Ajuga Decumbens Research Articles

Discovery of Novel Neo-Clerodane Derivatives as Potent Dual-Functional Antiosteoporosis Agents through Targeting Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γ.

A library of 31 natural neo-clerodanes isolated from Ajuga decumbens was assayed for antiosteoporosis. This results in 18 neo-clerodane osteoclastogenesis inhibitors, and compound 3 prevents bone loss in vivo. Further mechanistic studies demonstrated that these compounds inhibit osteoporosis by antagonizing peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ). We designed and synthesized 17 compounds by chemically modifying the natural neo-clerodane 19 (highly potent and the major composition of A. decumbens extract) by means of structure-based drug design techniques. Among these neo-clerodane derivatives, compound 34 is the most potent osteoporosis inhibitor with a 46-fold improvement in inhibiting osteoclastogenesis (IC50 = 0.042 vs 1.92 μM), 11-fold increased activity in PPARγ antagonism (EC50 = 0.75 vs 8.35 μM), 66-fold enhancement in receptor affinity (KD = 0.27 vs 17.7 μM), and enhanced osteogenic promotion compared to 19. This underscores the potential of neo-clerodane diterpenoids as promising leads for osteoporosis treatment by targeting PPARγ.

ZY5301 Tablet vs Placebo for Treatment of Chronic Pelvic Pain After Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: A Phase 2 Randomized Clinical Trial.

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is the main sequela of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), with no established treatment. ZY5301 tablets, an effective part preparation extracted from Ajuga decumbens Thunb. (jingucao), are being tested as a treatment for CPP caused by PID. To evaluate whether ZY5301 tablets are effective and safe for CPP treatment in women with PID. This placebo-controlled double-blind, dose-parallel, phase 2 randomized clinical trial was conducted in 9 hospitals in China. Female participants with CPP after PID were enrolled between October 16, 2020, and August 31, 2021. The data analysis was performed between December 2021 and March 2022. Participants were randomized 1:1:1 to receive ZY5301 300 mg/d, ZY5301 600 mg/d, or placebo orally 3 times a day for 12 weeks. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores were the main measure used to evaluate the efficacy of ZY5301 in reducing CPP. The evaluation end points for VAS score included changes in mean weekly VAS score from baseline, area under the VAS score-time curve, pain remission (VAS score of 0 and 1) rate, and median time to pain remission. Safety was evaluated by the occurrence of treatment-emergent and treatment-related adverse events. In total, 180 women were randomly assigned, and 177 were included in the efficacy analysis; thus, the full analysis set included 60 participants in the ZY5301 mg/d group (mean [SD] age, 37.4 [8.1] years), 58 in the ZY5301 600 mg/d group (mean [SD] age, 37.1 [7.9] years), and 59 in the placebo group (mean [SD] age, 38.9 [7.3] years). Participant characteristics at baseline were similar among the groups. After 12 weeks of treatment, the mean (SD) change in VAS score from the baseline was -2.1 (1.7) points, -3.5 (1.5) points, and -3.8 (1.7) points in the placebo, ZY5301 300 mg/d, and ZY5301 600 mg/d groups, respectively (P < .001). The pain remission rates at week 12 were 43.3% and 53.5% in the ZY5301 300 mg/d and ZY5301 600 mg/d groups, respectively, a significant difference compared with the placebo group (11.9%; P < .001). All the other end points showed similar improvements. The ZY5301 600 mg/d group had better efficacy than the ZY5301 300 mg/d group, but the difference was not significant. The safety analysis revealed no significant differences among groups. These findings show that ZY5301 tablet is efficacious for the relief of CPP with acceptable tolerability. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05460546.

Metabolome-microbiome insights into therapeutic impact of 8-O-acetylharpagide against breast cancer in a murine model.

Iridoid glycosides extract, which is the main active extract of Ajuga decumbens Thunb, has been proved to have anti-breast cancer activity in previous studies. However, it is still unknown whether 8-O-acetylharpagide, a main active compound in the extract, has anti-breast cancer activity. In this study, 4T1 breast cancer mice model was first successfully established. Then the anti-breast cancer effect of 8-O-acetylharpagide was systematically investigated. Feces were collected for metabolomics and 16S rRNA analysis to assess the potential mechanism. The results showed that 8-O-acetylharpagide was effective in reducing 4T1 mouse tumor volume and weight compared with the model group. Metabolome analysis revealed 12 potential metabolite biomarkers in feces, mainly involved in primary bile acid biosynthesis and arachidonic acid metabolism. The 16S rRNA sequencing results demonstrated that 8-O-acetylharpagide modulated the abundance of the intestinal flora in 4T1 mice. Spearman correlation analysis showed that calcitriol and prostaglandin G2 strongly correlated with Akkermansia, Firmicutes and Muribaculum. Overall, the active compound 8-O-acetylharpagide could inhibit significantly breast cancer growth in 4T1 breast cancer model mice. The mechanism of the anti-breast cancer effect of 8-O-acetylharpagide may be related to the regulation of primary bile acid biosynthesis and arachidonic acid metabolism and modulation of the abundance of Akkermansia and Firmicutes.

New neo-Clerodane Diterpenoids Isolated from Ajuga decumbens Thunb., Planted at Pingtan Island of Fujian Province with the Potent Anticancer Activity.

The aim of this study is to find the anticancer lead compounds or drug candidates from Chinese Traditional Plant Medicine of Ajuga decumbens Thunb. Ajuga decumbens Thunb. has been used in clinical for a long time in China and was selected in "Chinses Pharmacopoeia" (part I in 1977) for its wide spectrum biological activities: such as anticancer, antioxidant, antifeedant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antihyperlipidemic, anti-cholinesterase and cytotoxicity activities. However, there are relatively fewer studies of Ajuga decumbens Thunb. that have been carried out till now. For some years, our research group focused on the discovery of new anticancer agents, so we studied the chemical compositions of Ajuga decumbens Thunb., planted in Pingtan island of Fujian Province, to discover new anticancer lead compounds or candidates from this Chinese Traditional Plant Medicine. The dichloromethane (DCM) extract was obtained in this work, and then this extract was used for silica gel column chromatography to obtain different polar fractions. Several similar fractions were combined according to TLC or HPLC analysis. The combined fractions were isolated by preparative TLC or preparative HPLC to obtain the pure compounds and HPLC was used to detect the purity. All isolated compounds were determined by NMR (1HNMR, 13CNMR, DEPT, HMBC, HSQC, 1H-1H COSY and NOESY), HRESIMS and single crystal X-ray diffraction methods. The in vitro anticancer activity was evaluated using CCK8 method. Seven compounds [three new compounds 1-3; and four known compounds (Ajugacumbins A, Ajugacumbin B, Ajugamarin A2 and Ajugamarin A1)] were isolated from Ajuga decumbens Thunb. in this work, and their structures were confirmed. The biological evaluation showed that 3 and Ajugamarin A1 exhibited potent in vitro anticancer activity both against A549 cell lines with IC50s=71.4 μM and 76.7 μM; and against Hela cell lines with IC50s=71.6 mM and 5.39×10-7 μM, respectively. Compounds (3 and Ajugamarin A1) can be regarded as the lead compounds for the development of anticancer agents.

First report of powdery mildew caused by Podosphaera elsholtziae on Ajuga decumbens in Korea

First report of powdery mildew caused by Podosphaera elsholtziae on Ajuga decumbens in Korea

Isolation, structural elucidation of new phytoecdysteroids from Ajuga decumbens Thunb

Five new phytoecdysteroids (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5) were isolated from Ajuga decumbens Thunb. planted at Pingtan island of Fujian Province. Their structures were elucidated by NMR(1H NMR, 13C NMR, DEPT, HMBC, HSQC, 1H–1H COSY, ROESY), and HRESIMS. Especially, compound 2 is the epimer of Cyasterone, which was directly confirmed using single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.

Ferroptosis Inhibitory Aromatic Abietane Diterpenoids from Ajuga decumbens and Structural Revision of Two 3,4-Epoxy Group-Containing Abietanes.

Two new 3,4-epoxy group-containing abietane diterpenoids (1 and 2), together with five known diterpenoids (3-7), were isolated from Ajuga decumbens. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic data analysis, NMR calculations, and X-ray diffraction experiments. The structures of two known abietane diterpenoids were revised based on NMR calculations and X-ray diffraction data. Notably, compound 4 specifically inhibited RSL3-induced ferroptosis with an EC50 of 56 nM by antioxidation. Moreover, 4 significantly decreased RSL3-induced lipid and cytosolic ROS accumulation and ferroptosis marker gene PTGS2 mRNA expression. This work reports the most potent natural inhibitor against ferroptosis found so far.

Urban forest fragmentation can highly influence pollinator-plant interactions in close contrasting habitats of a local herb, Ajuga decumbens (Labiatae)

Frequent anthropogenic activities in urban regions may result in fragmentation, sequentially forming a variety of forest edges. The contrasting habitats (forest interior vs. edge) may differ in foster pollinator and plant diversity, but little is known about the influence of urban forest fragmentation on pollinator-plant interactions. Six patches of a local bee-pollinated herb, Ajuga decumbens (Labiatae) were used to detect the edge effect. The patches from both the forest edge (three patches) and interior (the other three patches) habitats were close to reduce the differences in pollinator fauna, in an urban fragmented forest in Wuhan city, China. We investigated the pollinator species richness and abundance as well as the reproductive success of the plant across the forest edge and interior habitats. Results revealed that the pollinator assemblage and fruit set of the plant differed between the forest edge and interior habitats, plants from the forest edge had higher pollinator abundance and yielded more fruits than those from the forest interior. Although the patches were close enough for the pollinating bees to fly over, forest edges resulting from fragmentation intensely changed the pollinator assemblage of the local herb. Where the fragmentation of urban forest is unavoidable, our results indicated that the forest edge should be a friendly urban matrix for the local herb and its bee pollinators. Thus, anthropogenic actions e.g. road hardening and introduction of ornamental flowers should be avoided in areas where the forest edges have already been generated by urban construction.

Acetylharpagide Protects Mice from Staphylococcus Aureus-Induced Acute Lung Injury by Inhibiting NF-κB Signaling Pathway.

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) is a serious disease that has a high risk of death among infants and teenagers. Acetylharpagide, a natural compound of Ajuga decumbens Thunb. (family Labiatae), has been found to have anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral effects. This study investigates the therapeutic effects of acetylharpagide on S. aureus-induced ALI in mice. Here, we found that acetylharpagide alleviated S. aureus-induced lung pathological morphology damage, protected the pulmonary blood-gas barrier and improved the survival of S. aureus-infected mice. Furthermore, S. aureus-induced myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity of lung homogenate and pro-inflammatory factors in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were suppressed by acetylharpagide. Mechanically, acetylharpagide inhibited the interaction between polyubiquitinated receptor interacting protein 1 (RIP1) and NF-κB essential modulator (NEMO), thereby suppressing NF-κB activity. In summary, these results show that acetylharpagide protects mice from S. aureus-induced ALI by suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway. Acetylharpagide is expected to become a potential treatment for S. aureus-induced ALI.

Co-flowering neighbor alters pollinator composition and influences reproductive success in a plant pollinated by multiple insects

The effect of the interactions among co-flowering plants for pollination has always been explained by changes in pollinator visiting frequency and/or foraging behavior. For most flowering plants with generalized pollination system, little is known about the influence of co-flowering neighbor on pollinator composition and its ecological consequences. Mazus miquelii, a plant with sensitively bilobed stigma, and its two naturally common co-flowering plants, Glechoma longituba and Ajuga decumbens were used to set the study system. We investigated pollinators’ visiting frequency and behavior, visiting frequency and relative composition of each pollinator type as well as seed production. Our results indicated that plant reproductive success significantly differed with co-flowering plants. However, neither pollinators’ visiting frequency nor foraging behavior could be attributed to the influence of co-flowering neighbor on reproductive success of M. miquelii. Flowers of M. miquelii were pollinated by more individuals of Osmia sp. when co-occurring with A. decumbens, while Halictus sp. was the main pollinator of M. miquelii when it was co-flowering with G. longituba. Comparatively, insects of Osmia sp. had higher effectiveness of pollen transfer than those of Halictus sp. The stigmatic pollen load of M. miquelii was higher co-flowering with A. decumbens than with G. longituba. The co-flowering neighbor significantly altered the pollinator composition and influenced pollen transfer efficiency, which might definitely be responsible for the changes in the focal plant reproductive success. This study improved our understanding on pollinator-mediated plant–plant interactions, particularly the uncertain effects of co-flowering plants on a focal plant from different communities.

Pharmacokinetics of 8-O-acetylharpagide in mouse blood by UPLC–MS/MS

8-O-Acetylharpagide is the main active component of the herb Ajuga decumbens, which possesses anti-tumor, anti-virus, and anti-inflammation properties. In this study, ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) was used to measure the concentration of 8-O-acetylharpagide in mouse blood, with subsequent investigation of the pharmacokinetics of the drug after intravenous or oral administration. Shanzhiside methyl ester was used as an internal standard, and the acetonitrile precipitation method was used to process the blood samples. Chromatographic separation was achieved using an ultra-performance liquid chromatography ethylene-bridged hybrid (UPLC BEH) column (2.1 mm × 50 mm, 1.7 μm) with a gradient methanol–water mobile phase (containing 0.1% formic acid). The flow rate was 0.4 mL/min, and the elution time was 5.0 min. 8-O-Acetylharpagide was quantitatively measured using electrospray ionization (ESI) tandem mass spectrometry in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode with positive ionization. The result indicated that, within the range of 5–500 ng/mL, the linearity of 8-O-acetylharpagide in mouse blood was satisfactory (r &gt; 0.995), and the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) was 5 ng/mL. Intra-day precision relative standard deviation (RSD) of 8-O-acetylharpagide in blood was lower than 9%, and the inter-day precision RSD was lower than 13%. The accuracy range was between 94.3% and 107.1%, average recovery was higher than 91.3%, and the matrix effect was between 100.8% and 110.8%. This analytical method was sensitive and fast with good selectivity and was successfully applied to perform pharmacokinetic studies of 8-O-acetylharpagide in mice. The bioavailability of 8-O-acetylharpagide was 10.8%, and the analysis of the primary pharmacokinetic parameters after oral and intravenous administration indicated that 8-O-acetylharpagide had a significant first pass effect after oral administration.

Accurate position exchange of stamen and stigma by movement in opposite direction resolves the herkogamy dilemma in a protandrous plant, Ajuga decumbens (Labiatae).

Herkogamy is an effective way to reduce sexual interference. However, the separation of stigma and anther potentially leads to a conflict because the pollen may be placed in a location on the pollinator different from the point of stigma contact, which can reduce pollination accuracy. Floral mechanisms aiming to resolve this conflict have seldom been explored. The floral biology of protandrous Ajuga decumbens was studied to uncover how the herkogamy dilemma can be resolved. Flower anthesis was divided into male, middle, female and wilting phases. The positions of stigma and stamen were dissimilar in different flower development stages. We measured the distance of the stamen and stigma to the lower corolla lip at different floral phases, which was the pollinators’ approaching way. The pollen viability, stigma receptivity, pollen removal and pollen deposition on stigma were investigated at different phases. During the male phase, the dehisced anthers were lower than the stigma, located at the pollinators’ approaching way, and dispersed most pollen with high viability. As the flower developed, the anthers moved upwards, making way for pollen deposition during the female phase. Meanwhile, the stigma becomes receptive by moving into the way and consequently was deposited with sufficient pollen. The position exchange of the stamen and stigma created a dynamic herkogamy at the floral phase with different sexual functions. This floral mechanism effectively avoided sexual interference and maintained pollination accuracy. In Ajuga, the movement herkogamy might be of adaptive significance in response to the changes in the pollination environment.

Advance of the Chemical Components and Biological Activities of Ajuga Decumbens Thunb

Advance of the Chemical Components and Biological Activities of Ajuga Decumbens Thunb

Preparation of Colon-Targeted Acetylharpagide Tablets and its Release Properties in vivo and in vitro.

Ethno Pharmacological Relevance: Acetylharpagide is a monomeric compound extracted from Ajuga decumbens, widely used for remedying infectious and inflammatory diseases in Southern China.Aim of the Study: The present study designed and investigated the formulation of colon-targeted acetylharpagide tablets according to the dual controlled release mechanisms of time-delay and pH-sensitivity.Materials and Methods: The core tablets of acetylharpagide were coated with the material used in time-delay systems such as ethyl cellulose and suitable channeling agent, followed by pH-dependent polymers, polyacrylic resin II and III in a combination of 1:4. Furthermore, the release and absorption performance of colon-targets tables were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. In the in vitro tests, the optimized formulation was not released in simulated gastric fluid in 2 h; the release was <5% at pH 6.8 simulated intestinal fluids for 4 h; the drug was completely released within 5 h at pH 7.6 simulated colon fluid. In the in vivo tests, pharmacokinetic characteristics of the colon-targeted tablets were investigated in dogs.Results: The results indicated that the acetylharpagide tablets with the technology of colon-targeting caused delayed Tmax, prolonged absorption time, lower Cmax, and AUCINF_obs. Meanwhile, the apparent volume of distribution (Vz_F_bs) of the colon-target tablets was higher than the reference.Conclusions: These results suggested that colon-targeted acetylharpagide tablets deliver the drug to the colon. The in vitro performance of colon-targeted acetylharpagide tablet was appropriately correlated with its performance in vivo.

Neo-clerodane diterpenes and phytoecdysteroids from Ajuga decumbens Thunb. and evaluation of their effects on cytotoxic, superoxide anion generation and elastase release in vitro

Five novel compounds, including four neoclerodane diterpenoids, named ajugacumbins KN (1–4) along with a phytoecdysterone, named ajugacetalsterone E (5), were isolated from the whole herbs of Ajuga decumbens (Labiatae). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of detailed spectroscopic analysis including IR, HRESIMS, CD, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic experiments. Compounds 1–5 were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities and the effects on superoxide anion generation and elastase release in FMLP/CB-induced human neutrophils.

Ajuga decumbens stimulates mesenchymal stem cell differentiation and regenerates cartilage in a rabbit osteoarthritis model.

In a previous study by our group, Ajuga decumbens extract (ADE) was demonstrated to decrease the number of osteoclasts in subchondral bone and to have a synergistic effect with glucosamine in improving cartilaginous injuries in a rabbit model of osteoarthritis. In the present study, a concentrate of the useful fraction of ADE, termed extra ADE (EADE), which includes higher concentrations of the active component 20-hydroxyecdysone, was evaluated for its efficacy to accelerate the healing of experimental cartilage injury. Cartilage injuries were surgically induced in rabbits by creating three holes; one in the articular cartilage of the medial trochlea and two in the trochlear sulcus of the distal femur. The rabbits were divided into the following four groups (n=3 in each): Control, ADE (0.5 g/kg), low dosage EADE (0.05 g/kg; low EADE) and high dosage EADE (0.5 g/kg; high EADE). ADE and EADE were dissolved in tap water and each dosage was orally administered every day for 3 weeks. At the end of the experimental period, histological analysis indicated that the cartilage matrix was regenerated in the low and high EADE groups. On counting of cells in the histological specimens, it was determined that the mean number of osteoclasts per 100 osteoblasts in subchondral bone was lower in the high EADE group compared with the control group. Furthermore, the results indicated that treatment with EADE (1–100 µg/ml) stimulated chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells and induced proteoglycan production to a greater extent than the control in vitro. EADE treatment (10 and 100 µg/ml) was also observed to significantly attenuate interleukin-1β-induced prostaglandin E2 production in chondrocytes (P<0.05). In summary, the results of the present study suggest that EADE may have greater curative effects on bone injury compared with the currently used therapeutic ADE.

A New Succinate Derivative from Ajuga decumbens

A new succinate derivative, ethyl (5-formylfuran-2-yl)methyl succinate (1), along with three known compounds (2-4) have been isolated from the whole plants of Ajuga decumbens Thunb. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic (1D and 2D NMR) and HR-ESI-MS data analysis, and literature values. Compound 1 was isolated as a new succinate derivative, and compounds 2 and 3 were for the first time separated from A. decumbens.

Effects of the extracts from Ajuga decumbens on anti-fatigue in mice

To investigate the effects of extracts from Ajuga decumbens on anti-fatigue in mice. One hundred and twenty female Kunming (KM) mice were randomly divided into quiet control group, sport control group, positive control group and 3 experimental groups which were the low, medium and high dose group given the extracts from Ajuga decumbens. The low, medium and high dose group were given the extracts with 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg by body weight of mice for 30 d, respectively, but the positive control group was given American ginseng granules, while the quiet control group and the sport control groups were treated with saline. After this, the exhausting time, the physio-biochemical indexes (including lactic acid, blood urea nitrogen, blood sugar, total cholesterol and triglyceride) in serum, the contents of muscle and liver glycogen, and the antioxidative indexes (including glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase and malondialdehyde) of organs in mice were investigated. The exhausting time, the number of red blood cell, the contents of hemoglobin and blood sugar, the contents of muscle and liver glycogen, and the activities of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase in organs of mice in the medium dose group and the high dose group were significantly more than those of the sport control group, but the contents of blood lactic acid, blood urea nitrogen and that of triglyceride and total cholesterol in serum, and the content of malondialdehyde in organs of mice in the medium dose group and the high dose group were significantly lower than those of the sport control group. And the effect of medium dose extracts from Ajuga decumbens on anti-fatigue was better than that of American ginseng granules. The extracts from Ajuga decumbens has significant anti-fatigue effect in mice.

Oral Administration of Ajuga decumbens Extract Has a Synergetic Effect with Glucosamine on Cartilaginous Injury in a Rabbit Osteoarthritis Model

Oral Administration of <i>Ajuga decumbens</i> Extract Has a Synergetic Effect with Glucosamine on Cartilaginous Injury in a Rabbit Osteoarthritis Model

Structure elucidation and biological activity of two new trichothecenes from an endophyte, Myrothecium roridum.

Worldwide, many different grains are infected by various fungi that may produce trichothecene mycotoxins. Fungi that produce trichothecenes, as well as the trichothecenes themselves, are potential problems for public health. On the other hand, trichothecenes possess multiple biological activities. Reduced toxicity may result in their applications in the pharmaceutical field. Two new trichothecenes along with seven known trichothecenes were isolated from an endophyte of the herb plant Ajuga decumbens. Their structures were deduced from 1D and 2D NMR data. The results of MTT assays revealed that new trichothecene 2',3'-epoxymyrothecine A, 1, and myrothecine A, 3, exhibited much lower toxicity compared to other trichothecenes. New trichothecene 2',3'-epoxymyrothecine A, 1, could induce phosphorylation of JNK (c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase) protein and the PARP (poly ADP-ribose polymerase) cleavage, and eventually induce apoptosis in cancer cells. These results point out the possibility for application of trichothecenes as chemotherapeutic agent.