Bunge Extract Research Articles

Astragalus mongholicus Bunge extract improves ulcerative colitis by promoting PLCB2 to inhibit colonic epithelial cell pyroptosis

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAstragalus mongholicus Bunge (AM) and its active ingredients are mainly used for anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant, immune regulation, cardiovascular and nervous system protection, anti-cancer, anti-tumor and so on. Aim of the studyTo explore the Astragalus mongholicus Bunge extract pharmacological mechanisms and biology processes which improves ulcerative colitis (UC). Materials and methodsDextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC models in C57BL/6 mice were established, and the mice were treated with Astragalus mongholicus Bunge extract or salazosulfapyridine (SASP). DSS-induced mice- and human-derived colonic epithelial cell lines were used to reveal the inflammatory environment of UC. After treatment with Astragalus mongholicus Bunge extract, the expression of phospholipase C-β 2 (PLCB2) in the cells was detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and cell proliferative activity was detected by cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) assay. Finally, the levels of pyroptosis-related inflammatory factors in cell culture supernatants was detected by ELISA. ResultsTreatment of UC mice with Astragalus mongholicus Bunge extract do significantly improved DAI scores and histopathological damage scores, and decreased the levels of Eotaxin, GCSF, KC, MCP-1, TNF-α, and IL-6. Besides, Astragalus mongholicus Bunge extract inhibited the expression of nucleotide-binding oligomerization segment-like receptor family 3 (NLRP3), cleaved Caspase-1, and GSDMD-N in the colonic tissues, and reduced the levels of inflammation-related factors IL-1β and IL-18 in serum and tissues. In vitro, Astragalus mongholicus Bunge extract partially reversed the DSS-induced reduction of PLCB2 expression in CP-M030 and NCM460, promoted cell proliferative activity, and reduced the levels of IL-1β and IL-18. ConclusionsIn DDS-induced UC mice, Astragalus mongholicus Bunge extract improves ulcerative colitis by inhibiting colonic epithelial cell pyroptosis through PLCB2 promotion.

Green synthesis of non-toxic silver nanoparticles using Salvia tebesana Bunge extract: Optimization, cytotoxicity, and antibacterial activities

The remarkable antibacterial activity and potential biomedical applications of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized through eco-friendly approaches have garnered significant attention in recent years. This research aimed to introduce a green synthesis method for AgNPs using Salvia tebesana (S. tebesana) Bunge extract and to investigate their properties, antibacterial activities, and cytotoxicity effects. The fabricated AgNPs were analyzed with various analyses, including UV–Vis, DLS, XRD, FT-IR, and TEM analysis. The broth microdilution assay was applied to measure the Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) of chemical AgNPs, biosynthesized AgNPs, and S. tebesana Bunge leaves extract alone against selected standard bacteria strains. The biosynthesized AgNPs displayed a surface plasmon resonance peak at approximately 415 nm, and the AgNPs synthesized using S. tebesana Bunge extract had a spherical configuration with an average size in the range of 10–15 nm. Biosynthesized nanoparticles showed a noteworthy antibacterial activity compared to chemical nanoparticles, particularly against P. aeruginosa, with the highest antibacterial activity reported at a MIC value of 39.06 μg/mL. AgNPs synthesized using S. tebesana Bunge extract demonstrated a significant decrease in fibroblast cell viability, but only when the concentration reached 2 mg/mL. The findings demonstrate that S. tebesana Bunge leaves extract enhances the antibacterial properties of AgNPs, and also represents an appropriate and biocompatible option for the synthesis of these nanoparticles. Our research highlights the potential of employing bio-safe and eco-friendly AgNPs synthesized in the presence of S. tebesana Bunge extract, which possess remarkable antibacterial properties, for various biomedical applications.

Effects of Allium macrostemon Bunge Extract on Adipose Tissue Inflammation and Hepatic Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in High-Fat Diet-Fed and Bisphenol A-Treated C57BL/6N Mice.

The simultaneous exposure to a high-fat (HF) diet and to bisphenol A (BPA) from delivered foods and food-delivery containers is on the rise in humans, according to the increased frequency of food delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. This co-exposure could cause harmful tissue toxicity in the human body. Here, the preventive effect of Allium macrostemon Bunge (AM) extract against dysfunction in adipose tissue and the liver under co-exposure to BPA and an HF diet was examined using mice. C57BL/6N mice were divided into four groups (n = 6 or 7/group) according to diet and treatment: control diet with vehicle (CON), HF diet with vehicle (HF), HF diet with an oral injection of BPA (HF + BP), and HF diet with an oral injection of BPA and AM extract (HF + BP + AM). HF feeding increased body weight gain compared to CON feeding, while BP + HF and BP + HF + AM feeding suppressed body weight gain compared with HF feeding. The BP + HF group had lower body weight than the HF group, but the two groups had similar epididymal fat mass. The HF + BP + AM group showed lower pro-inflammatory gene expression levels in adipose tissue and epididymal fat mass compared to the HF + BP group. Altered endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response in the liver was partly observed in the HF + BP group, as shown by increased total phosphorylated Jun N-terminal kinase protein levels compared to those in the HF group. In addition, ecdysterone 25-O-β-D-glucopyranoside and 6-gingerol were identified in AM extract by mass spectrometry and molecular networking analysis. In summary, the AM extract diminished adipose tissue inflammation and hepatic ER stress in an HF diet and BPA co-exposure condition. To utilize AM as a potential food component to alleviate the harmful effect of an HF diet and BPA exposure, further research investigating the specific impact of AM extract supplementation using additional experimental groups or various treatment doses is warranted.

Fructus Lycii and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge extract attenuate oxidative stress-induced photoreceptor ferroptosis in retinitis pigmentosa

Aim of the studyTo assess the impact of Fructus Lycii and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge extract (FSE) on retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and to explore the mechanisms by which FSE can prevent oxidative stress-induced photoreceptor ferroptosis in RP. MethodsHydrogen peroxide(H2O2) was used to induce oxidative stress in 661 W cells, which were then examined using flow cytometry and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Changes in mitochondria were observed by using an electron microscope to characterize the ferroptosis of the cells. The protective effect of FSE on the retina function and structure of rd10 mice was evaluated using histopathological examination, fundus photographs, and electroretinography (ERG). Protein expression levels of Tumor Protein p53 (P53), Solute Carrier Family 7 Member 11 (SLC7A11), Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), Arachidonate-12-Lipoxygenase (ALOX12), and Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) were evaluated by Western blot assays in Vivo and in Vitro. ResultsH2O2-induced 661 W cells increased oxidative stress products and P53 and ALOX12, decreasing the expression of SLC7A11, GPX4, and DPP4. GPX4 activator does not reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and has little effect on ferroptosis. Fer-1 and FSE attenuate ROS generation and inhibit ferroptosis of photoreceptors in RP via inhibited P53 expression and increased SLC7A11 and GPX4 expression. ConclusionFSE may be available in clinical therapeutics to alleviating RP and the mechanism by which inhibits ferroptosis of photoreceptors following oxidative stress via the P53/ SLC7A11 pathway.

Effect of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge extracts on improving the efficacy and reducing the toxicity of Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycosides in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Ethnopharmacological relevanceTripterygium wilfordii polyglycosides (TWP), extracted from the traditional Chinese herb Tripterygium wilfordii, has been widely used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the toxicity of TWP to a variety of organs such as liver, kidney and testis greatly limits its clinical application. Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge is often used in the treatment of RA due to its blood circulation promoting, stasis resolving, and anti-inflammatory effects. Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge has also been reported to possess multiple organ protective effects. Aim of the studyTo investigate the influences of two main components of Salviorrhiza miltiorrhiza Bunge, hydrophilic salvianolic acids (SA) and lipophilic tanshinones (Tan), on the efficacy and toxicity of TWP in treating RA and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Materials and methodsSA and Tan were extracted from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge and the extracts were quantitated by HPLC and identified by UPLC-Q/TOF-MS. Then, a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat model was established using bovine type II collagen (CII) and incomplete Freund's adjuvant (IFA). CIA rats were treated with TWP and/or SA/Tan. After 21 days of continuous treatment, arthritis symptoms and organs toxicity were evaluated. Meanwhile, serum metabolomics were investigated by the UPLC-Q/TOF-MS to understand the underlying mechanism. ResultsSA and Tan extracts could significantly alleviate arthritis symptoms in CIA rats and decrease the serum levels of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 when combined with TWP. Meanwhile, both extracts alleviated injury of liver, kidney and testis caused by TWP, and the hydrophilic extract SA was superior. Moreover, a total of 38 endogenous differential metabolites were identified between the CIA model group and the TWP group, among which 33 metabolites were significantly recovered after the combination of SA or Tan. Metabolic pathway analysis showed that SA and Tan can affect metabolic pathways including linoleic acid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism and steroid biosynthesis metabolism pathway. ConclusionsOur findings indicated for the first time that two Salviorrhiza miltiorrhiza Bunge extracts could improve the efficacy and reduce the toxicity of TWP in the treatment of RA by adjusting metabolic pathways, and the hydrophilic extract SA was superior.

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Activities of the Extract and Solvent Fractions of Hemistepta lyrata Bunge

This study investigated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory in order to confirm the possibility of functional materials that can improve skin diseases using <i>Hemistepta lyrata</i> Bunge extracts and solvent fractions. As a result of measuring the total polyphenol content, the content was high in EtOAc fraction, and then the BuOH fraction is next. As a result of measuring DPPH free radical scavenging activities, it was confirmed that BuOH fractions had superior antioxidant activity compared to other solvent fractions. In particular, in the case of EtOAc fraction, it was confirmed that the antioxidant ability was excellent even at a low concentration compared to other fractions in ABTS and FRAP assay. Through this, it was confirmed that the higher the total polyphenol content, the higher the antioxidant effect. In addition, as a result of verifying the inflammatory efficacy of the extract and the solvent fraction using the J774 cell line, it was confirmed that the NO level decreased when the extract and the solvent fraction were treated. In particular, it is determined that the ethyl acetate fraction having a high total polyphenol content has superior antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and contains more active substances than other fractions. Therefore, in order to conduct additional research, it is determined that research on the compounds contained in the ethyl acetate fraction is necessary.

Retraction Note: Sedum sarmentosum Bunge extract ameliorates lipopolysaccharide- and D-galactosamine-induced acute liver injury by attenuating the hedgehog signaling pathway via regulation of miR-124 expression

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-020-2873-1.

Efficacy of Rubus coreanus Miq. and Astragalus membranaceus Bunge Extract for Postmenopausal Syndrome: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo Comparative Clinical Trial.

Objectives The most effective way to improve menopausal symptoms is to supplement deficient oestrogen; however, long-term administration of synthetic oestrogen increases the risk for breast and uterine cancers. Here, we report results from a clinical trial of Rubus coreanus Miq. and Astragalus membranaceus Bunge as agents for improving the menopause syndrome. Methods This study was a single-centre, double-blinded, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study. The efficacy of an extract of R. coreanus Miq. and A. membranaceus Bunge was investigated. Participants were females with postmenopausal syndrome in the menopausal or menopausal transition period. The primary endpoint of validation was improvement in the Kupperman index (KI) score of women. The secondary end point was change in the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) and lipid profile. The participants were randomly allocated at a 1 : 1 ratio into R. coreanus Miq. and A. membranaceus Bunge extract (RCAM) or placebo groups and were administered 2000 mg of the extract or placebo, respectively, daily for 12 weeks. Outcomes were measured at visits 2 (day 0) and 5 (week 12). Results The RCAM group demonstrated decreased KI score and MRS compared with the placebo group after 12 weeks. In the safety evaluation, laboratory tests and vital signs demonstrated no clinically significant changes in subjects, and there was no difference in adverse reactions between the groups. The R. coreanus Miq. and A. membranaceus Bunge extract was effective in reducing postmenopausal symptoms in women. Moreover, the extract was found to be safe. Conclusions For females with menopausal symptoms in the menopausal transitional and postmenopausal periods, ingestion of the R. coreanus Miq. and A. membranaceus Bunge extract for 12 weeks was effective, as demonstrated by a decrease in KI score and MRS relative to that in the placebo group, and significantly improved the menopausal symptoms.

Citrus x microcarpa bunge fruit extract as antibacterial against staphylococcus aureus

Citrus x microcarpa Bunge is a plant that is used optimally by the people of Bangka Belitung known as the ‘Jeruk Kunci’. Utilization of this plant in the fruit is used as an acid enhancer in food and is made in the form of syrup. So that the jeruk kunci fruit waste is widely available and has not been utilized.based on literature, Citrus x microcarpa contains flavonoids and a monoterpeneshydrocarbon. Bioactivity which belongs asantimicrobial, antibacterial and antioxidant. Therefore, jeruk kunci fruit waste has the potential to be developed as an antibacterial herbal medicine based on literature studies. Citrus x microcarpa Bunge extract was obtained by maceration for 3 x 24 hours using ethanol solvent. Then phytochemical testing was conducted qualitatively using several reagents and quantitative phytochemical testing was carried out using functional group analysis contained in the extract uses the Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) at the wavenumber region 4000-400 cm-1. Then, determination of antibacterial activity using the disk diffusion method. Based on FT-IR spectrum data analysis Citrus x microcarpa extract contains tannins. The results of antibacterial testing of Citrus x microcarpa Bunge extract obtained concentration of 20%, 40% and 60% has a relatively strong antibacterial inhibition. whereas for 80% and 100% concentrations the ability to inhibit is very strong.

Protective function on liver and proteomic analysis of the improvement mechanism of Sedum sarmentosum Bunge extract on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in Nile tilapia

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) caused by high-fat diet (HFD) feeding in fish has greatly impacted the aquaculture industry in a negative way. In order to investigate the effect of Sedum sarmentosum Bunge (SSB) extract on liver function and differentially expressed protein (DEP) profiles in NAFLD, Nile tilapia NAFLD model was constructed. Indicators of liver functions, blood lipid levels, and levels of antioxidant enzymes were evaluated. LC-MS/MS analysis was employed to identify DEPs for exploring the potential mechanism underlying the protective effect of SSB against NAFLD. Parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) was performed to verify the results of proteomic analysis. Growth, hepatosomatic index, hepatocyte apoptosis, levels of liver function indicators (AST, ALT, LDH, and TBA), and levels of blood lipids (CHOL and TG) were increased, and the mRNA and protein levels of antioxidant enzymes (HL and CAT) were decreased in HFD-fed tilapia as compared to normal diet-fed tilapia; notably, treatment with SSB extract reversed these alterations. A total of 302 DEPs were identified in the liver tissues of HFD-fed tilapia in comparison with normal diet-fed tilapia, of which regulation of 78 DEPs were significantly reversed by SSB treatment. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and protein–protein interaction (PPI) analysis showed that the 302 DEPs were enriched in processes such as fatty acid biosynthesis, steroid biosynthesis, lipid metabolism, and apoptosis, which are associated with development of NAFLD. Furthermore, results of PRM validation showed that the expression ratios of nine proteins were in accordance with the results of proteomic analysis. Our study reveals that SSB extract has a hepatoprotective role in Nile tilapia with HFD-induced NAFLD, and the observed changes in the DEP profiles indicate that SSB exerts its protective effects via regulation of lipid metabolism, steroid biosynthesis, and apoptosis.

Evaluation of total phenol and flavonoid content and antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of Trollius chinensis Bunge extracts on Streptococcus mutans.

Dental caries is a chronic disease with multiple bacterial infections, Streptococcus mutans is the main cariogenic bacteria. Trollius chinensis Bunge is a common folk medicine in the Xinjiang area of China. In this study, we investigated the total flavonoid content and total phenol content in four types of T. chinensis Bunge extracts and the inhibitory effects of these extracts on S. mutans. Agar diffusion method was used to measure the inhibition zone diameters, and the minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration were determined by the twofold dilution method. Water extracts from T. chinensis Bunge and ethanol (30, 60, and 90%) extracts at different concentrations could significantly inhibit the growth of S. mutans. Among them, 30% ethanol extract exhibited the best antibacterial and antibiofilms effect. Biofilm research (crystal violet staining and CLSM) showed that 30% ethanol extract of T. chinensis Bunge plays an important role in inhibiting S. mutans growth and the number of biofilms. The results indicate that T. chinensis Bunge extract has good antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity on S. mutans. It has the potential to be developed for the treatment of caries in clinical application.

In vitro biological evaluation and DNA damage protection activities of Cotoneaster afghanicus G.Klotz and Tamarix arceuthoides Bunge extracts

In vitro biological evaluation and DNA damage protection activities of Cotoneaster afghanicus G.Klotz and Tamarix arceuthoides Bunge extracts

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Sedum sarmentosum Bunge extract ameliorates lipopolysaccharide- and D-galactosamine-induced acute liver injury by attenuating the hedgehog signaling pathway via regulation of miR-124 expression

BackgroundSedum sarmentosum is traditionally used to treat various inflammatory diseases in China. It has protective effects against acute liver injury, but the exact mechanism of such effects remains unclear. This study investigated the protective effects of S. sarmentosum extract on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/D-galactosamine (D-GalN)-induced acute liver injury in mice and the mechanism of such effects.MethodsMice were randomly divided into control, treatment, model, and model treatment groups. Acute liver injury was induced in model mice via intraperitoneal injection of LPS and D-GalN with doses of 10 μg/kg of LPS and 500 mg/kg, respectively. The mRNA expression levels of miR-124, Hedgehog, Patched (Ptch), Smoothened (Smo), and glioma-associated oncogene homolog (Gli) in liver tissues were determined through RT-PCR, and the protein levels of Hedgehog, Ptch, Smo, Gli, P13k, Akt, HMGB1, TLR4, IkB-α, p-IkB-α, and NF-kB65 were evaluated via Western blot analysis. The serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, CRP, IL-12, and ICAM-1 were determined via ELISA. TLR4 and NF-κBp65 activity and the levels of DNA-bound NF-KB65 and TLR4 in LPS/D-GalN-induced liver tissues were also determined. We recorded the time of death, plotted the survival curve, and calculated the liver index. We then observed the pathological changes in liver tissue and detected the levels of liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and aspartate transaminase [AST]) in the serum and myeloperoxidase (MPO) and plasma inflammatory factors in the liver homogenate. Afterward, we evaluated the protective effects of S. sarmentosum extracts on acute liver injury in mice.ResultsResults showed that after S. sarmentosum extract was administered, the expression level of miR-124 increased in liver tissues. However, the protein expression levels of Hedgehog, Ptch, Smo, Gli, P13k, p-Akt, HMGB1, TLR4, p-IκB-α, and NF-κB65 and the mRNA expression levels of Hedgehog, Ptch, Smo, and Gli decreased. The MPO level in the liver, the IL-6, TNF-α, CRP, IL-12, and MMP-9 levels in the plasma, and the serum ALT and AST levels also decreased, thereby reducing LPS/D-GalN-induced liver injury and improving the survival rate of liver-damaged animals within 24 h.ConclusionsS. sarmentosum extract can alleviate LPS/D-GalN-induced acute liver injury in mice and improve the survival rate of mice. The mechanism may be related to the increase in miR-124 expression, decrease in Hedgehog and HMGB1 signaling pathway activities, and reduction in inflammatory responses in the liver. Hedgehog is a regulatory target for miR-124.

Sedum sarmentosum Bunge extract alleviates inflammation and kidney injury via inhibition of M1-macrophage polarization

BackgroundSedum sarmentosum Bunge extract (SSBE) has been used traditionally to treat liver inflammatory diseases in the Asian area. PurposeThe aim of this study is to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of SSBE on renal injury. MethodsWe investigated whether SSBE has an anti-inflammatory effect by suppressing M1-macrophage polarization in rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and in cultured macrophages. In addition, the effect of SSBE on the activities of interferon regulatory factor-5 (IRF5) and NF-κB p65 were further examined. ResultsOral administration of SSBE (100 mg kg−1) markedly inhibited the infiltration of CD68-positive macrophages and reduced tubulointerstitial damage in kidney tissues following injury. In addition, SSBE reduced the expression of proinflammatory cytokine (MIF), chemokine (MCP-1), interleukin (IL-6), IFN-γ, and TNF-α, which are involved in the infiltration and activation of macrophages. Moreover, SSBE treatment also decreased the synthesis and release of MCP-1 and MIF in tubular epithelial cells after injury. Further study revealed that SSBE downregulated the levels of IL-12 and iNOS, indicating a crucial role of SSBE on the inhibition of M1 macrophage polarization in kidney injury. In cultured macrophages, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced the polarization of macrophage towards M1 phenotype, but was inhibited by SSBE treatment. Notably, SSBE reduced the activities of interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) and NF-κB p65 in injured kidneys and in LPS-treated macrophages, which was independent of TLR4/MyD88. As a result, SSBE reduced the expression of HIF-1α and the induction of GLUT1, and thereby inhibited anaerobic glycolysis in macrophages. ConclusionSSBE exerts a marked anti-inflammatory effect and alleviates kidney injury, at least in part, by suppressing M1-macrophage polarization.

A Study of Effects of Suaeda glauca (Bunge) Bunge Extract and Its Fractions

A Study of Effects of Suaeda glauca (Bunge) Bunge Extract and Its Fractions

Interactive Antimicrobial Profiles of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge Extracts and Conventional Antibiotics against Pathogenic and Non-pathogenic Gastrointestinal Bacteria

Background: The aim of this project was to investigate the efficacy of Astragalus membranaceus (Astragalus) extracts, alone and in combination with conventional antibiotics, against diarrhoea- and dysentery-causing pathogens, as well as against non-pathogenic gastrointestinal bacterial strains. The study sought to validate the chemotherapeutic potential of a traditional Chinese medicinal plant and to identify combinational therapies with increased efficacy compared to either the extracts or conventional antibiotics alone. Methods: Astragalus root powder was extracted with solvents of varying polarity and screened for inhibition of bacterial growth. Susceptibility was assessed by disc diffusion techniques, whilst the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were quantified by liquid dilution assays. To screen for combinatorial effects, the Astragalus root extracts were combined with a range of conventional antibiotics and tested against each bacterial strain using liquid dilution assays. ΣFIC values were determined and used to determine the class of interaction. Results: Aqueous Astragalus root extracts did not significantly inhibit the growth of the non-pathogenic or beneficial gut microflora bacteria E. cloacae, E. coli or E. faecalis, but possessed mild inhibitory activity against pathogenic A. faecalis, A. hydrophila, B. cereus, S. newport and S. sonnei bacteria. Combinations of the Astragalus extracts and conventional antibiotics generally produced additive or indifferent interactions, indicating that they are safe to use concomitantly without compromising the efficacy of either component. Two cases of antagonistic combinations were detected against B. cereus and S. sonnei. Conclusion: Mild inhibition of 5 pathogenic bacteria occurred with aqueous Astragalus extracts, with a number of additive and antagonistic interactions arising when tested in combination with conventional antibiotics. Astragalus may be used safely in the presence of normal gut bacteria and in most combinations with conventional antibiotics.

Anti-Nociceptive Effect and Standardization from Mixture of Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge Extracts.

Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb has been previously reported to produce an anti-nociceptive effect in ICR mice in both tail-flick and hot-plate tests. Studies have shown that Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, also renowned in traditional Chinese medicine, is an effective anti-inflammatory treatment. Among the extraction solvents investigated, a 50% ethanol (EtOH) extract of A. pilosa produced the highest anti-nociceptive effect in monosodium uric acid-induced gout pain models and the greatest yield. The 80% EtOH extract of S. miltiorrhiza moderately inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide release from RAW 264.7 murine macrophages and exhibited outstanding yield. The mixture of optimized A. pilosa and S. miltiorrhiza extracts were evaluated for enhanced anti-nociceptive effects in gout arthritis treatment. To control extract quality, four marker compounds were determined using an HPLC-DAD method. A 1:1 mixture of A. pilosa 50 and S. miltiorrhiza 80% EtOH extracts of produced better results than when the extracts were administered individually.

Determination and Pharmacokinetics of WGA in Rat Plasma by LC-MS After Oral Administration of Xanthoceras sorbifolia Bunge Extract.

3-O-(3-O-angeloyl-6-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-β-D-glucopyranosyl-28-O-(2-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-6-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-β-D-glucopyranosyl-16-deoxybarringtogenol A (WGA) is a potential anti-AD (Alzheimer's disease) active compound isolated from the husks of Xanthoceras sorbifolia Bunge. A rapid and accurate high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) method was developed and validated for the quantification of WGA in rat plasma. Digoxin was used as internal standard (IS). Sample preparation was performed by liquid-liquid extraction using ethyl acetate-isopropanol (1:1, v/v). HPLC separation was carried out using a Venusil MP C18 column (150 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm). Isocratic elution was performed using methanol: water (70:30, v/v) as the mobile phase, at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min. Analysis was performed in selected ion monitoring mode with a positive electrospray ionization interface. No endogenous interference was observed at the retention time of the analyte because of the high specificity of selected ion monitoring mode. The assay was validated to demonstrate the selectivity, linearity, recovery, accuracy, precision and stability. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) was 10.0 ng/mL. The developed and validated method has been successfully applied to the quantification and pharmacokinetic study of WGA in rats after oral administration of X. sorbifolia Bunge extract.

Involvement of the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB Signaling Pathway in the Attenuation of Severe Acute Pancreatitis-Associated Acute Lung Injury by Sedum sarmentosum Bunge Extract.

Sedum sarmentosum Bunge possesses excellent anti-inflammatory properties and was used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficiency of Sedum sarmentosum Bunge extract (SSBE) on severe acute pancreatitis-associated (SAP-associated) acute lung injury (ALI) in rats and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Here, we used a sodium taurocholate-induced SAP rat model to determine the role of SSBE in ALI. During the course of pancreatitis, the expressions of phosphorylated phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65 in the lungs were upregulated. Meanwhile, a parallel increase in the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the lungs was observed after the induction of SAP. Treatment with SSBE significantly reduced the expression of p-Akt and p-p65 in the lungs and attenuated the severity of SAP-associated ALI compared to the SAP group at 12 h and 24 h. In summary, this study showed that SSBE has beneficial effects on SAP-associated ALI, probably through the PI3-K/Akt signaling pathways by suppressing the NF-κB activities.

Anti‑fibrotic effect of Sedum sarmentosum Bunge extract in kidneys via the hedgehog signaling pathway.

Sedum sarmentosum Bunge (SSBE) is a perennial plant widely distributed in Asian countries, and its extract is traditionally used for the treatment of certain inflammatory diseases. Our previous studies demonstrated that SSBE has marked renal anti-fibrotic effects. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. The present study identified that SSBE exerts its inhibitory effect on the myofibroblast phenotype and renal fibrosis via the hedgehog signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro. In rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), SSBE administration reduced kidney injury and alleviated interstitial fibrosis by decreasing the levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and its receptor, and inhibiting excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, including type I and III collagens. In addition, SSBE suppressed the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and this anti-proliferative activity was associated with downregulation of hedgehog signaling activity in SSBE-treated UUO kidneys. In cultured renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs), recombinant TGF-β1 activated hedgehog signaling, and resulted in induction of the myofibroblast phenotype. SSBE treatment inhibited the activation of hedgehog signaling and partially reversed the fibrotic phenotype in TGF-β1-treated RTECs. Similarly, aristolochic acid-mediated upregulated activity of hedgehog signaling was reduced by SSBE treatment, and thereby led to the abolishment of excessive ECM accumulation. Therefore, these findings suggested that SSBE attenuates the myofibroblast phenotype and renal fibrosis via suppressing the hedgehog signaling pathway, and may facilitate the development of treatments for kidney fibrosis.