Journal of ethnopharmacology最新文献

{"title":"Crude Polygalae Radix after boiling with licorice decoction alleviates intestinal mucosal barrier injury of rats by regulating TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway","authors":"Xin Zhao ,&nbsp;Meng-Jiao He ,&nbsp;Meng Zhao ,&nbsp;Hao-Ran Li ,&nbsp;Zi-Ming Zhuang ,&nbsp;Yue Xing ,&nbsp;Xue-Lan Zhang ,&nbsp;Pan Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119661","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119661","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div><em>Polygala tenuifolia</em> Willd. (pharmacologically termed Polygalae Radix, PR), a nootropic botanical in traditional Chinese medicine, demonstrates anxiolytic and cognitive-enhancing properties with two millennia of documented therapeutic applications. Long-term or large-dose use of crude Polygalae Radix (CPR) causes intestinal injury, which could be reduced by use of <em>Glycyrrhiza uralensis</em> Fisch. (licorice) decoction-boiled Polygalae Radix. However, the effects of boiling CPR with licorice decoction on reducing intestinal mucosal barrier injury have not been studied.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>Our research mainly focused on the alleviating effects and underlying mechanism of CPR after boiling with licorice decoction on intestinal mucosal barrier injury in rats.</div></div><div><h3>Methods and materials</h3><div>SD rats were orally administered CPR and licorice decoction-boiled PR (LPR) extracts respectively for 15 consecutive days. Subsequently, levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and immunoglobulins were measured, and histopathological changes in intestinal tissues were examined. The mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were evaluated by qRT-PCR. The expression difference of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway key protein and tight junction (TJ) protein were evaluated using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Processing PR with licorice decoction significantly ameliorated the downregulation of intestinal TJ proteins (occludin, claudin-1, and ZO-1) and elevated serum lipopolysaccharide levels induced by CPR. It alleviated the suppression of intestinal immunoglobulin A, serum immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin G levels caused by CPR while mitigating intestinal mucosal injury and inflammatory responses. Additionally, processing PR with licorice decoction inhibited CPR-triggered upregulation of TLR4, NF-κB p65, p-NF-κB p65, and p-κBα proteins expression, while preventing IκBα downregulation in intestinal tissues. Furthermore, it significantly suppressed the upregulation of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) mRNA expression while concurrently inhibiting the secretion levels of these pro-inflammatory cytokines in small intestine.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Our experimental data suggest that licorice decoction boiling effectively prevents CPR-induced reductions in TJ proteins and immunoglobulins expression, alleviates intestinal mucosal barrier injuries, and mediates these effects through suppression of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway activation and subsequent production of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"346 ","pages":"Article 119661"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143692328","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":"Exploring the quality marker of Curcumae kwangsiensis radix from different production regions using the spectrum-effect relationship, serum metabolism, and molecular docking integrated with chemometrics","authors":"Yixin Yao ,&nbsp;Jingqi Wang ,&nbsp;Guohui Zhang ,&nbsp;Zhiyan Li ,&nbsp;Hua Yu ,&nbsp;Jinmin Zhao ,&nbsp;Mingqing Huang ,&nbsp;Chun Yao ,&nbsp;Yitao Wang ,&nbsp;Hua Luo","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119652","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119652","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>Curcuma kwangsie<em>nsis radix</em> (CKR) is one of the most important herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. It effectively enhances blood circulation and eliminates stasis, which is highly associated with thrombosis. Furthermore, CKR is primarily produced in the Guangxi and Yunnan provinces of China. However, the quality control indicators of CKR in different production regions remain controversial.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>To explore the quality marker (Q-Marker) of CKR in different production regions.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>First, we determined the UPLC fingerprints of CKR from different production regions. Second, <em>in vitro</em>, antiplatelet aggregation biopotency (AAB) was measured using a parallel-line assay based on the quantitative response method of the bioassay. We identified CKR components and their serum metabolism using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS^E. Subsequently, molecular docking technology was used for Q-Marker analysis. Finally, we established a method for the quantitative analysis of Q-Marker.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>We observed significant differences of CKR between the Guangxi and Yunnan provinces according to the UPLC fingerprint and AAB results. Eight quality control-relevant components were screened using orthogonal partial least squares based on the spectrum-effect relationship. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS^E identified 57 CKR components, and 10 prototype components and 11 metabolites, respectively, were detected during serum metabolism. Ultimately, curcumenone was screened as a Q-Marker using the spectrum-effect relationship integrated with serum metabolism, which positively correlated with the quality. The AAB results of the Q-Marker indicated that curcumenone exhibited significant anti-platelet aggregation activity. The results of the Q-Marker molecular docking revealed the strongest binding effect between curcumenone and the GP-IIb/IIIa receptor, whereas that between the P2Y12 receptor and the P2Y1 receptor was the weakest. In addition, quantitative analysis of the Q-Marker indicated that there were significant differences in the contents of the Q-Marker from different production regions.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>We identified a Q-Marker for CKR that can provide a foundation for quality evaluation research from different production regions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"346 ","pages":"Article 119652"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143674219","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Traditional Herbal Medicine Pithecellobium clypearia (Jack) Benth: Research progress in chemical constituents and pharmacological activities","authors":"Dapeng Su ,&nbsp;Siqi Liu ,&nbsp;Chaogeng Lyu ,&nbsp;Dehua Wu ,&nbsp;Tielin Wang ,&nbsp;Xiufu Wan ,&nbsp;Liangyun Zhou ,&nbsp;Chuanzhi Kang ,&nbsp;Lanping Guo","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119635","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119635","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div><em>Pithecellobium clypearia</em>, a traditional herbal medicine, has garnered widespread attention for its significant anti-infective benefits. However, there is currently a lack of comprehensive reviews examining the chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of <em>P. clypearia</em>.</div></div><div><h3>Aims of the study</h3><div>This review aims to investigate the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of <em>P. clypearia</em>, and to explore its potential for wider medical applications through the synthesis of these findings.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>The Web of Science, PubMed, CNKI, Google Scholar, and WanFang databases were searched for <em>Pithecellobium clypearia</em>, Using “<em>Pithecellobium clypearia</em>”, “<em>Archidendron clypearia</em>”, “pharmacology”, “chemical composition” and “biological activity”, as the keywords, we summarized the main chemical compositions and pathological mechanisms of <em>P. clypearia</em>.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 129 compounds were isolated from <em>P. clypearia</em>, the primary active components identified include flavonoids, polysaccharides, lignins, triterpenoids, steroids, and phenolic acids. These compounds contribute to the medicinal plant's diverse pharmacological effects, which include antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. <em>P. clypearia</em> presents great potential, especially in its antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects, indicating its valuable role in future therapeutic strategies.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div><em>P. clypearia</em> has demonstrated effectiveness and safety in treating various respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases. It shows good monotherapy efficacy and significantly enhances overall treatment outcomes when used in combination therapy. <em>P. clypearia</em> is a valuable treatment option for patients of different age groups and provides a safe and effective alternative in various clinical settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"346 ","pages":"Article 119635"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143674223","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":"10-Methoxy-leonurine accelerated wound healing through ErbB4/PI3K-AKT pathway","authors":"Yue Zhang ,&nbsp;Bang-Yin Tan ,&nbsp;Hui-Zhen Peng ,&nbsp;Yu Duan ,&nbsp;Xi Wen ,&nbsp;Xin-Yao Li ,&nbsp;Xian-Run Wu ,&nbsp;Yun-Li Zhao ,&nbsp;Xiao-Dong Luo","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119641","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119641","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div><em>Leonurus</em> <em>japonicus</em> Houtt., commonly known as motherwort, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat trauma and wound infections historically. However, the main compounds responsible for promoting wound healing need to be identified and explained fully.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>To investigate the wound healing effect of 10-methoxy-leonurine (MN) and explore its mechanism.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>Following the UHPLC/Q-TOF-MS analysis of <em>L. japonicus,</em> the phytochemical isolation was carried out, and then the effect of isolated compounds in promoting the proliferation of human skin fibroblasts (HSF) was screened<em>.</em> Additionally, scratch and 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine assay in HSF were further adopted to support the effects of MN <em>in vitro</em>. A rat model with full-thickness skin wounds was used to verify <em>in vivo</em> by hematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson's trichrome and immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, network pharmacology and molecular docking were performed to predict the potential pathway, which were subsequently validated by cell cycle and RT-qPCR.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total 11 compounds were isolated, in which MN exhibited the most significant bioactivity in promoting HSF proliferation and migration. Moreover, the wound healing rates in low (10 μg/mL) and high dose (50 μg/mL) of MN groups reached 93.9 % and 94.5 %, respectively, which was better than basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) 89.4 %. Additionally, the epithelial thickness, collagen Ⅰ deposition and α-smooth muscle actin expression were enhanced and the proportion of HSF cells in the S phase of the cell cycle was increased. Network pharmacological and molecular docking analysis suggested ErbB pathway was involved in the regulation of wound healing by MN, which was further supported by the up-regulation of <em>Erbb4</em>, <em>Stat5</em>, <em>Pi3k</em>, <em>Akt</em> and <em>mTOR</em> mRNA levels.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>MN showed potent effect on wound healing by regulating ErbB4/PI3K-AKT pathway, even better than bFGF.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"346 ","pages":"Article 119641"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143674217","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":"Anti-rheumatoid arthritis effects of Caragana acanthophylla Kom. on collagen-induced arthritis and the anti-inflammatory activity of polyphenols as main active components","authors":"Lan Pan ,&nbsp;Tianyuan Zhou ,&nbsp;Kailibinur Maimaiti ,&nbsp;Haiyan Xu ,&nbsp;Guoxu Ma","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119637","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119637","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div><em>Caragana acanthophylla</em> Kom. is a folk medicine for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA), widely used in Xinjiang of China. However, the pharmacological mechanism and possible material basis was not clear.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>This study was aimed to investigate the anti-rheumatoid arthritis effect of the 80 % EtOH extract from <em>Caragana acanthophylla</em> Kom. aerial parts (ECA), as well as the potential pharmacological mechanism and possible material basis.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>RA model was induced by type Ⅱ collagen. Hind paw swelling, arthritis index score and pathological test were performed. The levels of MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, as well as cytokines IL-1<em>β,</em> IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17A and TNF-<em>α</em> in serum were detected by ELISA. The expression of proteins I<em>κ</em>B, <em>p</em>-I<em>κ</em>B, COX-2 and <em>i</em>NOS were evaluated by western blotting. UHPLC-MS/MS was recorded the chemical composition. MS guided technology was subjected to isolate pure compounds from ECA. NMR and mass spectrometric were applied to identify the isolated compounds. In <em>vitro</em> anti-inflammatory of isolated compounds was measured by RAW 264.7 cells induced LPS. The cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay, and Griess reagent method was used to quantify the production of NO.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>ECA attenuated paws swelling, arthritis indexes and pathological changes of joints in RA rats, decreased the levels of MMP-3, MMP-9, as well as cytokines of IL-1<em>β,</em> IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A and TNF-<em>α</em>, besides increased the levels of cytokine IL-10 in serum. While the level of MMP-2 almost unchanged. In addition, the expression of <em>p</em>-I<em>κ</em>B, COX-2 and <em>i</em>NOS were inhibited, while the expression level of I<em>κ</em>B was promoted. Futhermore, phytochemical investigation revealed that 33 metabolites was detected from ECA. Then a new biflavonoid, caracanflavanone (<strong>1</strong>), a new lignan, caracanlignane (<strong>12</strong>), along with eleven known compounds were isolated<em>.</em> Compounds <strong>1</strong>−<strong>8</strong> and <strong>11</strong> inhibited LPS-induced NO production with the IC₅₀ values in the range of 23.91–64.14 μM.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>ECA possessed strong anti-RA activity, which might be owing to the down-regulation of inflammatory cytokines IL-1<em>β,</em> IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A and TNF-<em>α</em>, and up-regulation of inflammatory cytokines IL-10, as well as inhibition of the protein expression of <em>p</em>-I<em>κ</em>B, COX-2 and <em>i</em>NOS, and activation of the expression of I<em>κ</em>B in NF-<em>κ</em>B signaling pathway. Moreover, polyphenols might be provide a significant effect against RA.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"346 ","pages":"Article 119637"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143670037","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":"Artichoke water extract protects against Lead-induced hepatotoxicity by activating Nrf2 signaling and inhibiting NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis","authors":"Aihua Deng ,&nbsp;Mengyuan Yi ,&nbsp;Yun Wang ,&nbsp;Ping Mo ,&nbsp;Kerui Huang ,&nbsp;Peng Xie ,&nbsp;Shaogang Fan ,&nbsp;Mengxing Xue ,&nbsp;Xiaowei Ding ,&nbsp;Yun Wang ,&nbsp;Bing Xiao","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119654","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119654","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>Lead (Pb), a predominant heavy metal in the environment, causes significant harm to mammalian organs by activating oxidative stress and inflammation. Artichoke (Cynarascolymus L.) is a conventional edible botanical remedy known for its diverse pharmacological attributes, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of artichoke water extract (AWE) on Pb-induced liver toxicity and the potential underlying mechanisms.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>We identified and quantified the chemical compounds in AWE using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Fifty male C57BL/6J mice (8-week-old) were randomly divided into five groups with ad libitum access to a standard diet and water. Over six weeks of experiments, the control group was orally administered 100 μL/day of distilled water. The Pb group received orally a Pb solution at 25 mg/kg body weight (BW)/day. The Pb + AWE (0.8) group received a combination of Pb solution (25 mg/kg BW) and AWE (0.8 g/kg BW) daily. Next, the Pb + AWE (1.6) group received a combination of Pb solution (25 mg/kg BW) and AWE (1.6 g/kg BW) daily. The Pb + vitamin C group received a combination of Pb solution (25 mg/kg BW) and vitamin C (50 mg/kg BW) daily. We evaluated tissue Pb levels, serum biochemical indices, liver function parameters, and histopathology post-experiment. HepG2 cells were cultured to investigate AWE's role and underlying mechanism of action on Pb-induced pyroptosis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Ninety-six major compounds were identified and quantified in AWE using UPLC-MS/MS. Treatment with AWE at 0.8 and 1.6 g/kg body weight (BW) significantly reduced tissue Pb accumulation, induced fecal Pb excretion, improved lipid profiles, and attenuated liver injury. In addition, AWE treatment increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-OHdG production, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1 beta expression in Pb-exposed mice and HepG2 cells. Mechanistically, the <em>in vivo</em> and <em>in vitro</em> results showed that AWE's antioxidant role was related to the activation of nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling. Its anti-inflammatory effect was associated with the inhibition of Pb-induced pyroptosis by inhibiting the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3)/caspase-1/gasdermin D (GSDMD) pathway.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These findings indicate that AWE protects against Pb-induced liver toxicity potentially through its chelating, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"346 ","pages":"Article 119654"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143670038","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Codonopsis pilosula water extract improves testicular inflammatory aging in D-galactose induced aging mice by modulating the CLEC7A/inflammasome pathway","authors":"Jing Wang ,&nbsp;Xuechan Li ,&nbsp;Caihong Li ,&nbsp;Lijun Liu ,&nbsp;Zhenjuan Wang ,&nbsp;Juan Feng","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119645","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119645","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>Aging-induced testicular inflammation impairs male fertility. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and mechanism of <em>C. pilosula</em> water extract (CPWE) in preventing testicular inflammation in D-galactose-induced aging mice.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>The “The Plant List” database (<span><span>www.theplantlist.org</span><svg><path></path></svg></span>) provided verified plant taxonomy. D-galactose was intraperitoneally injected to induce an aging mice model, with high, medium, and low dosages of CPWE used as pharmacological interventions. The concentrations of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), testosterone and in mouse serum or testicle samples after CPWE treatment were quantified using biochemical method. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was employed to assess the morphological features of testicular tissues, whereas immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were conducted to evaluate the presence and levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) within testicular samples of mice. Differentially expressed genes were identified using transcriptome sequencing; the genes and pathways regulated by CPWE, as well as immune cell infiltration, were examined using bioinformatics analysis. The expression of target gene and pathway-related protein was confirmed using real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Treatment with CPWE alleviated the pathological alterations in the testicular tissues of aged mice, increased the concentrations of SOD and testosterone in the serum, and decreased the levels of MDA, IL-6 and IL-1β in the testes. The expression of <em>C-C motif chemokine ligand 21a</em> (<em>Ccl21a</em>) and <em>C-C motif chemokine ligand 27b</em> (<em>Ccl27b</em>) genes was downregulated after treatment with CPWE. The protein levels associated with the C-type lectin domain family 7, member A (CLEC7A)/inflammasome signaling pathway, including IL-1β, Caspase 8 (CASP8), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), were found to be downregulated after treatment with CPWE. T cells, B cells, and macrophages showed a strong association with aging and the modulatory effects of CPWE.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The results indicate that CPWE regulates the CLEC7A/inflammasome pathway, thereby inhibiting inflammasomes activation and reducing the expressions of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and IL-1β, as well as chemokines such as <em>Ccl21a</em> and <em>Ccl27b</em>, providing substantial protection against age-related testicular inflammatory injury.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"346 ","pages":"Article 119645"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143670040","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":"Integrative investigation on the mechanisms of modified Zuojin pill (SQQT) in ameliorating gastric metaplasia","authors":"Xuefei Yang ,&nbsp;Jiaqi Zhang ,&nbsp;Jing Ma ,&nbsp;Jinke Huang ,&nbsp;Ping Wang ,&nbsp;Fengyun Wang ,&nbsp;Xudong Tang","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119643","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119643","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>Zuojin pill is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treating gastric disorders. The modified Zuojin pill (SQQT) has been used in the treatment of gastric metaplasia (GM) in China for decades. However, the mechanisms of SQQT treat GM remain unclear.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>Our goals are to evaluate the effect of SQQT on GM and to investigate its potential mechanisms.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>An animal model of metaplasia was established to study the mechanism of SQQT. RNA-seq was employed to analyze the pathogenesis of GM. Network pharmacological approaches and molecular docking were used to elucidate the mechanisms of SQQT. Common targets of the SQQT and GM mechanism pathways are defined as the key mechanisms of SQQT's treatment in GM. The key mechanisms were validated through <em>in vivo</em> and <em>in vitro</em> experiments.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>RNA-seq analysis of GM animals and network pharmacology of SQQT indicated that SQQT might treat GM via 20 pathways, including the PPAR pathway. Among the 3 core targets of the PPAR pathway, only PPARG is related to GM progression. Besides, the core components of SQQT have a lower affinity for binding to PPARG. The main mechanism of SQQT ameliorated GM is related to PPARG. In animal experiments, SQQT ameliorated GM through ROS decreasing, mitochondrial damage repairing, and protein marker rectification. In cell experiments, SQQT notably decreased the levels of ferroptosis and metaplasia markers including GPX4, PPARG, MUC6, and ACSL4.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>SQQT ameliorated gastric metaplasia by inhibiting the PPARG/ferroptosis pathway.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"346 ","pages":"Article 119643"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143670039","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":"Shuanglu tongnao formula alleviates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury by rebuilding inflammatory microenvironment after cerebral ischemia","authors":"Yang Zhai ,&nbsp;Xingwang Pang ,&nbsp;Xiaoping Mei ,&nbsp;Yan Pang ,&nbsp;Jianlong Shu ,&nbsp;Yuhan Xiao ,&nbsp;Wei Ma ,&nbsp;Min Zou ,&nbsp;Peng Yang ,&nbsp;Guihua Yue ,&nbsp;Dazhi Lan","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119640","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119640","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological significance</h3><div>Shuanglu tongnao formula (SLTNF) has been clinically proven to have significant efficacy in the treatment of Ischemic stroke (IS), and is a promising formula for IS treatment. Still, the underlying mechanism is not clear. Whether SLTNF ameliorates ischemic brain injury by reversing the pro-inflammatory microenvironment after IS is an interesting field of investigation.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>Based on the result of network pharmacology and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), whether SLTNF mitigates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury by reversing the pro-inflammatory microenvironment was investigated <em>in vivo</em> for the first time.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>The mice middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was established to induce focal cerebral I/R. Subsequently, the remission effects of SLTNF treatment for cerebral I/R injury were evaluated in the MCAO model. scRNA-seq data was used to analyze the immune microenvironment after IS in mice. scRNA-seq and Network pharmacology were applied to predict the mechanism of the treatment of IS by SLTNF. Western blot (WB) and immunofluorescence techniques were employed to validate the potential mechanism.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The experimental results demonstrated that SLTNF dosage-dependently attenuated the infarct volume, neurobehavioral, cell morphology and Nissl bodies damage, and inhibited the apoptosis in cerebral I/R mice. Moreover, scRNA-seq results revealed that the number of NK cells, neutrophils, monocytes, astrocytes and microglia significantly increased after IS. The cell-cell interactions dominated by microglia after IS, the cell-cell interactions between microglia and other immune cells significantly heightened. Furthermore, SLTNF promoted the transition of M1 microglia to M2 type, eventually reversing the pro-inflammatory microenvironment. Combined analysis of scRNA-seq and Network pharmacology results predicted that AGE-RAGE signaling pathway could involve in the regulation of microglia polarization by SLTNF. WB results revealed that SLTNF significantly inhibited the protein expression of CCND1, IL-1β and p-STAT3, which belong to crucial targets of SLTNF and AGE-RAGE signaling pathway.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>SLTNF attenuated cerebral I/R injury by reversing the pro-inflammatory microenvironment via the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in mice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"346 ","pages":"Article 119640"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143663555","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":"Progress in Oplopanax elatus research: Resources, propagation, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, quality control, and toxicity","authors":"Zhong-Yu Zhou ,&nbsp;Ji-Sheng Liu ,&nbsp;Ri Gao ,&nbsp;Xin-Mei Jin ,&nbsp;Jing-Run Xiu ,&nbsp;Mei-Yu Jin ,&nbsp;Shuo Yu ,&nbsp;Xuan-Chun Piao ,&nbsp;Mei-Lan Lian","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119650","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119650","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div><em>Oplopanax elatus</em> Nakai is a valuable medicinal plant of the Araliaceae family. In China, South Korea, and Russia, <em>O. elatus</em> has a long history of ethnomedical use, particularly for treating neurasthenia, schizophrenia, cardiovascular disease, and other conditions. However, its commercial use is hindered by the scarcity of raw materials, largely due to the depletion of wild resources and the underdeveloped technology for artificial cultivation. Although reviews on <em>O. elatus</em> exist, they lack coverage of recent research advances and fail to address all relevant aspects. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of current research on this species is crucial for its future applications.</div><div><em>Aim of this review</em>: This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on <em>O. elatus</em> and to integrate recent findings that will guide future research and promote the sustainable utilization of this valuable medicinal plant.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>Available information was collected from scientific databases, including Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Baidu Scholar, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Ethnobotanical Monographs. A comprehensive literature on traditional use, phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, quality control, and toxicity published before June 2024. The findings were summarized in this paper.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>This paper provided a comprehensive review of the research progress on <em>O. elatus</em>, covering its resource status, propagation, phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, quality control, and toxicity. Previous studies were summarized and current results were presented. In addition, existing challenges, such as the lack of research on quality control and molecular biology, were highlighted, along with potential approaches to address these issues. Finally, the future development prospects and potential applications of <em>O. elatus</em> were discussed.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div><em>O. elatus</em> has significant potential for use in the production of medicinal, functional foods, and cosmetic products. In particular, adventitious root culture could address the current resource challenges associated with <em>O. elatus</em> and facilitate product development and production. However, further research in quality control and molecular biology is required to fully realize its potential.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"346 ","pages":"Article 119650"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143663554","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}