Pharmacodynamics and mechanism of Erigeron breviscapus granules in the treatment of ischemic stroke in mice by regulating sphingolipid metabolism based on metabolomics

AIM

Erigeron breviscapus (Vant.) Hand.-Mazz. (EB) granules is the extract preparation of EB, with clear curative effect and unclear mechanism. This study intends to systematically explore the specific mechanism of EB granules in the treatment of IS from the metabolic perspective.

METHODS

The model of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) in mice was established by the suture-occluded method. The therapeutic effect of EB granules on tMCAO mice was evaluated by behavioral evaluation, brain water content determination, 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and neuron specific enolase (NSE) in serum. In order to screen differential metabolites, non-targeted metabolomics technology was used to detect the metabolites in serum before and after administration. Univariate statistics, multivariate statistics and bioinformatics were used to analyze the changes of metabolites in serum of tMCAO mice. The possible related mechanism of EB granules in treating IS was screened by pathway enrichment analysis, and the preliminary verification was carried out at animal level by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western blot (WB).

RESULTS

EB granules could significantly improve behavior of tMCAO mice, reduce brain water content and cerebral infarction volume, improve morphology of brain tissue, reduce the levels of LDH and NSE in serum. A total of 232 differential metabolites were screened, which were mainly enriched in many biological processes such as sphingolipid metabolism. The differential metabolite S1P and its receptors S1PR1 and S1PR2 in sphingolipid metabolism were verified. The results showed that the level of S1P in brain tissue increased and the protein expression of S1PR1 decreased significantly after modeling, and reversed after administration, but there was no significant difference in the protein expression of S1PR2.

CONCLUSION

The therapeutic effects of EB granules may be related to affecting sphingolipid metabolism through regulating S1P/S1PR1.

Extract in Osteoarthritis: An In Vivo and In Vitro Study

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative bone disease characterized by inflammation as a primary pathology and currently lacks therapeutic interventions to impede its progression. Erigeron breviscapus (Vant.) Hand.-Mazz. (EB) is an east Asian herbal medicine with a long history of use and a wide range of confirmed efficacy against cardiovascular and central nervous system diseases. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether EB is worthy of further investigation as a treatment for OA based on anti-inflammatory activity. This study aims to assess the potential of EB as a treatment for OA, focusing on its anti-inflammatory properties. Analgesic effects, functional improvements, and inhibition of cartilage destruction induced by EB were evaluated in acetic acid-induced peripheral pain mice and monosodium iodoacetate-induced OA rat models. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory effect of EB was assessed in serum and cartilage tissue in vivo, as well as in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 cells. EB demonstrated a significant alleviation of pain, functional impairment, and cartilage degradation in OA along with a notable inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, matrix metalloproteinases 13, and nitric oxide synthase 2, both in vitro and in vivo, in a dose-dependent manner compared to the active control. Accordingly, EB merits further exploration as a potential disease-modifying drug for OA, capable of mitigating the multifaceted pathology of osteoarthritis through its anti-inflammatory properties. Nonetheless, additional validation through a broader experimental design is essential to substantiate the findings of this study.

Enhancement of methane production from anaerobic digestion of Erigeron canadensis via O2-nanobubble water supplementation

Malignant invasive Erigeron canadensis, as a typical lignocellulosic biomass, is a formidable challenge for sustainable and efficient resource utilization, however nanobubble water (NBW) coupled with anaerobic digestion furnishes a prospective strategy with superior environmental and economic effectiveness. In this study, influence mechanism of various O2-NBW addition times on methanogenic performance of E. canadensis during anaerobic digestion were performed to achieve the optimal pollution-free energy conversion. Results showed that supplementation of O2-NBW in digestion system could significantly enhance the methane production by 10.70-16.17%, while the maximum cumulative methane production reached 343.18 mL g-1 VS in the case of one-time O2-NBW addition on day 0. Furthermore, addition of O2-NBW was conducive to an increase of 2-90% in the activities of dehydrogenase, α-glucosidase and coenzyme F420. Simultaneously, both facultative bacteria and methanogenic archaea were enriched as well, further indicating that O2-NBW might be responsible for facilitating hydrolytic acidification and methanogenesis. Based on Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) cluster analysis, provision of O2-NBW enhanced the metabolism of carbohydrate and amino acid, translation as well as membrane transport of bacteria and archaea. This study might offer the theoretical guidance and novel insights for efficient recovery of energy from lignocellulosic biomass on account of O2-NBW adhibition in anaerobic digestion system, progressing tenor of carbon-neutral vision.

Neuroprotective potential of Erigeron bonariensis ethanolic extract against ovariectomized/D-galactose-induced memory impairments in female rats in relation to its metabolite fingerprint as revealed using UPLC/MS

Erigeron bonariensis is widely distributed throughout the world's tropics and subtropics. In folk medicine, E. bonariensis has historically been used to treat head and brain diseases. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most widespread form of dementia initiated via disturbances in brain function. Herein, the neuroprotective effect of the chemically characterized E. bonariensis ethanolic extract is reported for the first time in an AD animal model. Chemical profiling was conducted using UPLC-ESI-MS analysis. Female rats underwent ovariectomy (OVX) followed by 42 days of D-galactose (D-Gal) administration (150 mg/kg/day, i.p) to induce AD. The OVX/D-Gal-subjected rats received either donepezil (5 mg/kg/day) or E. bonariensis at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/day, given 1 h prior to D-Gal. UPLC-ESI-MS analysis identified 42 chemicals, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenes, and nitrogenous constituents. Several metabolites, such as isoschaftoside, casticin, velutin, pantothenic acid, xanthurenic acid, C18-sphingosine, linoleamide, and erucamide, were reported herein for the first time in Erigeron genus. Treatment with E. bonariensis extract mitigated the cognitive decline in the Morris Water Maze test and the histopathological alterations in cortical and hippocampal tissues of OVX/D-Gal-subjected rats. Moreover, E. bonariensis extract mitigated OVX/D-Gal-induced Aβ aggregation, Tau hyperphosphorylation, AChE activity, neuroinflammation (NF-κBp65, TNF-α, IL-1β), and apoptosis (Cytc, BAX). Additionally, E. bonariensis extract ameliorated AD by increasing α7-nAChRs expression, down-regulating GSK-3β and FOXO3a expression, and modulating Jak2/STAT3/NF-ĸB p65 and PI3K/AKT signaling cascades. These findings demonstrate the neuroprotective and memory-enhancing effects of E. bonariensis extract in the OVX/D-Gal rat model, highlighting its potential as a promising candidate for AD management.

Pyromeconic acid-enriched Erigeron annuus water extract as a cosmetic ingredient for itch relief and anti-inflammatory activity

Erigeron annuus (EA), traditionally used to treat disorders such as diabetes and enteritis, contains a variety of chemicals, including caffeic acid, flavonoids, and coumarins, providing antifungal and antioxidative benefits. However, the ingredients of each part of the EA vary widely, and there are few reports on the functionality of water extracts in skin inflammation and barrier protection. We assessed the therapeutic properties of the extract of EA without roots (EEA) and its primary ingredient, pyromeconic acid (PA), focusing on their antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative capabilities using HMC-1(human mast cells) and human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells). Our findings revealed that histamine secretion, which is closely related to itching, was notably reduced in HMC-1 cells following pretreatment with EEA (0.1% and 0.2%) and PA (corresponding concentration, 4.7 of 9.4 µg/mL). Similarly, they led to a marked decrease in the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-8, IL-6, and IFN-γ. Furthermore, EA and PA enhanced antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) production, and showed reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activity in HaCaT cells. Moreover, at the molecular level, elevated levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, TARC, and MDC induced by TNF-α/IFN-γ in HaCaT cells were mitigated by treatment with EEA and PA. We also revealed the protective effects of EEA and PA against SDS-induced skin barrier dysfunction in HaCaT cells by enhancing the expression of barrier-related proteins. Using NanoString technology, a comprehensive analysis of gene expression changes indicated significant modulation of autoimmune and inflammatory genes by EEA and PA. In summary, this study suggests that EEA and the corresponding concentration of PA as an active ingredient have functional cosmetic applications to alleviate itching and improve skin health.

Chemical control and herbicide resistance of hairy fleabane (Erigeron bonariensis L.) in Jordan

The effect of paraquat, oxadiazon and oxyfluorfen herbicides was tested on two populations of hairy fleabane (Erigeron bonariensis L.), collected from a date palm orchard at Tal al-Ramil (Central Jordan Valley) and al-Twal (Northern Jordan Valley) sites using the recommended rates (0.5, 1.25 and 0.792kg a.i ha-1 for each herbicide, respectively) and 10-fold (5, 12.50 and 7.92 kg a.i. ha-1, respectively) under glasshouse conditions. Results showed that the date palm weed population was resistant to the three herbicides at both application rates and al-Twal site population was highly susceptible. Two field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of 12 herbicides in controlling the weed in the date palm orchard during the spring of 2017, revealed that E. bonariensis resists paraquat (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 kg a.i. ha-1), oxadiazon (1.25 kg a.i. ha-1) and oxyfluorfen (0.792 kg a.i. ha-1) herbicides. None of the three herbicides was effective against the weed and treated plants continued to grow normally similar to those of untreated control. Ten-fold higher rates of these herbicides failed to control the weed. The effect of other tested herbicides was variable with bromoxynil plus MCPA (buctril®M), 2,4-D- iso-octyl ester, glyphosate, glyphosate trimesium and triclopyr being the most effective and completely controlling the weed at recommended rates of application. It is concluded that the tested populations of E. bonariensis developed resistance to paraquat, oxadiazon and oxyfluorfen but control of the weed was possible using other herbicides with different mechanisms of action. Herbicide rotation or other nonchemical weed control methods have been suggested to prevent or reduce the buildup and spread of resistant populations of this weed. These results represent the first report of herbicide resistance of E. bonariensis in Jordan.

Phytochemistry and biological activity of Erigeron annuus (L.) Pers

Erigeron annuus L. is a flowering herb of North America, Europe, Asia and Russia. This plant is used as folk medicine in China for the cure of indigestion, enteritis, epidemic hepatitis, haematuria and diabetes. Phytochemical studies showed the presence of 170 bioactive compounds like coumarins, flavonoids, terpenoids, polyacetylenic compounds; γ-pyrone derivatives, sterols and various caffeoylquinic acids derived from the essential oil and organic extracts from its various parts such as aerial parts, roots, leaves, stems and flowers. The pharmacological studies demonstrated various extracts and the compounds of E. annuus to exhibit anti-fungal, anti-atherosclerosis, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, phytotoxic, cytoprotective, antiobesity and antioxidant activities. This article covers a critical compendious on geographical distribution, botanical description, phytochemistry, ethnomedicinal uses and pharmacological activities of E. annuus. However, further in-depth studies are needed to determine the medical uses of E. annuus and its chemical constituents, pharmacological activities and clinical applications.

Attapulgite amendment favors the utilization of high cadmium-contaminated soil for Erigeron breviscapus cultivation

A practical measure of soil pollution can effectively control the utilization of contaminated soil during the remediation process. In this study, Erigeron breviscapus was used as the experimental material. Soil polluted with high concentrations of cadmium (Cd) was used to study the effects of different doses of attapulgite (AP) (0, 10, 20, and 40 kg^-1 for AP0, AP10, AP20, and AP40, respectively) on the yield and quality of E. breviscapus (as measured by scutellarin), as well as soil remediation. The results showed that the yield and scutellarin content of E. breviscapus decreased by 33.4% and 78.9%, respectively, in soil contaminated with high concentrations of Cd (AP0) compared with the control soil (without Cd added). Moreover, the yield increased by 48.0% and 10.6% in AP20 and AP40, respectively, compared with AP0, and the scutellarin content increased by a factor of 2.35-2.41 in AP10, AP20, and AP40. Compared with AP0, the soil Cd content decreased by 22.5-26.2% in AP10, AP20, and AP40 and the available Cd content and acid-extractable Cd fraction in the soil also decreased. The catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase activities, chlorophyll, and Fe²⁺ content were increased in AP10, AP20, and AP40, leading to an increased yield and scutellarin content. Overall, AP20 had the best effect on the yield, quality of E. breviscapus, and soil remediation. This study provides a practical measure to consider for concurrent benefits of pollution remediation and utilization of Cd-contaminated soil.

Phytochemical Profiles, Antioxidant, Cytotoxic, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Traditional Medicinal Plants: Centaurea pichleri subsp. pichleri, Conyza canadensis, and Jasminum fruticans

Centaurea pichleri subsp. pichleri, Conyza canadensis, and Jasminum fruticans are traditionally used plants grown in Turkey. Methanol extracts were obtained from these plants and pharmacological activity studies and phytochemical analyses were carried out. To evaluate the phytochemical composition, spectrophotometric and chromatographic techniques were used. The extracts were evaluated for antioxidant activity by DPPH^●, ABTS^●+ radical scavenging, and FRAP assays. The cytotoxic effects of the extracts were investigated on DU145 prostate cancer and A549 lung cancer cell lines. The anti-inflammatory effects of extracts were investigated on the NO amount, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and PGE 2 levels in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated Raw 264.7 cells. The richest extract in terms of phenolic compounds (98.19 ± 1.64 mg_GAE/g_extract) and total flavonoids (21.85 ± 0.64 mg_CA/g_extract) was identified as C. pichleri subsp. pichleri methanol extract. According to antioxidant activity determinations, the C. pichleri subsp. pichleri extract was found to be the most active extract. Finally, the C. pichleri subsp. pichleri methanol extract was revealed to be the most effective inhibitor of viability in the cytotoxic activity investigation, and the extract with the best anti-inflammatory action. The findings point to C. pichleri subsp. pichleri as a promising source of bioactive compounds in the transition from natural sources to industrial uses, such as new medications, cosmeceuticals, and nutraceuticals.

Which factor contributes most to the invasion resistance of native plant communities under the co-invasion of two invasive plant species?

Two invasive plant species (IPS) can co-invade the same plant community. As the number of IPS increases under the co-invasion of two IPS, plant taxonomic and functional diversity, community invasibility, community stability, invasion resistance, and invasion intensity and invasiveness of IPS and their interrelationships may be altered. This study aimed to quantify the contribution of plant taxonomic and functional diversity, community invasibility, community stability, and invasion intensity and invasiveness of IPS to the invasion resistance of native plant communities under the co-invasion of the two IPS Erigeron annuus (L.) Pers. and Solidago canadensis L. in eastern China. This study also defined a method to quantify the invasion resistance of native plant communities designated the invasion resistance index. The community-weighted mean trait values of native plants and plant diversity are the factors that are the most critical to determine the invasion resistance of native plant communities. Thus, the invasion resistance of native plant communities primarily depends on the three following factors: the relative abundance of natives, the growth performance of natives, and the diversity of natives. All levels of invasion significantly decrease the invasion resistance of native plant communities. The two IPS antagonistically affect the invasion resistance of native plant communities less under co-invasion compared with their independent invasion.

Transcriptomics in Erigeron canadensis reveals rapid photosynthetic and hormonal responses to auxin herbicide application

The perception pathway for endogenous auxin has been well described, yet the mode of action of synthetic auxin herbicides, used for >70 years, remains uncharacterized. We utilized transcriptomics and targeted physiological studies to investigate the unknown rapid response to synthetic auxin herbicides in the globally problematic weed species Erigeron canadensis. Synthetic auxin herbicide application consistently and rapidly down-regulated the photosynthetic machinery. At the same time, there was considerable perturbation to the expression of many genes related to phytohormone metabolism and perception. In particular, auxin herbicide application enhanced the expression of the key abscisic acid biosynthetic gene, 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid deoxygenase (NCED). The increase in NCED expression following auxin herbicide application led to a rapid biosynthesis of abscisic acid (ABA). This increase in ABA levels was independent of a loss of cell turgor or an increase in ethylene levels, both proposed triggers for rapid ABA biosynthesis. The levels of ABA in the leaf after auxin herbicide application continued to increase as plants approached death, up to >3-fold higher than in the leaves of plants that were drought stressed. We propose a new model in which synthetic auxin herbicides trigger plant death by the whole-scale, rapid, down-regulation of photosynthetic processes and an increase in ABA levels through up-regulation of NCED expression, independent of ethylene levels or a loss of cell turgor.

The quick and the dead: a new model for the essential role of ABA accumulation in synthetic auxin herbicide mode of action

This article comments on: McCauley CL, McAdam SAM, Bhide K, Thimmapuram J, Banks JA, Young BG. 2020. Transcriptomics in Erigeron canadensis reveals rapid photosynthetic and hormonal responses to auxin herbicide application. Journal of Experimental Botany 71,3701–3709.

A chromosome-scale draft sequence of the Canada fleabane genome

BACKGROUND

Due to the accessibility of underlying technologies the 'Omics', in particular genomics, are becoming commonplace in several fields of research, including the study of agricultural pests. The weed community is starting to embrace these approaches; genome sequences have been made available in the past years, with several other sequencing projects underway, as promoted by the International Weed Genome Consortium. Chromosome-scale sequences are essential to fully exploit the power of genetics and genomics.

RESULTS

We report such an assembly for Conyza canadensis, an important agricultural weed. Third-generation sequencing technology was used to create a genome assembly of 426 megabases, of which nine chromosome-scale scaffolds cover more than 98% of the entire assembled sequence. As this weed was the first to be identified with glyphosate resistance, and since we do not have a firm handle on the genetic mechanisms responsible for several herbicide resistances in the species, the genome sequence was annotated with genes known to be associated with herbicide resistance. A high number of ABC-type transporters, cytochrome P450 and glycosyltransferases (159, 352 and 181, respectively) were identified among the list of ab initio predicted genes.

CONCLUSION

As C. canadensis has a small genome that is syntenic with other Asteraceaes, has a short life cycle and is relatively easy to cross, it has the potential to become a model weed species and, with the chromosome-scale genome sequence, contribute to a paradigm shift in the way non-target site resistance is studied. © 2020 Her Majesty the Queen in Right of CanadaPest Management Science © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Nano-SiO2 combined with a surfactant enhanced phenanthrene phytoremediation by Erigeron annuus (L.) Pers

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of Triton X-100 (1000 mg kg^-1) and nano-SiO₂ (500 mg kg^-1) on Erigeron annuus (L.) Pers. grown in phenanthrene spiked soil (150 mg kg^-1) for 60 days. Results show that untreated groups, groups treated with both Triton X-100 and nano-SiO₂, exhibited better phenanthrene degradation rates and improved root biomasses, chlorophyll contents, and soil enzyme activities. This study demonstrates that Triton X-100 combined with nano-SiO₂ protects plants, alleviating the stress of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and can provide a means for improving phytoremediation of PAH contaminated soils.

antagonistically affect community stability and community invasibility under the co-invasion condition

The successful invasion of one invasive alien plant (IAP) can generate a favorable habitat in the invaded communities that beneficial to the successful invasion of the subsequent IAP. Advanced variations in the species number of IAP have the potential to alter the functional similarity and dissimilarity between IAP and co-existing native plant species (NPS), plant taxonomic diversity, plant functional diversity, community stability, and community invasibility. This study aims to evaluate the effects of the co-invasion of two notorious IAP, Erigeron annuus (L.) Pers. and Solidago canadensis L., on the functional similarity and dissimilarity between IAP and co-existing NPS, plant taxonomic diversity, plant functional diversity, community stability, and community invasibility in East China by using a comparative study. Results presented that: (I) IAP and co-existing NPS tend to converge functionally under E. annuus invasion and the functional similarity between IAP and co-existing NPS under E. annuus invasion supports the habitat filtering; (II) IAP and co-existing NPS tend to diverge functionally under S. canadensis invasion and the co-invasion condition and the functional dissimilarity between IAP and co-existing NPS under S. canadensis invasion and the co-invasion condition supports the niche differentiation; (III) plant taxonomic diversity was dramatically reduced under invasion condition, especially under S. canadensis invasion; (IV) Mason's α functional diversity was remarkably elevated under S. canadensis invasion and the co-invasion condition; (V) E. annuus and S. canadensis antagonistically affect community stability and community invasibility under the co-invasion condition compared with their independent invasion.

enhances anti-obesity activity in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity

Prior studies show that Borago officinalis L. (BO) can suppress lipid accumulation in 3 T3-L1 adipocytes. Similarly, we recently revealed that Erigeron annuus L. Pers (EA) can significantly diminish both lipid accumulation and adipocyte differentiation in 3 T3-L1 cells through an AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase)-dependent mechanism. Accordingly, the objective of this present study was to evaluate the anti-obesity activity of EA and/or BO using an animal model of obesity. Obesity was induced in C57BL/6 J mice by feeding a high-fat diet (HFD; 60 kcal% fat) for 3 weeks, followed by administration of EA and/or BO (100-200 mg/kg body weight) or positive control Garcinia Cambogia (GC) (100 mg/kg body weight) for an additional 8 weeks. The anti-obesity effect of EA and/or BO was assessed by measuring body weight, adipocyte size, lipid accumulation, and expression level of genes associated with adipogenesis. We found the administration of EA and/or BO significantly attenuated increases in body weight gain, adipocyte size, and lipid accumulation in obese mice induced by HFD. In addition, western blot analysis revealed that HFD-mediated increases in expressions levels of adipogenic genes such as PPARγ, C/EBPα, and SREBP-1c were diminished by EA and/or BO. Moreover, EA and/or BO significantly stimulated the production of adiponectin, a unique adipokine known to stimulate the breakdown of fat/lipids, whereas adiponectin levels were reduced in mice fed a HFD. Notably, a combination of EA and BO was more effective at modulating such parameters than EA or BO alone. Taken together, these results demonstrate that an anti-obesity effect of EA and/or BO can reduce adipocyte hypertrophy and modulate the expression of adipogenesis-associated genes.

UV-B-activated B16 melanoma cells or HaCaT keratinocytes accelerate signaling pathways associated with melanogenesis via ANGPTL 2 induction, an activity antagonized by Chrysanthemum extract

Sunburn causes inflammation, which increases melanin production in skin and causes hyperpigmentation. Angiopoietin-like protein (ANGPTL) 2 is an inflammatory mediator induced in sun-exposed skin areas. However, whether ANGPTL2 functions in melanin production remains unclear. To assess this possibility, we overexpressed Angptl2 in the melanoma line B16 and in the keratinocyte line HaCaT. Relative to controls, Angptl2-expressing B16 cells produced higher melanin levels via tyrosinase induction. Accordingly, Angptl2-expressing HaCaT cells secreted relatively high levels of both endothelin-1 (ET-1) and α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Moreover, treatment with an extract from Chrysanthemum indicum × Erigeron annuus (CE) suppressed ANGPTL2 expression and repressed tyrosinase induction in melanocytes and of α-MSH and ET-1 in keratinocytes. Our data suggest that ANGPTL2 expression in keratinocytes and melanin-producing cells accelerates pigment production and that treatment of skin with a CE extract could prevent melanin accumulation.

Systematic investigation of the Erigeron breviscapus mechanism for treating cerebrovascular disease

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cerebrovascular diseases (CBVDs), characterized by striking morbidity and mortality, have become the most common life-threatening diseases. The existing drugs of CBVDs target one or a few of pathogenic factors, the efficacy of which is limited because of the complexity of CBVDs. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), featured by multi-component and multi-target endows the great effectiveness in CBVDs treatment. For instance, Erigeron breviscapus (vant.) Hand. Mazz. （Erigeron breviscapus) has been used to treat CBVDs for a long time and the efficacy has been verified through years' of practice. Nevertheless, the mechanisms of Erigeron breviscapus for treating CBVDs are still unclear.

THE AIM OF THE STUDY

Systematically decipher the mechanisms of Erigeron breviscapus for treating CBVDs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The systems pharmacology approach is utilized by integrating ADME pharmacokinetic screening, target fishing, protein-protein interaction (PPI), network analysis and in vitro experiments verification.

RESULTS

First, 14 potentially active molecules were screened out through in silico ADME pharmacokinetic evaluation, most of which have been reported with excellent biological activities. Then 169 targets of active molecules were read out using our in-house softwares, systems drug targeting (sysDT) and Weighted Ensemble Similarity(WES). We found that the targets of the active compounds were significantly enriched to the CBVDs therapeutic targets by analyzing their biological processes and protein-protein interactions (PPIs). A multi-layer network analysis including compound-target network, target-pathway network and "CBVDs pathway" indicated that the Erigeron breviscapus exerts a protective effect on CBVDs via regulating multiple pathways and hitting on multiple targets. Meanwhile in vitro experiments confirmed that the stigmasterol, scutellarein, and daucosterol from Erigeron breviscapus increased the MEK and PLCγ proteins levels, and decreased the expression of Bax, PI3K, and eNOS, which led to the cell survival, proliferation and contraction.

CONCLUSION

The approach used in this work offers a new exemplification for systematically understanding the mechanisms of herbal medicines, which will give an impulse to the CBVDs drug development.

Mowing: A cause of invasion, but also a potential solution for management of the invasive, alien plant species Erigeron annuus (L.) Pers

Erigeron annuus is one of the major invasive, alien plants in Korea, and therefore research to manage (control) this invasive plant is essential. In this research, studies were conducted to determine the mechanisms by which E. annuus became the dominant plant at a landfill site and to develop management strategies for this alien plant. Because the seeds and seedling stage did not have superior adaptations to disturbed soil, demonstrate allelopathy, outcompete other species, or show rapid growth, the disturbance from mowing was likely the primary reason for the dominance of E. annuus. The areas without mowing showed a significant decrease in the coverage of E. annuus, whereas the mowed (managed) areas showed a significant increase. Additionally, mowing once increased the weight of reproductive organs by 50% and suppressed the growth of native species. Thus, the primary factor in the invasion of the alien species E. annuus was mowing, and, to control such an invasion, areas should be protected from mowing. Additionally, with selective mowing that targeted only E. annuus, mowing three times produced only approximately 10% of the reproductive organ biomass compared with that of the control. Because the flower stalk of E. annuus was relatively tall compared with that of native species in early summer, selective mowing might also provide a solution to control invasions of E. annuus. Therefore, with improved ecological understanding of the site and species, mowing of the right target during the optimal season and at an appropriate frequency is an environmental friendly solution to the management of E. annuus.

Responses of the soil fungal communities to the co-invasion of two invasive species with different cover classes

Soil fungal communities play an important role in the successful invasion of non-native species. It is common for two or more invasive plant species to co-occur in invaded ecosystems. This study aimed to determine the effects of co-invasion of two invasive species (Erigeron annuus and Solidago canadensis) with different cover classes on soil fungal communities using high-throughput sequencing. Invasion of E. annuus and/or S. canadensis had positive effects on the sequence number, operational taxonomic unit (OTU) richness, Shannon diversity, abundance-based cover estimator (ACE index) and Chao1 index of soil fungal communities, but negative effects on the Simpson index. Thus, invasion of E. annuus and/or S. canadensis could increase diversity and richness of soil fungal communities but decrease dominance of some members of these communities, in part to facilitate plant further invasion, because high soil microbial diversity could increase soil functions and plant nutrient acquisition. Some soil fungal species grow well, whereas others tend to extinction after non-native plant invasion with increasing invasion degree and presumably time. The sequence number, OTU richness, Shannon diversity, ACE index and Chao1 index of soil fungal communities were higher under co-invasion of E. annuus and S. canadensis than under independent invasion of either individual species. The co-invasion of the two invasive species had a positive synergistic effect on diversity and abundance of soil fungal communities, partly to build a soil microenvironment to enhance competitiveness of the invaders. The changed diversity and community under co-invasion could modify resource availability and niche differentiation within the soil fungal communities, mediated by differences in leaf litter quality and quantity, which can support different fungal/microbial species in the soil.

Chinese herbal medicine Dengzhan Xixin injection for acute ischemic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Chinese herbal medicine Dengzhan Xixin (Erigeron breviscapus) injection for acute ischemic stroke.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis (CRD42016038413, http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO).

METHODS

Six electronic databases were searched from inception to March 2016 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of Dengzhan Xixin (DZXX) injection for acute ischemic stroke. The methodological quality of RCTs was assessed by the Cochrane risk of bias tool.

DATA SYNTHESIS

was performed using RevMan 5.3 and was presented with mean difference (MD) or relative risk (RR) and their 95% confidence interval (CI). A summary of finding table was generated by GRADEpro (version 3.6).

RESULTS

Twenty-five RCTs with 2498 participants were included and all trials adopted conventional therapy (CT) in both arms. Most of the studies had high risk of bias. The addition of DZXX to CT showed no significant benefit on death (RR 0.27, 95% CI 0.05-1.63) within the treatment period (14-35 d), but showed higher Barthel index score (MD 10.20, 95% CI 8.16-12.25), lower neurological function deficit score (MD -3.99, 95% CI -5.68 to -2.30, by NFDS; MD -1.67, 95% CI -2.59 to -0.76, by NIHSS), and lower treatment failure (RR 0.40, 95% CI 0.31-0.52). Thirteen trials (52%) reported the outcome of adverse events, but no serious adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSION

Low quality evidence implied that DZXX injection appeared to improve neurological function in patients with acute ischemic stroke. However, this potential benefit should be further studied in large, rigorous trials.

The beneficial potential of polyphenol-enriched fraction from Erigerontis Herba on metabolic syndrome

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Erigerontis Herba is a Chinese herb that is traditionally used to treat cardiovascular disease. Recent literatures suggested that it could exert beneficial effects on various cardiovascular metabolic risk factors including hypertension and hyperlipidemia in order to exert its cardio-protective effects.

AIM

Erigerontis Herba contains a variety of flavonoids and polyphenols that are bioactive. The aim of the present study was to investigate the cardio-protective effects of the total polyphenols of Erigerontis Herba (EHP), particularly on the metabolic parameters which could contribute to metabolic syndrome including obesity, hepatic steatosis, hyperlipidemia and hypertension.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

C57Bl/6 metabolic syndrome mice model was used to determine the effects of EHP on metabolic syndrome. High-fat diet-induced metabolic syndrome in C57Bl/6 mice is an animal model which mimics human metabolic syndrome. The model is achieved by high-fat diet feeding to C57Bl/6 mice for 8 weeks. In our study, the mice were divided into 3 groups and fed for 8 weeks with: 1) normal chow (N); 2) high-fat diet (HF); or 3) high-fat diet supplemented with 2% EHP (HF+EHP). Various parameters such as body weight, adipose tissue weight and liver weight were measured. Liver and plasma lipid levels were also determined. In addition, the effect of EHP on vasodilation in Sprague Dawley rats was also determined using ex vivo aortic ring model.

RESULTS

Various types of adipose tissues weights were significantly lowered in HF+EHP vs HF mice. Hepatic lipid levels were also significantly decreased by EHP vs HF. For plasma lipid (including TC and TG), EHP exerted no significant effects on plasma lipid levels. To understand the mechanisms as to how EHP regulated lipid metabolism via liver, various hepatic gene expressions were also measured using real-time PCR. The results showed that EHP regulated the expressions of Cyp7α1, CD36 and PPAR-γ. EHP showed significant vasodilative effects in both intact aortas and endothelium-removed aortas. Further mechanistic studies indicated that EHP dilated aorta endothelium-dependently through nitric oxide synthase (NOS) pathway, and endothelium-independently through BKca, Kv and Kir channels. In addition to the vasodilative effects, EHP could also inhibit aorta contraction through Ca(2+) channel.

CONCLUSIONS

EHP exerted promising effects on diet-induced obesity and hepatic steatosis in C57Bl/6 mice model. It also exerted significant vasodilative effect ex vivo, suggesting the potential of EHP to be developed as a dietary supplement for metabolic syndrome.

[Effect of Erigeron Breviscapus on the expression of OPG/RANKL/RANK in osteoblasts and pre-osteoclasts in vitro]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of Erigeron Breviscapus (EB) at different concentrations and different intervention time points on the mRNA and protein expression of OPG/RANKL/RANK in MG63 osteoblast-like cells and RAW264. 7 pre-osteoclast cells cultured in vitro, thus exploring roles EB played in bone rebuilding and its mechanisms.

METHODS

MG63 osteoblast-like cells and RAW264.7 pre-osteoclast cells were cultured in vitro. The 3rd passage cells were divided into the control group and different experimental groups. Total RNA and protein were respectively isolated from cells treated with different concentrations of EB (0, 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, and 1.0 mg/mL) for 48 h. Meanwhile, the protein was extracted from 0 and 1 mg/mL EB groups at 12, 24, and 48 h respectively. Expression of OPG mRNA and RANKL mRNA in MG63 osteoblast-like cells, and expression of RANK mRNA in RAW264.7 pre-osteoclast cells were detected by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Expression of OPG protein and RANKL protein in MG63 osteoblast-like cells, and expression of RANK protein in RAW264. 7 pre-osteoclast cells were detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

Along with increased EB concentration, expression of OPG mRNA and protein in MG63 osteoblast-like cells was gradually lowered (P < 0.05) after 48-h intervention of EB, the expression of RANKL mRNA and protein in MG63 osteoblast-like gradually increased (P < 0.05); the expression of RANK mRNA in RAW264.7 pre-osteoclast cells increased (P < 0.05). But the expression of RANK mRNA was slightly lower in the 0.1 mg/mL EB group than in the 0.01 mg/mL EB group, and the expression of RANK protein in RAW264.7 pre-osteoclast cells gradually increased (P < 0.05). After treatment with 1 mg/mL EB for 12, 24, 48 h, the expression of OPG protein in MG63 osteoblast-like cells gradually decreased as time went by (P < 0.05), and the expression of RANKL protein in MG63 osteoblast-like and RANK protein in RAW264.7 pre-osteoclast cells gradually increased (P < 0.05). The expression of RANKL protein in RAW264.7 pre-osteoclast cells increased as time went by (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

EB could inhibit the expression of OPG in osteoblasts in a dose- and time-dependent manner, promote the expression of RANKL in osteoblasts and the secretion of RANK in pre-osteoclast, indicating EB might play roles in promoting bone resorption.

Evaluation of impact of Herba Erigerontis injection, a Chinese herbal prescription, on rat hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes by cocktail probe drugs

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Herba Erigerontis injection (HEI), one of the most popular herbal prescription in China, is made from the aqueous extracts of Erigeron breviscapus whole plant. Now HEI is widely used for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and cerebrovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease, anginapectoris and paralysis.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this study was to investigate the in vivo effect of HEI on rat cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP1A2, CYP2C11, CYP2D4, CYP2E1 and CYP3A2) to assess its safety through its potential to interact with co-administered drugs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rats were randomly divided into five groups. Rats were intravenous administrated with HEI via the caudal vein at the dosage of 1.8ml/kg or 7.2ml/kg once daily for consecutive 3 days or 14 days. On the fourth or the fifteenth day, a cocktail solution at a dose of 5ml/kg, which contained caffeine (2.5mg/kg), tolbutamide (2.5mg/kg), chlorzoxazone (5mg/kg), midazolam (5mg/kg) and metoprolol (10mg/kg), was injected via the lingual vein to all rats. Then 0.8ml blood samples were collected at a set of time-points. The plasma concentrations of probe drugs were simultaneously determined by HPLC. Pharmacokinetic parameters simulated by DAS software were used for the evaluation of HEI on the activities of rat CYP1A2, CYP2C11, CYP2D4, CYP2E1 and CYP3A2 enzymes. ANOVA and Dunnett's test was used for data analysis.

RESULTS

There were no significant influence of pharmacokinetic parameters of caffeine, tolbutamide and chlorzoxazone in HEI pretreated rats. But many pharmacokinetic parameters of metoprolol and midazolam in HEI pretreated rats were affected significantly (P<0.05), which indicated that metabolism of metoprolol and midazolam in these treatment groups was evidently slowed down.

CONCLUSIONS

The results from the present in vivo study suggested that HEI showed no effects on rat CYP1A2, CYP2C11 and CYP2E1, however, it demonstrated potential inhibitory effects on rat CYP2D4 and CYP3A2. Therefore, caution is needed when HEI is co-administered with drugs metabolized by human CYP2D6 or CYP3A4 in clinic, which may result in increased concentrations of these drugs and relevant herb-drug interactions.

Protective effects of scutellarin against cerebral ischemia in rats: evidence for inhibition of the apoptosis-inducing factor pathway

Scutellarin (Scu) is the major active principle (flavonoid) extracted from Erigeron breviscapus (Vant.) Hand-Mazz, a Chinese herbal medicine. In this paper, we investigated the effects of Scu on brain injury through the inhibition of AIF-mediated apoptosis induced by transient focal brain ischemia in rats. Rats were treated with Scu for 7 d and then subjected to cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury induced by a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). After 2 h of ischemia and 22 h of reperfusion, the infarct volume and the neurological deficit were determined by TTC staining and Longa's score. IN SITU end-labeling of nuclear DNA fragments (TUNEL) was employed to determine the degree of DNA fragmentation. NAD content and PARP activity in brain homogenate were determined. The expression of AIF in the nucleus was analyzed by Western blot. The present study showed that Scu significantly reduced the infarct volume and ameliorated the neurological deficit. An increase in the number of TUNEL-positive cells and a decrease in the NAD level were also observed after 2 h of ischemia and 22 h of reperfusion. At the same time, Scu (50 and 75 mg kg (-1), i. g.) treatment reversed brain NAD depletion and reduced DNA fragmentation. Scu also inhibited PARP overactivation and AIF translocation from the mitochondria to the nucleus following cerebral I/R. These findings suggested that the neuroprotective effects of Scu on brain ischemic injury-induced apoptosis might be associated with inhibition of PARP-dependent mitochondrial dysfunction and subsequent translocation of AIF.

Scutellarin induced Ca(2+ ) release and blocked KCl-induced Ca(2+ ) influx in smooth muscle cells isolated from rat thoracic artery

This study was designed to investigate the effect of scutellarin (1) on the modulation of intracellular Ca(2+ ) concentration in thoracic smooth muscle cells of rat. Single smooth muscle cells were obtained enzymatically. Fluo-3 AM was used to determine the alteration of intracellular-free Ca(2+ )([Ca(2+ )](i)) and the changes in fluorescence intensity under different agonists were recorded. Compound 1 induced Ca(2+ ) transients in the medium with and/or without Ca(2+ ). In the Ca(2+ )-free medium, after pretreatment of 1, thapsigargin failed to cause the elevation of [Ca(2+ )](i). However, 1 still caused the elevation of [Ca(2+ )](i) after pretreatment of thapsigargin. The infusion of 1 blocked KCl-induced Ca(2+ ) entry and this effect was hardly reversible. The results of present study suggested that 1 increased [Ca(2+ )](i) by blocking sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+ )/ATPase and blocked voltage-dependent Ca(2+ ) channels in smooth muscle cells of the rat thoracic aortic artery.

[Effect of Erigeron Breviscapine on premaxillary suture distraction osteogenesis in rabbit]

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to determine the effects of Erigeron Breviscapine (EB) in suture distraction osteogenesis (DO) in the maxillary protraction models of rabbit.

METHODS

In distraction study, the rabbits were randomly divided into 2 groups based on protracted or unprotracted (n=16, 8 in each). The cephalograms were taken in the 0 and the 28th day. In EB study, all samples were protracted and were randomly divided into 2 groups based on injection of EB or NaCl. The width of serial tetracycline fluorochrome was labeled and measured during 28 days (n=16, 8 in each). In the 7th and the 14th day, the tissues of the premaxillary bone suture were harvested and processed for immunohistochemistry of TGF-beta (n=12, 6 in each). Group t test was performed by using SPSS10.0 software package.

RESULTS

It was found that the cephalometric parameters of the sagittal maxilla were significantly increased in the protraction group after 28 days (P<0.05). The width of tetracycline fluorochrome was significantly increased in the EB group after 28 days (P<0.05). In the same time, there was stronger expression in EB group than in NaCl group (P<0.05). There was stronger TGF-beta expression in the 7th day EB group than in the 14th day NaCl group (P<0.05). There were abundant fibroblast and blood vessels in the active DO. There were not typical active osteoblasts in the border of the bone sutures.

CONCLUSIONS

Maxillary protraction models of rabbit is successfully established. EB can accelerate DO. One reason of EB accelerating DO may be angiogenesis and improvement of microcirculation.Direct osteogenesis of EB is also possible. Supported by Science and Technology Development Project of Shanxi Province [Grant No.2002K11-G7(3)].

Two major urinary metabolites of scutellarin in rats

Urinary metabolites of scutellarin, the main effective constituent of breviscapine, a cerebrovascular and cardiovascular drug consisting of total flavonoids of Erigeron breviscapus, were investigated in rats. Two major metabolites were isolated from the urine of rats following oral administration of scutellarin and identified as scutellarein 6,7-di- O-beta-D-glucuronide (M1) and scutellarein (M2), respectively, on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic evidence. M1 was reported as a metabolite of scutellarin for the first time.

[Effect of erigeron breviscapus on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in the periodontal tissues of rabbits during orthodontic tooth movement]

OBJECTIVE

To detect the effect of erigeron breviscapus on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the periodontal tissues during orthodontic tooth movement.

METHODS

45 rabbits were divided into 3 groups (groups A, B and C). Groups A and B included experimental group of 1, 3, 7 and 14 days respectively. The mandibular first molar of each experimental rabbit was observed. The rabbits of group A and group B received iontophoresis with erigeron breviscapus into the right (group A-R and group B-R) and with normal sodium into the left as the control (group A-L and group B-L). Additionally, the rabbits of group B were designed orthodontic appliance, by which 0.78 N mesial force was applied to pull the mandibular first molars. Group C, group of 0 day, was no iontophoresis and orthodontic appliance as the control. After killed on schedule, the amount of experimental tooth movement was measured and the expression of VEGF was examined by immunohistochemical method.

RESULTS

The amount of experimental tooth movement increased successively from 1 to 14 days. The differences among days 3, 7 and 14 were significant in the comparison between group B-R and group B -L (P < 0.01). The expression of VEGF in groups A-R and B-L enhanced apparently compared with that in groups C and A-L (P < 0.01), but that in group B-R was the most apparent (P < 0.01). The expression of VEGF reached the peak level on day 3 in groups A-R and B-R (P < 0.01), but it reached the peak level on day 7 in group B-L (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Erigeron breviscapus by iontophoresis can accelerate orthodontic tooth movement, and can meanwhile up-regulate the expression of VEGF in periodontium in the earlier period of orthodontic tooth movement. Thus it can be presumed that one of its mechanisms for erigeron breviscapus to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement is erigeron breviscapus effects the metabolism and differentiation of osteoblast and osteoclast through up-regulating the expression of VEGF in periodontium.

Effects of Erigeron injection on vascular endothelium in patients after intracoronary stenting

OBJECTIVE

To observe the levels of serum C-reactive protein (CRP), endothelin-1 (ET-1), nitric oxide (NO), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in patients after intracoronary stenting (ICS), and the effects of Erigeron Injection (EI) on them.

METHODS

Seventy-two patients, who received ICS and had symptoms of chest stuffiness, palpitation and chest pain, were randomly divided into two groups, with 36 patients in the control group treated with Plavix alone for anti-platelet aggregation, and the other 36 patients in the treated group treated with Plavix and EI in combination. CRP, ET-1, NO and SOD were determined and compared before and 1, 2 and 3 weeks after treatment.

RESULTS

As compared with those in the control group, improvement of symptoms in the treated group was significantly better, with the levels of CRP and ET-1 lower and levels of SOD and NO higher or approaching to normal ranges and significant difference was shown between the two groups (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

EI could alleviate uncomfortable feelings such as chest stuffiness in patients after ICS, and improve the function of vascular endothelium.

Fungitoxic metabolites from Erigeron apiculatus

Four enyne derivatives (1-4) and quercitrin were isolated during a bioassay-guided chromatographic separation of a methanolic extract of Erigeron apiculatus. Matricarialactone (1) and lachnophyllumlactone (2) showed a high fungitoxic activity against Pyricularia oryzae. Matricaria acid methyl ester (3) and lachnophyllum acid methyl ester (4) were, instead, less active.

Effects of Erigeron breviscapus ethanol extract on neuronal oxidative injury induced by superoxide radical

Antioxidant activity of the ethanol extract of Erigeron breviscapus (EEEB) were studied by using neuron oxidative injury model induced by superoxide radical. EEEB at the dose of 10-140 mug/ml reduced significantly the lipid peroxidation levels and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) release from neuron exposed to superoxide radical (generated by xanthine and xanthine oxidase). These results suggest that neuroprotective actions of EEEB may be due to its antioxidant or radical scavenging activity.