesis in hippocampus. Chemical profile of active constituents in plasma after oral administration of the core in compatibility of XCHT was revealed by ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). RESULTS The results of orthogonal array design experiment showed that Huangqin (Radix scutellariae), Renshen (Ginseng) and Gancao (Radix glycyrrhizae), defined as HRG, might be the core in compatibility of XCHT on antidepressant therapy. In accordance with XCHT, oral administration of HRG for 15 days significantly reduced immobility duration in TST and FST without affecting locomotor activity. Both HRG and XCHT increased immobility latency in FST, decreased the latency in NSFT, reversed reserpine-induced hypothermia and palpebral ptosis. Moreover, both HRG and XCHT significantly increased levels of 5-HT and DA in hypothalamus. In addition, HRG could remarkably increase Ki-67 and doublecortin (DCX) positive cells in hippocampus. A total 25 active constituents in plasma, including 14 prototype components and 11 metabolites, were identified by UPLC-MS/MS after oral administration of HRG. CONCLUSION The present results reveal that HRG is supposed to be the core in compatibility of XCHT on antidepressant therapy. In accordance with XCHT, HRG exerts significant antidepressant-like effects, which are likely attributed to regulating serotonergic and dopaminergic systems and increasing hippocampal neurogenesis. The constituents identified in plasma after oral administration of HRG may be the potential active ingredients for the treatment of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 110016 Shenyang, PR China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 110016 Shenyang, PR China
| | - Jing-yu Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 110016 Shenyang, PR China
| | - Li-juan Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, 110016 Shenyang, PR China
| | - Huan-huan Pang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 110016 Shenyang, PR China
| | - Guang-yue Su
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 110016 Shenyang, PR China
| | - Jie Ma
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 110016 Shenyang, PR China
| | - Shao-jiang Song
- Department of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 110016 Shenyang, PR China
| | - Zhi-li Xiong
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, 110016 Shenyang, PR China.
| | - Chun-fu Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 110016 Shenyang, PR China.
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Sun Y, Zhao Y, Yao J, Zhao L, Wu Z, Wang Y, Pan D, Miao H, Guo Q, Lu N. Wogonoside protects against dextran sulfate sodium-induced experimental colitis in mice by inhibiting NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Biochem Pharmacol 2015; 94:142-54. [PMID: 25677765 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2015.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2014] [Revised: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that wogonoside, the glucuronide metabolite of wogonin, has anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic and anticancer effects. However, the anti-inflammatory mechanism of wogonoside has not been fully elucidated. Recently, NLRP3 inflammasome has been reported to be correlated with inflammatory bowel disease for its ability to induce IL-1β release. Nevertheless, there are few drug candidates targeting NLRP3 inflammasome for this disease. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of wogonoside in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced murine colitis and further revealed the underlying mechanisms by targeting NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome. Wogonoside treatment dose-dependently attenuated DSS-induced body weight loss and colon length shortening. Moreover, wogonoside prevented DSS-induced colonic pathological damage, remarkably inhibited inflammatory cells infiltration and significantly decreased myeloperoxidase (MPO) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activities. The production of pro-inflammatory mediators in serum and colon was also significantly reduced by wogonoside. The underlying mechanisms for the protective effect of wogonoside in DSS-induced colitis may be attributed to its inhibition on NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in colons. Furthermore, wogonoside markedly decreased production of IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 and suppressed mRNA expression of pro-IL-1β and NLRP3 in phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-differentiated monocytic THP-1 cells via inhibiting the activation of NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that wogonoside may exert its anti-inflammatory effect via dual inhibition of NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome, suggesting that wogonoside might be a potential effective drug for inflammatory bowel diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, China; Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yue Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, China; Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jing Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, China; Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Li Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, China; Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zhaoqiu Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, China; Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, China; Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Di Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, China; Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Hanchi Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, China; Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qinglong Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, China; Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Na Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, China; Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, China
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Xing S, Wang M, Peng Y, Chen D, Li X. Simulated gastrointestinal tract metabolism and pharmacological activities of water extract of Scutellaria baicalensis roots. J Ethnopharmacol 2014; 152:183-9. [PMID: 24412378 PMCID: PMC7127269 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.12.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2013] [Revised: 12/28/2013] [Accepted: 12/31/2013] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE SCUTELLARIA BAICALENSIS: Georgi (Labiatae) is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine to treat inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, etc. The present study was to understand the metabolism of the root of Scutellaria baicalensis (a.k.a. Huangqin in Chinese) in the gastrointestinal tract and the correlation between the metabolites and their respective pharmacological activities. MATERIALS AND METHODS The water extract of the root of Scutellaria baicalensis (WESB) was incubated with simulated gastric and intestinal juices, and human fecal microflora for 24h at 37 °C. The HPLC-DAD analysis was used to monitor the in vitro metabolic process and identify its metabolites by comparing their absorption spectrum and retention time with those of chemical references. The in vitro anticomplementary and antimicrobial activity was evaluated with hemolysis assay, agar disc-diffusion method and MIC value, respectively. RESULTS Main constituents of WESB remain unchanged during the incubation with simulated gastric juice (pH = 1.5) and intestinal juice (pH = 6.8), whereas four flavones, baicalin, wogonoside, oroxyloside and norwogonoside were metabolized into their respective aglycons by human intestinal bacteria. All four metabolites were demonstrated to have higher anticomplementary and antimicrobial activity than those of WESB. The anticomplementary active metabolites were identified to be baicalein, oroxylin A and norwogonin, among them, norwogonin is the most active compound. CONCLUSION The presence of intestinal bacteria is demonstrated to play an important role in the gastrointestinal metabolism of WESB, and the pharmacological effects of Scutellaria baicalensis may be dependent on the intestinal bacteria metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihua Xing
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No. 800 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Mengyue Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No. 800 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Ying Peng
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No. 800 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Daofeng Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, No. 826 Zhangheng Road, Pudong District, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiaobo Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No. 800 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200240, China.
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