Phellodendron Amurense Research Articles

Extraction and recovery of bioactive alkaloids from Phellodendron amurense Rupr. Using ultrasound-assisted green solvents and macroporous resins

The aim of this study is to develop a sustainable process for extracting alkaloids from Phellodendron amurense Rupr. The findings indicated that malic acid demonstrated the highest extraction capacity. Under optimized conditions, 46% acid concentration, 26.8 mL/g solvent-to-solid ratio, 33.5 min extraction time, and 80 °C extraction temperature, the extraction efficiencies of berberine and total alkaloids were 50.88 and 60.88 mg/g, respectively. Alkaloids were then recovered from the acidic extract using HPD-300 and HP-20 macroporous resins. The alkaloids content in the recovered product under optimal conditions was 68.88% and 67.20% for HPD-300 and HP-20 resins, respectively. The malic acid solvent, together with HPD-300 and HP-20 resins, has been recovered and demonstrated to be effective for recycling. In summary, a sustainable and comprehensive protocol for extracting alkaloids from P. amurense is presented here for the first time. The findings of this study establish a robust foundation for extracting alkaloids from natural sources using environmentally friendly solvents.

Convergent evolution of berberine biosynthesis.

Berberine is an effective antimicrobial and antidiabetic alkaloid, primarily extracted from divergent botanical lineages, specifically Coptis (Ranunculales, early-diverging eudicot) and Phellodendron (Sapindales, core eudicot). In comparison with its known pathway in Coptis species, its biosynthesis in Phellodendron species remains elusive. Using chromosome-level genome assembly, coexpression matrix, and biochemical assays, we identified six key steps in berberine biosynthesis from Phellodendron amurense, including methylation, hydroxylation, and berberine bridge formation. Notably, we discovered a specific class of O-methyltransferases (NOMT) responsible for N-methylation. Structural analysis and mutagenesis of PaNOMT9 revealed its unique substrate-binding conformation. In addition, unlike the classical FAD-dependent berberine bridge formation in Ranunculales, Phellodendron uses a NAD(P)H-dependent monooxygenase (PaCYP71BG29) for berberine bridge formation, originating from the neofunctionalization of tryptamine 5-hydroxylase. Together, these findings reveal the convergence of berberine biosynthesis between Coptis and Phellodendron and signify the role of the convergent evolution in plant specialized metabolisms.

High-throughput sequencing reveals twelve cell death pattern prognostic target genes as potential drug-response-associated genes in the treatment of colorectal cancer cells with palmatine hydrochloride

Abstract Objectives Palmatine Hydrochloride (PaH), an isoquinoline alkaloid from Phellodendron amurense and Coptis chinensis, has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. This study aimed to assess PaH’s effectiveness against SW480 colorectal cancer (CRC) cells and explore its molecular mechanisms. Methods PaH’s effects on SW480 CRC cells were evaluated using MTT assays for proliferation, scratch assays for migration, and flow cytometry for apoptosis. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified through high-throughput sequencing. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses assessed DEG roles. Prognostic significance related to programmed cell death (PCD) was analyzed using R-Package with TCGA data. RT-qPCR validated key genes identified. Results PaH significantly inhibited SW480 cell growth, invasion, and apoptosis. The MTT assay showed inhibition rates increased from 5.49 % at 25 μg/mL to 52.48 % at 400 μg/mL. Scratch assays indicated reduced cell invasion over 24, 48, and 72 h. Apoptosis rose from 12.36 % in controls to 45.54 % at 400 μg/mL. Sequencing identified 3,385 significant DEGs, primarily in cancer pathways (p=0.004). Among 35 PCD-related DEGs, Lasso Cox regression highlighted 12 key genes, including TERT, TGFBR1, WNT4, and TP53. RT-qPCR confirmed TERT and TGFBR1 downregulation (0.614-fold, p=0.008; 0.41-fold, p<0.001) and TP53 and WNT4 upregulation (5.634-fold, p<0.001; 5.124-fold, p=0.002). Conclusions PaH inhibits CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by modulating key PCD genes, suggesting its potential as a CRC therapeutic agent.

Metabolome and transcriptome association study reveals biosynthesis of specialized benzylisoquinoline alkaloids in Phellodendron amurense

ObjectiveBenzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs) have pharmacological functions and clinical use. BIAs are mainly distributed in plant species across the order Ranunculales and the genus Phellodendron from Sapindales. The BIA biosynthesis has been intensively investigated in Ranunculales species. However, the accumulation mechanism of BIAs in Phellodendron is largely unknown. The aim of this study is to unravel the biosynthetic pathways of BIAs in Phellodendron amurens. MethodsThe transcriptome and metabolome data from 18 different tissues of P. amurense were meticulously sequenced and subsequently subjected to a thorough analysis. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), a powerful systems biology approach that facilitates the construction and subsequent analysis of co-expression networks, was utilized to identify candidate genes involved in BIAs biosynthesis. Following this, recombinant plasmids containing candidate genes were expressed in Escherichia coli, a widely used prokaryotic expression system. The purpose of this genetic engineering endeavor was to express the candidate genes within the bacteria, thereby enabling the assessment of the resultant enzyme activity. ResultsThe synonymous substitutions per synonymous site for paralogs indicated that at least one whole genome duplication event has occurred. The potential BIA biosynthetic pathway of P. amurense was proposed, and two PR10/Bet v1 members, 14 CYP450s, and 33 methyltransferases were selected as related to BIA biosynthesis. One PR10/Bet v1 was identified as norcoclaurine synthase, which could catalyze dopamine and 4-hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde into (S)-norcoclaurine. ConclusionOur studies provide important insights into the biosynthesis and evolution of BIAs in non-Ranunculales species.

Exploring the Benefits of Herbal Medicine Composite 5 (HRMC5) for Skin Health Enhancement.

The skin, as the body's largest organ, is vital for protecting against environmental stressors, regulating temperature, and preventing water loss. Here, we examined the potential of a mixture of five traditional Korean herbal extracts-Cimicifuga racemosa, Paeonia lactiflora, Phellodendron amurense, Rheum rhaponticum, and Scutellaria baicalensis-referred to as herbal medicine composite 5 (HRMC5) for enhancing skin health and managing menopausal symptoms. High-performance liquid chromatography identified 14 bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, anthraquinones, and alkaloids. In vitro studies revealed an optimal concentration of 0.625 g/L for cell survival and UV protection, with the mixture demonstrating significant wound-healing properties comparable to epidermal growth factor. HRMC5 exhibited anti-inflammatory effects by downregulating COX2 expression and upregulating the key skin barrier proteins. A 4-week clinical trial involving 20 postmenopausal women showed significant improvements in skin redness, hemoglobin concentration, and skin moisture content. Visual analog scale assessments indicated substantial reductions in facial flushing severity and the associated sweating. The topical application of HRMC5 cream offered potential advantages over ingested phytoestrogens by reducing the systemic side effects. These findings suggest that HRMC5 is a promising non-invasive treatment for vasomotor symptoms in menopausal women and overall skin health, warranting further research on its long-term efficacy and safety in larger populations.

De novo assembly and characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of Phellodendron amurense reveals three repeat‐mediated recombination

Phellodendron amurense Rupr., a rare herb renowned for its medicinal and ecological significance, has remained genetically unexplored at the mitochondrial level until now. This study presents the first-ever systematic assembly and annotation of the complete mitochondrial genome of P. amurense, achieved through a hybrid strategy combining Illumina and Nanopore sequencing data. The mitochondrial genome spans 566,285 bp with a GC content of 45.51 %, structured into two circular molecules. Our comprehensive analysis identified 32 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 33 tRNA genes, and 3 rRNA genes, alongside 181 simple sequence repeats, 19 tandem repeats, and 310 dispersed repeats. Notably, multiple genome conformations were predicted due to repeat-mediated homologous recombination. Additionally, we assembled the chloroplast genome, identifying 21 mitochondrial plastid sequences that provide insights into organelle genome interactions. A total of 380 RNA-editing sites within the mitochondrial PCGs were predicted, enhancing our understanding of gene regulation and function. Phylogenetic analysis using mitochondrial PCGs from 30 species revealed evolutionary relationships, confirming the homology between P. amurense and Citrus species. This foundational study offers a valuable genetic resource for the Rutaceae family, facilitating further research into genetic evolution and molecular diversity in plant mitochondrial genomes.

Berberine-Loaded PVCL-PVA-PEG Self-Assembled Micelles for the Treatment of Liver Fibrosis.

Liver fibrosis is a necessary pathological process in many chronic liver diseases. Studies have shown that the progression of chronic liver disease can be slowed by rational intervention in hepatic fibrosis. Berberine (BBR), a natural extract of Phellodendron amurense, inhibits the development of liver fibrosis through several mechanisms. However, the clinical application of BBR is limited due to its low solubility. Drug delivery systems have been developed to improve the solubility of hydrophobic drugs and increase their efficacy in treating the liver fibrosis. In this study, a biocompatible nanomicelle was constructed by thin-film dispersion method using polyvinyl caprolactam-polyvinyl acetate-polyethylene glycol graft copolymer (PVCL-PVA-PEG) as a carrier to encapsulate BBR (PVCL-PVA-PEG/BBR-MCs) to improve the solubility of BBR and reduce the systemic side effects. The ability to inhibit HSC-T6 cell activation of PVCL-PVA-PEG/BBR-MCs was evaluated in vitro. The anti-hepatic fibrosis effects of PVCL-PVA-PEG/BBR-MCs were investigated in vivo. PVCL-PVA-PEG/BBR-MCs have a uniform spherical shape with a mean particle size of 60.04 ± 0.027 nm and a potential of 1.49 ± 0.32 mV. It had an encapsulation efficiency of 98.52% ± 0.70 and drug loading content of 6.16% ± 0.04. Compared to free BBR, PVCL-PVA-PEG/BBR-MCs significantly inhibited HSC-T6 cell activation and TGF-β1-induced HSC-T6 cell migration in vitro. In vivo biodistribution experiments showed significantly improved hepatic distribution of PVCL-PVA-PEG/DiD-MCs compared to free DiD, suggesting that PVCL-PVA-PEG micelles enhance the ability of BBR to enter the liver and improve therapeutic efficacy. After treatment, PVCL-PVA-PEG/BBR-MCs significantly improved fibrotic liver structure and reduced collagen deposition in comparison to the CCl4-treated group; the treatment outcome was more effective than that of the free BBR group. Our results demonstrate the advantages of encapsulating BBR in PVCL-PVA-PEG micelles and highlight the potential of PVCL-PVA-PEG/BBR-MCs as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of liver fibrosis.

Screening and isolation of quorum sensing inhibitors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Phellodendron amurense extracts using bio-affinity chromatography.

Drug-resistant bacterial infections pose a significant challenge in the field of bacterial disease treatment. Finding new antibacterial pathways and targets to combat drug-resistant bacteria is crucial. The bacterial quorum sensing (QS) system regulates the expression of bacterial virulence factors. Inhibiting bacterial QS and reducing bacterial virulence can achieve antibacterial therapeutic effects, making QS inhibition an effective strategy to control bacterial pathogenicity. This article mainly focused on the PqsA protein in the QS system of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. An affinity chromatography medium was developed using the SpyTag/SpyCatcher heteropeptide bond system. Berberine, which can interact with the PqsA target, was screened from Phellodendron amurense by affinity chromatography. We characterized its structure, verified its inhibitory activity on P. aeruginosa, and preliminarily analyzed its mechanism using molecular docking technology. This method can also be widely applied to the immobilization of various protein targets and the effective screening of active substances.

Ресурсный потенциал бархата амурского в Приамурско-Приморском хвойно-широколиственном районе

Cedar-broad-leaved forests in the Far East cover an area of slightly more than 3 million hectares. Amur cork tree (Phellodendron amurense) is one of the brightest representatives of the woody flora of cedar-broad-leaved forests. In the last century, volumetric and assortment tables were developed for it. There are no growth progress tables for this species. In order to increase the accuracy of forest taxation work, in this article, based on the materials of the state inventory, tables of growth progress for this species have been developed. The experimental material has been 159 model trees from permanent sample plots laid in plantations of different forest types and quality classes during the state forest inventory. When studying the growth patterns of the Amur cork tree, two approaches have been used. In the first case, when leveling taxation indicators, the diameter of the trees has been taken as an independent variable, and in the second – their age. The first version of the growth progress table is close to the digit scale of volumes, in the second case it corresponds to the generally accepted form of growth progress tables. In both versions, the total wood productivity, as well as the volume of bark and cork, has been calculated. The number of trunks has been found through the thinning constant. In plantations, the Amur cork tree occurs in single specimens, rarely growing in groups of up to 10 trees. In the analyzed sample, the maximum age of the Amur cork trees has been 100 years, the height – 25 m and the diameter – 60 cm. The developed growth progress tables reflect the patterns of development of the Amur cork trees growing in the Priamur-Primorskiy coniferous-broad-leaved area. The first growth progress table has been compiled by diameter classes, the second – by age classes. In comparison with oak, according to the growth progress tables, the Amur cork tree has shown a higher increment potential in terms of stock per one tree. The compiled tables can be used to calculate the reserves of the Amur cork tree wood as part of a mixed stand, the cork volume and mass, the amount of damage to plantations caused by logging or fires, and for other purposes. The high growth rate of the Amur cork tree at a young age indicates the prospects of this species for afforestation.

Pharmacological Potential of Three Berberine-Containing Plant Extracts Obtained from Berberis vulgaris L., Mahonia aquifolium (Pursh) Nutt., and Phellodendron amurense Rupr

Three berberine-containing plant extracts were investigated for their pharmacological properties. The stems and leaves of Berberis vulgaris, Mahonia aquifolium, and Phellodendron amurense were characterized through scanning electron microscopy. The plant extracts obtained from fresh stem barks were further analyzed through high-performance liquid chromatography, revealing berberine concentrations, among berbamine and palmatine. The plant extracts were further tested for their anticancer potential against 2D and 3D human skin melanoma (A375) and lung adenocarcinoma (A549) cell lines. The concentrations at which 50% of the cells are affected was determined by the viability assay and it was shown that B. vulgaris, the plant extract with the highest berberine concentration, is the most efficient inhibitor (0.4% extract concentration for the 2D model and 3.8% for the 3D model). The membrane integrity and nitrate/nitrite concentration assays were consistent with the viability results and showed effective anticancer potential. For further investigations, the B. vulgaris extract was used to obtain silver nanoparticles, which were characterized through transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The formed nanoparticles have a uniform size distribution and are suited for future investigations in the field of biomedical applications, together with the B. vulgaris plant extract.

Berberine mitigates diclofenac-induced intestinal mucosal mechanical barrier dysfunction through the restoration of autophagy by inhibiting exosome-mediated lncRNA H19.

Small intestine damage caused by diclofenac is called diclofenac enteropathy. Berberine (BBR), a class of isoquinoline alkaloids derived from Berberis vulgaris and Phellodendron amurense, is widely used in intestinal diseases. The present study evaluated the protective effect of BBR on the intestinal mucosal mechanical barrier in diclofenac enteropathy and its possible action mechanism. The in vitro animal experiment revealed that BBR downregulated the expression of long non-coding RNA H19 (lncRNA H19) in the small intestine and exosomes. In the co-culture experiment involving exosomes and intestinal epithelial cell-6(IEC-6) cells, the results of qRT-PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence assays demonstrated that the elevated expression of lncRNA H19 in the small intestine, conveyed via exosomes derived from the diclofenac group, suppressed the expression levels of autophagy-associated protein 5 (Atg 5) and light chain 3 (LC 3), as well as and the tight junction (TJ) proteins zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), claudin-1, and occluding, relative to the control group. BBR treatment attenuated exosomal lncRNA H19 levels, upregulated the expression of Atg5 and LC3 expression, enhanced TJ protein expression, and increased the light chain 3 (LC3)-II/LC3-I ratio. These findings significantly elucidated that BBR promoted the restoration of autophagy in IECs by inhibiting exosomal lncRNA H19, thereby mitigating the impairment of the intestinal mucosal mechanical barrier function in diclofenac enteropathy. The process involving exosomal lncRNA H19 regulating autophagy, thereby affecting the intestinal mucosal mechanical barrier, offers a novel perspective for the application of BBR in the treatment of diclofenac enteropathy.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Phellodendron Amurense Ruprecht Extract as a Natural Anti-Caries Material.

This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial and cytotoxic potential of Phellodendron amurense Ruprecht (PAR) extract against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and explore the possibility of using PAR extract as an anticariogenic agent. Mixed extracts were prepared at 0, 1.25, 2.5, and 5 mg/mL concentrations, and an S. mutans-containing solution of 100 μL was inoculated into the medium. The survival rate of human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells was assessed to confirm stability. One-way ANOVA was performed to evaluate the antibacterial activity against S. mutans and the proliferation of HaCaT cells. Higher concentrations of the PAR extract showed more growth inhibition of S. mutans over time, with the complete inactivation of S. mutans at 5 mg/mL. HaCaT cell density was reduced at a PAR extract concentration of 1.25 mg/mL, but IC50 was not observed, confirming that the concentration used did not affect the cytotoxicity and proliferation. Results showed that the PAR extract was excellent as a natural substance with anticariogenic effects that inhibited the growth of S. mutans and did not affect the cell viability, thus indicating the potential for clinical application.

The therapeutic effects of traditional Chinese medicine on insulin resistance in obese mice by modulating intestinal functions

IntroductionObesity, mainly caused by excessive accumulation of visceral fat, excessive fat metabolism will cause hormone secretion imbalance and inflammation and other diseases. is extremely detrimental to human health. Although many treatments are available for obesity, most treatments fail to exert a radical effect or are associated with several side effects. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for regulating the intestinal flora, lipid content and inflammation is considered effective. Based on previous studies, Artemisia capillaris, Astragalus propinquus, Phellodendron amurense, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Poria cocos, and Anemarrhena asphodeloides were selected to prepare an innovative herbal formula. MethodsTCM was characterized by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS. The anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering effects of the TCM formula prepared were evaluated in a high-fat diet-fed obese mouse model. The effects of the TCM formula on the intestinal flora were also investigated. ResultsWeights and insulin resistance, as well as inflammation, decreased in the mice after treatment. At the same time, lipid metabolism increased after the mice were gavaged with the TCM formula for 2 weeks. The intestinal motility of the drug administration group was enhanced, with partial restoration of the intestinal flora. ConclusionIn summary, our innovative Chinese herbal formula significantly reduced weight, reduced intestinal inflammation, improved intestinal motility, and improved lipid metabolism in obese mice. Furthermore, the innovative formula effectively prevented relevant obesity-induced metastatic diseases in the mice.

Obacunone, a Promising Phytochemical Triterpenoid: Research Progress on Its Pharmacological Activity and Mechanism.

Obacunone, a natural triterpenoid, is an active component of the herbs Dictamnus dasycarpus Turcz. and Phellodendron amurense Rupr, and an indicator of the herbs' quality. Owing to its multiple health benefits, several studies have investigated the multi-targeting potential action mechanisms of obacunone. To summarize recent developments on the pharmacological actions of obacunone and focus on the underlying molecular mechanisms and signaling networks, we searched PubMed, Europe PMC, Wiley Online Library, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Wanfang Medical Network, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure for articles published prior to March 2024. Existing research indicates obacunone has great potential to become a promising therapeutic option against tumors, fibrotic diseases, bone and cholesterol metabolism diseases, and infections of pathogenic microorganisms, among others. The paper contributes to providing up-to-date references for further research and clinical applications of obacunone.

Wenyang-Tianjing-Jieyu Decoction Improves Depression Rats of Kidney Yang Deficiency Pattern by Regulating T Cell Homeostasis and Inflammation Level.

Chronic inflammation is one of the key mechanisms of depression. Wenyang-Tianjin-Jie Decoction (WTJD) is an effective antidepressant found in the course of diagnosis and treatment, but the mechanism of therapeutic effect is not clear. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of WTJD in the kidney yang deficiency (KYD) type of depression rats and reveal its mechanisms. We selected forty 6-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats for the study. We established a KYD [Phellodendron amurense Rupr (Huangbai) solution oral gavage and 4°C environments; 8 weeks] type of depression (chronic unpredictable mild stimulus; 6 weeks) rat model first. After successful modeling, we used WTJD or fluoxetine on rats for 3 weeks. Then we evaluated the depression and KYD behavior. Finally, we observed the expression of key inflammatory factors and proteins in peripheral blood and hippocampus, and further investigated the immune balance of Th17/Treg and Th1/Th2 cells and the activity of their main regulatory pathways JAK2/STAT3 and TLR4/TRAF6/NF-κB. The imbalance of Th17/Treg and Th1/Th2 cells in rats were related to KYD and depressive symptoms. Through this study, we found that WTJD can inhibit the activity of JAK2/STAT3 and TLR4/TRAF6/NF-κB pathways, balance Th17/Treg and Th1/Th2 cell homeostasis, regulate the levels of inflammatory factors in the hippocampus and peripheral blood, and reverse KYD and depression. This study confirmed that WTJD had a reliable effect on depression rats with KYD, and its mechanism was to regulate the immune homeostasis of hippocampal T cells and related inflammatory factors to improve KYD and depression symptoms in rats.

Metabolic profile of Phellodendron amurense Rupr. in vivo of rat and its metabolomic study on intervention in rheumatoid arthritis

To analyze the metabolites (blood, urine and feces) in normal rats after intragastric administration of the decoction of Phellodendri Amurensis Cortex (PAC) and to map the metabolic profile of PAC in vivo of rat; meanwhile, to evaluate the anti-rheumatoid arthritis (RA) effect of PAC by blood metabolomics technique and to explore its mechanism. Performing on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS technology with a Waters ACQUITY UPLC BEH-C18 column (100 mm × 2.1 mm, 1.7 μm), the mobile phase was acetonitrile-0.1% formic acid aqueous solution (gradient elution). Prior to and following the administration of the decoction of PAC, the samples of blood, urine, and fecal were collected from the rats, in the positive ion mode, pharmacogenic metabolites in each biological sample were identified according to the accurate mass, fragment ions, retention time, metabolic reaction type, comparison of reference substance and retrieval of Pub Med database; The adjuvant-type arthritis (AA) rat model was established, and blood metabonomics method was used to study the improvement effect of rheumatoid arthritis after drug intervention with PAC, and its mechanism was preliminarily explored through analysis of metabolic pathway. A total of 72 exogenous components were identified, including 17 prototype components and 55 metabolites; 14 biomarkers were screened by blood metabolomics techniques combined with multivariate statistical analysis, and PAC significantly improved symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in rats, and the metabolic pathway analysis mainly involves 5 metabolic pathways. The components in the aqueous decoction of PAC mainly undergo phase I metabolic reactions in rats, such as oxidation, reduction, dehydrogenation, demethylation, and phase II metabolic reactions, such as acetylation, glucuronidation, methylation; PAC has anti-rheumatoid arthritis effects, and its mechanism of action may be related to biosynthesis of aminoacyl-tRNA, metabolism of phenylalanine, metabolism of tryptophan, degradation of valine, leucine and isoleucine and biosynthesis of pantothenic acid and coenzyme A, providing a scientific basis for the study of the pharmacodynamic substances and the action mechanism of PAC against RA.

Integrated microbiome and metabolomics analysis reveal the relationship between plant-specialized metabolites and microbial community in Phellodendron amurense.

Phellodendron amurense is the essential source of bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs), making it a highly valued raw material in traditional Chinese medicine. The plant's root secondary metabolism is intricately linked to the microbial communities that surround it. However, the root-associated microbiomes of P. amurense, as well as the potential correlation between its bioactive compounds and these microbiomes, remain poorly understood. Here, the metabolic profiles of root, rhizosphere, and bulk soils of P. amurense revealed the dramatic differences in the relative content of plant-specialized metabolites. A total of 31, 21, and 0 specialized metabolites in P. amurense were identified in the root, rhizosphere soil, and bulk soil, respectively, with higher content of the seven major BIAs observed in the rhizosphere compared with that in the bulk soils. The composition of the bulk and rhizosphere microbiomes was noticeably distinct from that of the endospheric microbiome. The phylum Cyanobacteria accounted for over 60% of the root endosphere communities, and the α-diversity in root was the lowest. Targeted seven BIAs, namely, berberine, palmatine, magnocurarine, phellodendrine, jatrorrhizine, tetrahydropalmatine, and magnoflorine, were significantly positively correlated with Nectriaceae and Sphingobacteriaceae. This study has illuminated the intricate interaction networks between P. amurense root-associated microorganisms and their key chemical compounds, providing the theoretical foundation for discovering biological fertilizers and laying the groundwork for cultivating high-quality medicinal plants.

Indukce organogeneze a multiplikace korkovníku amurského (Phellodendron amurense Rupr.) v in vitro podmínkách

Amurk cork tree (Phellodendron amurense Rupr.) is known for its anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, cholagogue, and antibacterial properties, and it is also a potential source of industrial cork. Shoot organogenesis and subsequent plant multiplication of Amur cork tree were established from mature seeds of trees growing on research plots in the Czech Republic. Germination percentage was increased by mechanical disruption of the seed coat, the highest number of germinated plants was achieved within 8–10 weeks of culture on MS medium containing 2 mg.l-1 BAP and 0,2 mg.l-1 NAA. Within 4 weeks of transfer to the multiplication medium containing 2 mg.l-1 BAP and 0,2 mg.l-1 NAA, chlorosis and reduced growth were observed in all cultured microcuttings. Lowering the BAP concentration to 0,4 mg.l-1 led to a resumption of growth, the newly emerging shoots and leaves were vital and the multiplication rate was around 90%. Our developed plant regeneration method may be useful in future studies on ex vitro establishment of in vitro derived plants.

Safety Issues of Herb-Warfarin Interactions.

Warfarin is a popular anticoagulant with high global demand. However, studies have underlined serious safety issues when warfarin is consumed concomitantly with herbs or its formulations. This review aimed to highlight the mechanisms behind herb-warfarin interactions while laying special emphasis on its PKPD interactions and evidence on Herb-Warfarin Interaction (HWI) with regards to three different scenarios, such as when warfarin is consumed with herbs, taken as foods or prescribed as medicine, or when used in special situations. A targeted literature methodology involving different scientific databases was adopted for acquiring information on the subject of HWIs. Results of the present study revealed some of the fatal consequences of HWI, including post-operative bleeding, thrombosis, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and subdural hematomas occurring as a result of interactions between warfarin and herbs or commonly associated food products from Hypericum perforatum, Zingiber officinale, Vaccinium oxycoccos, Citrus paradisi, and Punica granatum. In terms of PK-PD parameters, herbs, such as Coptis chinensis Franch. and Phellodendron amurense Rupr., were found to compete with warfarin for binding with plasma proteins, leading to an increase in free warfarin levels in the bloodstream, resulting in its augmented antithrombic effect. Besides, HWIs were also found to decrease International Normalised Ratio (INR) levels following the consumption of Persea americana or avocado. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an up-to-date interaction database to educate patients and healthcare providers on these interactions, besides promoting the adoption of novel technologies, such as natural language processing, by healthcare professionals to guide them in making informed decisions to avoid HWIs.

Alleviating effect of Nexrutine on mucosal inflammation in mice with ulcerative colitis: Involvement of the RELA suppression.

Nexrutine is an herbal extract derived from Phellodendron amurense, known for its anti-inflammatory, antidiarrheal, and hemostatic properties. However, its effect on ulcerative colitis (UC)remains unclear. A mouse model of UC was induced by 3% dextran sulfate sodium, while human colonic epithelial cells NCM-460were exposed to lipopolysaccharide. Both models were treated with Nexrutine at 300or 600 mg/kg, with Mesalazine applied as a positive control regimen. The disease activity index (DAI)of mice was calculated, and the pathological injury scores were assessed through hematoxylin and eosin staining. The viability of NCM-460 cells was determined using the CCK-8method. Inflammatory cytokines were detected using ELISA kits. Expression of mucin 3 (MUC3),Claudin-1, and tight junction protein (ZO-1)was detected to analyze mucosal barrier integrity. Target genes of Nexrutine were predicted using bioinformatics tools. Expression of RELA proto-oncogene (RELA)was analyzed using qPCR and western blot assays. The Nexrutine treatments significantly alleviated DAI of mice, mitigated pathological changes in their colon tissues, decreased the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, enhanced the barrier integrity-related proteins, and increased NCM-460 cell viability in vitro. RELA, identified as a target gene of Nexrutine, showed elevated levels in UC models but was substantially suppressed by Nexrutine treatment. Adenovirus-mediated RELA upregulation in mice or the overexpression plasmid of RELA in cells counteracted the effects of Nexrutine treatments, exacerbating UC-related symptoms. This study demonstrates that Nexrutine alleviates inflammatory mucosal barrier damage in UC by suppressing RELA transcription.