Journal of ethnopharmacology最新文献

{"title":"Therapeutic potential of Qingfeiyin Decoction in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: Role of lung-distributed components and PI3K-AKT pathway modulation.","authors":"Yongqi Liu, Luyao Song, Shiyi Chen, Jiajia Li, Xionghua Peng, Jianhua Sun, Ying Tian, Chenggang Huang, Li-Kun Gong, Jing Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120071","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2025.120071","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Ethnopharmacological relevance: </strong>Qingfeiyin decoction (QFY), a well-documented traditional Chinese medicine formula, is used to treat a variety of lung diseases. However, the effect of QFY on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is still unclear.</p><p><strong>Aim of the study: </strong>This study aimed to investigate the effect of QFY on IPF, identify its bioactive components, and reveal the possible mechanism.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis mouse model was established to evaluate the anti-IPF effects of QFY. The bioactive ingredients in QFY were identified by HPLC-MS, following which their in vitro effects were examined by the cell models of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition and macrophage polarization. Network pharmacology and clinical dataset (GSE110147) were integrated to predict the possible mechanism of the bioactive ingredients, which were verified by in vitro experiments, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>QFY demonstrated dose-dependent amelioration of IPF pathological phenotypes. Oroxylin A (OA), Geniposide (GDS), Baicalin (BCL), and Genipin-1-gentiobioside (GG) were identified with significant lung tissue enrichment, where OA and BCL exhibited obvious improvement in EMT, FMT, and macrophage polarization experiments. Network pharmacology and bioinformatics analyses revealed the association of OA/GDS/BCL/GG with the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, which were confirmed by their effects on the migration and apoptosis of A549 and HFL1 cells. Concurrently, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated strong binding affinities of BCL and OA for p110α and p110γ subunits of PI3K.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Our work demonstrates the potential of QFY in the treatment of IPF, which might due to the bioactive ingredients in the lung affecting the PI3K signaling pathway.</p>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":" ","pages":"120071"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144199321","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Unveiling the ethnomedicinal potential of Alchemilla speciosa Buser: An underexplored source of bioactive compounds for skin health.","authors":"Sebastian Kanak, Katarzyna Klimek, Małgorzata Miazga-Karska, Michał P Dybowski, Rafał Typek, Marta Olech, Katarzyna Dos Santos Szewczyk","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120068","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2025.120068","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Ethnopharmacological relevance: &lt;/strong&gt;Alchemilla (lady's mantle) species have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various skin ailments. Topical preparations of Alchemilla (e.g., A. vulgaris L.) are applied to wounds, rashes, eczema, and acne, leveraging the plant's notable astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. These longstanding uses underscore the therapeutic potential of Alchemilla for skin health in ethnomedicine.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Aim of the study: &lt;/strong&gt;This study aimed to determine the phytochemical composition of A. speciosa Buser aerial parts and to evaluate their biological activities in vitro, with an emphasis on potential dermatological applications.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Materials and methods: &lt;/strong&gt;Mass spectrometry analyses (LC-ESI-MS/MS, LC-APCI-MS/MS and GC-MS) were used to profile the chemical constituents of A. speciosa extracts and fractions. Spectrophotometric assays quantified total phenolic, flavonoid, and phenolic acid contents. Antioxidant capacity was determined using ABTS&lt;sup&gt;•+&lt;/sup&gt; decolorization, DPPH&lt;sup&gt;•&lt;/sup&gt; scavenging, and metal chelation assays. Enzyme inhibition assays (collagenase, elastase, tyrosinase) were performed to evaluate anti-aging and skin-lightening potential. Antibacterial activity (MIC and MBC) was tested against skin pathogens associated with acne and seborrheic conditions (Cutibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, etc.). Normal human skin fibroblasts were used to examine cytotoxicity and protective effects (anti-lipid-peroxidation activity) of the samples. All experiments were conducted in at least triplicate and results were validated statistically.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;Phytochemical profiling revealed a rich spectrum of secondary metabolites, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, pentacyclic triterpenes, volatile and semi-volatile compounds. The samples were abundant in polyphenols, with total phenolic content (TPC) ranging up to 485.61 mg GAE/g DE and substantial total flavonoid (TFC up to 427.68 mg QE/g DE) and phenolic acid (TPAC up to 20.90 mg CAE/g DE) levels. All A. speciosa extracts and fractions exhibited strong antioxidant activity, efficiently neutralizing ABTS&lt;sup&gt;•+&lt;/sup&gt; and DPPH&lt;sup&gt;•&lt;/sup&gt; radicals and showing moderate metal ion chelation. They also inhibited skin-degrading enzymes, with moderate inhibition of collagenase and tyrosinase and a weaker effect on elastase. Additionally, the samples demonstrated notable antibacterial efficacy against microaerobic skin bacteria implicated in acne (MIC 12.5 - 200 μg/mL), while displaying minimal cytotoxicity towards normal human fibroblasts (viability ≥ 80% at 62.5 μg/mL). The most active samples showed a high in vitro therapeutic indexes (TI ≥ 10), indicating a wide safety margin. Notably, the extracts and fractions also inhibited H&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;O&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;-induced lipid peroxidation in fibroblasts, further confirming their cellular antioxidant capacity.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":" ","pages":"120068"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144199322","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A network pharmacology approach and experimental validation to investigate the protection mechanism of Ganoderma lucidum (Leyss. ex Fr.) Karst spore for acute kidney injury through induction of apoptosis via p53/Caspase 3 signaling pathway.","authors":"Yue Zhou, Baowen Zhang, Xiaodan Wang, Xiaoqin Liu, Jinna Zhao, Yanli Wang, Chunli Gan","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120075","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2025.120075","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Ethnopharmacological relevance: </strong>According to the Sheng Nong's herbal classic, one of the components Ganoderma lucidum (Leyss. ex Fr.) \"benefits waterways and kidney qi\". The reproductive cells of Ganoderma lucidum (Leyss. ex Fr.) Karst spore (GLS) has richer active substances, and the protective mechanism against acute kidney injury (AKI) needs to be clarified.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study dedicates to evaluate the effect of GLS on AKI, explores activation of the p53 signaling pathway, and investigates potential apoptosis-regulating mechanism.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Gentamicin (GM) was used to establish an AKI rat model by intraperitoneal injection followed by the GLS intervention. The therapeutic efficacy of the GLS was evaluated based on function indices in rats. Network pharmacology was used to identify key proteins for the GLS intervention in AKI rats and bioinformatics analysis were performed. The initiation of the p53 signaling pathway was verified by molecular biology and surface enhanced raman spectroscopy (SERS).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>UPLC-Q-Tof MS was carried to characterize the triterpene saponin analogs extracted from the GLS. The molecular docking results of the protein Caspase 3 showed that Autodock Binding energy was8.86, and PyRx Binding Affinity was 9.6. Successfully established an AKI rat model. Compared with the GM group, the serum renal function markers in GLS dose groups were decreased; the degree of renal tissue lesions, renal tubular injury and inflammatory cell infiltration in GLS dose groups were significantly reduced, the expression of p53, Cytochrome C, BAX, Caspase-3 and Cleaved Caspase-3 proteins in the renal tissues of GLS dose groups were down-regulated, and the expression of BcL-2 protein was up-regulated. TUNEL staining and SERS also showed that GLS significantly inhibited the hyperapoptosis of kidney tissue caused by GM. This is the first study applying the GLS to treat GM-induced AKI.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study was innovatively proposed that the GLS exerts a protective effect against AKI by inhibiting p53 overexpression. In addition, SERS was first applied to the spectroscopic observation of renal apoptotic tissues, and the results indicated that the GLS had a role in down-regulating excessive apoptosis in the injured kidney.</p>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":" ","pages":"120075"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144199319","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Review on the Microtubule Inhibitory Effects of Active Ingredients Extracted from TCMs and Ethnic Medicines in Cancer Treatment.","authors":"Lei Yu, Yanzhao Gong, Hui Song, Lang Lang, Jinghan Yu, Yuanhan Ma, Zhongyuan Qu, Xiaopo Zhang, Xiang Zou, Caiyun Zhang, Zhengwen Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120034","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2025.120034","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Ethnopharmacological relevance: &lt;/strong&gt;Microtubules are important components of the cytoskeleton. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), including Chinese ethnic medicines, such as Uighur medicines, Li ethnic medicines, Dong ethnic medicines, Lisu ethnic medicines, and Tujia ethnic medicines, can act on microtubules and tubulin, inhibit microtubule polymerization or promote microtubule depolymerization. In this paper, we review the microtubule-binding sites, summarize the mechanisms by which the active TCM and ethnic medicine ingredients and their derivatives inhibit microtubules, and look forward to applying TCMs and ethnic medicines to inhibit microtubules for cancer treatment.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Aims of the review: &lt;/strong&gt;This review provides insights into the inhibition of microtubules, a new direction in cancer treatment, by TCMs and ethnic medicines. These medicines disrupt microtubule dynamics and prohibit normal spindle formation during cell division, which can affect mitosis and thus exert an anticancer effect. The study of TCMs and ethnic medicines targeting microtubules for anticancer applications has become an important focus in anticancer drug research.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;The keywords \"microtubule\", \"mitotic process\", \"TCM\" and \"ethnic medicine\" were searched in the PubMed, Wed of Science, Baidu Scholar, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases. Papers related to microtubule-binding sites and research on the inhibitory effects of active ingredients of TCMs or ethnic medicines on microtubules up to November 2024 were screened for inclusion in this study. Considering the theory of TCMs and ethnic medicines, we systematically summarized the effects of the active ingredients of the TCMs and ethnic medicines in inhibiting microtubules for cancer treatment. We excluded microtubule inhibitors that have not been the subject of in-depth mechanistic studies in the last decade.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;Extensive evidence has indicated that active ingredients extracted from TCMs and ethnic medicines can inhibit microtubules to treat cancer. The structures of six different microtubule-binding sites as well as the changes in these sites upon inhibitor binding are summarized. The active ingredients of the TCMs and ethnic medicines and analogues of their derivatives are categorized according to compound structure. The sources of the active ingredients of the TCMs and ethnic medicines and their mechanisms of disrupting microtubule homeostasis, obstructing spindle formation, inducing cell cycle arrest during mitosis, and inhibiting tumour cell proliferation are systematically reviewed.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions: &lt;/strong&gt;This paper provides a theoretical basis for the in-depth study of the mechanisms by which the active ingredients of TCMs and ethnic medicines inhibit microtubules while offering new ideas and perspectives for the future research, development and clinical application of microtubule inhib","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":" ","pages":"120034"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144199320","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Rhein alleviates pancreatitis but induces hepatotoxicity via macrophage activation","authors":"Hao Liu ,&nbsp;Yiran Di ,&nbsp;Yang Yu ,&nbsp;Peihao Li ,&nbsp;Yiyuan He ,&nbsp;Haiyang Yu ,&nbsp;Xiumei Gao ,&nbsp;Weiling Pu","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120069","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120069","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>Rhubarb, a traditional Chinese medicine with potent purgative effects, is commonly used in treating acute pancreatitis in China. Rhein is one of the main active components of total anthraquinones in Rhubarb and has been reported to exert protective effects on pancreatitis. However, there is a potential risk of liver toxicity when Rhein is not used properly.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>To investigate the effects of rhein on pancreatitis and related liver injury and the key roles of macrophages.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>Acute pancreatitis was induced by continuous intraperitoneal injection of caerulein. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to evaluate the histopathological characteristics. The macrophages were cleared by intraperitoneal injection of clodronate liposomes (CL). The secretions of various cytokines were detected by protein microarray or ELISA. Normal mouse hepatocytes (AML12) were stimulated by macrophage conditioned medium (CM) or single cytokine such as TNFα and GM-CSF, and the cell viability of AML12 was measured by MTT method.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Rhein (30 mg/kg, ig) attenuates acute pancreatitis via suppressing excessive inflammation. The effect of Rhein decreased with prolonged use, which was characterized by the increase/no change of amylase and pro-inflammatory factors. Meanwhile, prolonged use induced the increase of serum AST, LDH and liver TNFα, accompanied by the increased amount of liver macrophage. After the macrophages were cleared by CL, Rhein-induced liver injury of AP mice was gone. Rhein induces the activation of macrophages <em>in vitro</em> and increases the secretion of TNFα, which indirectly leads to hepatocyte injury.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Rhein in appropriate doses has a protective effect on the pancreas, but prolonged use reduces the efficacy and risks liver injury. TNFα may be a marker of rhein-induced injury. This study provided preliminary experimental support for the clinical rational drug use and toxicity monitoring of rhubarb or anthraquinones in clinical use.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"350 ","pages":"Article 120069"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144189876","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Enhancement of endometrial receptivity by Bushen Zhuyun Decoction via cryptotanshinone-mediated TRIM28 induction and HIF-1α suppression.","authors":"Xingran Tang, Huijin Zhao, Yinyin Ding, Yajie Qin, Xiaotian Yang, Xiaoyue Jiang, Huifang Zhou, Bei Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119943","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2025.119943","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Ethnopharmacological relevance: </strong>Bushen Zhuyun Decoction (BSZYD), a traditional Chinese remedy, has demonstrated clinical efficacy in the treatment of luteal phase deficiency (LPD), though its mechanistic pathways remain largely undefined.</p><p><strong>Aim of the study: </strong>This study aims to elucidate the mechanism by which BSZYD enhances endometrial receptivity.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>In an LPD rat model induced by RU-486 and treated with BSZYD, molecular markers of endometrial receptivity were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, these markers were analyzed in the RL95-2 human adenocarcinoma cell line following knockdown of Tripartite motif containing 28 (TRIM28). Network pharmacology and UPLC-MS/MS were utilized to identify bioactive components that modulate Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) signaling, followed by validation through molecular docking. The interaction between HIF-1α and TRIM28 was assessed using co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and confocal microscopy. The effect of cryptotanshinone on TRIM28 expression was also examined in RL95-2 cells.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>BSZYD significantly increased the number of embryo implantation sites and reduced endometrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in LPD rats. TRIM28 was found to be crucial for BSZYD's enhancement of endometrial receptivity. Cryptotanshinone, a key component of BSZYD, downregulated HIF-1α expression in RL95-2 cells. The interaction between HIF-1α and TRIM28 was confirmed both in vivo and in vitro. In vitro, cryptotanshinone mitigated H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress. Furthermore, HIF-1α agonist administration attenuated BSZYD's ability to induce TRIM28 expression.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>BSZYD and its bioactive constituent, cryptotanshinone, promote endometrial receptivity by inhibiting HIF-1α and upregulating TRIM28. These findings offer novel molecular targets and pharmacological insights for the prevention and treatment of LPD.</p>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":" ","pages":"119943"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144191820","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cannabidiol ameliorates seizures and neuronal damage in ferric chloride-induced posttraumatic epilepsy by targeting TRPV1 channel.","authors":"Yuan Gao, Juan Chen, Dongmei Hai, Yue Liu, Ning Liu, Shengsong Tang, Jianqiang Yu, Lin Ma","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120072","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2025.120072","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Ethnopharmacological relevance: </strong>Posttraumatic epilepsy (PTE) is an acquired epilepsy caused by traumatic brain injury (TBI). From Mesopotamian civilization to Eastern medical classics, the use of Cannabis for anticonvulsant purposes has spanned three millennia of medical history. As a non-psychoactive plant extract of Cannabis, cannabidiol (CBD) has attracted considerable attention in epilepsy-related treatment. However, whether CBD exhibits an anticonvulsant effect against PTE and its underlying molecular mechanisms remains to be elucidated.</p><p><strong>Aim of the study: </strong>This study aims to investigate the anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effect of CBD on PTE, as well as its molecular mechanisms.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Ferric chloride (FeCl₃)-induced PTE rat models were constructed in normal rats and brain-localized transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) overexpression rats. The anticonvulsant effects of CBD were evaluated by epileptic behavioral scoring and electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring. The neuroprotective effect was measured by histopathological staining of the brain tissues. Immunofluorescence, western blot, q-PCR and Ca²⁺ fluorescence intensity detection were employed to investigate the mechanisms of CBD on PTE rats.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>CBD significantly reduced the seizure severity and brain damage in FeCl₃-induced PTE rat models. Besides, EEG data showed decreased amplitude, total power, and spike wave discharges in PTE rats pretreated with CBD. Moreover, CBD suppressed the phosphorylation of heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) by targeting TRPV1, thereby specifically inhibiting the stress-induced heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) increase in the brain-localized TRPV1 overexpression rats.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>CBD exerts an anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effect on PTE rats by regulating the TRPV1/HSF1/HSP70 pathway and may be a potential drug for the prophylactic treatment of PTE.</p>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":" ","pages":"120072"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144191818","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Inhibition of Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in the Protection of Ginkgo biloba extract 50 Against Cognitive Impairment.","authors":"Xing-Yuan Li, Qian-Feng Wang, Yu Duan, Yu-Wen Zhang, He Wang, Ai-Jun Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120059","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2025.120059","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Ethnopharmacological relevance: </strong>Ginkgo biloba L., a traditional medicinal plant with a long history of use in China, has been widely employed to promote blood circulation, relieve asthma, and enhance memory. It is also used in the management of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions in various traditional practices. Although Ginkgo biloba shows promise in improving cognitive function and vascular health, its specific efficacy and underlying mechanism in cerebral small vessel disease remain unclear.</p><p><strong>Aim of the study: </strong>Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), a leading cause of cognitive decline and dementia, currently lacks effective treatment options. As a new generation extract of Ginkgo biloba L., Ginkgo biloba extract 50 (GBE50) was developed to investigate its potential therapeutic effects on CSVD and the underlying mechanisms.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>The bilateral carotid artery stenosis (BCAS) model was established in mice using microcoils, followed by therapeutic intervention. Cognitive function was assessed via the Morris water maze and Y-maze tests, while motor activity was evaluated using the open-field test. White matter and neuronal damage were analyzed through MRI, Luxol Fast Blue staining, and Nissl staining. The blood-active ingredients of GBE50 were identified using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. Network pharmacology was applied to predict potential therapeutic targets of GBE50 against CSVD, and molecular docking was conducted to evaluate the binding interactions between key compounds and related proteins. The predicted targets and pathways were further validated through reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR, Western blot, and biochemical assays).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>GBE50 significantly improved cognitive impairment in BCAS mice. MRI and histological analyses confirmed that GBE50 alleviated white matter lesions and hippocampal neuronal loss. Twenty ingredients, including quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin, were identified in GBE50, with 80 potential therapeutic targets. Molecular docking revealed strong binding affinities between key GBE50 compounds and apoptosis-related proteins such as CASP3, CASP9, BAX, BCL-2, and Cytochrome c. Twenty key genes were also validated by RT-qPCR. BCAS induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial apoptosis-related gene expression, which were mitigated by GBE50. BCAS increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and the NADP⁺/NADPH ratio while decreasing superoxide dismutase (SOD), and these imbalances were reversed by GBE50. Expression of Cytochrome c, BAX, and CASP3 was elevated, whereas BCL-2 was reduced in BCAS mice, effects counteracted by GBE50.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>GBE50 alleviates cognitive impairment, white matter lesions, and neuronal loss in CSVD, potentially by inhibiting mitochondrial oxidative stress and apoptosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":" ","pages":"120059"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144191821","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Efficacy and Safety of Shou Hui Tong Bian Capsules in the Treatment of Functional Constipation in Middle-Aged and Elderly Patients: A Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Trial.","authors":"Chunhui Cui, Qingxia Zhao, Fengming Wei, Yiqi Wang, Yongda Zhao, Shutie Li, Guian Xu, Pingping Zhang, Mei Li, Kun Tang, Bing Ji, Youhong Cao, Jufang Liu, Yong Li, Jing Nie, Xinjiang Song, Yan Li, Shao Hui, Zhiyun Zhang, Aimin Zhao, Xiaoqiang Jia","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120039","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2025.120039","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Ethnopharmacological relevance: </strong>Shou Hui Tong Bian Capsules, rooted in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), are designed to treat functional constipation (FC) by balancing Yin and Qi, which are often disrupted in middle-aged and elderly individuals. These capsules contain a combination of herbs historically used in TCM to promote digestive health and improve bowel movement regularity, providing a potential alternative to conventional treatments.</p><p><strong>Aim of the study: </strong>The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Shou Hui Tong Bian Capsules in treating functional constipation in middle-aged and elderly patients, compared with a conventional lactulose oral solution.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This multicenter, randomized, controlled trial was conducted across several centers affiliated with the Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences. In all, 292 middle-aged and older patients with FC associated with Qi and Yin deficiency were randomized 2:1 to receive either Shou Hui Tong Bian Capsules or a lactulose oral solution control. The primary outcomes were assessed over a 4-week treatment period with follow-ups extending to 12 weeks, focusing on bowel movement frequency, TCM syndrome efficacy, quality of life, and safety profiles.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants treated with Shou Hui Tong Bian Capsules demonstrated a significantly higher total effectiveness rate (82.9% in the full analysis set and 83.6% in the per protocol set) compared to those in the control group (70.4% and 71.3%, respectively). Improvements were also noted in the frequency of complete spontaneous bowel movements and quality of life measures. The safety profiles were similar between the groups, with no significant differences in adverse events.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Shou Hui Tong Bian Capsules effectively improve bowel movement frequency and alleviate symptoms associated with FC in middle-aged and elderly patients, with a safety profile comparable to conventional treatments. This study supports the use of Shou Hui Tong Bian Capsules as a viable alternative to traditional treatments for FC, demonstrating the potential of TCM-based therapies in modern clinical settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":" ","pages":"120039"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144191819","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Kudiezi Injection Attenuates Apoptosis and Neuroinflammation for Ameliorating Angiogenesis via miR-21/PDCD4/NF-κB Axis in MCAO/Reperfusion Rats.","authors":"Mengjie Sun, Guanghui Han, Hongni Yu, Fengli Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120066","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2025.120066","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Ethnopharmacological relevance: </strong>miR-21 has multiple neuroprotective effects in central nervous system (CNS) ischemic damage. Kudiezi (KDZ), a traditional Chinese medication, has a longstanding application in cerebral ischemia treatment and has been clinically confirmed to be effective for ischemic injury. However, its specific effects on miR-21 regulation are yet unclear.</p><p><strong>Aim of the study: </strong>Investigate the fundamental mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory as well as antiapoptotic effects of KDZ in rats subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion-reperfusion(MCAO/R).</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>MCAO rats were developed, and the TTC staining and Garcia JH scoring methods were used to detect infarct size and analyze the neuroprotective effects of KDZ on this rat model. Real-time PCR and miRNA antagomir lateral ventricular injection were used to evaluate the change in miR-21 after the KDZ treatment. Furthermore, multicolor fluorescent staining, TUNEL staining, and microvessel density detection were conducted to analyze the effects of KDZ on MCAO rats, which included anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and apoptosis inhibition effects. Additionally, Western blotting was employed to determine the amounts of relevant inflammatory agents and proteins expressed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>KDZ injection improved the infarct area and neurological function scores in MCAO rats, aggravated the level of miR-21 expression, and regulated protein levels, including toll-like receptor 4, programmed death cell factor 4 (PDCD4), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) (p38, ERK), and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) as well. Besides, KDZ injection can regulate the amounts of inflammatory factors, angiopoietins, and brain water content and also increase the level of tight junction proteins.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>KDZ injection has a neuroprotective effect by increasing the quantity of miR-21 of MCAO rats, preventing the PDCD4/MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway from being activated, drastically lowering the level of pro-inflammatory proteins, and reversing the increase of apoptosis factors in the brain.</p>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":" ","pages":"120066"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144191822","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}