Medicinal Compounds Research Articles

Pentetic acid derived dual purpose fluorescent carbon dots for pH responsive drug delivery and antioxidant proficiency

Heteroatom-doped surface-engineered carbon dots provide substantial potential, not only in their fluorescence sensing capabilities but also as nanocarriers for medicinal compounds and in exhibiting antioxidant behaviour. Here we describe a way to make naturally occurring carbon dots (PACDs) utilizing pentetic acid and gelatin in a one-step thermal coupling procedure. Antioxidant activity, biocompatibility, and colloidal stability were all highlighted by the PACDs. In order to assess the PACDs' drug transport capabilities, anticancer model drug molecules were also attached to their surface. Prolonged release patterns were seen in the drug-containing PACDs, indicating that they could be used for controlled drug delivery. Cumulative release data has been fitted into the Higuchi and Weibull models to understand the medication delivery process. The PACDs showed release characteristics that were sensitive to changes in pH; at acidic pH, the release profile could be more precisely controlled (∼28 %) than at alkaline pH (∼59 %). At PACDs concentrations <1 mg/mL, the radical activity is >80 % active; however this activity is greatly affected by the concentration. Because of their low toxicity to living human cell lines, PACDs are an attractive and versatile nano-vector for use in biomedical studies.

Gold nanoparticles-based colorimetric method for the rapid and sensitive detection of sour rot in onions

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is a major vegetable used in food preparation. It can also act as a medicinal compound for many diseases. However, various plant diseases, including sour rot, caused by the bacterium Burkholderia cepacia, is a post-harvest disease that can cause significant economic losses in onions and are considered a major threat to the onion industry. This study was performed to compare two methods for detecting sour rot: multiplex PCR and colorimetry with gold nanoparticles probe. Multiplex PCR used, primers designed for RecA, APZ15-03995 and APZ15-27735 genes of B. cepacia, and the results showed 100% specificity and sensitivity of 74.4 × 10−4 ng/μL of genomic DNA. Colorimetry with gold nanoparticles probe was performed using individual gene probes or a combination of three gene probes as a multi-colorimetric assay. Results showed 100% specificity and sensitivity of 74.4 × 10−8 ng/μL of genomic DNA in presence of the three probes. The results showed that both methods are specific and sensitive enough to detect B. cepacia. However, the use of gold nanoparticles is a more suitable option due to its high specificity and sensitivity and shorter time compared to multiplex PCR. Consequently, accurate and timely molecular identification of onion rot helps reduction of post-harvest losses and prevent the spread of secondary bacteria in storage.

Exploring the Potentials of Hyaluronic Acid-coated Polymeric Nanoparticles in Enhanced Cancer Treatment by Precision Drug Delivery, Tackling Drug Resistance, and Reshaping the Tumour Micro Environment.

Cancer is a global health issue that requires modern treatments. Biocompatibility, variable size, and customisable targeting ligands make polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) a flexible cancer therapy platform. Dynamic nanocarriers, Hyaluronic Acid (HA) coated PNPs, target the overexpressed CD44 receptor in cancer. Through improved permeability and retention, HA, a naturally occurring, biodegradable polymer, increases tumor accumulation and penetration. Hyaluronic acid-grafted polymeric nanoparticles (HA-PNPs) provide a number of advantages over other varieties due to their distinct characteristics. They used CD44 receptor upregulation on cancer cells for selective administration, leveraging the EPR effect for cancer site accumulation. Their natural composition improves biocompatibility while promoting conjugation with a variety of medicinal compounds and providing influence over size and surface features. HA-PNPs facilitate effective cellular uptake, safeguard their cargo, and have the possibility for regulated release, which leads to better delivery of drugs and therapeutic efficacy. While problems, such as CD44 expression variability and drug loading modification, persist, HA-PNPs offer a viable path for targeted and successful treatment of cancer due to their intrinsic benefits. HA-PNPs can be coupled with imaging agents to enable real-time tracking of the delivery of drugs and therapy response, hence enhancing individualized treatment regimens. HA-PNPs can be programmed to respond to particular environmental signals found in the tumor's microenvironment (such as pH, redox potential, and enzymes). This enables for controlled dispensing of therapeutic cargo only when it reaches the target site, reducing systemic exposure and associated negative effects. HA-PNPs have the ability to overcome common MDR processes used by cancer cells, thereby enhancing the efficiency of previously ineffective chemotherapeutic medicines. Recent advances in HA-functionalized PNP fabrication and cancer applications are covered in this article. It discusses complete treatment effectiveness and HA's targeting of tumors and receptors. The study describes production, clinical trials, and problems and prospects in turning HA-coated PNP platforms into viable therapeutic nanomedicines. HA-functionalized PNPs are versatile, targeted nanotherapeutics for various tumor types and disease stages, as shown in this comprehensive study.

Shenyu ningshen tablet reduced neuronal damage in the hippocampus of chronic restraint stress model rat by inhibiting A1-reactive astrocytes

ContextShenyu Ningshen (SYNS) tablet is the first pure Chinese medicinal small compound preparation approved for clinical trials for the treatment of depression in China. Clinical experiments confirmed that the formulation had a significant Improvement effect against depression due to the deficiency of both qi and yin. Our previous study showed that SYNS could effectively inhibit the inflammatory response in a depression model. Aim of the studyThe purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effects of SYNS on neurons and explore whether the underlying mechanism was associated with A1s. Materials and methodsThe depression model of solitary raising-chronic restraint stress (CRS) rats was established; body weight examination, sugar water preference test, open field test, and histological analysis were performed to preliminarily verify the efficacy of the formulation. Subsequently, neuronal nucleus (NeuN) and synaptic-associated proteins (MAP2 and PSD95) were labeled, and the protective effect of SYNS on hippocampal neurons was observed based on the fluorescence intensity of the above indicators. Western blotting, histological examination, and immunofluorescence were used to evaluate the inhibitory effects of SYNS on neuroinflammation and activation of A1s in CRS depression model. ResultsSYNS improved behavioral indicators such as weight loss, pleasure loss, and reduced exercise volume in CRS rat model. SYNS restored the CRS-induced histopathological changes in the hippocampus. SYNS showed a certain degree of protective effect on synapses. Further, SYNS inhibited the activation of A1s by inhibiting neuroinflammatory factors in the hippocampus. ConclusionOur results showed that SYNS had a certain degree of neuroprotective effect, which might be related to its inhibition of the inflammatory response and A1s.

Phytochemical Studies of Alstonia scholaris, Chemical Transformation and Biological Evaluation against a Breast Cancer Cell Line

Background:: Some Alstonia species are used in traditional medicine to treat diseases such as cancer, dysentery, diarrhea, jaundice, malaria, gastrointestinal troubles, and snake-bites. Objective:: In this study, we aim to evaluate the ethanol leaf extract of Alstonia scholaris for anticancer constituents and structural modification to introduce a privilege medicinal α,β-unsaturated scaffold. Methods:: The relative viability of the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line exposed to isolated compounds at different concentrations was assayed. Chemical analysis was carried out by high resolution mass spectrometry and one and two-dimensional NMR techniques. Results:: Structures of purified compounds were determined as betulin 1, α-amyrin acetate 2, mixture of β-sitosterol 3 and stigmasterol 4, tetratriacontyl-trans-p-coumarate 5, ursolic acid 6, β-sitosterol glucoside 7, picralstonine 8 and scholaricine 9. To introduce privilege medicinal scaffold, compounds 1 and 2 under SeO2 oxidation condition afford new acrylaldehye derivatines. Compound 1 afforded Betulin acrylaldehyde 10 while compound 2 afforded lupeolacetate acryl aldehyde 11 in an intriguing mechanism with the conversion of ursane to lupane scafford. Compound 11 equally showed interesting activity against MDA MB 231 breast cancer cell line with an IC50 of 4.63 ± 0.09 μg/ml. Conclusion:: From these findings, the medicinal α,β-unsaturated scaffold could have pharmacological effects in treating MDA-MB-231 breast cancer.

Yunnan Baiyao Might Mitigate Periodontitis Bone Destruction by Inhibiting Autophagy and Promoting Osteoblast Differentiation in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro.

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease that eventually destroys tooth-supporting tissue. Yunnan Baiyao (YNBY), a traditional Chinese medicine compound with haemostatic and anti-inflammatory properties has shown therapeutic potential in several diseases. Our previous study revealed that YNBY suppressed osteoclast differentiation in periodontitis. The purpose of this study is to investigate the influences of YNBY on osteoblasts and explore its potential mechanisms. A rat periodontitis model was established by ligation of maxillary second molars. After the end of modelling, histopathological observation by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Masson trichrome staining, detection of bone resorption by Micro-CT scanning, detection of osteoclasts by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, expression of osteocalcin (OCN) and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) by immunohistochemistry. Lipopolysaccharides was used to irritate MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells and ex vivo calvarial organ as an in vitro model of inflammation. CCK-8 assay was performed to examine the toxicity of YNBY to MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells. Osteogenesis was assessed with alizarin red staining, immunofluorescence staining, Western blot and immunohistochemical staining. Transmission electron microscopy, fluorescent double staining, Western blot and immunohistochemical staining were employed to detect autophagy. Histological and micro-CT analyses revealed that YNBY gavage reduced bone loss caused by experimental periodontitis and upregulated osteogenic proteins in vivo. YNBY attenuated the production of autophagy-related proteins in periodontitis rats. Additionally, YNBY promoted osteogenesis by inhibiting inflammation-induced autophagy in vitro. Furthermore, YNBY suppressed LPS-mediated bone resorption and promoted the production of osteoblast-related proteins in inflamed calvarial tissues ex vivo. This study demonstrated, through in vivo, in vitro and ex vivo experiments, that YNBY promoted osteoblast differentiation by suppressing autophagy, which markedly alleviated bone destruction caused by periodontitis.

Zhilong Huoxue Tongyu Capsule Ameliorates Platelet Aggregation and Thrombus Induced by Aspirin in Rats by Regulating Lipid Metabolism and MicroRNA Pathway.

Zhilong Huoxue Tongyu capsule (ZLHX) is a traditional Chinese medicinal compound preparation, which exhibits obvious therapeutic effects on aspirin resistance (AR). However, the mechanism of ZLHX on AR is rarely reported. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effects of AR and the underlying mechanisms of ZLHX on AR rats. An AR model was established through treatment with a high-fat, high-sugar, and highsalt diet for 12 weeks and oral administration of aspirin (27 mg/kg/day) and ibuprofen (36 mg/kg/day) in weeks 9-12. The rats were administrated with ZLHX (225, 450, and 900 mg/kg) from week 12 to week 16. Blood samples were collected after the experiment. Thromboelastography analysis was performed, and the levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), lowdensity lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were determined. Furthermore, the levels of thromboxane B2 (TXB2) and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α (6- keto-PGF1α) were determined with commercial ELISA kits. Finally, the gene expressions of microRNA- 126-3p (miRNA-126-3p) and miRNA-34b-3p were detected through a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results demonstrated that ZLHX significantly inhibited platelet aggregation in the AR rats. Moreover, ZLHX markedly decreased the levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C and increased the level of HDL-C. Meanwhile, ELISA results confirmed that ZLHX can elevate the expression levels of TXB2 and 6-keto-PGF1α. Further studies suggested that ZLHX significantly downregulated the expression levels of miRNA-126-3p and miRNA-34b-3p. This study revealed that the therapeutic effect of ZLHX might be related to the regulation of lipid metabolism and the miRNA pathway.

Research Progress of Chinese Medicine Compound Intervention in Peritoneal Dialysis-associated Peritonitis

Research Progress of Chinese Medicine Compound Intervention in Peritoneal Dialysis-associated Peritonitis

Synthesis and structural determination of some 1,5-disubstituted-4-ethoxycarbonyl-3-hydroxy-3-pyrroline-2-one derivatives containing nitro group

2-Pyrrolidinone is a γ-lactam heterocycle consisting of four carbon atoms and one nitrogen atom. In the family of 2-pyrrolidinone heterocycles, 3-pyrroline-2-ones, also named as 1,5-dihydro-2H-pyrrol-2-ones are important substructures of various natural products with promising biological activities. In addition, this γ-lactam heterocyclic ring also exists in synthetic medicinal compounds. In this manuscript, multi-component reactions (MCRs) were applied to synthesize three 1,5-disubstituted-4-ethoxycarbonyl-3-hydroxy-3-pyrroline-2-ones containing nitro group from aromatic aldehydes, 4-nitroaniline and sodium diethyl oxalacetate in absolute ethanol. Furthermore, the molecular structure of products has been proven via modern spectroscopic methods: nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR, 13C NMR) and electrospray ionization-high resolution mass spectrometry (ESI – HRMS).

Natural Treatment Approaches For Varicose Veins: A Brief Review Of The Literature

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a widespread condition affecting millions worldwide. Each year, approximately 150,000 new patients are diagnosed with CVI, and nearly $500 million is used in the care of these patients. Blood flow in the venous system has intact valves and muscle pumps to allow blood to flow back to the heart against gravity. The inadequacy of these systems leads to difficulties in blood circulation, resulting in blood reflux, blood pooling, and venous hypertension. The condition mentioned above can lead to the development of varicose veins, edema, discomfort, alterations in the skin, and potentially even the formation of ulcers. Conditions that induce CVI genetic predisposition, obesity (body mass index greater than 30), continuous standing/sitting work, age, pregnancy, gender, and lifestyle. Conventional venous insufficiency treatments include compression therapy, surgical interventions like vein stripping, and sclerotherapy. Venoactive drugs used in conservative treatment have the potential to enhance both varicose veins and symptoms associated with chronic venous disorders throughout all stages of venous insufficiency. In addition to synthetic drugs, naturally derived coumarins, flavonoids, rutin derivatives, pycnogenol, micronized purified flavonoid fraction, and saponosides are essential in the treatment. Medicinal plants and natural compounds are highly preferred for treating CVI and varicose veins due to their biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and vascular tone improvement. The present review provides a concise overview of the utilization of natural compounds and plant extracts in treating varicose veins, both in medical practice and traditional folk medicine.

Characterization of Tridax procumbens amines with a potential to synthesize silver nanoparticles

Our previous findings showed that amines from Tridax procumbens (Family: Asteraceae) were responsible for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. T. procumbens is a weed plant with rich source of medicinal compounds. In the current work, we studied the initial characterization of bioactive compounds by LC-MS, an essential tool for the characterization and identification of low molecular compounds. Further the isolated compounds were investigated for silver nanoparticle synthesis. The leaf extracts examined revealed many novel amine derivative compounds reported for the first time mainly belonging to the group of free amines: n-Pentylhydrazine hydrochloride, 2-Nitrobenzenesulfonyl chloride, 1,7-Dichlorooctamethyltetrasiloxane, 5-Chloro-1,2,4-trihydroxybenzene, 3-Chloro-2-hydroxy-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridine and 2-(Diphenylphosphino) ethyltriethoxysilane and conjugated amines: 5-Methoxy-diisopropyltryptamine, 4-Chlorophenoxyacetic acid, Diphenhydramine, Erucamide, n(4-((2-(2,5-dimethoxybenzylidene)hydrazino)carbonyl)ph)-4-me-benzenesulfonamide and 1,3,5-Trithia-2,4,6-tristannacyclohexane, 2,2,4,4,6,6-hexamethyl. Characterization by UV-Vis spectra, XRD, EDX and TEM revealed well separated spherical shaped AgNPs size ranging 8-50 nm. These findings suggest that further work could be extended to isolate and elucidate the structures of the identified molecules using powerful instruments such as HPLC-MS, HPLC-NMR and high resolution-MS (HR-MS). Further biotechnological approaches towards synthesis of novel metals will be enhanced to promote green chemistry technology for the synthesis of nanoparticles.

Exploring the mechanism of action of Shuangyang houbitong granules in the treatment of acute pharyngitis based on network pharmacology and molecular docking.

Acute pharyngitis (AP) refers to the acute inflammation of the pharynx, characterized by swelling and pain in the throat. Shuangyang houbitong granules (SHG), a traditional Chinese medicine compound, have been found to be effective in providing relief from symptoms associated with AP. The chemical components of SHG were screened using Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database, HERB database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. The targets of the granules were predicted using SwissTargetPrediction database. A network was constructed based on the targets of AP obtained from Genecards database, and protein-protein interaction analysis was performed on the intersection targets using STRING database. Key targets were screened for Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis, and the binding activity of components and targets was predicted using AutoDockTools-1.5.7. A total of 65 components of SHG that met the screening criteria were retrieved, resulting in 867 corresponding targets. Additionally, 1086 AP target genes were retrieved, and 272 gene targets were obtained from the intersection as potential targets for SHG in the treatment of AP. Molecular docking results showed that the core components genkwanin, acacetin, apigenin, quercetin can stably bind to the core targets glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor, serine/threonine protein kinase, tumor protein 53, and epidermal growth factor receptor. The research results preliminarily predict and verify the mechanism of action of SHG in the treatment of AP, providing insights for further in-depth research.

The near‐complete genome assembly of Reynoutria multiflora reveals the genetic basis of stilbenes and anthraquinones biosynthesis

AbstractReynoutria multiflora is a widely used medicinal plant in China. Its medicinal compounds are mainly stilbenes and anthraquinones which possess important pharmacological activities in anti‐aging, anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidation, but their biosynthetic pathways are still largely unresolved. Here, we reported a near‐complete genome assembly of R. multiflora consisting of 1.39 Gb with a contig N50 of 122.91 Mb and only one gap left. Genome evolution analysis revealed that two recent bursts of long terminal repeats (LTRs) contributed significantly to the increased genome size of R. multiflora, and numerous large chromosome rearrangements were observed between R. multiflora and Fagopyrum tataricum genomes. Comparative genomics analysis revealed that a recent whole‐genome duplication specific to Polygonaceae led to a significant expansion of gene families associated with disease tolerance and the biosynthesis of stilbenes and anthraquinones in R. multiflora. Combining transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses, we elucidated the molecular mechanisms underlying the dynamic changes in content of medicinal ingredients in R. multiflora roots across different growth years. Additionally, we identified several putative key genes responsible for anthraquinone and stilbene biosynthesis. We identified a stilbene synthase gene PM0G05131 highly expressed in roost, which may exhibit an important role in the accumulation of stilbenes in R. multiflora. These genomic data will expedite the discovery of anthraquinone and stilbenes biosynthesis pathways in medicinal plants.

Gut microbes combined with metabolomics reveal the protective effects of Qijia Rougan decoction against CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis.

Background: The occurrence and development of Hepatic fibrosis (HF) are closely related to the gut microbial composition and alterations in host metabolism. Qijia Rougan decoction (QJ) is a traditional Chinese medicine compound utilized clinically for the treatment of HF with remarkable clinical efficacy. However, its effect on the gut microbiota and metabolite alterations is unknown. Therefore, our objective was to examine the impact of QJ on the gut microbiota and metabolism in Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced HF. Methods: 40% CCl4 was used to induce HF, followed by QJ administration for 6weeks. Serum biochemical analyses, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and non-targeted metabolomics techniques were employed in this study to investigate the interventional effects of QJ on a CCl4-induced HF model in rats. Results: This study demonstrated that QJ could effectively ameliorate CCl4-induced hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. Moreover, QJ upregulated the expression of intestinal tight junction proteins (TJPs) and notably altered the abundance of some gut microbes, for example, 10 genera closely associated with HF-related indicators and TJPs. In addition, metabolomics found 37 key metabolites responded to QJ treatment and strongly associated with HF-related indices and TJPs. Furthermore, a tight relation between 10 genera and 37 metabolites was found post correlation analysis. Among them, Turicibacter, Faecalibaculum, Prevotellaceae UCG 001, and unclassified Peptococcaceae may serve as the core gut microbes of QJ that inhibit HF. Conclusion: These results suggest that QJ ameliorates hepatic inflammation and fibrosis, which may be achieved by improving intestinal tight junctions and modulating gut microbiota composition as well as modulating host metabolism.

АЛКАЛОИДТАРДЫ ТАЗАЛАУ ЖӘНЕ БӨЛІП АЛУ

Natural products and their derivatives have been used for medical purposes for many years. Plants are the main source of new medicinal compounds, since herbal medicines are widely used to maintain and improve human health. The main advantages of using herbal medicines are that they are relatively safe compared to synthetic alternatives, providing profound therapeutic benefits and accessibility. Over the past 30 years, the process of finding and developing medicines, especially natural products, has increasingly been carried out in template ways. According to the data, alkaloid plants began to be used since 2000 BC throughout Asia, Europe and Africa. In the nineteenth century, Friedrich Serturner isolated morphine. This led to the successful isolation and discovery of individual compounds by several European scientists, including the secretion of xanthine, strychnine, atropine, quinine and caffeine [1].Alkaloids were initially identified as alkaline substances secreted by a plant with biological activity. This definition has been repeatedly refined to define compounds that do not belong to the plant kingdom, and compounds that have a biosynthetic origin in common with alkaloids, but do not contain basic nitrogen.

Determination of α-Dicarbonyl compounds in traditional Chinese herbal medicines

α-DCs (α-dicarbonyls) have been proven to be closely related to aging and the onset and development of many chronic diseases. The wide presence of this kind of components in various foods and beverages has been unambiguously determined, but their occurrence in various phytomedicines remains in obscurity. In this study, we established and evaluated an HPLC-UV method and used it to measure the contents of four α-DCs including 3-deoxyglucosone (3-DG), glyoxal (GO), methylglyoxal (MGO), and diacetyl (DA) in 35 Chinese herbs after they have been derivatized with 4-nitro-1,2-phenylenediamine. The results uncover that 3-DG is the major component among the α-DCs, being detectable in all the selected herbs in concentrations ranging from 22.80 μg/g in the seeds of Alpinia katsumadai to 7032.75 μg/g in the fruit of Siraitia grosuenorii. The contents of the other three compounds are much lower than those of 3-DG, with GO being up to 22.65 μg/g, MGO being up to 55.50 μg/g, and DA to 18.75 μg/g, respectively. The data show as well the contents of the total four α-DCs in the herbs are generally in a comparable level to those in various foods, implying that herb medicines may have potential risks on human heath in view of the α-DCs.

Synthesis of 2-Substituted Indoles via Migration Reaction of 3-Substituted Indoles with Triflic Acid.

This study showcases the 1,2-migration reactions of alkyl and aryl groups on the indole molecule. Trifluoromethanesulfonic acid effectively facilitates the migration of the substituent from C3- to C2-position of the indole structure. The resulting C2-substituted indoles offer a valuable pathway for the synthesis of natural products and medicinal compounds.

Enhanced Preservation of Bioactives in Wild Garlic (Allium ursinum L.) through Advanced Primary Processing

Medicinal and aromatic plants, such as wild garlic (Allium ursinum), are valuable sources of bioactive compounds in traditional and modern medicine. However, the challenges in cultivating wild garlic and its seasonality limit its availability primarily to early spring. To maintain the quality of wild garlic, effective postharvest practices are essential, considering the delicate nature of its leaves and their susceptibility to rapid decay. This study focuses on implementing eco-friendly postharvest practices to address the seasonality and perishability of wild garlic. Optimizing storage conditions and drying processes is essential for extending its shelf life and preserving bioactive components. Two postharvest approaches were evaluated, with vacuum packaging at 4 °C demonstrating the most effective preservation of sensory attributes and bioactive composition over a 9-day period. Additionally, different drying methods, including convective and vacuum drying at various temperatures, were investigated. When the best drying temperature was selected, the results revealed that convective drying is more efficient at preserving phenolic compounds in wild garlic leaves at 60 °C. Conversely, vacuum drying shows superior preservation of alliinase activity and total thiosulfinate content at 70 °C. Furthermore, this study explores the utilization of unused wild garlic, which is typically discarded as waste during storage. By employing suitable drying methods, this material can be preserved and provide a valuable source of phenolic compounds (7.17–10.12 g GAE/100 g) and thiosulfinate (9.35–12.72 mg AC/110 g) compounds for various extraction processes. Accordingly, this research presents significant implications for the integration of wild garlic into diverse industries, particularly in the fields of food and pharmaceutical sectors. The findings offer opportunities for sustainable utilization, economic benefits, and a more environmentally friendly and economically viable approach to wild garlic production and processing.

Red/NIR-I-Fluorescence Carbon Dots Based on Rhein with Active Oxygen Scavenging and Colitis Targeting for UC Therapeutics.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease with uncontrolled inflammation and demage to the intestinal barrier. Rhein, a bioactive compound in traditional Chinese medicine, has anti-inflammatory and intestinal repair effect. However, their clinical application is limited by their hydrophobicity and poor bioavailability. L-arginine, as a complement to NO, has synergistic and attenuating effects. In this paper, red/NIR-I fluorescent carbon dots based on rhein and doped with L-arginine (RA-CDs), which are synthesized by a hydrothermal process without any organic solvents, are reported. RA-CDs preserve a portion of the functional group of the active precursor, increase rhein solubility, and emit red/NIR-I light for biological imaging. In vitro experiments show that RA-CDs scavenge excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), protect cells from oxidative stress, and enable the fluorescence imaging of inflamed colons. In a DSS-induced UC mouse model, both delayed and prophylactic treatment with RA-CDs via intraperitoneal and tail vein injections alleviate UC severity by reducing intestinal inflammation and restoring the intestinal barrier. This study highlights a novel strategy for treating and imaging UC with poorly soluble small-molecule drugs.

Waterlogging in soil restricts the growth of Gleditsia sinensis seedlings and inhibits the accumulation of lignans and phenolic acids in thorns.

Gleditsia sinensis, commonly known as Chinese Zaojiao, has important economic value and medicinal compounds in its fruits and thorns, making it widely cultivated artificially in China. However, the available literature on the impact of waterlogging on the growth of G. sinensis seedlings and the accumulation of metabolite compounds in its thorns is limited. To address this knowledge gap, G. sinensis seedlings were planted in soil supplemented with pindstrup substrate, which enhances the water-holding capacity of the soil. The analyses of morphological traits and nutrient elements in one-year-old G. sinensis seedlings grown naturally under ambient conditions and metabolite accumulation in its thorns were conducted. The results showed that the waterlogged soil significantly diminished the height, fresh weight, and dry weight of seedling roots and stems (P<0.05). Furthermore, waterlogging hindered the uptake of iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn), as well as the transport of potassium (K). The identified metabolites within the thorns were categorized into 16 distinct groups. Relative to the control soil, fatty acids and derivatives were the most down-regulated metabolites in the waterlogged soil, accounting for 40.58% of the total metabolites, followed by lignans (38.71%), phenolic acids (34.48%), saccharides and alcohols (34.15%), steroids (16.67%), alkaloids (12.24%), flavonoids (9.28%), and glycerophospholipids (7.41%). Conversely, nucleotides and derivatives experienced the greatest up-regulation in the waterlogged soil, accounting for 50.00% of the total metabolites. In conclusion, waterlogging negatively impacted the growth of G. sinensis seedlings and inhibited the accumulation of metabolites. Hence, when considering the accumulation of secondary metabolites such as lignans and phenolic acids, appropriate management of soil moisture levels should be taken into account.