Medicinal Ingredients Research Articles

Regularity of Artemisia argyi Harvest Time and Its Response to Meteorological Factors

Timely harvesting is an important prerequisite for quality standardization in the traditional Chinese medicine industry. To determine the harvest time of Artemisia argyi and clarify the influence of meteorological factors (MFs) on the harvest time, we selected two excellent germplasm resources, namely, “Nanyang 1” (NY) and Luoyang Artemisia argyi (LY), as examples. We examined the changes in yield, quality, and related traits on 11 sampling dates (SDs) after the six true-leaf stage. Additionally, we analyzed the relationship between eight MFs on different SDs and yield, as well as quality indices. The results show that the SDs and MFs have a significant impact on yield and quality. The dynamic changes in growth traits and dry matter accumulation characteristics of NY and LY were basically consistent. From 75 to 90 d, Artemisia argyi was in the middle and late stages of the transition from vegetative growth to reproductive growth, during which the amount of dry matter accumulation stabilized. The leaves are the most representative medicinal part, with the comprehensive values of the LY leaf yield and main medicinal ingredient contents reaching their maximum at 75 d; the comprehensive values of the NY leaf yield and main volatile ingredient contents reached their maximum at 75 d, while the comprehensive value of the flavonoid and phenolic acid contents reached their maximum at 90 d. Therefore, LY is suitable for harvesting at 75 d, while NY can be harvested at either 75 or 90 d, depending on the harvest goals. In addition, the mean daily minimum temperature (MDMNT), effective accumulated temperature above 10 °C (≥10 °C EAT), and mean temperature daily range (MTDR) were found to be key MFs affecting harvest time. The dry matter accumulation of the roots and stems was significantly positively correlated with the MDMNT (p < 0.01). The dry matter accumulation of the leaves was significantly positively correlated with ≥10 °C EAT (p < 0.05). The total volatile oil content was significantly positively correlated with the MTDR (p < 0.05). These show that meteorological factors affect the harvest time in production practice. This study provides scientific support for determining the harvest time and managing the cultivation of Artemisia argyi.

An Overview of <i>Zingiber officinale</i> as an Essence of Life and Therapeutic Applications

Zingiber officinale or Ginger, an annual flower-patterned stem belonging to the Zingiberaceae family, gets utilize as, food, flavouring, as well as medicinal ingredient. Throughout more than two thousand years, ginger has been traditionally utilised for health purposes. It is among of the best-adapted plants with a wide-ranging of physiological functions and is frequently used as a seasoning for a range of beverages and food. Shogoals, Gingerol, Parasols, and other compounds give ginger its therapeutic qualities. Ginger has a high level of antioxidants which protect DNA from damage based on by stress and oxidation. They might promote youthfulness and help the body fight on going illnesses like hypertension coronary artery disease and breathing problems. They may also lower cancerous risk. Its pH ranges from 5.50 to 6.02, which is comparable to that of lettuce, figs, fennel, leeks, and parsnips. The newly harvested ginger should be stored at an average warmth of 19-28 °C and a relative humidity of roughly 70-90%. Numerous studies have demonstrated ginger's protective properties against a range of conditions, including cancer, diabetes mellitus, free radicals, inflammation, and nausea. It is thought that ginger is a safe herbal remedy with little side effects. This plant may be used to create herbal medicines in the near future, but further explore is essential to assess the efficacy and safety of any adverse effects produced by studies that involve human subjects.

Network Pharmacology Studies on the Molecular Mechanism of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Treated with Shutiao Qiji Decoction.

In recent years, the number of patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis has been increasing, and traditional Chinese medicine ingredients and combinations have been applied to treat Hashimoto's thyroiditis to increase efficacy and reduce side effects during the treatment process. Shutiao Qiji Decoction is one of the Chinese traditional medicine prescriptions, which is commonly used to treat cancer, tumor, etc. It is also used for thyroid-related diseases in the clinic. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease. In this study, the mechanism of Shutiao Qiji Decoction in treating Hashimoto's thyroiditis was studied through network pharmacology and molecular docking verification. Each Chinese medicine ingredient of Shutiao Qiji Decoction was retrieved from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database. The related genes of HT were searched from the UniProt and GeneCards databases. Meanwhile, we used Cytoscape to construct the protein-protein interaction (PPI) visual network analysis, and used the search tool to search the database of Interacting Genes (STRING) to build a PPI network. These key proteins were enriched and analyzed by molecular docking validation, Gene Ontology (GO), and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Hashimoto's thyroiditis disease model was established in SD rats, and SQD was administered by gavage after the successful establishment of the model. After 6 weeks of continuous administration of the drug by gavage, tissue samples were collected and the thyroid and spleen tissues were visualized by HE staining to verify the therapeutic effect. The results showed that there were 287 TCM active ingredients, 1920 HT-related disease targets, and 176 drug and disease targets in SQD. Through PPI analysis, GP analysis, and KEGG analysis of the common targets of drugs and diseases, we found their pathways of action to be mainly cancer action pathway, PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, and T-cell action pathway. The active ingredients of the drugs in SQD, malvidin, stigmasterol, porin-5-en-3bta-ol, and chrysanthemum stigmasterol, were docked with the related target proteins, MAPK, GSK3β, TSHR, and NOTCH molecules. The best binding energies obtained from docking were mairin with TSHR, stigmasterol with TSHR, poriferast-5-en-3beta-ol with MAPK, and chryseriol with GSK3β, with binding energies of -6.84 kcal/mol, -6.53 kcal/mol, -5.03 kcal/mol, and -5.05 kcal/mol, respectively. HE staining sections of rat thyroid and spleen tissues showed that SQD had a therapeutic effect on Hashimoto's thyroiditis and restored its immune function. It is verified by molecular docking results that Shutiao Qiji Decoction has a potential therapeutic effect on Hashimoto's thyroiditis in the MAPK/TSHR/NOTCH signal pathway, and that the main components, mairin, stigmasterol, poriferast-5-en-3beta-ol, and chryseriol play a role in it. SQD has been shown to have a good therapeutic effect on Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

SmJAZ1/8 inhibits the stimulation of SmbHLH59, which limits the accumulation of salvianolic acids and tanshinones in Salvia miltiorrhiza

Salvia miltiorrhiza is a model medicinal plant that is typically used to treat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The primary active medicinal ingredients of S. miltiorrhiza are salvianolic acids and tanshinones. Jasmonate (JA) is a vital phytohormone that regulates secondary metabolism. The exogenous application of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) can promote the accumulation of active ingredients in S. miltiorrhiza. Here, we identified a MeJA-responsive SmbHLH59 gene that encodes for a bHLH IIIe family transcription factor. The overexpression of SmbHLH59 in S. miltiorrhiza increased the contents of salvianolic acids and tanshinones, while the opposite effect was observed when SmbHLH59 was knocked out via CRISPR. Meanwhile, SmbHLH59 was observed to activate the expressions of SmPAL1, SmC4H1, SmHPPR1, SmCPS1, and SmKSL1 genes by binding to the E/G-box elements of their promoters. Further investigations demonstrated that SmJAZ1 and SmJAZ8 interacted with SmbHLH59 to inhibit its activation of these five genes. In summary, a JA signaling pathway component (SmbHLH59) was identified that strongly enhanced the accumulation of salvianolic acids and tanshinones through the direct activation of multiple enzyme genes in their biosynthetic pathways. Consequently, this study enriches our knowledge toward further elucidating the molecular mechanisms behind the regulation of JA in the secondary metabolism of S. miltiorrhiza.

Metabolite Profile and Antioxidant Activities of Trikatu, Black Pepper, Javanese Long Pepper, and Red Ginger Essential Oils

BackgroundTrikatu (TR) is an Ayurvedic formulation that consists of three pungent medicinal ingredients: long pepper fruit, black pepper, and ginger rhizome. However, the strong pungency of the TR constituents poses challenges for oral administration. Therefore, the formulation of TR in the form of essential oils for aromatherapy could be considered to overcome this challenge. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to determine the contribution of black pepper (BP), javanese long pepper (JLP), and red ginger (RG) to the GC-MS metabolite profile of trikatu (TR) essential oil and to investigate their in vitro antioxidant activities. MethodsThe essential oils from BP, JLP, and RG were extracted using the stahl hydro-distillation method. Phytochemical profiling was carried out by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed with the help of R packages of factoMiner and factoExtra to examine the metabolite distributions. Antioxidant activities of TR, BP, JLP, and RG essential oils was determined using the DPPH free radical scavenging assay. ResultsThe GC-MS analysis of BP, JLP, RG, and TR essential oils revealed the presence of 11 common compound, including linalool, caryophyllene, and beta-bisabolene. PCA showed different patterns of compound abundance across the samples. For example, linalool was more abundant in TR samples, while gamma-bisabolene was more in JLP samples. The antioxidant activities of TR, BP, JLP, and RG essential oils were significantly different, with RG showing the lowest IC50 value 2.73±0.09 mg/mL, indicating higher antioxidant potential compared to BP and JLP. ConclusionsThis study highlights the unique metabolite profiles in RG, BP, JLP, and TR essential oils, which contribute significantly to their bioactive properties, particularly antioxidant activity. RG essential oil plays a significant role in enhancing the antioxidant potential of TR. These insights support broader applications in aromatherapy, wellness, and healthcare, where TR essential oil can be used for antioxidant support, stress relief, and as a natural supplement. Future research may further optimize these essential oils for targeted therapeutic and preventive applications.

The Potential Therapeutic Use of Agarwood for Diabetes: A Scoping Review.

In 2019, 9.3% (463 million) of adults worldwide had diabetes, according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). By 2030, the number will rise to 10.2% (578 million) and 10.9% (700 million) by 2045 if effective prevention methods are not implemented. Agarwood is a pathological product and valuable plant due to its numerous medicinal properties, and it is used as an essential ingredient in medicine. Therefore, we conducted this review to determine agarwood's potential health benefit effect on type 2 diabetes. Although no clinical trials were found, the evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies is promising. Agarwood has shown the ability to reduce the activity of α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and lipase, promote adiponectin secretion during adipogenesis, and reduce oxidative stress. Animal studies elucidated hypoglycaemic, antidyslipidemia, anti-obesity, and organ protective effects from agarwood. Original articles were searched in three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library) using the medical subject heading (MeSH) term "diabetes" crossed with the term "agarwood" from 2008 to 2024. Synonyms and relevant search terms were also searched. This effect underscores the need for further research and the potential for groundbreaking discoveries in the field of diabetes treatment.

Protocol Refinement for the Development of Coconut Inflorescence Powder

Aims: Coconut inflorescence holds significant potential as a nutraceutical due to its rich composition of bioactive compounds, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Its use in promoting health and preventing diseases has made it a valuable ingredient in both traditional medicine and modern functional foods. The aim of the study is the protocol refinement for the development of coconut inflorescence powder with acceptable moisture content and superior sensory quality. Study Design: Completely randomized design (CRD). Place and Duration of Study: Department of Plantation, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala Agricultural University, between May 2024 and October 2024. Methodology: In the present study, coconut inflorescence was harvested at 5-6 months before inflorescence opening, size reduced (1 cm3 pieces), and precooked by adopting different methods, viz., steaming, boiling, dry roasting, and microwave cooking (non-precooked inflorescence was used as the control). The precooked inflorescence pieces were dried by different drying methods viz., hot-air oven drying at 600C (Control), cabinet drier at 600C, 700C, 800C and solar drying for developing coconut inflorescence powder (CIP). CIP was analyzed for moisture content and sensory quality. Results: CIP prepared by steaming the coconut inflorescence pieces for 30 minutes and drying in cabinet dryer at 600C (C1D1) recorded the least moisture content, 1.83±0.07 per cent. However, CIP prepared by boiling (95-1000C) the inflorescence pieces by submerging for 30 minutes and drying in cabinet dryer at 600C (C2D1) showed the highest mean rank value for all the sensory attributes viz., colour (735.50), consistency (730.63), flavour (730.68), mouthfeel (734.75) and taste (735.23) on a nine-point hedonic scale with a moisture content, 4.20±0.04 per cent. The lowest mean rank value for colour was recorded by C1D1 and C2D0 (211.06). The lowest values for consistency, mouthfeel, flavour and taste were observed for the treatments C4D1 (289.81), C4D1 (290.61), C4D0 (226.05) and C0D0 (216.50), respectively. Hence, C2D1 was identified as the best precooking and drying method for the preparation of coconut inflorescence powder.

Therapeutic effect and mechanism of action of geniposide in rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract. Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease with persistent, symmetric and polyarthritis as the main clinical manifestations, which can improve the risk of cardiovascular disease and lymphoma. Untimely or inadequate treatment will result in a high rate of disability. In the context of the development of Chinese medicine modernisation, in order to explore the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of the diseases, researchers have extracted the active ingredients of Chinese herbal medicine for experiments. Geniposide through modern research found that it has anti-inflammatory analgesic and other effects, and has therapeutic effect on rheumatoid arthritis. But at present for geniposide's action mechanism and the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis are not completely clear. This paper analyses the geniposide anti-inflammatory effect and analgesic effect aspect research, finds that geniposide can have a therapeutic effect on rheumatoid arthritis through anti-inflammatory analgesic effect. At present, the mechanism of action of geniposide against rheumatoid arthritis has not been fully defined, and geniposide has hepatotoxicity and many uncertainties in high concentrations, so it is of great significance to explore its action mechanism and provide theoretical reference for the new drugs development to treat rheumatoid arthritis. The future research can pay more attention to explore the geniposide anti-inflammatory effect on the cell signalling pathway mainly embodied in a specific target, as well as geniposide development as a new drug possible direction.

Screening Inhibitors of α-Amylase in Polygala Radix Based on an Online Targeted Detection System and Molecular Docking.

Targeted screening of inhibitors of key enzymes in the progression of diabetes from natural products is one of the effective methods for the treatment of diabetes. Polygala has been proved to reduce glucose levels; however, the bioactive compounds in Polygalae Radix (PR) that have anti-diabetic properties are unknown. The purpose of this study was to explore the material basis of the anti-diabetic effect of PR by inhibiting α-amylase through an online detection system and molecular docking. An online analysis platform was established and optimized for the screening of potent enzyme inhibitors from complex mixtures based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array-quadrupole-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry-α-amylase-fluorescence detector (UHPLC-PDA-Q-TOF-MSn-α-amylase-FLD) detection system and molecular docking, which could efficiently separate extracts, quickly detect α-amylase inhibitors, and determine their structures. Molecular docking confirms the inhibition of these compounds. The molecular interaction between α-amylase and the active compound was evaluated. Among the 101 compounds identified, 28 compounds had a strong inhibitory effect on α-amylase. Molecular docking screening confirmed the inhibition of these compounds and evaluated the molecular interactions between α-amylase and 30 active compounds, which strongly supported the experimental results. Among the evaluated compounds, onjisaponin R (83) and polygalaxanthone III (11) have the strongest inhibitory activity to α-amylase (the binding energies were -9.639 and -8.972 kcal/mol, respectively) and are potential lead compounds against diabetes. This study proved the feasibility of using the existing platform to screen the active ingredients in PR extract, and provided a practical method for the rapid screening of potential anti-diabetic active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine.

Physicochemical Properties and Biological Activities of Polysaccharides from Panax Notoginseng Separated by Fractional Precipitation.

The dried root of Panax notoginseng is a medicinal and food ingredient. P. notoginseng polysaccharides (PNPs) have physicochemical properties, which have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to identify a method to separate the PNP fractions and investigate their activities. PNPs were prepared from roots by hot water extraction, deproteinization, and decolorization. PNP20, PNP40, and PNP60 fractions were isolated through stepwise ethanol precipitation at 20 %, 40 %, and 60 % concentrations, respectively. The three polysaccharide fractions were characterized using chromatography, spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis, and their moisture retention, antioxidant, and tyrosinase-inhibition properties were evaluated. Monosaccharide composition analysis showed that the three PNPs contained mannose (Man), galacturonic acid (GalA), glucose (Glc), galactose (Gal), and arabinose (Ara) in different molar ratios. HPGPC analysis demonstrated that the polysaccharides precipitated with higher ethanol concentrations had lower molecular weights (Mw). Furthermore, all PNPs had distinct moisturizing and hygroscopic properties and antioxidant activities, with PNP60 showing better antioxidant properties and a competitive mixture of hygroscopic properties and tyrosinase inhibition. The chemical composition and structural characteristics of PNPs could affect their functional attributes. PNP60 has the potential to be a moisturizer and antioxidant and could be used in the development of cosmetic ingredients.

PAMK Ameliorates Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis and Associated Anxiety/Depression-like Behaviors Through Restoring Gut Microbiota and Metabolites in Mice.

Long-term Western diet-induced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) can lead to liver cirrhosis and NASH-associated hepatocellular carcinoma, which are end-stage liver diseases. Meanwhile, NASH is associated with mental burden and worsens as the disease progresses. Atractylodes Macrocephala Koidz (AMK) is one of the main ingredients of Shenling Baizhu San, and the effect of Polysaccharide from AMK ameliorates (PAMK), as an important medicinal ingredient of AMK, on NASH and associated anxiety/depression-like behaviors is still unclear. This study investigated the protective effect of PAMK on NASH and associated anxiety/depression-like behaviors through a Western diet-induced NASH mice model. showed that PAMK decreased the concentrations of liver TC, TG, and serum AST and ALT, improving glucose tolerance, and reducing liver steatosis and fibrosis. Moreover, the expression of liver IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-18 and MCP-1 could be reduced by PAMK significantly. Additionally, PAMK decreased anxiety/depression-like behaviors and expression of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and MCP-1 in the hippocampus. 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that PAMK diminished the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and abundance of Faecalibaculum_rodentium, and increased the abundance of Muribaculaceae. This might be related to gene abundance of Pentose, the glucuronate interconversions pathway and carbohydrate enzymes (GH1, GH4). Serum metabolomics suggested that PC (18:5e/2:0), PC (16:2e/2:0), Lysopc 20:4, PC (16:0/2:0), and LPC 19:0 upregulated significantly after PAMK intervention, together with the enrichment of carbon metabolism and Citrate cycle pathways specially. PAMK as a potential prebiotic ameliorated NASH and associated anxiety/depression-like behaviors in mice, probably by regulating Faecalibaculum_rodentium, carbohydrate enzymes and lipid metabolites.

Priming immunity via herbal components and their nanomedicines for the treatment of cancer

Recently, immunotherapy has redefined cancer treatment by promoting the rapid killing of tumor cells through the immune system. Herbal medicines have been increasingly used as adjunct therapies to complement cancer treatment along with chemotherapy and radiotherapy to delay tumor development, reduce pain, and prolong patient survival. However, the potential immunotherapeutic effects of these herbal derivatives are limited by their structural instability, poor membrane permeability, and low bioavailability. To address this issue, nanotechnology has been used to enhance the activity of active compounds. Therefore, this review focuses on the effectiveness of the active ingredients of herbal medicines in suppressing tumor progression by modulating both the innate and adaptive immune systems, challenges in their delivery, and the application of nanocarriers for the effective delivery of these herbal components.

A Novel Delivery System for the Combined Use of Natural Ingredients: The Preparation of Berberine Hydrochloride-Matrine Liposomes and Preliminary Exploration of Their Anti-Tumor Activity.

Berberine hydrochloride (BH) extracted from Coptis chinensis (CC) and Matrine (MT) separated from Sophora flavescens (SF) are alkaloids with potent anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor effects. Motivated by the clinical practice of using CC and SF together, we aimed to demonstrate that the synergistic application of the natural compounds BH and MT could enhance therapeutic effects and minimize side effects. Two types of liposomes, liposomes containing only BH (BH-LP) and liposomes containing both BH and MT (BH-MT-LP), were successfully prepared via the reverse evaporation method. The liposome preparation process was optimized by single-factor screening and the Box-Behnken experimental design method. The results showed that the liposomes had particle sizes in the range of 222.7 to 235.4 nm, polydispersity indicated in the range of 11.8% to 23.3%, and zeta potentials in the range of -35.9 to -31.1 mv. BH-MT-LP showed superior anti-tumor activity against MDA-MB-231, HepG-2, and HGC-27 cells in vitro. The incorporation of MT effectively promoted the anti-tumor effect of BH, while the controlled release from liposomes further enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of BH. Furthermore, based on the flow cytometry results, we speculated that BH-MT-LP might promote apoptosis by blocking the G1 phase of cells and inducing cell death. In conclusion, BH-MT-LP provides evidence for the combined use of natural compounds as a stable, safe, and practical drug delivery system for the treatment of potential cancers. Meanwhile, the successful preparation for BH-MT-LP also provides a new approach to the combined use of traditional Chinese medicine ingredients.

Melamine-Derived Mesoporous Carbon for Efficient and Selective Removal of Trace Hg(II) from Honeysuckle Decoction.

Melamine-derived mesoporous carbon, which was obtained from pyrolysis of modified melamine, was employed for the purpose of eliminating trace amounts of Hg(II) from honeysuckle decoction. The specific surface area of the mesoporous carbons with N-functional (MCN1) was 648.372 m2·g-1. The chemical composition and morphology of MCN1 were thoroughly examined, and a comprehensive analysis led to the identification of its formation mechanism. A noteworthy association has been identified between the adsorption efficacy and the chemical composition of MCN1. In the elimination of trace mercury in aqueous solutions over a broad pH range (pH 2-9), MCN1 demonstrates high effectiveness, approaching 100%. Adsorption kinetics and isotherm results indicate that a more accurate representation of Hg(II) adsorption on MCN1 is provided by pseudo-second-order kinetics and Freundlich models, with chemical adsorption being the dominant mechanism. This study further examined the removal of chlorogenic acid, a bioactive component, by MCN1. The findings imply that MCN1 has a noteworthy 80% efficacy in removing mercury from honeysuckle decoction while maintaining the purity of its medicinal ingredients, particularly chlorogenic acid. As a result, utilizing MCN1 for the adsorption of Hg(II) in honeysuckle decoction appears to be a reasonable approach.

Fructus Arctii Mitigates Depressive Disorder via the Let-7e-Modulated Toll-Like Receptor (TLR) Signaling Pathway.

Depressive disorder is a common and serious public health challenge globally. Fructus arctii is a traditional medicinal plant ingredient with diverse pharmacological effects. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of Fructus arctii in alleviating depressive-like behaviors. We established a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression mouse model to assess the antidepressant effects of Fructus arctii. BV2 cells treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were used to mimic neuronal damage. Behavioral tests, including the sucrose preference test, tail-suspension test, and forced swim test, were conducted to evaluate the impact of Fructus arctii on depressive-like behaviors. Let-7e expression was detected by RT-qPCR, and TLR4 signaling pathway activation was evaluated by western blot analysis, which also assessed the inflammatory response by measuring levels of IL-6, IL-1β, MCP-1, TNF-α, and iNOS. Immunohistological analysis was conducted to detect the expression of microglia markers. Luciferase reporter assays verified the interaction between let-7e and TLR4. Fructus arctii administration effectively alleviated depressive-like behaviors induced by CUMS in mice, as evidenced by improved sucrose preference and reduced immobility time in behavioral tests. Mechanistically, Fructus arctii reversed the CUMS-induced downregulation of let-7e and upregulation of TLR4 and MyD88 protein levels in mice hippocampus tissues. In addition, Fructus arctii suppressed microglial activation and reduced the levels of inflammatory factors by upregulating let-7e. Let-7e was verified to bind to TLR4, thereby negatively regulating its expression. TLR4 overexpression reversed the suppressive effect of let-7e upregulation on inflammatory reactions and microglial activation. Furthermore, intracerebroventricular injection of let-7e agomiR alleviated depressive-like behavior and inhibited microglial activation in vivo. In summary, Fructus arctii mitigates depression by regulating the let-7e/TLR4/MyD88 pathway, offering new insights into potential depression therapies.

Formulation of Cushion Preparations from Duck Egg Shells and SPF Value Testing Using the UV-Vis Spectrophotometry Method

The effectiveness of a sunscreen can be indicated by the value of Sun Protection Factor (SPF), which is defined as the amount of UV energy needed. Cream is a semi-solid dosage from containing one or more medicinal ingredients dissolved or dispersed in a suitable base material. One of the compounds contained in eggshells is CaCO3. Calcium carbonate is necessary for cell regeneration and as a barrier to ultaviolet (UV) rays. This study aims to determine the potential SPF in duck eggshell, the SPF value contained in the cushion and the physical properties of the cushion preparation. Here, three variations of duck egg shell flour concentrations (4%, 8% and 16%) were made, tested in vitro using UV-Vis spectrophotometry from a wavelength of 290-320 nm every 5 nm and the absorbance was measured and the properties were tested. and physical stability (organoleptic, pH, spreadability, stickiness, viscosity, centrifugation, and Freeze-Thaw Cycling for 6 days (3 cycles) at temperatures of 40°C and 4°C). Our research results show that the duck egg shell formulation cannot be used as an SPF product. Formula 1 has an SPF value of 2.6, formula 2 has an SPF value of 3.3 and formula 3 has an SPF value of 3. The test results for the properties and stability of formula 2 with a concentration of 8% duck egg shell flour show the most stable results compared to the other 2 formulas

Biomaterial-mediated delivery of traditional Chinese medicine ingredients for spinal cord injury: a systematic review.

Biomaterials loaded with ingredients derived from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are viewed as a promising strategy for treating spinal cord injury (SCI). However, a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature on this topic has not yet been conducted. Therefore, this paper systematically reviews researches related to this approach, aiming to identify gaps and shortcomings in the field. PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Chinese Biomedical Literature, Wanfang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were searched for retrieving studies on biomaterials loaded with TCM ingredients published from their inception to October 2024. Two reviewers performed screening of search results, information extraction, and literature quality assessment independently. For this systematic review, 41 publications were included. Six TCM ingredients-paclitaxel, curcumin, tetramethylpyrazine, resveratrol, berberine, and tanshinone IIA were combined with biomaterials for treatment of SCI. Biomaterials were categorized into hydrogels, biodegradable scaffolds, nanoparticles, and microspheres according to the type of scaffold. These drug delivery systems exhibit commendable biocompatibility, drug-loading capacity, and drug-release capabilities, and in combination with TCM ingredients, synergistically contribute to anti-oxidative stress, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-apoptotic effects. These studies demonstrated the efficacy of biomaterials loaded with TCM ingredients in facilitating motor function recovery and neuroprotection in SCI rats, providing evidence for future research. However, in the complex microenvironment of SCI, achieving the maximum drug loading capacity of TCM ingredients within biomaterials, along with sustained and controlled release to fully exert their pharmacological effects, remains a major challenge for future research. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/ identifier CRD42024505000.

Effect of soil and community factors on the yield and medicinal quality of Artemisia argyi growth at different altitudes of the Funiu mountain.

Altitude and ecological factors significantly influence plant growth and the accumulation of secondary metabolites. However, current research on the impact of altitude and ecological factors on the yield and medicinal quality of Artemisia argyi (A. argyi) is limited. This study established sampling sites in wild populations of A. argyi across seven altitude ranges on Funiu Mountain. We quantified the yield, output rate of moxa, and key medicinal ingredients. Additionally, we analyzed the response of yield and medicinal quality of wild A. argyi populations to various ecological factors at different altitudes. The results showed that wild populations of A. argyi exhibited higher yields and medicinal quality at altitudes below 500 m. Yield was positively correlated with higher soil total nitrogen (TN) content and lower soil total phosphorus (TP) content, while the improvements in medicinal quality were positively associated with higher population density and lower contents of both soil TN and TP. The variation in soil C/N, C/P, and N/P ratios across different altitudes was substantial, affecting soil mineralization and subsequently influencing the absorption of mineral elements by A. argyi. Notably, the phosphorus content in leaves and stems was negatively correlated with yield and medicinal quality, respectively. In contrast, the accumulation of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in leaves was positively correlated with yield. The differences in the primary medicinal ingredients between the leaves and stems of A. argyi were maximum at altitudes below 500 m. The contents of neochlorogenic acid and cryptochlorogenic acid in both leaves and stems showed a significant positive correlation. In the principal component analysis, the primary medicinal ingredients from the leaves contributed more significantly to the overall quality than those from stems. These results suggest that A. argyi is best suited for cultivation at altitudes below 500 m. Population density and the soil's TN and TP contents play a crucial role in determining the yield and medicinal quality of A. argyi. Futhermore, the medicinal quality of A. argyi is more indicative of the main medicinal ingredients found in the leaves, while the stems also serve as a key organ for accumulating flavonoids and phenolic acids.

Terahertz spectroscopy study of oridonin and ponicidin in the anticancer Chinese herbal medicine Rabdosia rubescens.

Rabdosia rubescens, a Chinese herbal medicine with anticancer properties, contains two active ingredients: oridonin and ponicidin. Both compounds exhibit antitumor effects by inducing tumor cell apoptosis and autophagy and inhibiting tumor cell proliferation. To further explore the differences in molecular structure and pharmacological properties between the two substances, this study employs Terahertz Time-Domain Spectroscopy (THz-TDS) to investigate the spectral characteristics of oridonin and ponicidin in the frequency range of 0.1 to 2.3 THz. The crystal structures of the two substances are simulated using Materials Studio software and Density Functional Theory (DFT), yielding their spectra and molecular vibration modes, which elucidate the mechanism underlying the peak generation. The consistency between experimental and simulation results confirms the reliability of the experimental findings. Thus, THz spectroscopy can effectively distinguish between these two substances. Finally, a THz detection is performed on Rabdosia rubescens capsules purchased from the market, revealing the presence of absorption peaks for both substances in their absorption spectra. This provides a new approach for detecting active ingredients in Chinese herbal medicines.

Comparison of Nutritional and Medicinal Ingredients Between Ganoderma leucocontextum and G. lucidum

The genus Ganoderma is a widely used medicinal fungus in East Asia. The main medicinal components are triterpenoids, polyphenols, and polysaccharides. Bitterness is an important commercial trait for Ganoderma. White Lingzhi (G. leucocontextum) is less bitter. But the characteristics of its nutritional and medicinal ingredients are still unclear, which undoubtedly limits its commercialization. In this study, the medicinal ingredients of Lingzhi and white Lingzhi were extracted and quantified. The structure and antioxidant activities of purified polysaccharides were determined. At the same time, their nutritional differences were compared. White Lingzhi contains more medicinal ingredients and its polysaccharide is more active. The higher protein content may be one of the reasons for weaker bitterness in white Lingzhi. The nutritional and medicinal traits of white Lingzhi were described for the first time in this study, which provides fundamental knowledge to support the development of white Lingzhi.