The traditional Chinese medicine WuJiaPi (Acanthopanacis cortex) and its main anti-inflammatory terpenoids

Abstract

: The root bark of the plant Acanthopanax gracilistylus is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis and other inflammatory pathologies and conditions. The medication, referred to as Acanthopanacis cortex or WuJiaPi, is also used for a long time to strengthen bones (to reduce osteoporosis) and to protect the liver and kidneys. The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties of WuJiaPi extracts have been well-characterized and associated with the presence of various bioactive terpenoids (such as gracilistones, wujiapiosides) and phenylpropanoid glycosides (such as eleutherosides). Among them, the lupane triterpene acankoreagenin (also known as HLEDA) stands as a potent inhibitor of the NF- κ B signaling pathway, capable of blocking the secretion of the alarmin HMGB1 and reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines by activated or infected macrophages. Acankoreagenin displays marked anti-inflammatory and anti-oedema actions in vitro and in vivo , comparable to the activity of the analogue impressic acid. This brief review shed light on the biological properties of this pentacyclic sapogenin and its various glycoside derivatives. Among the 16 acankoreosides isolated from various Acanthopanax species, acankoreoside A emerges as one of the most potent regulators of NF- κ B and an efficient blocker of inflammatory cytokines production. Acankoreosides B and D also exhibit significant anti-inflammatory effects. Acankoreagenin, acankoreosides and a few other terpenoids contribute importantly to the efficacy of the WuJiaPi TCM.