Chinensis Extract Research Articles

Fe3O4@MXene@PEI aerogel immobilized acetylcholinesterase for inhibitor screening from herbal plants

Screening of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors is a common strategy in drug discovery for treating Alzheimer’s disease. Herein, AChE was immobilized onto magnetic polyethyleneimine-based MXene aerogels through both electrostatic interactions and covalent bonds, enabling its application in AChE activity assays and inhibitor screening of herbal plants. The composite was analyzed using a range of techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Zeta potential analysis, to gain insight into its chemical and physical properties. The proposed Fe3O4@MXene@PEI-AChE composite exhibited enhanced temperature and pH stability, as evaluated by Ellman’s method, along with good reusability. The Michaelis Menten constant (Km) of the immobilized AChE was calculated to be 0.68 mmol/L. Additionally, an inhibition kinetic study was conducted to verify the feasibility of utilizing the immobilized enzyme to screen for inhibitors, with huperzine A employed as a model inhibitor. The proposed strategy was employed to compare the AChE inhibitory activity of 18 commonly used herbal medicines for treating AD, revealing both the aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Coptis chinensis as exhibiting the highest AChE inhibitory activity. Finally, the screening of AChE inhibitors in Coptis chinensis extracts were conducted by combining the proposed strategy with UPLC-Q-Orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry. This study presents a feasible strategy for monitoring AChE activity and holds considerable potential for further exploration of AChE-inhibiting active ingredients in herbal medicines.

Fabrication of bio-inorganic metal nanoparticles by low-cost lychee extract for wastewater remediation: a mini-review.

This review article gives an overview of the biogenic synthesis of metal nanoparticles (mNPs) while using Litchi chinensis extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The subtropical fruit tree i.e lychee contains phytochemicals such as flavonoids, terpenoids, and polyphenolic compounds which act as reducing agents and convert the metal ions into metal atoms that coagulate to form mNPs. Different methodologies adopted for the synthesis of lychee extract and its use in the fabrication of mNPs under different reaction conditions such as solvent, extract amount, temperature, and pH of the medium have also been discussed critically in detail. Different techniques such as FTIR, UV-visible, XRD, SEM, EDX, and TEM adopted for the analysis of biogenic synthesis of mNPs have also been discussed in detail. Applications of mNPs: Applications of these prepared mNPs in various fields due to their antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, anticancer, and catalytic activities have also been described in detail.

Enhancement of Poly(vinyl alcohol) Hydrogel Properties by N-Succinyl Chitosan and Mesona chinensis Extract for Use as Wound Dressings

Hydrogels composed of different ratios of poly(vinyl alcohol), N-succinyl chitosan (NSC), and Mesona chinensis extract, for use as a wound dressing, were synthesized via thermal polymerization. Potassium persulfate was chosen as the initiator and glutaraldehyde as the crosslinking agent. NSC was prepared by modification of chitosan with succinic anhydride. It was found that this preparation method gave a high gel fraction percentage. The structures of the prepared hydrogels were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and their morphology by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, water transport properties, mechanical properties and cytotoxicity were also studied. The SEM results show that the hydrogels exhibited porous structures and that pore size and size distribution increased with increasing NSC content. Hydrogel-water interactions and water transport properties were also studied in terms of swelling ratio, equilibrium water retention, and water vapour transmission rate. These showed an increase, from 637 to 1240 %, 17.8 to 21.4 %, and 110 to 121 g h−1 m−2 respectively with an increase in NSC content. These gels exhibit a lower water vapour transmission rate compared to that of second and third degree burns but higher than normal skin. Similarly, NSC improved the mechanical properties, presented in terms of stress and percentage strain, of the hydrogels. The stress, percentage strain, and Young’s modulus were found to increase from 15 to 32 kPa, 197 to 294 %, and 0.078 to 0.133 kPa respectively. The hydrogels can be considered to be non-toxic based on the in vitro cytotoxicity assay results. In conclusion, the results showed that, by varying composition, hydrogel properties can be tuned to the specific requirements of an ideal wound dressing.

Exploring the Wound Healing Potential of a Cuscuta chinensis Extract-Loaded Nanoemulsion-Based Gel.

Cuscuta chinensis (C. chinensis) presents many pharmacological activities, including antidiabetic effects, and antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor properties. However, the wound care properties of this plant have not yet been reported. Therefore, this research aimed to evaluate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities of ethanol and ethyl acetate C. chinensis extracts. The phytochemical markers in the extracts were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Then, the selected C. chinensis extract was developed into a nanoemulsion-based gel for wound care testing in rats. The results showed that both of the C. chinensis extracts exhibited antioxidant activity when tested using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and lipid peroxidation inhibition assays. They reduced the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in RAW264.7 cells induced with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The ethyl acetate extract also had antibacterial properties. Kaempferol was found in both extracts, whereas hyperoside was found only in the ethanol extract. These compounds were found to be related to the biological activities of the extracts, confirmed via molecular docking. The C. chinensis extract-loaded nanoemulsions had a small particle size, a narrow polydispersity index (PDI), and good stability. Furthermore, the C. chinensis extract-loaded nanoemulsion-based gel had a positive effect on wound healing, presenting a better percentage wound contraction Fucidin cream. In conclusion, this formulation has the potential for use as an alternative wound treatment and warrants further study in clinical trials.

Functionality and Health-Promoting Properties of Polysaccharide and Plant-Derived Substances from Mesona chinensis.

Mesona chinensis, in Thai called Chao Kuay and in Chinese Hsian-tsao, belongs to the Lamiaceae family. This herbal plant grows widely in Southern China, Taiwan (China), Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand. The Mesona plant is used to make functional products such as drinks and soft textured sweet treats, and also traditional medicine, to treat heat stroke, high blood pressure, heart attack, high blood sugar, hepatic diseases, colon diseases, inflammatory conditions, and to alleviate myalgia. The proximate composition of M. chinensis is a mixture of protein, fat, fiber, ash, and minerals. The main biological compounds in M. chinensis extracts are polysaccharides, terpenoids, flavonoids, and polyphenols, with wide-ranging pharmacological properties including antioxidant, antidiabetic, antilipidemic, carcinoma-inhibitory, renal-protective, antihypertensive, DNA damage-protective, and anti-inflammatory effects. This review investigated the proximate composition, polysaccharide type, and pharmacological properties of M. chinensis extracts. Phytochemical properties enhance the actions of the gut microbiota and improve health benefits. This review assessed the functional and medicinal activities of M. chinensis extracts. Future studies should further elucidate the in vitro/in vivo mechanisms of this plant extract and its impact on gut health.

Inhibitory effect of benzocaine from Schisandra chinensis on Alternaria alternata

The clinical effects of Schisandra chinensis against human disease are well-documented; however, studies on its application in controlling plant pathogens are limited. Here, we investigated its inhibitory effect on the growth of Alternaria alternata, a fungus which causes significant post-harvest losses on apples, known as black spot disease. S. chinensis fruit extract exhibited strong inhibitory effects on the growth of A. alternata with an EC50 of 1882.00 mg/L. There were 157 compounds identified in the extract by high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, where benzocaine constituted 14.19% of the extract. Antifungal experiments showed that the inhibitory activity of benzocaine on A. alternata was 43.77-fold higher than the crude extract. The application of benzocaine before and after A. alternata inoculation on apples prevented the pathogen infection and led to mycelial distortion according to scanning electron microscopy. Transcriptome analysis revealed that there were 4226 genes differentially expressed between treated and untreated A. alternata-infected apples with benzocaine. Metabolomics analysis led to the identification of 155 metabolites. Correlation analysis between the transcriptome and metabolome revealed that benzocaine may inhibit A. alternata growth via the beta-alanine metabolic pathway. Overall, S. chinensis extract and benzocaine are environmentally friendly plant-based fungicides with potential to control A. alternata.

Evaluation of the Modulatory Effects of Capsicum Chinensis Methanol Extract in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Neuropathic Pain in Mice

Diabetes is one of the common causes of neuropathic pain. The first-line treatment drugs used in alleviating neuropathic pain can cause adverse effects. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the analgesic property of Capsicum chinensis, since the plant was reported to be used against chronic pain in traditional medicine. Streptozotocin-induced diabetes was adopted to model neuropathy in mice and the antihyperalgesic effect of the extract was evaluated using a hot plate test, cold allodynia test, and Randall- Selitto paw pressure test. The plasma level of pain-associated inflammatory biomarkers like interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tissue necrotic factor-α (TNF-α) was also measured. Treatment with varying doses of extract (1, 2.5, and 5 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.05) increased the mean reaction time to thermal pain during hot and cold plate tests. During the Paw pressure test, reaction time was significantly prolonged in the treatment groups and the plasma level of TNF-α and IL-6 were reduced (p < 0.05). The extract showed a better antihyperalgesic effect than the positive control drug (gabapentin). The result obtained showed that Capsicum chinensis extract can alleviate diabetes neuropathic pain in mice models with a better analgesic effect thanthe control drug (gabapentin).

A novel formula of herbal extracts regulates growth performance, antioxidant capacity, intestinal microbiota and resistance against Aeromonas veronii in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)

In this study, a novel herbal extracts formula (HE) comprising Scutellaria baicalensis, Taraxacum mongolicum, Biancaea sappan and Pulsatilla chinensis extract with a weight ratio of 3.0: 1.8: 3.0: 1.7, was selected based on bacteriostatic test in vitro. Subsequently, a 30-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary HE (0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.50 and 1.00%, respectively) inclusion on the performance of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). The results unveiled that dietary HE 0.10% and HE 0.50% inclusion notably increased the specific growth rate (SGR) and antioxidant enzyme (SOD and GPX) activities in the intestine and liver of fish (p < 0.05). Additionally, a significantly greater height of villi and width of villi were observed in the HE 0.50% and HE 0.10% groups, respectively (p < 0.05). Conversely, histological examination indicated that dietary HE1.00% inclusion led to discernible injury to the intestines, with certain villi displaying breakage and shedding. Hematological parameters including white blood cells (WBC) and red blood cells (RBC) were significantly increased, while the erythrocyte indices including average cellular hemoglobin (MCH), and average cellular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) remarkably decreased in fish fed HE inclusion compared to the basal diet. The 16S rRNA sequence analysis demonstrated that Cetobacterium, Aeromonas and Plesiomonas were the three dominant species in the intestines regardless of diet. Additionally, the LEfSe analysis revealed that Aeromonas was the most affected taxon, which significantly decreased in the HE 0.10%, HE 0.50% and HE 1.00% groups (p < 0.05), while the Cetobacterium content remarkably increased in HE 0.10% and HE 0.50% groups (p < 0.05). Finally, the highest survival rate of fish infected with Aeromonas veronii HZ012 was observed in the group supplemented with 0.50% HE. Collectively, our study revealed that the supplementation of HE at a proportion of 0.10–0.50% could lead to a promotion of growth performance, maintenance of liver and intestinal health, as well as a protective effect against A. veronii infection in largemouth bass.

Antifungal and Antiproliferative Activity of Pistagremic Acid and Flavonoids Extracted from the Galls of Pistacia chinensis subsp. integerrima.

Pistacia chinensis subsp. integerrima (J.L. Stewart) Rech. f. is a plant known for its therapeutic applications in traditional medicine, which are related to its antimicrobial, anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antidiarrheal, and muscle relaxant properties. The galls of P. chinensis are rich in triterpenes and flavonoids, and we here report the extraction of pistagremic acid (1), apigenin (2) and sakuranetin (3) from this source. The isolated compounds were tested against Aspergillus flavus, Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Fusarium solani, Microsporum canis and Trichoderma longibrachiatum. The results highlighted the antimicrobial activity of flavonoids 2 and 3, suggesting that this class of molecules may be responsible for the effect related to the traditional use. On the other hand, when the compounds and the extract were tested for their antiproliferative activity on a panel of 4 human cancer cell lines, the triterpene pistagremic acid (1) showed a higher potential, thus demonstrating a different bioactivity profile. Structure-based docking and molecular dynamics simulations were used to help the interpretation of experimental results. Taken together, the here reported findings pave the way for the rationalization of the use of P. chinensis extracts, highlighting the contributions of the different components of galls to the observed bioactivity.

Enhancement of the Physical and Functional Properties of Chitosan Films by Incorporating Galla chinensis Extract.

Composite films based on chitosan (CS) incorporating Galla chinensis extract (GCNE) at different CS/GCNE weight ratios, which are both biodegradable and multifunctional, were fabricated using the solution-casting method. The FTIR analyses indicated that a good interaction was presented among the GCNE and CS through an intermolecular hydrogen bond. The incorporation of the GCNE improved the films' elongation at break, UV-light blocking, and decreased the moisture regain (from 16.68% to 10.69%) and water absorption (from 80.65% to 54.74%). Moreover, the CS/GCNE films exhibited a strong antioxidant activity (from 57.11% to 70.37% of DPPH and from 35.53% to 46.73% of ABTS scavenging activities) mainly due to the high content of phenolic compounds in the incorporated GCNE. The CS/GCNE film-forming solution coatings demonstrated their effectiveness in preserving the quality of postharvest mangoes, specifically by minimizing the change in the firmness, weight loss, titratable acidity, and total phenolic and ascorbic acids. These findings suggest that the multifunctional composite films possess a high application potential to preserve postharvest fruits.

Effects of Kenponashi-Artichoke Compound Supplement on CCl4 -induced Chronic Hepatic Injury to Rats

Background: Population aging is coupled with an increased morbidity rate of chronic diseases, and the lesions are mostly related to the liver, joints, and adipose tissues. Chronic diseases not only influence personal health but also increase national health and medical expenses. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most familiar chronic liver disease (CLD) in the world. It will cause liver fibrosis or death without treatment, but there is no certified drug for treatment. According to many studies, artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) extract, Kenponashi (Hoveniadulcis thunberg) extract, sanghuangporus sanghuang (Phellinuslinteus) extract, fructus schisandrae (Schisandra chinensis) extract, sesame (Sesamum indicum) extract, vitamin B complex and vitamin E have potential in resisting inflammation and liver fibrosis, but this novel combination for improving hepatic injury has not been studied or discussed in practice. Objective: This experiment discussed the effect of an artichoke compound (AHC) formula containing artichoke extract, Kenponashi extract, sanghuangporus sanghuang extract, fructus schisandrae extract, sesame extract , vitamin B complex and vitamin E on improving the chronic hepatitis of rats induced by carbon tetrachloride(CCl4). Design: A total of 50 six-week-old male Wistar rats were divided into five groups for use in the experiment, including the control group and four experimental groups (CCl4). The CCl4 groups were given carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) or AHC (318, 636 and 1,590 mg/kg, represented by AHC-L, AHC-M, and AHC-H, respectively). All rats were fed AHC for one week at first. Starting from the second week, the control group was fed olive oil (0.2 ml/100 g) per os, while the experimental group was fed with CCl4 20% twice per week for eight-weeks. During the experimental period, CMC or AHC was given to the rats once per day. All rats were sacrificed in the ninth-week to analyze their body weight, food intake, body fat content, serum biochemical value and liver lipids. Results: The results showed that the final spleen weight of the CCl4 +AHC-H group was significantly lower than that of the CCl4 +CMC group; the AST concentration in the plasma of the CCl4+AHC-L, M and H groups was significantly lower than that of the CCl4+CMC group; the ALT concentration in the plasma of the CCl4+AHC-H group was significantly lower than that of the CCl4+CMC group; the triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations in the plasma of the CCl4+AHC-L, M and H groups were significantly lower than that of the CCl4+CMC group; the GSH concentration in the livers of the CCl4+AHC-L and H groups was significantly higher than that of the CCl4+CMC group; the hepatic fibrosis of the CCl4+AHC-L, M and H groups were significantly lower than that of the CCl4+CMC group (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: AHC could reduce the ALT and AST values of rat plasma induced by CCl4, increase the antioxidant GSH content in the liver, and reduce the degree of hepatic fibrosis. It has the potential to be a natural and mild plant extract dietary supplement. Its long-term administration effect on the human body should be observed in the future.

Dietary Qi-Weng-Huangbo powder enhances growth performance, diarrhoea and immune function of weaned piglets by modulating gut health and microbial profiles.

The evolution of nutritional strategies to improve the gut health and microbiota profiles of early-weaned piglets is essential to reduce diarrhoea caused by weaning stress. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of dietary supplementation of Qi-Weng-Huangbo powder, a traditional herbal medicine consisting of a mixture of Pulsatilla chinensis, Chinese Schneid and Astragalus extracts (PCE), on the growth performance, diarrhoea rate, immune function and intestinal health of weaned piglets. 162 piglets were randomly assigned to the CON group (no PCE added), the PCEL group (300 mg/kg PCE) and the PCEH group (500 mg/kg PCE) at the end of the third week post farrowing. There were 9 replicates of each group with 6 pigs per replicate. The experiment lasted for 28 days and sampling was performed on the final day. The results showed that the PCE diet increased the average daily gain (ADG) and final body weight (BW) compared to the CON group. Both supplemented doses of PCE reduced the faecal scores of piglets, and the diarrhoea rate in the PCEL group was significantly lower than that in the CON group. The application of PCE diets promoted the development of the spleen in piglets and up-regulated serum immunoglobulin concentrations to enhance immune function, which was also reflected in the down-regulated gene expression of the colonic TLR/MyD88/NF-κB pathway. Supplementation with PCE improved intestinal morphology, and all doses of PCE significantly increased villus height (VH) in the ileum, whereas colonic crypt depth (CD) was significantly lower in the PCEH group than in the CON group. The PCEH diet significantly increased the levels of valeric and isovaleric acid in the colon content. Dietary PCEH also improved the colonic microbial community profile, reflected by a significant increase in Shannon's index compared with CON group. The abundance of Veillonellaceae and Rhodospirillales was significantly increased in the PCEH group at the family level. In conclusion, dietary PCE reduced diarrhoea rates, improved growth performance and enhanced immune function in weaned piglets. These improvements were potentially supported by altered ileum and colonic morphology, elevated colonic VFA levels, and modulation of colonic microbial profiles.

Exploring the Antibacterial Potential of 2-Ethylacridine from Salacia chinensis: Insights into its Mechanism against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a growing health issue in India, leading to higher healthcare costs and increased morbidity and mortality rates. The prevalence of MRSA in both community and hospital settings has been on the rise, necessitating the exploration of alternative treatments. Aim: This study aimed to isolate secondary metabolites from Salacia sinensis and determine their mode of action against MRSA through molecular docking. Methodology: The study involved the collection of plant samples from Tamil Nadu, India, and the extraction of phytochemicals using methanol and chloroform. GCMS analysis was conducted to identify the bioactive compounds, and molecular docking analysis was performed to assess the antibacterial activity of 2-Ethylacridine against the multi-drug resistance protein (nora) of S.aureus. Results: The qualitative phytochemical screening of S. chinensis extracts revealed the presence of proteins, carbohydrates, flavonoids, saponins, sterols, terpenoids, and alkaloids. GCMS analysis identified bioactive compounds namely 2-Ethylacridine and Squalene. Molecular docking analysis demonstrated a high binding affinity (-6.8) of 2-Ethylacridine to the Multi-drug resistance protein (nora) of S.aureus. Implications: The study provides insights into the antibacterial mechanism of 2-Ethylacridine against MRSA, suggesting its potential as a promising antibacterial agent. These findings have implications for the development of novel antibacterial agents targeting multi drug resistance proteins and addressing antibiotic-resistant strains.

Chemical Characterization of the Precipitate Found in and Its Effect on Drug Release of the Scutellaria baicalensis-Coptis chinensis Extract.

Precipitate generation is a challenging issue during the production of herbal decoction as it affects the stability and bioavailability of active compounds. Here we explored the composition of the natural precipitate formed from and its effect on drug release of Scutellaria baicalensis-Coptis chinensis paired extract (SCPE). Furthermore, the surface morphology of the SCPE precipitate was also investigated. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) was used to chemical component analysis and field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) was performed to particle observation. Baicalin (BA), berberine (BBR) and starch-arginine-rich polymers were abundant in the SCPE precipitate. FE-SEM micrographs showed spheroidal shaped particles in the SCPE supernatant, while spherical and porous tissue-shaped particles in the SCPE precipitate. In vitro drug release of baicalin and berberine contained in the precipitate may increase as the polymer is removed. The presence of polymer-related interactions were confirmed by the greater increase in solubility of baicalin upon addition of arginine and polymer. This was also supported by the solubility decrease of the BA-BBR complex in polymer solution and the gelation of the BA-BBR complex in arginine solution. Our results provide a scientific basis for elucidating the pharmaceutical properties of the decoction of S. baicalensis-C. chinensis-based herbal medicine.

Natural antibacterial membranes prepared using Schisandra chinensis extracts and polyvinyl alcohol in an environment-friendly manner

Foodborne pathogens can cause food spoilage and lead to food safety issues. In recent years, food packaging has received a lot of attention. Traditional packaging membranes are non-biodegradable and remain in the environment for a long time. In this study, natural antimicrobial substances were extracted from Schisandra chinensis by a green extraction process using distilled water as the solvent, and the effects of different treatment on the antimicrobial activity of the extract were compared. At the same time, four types of Schisandra chinensis antimicrobial membranes were prepared using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the substrate. The whole extraction and membrane preparation process did not involve organic solvents, making the process green and environment friendly. Material characterization included inverted biological microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), tensile strength test, pore size measurement, water uptake test, etc. Among them, no extract particles were observed with the naked eye on the surfaces of MⅡ and MⅣ. MⅡ has a uniformly transparent, nearly colorless morphology and is the most tensile. MⅣ surface is flat and smooth, the microstructure is dense and uniform. At the same time, the four types of membranes were tested against common pathogenic bacteria for 12 h, and the OD600 trend revealed the excellent antimicrobial activity of the membranes against S. aureus, MRSA, E. coli, and L. monocytogenes. The membranes could also be reused at least once. This study provides a new idea for preparing natural plant-based antimicrobial membranes.

Schisandrin A in Schisandra chinensis Upregulates the LDL Receptor by Inhibiting PCSK9 Protein Stabilization in Steatotic Model.

Schisandra chinensis extract (SCE) protects against hypocholesterolemia by inhibiting proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) protein stabilization. We hypothesized that the hypocholesterolemic activity of SCE can be attributable to upregulation of the PCSK9 inhibition-associated low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR). Male mice were fed a low-fat diet or a Western diet (WD) containing SCE at 1% for 12 weeks. WD increased final body weight and blood LDL cholesterol levels as well as alanine transaminase and aspartate aminotransferase expression. However, SCE supplementation significantly attenuated the increase in blood markers caused by WD. SCE also attenuated WD-mediated increases in hepatic LDLR protein expression in the obese mice. In addition, SCE increased LDLR protein expression and attenuated cellular PCSK9 levels in HepG2 cells supplemented with delipidated serum (DLPS). Non-toxic concentrations of schisandrin A (SA), one of the active components of SCE, significantly increased LDLR expression and tended to decrease PCSK9 protein levels in DLPS-treated HepG2 cells. High levels of SA-mediated PCSK9 attenuation was not attributable to reduced PCSK9 gene expression, but was associated with free PCSK9 protein degradation in this cell model. Our findings show that PCSK9 secretion can be significantly reduced by SA treatment, contributing to reductions in free cholesterol levels.

Development, characterization and functional properties of sodium alginate-based films incorporated with Schisandra chinensis extract-natamycin complex

Because of the impact of petroleum-based polymers on environmental deterioration and the need for safe, efficient, and functional packaging films, a sodium alginate (SA)-based film incorporating a Schisandra chinensis extract (SCE)-natamycin (NA) complex was developed for the desired physical and functional properties. The incorporation of SCE-NA into SA-based films decreased the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), moisture content (MC), and hydrophilicity of the films and improved their opacity, elongation at break (EAB), and thermal stability. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analyses showed that SA, SCE, and NA had positive interactions and compatibility. In addition, the antimicrobial activity analysis indicated that the SA-SCE-NA film-forming solutions had satisfactory antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Aspergillus niger. SA-based composite films have been used to coat cucumbers and blueberries to extend their shelf life. Compared to the neat SA film, the shelf life of cucumbers treated with the SA-SCE-NA film increased by 6 days compared to that in the untreated group at 28 °C, and the shelf life of blueberries increased by 5 days at 4 °C, revealing its potential utilization in food packaging.

Dietary supplementation of Polygonum chinense improves the immunity of Asian seabass, Lates calcarifer (Bloch, 1790) against Vibrio harveyi infection

Aquaculture plays a significant role in the overall fish production in Malaysia, contributing a substantial quantity of food-fish amounting to roughly 573,683 tonnes with an estimated economic value of US$860 million in 2022. However, diseases have become a significant limitation for aquaculture production. Therefore, herbal immunostimulant has been considered a natural and practical approach of preventing disease infection in fish. The ability of Polygonum chinense extract (PCE) on haemato-biochemistry parameters, immunomodulatory properties, and disease resistance of Lates calcarifer (Asian seabass) under Vibrio harveyi challenge was evaluated in this study, with a focus on dose-response associations and variability over various exposure durations (0-, 7- and 14-day post-infection). A total of 480 Asian seabass (9.5 ± 0.2 g) were distributed in 12 aquaria and fed four diets supplemented with 0 (control), 2, 5 and 10 g/kg diet for 60 days before being challenged with V. harveyi. Dietary PCE significantly improved (P < 0.05) survival, with the dose of 10 g/kg showing the highest survival rate (90 %) when compared to the control (60 %). Additionally, hematological (red and white blood cell counts, hemoglobulin, packed cell volume, and mean corpuscular volume) and immunological (activities of lysozyme, phagocytic activity and respiratory burst, and serum total immunoglobulin) properties were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in comparison to the control group. In contrast, serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels, as well as glucose level were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in PCE-fed fish compared to the control group. Conclusively, the current study discovered that supplementing fish feed with P. chinense extract improves fish haemato-biochemical profile, immunocompetence and disease resistance to V. harveyi infection.

Chinese Herbal Extracts Mitigate Ammonia Generation in the Cecum of Laying Hens: An In Vitro Study.

The objectives of the study were to screen one or several Chinese herbal extracts with good ammonia emission reduction effects using an in vitro gas production study. The study consisted of a control (without Chinese herbal extract), and 11 experimental groups with added cinnamon extract (CE), Osmanthus extract (OE), tangerine peel extract (TPE), dandelion extract (DE), Coptis chinensis extract (CCE), honeysuckle extract (HE), Pulsatilla root extract (PRE), yucca extract (YE), licorice extract (LE), Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE), or astragalus extract (AE). The results showed that HE, PRE, YE, LE, GBE, and AE significantly reduced ammonia production (p ≤ 0.05). The most significant ammonia inhibition was achieved via AE, resulting in a 26.76% reduction. In all treatments, Chinese herbal extracts had no significant effect on pH, conductivity, or uric acid, urea, and nitrate-nitrogen concentrations (p > 0.05). However, AE significantly reduced urease activity and the relative activity of uricase (p ≤ 0.05). AE significantly increased the relative abundance of Bacteroides and decreased the relative abundance of Clostridium, Desulfovibrio, and Prevotell (p ≤ 0.05). Astragalus extract inhibited ammonia emission from laying hens by changing the gut microbial community structure, reducing the relative abundance of ammonia-producing bacteria, and reducing microorganisms' uricase and urease activities.

Penthorum chinense Pursh improves type 2 diabetes mellitus via modulating gut microbiota in db/db mice

Penthorum chinense Pursh (P. chinense) has been traditionally used as hepatoprotective food and medicine for hundreds of years due to its significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the efficacy and mechanisms of action of P. chinense in type 2 diabetes mellitus were not fully understood. In this study, we found that P. chinense extract (PCP) supplementation resulted in reduced body weight and hyperglycemia, improved pancreatic tissue injury and insulin sensitivity, and decreased inflammatory cytokines expression in spontaneously diabetic db/db mice. 16S rRNA gene sequencing of fecal samples showed that PCP administration decreased the abundance of Firmicutes and increased the proportion of Bacteroidetes at the phylum level. Moreover, Muribaculum, Barnesiella, Prevotella, and Mucinivorans were enriched, with Desulfovibrio and Lactobacillus lowered at the genus level in db/db mice with PCP supplementation. These results suggested that PCP may ameliorate hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and inflammation by remodeling the gut microbiota in db/db mice.