Medicinal Ingredients Research Articles

Wave type fiber SPR sensor for rapid and highly sensitive detection of hyperoside.

The fiber surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor used for the detection of active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine has the problems of low sensitivity and difficult specific recognition. This paper proposed a wave type fiber SPR sensor, which reduced the mode of transmitted light through a periodic wave structure and caused concentrated and total reflection of the transmitted beam at the interface between the bent peak cladding and the air. A 50 nm gold film was coated on the surface of the cladding in the wave structure area to form the SPR sensing area. By controlling the width and height of the wave structure to control the total reflection angle of the transmitted light, i.e., the SPR incidence angle, the sensitivity of the fiber SPR sensor was effectively improved to 4972 nm/RIU. Furthermore, HSP90AA protein was modified on the gold film of the sensor to achieve specific detection of hyperoside. The longest single detection time was only 3 minutes, and the detection sensitivity was 0.53 nm/(µg/ml), with a detection limit as low as 0.68µg/ml, which is comparable to liquid chromatography. The proposed wave type fiber SPR sensor is fast in production and has high structural mechanical strength, providing a new approach for the rapid, highly sensitive, and specific detection of active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine.

Preparation and chromatographic evaluation of 9-oxa-10-phosphophenanthrene 10-oxide bonded phenyl stationary phase and investigation of its retention mechanism through nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

BackgroundIn reversed-phase liquid chromatography, the C18 alkyl bonded phase, as the primary stationary phase, is widely used in pharmaceutical and food analysis. The phenyl bonded phase often serves as a complementary choice to the C18 phase to enhance the separation performance of specific categories of compounds. However, both C18 and the currently available phenyl bonded phase chromatography columns show room for further optimization in improving the separation efficiency of specific compound classes, such as dihydroflavonoids. Additionally, the potential role and impact of introducing phosphorus groups into chromatographic stationary phases have not been fully explored, indicating a promising direction for research. ResultsIn the present work, we prepared a novel phenyl stationary phase by bonding 9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene 10-oxide onto silica gel. The obtained material was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. The results show that 9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene 10-oxide was successfully bonded on the silica surface with a load of 3.90 %. Further chromatographic characterization in high-performance liquid chromatography exhibited high column efficiency (40,792 plates m-1 for the determination of biphenyl) and good stability (RSD of 0.28 %∼5.38 %). Moreover, we made a detailed study of the column separation mechanism by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy titration experiment. Comparing to commercial phenyl column, the proposed stationary phase showed shorter retention time and higher throughput. In addition, the stationary phase has a strong ability to separate multiple types of compounds, which provides a new strategy for the separation of complex samples, such as active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine. SignificanceWe have developed a novel phenyl column and conducted a comprehensive examination of its chromatographic performance, demonstrating excellent separation capabilities and high efficiency for both nonpolar and moderately polar aromatic compounds. Additionally, we explored the impact of phosphorus-containing groups on the separation performance of chromatographic stationary phases.

Phytochemical Analysis of Curry Leaf Extract (Murraya koenigii L.) as a Potential Animal Feed and Medicinal Ingredient

Phytochemical Analysis of Curry Leaf Extract (Murraya koenigii L.) as a Potential Animal Feed and Medicinal Ingredient

Multi-omics explores the potential regulatory role of acetylation modification in flavonoid biosynthesis of Ginkgo biloba.

Flavonoids are crucial medicinal active ingredients in Ginkgo biloba. However, the effect of protein post-translational modifications (PTMs) on flavonoid biosynthesis remains poorly explored. Lysine acetylation, a reversible PTM, plays a crucial role in metabolic regulation. This study aims to investigate the potential role of acetylation in G. biloba flavonoid biosynthesis. Through comprehensive analysis of transcriptomes, metabolomes, proteomes, and acetylated proteins in different tissues, a total of 11,788 lysine acetylation sites were identified on 4324 acetylated proteins, including 89 acetylation sites on 23 proteins. Additionally, 128 types of differentially accumulated flavonoids were identified among tissues, and a dataset of differentially expressed genes related to the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway was constructed. Twelve (CHI, C3H1, ANR, DFR, CCoAOMT1, F3H1, F3H2, CCoAOMT2, C3H2, HCT, F3'5'H, and FG2) acetylated proteins that might be involved in flavonoid biosynthesis were identified. Specifically, we found that the modification levels of CCoAOMT1 and F3'5'H sites correlated with the catalytic production of homoeriodictyol and dihydromyricetin, respectively. Inhibitors of lysine deacetylase (trichostatin A, TSA) impacted total flavonoid content in different tissues and increased flavonoid levels in G. biloba roots. Treatment with TSA revealed that expression levels of GbF3'5'H and GbCCoAOMT1 in stems and leaves aligned with total flavonoid content variations, while in roots, expression levels of GbC3H2 and GbFG2 corresponded to total flavonoid content changes. Collectively, these findings reveal for the first time the important role of acetylation in flavonoid biosynthesis.

A Frontier Review of Nutraceutical Chinese Yam.

Yams are the edible subterranean rhizomes, or tubers, of plants from the genus Dioscorea. There are approximately 600 species of yam plants in the world, with more than 90 of these growing in East Asia. One particular species, Dioscorea opposita Thunb., is highly praised as "the Chinese yam". This distinction arises from millennia of storied history, both as a nutritional food source and as a principal ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine. Among the many cultivars of Dioscorea opposita Thunb., Huai Shanyao has been widely regarded as the best. This review surveyed the historical background, physiochemical composition, applications as food and medicine, and research prospects for the Chinese yam. Modern science is finally beginning to confirm the remarkable health benefits of this yam plant, long-known to the Chinese people. Chinese yam promises anti-diabetic, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-hypertensive, anti-cancer, and combination treatment applications, both as a functional food and as medicine.

Integrated phenotypic, transcriptomics and metabolomics: growth status and metabolite accumulation pattern of medicinal materials at different harvest periods of Astragalus Membranaceus Mongholicus

BackgroundAstragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus (Astragalus), acknowledged as a pivotal “One Root of Medicine and Food”, boasts dual applications in both culinary and medicinal domains. The growth and metabolite accumulation of medicinal roots during the harvest period is intricately regulated by a transcriptional regulatory network. One key challenge is to accurately pinpoint the harvest date during the transition from conventional yield content of medicinal materials to high and to identify the core regulators governing such a critical transition. To solve this problem, we performed a correlation analysis of phenotypic, transcriptome, and metabolome dynamics during the harvesting of Astragalus roots.ResultsFirst, our analysis identified stage-specific expression patterns for a significant proportion of the Astragalus root genes and unraveled the chronology of events that happen at the early and later stages of root harvest. Then, the results showed that different root developmental stages can be depicted by co-expressed genes of Astragalus. Moreover, we identified the key components and transcriptional regulation processes that determine root development during harvest. Furthermore, through correlating phenotypes, transcriptomes, and metabolomes at different harvesting periods, period D (Nov.6) was identified as the critical period of yield and flavonoid content increase, which is consistent with morphological and metabolic changes. In particular, we identified a flavonoid biosynthesis metabolite, isoliquiritigenin, as a core regulator of the synthesis of associated secondary metabolites in Astragalus. Further analyses and experiments showed that HMGCR, 4CL, CHS, and SQLE, along with its associated differentially expressed genes, induced conversion of metabolism processes, including the biosynthesis of isoflavones and triterpenoid saponins substances, thus leading to the transition to higher medicinal materials yield and active ingredient content.ConclusionsThe findings of this work will clarify the differences in the biosynthetic mechanism of astragaloside IV and calycosin 7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside accumulation between the four harvesting periods, which will guide the harvesting and production of Astragalus.

Panax notoginseng Saponins Activate Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 to Inhibit Ferroptosis and Attenuate Inflammatory Injury in Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion.

Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS), the primary medicinal ingredient of Panax notoginseng, mitigates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) by inhibiting inflammation, regulating oxidative stress, promoting angiogenesis, and improving microcirculation. Moreover, PNS activates nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which is known to inhibit ferroptosis and reduce inflammation in the rat brain. However, the molecular regulatory roles of PNS in CIRI-induced ferroptosis remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of PNS on ferroptosis and inflammation in CIRI. We induced ferroptosis in SH-SY5Y cells via erastin stimulation and oxygen glucose deprivation/re-oxygenation (OGD/R) in vitro. Furthermore, we determined the effect of PNS treatment in a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion and assessed the underlying mechanism. We also analyzed the changes in the expression of ferroptosis-related proteins and inflammatory factors in the established rat model. OGD/R led to an increase in the levels of ferroptosis markers in SH-SY5Y cells, which were reduced by PNS treatment. In the rat model, combined treatment with an Nrf2 agonist, Nrf2 inhibitor, and PNS-Nrf2 inhibitor confirmed that PNS promotes Nrf2 nuclear localization and reduces ferroptosis and inflammatory responses, thereby mitigating brain injury. Mechanistically, PNS treatment facilitated Nrf2 activation, thereby regulating the expression of iron overload and lipid peroxidation-related proteins and the activities of anti-oxidant enzymes. This cascade inhibited ferroptosis and mitigated CIRI. Altogether, these results suggest that the ferroptosis-mediated activation of Nrf2 by PNS reduces inflammation and is a promising therapeutic approach for CIRI.

Identifikasi Keanekaragaman Makroalga Yang Tersebar di Perairan Pulau Jawa

Algae, also known as Sea weeds, has the scientific name algae or grass. Seaweed is a type of algae that contains chlorophyll. To date, there are about 9,600 species of macroalgae recorded worldwide. Regarding the purpose of recording this article is to identify the diversity of macroalgae spread in the waters of Java Island. The research used the literature review method by analyzing several macroalgae articles located on the island of Java with a span of 2018 to 2023. Steps in identifying 20 articles: 1) conduct a literature search for articles and journals on macroalgae diversity in the waters of Java island, 2) identify macroalgae diversity contained in the results of 20 literature articles. Based on the results of the review that has been carried out, it can be summarized that are very many species of macroalgae, especially algae or seaweed spread on the island of Java. There are several algae that are used as medicinal ingredients and functional foods.

Ethnobotany of spice plants in Namo Rambe village, North Sumatra, Indonesia

Ethnobotany is a science that studies the relationships between humans, both tribes and social groups, and their interactions with plants. Spices are defined as spices derived from plants or herbs, both fresh and dried, which are aromatic and can be used as seasonings, flavor enhancers, fragrances and food preservatives. This research was conducted in Namo Rambe Village, Pancur Batu District, Deli Serdang, North Sumatra. Sampling was carried out using observation and interview methods and then analyzed descriptively by paying attention to the UVS (Use Value Species), FUV (Family use-value) and FL % (Fidelity level) values. Based on the results of interviews with 40 respondents, 25 types of spices consisting of 13 families were obtained. The highest UVS value for Z. officinale is 0.375, meaning Z. officinale has a significant role in people’s lives and is often used in various aspects of daily life. The lowest UVS index is 0.025%. found in 6 plant species, meaning these plant types are not often used in everyday life. The highest FUV index is 0.18 for spices from the Poaceae family, which means that plant types from the Poaceae family are often used by people in everyday life and the lowest is 0.03 for the Solanaceae family, which means that plant types from the Solanaceae family are not often used by people in their daily life. everyday life. The highest FL index (%) in spice plants is 32.5% in Z. officinale plants, meaning that this type of plant is most widely used by people for food, drinks, medicines and the lowest FL index (%) in T. indica plants, A. schoenoprasum, C. frutencens, A. cardamomum, K. galangal, P. ningrum, M. fragrans amounted to 2.5%, which means that people do not use many of these types of plants as medicinal ingredients.

Synthesis and computational study of metal complex of α-mangostin as an anticancer candidate

Context: The number of breast cancer patients from year to year is increasing, accompanied by an increase in global mortality; the position in Indonesia has reached 60-70% with end-stage conditions. ERα antiproliferative activity exists in α-mangostin compounds, but this compound still has several physicochemical problems, including its solubility. Therefore, efforts are needed to increase the activity of α-mangostin and its affinity as an alpha estrogen receptor antagonist through a structure-based design method. Aims: To obtain new compounds derived from α-mangostin in the form of a metal complex with cobalt (AM-Co), platinum (AM-Pt), and iron (AM-Fe) as medicinal ingredients that can be used as breast cancer therapeutic agents. Methods: The research methods include in silico studies (pharmacokinetic and toxicity prediction, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics), semi-synthesis to form a complex compound, and testing cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 and T-47D human breast cancer cells. Results: From the in vitro test results, it can be seen that the AM-Pt compound showed the best anticancer activity on MCF-7 cells compared to others from IC50 and SI values; this was supported by the results of in silico studies either through molecular docking or molecular dynamics, where this compound was more effective. Conclusions: Furthermore, it can be used as an anticancer candidate; particularly, its activity is predicted to be more potent as an ER antagonist than -mangostin and cisplatin.

Application and Development of Targeted Fishing Technology in Natural Product Screening - A Simple Minireview

Background: The screening of active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine is an important task in the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine, and the commonly used analytical means in the past were mainly to screen the extracts of traditional Chinese medicine through pharmacological experiments, but the method has major defects. The target fishing strategy provides a new idea for the screening of active ingredients, and it has rapidly become a hot research direction, but there are many methods that need to be summarized and aggregated. Objective: It aims to provide readers with an understanding of the achievements, developments, and dilemmas of target fishing techniques over the past few years and to provide new ideas for subsequent research. Methods: Research articles in recent years using target fishing as an entry point are used as a basis to summarize the types of literature based on their principles and characteristics and to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each method. Conclusion: This paper summarizes the classification and development of fishing techniques such as ultrafiltration, equilibrium dialysis, cell membrane chromatography, and immobilization of target molecules and target fishing and describes the principles and characteristics of these methods. The applications of these methods in the active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine are summarized, and the problems and solutions of these methods are discussed.

Medical Applications and Distribution of Borneol during the Joseon Period.

Borneol(yongnoe) was a fragrance and medicinal ingredient with unique efficacy. However, it could be produced only in tropical Southeast Asia and obtained only through international trade. In addition, camphor(jangnoe) with similar material properties was developed and distributed as an inexpensive replacement for borneol, although the processing method is different from that of borneol. Even in Joseon Korea, borneol and camphor were recognized as separate medicines, and efforts were made to obtain a high-quality borneol. Borneol and camphor have a unique effect of relieving inflammation, pain and heavy feeling, so it could be widely applied to symptoms in various diseases. During the Joseon period, borneol was a rare item that could only be obtained through foreign trade, and it was also used for perfumes and insect repellents, but most widely used as medicine. There are many records of actually prescribing borneol to the royal family, and many medicines containing borneol and its effective symptoms were also recorded in the medical books. Borneol was able to spread widely in Joseon society thanks to the practice of distributing 'nabyak' to court officials every year in the twelfth month of the lunar calendar. Since nabyak was used as a household medicine that was stored and used when necessary, pills containing borneol that could be applied to various symptoms were suitable for this purpose. Despite considerable medical demand, borneol was one of the important 'dangyakjae', the Chinese medicines imported to Joseon. During the Joseon period, borneol was imported through China and Japan, but genuine borneol was difficult to obtain, so it was often presented to Joseon as gifts of envoy trade. It is thought that camphor was also imported, but it is not well mentioned in official records or medical books reflecting national demand. Perhaps this is thought to be because the government prioritized securing better quality borneol rather than campher. In the early 17th century, due to the instability of the envoy's route to the Ming Dynasty, Joseon had to import borneol only through the sea. As a result, there were problems with the supply and quality of borneol, and national interest in Japanese borneol temporarily increased. However, as the relationship with the Qing Dynasty stabilized, a system was established to import national borneol demand through the annual envoy trade. Naeuiwon, the medical center for the royal family is in charge of securing and prescribing Chinese medicines, but the cost was covered by the silver paid by Hojo, the ministry of finance of Joseon Dynasty. Since the amount of Chinese medicines used in the preparation of nabyak was not small, the financial burden of importing enough medicines including borneol increased. The purveyors for government played a role in supplying Chinese medicines to the government. Their appearance shows that private merchants were actively involved in the trade of Chinese medicines including borneol. The formation of the medicinal market by private merchants' activities greatly contributed to the widespread expansion of the applications and distribution of borneol.

The effect of the type and composition of husk charcoal on the growth of shallots

Shallots are a horticultural plant that is needed in large quantities as a vegetable, spice, and as an ingredient in traditional medicine. The high need and demand makes shallots economically valuable and efforts continue to be made to increase production output in the hope of being able to stabilize demand and affordable prices. This research aims to see the effect of the composition of adding husk charcoal on the growth of shallots. The method used in this research was an experimental method using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with direct experiments in a greenhouse. The composition of the husk charcoal used is reflected in the 4 treatments, namely T1 = 0% grilled husk charcoal biocompost + 100% soil (control), T2 = 25% grilled husk charcoal biocompost + 75% soil, T3 = 50% grilled husk charcoal biocompost + 50% soil, and T4 = 75% burnt husk charcoal biocompost + 25% soil. From these four treatments, growth was assessed, namely plant height, number of leaves, number of tillers, and plant weight (wet stem and dry stem). The research results were tested using mathematics using SPSS to see differences between treatments. The results of the research showed that the growth of shallots with the addition of different compositions achieved significant growth in the number of tillers and weight in wet and dry stems, while growth in height and number of leaves were not significantly different. So it can be concluded that with the composition of adding husk charcoal the highest number of tillers were in T3 and T4 while the highest weights were found in T1 and T2.

Education on the use of natural ingredients as medicine and making hand sanitizer

Background: Plant biodiversity in Indonesia is known to be very high and the largest in the world because it is located in the Malesia region. As many as 300 plant species are used for traditional medicine. This community service aims to provide education on the use of plants as medicine and natural ingredients as hand sanitizers and socialize the importance of washing hands for the community. Method: This service was carried out in collaboration with resource persons, KKN students, and the community. The method includes three stages: delivery of material, demonstration by showing videos, discussion, and evaluation. Results: Make hand sanitizer with a concentration of betel leaves above 15%, the same as ethanol, as an alternative that can be used for self-use. This educational activity also showed participant satisfaction regarding the activity material, which was new at 96%. Satisfaction with the material was explained at 47.4% (very satisfied), 45.4% (satisfied), and 1.09% (quite happy). The service's time efficiency was 98.15%, indicating a balance between material and tasks). Conclusion: Education on using medicinal plants and hand sanitizers provides participants with knowledge about using Moringa plants as medicine, making hand sanitizer from betel leaves, and implementing excellent and correct hand washing with soap.

Function and Mechanism of Abscisic Acid on Microglia-Induced Neuroinflammation in Parkinson's Disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD), as a neurologically implemented disease with complex etiological factors, has a complex and variable pathogenesis. Accompanying further research, neuroinflammation has been found to be one of the possible factors in its pathogenesis. Microglia, as intrinsic immune cells in the brain, play an important role in maintaining microenvironmental homeostasis in the brain. However, over-activation of neurotoxic microglia in PD promotes neuroinflammation, which further increases dopaminergic (DA) neuronal damage and exacerbates the disease process. Therefore, targeting and regulating the functional state of microglia is expected to be a potential avenue for PD treatment. In addition, plant extracts have shown great potential in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders due to their abundant resources, mild effects, and the presence of multiple active ingredients. However, it is worth noting that some natural products have certain toxic side effects, so it is necessary to pay attention to distinguish medicinal ingredients and usage and dosage when using to avoid aggravating the progression of diseases. In this review, the roles of microglia with different functional states in PD and the related pathways inducing microglia to transform into neuroprotective states are described. At the same time, it is discussed that abscisic acid (ABA) may regulate the polarization of microglia by targeting them, promote their transformation into neuroprotective state, reduce the neuroinflammatory response in PD, and provide a new idea for the treatment of PD and the selection of drugs.

Degradation-Based Protein Profiling: A Case Study of Celastrol.

Natural products, while valuable for drug discovery, encounter limitations like uncertainty in targets and toxicity. As an important active ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine, celastrol exhibits a wide range of biological activities, yet its mechanism remains unclear. In this study, they introduced an innovative "Degradation-based protein profiling (DBPP)" strategy, which combined PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTAC) technology with quantitative proteomics and Immunoprecipitation-Mass Spectrometry (IP-MS) techniques, to identify multiple targets of natural products using a toolbox of degraders. Taking celastrol as an example, they successfully identified its known targets, including inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B kinase subunit beta (IKKβ), phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PI3Kα), and cellular inhibitor of PP2A (CIP2A), as well as potential new targets such as checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1), O-GlcNAcase (OGA), and DNA excision repair protein ERCC-6-like (ERCC6L). Furthermore, the first glycosidase degrader is developed in this work. Finally, by employing a mixed PROTAC toolbox in quantitative proteomics, they also achieved multi-target identification of celastrol, significantly reducing costs while improving efficiency. Taken together, they believe that the DBPP strategy can complement existing target identification strategies, thereby facilitating the rapid advancement of the pharmaceutical field.

GC‒MS Analysis of Bioactive Compounds in Lime Leaf Ethanol Extract (Citrus amblycarpa (Hassk.) Ochse), and Its Potential as a Traditional Medicine Agents

Lime (Citrus amblycarpa (Hassk.) Ochse) has been widely used in traditional medicine. However, only some studies have comprehensively revealed the content of leaves, including their use as candidate medicinal ingredients. This study aimed to analyze the active compounds of lime leaves through GC‒MS analysis and their benefits in traditional medicine. Experimental research with a laboratory approach is used. The implementation of research by analyzing the bioactive content of lime leaf ethanol extract using GC‒MS along with a comprehensive analysis related to its benefits as a traditional medicine agent. Data analysis using the Willey 7 Library database and descriptive analysis. Using GC-MS showed that lime leaf ethanol extract contains 75 compound components dominated by 11 principal components, including citronellol, caryophyllene, hexadecanoic acid, ethyl ester, 1-heptatriacotanol, Phytol, ethyl 9,12,15-oate; methyl glycocholate, 3TMS derivative; 3,7-dimethyloct-6-en-1-yl stearate; ethyl iso-allocate; Rhopin; and tricyclo [20.8.0.0 (7,16)] triacontane, 1(22),7(16)-diepoxy-. Based on the findings of the content evaluation, the compound constituents of lime leaves have the potential to be developed as traditional remedies for both degenerative and infectious diseases. However, further research is needed precisely to identify the therapeutic effects exerted by using compounds on lime leaves.

Chromene-derived red-fluorescent probes for sulfite detection in food and living cells based on an integrated ICT&PET platform

Sulfite, widely used in food and pharmaceutical industries, poses significant health and safety concerns, necessitating efficient detection methods. This study introduces three novel red fluorescent probes (MCC-BT, MCC-TI, and MCC-DM), synthesized by integrating chromene derivatives with various electron-withdrawing groups. These probes effectively detect sulfite in both food samples and living cells, leveraging a mechanism transition from intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) to photo-induced electron transfer (PET). They demonstrate low detection limits (2.0 μM, 0.42 μM, and 0.34 μM, respectively) and offer advantages including large Stokes shifts, minimal interference, and colorimetric capabilities. We also developed smartphone-compatible test paper strips for convenient sulfite detection in real-world samples. The probes' effectiveness is further evidenced through sulfite quantification in Traditional Chinese Medicine ingredients. Additionally, their robust fluorescent imaging potential for cellular sulfite sensing highlights their significant contribution to analytical chemistry and biomedical research.

Self-Assembled Matrine-PROTAC Encapsulating Zinc(II) Phthalocyanine with GSH-Depletion-Enhanced ROS Generation for Cancer Therapy.

The integration of a multidimensional treatment dominated by active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), including enhanced chemotherapy and synergistically amplification of oxidative damage, into a nanoplatform would be of great significance for furthering accurate and effective cancer treatment with the active ingredients of TCM. Herein, in this study, we designed and synthesized four matrine-proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) (depending on different lengths of the chains named LST-1, LST-2, LST-3, and LST-4) based on PROTAC technology to overcome the limitations of matrine. LST-4, with better anti-tumor activity than matrine, still degrades p-Erk and p-Akt proteins. Moreover, LST-4 NPs formed via LST-4 self-assembly with stronger anti-tumor activity and glutathione (GSH) depletion ability could be enriched in lysosomes through their outstanding enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. Then, we synthesized LST-4@ZnPc NPs with a low-pH-triggered drug release property that could release zinc(II) phthalocyanine (ZnPc) in tumor sites. LST-4@ZnPc NPs combine the application of chemotherapy and phototherapy, including both enhanced chemotherapy from LST-4 NPs and the synergistic amplification of oxidative damage, through increasing the reactive oxygen species (ROS) by photodynamic therapy (PDT), causing an GSH decrease via LST-4 mediation to effectively kill tumor cells. Therefore, multifunctional LST-4@ZnPc NPs are a promising method for killing cancer cells, which also provides a new paradigm for using natural products to kill tumors.

Effective enrichment and separation of three flavonoids from Ohwia caudata (Thunberg) H. Ohashi using magnetic layered double hydroxide/ZIF-8 composites and pCEC

In this study, Fe3O4@ZnCr–layered double hydroxide/zeolitic imidazolate frameworks-8 (MLDH/ZIF-8) magnetically functionalized composites were synthesized by co-precipitation and in situ growth based on the advantages of LDHs and ZIF-8 using Fe3O4 nanoparticles as a magnetic substrate to obtain adsorbents with excellent performance. Moreover, the composite was used for the efficient enrichment of flavonoids in Chinese herbal medicines. The internal structures and surface properties were characterized by SEM, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and so on. MLDH/ZIF-8 exhibited a large specific surface area and good paramagnetic properties. The MLDH/ZIF-8 magnetic composite was used as a magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) adsorbent, and a MLDH/ZIF-8 MSPE–pressurized capillary electrochromatography coupling method was developed for the separation and detection of flavonoids (luteolin, kaempferol and apigenin) in a sample of the Chinese herb Ohwia caudata (Thunberg) H. Ohashi. The relevant parameters affecting the extraction efficiency were optimized to determine the ideal conditions for MSPE. 5 mg of adsorbent in sample solution at pH 6, vortex extraction for 5 min, elution with 1.5 mL of ethyl acetate for 15 min. The method showed good linearity in the concentration range of 3–50 μg mL−1 with correlation coefficients of 0.9934–0.9981, and displayed a relatively LODs of 0.07–0.09 μg mL−1. The spiked recoveries of all analytes ranged from 84.5% to 122.0% with RSDs (n=3) between 4.5% and 7.7%. This method is straightforward and efficient, with promising potential in the separation and analysis of active ingredients in various Chinese herbal medicines.