Medicinal Compounds Research Articles

Mechanism of Tianma-Gouteng granules lowering blood pressure based on the bile acid-regulated Farnesoid X Receptor-Fibroblast Growth Factor 15- Cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase pathway

Ethnopharmacological relevanceTianma-Gouteng granules (TGG) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compound that was first recorded by modern medical practitioner Hu Guangci in "New Meaning of the Treatment of Miscellaneous Diseases in Traditional Chinese Medicine". It is widely used to treat hypertensive vertigo, headache and insomnia. Aim of studyTo investigate the antihypertensive effect of TGG and explore its mechanism. Materials and methodsSpontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were prepared a model of the ascendant hyperactivity of liver yang syndrome (AHLYS), blood pressure and general state of rats were recorded. A series of experiments were performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), ultra high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS), 16S rRNA sequencing, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), and enzymatic colorimetry. ResultsTGG can effectively lower blood pressure and improve related symptoms. TGG significantly reduced the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, Renin and AngII. A total of 17 differential metabolites were found in plasma, with the two most potent metabolic pathways being glycerophospholipid metabolism and primary bile acid biosynthesis. After TGG intervention, 7 metabolite levels decreased and 10 metabolite levels increased. TGG significantly increased the relative abundance of Desulfovibio, Lachnoclostridium, Turicibacter, and decreased the relative abundance of Alluobaculum and Monoglobu. TGG also downregulated Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR) and Fibroblast Growth Factor 15 (FGF15) levels in the liver and ileum, upregulated Cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) levels, and regulated total bile acid (TBA) levels. ConclusionTGG can regulate bile acid metabolism through liver-gut axis, interfere with related intestinal flora and plasma metabolites, decrease blood pressure, and positively influence the pathologic process of SHR with AHLYS. When translating animal microbiota findings to humans, validation studies are essential to confirm reliability and applicability, particularly through empirical human research.

Fatty Alcohol-Assisted Electro-Driven Liquid Membrane Multi-Stage Extraction Technology for Selective Separation and Purification of 3,4-Dihydroxybenzaldehyde from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge.

3,4-Dihydroxybenzaldehyde (DHB) is a highly effective water-soluble compound in the traditional Chinese medicine Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. Which demonstrates clear therapeutic effects against a variety of diseases. Therefore, the development of a selective approach for the separation of 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde is of great significance. In this study, electro-driven extraction combined with multi-stage extraction technology was employed for the first time to separate 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde from S. miltiorrhiza Bge. Decoction (Recovery ≥ 46.09%). Five long-chain fatty alcohols were selected as the supported liquid membrane (SLM) in the electro-driven extraction. Factors influencing extraction efficiency, including pH, voltage, and extraction time, were optimized using a design of experiments. Under the optimal conditions, the linearity of 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde ranged from 0.01 to 100 μg·mL−1), with limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) of 5 and 17 ng·mL−1, respectively. The precision of electro-driven liquid membrane extraction for 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde was below 8.42%. This paper reports novel electro-driven liquid membrane extraction for selectively isolating 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde from S. miltiorrhiza Bge.

SrCaAl mixed metal oxides derived from LDH precursor as a novel and efficient solid base catalyst for Knoevenagel condensation reaction: Multivariate optimization study

The Knoevenagel condensation reaction is one of the most important reactions in the industry for the synthesis of organic materials, medicinal, and biological compounds. In this work, we have proposed an original and efficient solid-base catalytic system for the Knoevenagel condensation reaction. For the first time, a mixed oxide catalyst derived from hydrotalcite-like Sr0.5Ca2.5Al precursor was synthesized by co-precipitation method and subsequently calcined for 5 h at 850 °C. The catalysts were characterized by various techniques. The Sr0.5Ca2.5Al mixed oxide was also compared with the usual Ca3Al sample in terms of structural characteristics and catalytic activity in the Knoevenagel reaction between active methylene compounds and benzaldehyde. The findings revealed that the Sr0.5Ca2.5Al mixed oxide sample is considerably active in this reaction compared to the Ca3Al sample due to its stronger basicity. The kinetics of the Knoevenagel condensation reaction over the Sr0.5Ca2.5Al catalyst was investigated and indicated that it follows from the second-order model. The stability and reusability of the catalyst sample were studied and it was found that the Sr0.5Ca2.5Al catalyst has high stability and a good lifetime. The effects of reaction time, amount of catalyst, and reaction temperature on benzaldehyde conversion (%) and product selectivity (%) were assessed in this study using the Box-Behnken design. The appropriateness of the quadratic regression model was evaluated through the ANOVA method. Under optimal conditions, the conversion percentage of benzaldehyde and product selectivity reached 97% and 84%, respectively.

A review of chemotherapeutic drugs-induced arrhythmia and potential intervention with traditional Chinese medicines.

Significant advances in chemotherapy drugs have reduced mortality in patients with malignant tumors. However, chemotherapy-related cardiotoxicity increases the morbidity and mortality of patients, and has become the second leading cause of death after tumor recurrence, which has received more and more attention in recent years. Arrhythmia is one of the common types of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity, and has become a new risk related to chemotherapy treatment, which seriously affects the therapeutic outcome in patients. Traditional Chinese medicine has experienced thousands of years of clinical practice in China, and has accumulated a wealth of medical theories and treatment formulas, which has unique advantages in the prevention and treatment of malignant diseases. Traditional Chinese medicine may reduce the arrhythmic toxicity caused by chemotherapy without affecting the anti-cancer effect. This paper mainly discussed the types and pathogenesis of secondary chemotherapeutic drug-induced arrhythmia (CDIA), and summarized the studies on Chinese medicine compounds, Chinese medicine Combination Formula and Chinese medicine injection that may be beneficial in intervention with secondary CDIA including atrial fibrillation, ventricular arrhythmia and sinus bradycardia, in order to provide reference for clinical prevention and treatment of chemotherapy-induced arrhythmias.

Erucin, a natural isothiocyanate, exerts pro-angiogenic properties in cultured endothelial cells and reverts angiogenic impairment induced by high glucose.

Insufficient vessel maintenance adversely impacts patients in terms of tissue reperfusion following stroke or myocardial infarction, as well as during wound healing. Angiogenesis impairment is a feature typical of metabolic disorders acting at the cardiovascular level, such as diabetes. Therapeutic angiogenesis regulation offers promising clinical implications, and natural compounds as pro-angiogenic nutraceuticals hold valuable applications in regenerative medicine. By using cultured endothelial cells from human umbilical veins (HUVEC) we studied functional and molecular responses following exposure to erucin, a natural isothiocyanate derived from Brassicaceae plants and extracted from the seeds of rocket. Erucin (at nanomolar concentrations) promotes cell migration and tube formation, similar to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), through mobilizing paxillin at endothelial edges. At the molecular level, erucin induces signaling pathways typical of angiogenesis activation, namely Ras, PI3K/AKT, and ERK1/2, leading to VEGF expression and triggering its autocrine production, as pharmacological inhibition of soluble VEGF and VEGFR2 dampens endothelial functions. Furthermore, erucin, alone and together with VEGF, preserves endothelial angiogenic functions under pathological conditions, such as those induced in HUVEC by high glucose (HG) exposure. Erucin emerges as a compelling candidate for therapeutic revascularization applications, showcasing promising prospects for natural compounds in regenerative medicine, particularly in addressing angiogenesis-related disorders.

Unveiling the promise: Exosomes as game-changers in anti-infective therapy.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs)-based intercellular communication (through exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies) is conserved across all kingdoms of life. In recent years, exosomes have gained much attention for targeted pharmaceutical administration due to their unique features, nanoscale size, and capacity to significantly contribute to cellular communication. As drug delivery vehicles, exosomes have several advantages over alternative nanoparticulate drug delivery technologies. A key advantage lies in their comparable makeup to the body's cells, which makes them non-immunogenic. However, exosomes vesicles face several challenges, including a lack of an effective and standard production technique, decreased drug loading capacity, limited characterization techniques, and underdeveloped isolation and purification procedures. Exosomes are well known for their long-term safety and natural ability to transport intercellular nucleic acids and medicinal compounds across the blood-brain-barrier (BBB). Therefore, in addition to revealing new insights into exosomes' distinctiveness, the growing availability of new analytical tools may drive the development of next-generation synthetic systems. Herein, light is shed on exosomes as drug delivery vehicles in anti-infective therapy by reviewing the literature on primary articles published between 2002 and 2023. Additionally, the benefits and limitations of employing exosomes as vehicles for therapeutic drug delivery are also discussed.

Phytochemical content and antioxidant capacity of ethyl acetate extracts from fifteen Orthosiphon aristatus leaves genotypes

Abstract. Bovani RP, Liwanda N, Batubara I, Ambarsari L, Nurcholis W. 2024. Phytochemical content and antioxidant capacity of ethyl acetate extracts from fifteen Orthosiphon aristatus leaves genotypes. Biodiversitas 25: 763-769. Orthosiphon aristatus (Blume) Miq., also known as kumis kucing in Indonesia, is a medicinal plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family that contains various phytochemical compounds with antioxidant properties. This study investigated the phenolic content, flavonoid, rosmarinic acid, sinensetin, and antioxidant capacity of 15 genotypes of O. aristatus ethyl acetate extracts. Therefore, 15 genotypes were analyzed using quercetin as the standard for Total Phenolic Content (TPC) using a colorimetric method with gallic acid and Total Flavonoid Content (TFC). Sinensentin and rosmarinic acid were measured by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Antioxidant capacity was determined using Trolox as a standard antioxidant by 2-Diphenyl Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assays. The results revealed a diverse range of phytochemical compounds, with total phenolic content ranging from 3.39 to 13.80 mg GAE/g DW, total flavonoid content from 0.20 to 1.43 mg QE/g DW, rosmarinic acid from 0.02 to 0.19 mg/g DW, and sinensetin from 1.61 to 21.67 mg/g DW. Furthermore, the antioxidant assays demonstrated varying degrees of efficacy, with DPPH ranging from 2.09 to 13.98 ?mol TE/g DW and FRAP from 0.07 to 2.96 ?mol TE/g DW. Genotypes A10, A11, and A12 exhibited superior phytochemical contents and antioxidant capacities, highlighting their potential as valuable sources of medicinal compounds.

Rujifang inhibits triple-negative breast cancer growth via the PI3K/AKT pathway

Ethnopharmacological relevanceRujifang (RJF) constitutes a traditional Chinese medicinal compound extensively employed in the management of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, information regarding its potential active ingredients, antitumor effects, safety, and mechanism of action remains unreported. Aim of the studyTo investigate the efficacy and safety of RJF in the context of TNBC. Materials and methodsWe employed the ultra high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray four-pole time-of-flight mass spectrometry technique (UPLC/Q-TOF-MS/MS) to scrutinize the chemical constituents of RJF. Subcutaneously transplanted tumor models were utilized to assess the impact of RJF on TNBC in vivo. Thirty female BLAB/c mice were randomly divided into five groups: the model group, cyclophosphamide group, and RJF high-dose, medium-dose, and low-dose groups. A total of 1 × 106 4T1 cells were subcutaneously injected into the right shoulder of mice, and they were administered treatments for a span of 28 days. We conducted evaluations on blood parameters, encompassing white blood cell count (WBC), red blood cell count (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB), platelet count (PLT), neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes, as well as hepatorenal indicators including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), albumin, and creatinine (CRE) to gauge the safety of RJF. Ki67 and TUNEL were detected via immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence, respectively. We prepared RJF drug-containing serum for TNBC cell lines and assessed the in vitro inhibitory effect of RJF on tumor cell growth through the CCK8 assay and cell cycle analysis. RT-PCR was employed to detect the mRNA expression of cyclin-dependent kinase and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors in tumor tissues, and Western blot was carried out to ascertain the expression of cyclin and pathway-related proteins. Results100 compounds were identified in RJF, which consisted of 3 flavonoids, 24 glycosides, 18 alkaloids, 3 amino acids, 8 phenylpropanoids, 6 terpenes, 20 organic acids, and 18 other compounds. In animal experiments, both CTX and RJF exhibited substantial antitumor effects. RJF led to an increase in the number of neutrophils in peripheral blood, with no significant impact on other hematological indices. In contrast, CTX reduced red blood cell count, hemoglobin levels, and white blood cell count, while increasing platelet count. RJF exhibited no discernible influence on hepatorenal function, whereas Cyclophosphamide (CTX) decreased ALP, GOT, and GPT levels. Both CTX and RJF reduced the expression of Ki67 and heightened the occurrence of apoptosis in tumor tissue. RJF drug-containing serum hindered the viability of 4T1 and MD-MBA-231 cells in a time and concentration-dependent manner. In cell cycle experiments, RJF diminished the proportion of G2 phase cells and arrested the cell cycle at the S phase. RT-PCR analysis indicated that RJF down-regulated the mRNA expression of CDK2 and CDK4, while up-regulating that of P21 and P27 in tumor tissue. The trends in CDKs and CDKIs protein expression mirrored those of mRNA expression. Moreover, the PI3K/AKT pathway displayed downregulation in the tumor tissue of mice treated with RJF. ConclusionRJF demonstrates effectiveness and safety in the context of TNBC. It exerts anti-tumor effects by arresting the cell cycle at the S phase through the PI3K-AKT pathway.

Synthesis, Structure, and Biological Activity of the Germanium Dioxide Complex Compound with 2-Amino-3-Hydroxybutanoic Acid

Currently, a promising direction of study is the use of biologically active coordination compounds in the pharmacopoeia and the creation of effective bactericidal drugs, biomaterials, and enzyme modulators on that basis. The paper considers a coordination germanium compound with 2-amino-3-hydroxybutanoic acid. The prospects for the use of the compound in medicine are outlined. This work is aimed at solving the problems regarding the synthesis of biologically active compounds with a wide spectrum of actions. The structure and composition of the coordination compound have been established through calculation and experimental methods. The biocidal (bactericidal and fungicidal) activity of germanium-containing compounds against a number of bacteria and microscopic fungi has been studied. Using the quantum-chemical method with density functional theory (DFT, B3LYP/6–311++G(2d,2p)), the theoretical IR spectrum of the compound was calculated. The structure of the coordination compound and the structure of the intermediates at all stages of the synthesis process were established by calculation.

Simultaneous Quantification of Nine Target Compounds in Traditional Korean Medicine, Bopyeo-Tang, Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Photodiode Array Detector and Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

Bopyeo-tang (BPT) is composed of six medicinal herbs (Morus alba L., Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) DC., Panax ginseng C.A.Mey., Aster tataricus L.f., Astragalus propinquus Schischkin, and Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill.) and has been used for the treatment of lung diseases. This study focused on establishing an analytical method that can simultaneously quantify nine target compounds (i.e., hydroxymethylfurfural, mulberroside A, chlorogenic acid, calycosin-7-O-glucoside, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, quercetin, kaempferol, schizandrin, and gomisin A) from a BPT sample using high-performance liquid chromatography with a photodiode array detector (HPLC-PDA) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The separation of compounds in both analyses was performed on a C18 reversed-phase column using the gradient elution of water-acetonitrile as the mobile phase. In particular, the multiple reaction monitoring mode was applied for quick and accurate detection in UPLC-MS/MS analysis. As a result of analyzing the two methods, HPLC-PDA and UPLC-MS/MS, the coefficient of determination of the regression equation for each compound was ≥0.9952, and recovery was 85.99-106.40% (relative standard deviation (RSD) < 9.58%). Precision testing of the nine compounds was verified (RSD < 10.0%). The application of these analytical assays under optimized conditions for quantitative analysis of the BPT sample gave 0.01-4.70 mg/g. Therefore, these two assays could be used successfully to gather basic data for clinical research and the quality control of BPT.

Herbal therapy in diabetes mellitus: A review

Insulin therapy is the mainstay of treatment in patients with type 1 diabetes, while diet and lifestyle changes, and if left untreated, insulin therapy are effective in treating type 2 diabetes. Research has shown that the oldest treatment for diabetes was the use of herbs. Thus, various medicinal plants were used to relieve many of the complications of diabetes. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of various medicinal plants in the treatment of diabetes. The data on medicinal plants and diabetes were collected from related articles published from 2014 to 2021 in reputable databases such as Cochrane, PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Embase, and SID. Data analysis showed that medicinal plants such as Allium sativum, Cinnamomum verum, Trigonella graecum foenum, Silybum marianus, Citrullus colocynthis, Abelmoschus esculentus, Eryngium, Coriandrum sativum L, and Zingiber officinale were the most frequently used herbs in the treatment of diabetes. Medicinal plants can reduce blood sugar in patients due to having effective medicinal compounds and natural antioxidants and due to the least side effects but longer treatment period.Keywords: Diabetes; Medicinal plants; Remedy; Pharmaceutical Plant

Integrated management of fruit trees and Bletilla striata: implications for soil nutrient profiles and microbial community structures.

Forest medicinal compound systems in agroforestry ecosystems represent a multi-layered cultivation approach that utilizes forest resources efficiently. However, research on how these systems affect soil nutrients and microbial communities is limited. This study compared the soil chemical properties and microbial communities of Bletilla striata (C) grown alone versus in agroforestry systems with apple (PB), pear (LB), and peach trees (TB), aiming to understand the impact of these systems on soil health and microbial diversity. Soil in the GAB systems showed increased levels of essential nutrients but lower pH and ammonium nitrogen levels compared to the control. Significant improvements in organic matter, total phosphorus, and total potassium were observed in TB, PB, and LB systems, respectively. The bacterial diversity increased in GAB systems, with significant changes in microbial phyla indicative of a healthier soil ecosystem. The correlation between soil properties and bacterial communities was stronger than with fungal communities. Integrating B. striata with fruit trees enhances soil nutrients and microbial diversity but may lead to soil acidification. Adjustments such as using controlled-release fertilizers and soil amendments like lime could mitigate negative impacts, improving soil health in GAB systems.

Therapeutic potential of saffron in brain disorders: From bench to bedside.

Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus L., which has been used for centuries as a coloring and flavoring agent, as well as a source of medicinal compounds. Saffron contains various bioactive constituents, such as crocin, crocetin, safranal, picrocrocin, and kaempferol, that have shown potential benefits for human health. Among them, crocin is the most abundant and characteristic constituent of saffron, responsible for its bright red color and antioxidant properties. One of the most promising applications of saffron and its constituents is in the prevention and treatment of neurological disorders, such as depression, anxiety, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other brain disorders. Saffron and its constituents have been reported to exert neuroprotective effects through various mechanisms, such as modulating neurotransmitters, enhancing neurogenesis, reducing neuroinflammation, regulating oxidative stress, activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway, and modulating epigenetic factors. Several clinical and preclinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of saffron and its constituents in improving cognitive function, mood, and other neurological outcomes. In this review, we summarize the current evidence on the therapeutic potential of saffron and its constituents in neurological disorders, from bench to bedside. We also discuss the challenges and future directions for the development of saffron-based therapies for brain health.

Geometrical factor, bond order analysis, vibrational energies, electronic properties (gas and solvent phases), topological and molecular docking analysis on Ipriflavone-osteoporosis diseases

Abstract In this research project, a computational assessment of the molecular structure of Ipriflavone (IP) in the gaseous phase was done based on density functional theory (DFT). In the realm of theory, the standard basis set B3LYP is a collection of functions used with linear combinations to produce molecular orbitals, making it simple to compute the molecular structure related to the given compound. With the time-dependent DFT approach, the UV spectra obtained for various solvents were used for examining the electronic transport features. A three-dimensional representation of the molecules that shows the charge distributions and charge-related characteristics of the molecule has the acronym the electrostatic potential map. The frontier molecular orbitals (FMO) confirmed the compound’s stability and good reactivity. Hyperpolarizability calculations were performed with good non-linear optical (NLO) potent. Natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis was used to explore charge delocalization and the compound’s stability. Topological investigations have been identified to clarify the bonding zones, weakest contacts, and electron energy density. Drug likeness studies were used to promote bioactivities. The outcome of docking tests shows that the ligand under investigation is beneficial at preventing bone loss-osteoporosis. To sum up, this work provides a comprehensive analysis that combines spectroscopic and quantum computational techniques to assess the effect of specific medicinal compounds on solvation and metabolic activity. Strategies for subsequent studies can thus greatly benefit from the knowledge obtained.

Molecular insights into gastric cancer: The impact of TGFBR2 and hsa-mir-107 revealed by microarray sequencing and bioinformatics

BackgroundGastric carcinoma (GC) remains a significant therapeutic challenge, garnering widespread attention. Oxymatrine (OMT), an active component of the traditional Chinese medicine compound Kushen injection (CKI), has shown promising results in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of GC. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying OMT's therapeutic effects in GC have yet to be elucidated. MethodsThe transcriptomic expression data of HGC-27 post-OMT intervention were obtained through microarray sequencing, while the miRNA and mRNA sequencing data for GC patients were sourced from the TCGA database. The mechanism of OMT intervention in GC is analyzed in multiple aspects, including Protein-Protein Interactions (PPI), Competitive Endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks, correlation and co-expression analyses, immune infiltration, and clinical implications. ResultsBy analyzing key modules, five critical mRNAs were identified, and their interacting miRNAs were predicted to construct a ceRNA network. Among these, TGFBR2 and hsa-miR-107 have correlations or co-expression relationships with other genes in the network. They are differentially expressed in most other cancers, associated with prognosis, and have diagnostic value. TGFBR2 also exhibits immune infiltration phenomena, and its high expression is linked to poor patient prognosis. Low expression of hsa-miR-107 is associated with poor patient prognosis. OMT may act on the TGFβ/Smad signaling pathway or negatively regulate the WNT signaling pathway through the hsa-miR-107/BTRC axis, thereby inhibiting the onset and progression of GC. ConclusionThe mechanisms of OMT intervention in GC are diverse, TGFBR2 and hsa-miR-107 may serve as prognostic molecular biomarkers or potential therapeutic targets.

Nameko Mushroom (Pholiota microspore), Hiratake Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) and Shimeji Mushrooms (Lyophyllum shimeji): Bioactive Compounds as a Source of Various Biological Activities: A Review

Mushrooms are substantial source of nutritional, medicinal compounds, and other benefits compounds still need to be worked out for their important applications. Mushrooms as higher Basidiomycetes and Ascomycetes contain secondary metabolites in their fruit bodies, cultured mycelium, and cultured broth. These secondary metabolites have been used in many sides of human activity for many years for maintaining long and healthy life. The genera Pholiota, Pleurotus and Lyophyllum are a group of edible mushrooms that are distributed all over the world. The studies on different species of these edible mushrooms have revealed their nutritional medicinal potentials. This review aims to present the importance of Pholiota microspore, Pleurotus ostreatus and Lyophyllum shimeji, as both food and medicine, and they offer new visions to researchers to develop new drugs and nutraceuticals.

Exploiting Nanotechnology for Drug Delivery: Advancing the Anti-Cancer Effects of Autophagy-Modulating Compounds in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Cancer continues to be a prominent issue in the field of medicine, as demonstrated by recent studies emphasizing the significant role of autophagy in the development of cancer. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) provides a variety of anti-tumor agents capable of regulating autophagy. However, the clinical application of autophagy-modulating compounds derived from TCM is impeded by their restricted water solubility and bioavailability. To overcome this challenge, the utilization of nanotechnology has been suggested as a potential solution. Nonetheless, the current body of literature on nanoparticles delivering TCM-derived autophagy-modulating anti-tumor compounds for cancer treatment is limited, lacking comprehensive summaries and detailed descriptions. Up to November 2023, a comprehensive research study was conducted to gather relevant data using a variety of databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Springer Link, Web of Science, and CNKI. The keywords utilized in this investigation included "autophagy", "nanoparticles", "traditional Chinese medicine" and "anticancer". This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the potential of nanotechnology in overcoming delivery challenges and enhancing the anti-cancer properties of autophagy-modulating compounds in TCM. The evaluation is based on a synthesis of different classes of autophagy-modulating compounds in TCM, their mechanisms of action in cancer treatment, and their potential benefits as reported in various scholarly sources. The findings indicate that nanotechnology shows potential in enhancing the availability of autophagy-modulating agents in TCM, thereby opening up a plethora of potential therapeutic avenues. Nanotechnology has the potential to enhance the anti-tumor efficacy of autophagy-modulating compounds in traditional TCM, through regulation of autophagy.

A Review on Folklore Uses, Phytoconstituents and Pharmacological Activities of the Genus Berberis

Abstract: Genus berberis, an evergreen shrub of about 500 plant species found in subtropical and temperate regions but only some of them are investigated and evaluated for their phytochemistry and bioactivity. These plants are spread worldwide and help in the nourishment of humans and animals. Almost all parts of the plant are investigated for pharmacological and phytochemical purposes, including, roots, fruits, stems, buds, seeds, branches, flowers, leaves, and whole plant. Rasaut, an extract of either the stem or root of Berberis aristata is mentioned in the ancient Ayurvedic literature of India for treating indolent ulcers and eye disorders, and B. vulgaris is still used to treat malaria in North America. They have many medicinal properties and compounds that are bioactive like berberine. Berberine possesses anticancer, antimicrobial, and other activities. The plants contain a number of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, carotenoids, terpenoids, and other categories of chemical constituents. The alkaloidal compounds are isolated and evaluated for various activities and are found to be active. The researchers are continuously working to get novel exploration regarding the Genus Berberis . Here in the review, traditional and folkloric uses of the genus were also described. Apart from this, they possess numerous activities like anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antiulcer, antiviral and, wound healing and many more. These activities were authenticated by in-vitro and in-vivo methods. The aim of this review is to update and systematically arrange information in one platform. In this review, we extracted the current information from Pubmed, Googlescolar, Scifinder and many more databases.

Synthesis and evaluation of bone targeting PLGA nanoparticles loaded with components of traditional Chinese medicine formulas.

Targeted nanoparticles' preparation can enhance local drug concentration and reduce the side effects of drugs in non-targeted organs. At present, many patents have been applied for in the field of bone-targeted nanoparticles' preparations. They play an important role in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases. In this experiment, nanoparticles with bone targeting function were prepared by poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) copolymer and tetracycline. These nanoparticles contain active ingredients in the Huangqi Sanxian decoction, a kind of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) compound formula. These nanoparticles are predicted to be useful in the treatment of osteoporosis. Synthesis of tetracycline targeting groups was performed by acylation reaction, and PLGA nanoparticles were prepared by the Emulsification-solvent Evaporation Method. The appearance and particle size of the product were evaluated, and the effects of nanoparticles on the physiological activities of osteoblasts were observed. Finally, the bone-targeting ability of targeted nanoparticles in vivo and in vitro was investigated. The average particle size of the nanoparticles was about 200 nm, and the average drug entrapment was 60%. In vitro evaluation of osteoblasts assay showed that the nanoparticles can be well taken by cells. Their good biocompatibility and sustained-release properties reduce the toxic side effects of drugs when they promote osteoblasts' physiological activities. The results of the in vitro and in vivo bone targeting ability assays showed that tetracycline modified nanoparticles could effectively accumulate in the bone, indicating the great bone-targeting ability of the nanoparticles. The use of PLGA to load active components in the TCM compound formulas and remodel targeting groups is expected to improve drug efficacy, reduce drug dosage, and effects on non- action sites. This may provide new ideas for the development of TCM compound dosage forms. In summary, we prepared PLGA nanoparticles of multiple TCM ingredients with bone targeting ability, and they had good morphological appearance, and a promoting effect on various physiological activities of osteoblasts.

Study on the mechanism of Shugan Lidan Xiaoshi granule in preventing acute pancreatitis based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

BackgroundShugan Lidan Xiaoshi granules (SLXG) is a herbal granule formulation developed by extensively modifying multiple traditional Chinese medicine compound prescriptions known for their ability to dissolve stones. It is primarily used for the prevention and treatment of cholelithiasis and possesses significant therapeutic potential in both preventing and treating acute pancreatitis. However, the preventive effects of SLXG on cholelithiasis-related complications, such as acute pancreatitis (AP), have been inadequately researched. MethodsTCMSP database was searched to identify the active components and targets of SLXG's action. The disease gene databases (GeneCards, OMMI, PharmGKB, DrugBank) were used to retrieve the targets associated with AP. A TCM ingredient target network was then constructed by using the intersection of these two datasets. The overlapping targets underwent network analyses, including Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG)and Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) analyses. Molecular docking was performed to examine the interaction patterns between the active ingredients and central targets. ResultsA “Traditional Chinese Medicine-Component-Target” complex network consisting of 10 traditional Chinese medicines, 114 compounds, and 164 targets was constructed. GO and KEGG analysis showed that SLXG has the potential to regulate the response of oxygen-containing compounds, apoptosis, and inflammatory factors. Nine central genes were identified by the PPI network and subnetwork. IL6 was chosen as the most significant gene for molecular docking. The three active compounds of SLXG: quercetin, luteolin, and paeoniflorin, along with the active site of IL6 have a good binding ability and thus play a preventive role in AP. ConclusionThis study provides evidence of the effective preventive role of SLXG against AP, as indicated by bioinformatics analysis. The preventive effect of SLXG is attributed to its multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway mechanisms. This finding provides a solid foundation for future research on the clinical application and mechanism of action of drugs.