Journal of ethnopharmacology最新文献

{"title":"The role of rare ginsenosides in the prevention and treatment of liver diseases.","authors":"Yingming Zhang, Yanfei Liu, Yuchong Wei, Ze Ren, Ying-Hua Jin, Guiying Li","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120666","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2025.120666","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Ethnopharmacological relevance: </strong>Ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Mey.) is a traditional herb that occupies a very important position in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Many references have recorded the traditional application methods of ginseng and improve the effects of liver-blood insufficiency and chronic liver injury. Modern studies have found that rare ginsenosides are the key to their role and have therapeutic effects on a variety of liver diseases, further verifying their traditional applications.</p><p><strong>Aim of this review: </strong>This article reviews recent research advances on the structure, origin and pharmacological effects of rare ginsenosides to evaluate the preventive and therapeutic effects of rare ginsenosides on different types of liver diseases.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This article utilized keywords like \"Rare ginsenosides\", \"Source\", \"Drug-induced liver injury\", \"Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease\", \"Liver fibrosis\", \"Hepatocellular carcinoma\", and \"Therapeutic interventions\" to gather research on rare ginsenosides related to liver diseases from databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and CNKI, up to February 2025. The collected information was then summarized and analyzed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The structural characterization and preparation process of rare ginsenosides were clarified. In terms of pharmacological activities, rare ginsenosides possess a variety of activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumor and immunomodulatory. In addition, rare ginsenosides showed protective effects against liver diseases through various mechanisms. However, their clinical application remains limited due to low content, poor water solubility, low oral bioavailability, and unclear mechanisms. Future efforts will accelerate translation through fermentation optimization, nanocarriers, structural modification, and microbiome research.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The multiple pharmacological activities of rare ginsenosides make them candidates for the treatment of various liver diseases and provide a broader direction for exploring the Chinese medicine treatment of liver diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":" ","pages":"120666"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145212791","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 multidimensional strategy for exploring quality markers of Xue-Fu-Zhu-Yu decoction and its three processed products based on intestinal absorption and pharmacodynamics.","authors":"Zhiyuan Ding, Dongyun Tang, Yilin Yu, Taiwei Ye, Rui Tian, Bingqi Wang, Chunxiao Tao, Xiuping Chen, Fang Zhang, Yan Xie","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120672","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2025.120672","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Ethnopharmacological relevance: </strong>Xue-Fu-Zhu-Yu (XFZY) formulas are well-known traditional Chinese medicine extensively utilized to treat various blood stasis syndromes (BSS) by promoting blood circulation and eliminating blood stasis. However, their quality control remains incomplete, probably leading to fluctuations in product quality and thus causing unsatisfactory therapeutic effects.</p><p><strong>Aim of the study: </strong>To establish a multidimensional strategy that integrates chemical analysis, intestinal absorption, and pharmacodynamic effects for exploring Q-markers of XFZY formulations.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>The fingerprint spectrum analysis of four XFZY formulation intermediates and their component identification were conducted to provide chemical dimensions. The intestinal absorption experiment with everted gut sac model was used to obtain absorbable prototype components, establishing a link between chemical and absorptive dimensions. Blood-activating effects of four XFZY formulation intermediates in BSS models were evaluated, with candidate Q-markers acquired via Pearson's correlation analysis with the pharmacodynamic and absorption outcomes, completing the chemical-absorptive-pharmacological framework. The molecular docking, plasma recalcification time assays, and platelet aggregation experiments were performed to further confirm the final Q-markers for XFZY formulations.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The fingerprints of XFZY formulation intermediates were established, resulting in 30 common peaks with identified chemical structures. 23 of these common compounds were found to be absorbed through the predominant absorption site of the jejunum. Subsequently, the ameliorative effects of XFZY formulas on body weight, hemorheology, NO level, and lipid levels in BSS model rats were confirmed, and then 14 potential Q-markers were obtained via Pearson's correlation analysis with pharmacodynamic data and absorbable components. Finally, gallic acid, neochlorogenic acid, hydroxysafflor yellow A, albiflorin, ferulic acid, 20-hydroxyecdysone, neohesperidin, meranzin, glycyrrhizic acid, and nobiletin were verified as the Q-markers of XFZY formulations by molecular docking and anticoagulant assays.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study successfully constructed a chemical-absorptive-pharmacological three-dimensional strategy, identifying 10 Q-markers for XFZY formulations, which provides an important basis for constructing a comprehensive quality control system for XFZY formulations.</p>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":" ","pages":"120672"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145212841","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":"Icariin Attenuates Diabetic Cardiomyopathy by Activating Nrf2-Dependent Antioxidant and Mitochondrial Pathways: Integrative Evidence from Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation.","authors":"Zhongzheng Zhang, Haowen Zhuang, Chongkai Fang, Yongheng Lai, Mengyuan Wang, Jinhong Chen, Qing Liu, Junyan Wang, Silin Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120667","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2025.120667","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Ethnopharmacological relevance: </strong>Icariin (ICA), a flavonoid glycoside from Epimedium brevicornu Maxim, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. While its effects on tonifying kidney yang and treating age-related conditions are well-documented, the underlying mechanisms, particularly in diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), are not fully understood, especially regarding oxidative stress and mitochondrial function.</p><p><strong>Aim of the study: </strong>This study sought to examine the cardioprotective effects of ICA on DCM and to clarify whether these effects are mediated through the Nrf2-dependent antioxidant and mitochondrial pathways.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>We employed an integrative strategy combining network pharmacology, molecular docking (MD), and experimental validation. ICA-Nrf2 binding was assessed by MD and 100 ns. In vivo, diabetic mice induced by STZ and high-fat diet were treated with varying doses of ICA treatment, with or without the Nrf2 inhibitor ML385. Cardiac function, histopathology, mitochondrial morphology, and oxidative markers were evaluated. In vitro, HL-1 and primary mouse cardiomyocytes were exposed to high glucose (HG) and treated with ICA and/or Nrf2 overexpression. Antioxidant signaling, Western blotting, qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence, and biochemical assays were employed to evaluate mitochondrial function and ROS levels.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>ICA dose-dependently improved cardiac function and alleviated myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis in DCM mice. It increased Nrf2 expression levels, upregulated HO-1, SOD2, PGC1-α, and TOM20, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, and suppressed ROS and MDA accumulation. In vitro, ICA reduced oxidative stress, preserved mitochondrial integrity, and decreased cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Network pharmacology and in silico modeling identified Nrf2 as a core ICA target, with stable ICA-Nrf2 binding confirmed by dynamics simulation. Notably, Nrf2 inhibition by ML385 partially reversed ICA's cardioprotective and mitochondrial effects, confirming the Nrf2-dependence of ICA's action.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>ICA confers potent cardioprotection against DCM by directly activating Nrf2 signaling, enhancing mitochondrial antioxidant defense, and attenuating oxidative stress-induced myocardial injury. These findings highlight ICA as a promising natural Nrf2 activator for oxidative stress-related diabetic heart disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":" ","pages":"120667"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145212839","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":"Gingerenone A ameliorates airway inflammation and remodeling in asthma by modulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway.","authors":"Yingjie Zhu, Lin Chen, Jiajia Lin, Miaoxiang Chen, Weijing Wu, Yunfeng Chen, Lei Xuan","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120656","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2025.120656","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Ethnopharmacological relevance: &lt;/strong&gt;Asthma is a disorder primarily characterized by persistent airway inflammation and structural remodeling, which involves multiple pathological changes, with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) identified as a key mechanism. Ginger is warm in nature and is associated with the lung, spleen, and stomach meridians. It has the efficacy of warming the lungs and relieving coughs, and is commonly used to treat coughs and wheezing resulting from wind-cold invading the lungs. In traditional Chinese medicine, ginger is frequently combined with other herbs to create compound prescriptions aimed at treating respiratory diseases such as asthma. Gingerenone A (GA), a bioactive compound extracted from ginger, has been documented to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Notwithstanding, the effects of GA in asthma remain to be investigated.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Aim of the study: &lt;/strong&gt;This research aimed to explore the inhibitory effects and underlying mechanisms of GA on asthmatic airway inflammation and remodeling.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Materials and methods: &lt;/strong&gt;In vitro, cell migration was assessed via Transwell assay, and the cytotoxicity of GA was evaluated by CCK-8 assay. RT-qPCR was used to quantify inflammatory cytokine mRNA in the supernatant of MLE-12 cells stimulated with house dust mite (HDM). The inhibitory effect of GA on NF-κB nuclear translocation was detected by immunofluorescence assay. Western blot (WB) was employed to analyze EMT-related markers, as well as key proteins in the β-catenin and TLR4 pathways, across different cell groups. Molecular docking was performed for validation; additionally, TLR4 overexpression and DARTS assay in MLE-12 cells was used to further confirm that GA regulates EMT and β-catenin in a TLR4-dependent manner. In vivo, Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Masson's trichrome, and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining were applied to evaluate the extent of pathological changes in lung tissues. WB, immunofluorescence (IF), and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to assess key proteins in the β-catenin and TLR4 pathways within lung tissues.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;Results showed that GA suppressed HDM-induced secretion of inflammatory factors in MLE-12 cells (e.g., IL-1β: 296.4±34.93 vs. 38.58±14.38 pg/mL, P&lt;0.05) and alleviated HDM-induced EMT. In asthmatic mice, GA inhibited airway inflammatory cell aggregation, cytokine secretion, and EMT-characterized airway remodeling; this effect was mediated by suppressing nuclear β-catenin. Molecular docking revealed GA bound to TLR4, MyD88, and TRAF6 with binding energies of -6.1, -5.9, and -5.5 kcal/mol, respectively. Western blot indicated GA significantly inhibited the TLR4 pathway in vitro and in vivo, with 20mg/kg GA showing more pronounced suppression of key proteins (e.g., TLR4, p-NF-κB) than 10mg/kg. In TLR4-overexpressing MLE-12 cells, GA's anti-inflammatory and EMT-suppressive effects were reversed. Addit","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":" ","pages":"120656"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145212793","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":"Chaihu Longgu Muli Decoction attenuates chronic stress-induced endothelial dysfunction and potentiates chemotherapy in breast cancer by inhibiting cAMP/PKA/CREB1 mediated glycolysis.","authors":"Zibo Li, Zhiyi Wang, Wenlong Yang, Yuyue Li, Yucheng Li, Erping Xu","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120670","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2025.120670","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Ethnopharmacological relevance: &lt;/strong&gt;Clinical evidence indicates that breast cancer frequently coexist with depressive disorders, with research demonstrating a strong correlation between chronic stress-induced depression and the promotion of breast cancer growth and metastasis. Chaihu Longgu Muli Decoction (CLM), a traditional herbal formulation, has been commonly employed as an antidepressant in clinical. Nevertheless, the potential inhibitory effects of CLM on chronic stress-induced breast cancer progression remain to be elucidated.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Aim of study: &lt;/strong&gt;To investigate the effect and underlying mechanisms of CLM in the treatment of chronic stress-induce breast cancer progression.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Materials and methods: &lt;/strong&gt;Using a syngeneic 4T1 breast cancer model combined with the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) paradigm, we evaluated the efficacy of CLM on CUMS-induced depressive-like behaviors and tumor progression. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and immunofluorescence staining were employed to assess morphological and molecular alterations in tumor vasculature. LC-MS identified the blood-absorbed components of CLM, and network pharmacology was employed to predict the signal pathways involved in CLM's suppression of CUMS-induced endothelial dysfunction. In vitro, epinephrine (Epi)-induced angiogenesis model were using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was established to examine the effects of CLM on endothelial dysfunction. Finally, MMTV-PyMT transgenic mouse model of spontaneous breast cancer with comorbid depression was utilized to validate whether CLM enhances chemosensitivity by promoting tumor vascular normalization.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;In the 4T1-derived tumor model, CUMS enhanced tumor growth, upregulated the proliferation marker Ki67, and increased serum Epi levels. SEM and immunofluorescence staining revealed that CUMS promoted angiogenesis and endothelial dysfunction. CLM treatment significantly ameliorated CUMS-induced depressive-like behaviors and suppressed tumor growth. Notably, CLM restored CUMS-impaired endothelial function. LC-MS and network pharmacology analysis identified that CLM-mediated tumor vascular normalization was associated with cAMP signaling pathways. In vitro, CLM inhibited Epi-induced endothelial cell migration, invasion, and tube formation while upregulating tight junction proteins (VE-cad and ZO-1). Mechanistically, CLM suppressed cAMP/PKA/CREB1 activation and inhibits glycolysis. In MMTV-PyMT mice, CUMS accelerated tumor progression and vascular dysfunction, impairing the efficacy of Dox chemotherapy. Conversely, CLM promoted tumor vascular normalization, enhanced intratumoral Dox delivery, and effectively attenuates CUMS-driven breast cancer growth and metastasis.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;Chronic stress attenuates chemotherapeutic drug delivery by inducing endothelial dysfunction in breast cancer. CLM promotes tumor vascular n","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":" ","pages":"120670"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145206592","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":"Cervus elaphus sibiricus (Deer antler) extract alleviates osteoporosis via dual modulation of osteoblast and osteoclast activity in ovariectomy-induced mice on network pharmacology.","authors":"You Yeon Choi, Seong Chul Jin, Minwoo Song, Seungyob Yi, Jieun Park, Hee Kyung Baek, Sung Hyo Park, Hyun Jung Yang, Jin Young Lee, Woong Mo Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120669","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2025.120669","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Ethnopharmacological relevance: </strong>Cervus elaphus sibiricus (deer antler; Cervi Parvum Cornu; Nokyong) refers to the unossified antlers of young male deer and has been traditionally used in East Asian medicine to tonify the kidney and strengthen bone, supporting musculoskeletal health (osteoporosis, age-related frailty). Despite its long-standing use, the pharmacological mechanisms underlying its anti-osteoporotic effects remain largely unelucidated.</p><p><strong>Aim of the study: </strong>This study aimed to evaluate the anti-osteoporotic effects of a dual-extraction deer antler extract (PKDE) and to elucidate its mechanism of action through an integrative approach combining network pharmacology with in vivo and in vitro models.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Network pharmacology (KEGG, GO, PPI) was used to identify bone-related targets, and active compounds were verified by HPLC-MS. An ovariectomy (OVX)-induced osteoporosis mouse model was used to evaluate the in vivo efficacy of PKDE (48, 96, and 144 mg/kg, p.o., 4 weeks). Bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), collagen deposition, and adipocyte size were assessed. Serum levels of TRACP-5b, CTX, and osteocalcin were measured. Osteogenic and osteoclastic gene expression in tibial tissue was analyzed by RT-PCR. In vitro, the effects of PKDE on osteoclastogenesis and osteoblast differentiation were investigated using RAW264.7 and SaOS-2 cells, respectively.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>PKDE increased BMD and BMC, restored collagen, and reduced marrow adiposity. Serum levels of TRACP-5b and CTX decreased, whereas osteocalcin increased. Gene expression analysis revealed downregulation of osteoclast markers (RANKL/OPG ratio) and upregulation of osteoblast markers (Col1a1, Bmp2, Spp1) in tibial tissue. In vitro, PKDE suppressed osteoclastogenesis in RANKL-induced RAW264.7 cells, as evidenced by a reduction in TRAP-positive multinucleated cells and downregulation of osteoclast-related genes such as Nfatc1 and Ctsk. In contrast, PKDE promoted osteoblast differentiation in AA/β-GP-induced SaOS-2 cells, as demonstrated by enhanced mineralization via Alizarin Red S staining and upregulated expression of osteogenic markers including COL1A1, BMP2, Runx2, SPP1, and IBSP. No hepatotoxicity or nephrotoxicity was observed.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>PKDE exerts dual anti-osteoporotic effects by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis and promoting osteoblast differentiation via modulation of bone metabolism pathways, supporting the traditional use of PKDE and highlighting its potential as a natural-origin therapeutic for bone health.</p>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":" ","pages":"120669"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145206617","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":"Neuropharmacological potentials (antipsychotic-, anxiolytic-, and antidepressant-like activity) of Methanol Leaf Extract of Andrographis paniculata Nees in vivo: Possible mechanisms, antioxidant activity, and in silico supportive evidence.","authors":"Memshima M Terhemen, Elohor Okpakpor, Oluwole Akawa, Israel O Bolanle, Raymond I Ozolua","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120653","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2025.120653","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Ethnopharmacology relevance: </strong>In Asia and parts of Africa, extracts from Andrographis paniculata Nees (Acanthaceae) are used as traditional remedies for a number of ailments such as tuberculosis, sinusitis, syphilis, leprosy, diarrhea, and malaria. There has been extensive research detailing the various pharmacological actions of Andrographis paniculata Nees (Acanthaceae). However, there is a paucity of scientific information on its neuropharmacological potential despite its traditional use to manage depression and anxiety in West Africa.</p><p><strong>Aim of study: </strong>This study aims to evaluate the neuropharmacological activities of Andrographis paniculata Nees (Acanthaceae) in mice.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Acute oral toxicity was evaluated on the methanol extract of Andrographis paniculata (MEAP) before screening it for neuropsychopharmacological properties including antipsychotic-like, anxiolytic-like, antidepressant-like, sedative-hypnotic, anticonvulsant, and motor coordination after administering it for 10 consecutive days using oral doses of 100, 200, 400 mg/kg. The principal constituent andrographolide was evaluated for antipsychotic-like property over a range of doses (2-32 mg/kg). The brains of MEAP-treated mice were assayed for antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation. Molecular docking was used to evaluate the degree of binding of andrographolide to 5-HT_2A and D₂ receptors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>MEAP is relatively safe with oral LD₅₀ >5000 mg/kg. It significantly dose- and time-dependently attenuated amphetamine- and ketamine-induced psychosis-like behavior. The effect of andrographolide on amphetamine-induced psychosis-like behavior was significant only at 8 mg/kg dose. MEAP showed anxiolytic-like and antidepressant-like properties but did not enhance phenobarbitone-induced sleep. It did not protect the mice against chemically induced convulsions and did not affect the motor-coordinating ability of mice. MEAP significantly increased the brain levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and reduced the levels of malondialdehyde. Andrographolide bound to D₂ and 5-HT_2A receptors but less than risperidone and aripiprazole at D₂ and 5-HT_2A, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The methanol extract of Andrographis paniculata possesses antipsychotic-like property possibly mediated by one or more of its constituents rather than solely by andrographolide. It also possesses anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like actions. The brain antioxidant property of the extract complements its neuropsychopharmacological actions.</p>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":" ","pages":"120653"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145206560","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":"Bushen Tiaojing Decoction promotes endometrial angiogenesis to improve endometrial receptivity by regulating KLF4-mediated mitochondrial function and transcription activity.","authors":"Can Cao, Jiena Li, Yu Zhang, Shixing Wu, Qi Liu, Yu Xi, Can Chen, Ming He","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120658","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2025.120658","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Ethnopharmacological relevance: </strong>Traditional Chinese medicine has numerous advantages in the treatment of infertility. The traditional Chinese herbal formula Bushen Tiaojing Decoction (BSTJD) is widely used for treating infertility, which can effectively promote embryo implantation rate for infertility patients in in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) by improving endometrial receptivity. However, the exact mechanism underlying BSTJD-improved endometrial receptivity has not yet been elucidated.</p><p><strong>Aim of the study: </strong>Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) is an essential transcription factor that regulates endometrial angiogenesis. This study investigates the effect and mechanism of BSTJD on promoting endometrial angiogenesis involved in KLF4.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) mouse model was established and treated with BSTJD. Embryo implantation numbers and the changes in uterine morphology were evaluated. Human endometrial microvascular endothelial cells (HEMECs) were treated with BSTJD medicated serum, or adenovirus overexpressing KLF4. Tube formation assay was performed to observe HEMEC tubulogenesis. Mitochondrial function of HEMECs was evaluated. The levels of MMP-9, PCNA, Caspase 3, VEGFA, KLF4, GCN5, and succinylated H3K79 in HEMECs were measured. The KLF4 combined with GCN5 and its succinylation were detected by immunoprecipitation, and their localization was performed for immunofluorescence staining. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay was performed for KLF4 and succinylated H3K79 enrichments on the VEGFA promoter.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>BSTJD promoted endometrial angiogenesis to improve endometrial receptivity, so as to increase the embryo implantation numbers in the COH mice model. BSTJD could coordinate with VEGFA to upregulate KLF4 level, which increased HEMECs proliferation and migration and decreased cell apoptosis via improving mitochondrial function. BSTJD promoted KLF4-GCN5 complex formation via activating the ERK pathway. This complex was recruited to the KLF4-binding site of the VEGFA promoter in HEMECs and transactivated VEGFA expression, leading to endometrial angiogenesis.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>BSTJD contributes to endometrial receptivity to increasing embryo implantation by activating the KLF4 to promote angiogenesis through improving mitochondrial function and increased the KLF4-GCN5 interaction to activate VEGFA transcription.</p>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":" ","pages":"120658"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145206589","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":"Quercetin from Penthorum chinense Pursh protects against LPS-induced liver inflammation in chickens via suppressing pyroptosis-macrophage polarization crosstalk.","authors":"Xinyue Xing, Haojie Hu, Haodong Hu, Jiahong Chu, Siyu Li, Dongxu Han, Bing Zhao, Shu Li","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120665","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120665","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Ethnopharmacological relevance: &lt;/strong&gt;Penthorum chinense Pursh, a medicinal plant used in traditional Miao medicine, contains a variety of bioactive compounds and is well known for its significant hepatoprotective properties. Quercetin (QUE), one of the most widely investigated hepatoprotective flavonoids derived from P. chinense, has garnered considerable attention owing to its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Nevertheless, the precise molecular mechanisms through which QUE attenuates LPS-induced liver inflammation have not been fully elucidated.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Aim of the study: &lt;/strong&gt;This study aimed to explore the protective effect of QUE against LPS-induced inflammatory liver injury and to clarify the underlying molecular mechanisms.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Materials and methods: &lt;/strong&gt;A chicken model of liver inflammation was established via intraperitoneal injection of LPS (1.5 mg/kg). To assess the protective effects of QUE, the compound (10 mg/kg) was administered by oral gavage for six consecutive days prior to LPS challenge. Histopathological and ultrastructural changes in liver tissues were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), respectively. Oxidative stress markers and antioxidant enzyme activities were also measured in liver tissues. Integrated network pharmacology and bioinformatics analyses were employed to identify core potential targets of QUE. Further validation experiments, including immunofluorescence co-localization, Western blotting, RT-qPCR, and in vitro cell culture assays, were conducted to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying QUE mediated attenuation of LPS induced liver inflammation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;QUE effectively ameliorated LPS-induced inflammatory liver injury, as evidenced by a significant reduction in hepatic levels of the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA) and a marked increase in the activities of key antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and catalase (CAT). Furthermore, QUE administration significantly downregulated the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins (NLRP3, GSDMD, ASC, and Caspase-1), restored the LPS-induced imbalance in macrophage M1/M2 polarization, and suppressed the expression of chemokines such as CCL4, CCL17, CCL19, and MIF. QUE treatment also significantly reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-18, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6) while upregulating the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Moreover, QUE markedly inhibited the detrimental crosstalk between LPS-induced pyroptosis and M1 macrophage activation. Integrated network pharmacology and bioinformatics analyses predicted the core targets and pathways involved, and subsequent experimental validation confirmed that QUE attenuates hepatic inflammation primarily through inhibition of the ROS/NLRP3 signaling pathway.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;stron","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":" ","pages":"120665"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145206602","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":"Botany, traditional applications, phytochemistry, pharmacologic activities, clinical application, and quality control of Dioscoreae Rhizoma: A comprehensive review.","authors":"Xu Ren, Fu-Hui Luo, Zi-Hao Chen, Jing Jing, Yang-Yang Cai, Xing-Li Lu, Ya-Ting Lan, Zhong-Qiao Zhao, Feng-Xiang Zhang, Shao-Hua Xu, Xia Yang, Wei Shi","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120662","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2025.120662","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Ethnopharmacological relevance: </strong>Dioscoreae Rhizoma (DR), the dried rhizome of Dioscorea opposita Thunb., is commonly referred to as \"Shan Yao\" in China. It has been extensively used in traditional Chinese medicine as an immunomodulatory agent and an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of cancer. DR has been widely applied in traditional medicines, such as Liuwei Dihuang Concentrated Pills and Shanyao Shenqi Pills.</p><p><strong>Aim of this work: </strong>This review is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of botany, traditional application, phytochemistry, pharmacologic activities, clinical application, and quality control of DR. Meanwhile, the review focuses on immunomodulatory, anti-hyperglycemic mechanisms, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory provides new perspectives and identifies promising avenues for future studies.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>The review collected information from Web of Science, PubMed, X-MOL, SciFinder, Google Scholar, Researchgate and CNKI from January 1971 to March 2025.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>To date, approximately 304 compounds isolated and identified from DR, including 78 polysaccharides, polyphenols (1-59), flavonoids (60-65), terpenoids and steroids (66-80), alkaloids (81-104), organic acids (105-166) and others (167-226). DR demonstrates numerous pharmacological activities, including anti-hyperglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemic, immunomodulatory and anti-tumor effects. Multiple pathways are implicated in the immunomodulatory activities of DR, for example, the TLR4/NF-κB and JAK-STAT signaling pathway. However, the mechanisms responsible for its anti-tumor effects have not been fully elucidated. Furthermore, we summarize the limitations of current research and propose promising future research directions.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This review encompasses a comprehensive overview of DR, covering its botany, traditional applications, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, clinical applications and quality control of DR. Moreover, research has highlighted DR's broad pharmacological profile, with a notable emphasis on its immunomodulatory properties. While research has predominantly focused on Dioscoreae Rhizoma polysaccharides (DRP), the pharmacological mechanisms of its other compounds have consequently been underexplored.</p>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":" ","pages":"120662"},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145206604","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}