Expectorant Activities Research Articles

Spatial Metabolomic Profiling of Pinelliae Rhizoma from Different Leaf Types Using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry Imaging.

Pinelliae Rhizoma (PR), a highly esteemed traditional Chinese medicinal herb, is widely applied in clinical settings due to its diverse pharmacological effects, including antitussive, expectorant, antiemetic, sedative-hypnotic, and antitumor activities. Pinellia ternata exhibits morphological variation in its leaves, with types resembling peach, bamboo, and willow leaves. However, the chemical composition differences among the corresponding rhizomes of these leaf phenotypes remain unelucidated. This pioneering research employed Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MALDI-MSI) to conduct the in situ identification and spatial profiling of 35 PR metabolites in PR, comprising 12 alkaloids, 4 organic acids, 12 amino acids, 5 flavonoids, 1 sterol, and 1 anthraquinone. Our findings revealed distinct spatial distribution patterns of secondary metabolites within the rhizome tissues of varying leaf types. Orthogonal Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA) effectively differentiated between rhizomes associated with different leaf morphologies. Furthermore, this study identified five potential differential biomarkers-methylophiopogonanone B, inosine, cytidine, adenine, and leucine/isoleucine-that elucidate the biochemical distinctions among leaf types. The precise tissue-specific localization of these secondary metabolites offers compelling insights into the specialized accumulation of bioactive compounds in medicinal plants, thereby enhancing our comprehension of PR's therapeutic potential.

Phytochemical determination and mechanistic investigation of Polygala tenuifolia root (Yuanzhi) extract for bronchitis: UPLC-MS/MS analysis, network pharmacology and in vitro/in vivo evaluation

Ethnopharmacological relevanceBronchitis is a respiratory disease characterized by a productive cough. Polygala tenuifolia Willd., commonly known as Yuan zhi, is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine used for relieving cough and removing phlegm. Despite its historical use, studies are lacking on the effectiveness of P. tenuifolia in treating bronchitis. Furthermore, the molecular mechanisms underlying the action of its bioactive compounds remain unknown. Aim of the studyThis study aims to identify the main bioactive compounds responsible for the effects of P. tenuifolia liquid extract (PLE) in treating bronchitis and to elucidate the associated molecular mechanisms. Materials and methodsThe main chemical compounds in PLE were identified and determined using ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The antitussive, expectorant and anti-inflammatory activities of PLE were evaluated in an ammonia-induced mouse cough model, a tracheal phenol red excretion mouse model, and a xylene-induced ear swelling mouse model, respectively. A network pharmacology analysis was conducted to investigate the associated gene targets, gene ontology, and KEGG pathways related to the main bioactives in PLE targeting bronchitis. PLE and its five bioactive compounds were assessed for their potential anti-inflammatory activities in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Western blot analysis was conducted to elucidate the associated molecular mechanisms. ResultsThirty-seven compounds in PLE were identified, and twelve main compounds were further quantified in PLE using UPLC-MS/MS. PLE oral gavage administrations (0.6 and 0.12 mg/kg) for 7 days markedly reduced cough frequency, prolonged latency period of cough, reduced phlegm and inflammation in mice. The network pharmacology analysis identified 57 gene targets of PLE against bronchitis. The PI3K/AKT and MAPK signalling pathways were the top two modulated pathways. In RAW264.7 cells, PLE (12.5–50 μg/mL) significantly reduced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. PLE downregulated LPS-elevated protein targets in both PI3K/AKT and MAPK signaling pathways. In PLE, tenuifolin, polygalaxanthone ⅠⅠⅠ, polygalasaponin ⅩⅩⅤⅢ, tenuifoliside B, and 3,6′-Disinapoyl sucrose, were identified as the top five core components responsible for treating bronchitis. These compounds were also found to modulate the protein targets in the PI3K/AKT and MAPK signalling pathways. ConclusionsThis study demonstrated the potential therapeutic effects of PLE on bronchitis by reducing cough, phlegm and inflammation. The anti-inflammatory action and molecular mechanisms of the 5 main bioactive compounds in PLE were partly validated through the in vitro assays. The findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying the traditional use of PLE for bronchitis.

Antitussive, Expectorant and Antipyretic Effect of the Ethanolic Extract of the Leaves of Momordica charantia L.

The traditional use of the M. charantia L. plant to treat coughs, fever and expectoration is widely practiced in different cultures, but its effectiveness and safety still require scientific investigation. This study sought to perform a chemical analysis and evaluate the antitussive, expectorant and antipyretic effects of the ethanolic extract of M. charantia leaves (EEMc) in rats and mice. The EEMc was subjected to chemical analysis by HPLC-DAD, revealing the presence of the flavonoids astragalin and isoquercetin. Acute oral toxicity in mice did not result in deaths, although changes in liver weight and stool consistency were observed. EEMc demonstrated an antitussive effect at doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg in mice subjected to cough induction by citric acid nebulization. Furthermore, it showed expectorant activity at a dose of 300 mg/kg, assessed based on the elimination of the phenol red marker in bronchoalveolar lavage. In the evaluation of antipyretic activity in rats, fever induced by Saccharomyces cerevisiae was reduced at all doses tested during the first hour after treatment. This innovative study identified the presence of astragalin and isoquercetin in EEMc and indicated that the extract has antitussive, expectorant and antipyretic properties. Therefore, EEMc presents itself as a promising option in herbal medicine for the treatment of respiratory symptoms and fever.

Quantification of Phytochemical Constituents, and Non-Enzymatic Antioxidants of Polyherbal-Formulated Tea on Antitussive, Expectorant, and Analgesic Activity in Rodent

Introduction: Polyherbal formulations maximize therapeutic effects and reduce toxicity by combining effective herbs in specific ratios. The present study aimed to quantify some phytochemical constituents, and some non-enzymatic antioxidants and to estimate the analgesic, expectorant, and antitussive properties of polyherbal-formulated tea (Curcuma longa, Citrus limon, Zingiber officinale, Allium sativum, and Moringa oleifera). Materials and Methods: Some phytochemical constituents and some non-enzymatic antioxidants of the polyherbal tea were evaluated using colorimetric methods. The antitussive efficacy was assessed by examining the cough induced by citric acid in 20 healthy guinea pigs and ammonium in 20 mice. The expectorant activity was evaluated using phenol dye secretion in mice. The analgesic properties were analyzed using pain caused by a hot plate and writhing test caused by acetic acid. Four groups were formed by randomly dividing 20 healthy adult experimental animals (mice and guinea pig), with 5 of both sexes’ animals in each group. Group 1 was given distilled water (10 ml/kg), group 2 was given 5 mg/kg of the polyherbal-formulated tea, group 3 was given 10 mg/kg of the polyherbal-formulated tea, and group 4 was given standard drugs depending on the model of animals used. The tea and standard drugs were administered orally. Results: The result showed that the polyherbal-formulated tea contains phenolic compounds (53.57±1.96 mg/g), alkaloids (40.93±5.96 mg/g), flavonoids (99.44±1.96mg/g), Vitamin C (862±18.76mg/g), carotenoid (5200±6.93 mg/g) and Lycopene (19.50±1.35mg/g). The polyherbal-formulated tea decreased the number of cough bouts and raised the percentage of cough suppression caused by citric acid when compared to the control group. Tea decreased the number of cough bouts caused by ammonium in mice compared to the control group and it raised phenol dye secretion in the expectorant experiment. In hot plate-induced pain, tea increased the latency of the pain threshold in mice and reduced the number of writhing the percentage of pain inhibition increased compared to the control group in acetic acid-induced pain. Conclusion: The polyherbal-formulated tea contains phenolic compounds, alkaloids, flavonoids, Vitamin C, carotenoid, and lycopene and has antitussive, expectorant, and analgesic activity.

A Comprehensive Review of Licorice: The Preparation, Chemical Composition, Bioactivities and Its Applications.

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza) is a medicinal and food homologue of perennial plants derived from the dried roots and rhizomes of the genus Glycyrrhiza in the legume family. In recent years, the comprehensive utilization of licorice resources has attracted people's attention. It is widely utilized to treat diseases, health food products, food production, and other industrial applications. Furthermore, numerous bioactive components of licorice are found using advanced extraction processes, which mainly include polyphenols (flavonoids, dihydrostilbenes, benzofurans, and coumarin), triterpenoids, polysaccharides, alkaloids, and volatile oils, all of which have been reported to possess a variety of pharmacological characteristics, including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, neuroprotective, antidepressive, antidiabetic, antiparasitic, antisex hormone, skin effects, anticariogenic, antitussive, and expectorant activities. Thereby, all of these compounds promote the development of novel and more effective licorice-derived products. This paper reviews the progress of research on extraction techniques, chemical composition, bioactivities, and applications of licorice to provide a reference for further development and application of licorice in different areas.

Medicinal Importance, Pharmacological Activity and Analytical Aspects of Flavonoid 'Irisflorentin' from Belamcanda chinensis (L.) DC.

Flavonoids are an important class of phytochemicals found to be present in plants and their derived products. Belamcanda chinensis (L.) DC has been used in Traditional Chinese medicine for multiple therapeutic purposes for a very long time. Belamcanda chinensis have been reported to have antipyretic, antidote, expectorant, antiphlogistic, and analgesic activity in the scientific fields. Scientific information on irisflorentin for its medicinal importance and pharmacological activity has been collected through electronic search engines, including Science Direct, Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus, and analyzed in the present investigation in order to know the biological potential of irisflorentin. However, analytical aspects of irisflorentin are also discussed in the present work. Further detailed pharmacological activity data of irisflorentin have been collected and analyzed in the present work in order to know the therapeutic potential of irisflorentin in medicine. Scientific data analysis of different research work signified the biological importance and therapeutic benefit of Belamcanda chinensis and irisflorentin in medicine. Scientific data analysis revealed the biological effectiveness of irisflorentin against Parkinson's disease, inflammation, cancer, and brain disorders. Further scientific data analysis also signified the biological potential of irisflorentin for its α-glucosidase inhibitory potential and immunotherapeutic adjuvant in medicine. Metabolism and pharmacokinetic parameters have also been discussed in the present work. Analytical data showed the importance of various analytical methods for separation, identification and estimation of irisflorentin in different biological samples. Scientific data analysis of various research works signified the biological potential and therapeutic effectiveness of irisflorentin in medicine. However, clinical data of irisflorentin should be also investigated in order to know their pharmacokinetic parameters and safety issue in medicine.

Evaluation of Antitussive, Expectorant and Analgesic Activities of Aqueous Extracts of Di-herbal Formulation of Whole Plant of Euphobia hirta and Lactuca virosa Leaf on Rodents

Euphorbia hirta and lactuca virosa are used to treat various ailment traditionally. This study aims at evaluating the antitussive, expectorant and analgesic effects of aqueous extracts of di-herbal formulation of Euphobia hirta and Lactuca virosa leaf. Citric acid induced, ammonia induced cough and phenol red dye secretion models were used. Hot plate and acetic acid induced writhing were used for analgesia. Combined 100mg/kg Euphorbia hirta and 50mg/kg lactuca virosa, 100mg/kg Euphorbia hirta and 100mg/kg lactuca virosa, 100mg/kg lactuca virosa only and 25 mg/kg of codeine phosphate reduces the number of cough bouts in the citric acid induced cough (P<0.05) compared to control. Combined 50mg/kg Euphorbia hirta and 100mg/kg lactuca virosa,100mg/kg Euphorbia hirta, 100mg/kg lactuca virosa and codeine phosphate reduces the number of cough bouts in the ammonia induced cough (P<0.001; P<0.0001) compared to the control. Combined 50mg/kg Euphorbia hirta and 100mg/kg lactuca virosa, 100mg/kg Euphorbia hirta and 50mg/kg lactuca virosa, 100mg/kg Euphorbia hirta and 100mg/kg lactuca virosa and 15mg/kg of Bromo-hexane increases the secretion of dye (P<0.0001; p<0.05) compared to control in phenol red dye secretion in mice. 100mg/kg Euphorbia hirta and 50mg/kg lactuca virosa,100mg/kg of Euphorbia hirta and 100mg/kg lactuca virosa and 3mg/kg Pentazocin increases the latency of pain threshold of mice (P<0.05). All the doses of the extract including 3mg/kg pentazocin increases the latency to pain threshold in the mice (P<0.001) after 2 hours. All the doses of the extract including aspirin reduces number of writhing (P<0.01). Euphorbia hirta and lactuca virosa has antitussive, expectorant and analgesic properties.

Optimization of extraction condition for platycodin D from Platycodon grandiflorum root and verification of its biological activity.

Platycosides, major components of Platycodon grandiflorum (PG) extract, have been implicated in a wide range of biological effects. In particular, platycodin D (PD) is a well-known main bioactive compound of Platycosides. Despite the biological significance of PD, optimization of extract condition for PD from PG root has not been well investigated. Here, we established the optimum extraction condition as ethanol concentration of 0%, temperature of 50°C, and extraction time of 11 h to obtain PD-rich P. grandiflorum extract (PGE) by using response surface methodology (RSM) with Box-Behnken design (BBD). The 5.63 mg/g of PD was extracted from the PG root in optimum condition, and this result was close to the predicted PD content. To analyze the biological activity of PGE related to mucin production, we demonstrated the inhibitory effect of PGE on PMA-induced hyperexpression of MUC5AC as well as ERK activation, a signal mediator of MUC5AC expression. Moreover, we showed that PGE had expectorant activity in mice. These results indicated that PGE had sufficient functions as a potential mucoregulator and expectorant for treating diverse airway diseases. Additionally, we confirmed that PGE had antioxidant activity and inhibited LPS-induced proinflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, and IL-6. Taken together, PGE derived from novel optimizing conditions showed various biological effects, suggesting that PGE could be directly applied to the food industry as food material having therapeutic and preventive potential for human airway diseases.

Expectorant Effects of Immature Asian Pear Extract on PM2.5-Induced Subacute Pulmonary Injury in Mice

This study investigated the expectorant effects of immature Asian pear extract (IAP; Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai) on subacute pulmonary injuries in Balb/c mice induced by particulate matter with a diameter of approximately 2.5 μm (PM2.5). IAP was administered at three doses, namely, 400, 200, and 100 mg/kg. The body weight and weight gain changes, lung weights, lung and body surface gross inspections, tracheal secretions, and substance P and ACh content in lung tissue homogenate were observed one day after the tenth IAP administration. The mRNA expression of the genes related to mucus production and lung histopathology was compared with that of the negative and positive controls. Favorable pulmonary protective effects on PM2.5-induced subacute pulmonary injuries, mucus overproduction, and respiratory acidosis were observed in groups treated with IAP at all three doses, possibly through potent anti-inflammatory and mucolytic expectorant activities mediated by the increase in the content of lung substances P and ACh and the downregulation of lung MUC5AC and MUC5B mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner. The results of this study show that an appropriate oral administration of IAP has sufficient pulmonary protective effects and can be used as a candidate for the development of functional food ingredients.

Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit. attenuates the allergic airway inflammation of cold asthma via inhibiting the activation of TLR4-medicated NF-kB and NLRP3 signaling pathway

Ethnopharmacological relevancePinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit. (PT) has been demonstrated to be effective against the allergic airway inflammation (AAI) in clinical practices, especially in cold asthma (CA). Until now, the active ingredients, protective effect, and possible mechanism of PT against CA remain unknown. Aim of the studyThe aim of this investigation was to examine the therapeutic impact and elucidate the underlying mechanism of PT on the AAI of CA. MethodsThe compositions of PT water extract were determined via the UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. The ovalbumin (OVA) and cold-water baths were used to induce CA in female mice. Morphological characteristic observations, expectorant effect, bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR), excessive mucus secretion, and inflammatory factors were used to uncover the treatment effect of PT water extract. In addition, the mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) mRNA and protein levels and the aquaporin 5 (AQP5) mRNA and protein levels were detected via qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and western blotting. Moreover, the protein expressions associated with the TLR4, NF-κB, and NLRP3 signaling pathway were monitored by western blot analysis. ResultsThirty-eight compounds were identified from PT water extract. PT showed significant therapeutic effects on mice with cold asthma in terms of expectorant activity, histopathological changes, airway inflammation, mucus secretion, and hyperreactivity. PT exhibited good anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo. The expression levels of MUC5AC mRNA and protein decreased significantly, while AQP5 expression levels increased significantly in the lung tissues of mice after administration with PT as compared to mice induced by CA. Furthermore, the protein expressions of TLR4, p-iκB, p-p65, IL-1β, IL-18, NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1, and ASC were markedly reduced following PT treatment. ConclusionsPT attenuated the AAI of CA by modulating Th1- and Th2-type cytokines. PT could inhibit the TLR4-medicated NF-kB signaling pathway and activate the NLRP3 inflammasome to reduce CA. This study provides an alternative therapeutic agent of the AAI of CA after administration with PT.

Extraction of rutin from tagetes erecta (Marigold) and preparation of peroral nano-suspension for effective antitussive/expectorant therapy

The present study narrates the extraction of rutin from Tagetes erecta (Marigold) via maceration followed by ultrasonication. The extracted rutin was further fabricated into nanoparticles by high-pressure homogenization (HPH) and assessed by HPLC, DSC, XRD, TEM, and FTIR spectroscopy. The optimized batch of nanoparticles obtained using 32 central composite design (CCD) which exhibited particle size 209±14 nm, PDI 0.234±0.06, and 92±1.3% entrapment efficiency. The lyophilized rutin nanoparticles were further converted into nano-suspension. Interestingly, the rutin nano-suspension exhibited a similar antitussive effect in vivo as that by standard treatment pentoxyverine and reduced the coughing times within 2 min. Also, the phlegm showed high UV absorbance, implying its better expectorant activity than the standard and control. The rutin nano-suspension was highly stable and shelf life was found to be ∼29.1 months. The present study, for the first time, paves a way for the use of rutin nano-suspension to overcome chest congestion, shortening of breath, and in the management of cough.

Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Cough Syrup

The most common problem suffered by individuals everywhere over many centuries is cough. Coughing is the protective mechanism of the body. Coughs are classified further accordingly which are depending upon factors such as signs and symptoms, duration, type, character, etc. Most commonly used, prepared and popular dosage form to cure cough and cold is syrup. The most preferred dosage form to cure cough is herbal syrup, which is used mostly due to its benefits over synthetic syrups. Medicinal plants are used as primary health care agents, mostly in Asian countries. Ingredients showing expectorant antitussive activity are used. Hereby cough and herbal treatments associated with cough are studied briefly. The herbal cough syrup is studied which is liquid dosage form, it is easy to administer than solid dosage form and is more effective and fast acting in order to cure cough. Method of preparation of cough syrups were discussed. The material and quantity used in preparation were listed. Here honey based three batches were performed having concentration such as 35%, 40%, 45% w/v. the quality of final syrup was evaluated for post formulation studies.

Evaluation of the Antitussive and Analgesic Activities of Peperomia pellucida Whole Plant Methanol Extract in Rodents

Background and Purpose: Peperomia pellucida (Piperaceae) is a plant used in ethnomedicine to treat asthma, colds, coughs, and other illnesses. This study aimed to evaluate the antitussive, expectorant, and analgesic activities of a 70% methanol extract of the plant. Methods: Citric acid and ammonia-induced rodent cough models; and phenol red dye expectorant models in mice were used to evaluate the antitussive and expectorant properties of the orally administered extract. The hot plate and acetic acid-induced mouse writhing models were used to evaluate analgesia. Results: Dihydrocodeine (25 mg/kg); and 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of the extract significantly reduced the frequency of cough bouts and increased the percentage suppression of cough-in citric acid and ammonium hydroxide-induced cough models compared with control (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.001). Bromhexine (15 mg/kg); 100 and 400 mg/kg of the extract increased the secretion of phenol red dye in mice when compared with the control (P<0.05, P<0.01). Doses of the extract (100, 200 mg/kg) and pentazocine (3 mg/kg) increased (P<0.05) the latency to response time in hot plate-induced pain. At 400 mg/kg, the extract; and acetylsalicylic acid (100 mg/kg) reduced the number of writhing and increased the percentage inhibition of pain in the acetic acid-induced model when compared to the control (P<0.05, P<0.001). Conclusion: The 70% methanol extract of P. pellucida possesses antitussive, expectorant, and analgesic activities in rodents.

Essential oils from citri reticulatae pericarpium: Optimization of hydrodistillation extraction and effects of stir-frying processing on chemical components and multiple biological activities

This study aims to investigate the chemical components and biological activities such as antioxidant, antibacterial, expectorant, and antitussive activities of essential oils (EOs) from raw and stir-frying Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (ORP and OSP, respectively). The process for EOs extraction by hydrodistillation was optimized by response surface methodology . The optimized condition included soaking time of 7.20 h, liquid–solid ratio of 17.22:1, and extraction time of 4.18 h. The extraction rates of EOs from ORP and OSP were 2.11 % and 1.58 %, and 34 and 32 chemical components were identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) with the highest proportion of monoterpene hydrocarbons (83.61 % and 93.64 %), respectively. The main components of ORP and OSP were limonene (69.43 % and 75.04 %) and γ-terpinene (8.93 % and 9.94 %). In the antitussive and expectorant tests, OSP significantly promoted tracheal secretion and inhibited cough. The cough frequency of OSP at low dose (100 mg/kg) was lower than that of theobromine . The phenol red secretion and cough incubation period of OSP at a high dose (400 mg/kg) was close to that of the positive control theobromine and ambroxol. ORP and OSP demonstrated strong antitussive and expectorant activities and also possessed certain antioxidant and antibacterial activities. These activities of OSP were significantly better than those of ORP. Hence, OSP shows great application potential in food, medicine, and chemical industries. The traditional processing technology plays a very important role in improving activities. • Extraction of essential oils from raw Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (ORP) was optimized. • The antitussive and expectorant potentials of ORP were explored for the first time. • Stir-frying processing significantly enhanced the bioactivities of ORP. • Stir-frying processing influenced ORP content rather than categories.

Investigation on the Expectorant Effect of Extracts from Primula veris L.

BACKGROUND: At present, coughing can be regulated by medications such as dextromethorphan and codeine, which are associated with side effects, including drug drowsiness or dependency. Thus, there is an increasing demand for drugs that promote expectorant activities with fewer adverse effects. The root of Primula veris L. (Primulaceae) is an herbal medicine that has been used as an expectorant drug for thousands of years in folk medicine. AIM: The present study aims to create an in-depth pharmacological study of the expectorant activity of P. veris to create new drugs in different directions which are appropriate and promising. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The expectorant effect of thick extracts of the study plant was studied on the influence of the motor activity of the ciliated epithelium and the secretory function of the bronchi. The expectorant activities of the ethanol extracts of leaves and rhizomes with roots from P. veris were evaluated using classical animal models. The expectorant assay was performed with phenol red secretion in the mouse trachea. After gastric administration of the test extracts in mice, 2.5% phenol red solution was injected intraperitoneally. The trachea was dissected and the optical density of tracheal secretion was measured. RESULTS: The results of the studies showed that a thick extract of primrose rhizomes with roots has a high ability to secrete sputum, which is almost not inferior to the Hedelix drops comparator (ivy extract) – 126.6% and 146.4%, respectively. Extract from the leaves of P. veris is characterized by less pronounced activity, which, at a dose of 200 mg/kg, was 74.5%. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study provide evidence that P. veris can be used as an expectorant herbal medicine and that triterpene saponins may be the main active ingredients of Primula veris responsible for its bioactivities.

Transcriptome analysis reveals candidate genes related to steroid alkaloid biosynthesis in Fritillaria anhuiensis

AbstractFritillaria anhuiensis (F. anhuiensis), a traditional medicinal herb of the Liliaceae family, has various pharmacological effects, including anti‐tussive, anti‐asthmatic, and expectorant activities. Peimine, a steroidal alkaloid, is a major active constituent of F. anhuiensis. Although steroidal alkaloids of F. anhuiensis have been explored chemically and pharmacologically, the molecular basis of their biosynthesis remains unknown due to a lack of genomic and transcriptomic information. In this study, peimine was detected in bulbs, stems, and leaves of F. anhuiensis, with the highest content in the bulbs. We analyzed the transcriptomes of the bulbs, stems, and leaves of F. anhuiensis using an Illumina HiSeq 4000 platform. A total of 92,829 unigenes with a mean length of 804 base pairs (bp) and an N50 value of 1354 bp were assembled from a total of 30.56 Gb high‐quality reads. Based on the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes annotation, 83 unigenes were found to be related to the steroid biosynthesis pathway, while 155 unigenes were related to the terpenoid backbone biosynthesis pathway. Numerous transcription factors are involved in the regulation of alkaloid biosynthesis. A putative steroidal alkaloid biosynthesis pathway in F. anhuiensis was constructed, providing a novel understanding of peimine biosynthesis. We performed extensive bioinformatics and phylogenetic analyses to investigate the functional characteristics and evolutionary history of cycloartenol synthase. This study is the first to report transcriptome data from F. anhuiensis and extends our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of steroid alkaloid biosynthesis.

Phytochemical Contents, Biological Activities and Therapeutic Applications of Hedera Helix (Ivy Leaf) Extracts: A Review

Background: Herbs have long been used as natural therapeutics, and recent controlled clinical studies have confirmed some of the presumed benefits. Hedera helix(ivy leaves) is a valuable common form related to the family Araliaceae. Many herbal preparations include extracts from their leaves as the principle active ingredient. Objective: The objective of this article is to summarize the pharmacological activities and phytochemical screening of H. helix. Methods: To prepare this article, the data was collected from different sources, including books, thesis, research and etc. Results: The all-published studies depend on isolation, identification, and characterization of different active constituents of H. helix leaves, followed by the determination of biological activities in vivo and in vitro. Chemical screening has shown that H. helix leaves are a rich source of phytochemicals demonstrating therapeutic activities, such as sterols, tannins, terpenoids, glycosides, phenols, emetine alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, volatile and fixed oils, vitamins, carbohydrates, reducing sugars, and minerals. Further, studies of disease models and clinical trials have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, analgesic, cough suppressant, expectorant, anticancer, antimicrobial, anticoagulant, and smooth muscle relaxant activities. Conclusion: This review summarizes the bioactive constituents of H. helix leaves and their underlying pharmacological mechanisms, clinical efficacies, and safety profiles. We also suggest potential therapeutic uses for COVID-19.

Processed product (Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum) of Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit. Alleviates the allergic airway inflammation of cold phlegm via regulation of PKC/EGFR/MAPK/PI3K-AKT signaling pathway

Ethnopharmacological relevancePinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum (PRP) is a traditional processed product of Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Berit., which mainly used for treating cold asthma (CA). However, the mechanism of action of PRP for treating CA have not been fully elucidated. Aim of the studyTo investigate the core active constituents and the pharmacological mechanism of PRP against CA. Materials and methodsOvalbumin (OVA) and cold water-induced cold asthma model were established in male mice. The effects of water extract from PRP were evaluated by general morphological observation, expectorant activity, airway hyperresponsiveness, mucus hypersecretion, inflammatory cytokines, etc. Additionally, the mRNA and protein expression of mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) and aquaporin 5 (AQP5) in vivo and in vitro were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC), qRT-PCR, and western blotting. The mechanisms of action were investigated through network pharmacology and transcriptomic, and validated through western blotting and molecular docking. ResultsPRP exhibited a favorable expectorant activity, and significantly reduced the airway inflammation, mucus secretion, and hyperresponsiveness in cold asthma model. It also reduced the levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-8, and IL-13 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and IL-4 and total IgE in serum, while obviously increased the levels of IL-10 and IFN-γ in serum for asthmatic mice. Meanwhile, PRP also attenuated the pathological changes and mucus production in cold asthmatic mice. Moreover, the downregulation of MUC5AC and upregulation of AQP 5 were detected by western blotting and qRT-PCR after administration with PRP both in vivo and in vitro. PRP expectedly inhibited the protein expression of PKC-α, SRC, p-EGFR, p-ERK1/2, p-JNK, p-p38, p-PI3K, and p-Akt levels in vivo. ConclusionsThese combined data showed that PRP suppressed the allergic airway inflammation of CA by regulating the balance of Th1 and Th2 cytokines and the possible involvement of the PKC/EGFR/MAPK/PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Pentadecanoic acid, licochalcone A, β-sitosterol, etc. were considered as main active ingredients of PRP against CA. This study provides a novel perspective of the classical herbal processed product PRP in the treatment of CA.

Formulation and Evaluation of Expectorant activity of Poly Herbal Cough Syrup from Traditional Medicinal Plant extracts of North East India

Poly Herbal formulation composed of multi components which produce synergistic effect apart from boost up of body natural immunity. Plants material may contains polysaccharide, mucilage and tannin which are responsible for the synergism of “active principles”. The Poly herbal cough syrup was prepared by mixing of extracts from five different plants namely Ocimum sanctum, Adhatoda vasica, Cinnamomum verum, Cardamomum subulatum and Ephedra sinica in a syrupy base. The evaluation of the formulation was done by determining different physical parameters such as pH, surface tension, total solid content, specific gravity, viscosity, refractive index and expectorant activity of the cough preparation was done on phenol red induced mice model. The pH, surface tension, total solid content, specific gravity, viscosity and refractive index were found to be 4.82, 54.32 dynes/cm, 38.20% w/v, 1.324 (at 250C), 4.68cp and 1.43 respectively. There was a significant increase (P<0.001) in expectorant activity of the formulation at the doses of 300mg/kg and 600mg/kg as compared to the control group. So the herbal formulation could be used to alleviate mucous secretion from bronchial tract.

Peculiarities of mucoactive therapy in pediatric practice

Cough is one of the most common symptoms in daily pediatric practice. Clinical presentation of cough in children may vary from a slight cough that has almost no impact on well-being and behaviour, to a strong, painful one that disrupts sleep and overall health status, which significantly worsens the child’s quality of life. Cough is a multidisciplinary problem due to a wide variety of causes, that’s why in the clinical pediatric practice there are certain difficulties in verifying the diagnosis, especially in children with prolonged cough, and in selecting the optimal treatment. The need for mucoactive therapy and the choice of a drug primarily depend on the cause and nature of the cough, the features of the development of the cough reflex in childhood, as well as the mechanisms of action of the drugs used. The main purpose of mucoactive drugs is to restore mucociliary clearance and effectively eliminate secretions from the respiratory tract, but apart from them some drugs have a few additional properties. The article presents the main causes of acute and chronic cough in children and considers the modern therapy options to treat cough. Ambroxol is one of the most commonly used mucoactive drugs to treat cough in children due to its pronounced mucolytic, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulatory activity, as well as stimulation of surfactant synthesis. Ambroxol has been shown to have efficacy and favourable safety profile in numerous international and Russian studies. A wide choice of dosage forms, which provide different routes of medication administration, allows to use Ambroxol in children with acute and chronic bronchopulmonary diseases from an early age.