Journal of ethnopharmacology最新文献

{"title":"Therapeutic effect and concomitant toxicity of hydrargyrum chloratum compositum on chronic difficult-to-heal wounds in rats","authors":"Yu Yang , Ping Huang , Jingjing Yang , Jin Wang , Qinwan Huang","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119749","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119749","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>Hydrargyrum chloratum compositum(Hcc) is a traditional Chinese medicine for external use, with the efficacy of ‘transforming corrosion and pulling out toxins, removing corrosion and regenerating muscles’. The main components are mercuric chloride (HgCl<sub>2</sub>) and mercurous chloride (Hg<sub>2</sub>Cl<sub>2</sub>), which have antibacterial, corrosive and tissue repairing effects. However, the therapeutic mechanism and toxicity risk of its topical application for treating difficult-to-heal wounds have not been clearly explained.</div></div><div><h3>Aims of the study</h3><div>To investigate the therapeutic mechanism of Baishuidan on chronic non-healing wounds in rats and to assess the risk of mercury toxicity.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The antimicrobial activity of Hcc against <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em>, <em>Candida albicans</em>, <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em>, and <em>Streptococcus-β haemolyticus</em> was assessed by the circle of inhibition assay, Minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC) and Minimum bactericidal concentration(MBC) assay and 24-h inhibition curve. SD rats were used to establish a chronic difficult-to-heal wound model. The efficacy of C. albicans and its effects on inflammatory and angiogenic factors were assessed by wound healing rate, histopathological analysis, immunohistochemical staining, and Elisa assay. The pathological effects of Hcc on the principal organs of rats and the accumulation of mercury ions were detected by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining and atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Hcc showed different degrees of bacteriostatic effects on <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em>, <em>Streptococcus-β haemolyticus</em>, <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em>, and <em>Candida albicans</em>. Among them, the most significant inhibitory effect was on <em>S. aureus</em> (MIC 4 μg/mL, MBC 8 μg/mL). Hcc significantly promoted the healing of skin wounds in rats, with the best effect in the middle-dose group. Pathological analysis showed that collagen fibre production and neocapillary formation increased and inflammatory cell infiltration decreased in the treatment group. Hcc improved the microenvironment of wounds by decreasing the level of the pro-inflammatory factor IL-6 and increasing the level of the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10. By activating the Pi3k - Akt and Notch1 - Vegfa signalling pathways, Hcc promotes cell proliferation and angiogenesis, accelerating wound healing. Hcc did not cause significant pathological damage to the major organs of rats at the therapeutic dose. However, a significant accumulation of mercury ions was detected in the kidneys, suggesting that long-term use may cause damage to renal function.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study is the first to systematically investigate the multi-target, multi-pathway mechanism of action of Hydrargyrum Chloratum Compositum (Hcc) in treating chronic ","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"347 ","pages":"Article 119749"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143824475","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":"In vivo and in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of the methanolic leaves extract of Gymnopodium floribundum Rolfe","authors":"Fabiola Villa de la Torre ,&nbsp;Edwin Alejandro Tec Caamal ,&nbsp;Abril Martínez Rizo ,&nbsp;Rocío Borges Argáez ,&nbsp;Valeria Guadalupe Pintor Romero ,&nbsp;Eunice Yáñez-Barrientos ,&nbsp;David Jeremías Morales-Tirado ,&nbsp;Angel Josabad Alonso-Castro ,&nbsp;Víctor Arana Argáez","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119743","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119743","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div><em>Gymnopodium floribundum</em> Rolfe, known locally as “Dzidzilche” or \"Ts'its'ilche,” is a native species from Mexico and Central America. In Mayan communities, this plant is used to relieve inflammation and diverse respiratory diseases such as colds, catarrh, bronchitis, and asthma. Usually, a decoction of leaves or flowers is prepared and administered orally.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>This research explores the anti-inflammatory effects of the methanol extract of <em>Gymnopodium floribundum</em> Rolfe leaves (MGF) using <em>in vitro</em> and <em>in vivo</em> animal models of inflammation.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>MGF was characterized by GC-MS, and cytotoxicity was assessed using hemolysis and MTT assays. The antiphlogistic effect <em>in vitro</em> was measuring the release of cytokines, hydrogen peroxide, and nitric oxide in macrophages stimulated with LPS. Additionally, anti- and pro-inflammatory cytokines, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes in serum were quantified in carrageenan-induced mouse paw edema. Finally, 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNFB)-induced delayed-type hypersensitivity and TPA-induced ear edema models were analyzed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Compounds found in MGF, such as D-pinitol and protocatechuic (3,4-dihydroxybenzoic) acid, are reported to exert anti-inflammatory effects. MGF showed no hemolytic or cytotoxic effects. Nevertheless, it displayed <em>in vitro</em> anti-inflammatory activity by decreasing the release of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, hydrogen peroxide, and nitric oxide levels; on the other hand, it increased IL-10 production. Furthermore, the MGF significantly reduced inflammation in mouse models and reduced the release of leukotrienes, prostaglandins, and pro-inflammatory cytokines.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div><em>Gymnopodium floribundum</em> Rolfe exhibits anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing pro-inflammatory mediators, altering cell migration mechanisms, and raising IL-10 production.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"347 ","pages":"Article 119743"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143817258","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":"Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge and Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex inhibits the PTGS2/EP2/cAMP/Epac1 signaling pathway to reduce microglial M1 polarization, thereby blocking chronic stress-induced depression-like behavior","authors":"De-ping Zhao ,&nbsp;Ao Xue ,&nbsp;Ke Yuan ,&nbsp;Kun Zuo ,&nbsp;Yang Li ,&nbsp;Zhen-hua Bian ,&nbsp;Hong-dan Xu ,&nbsp;Si-min Cheng ,&nbsp;Meng Yang ,&nbsp;Hong-mei Zhao ,&nbsp;Xin Ma ,&nbsp;Xia Lei ,&nbsp;Ning Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119792","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119792","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div><em>Anemarrhena asphodeloides</em> Bunge and <em>Phellodendri Chinensis</em> Cortex (AP) is a synergistic drug combination used to treat depression. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the therapeuticeffects of AP requires further elucidation.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>To investigate the potential of AP in the treatment of depression and its mechanism of action.</div></div><div><h3>Methods and methods</h3><div>The depression model was established by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) and treated with different doses of AP. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and network pharmacology methods were used to analyze the composition and potential targets of AP. Molecular docking, affinity ultrafiltration (AUF) and cellular thermal shift assays (CETSA) techniques were used to analyze the interaction between AP components and key targets. The therapeutic effects of AP active ingredients were explored in LPS-induced cell models.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>AP ameliorated CUMS-induced despair behaviors, regulate M1/M2 phenotypic balance of microglia and reduced neuroinflammation. Then, A total of 10 brain components were identified in the mPFC of CUMS rats. Based on these chemical compositions, PTGS2 was found to be at the core of the regulatory network through network analysis. All components of AP had good interaction with PTGS2, among which Neomangiferin and PTGS2 had the strongest binding capacity. AP can decrease PTGS2 activity, decrease PGE2 production and EP2 expression downstream, and reduce inflammatory response. In LPS-induced BV2 cells, Neomangiferin regulated the imbalance of M1/M2 microglia, reduced the release of pro-inflammatory factors, and decreased the expression of PTGS2, PEG2, EP2, cAMP, and Epac1.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>AP improves the potential therapeutic benefits of depression by targeting the PTGS2 signaling pathway, thereby promoting the wider use of AP in depression.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"347 ","pages":"Article 119792"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143824394","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 novel polysaccharide from Citrus aurantium L.: Structural properties and antitumor activities in vitro and in vivo","authors":"Jianqiu Tu ,&nbsp;Xiaoyuan Liu ,&nbsp;Kun Li ,&nbsp;Huiping Liu ,&nbsp;Jianfang Li ,&nbsp;Jing Zhu ,&nbsp;Nan Xia ,&nbsp;Qing Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119725","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119725","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A novel cold-water-soluble polysaccharide (CALP-1-1) was isolated and purified from <em>Citrus aurantium L.</em> Besides determining its <em>in vitro</em> and <em>in vivo</em> anti-tumor activities, its structure was characterised. The results reveal that CALP-1-1 mainly consists of Rha, Ara, Gal, GalA, and GlcA (molar ratio, 1:14.56:19.27:2.27:1.29) with three main linkages. Its average molecular weight was 2.04 × 10³ kDa. Moreover, the triple helix structure of CALP-1-1 was proved by Congo-red and circular dichroism (CD). The <em>in vitro</em> experimental results demonstrate that CALP-1-1 significantly inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells with typical apoptotic features by inducing cell cycle arrest in the S phase. Furthermore, <em>in vivo</em> anti-tumor experiments suggest that CALP-1-1 could induce H22 solid tumor cells apoptosis and exhibit anti-tumor effects by protecting immune organs and intensifying the secretion of immune cells (macrophages, lymphocytes and NK cells). In conclusion, CALP-1-1 might be a promising component for cancer treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"347 ","pages":"Article 119725"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143824477","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":"Huangqin decoction alleviated irinotecan-induced diarrhea by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress through activating AMPK/mTOR-mediated autophagy","authors":"Yunjing He,&nbsp;Lei Feng,&nbsp;Yujie Gao,&nbsp;Yusu Wang,&nbsp;Chenglu Yang,&nbsp;Siyu Han,&nbsp;Yuke Ren,&nbsp;Yarong Zhai,&nbsp;Ke Nie","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119790","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119790","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>Huangqin decoction (HQD), a traditional Chinese antidiarrheal formula, is effective in treating chemotherapy-induced diarrhea (CID). However, its underlying mechanism has not been fully clarified.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>This study aimed to determine whether the underlying mechanism of HQD against CID is related to the activation of AMPK/mTOR-mediated autophagy inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>Network pharmacology was used to screen potential targets and pathways. The CID mouse model was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 75 mg/kg irinotecan consecutively for four days. The effectiveness of HQD against CID was evaluated through diarrhea score, intestinal epithelial permeability, etc. The histopathological changes of colon were evaluated by HE staining. Alcian blue and immunofluorescence staining were used to assess mucous layer and the expression of MUC2, TJP-1, Occludin, and LC3, relatively. The level of GRP78 and CHOP was assessed by RT-qPCR and WB. Furthermore, the levels of LC3II/I, Beclin-1, P62, AMPK, p-AMPK, mTOR, p-mTOR were evaluated by WB.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Network pharmacology highlighted that the therapeutic effects of HQD against CID may be related to ER stress, autophagy, AMPK, and mTOR signaling pathways, etc. Subsequently, we conducted animal experiments to validate the predicted results. HQD improved CID by attenuating diarrhea, intestinal permeability, etc. HQD could effectively repair intestinal mucous barrier by activating AMPK/mTOR-mediated autophagy to inhibit ER stress.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Irinotecan disrupted the intestinal barrier causing diarrhea, while HQD could repair intestinal barrier via inducing AMPK/mTOR-mediated autophagy inhibiting ER stress, thereby exerting therapeutic effects against CID.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"347 ","pages":"Article 119790"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143808679","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":"Integrated metabolomics and network pharmacology reveal the mechanisms of Xuebijing in counteracting sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction","authors":"Yan Hu ,&nbsp;Yang Xu ,&nbsp;Jian Gao ,&nbsp;Bingrui Ling ,&nbsp;Sinong Pan ,&nbsp;Siying Liu ,&nbsp;Tianfeng Hua ,&nbsp;Min Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119729","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119729","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>Xuebijing (XBJ) injection is a Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) injection extracted and prepared using modern TCM formulation techniques. As a widely used treatment for critically ill patients, XBJ injection has shown significant therapeutic effects in clinical applications in China. It plays an indispensable role in sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction (SIMD). However, its underlying mechanisms require further investigation.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aims to investigate the cardioprotective effects of XBJ in sepsis and to elucidate its underlying mechanisms.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Network pharmacology was used to predict the potential active components and core targets of XBJ against SIMD. Furthermore, animal models were used to verify its pharmacodynamics. Metabolomics was integrated to track the myocardial tissue metabolites from septic rats. Molecular docking, qRT-PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence were performed to investigate the mechanisms of action.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Network pharmacology predicted that the efficacy of XBJ is attributed to 104 active components and 178 targets. Metabolomics of myocardial tissue from CLP rats revealed that the key metabolic pathways included the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, pyrimidine metabolism, and purine metabolism. Five core active components of XBJ (quercetin, luteolin, rutin, β-sitosterol, and cryptotanshinone) can modulate interleukin-6 (IL-6), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α), and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α). Molecular docking analysis confirmed that the core components of XBJ have a strong affinity for these key targets. Additionally, qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence results indicated that XBJ can reverse the expression of these targets, ameliorated energy metabolism dysregulation, and alleviated SIMD.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>XBJ exerts protective effects in a rat model of sepsis-induced myocardial injury, by modulating energy metabolism pathways that regulate key SIMD-related targets (IL-6, EGFR, BCL2, PGC-1α, and HIF-1α), thereby improving myocardial energy metabolism and alleviating inflammatory responses.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"347 ","pages":"Article 119729"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143824393","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":"Corrigendum to \"Morroniside attenuates apoptosis and pyroptosis of chondrocytes and ameliorates osteoarthritic development by inhibiting NF-κB signaling\" [J. Ethnopharmacol. (266), (2021): 113447 / JEP_113447)].","authors":"Huan Yu, Sai Yao, Chengchong Zhou, Fangda Fu, Huan Luo, Weibin Du, Hongting Jin, Peijian Tong, Di Chen, Chengliang Wu, Hongfeng Ruan","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119735","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2025.119735","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":" ","pages":"119735"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143810765","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":"Phillyrin from Forsythia suspensa suppresses the proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis of colorectal cancer via targeting CD147","authors":"Yuzhen Huang ,&nbsp;Nan Cheng ,&nbsp;Yingru Zhi ,&nbsp;Dan Qiao ,&nbsp;Yan Wang ,&nbsp;Mengqing Ma ,&nbsp;Chun Ge ,&nbsp;Weiwei Tao ,&nbsp;Wanli Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119759","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119759","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div><em>Forsythia suspensa</em> (Thunb.) Vahl, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, is widely used in clinical practice. Phillyrin (PHN), a major bioactive component of <em>Forsythia suspensa</em>, exhibits significant anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and antibacterial properties, offering potential for colorectal cancer (CRC) prevention and treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>This study aimed to clarify the effects of PHN on CRC progression, focusing on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and angiogenesis, to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms involving CD147.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>In vitro, cell viability and colony formation were conducted to detect the inhibition of PHN on CRC cells. Wound healing and Transwell assays were used to detect the migration and invasion. PCR, Western blot and ELISA were performed to clarify the relevant molecular levels. Overexpression plasmids were constructed to regulate the target molecule for mechanism research. In vivo, subcutaneous xenograft and lung metastasis models evaluated PHN's anti-cancer effects including histological and immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>PHN inhibited CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro, downregulating CD147 expression, while CD147 overexpression reversed the effects of PHN. In vivo, PHN significantly suppressed tumor growth and lung metastasis, reducing VEGFA, N-Cadherin, Snail1, and MMP-9 expression, and increasing E-Cadherin levels.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These findings indicated that PHN suppressed the proliferation and metastasis of CRC via regulating CD147-mediated EMT and angiogenesis. PHN may be a promising therapeutic agent for CRC treatment in clinic, and CD147 may be a potential target for drug development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"347 ","pages":"Article 119759"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143824476","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":"Corrigendum to “Exploring the wound healing potential of Lobostemon fruticosus using in vitro and in vivo bioassays” [J. Ethnopharmacol. 336 2025 118632]","authors":"Mashilo R. Kgosana ,&nbsp;Maxleene Sandasi ,&nbsp;Efficient Ncube ,&nbsp;Ilze Vermaak ,&nbsp;Chrisna Gouws ,&nbsp;Alvaro M. Viljoen","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119712","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119712","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"346 ","pages":"Article 119712"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143808158","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":"Lycii Fructus and Chrysanthemum Flos, a Chinese medicine herbal pair, ameliorates retinal degeneration of mice induced by sodium iodate and protects Müller cells from oxidative stress","authors":"Cheng Cao ,&nbsp;Mengqiu Liu ,&nbsp;Lei Yuan ,&nbsp;Hongquan Yu ,&nbsp;Sheng Guo ,&nbsp;Shulan Su ,&nbsp;Hongjie Kang ,&nbsp;Jin-ao Duan ,&nbsp;Yue Zhu","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119747","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119747","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>The combination of Lycii Fructus (LF) and Chrysanthemum Flos (CF) is a well-known herbal pair utilized in Chinese medicine for the treatment of retinal degeneration diseases commonly found in the elderly, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, the precise mechanisms of action mechanism and active constituents responsible for the therapeutic effects of the LF-CF herbal pair in improving AMD remain unknown.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>This study aims to evaluate the effect of the LF-CF herbal pair on alleviating retinal damage and apoptosis in Müller cells of a dry AMD mouse model, especially its role in enhancing oxidative stress in the retina. Moreover, it endeavors to clarify the underlying action mechanisms and identify the bioactive ingredients in the LF - CF herbal pair that act on Müller cells to alleviate oxidative stress.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>A mice model of dry AMD was established through intraperitoneal administration of sodium iodate. Various solvents were employed to prepare extracts of the LF-CF herbal pair. The impact of these solvent extracts on ameliorating oxidative damage and determination of oxidation index in the retina was assessed. The ability of LF-CF herbal pair on regulating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in model mice was also detected. The MIO-M1 cell cultures were employed to assess the impact of extracts on protecting cells from oxidative damage caused by sodium iodate. The cell cultures were also utilized to investigate the potential mechanism of action and identify the active components involved.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The LF-CF herbal pair extracts showed evident protective effects on the mouse retina against sodium iodate-induced oxidative damage. They maintained retinal structural integrity and inhibited apoptosis. Among the extracts, the aqueous and 70 % ethanol ones were more effective in preventing retina injury. These two extracts enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, reduced oxidative products in the experimental mice's retina, reversing the down-regulation of glutamine synthetase (a Müller cell marker). <em>In vitro</em>, the aqueous and 70 % ethanol extracts of the LF-CF herbal pair also protected MIO-M1 cells from sodium iodate-induced oxidative stress via regulating caspase-dependent and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways. Lycium barbarum polysaccharides and luteolin are likely the active ingredients responsible for these effects.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The LF-CF herbal pair demonstrated the ability to mitigate oxidative stress in the retina and suppress apoptosis in Müller cells through the regulation of caspase-dependent and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways. These findings contribute to the growing body of scientific evidences supporting the potential of LF-CF herbal pair as a viable therapeutic option or preventive measure for dry AMD.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"347 ","pages":"Article 119747"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143808764","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}