Journal of ethnopharmacology最新文献

{"title":"Antihyperuricemic, hepatoprotective and nephroprotective roles of Benincasae Exocarpium in hyperuricemia rats","authors":"Rong Tong ,&nbsp;Bonan Ding ,&nbsp;Shiyun Chen ,&nbsp;Wenli Yang ,&nbsp;Yuhang Yi ,&nbsp;Wenjiang He ,&nbsp;Runze Zhou ,&nbsp;Yixue Wang ,&nbsp;Wenzhi Li ,&nbsp;Si Qin","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120185","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120185","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div><em>Benincasae Exocarpium</em> (BE) is the outer peel of the herbaceous plant <em>Benincasa hispida</em> Cogn., belonging to the <em>Cucurbitaceae</em> family. BE has a long-standing history in medicinal applications for its capabilities to relieve thirst, promote diuresis, eliminate dampness, and clear heart fire, which suggest its potential for the intervention of hyperuricemia (HUA).</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>This study aimed to clarify how BE exerts its anti-HUA effect in HUA rats, especially its protective function on liver and kidney damage.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>UPLC-MS/MS analysis was employed to identify the components of BE, HUA rats were established by potassium oxonate and hypoxanthine, and the biochemical parameters and transcriptomics analyses of liver and kidney in BE-treated HUA rats were carried out with further verification by Western Blot.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>BE mainly consisted of amino acids, flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids with a moderate inhibitory effect on xanthine oxidase (XOD, IC₅₀ = 720.6 μg/mL) <em>in vitro</em> and reduced serum levels of uric acid (UA), TC, TG, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, as well as lowered AST, CRE, and BUN levels <em>in vivo</em>, which supported the efficacy of BE in improving liver and kidney function in HUA rats. In addition, BE inhibited UA synthesis and facilitated UA excretion by regulating the expressions of XOD in liver and URAT1, GLUT9, ABCG2 and OAT1 in kidney. Moreover, BE regulated HUA-induced renal inflammation and glomerular swelling through TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway, as evidenced by validation experiments combining transcriptomics with Western Blot analysis. Notably, liver transcriptome analysis and further molecular data indicated that BE alleviated metabolic disorders caused by HUA through regulation of IRS2/FoxO1/AMPK/ACC signaling pathway.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Above results suggest that BE primarily promotes UA excretion and is effective in both reducing UA reabsorption and inhibiting UA production. Notably, BE exerts protective effect on liver and kidney of HUA rats by reducing glomerular swelling and alleviating hepatic metabolic disorders. Therefore, BE can act as a dietary supplement with anti-HUA property.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"352 ","pages":"Article 120185"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144365102","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":"Ganoderma lucidum spore oil modulates immunity in hepatoma H22-bearing mice and restricts tumor growth by inhibiting eicosanoid metabolism pathway","authors":"Xueqian Xie ,&nbsp;Hongxu Chen ,&nbsp;Shuiling Cao ,&nbsp;Rui Xu,&nbsp;Yanping Cai,&nbsp;Bo Xu,&nbsp;Yunliang Chen,&nbsp;Kehan Chen,&nbsp;Wentao Wen,&nbsp;Meng Zhao,&nbsp;Xuezhou Ke,&nbsp;Qi Yi,&nbsp;Chunjing Li,&nbsp;Qing Wang,&nbsp;Lian Zhou,&nbsp;Xia Luo","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120164","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120164","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>Ganode<em>rma lucidum</em> spore oil (GLSO) is a well-known health product that is beneficial for immuno-enhancement, which stems from a medicine fungus: <em>Ganoderma lucidum (Curtis) P. Karst.</em> Ganoderma lucidum has been used as tonic in China for more than 2000 years. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that it has effects with immunomodulatory, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, anti-oxidation, anti-aging and anti-tumor.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>The immuno-enhancement ability of GLSO in hepatoma H22-bearing mice was investigated in this study, and our work aimed to reveal the potential mechanisms of the antitumor efficacy of GLSO.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>The GLSO components were identified via UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS. A H22 cell subcutaneously transplanted tumor mouse model was constructed, and GLSO was preadministered. The antitumor efficacy of GLSO in hepatoma H22-bearing mice was evaluated according to tumor size, tumor growth curves, tumor inhibition rates and Ki67 level. T and B lymphocyte proliferation, delayed hypersensitivity, NK cell killing activity, macrophage phagocytotic activity and macrophage polarization, cytokine levels and CD69 molecule expression were detected to estimate immune function. Network pharmacology analysis, flow cytometry and Pro-DIA quantitative proteomics analysis were performed to investigate the potential mechanism of GLSO in tumor inhibition, which was verified by WB and RT-PCR.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Thirty-eight compounds including triterpenoids, fatty acids and esters, were identified from GLSO. Mice treated with GLSO showed the smaller initial and final tumor volumes and lower Ki67 expression, GLSO treatment could prevented tumor occurrence and inhibited tumor growth. Treatment with GLSO promoted a strong immune response including macroregulation in immune organs, enhancement of macrophage phagocytosis, NK cell cytotoxicity,T cells and B cells proliferation activity, delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction, reducing the production of M2 macrophages and regulation of cytokine secretion in hepatoma H22-bearing mice. Network pharmacology analysis and flow cytometry results showed that treatment with GLSO might have beneficial effects on improving the tumor immune microenvironment. Proteomics analysis showed that GLSO inhibited eicosanoid metabolism pathway, WB and RT-PCR re-check these results.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These findings support that GLSO enhances immunity in hepatoma H22-bearing mice and we first report that GLSO restricts tumor growth by inhibiting eicosanoid metabolism pathway.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"352 ","pages":"Article 120164"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144368904","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 vitro antimicrobial activities and phytochemical profiling of Cananga odorata, Terminalia catappa, and Terminalia mantaly","authors":"Branly-Natalien Nguena-Dongue ,&nbsp;Ayodeji Amobonye ,&nbsp;Claire Christine Waleguele ,&nbsp;Stella Tofac Asong ,&nbsp;Claire Vianey Tchuenguia ,&nbsp;Elisabeth Zeuko'o Menkem ,&nbsp;Santhosh Pillai","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120144","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120144","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnomedicinal relevance</h3><div>Canan<em>ga odorata</em>, <em>Terminalia catappa,</em> and <em>Terminalia mantaly</em> are widely used in traditional medicine in Cameroon to treat several illnesses, like diarrhoea, gastroenteritis, genital candidiasis, and oral candidiasis.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial, antibiofilm activities and phytochemical profiling of extracts from three medicinal plants <em>C. odorata</em>, <em>T. catappa,</em> and <em>T. mantaly</em> from Cameroon.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>Crude ethanol, hydro-ethanol, and water extracts of the three selected Cameroonian medicinal plants were prepared and tested against 9 bacteria and 4 yeast strains <em>in vitro</em>. The most active extract was selected for further evaluation, including antibiofilm activities, time-kill kinetics, nucleic acid leakage, salt tolerance on <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em> and <em>Candida albicans,</em> as well as antioxidant and cytotoxicity on Raw and Vero cells. Additionally, morphological cell disruption observations using scanning electron microscopy and GC-MS analysis were conducted.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Out of 36 extracts tested, 23 showed activities against bacteria and 12 against yeasts, with MIC values ranging from 62.5 μg/mL to 1000 μg/mL. The most effective extract was the ethanolic extract of <em>T. mantaly</em> stem bark (TMb EtOH), which demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against <em>P. aeruginosa</em> (MIC 250 μg/mL) and <em>C. albicans</em> (MIC 62.5 μg/mL), through nucleotide leakage and salt tolerance tests. TMb EtOH also exhibited significant antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ of 17.83 ± 1.25, 17.41 ± 1.24, and 27.66 ± 1.442 μg/mL on DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP, respectively) and low toxicity on Raw and Vero cells (CC₅₀ of 168.55 ± 3.32 and 439.85 ± 16.47 μg/mL, respectively). Scanning electron micrographs confirmed the ability of TMb EtOH to interact, destabilise, and disrupt microbial cell walls, as evidenced by the multiple deflations, depressions and indentations. Furthermore, GC-MS analysis identified 37 compounds in the extract, with betulin (13.11 %) being the most predominant compound, well-known for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study highlights the potential of the ethanolic extract of <em>T. mantaly</em> stem bark as a promising source of antimicrobial compounds. The bio-guided fractionation of TMb EtOH is ongoing to isolate and purify these compounds for drug discovery purposes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"352 ","pages":"Article 120144"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144368906","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 vitro anti-inflammatory properties of twelve Norwegian medicinal plants","authors":"Andrea Angelov Eltvik ,&nbsp;Marit Inngjerdingen ,&nbsp;Helle Wangensteen","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120159","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120159","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>Today, inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease represent a major health burden in Western societies. Such diseases are treated with drugs aiming at suppressing inflammatory symptoms. In Norway, several medicinal plants share a history of ethnomedical use towards the treatment of various inflammatory conditions which could represent sources of new anti-inflammatory drugs.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>This study focused on exploring the potential of understudied traditional medicinal plants used in Norway to treat inflammation of different origin. Through phytochemical and biological screening methods, we aimed to identify plants with anti-inflammatory properties that also showed a high proportion of phenolic compounds. Based on these results, such plants would be of interest and relevance for further work including isolation and characterization of phytochemicals that could serve as novel anti-inflammatory drugs.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>A systematic literature survey of historical records from the 1800s and onwards was performed searching for plants used to treat various inflammatory diseases. Twelve plants were selected and subjected to accelerated solvent extraction to obtain extracts rich in phenolic compounds, namely dichloromethane and 80 % ethanol extracts. These were studied in bioassays assessing their <em>in vitro</em> anti-inflammatory effects. Their ability to inhibit nitric oxide (NO) and TNF-α cytokine production was measured, and their protection against indomethacin induced damage of the intestinal epithelial barrier was evaluated using differentiated Caco-2 cells. The total phenolic content of the extracts was determined, and ¹H NMR spectroscopy and HPLC-DAD was performed for phytochemical profiling.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Several of the plants presented moderate to high bioactivity, namely <em>Matricaria discoidea, Alnus incana, Geranium sylvaticum, Antennaria dioica, Tanacetum vulgare</em> and <em>Malva moschata</em>. A stronger effect was observed among the dichloromethane extracts in NO and TNF-α inhibition, while the 80 % ethanol extracts showed greater protection of the barrier integrity. <em>M. discoidea, A. incana</em> and <em>G. sylvaticum</em> are of particular interest, presenting consistently high bioactivity. Their ¹H NMR spectra also showed a high proportion of phenolic compounds.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Both <em>A. incana</em> and <em>M. discoidea</em> are scarcely studied regarding their bioactivity and chemical composition, being potential candidates for the discovery of novel anti-inflammatory drugs. Based on the results obtained from this study, further work will focus on these two plants, including isolation of phenolic compounds and assessing their biological activities.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"352 ","pages":"Article 120159"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144368905","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":"Bu-Yang decoction attenuates OVX-induced sarcopenia by upregulating CXCR4 to suppress GPX4-mediated ferroptosis","authors":"Zhefei Xie ,&nbsp;Pengchao Xu ,&nbsp;Jingbo Xie ,&nbsp;Tianyou Ma ,&nbsp;Weixiang Wang ,&nbsp;Yiwen Yang ,&nbsp;Cenzhuo Sheng ,&nbsp;Jinglei Wang ,&nbsp;Mo Wu ,&nbsp;Xing Zhou ,&nbsp;Jiangyuan Liu ,&nbsp;Xingchen Zhou ,&nbsp;Peijian Tong ,&nbsp;Hanting Xia","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120166","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120166","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>Buyang Decoction (BYD), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, has demonstrated potential in strengthening muscles and bones, but its role in sarcopenia (SP) remains unclear. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death triggered by lipid peroxidation, which plays a key role in the development of SP.</div></div><div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>This study investigated whether BYD alleviates SP by modulating ferroptosis via the CXCR4-GPX4 signaling axis.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>OVX was used to model SP <em>in vivo</em>, with BYD administered at different concentrations. Therapeutic effects were assessed using behavioral tests, histochemistry, qRT-PCR, TEM, MRI, and micro-CT. <em>In vitro</em>, Erastin was used as an intervention, and techniques including WB, qRT-PCR, Nile red staining, DAFH-DA staining, and immunofluorescence were employed. GEO database analysis identified CXCR4 as a key gene. CXCR4 inhibition was performed pharmacologically <em>in vivo</em> and genetically <em>in vitro</em>.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div><em>In vivo</em>, BYD enhanced muscle strength, differentiation, and GPX4 expression while reducing oxidative stress. <em>In vitro</em>, BYD promoted MuSCs (Muscle Satellite Cells) proliferation and differentiation while lowering oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. In both <em>in vivo</em> and <em>in vitro</em> studies, CXCR4 inhibition resulted in the loss of BYD's therapeutic effects.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>BYD mitigates SP by inhibiting ferroptosis via CXCR4-mediated GPX4 upregulation, highlighting CXCR4 as a potential therapeutic target.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"352 ","pages":"Article 120166"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144368902","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 potential protective mechanism of Gastrodia elata Blume in Parkinson's disease using LC-MS/MS-based striatal metabolomics","authors":"Dongyan Guan ,&nbsp;Mengdi Wang ,&nbsp;Mijia Zhang ,&nbsp;GuangHua Lu ,&nbsp;Fengzhong Wang ,&nbsp;Xinmin Liu ,&nbsp;Qiong Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120094","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120094","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div><em>Gastrodia elata</em> Blume (GEB), a herbaceous plant from the Orchidaceae family, is the core ingredient of the classic traditional Chinese medicine formula Tianma Gouteng Yin. Its dried tubers have been used in medicine since ancient times, with records dating back to the \"Shennong Bencao Jing,\" and are commonly employed in the treatment of limb numbness and convulsions, boasting a medicinal history of over 1800 years. However, no studies have yet focused on the changes in differential metabolites in the striatum after GEB treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of GEB on MPTP-induced Parkinson's disease (PD) in mice and to explore its potential mechanisms.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>Mice were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, and GEB treatment groups (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg). After 14 days of GEB pretreatment, a sub-acute PD model was induced by intraperitoneal injection of MPTP (30 mg/kg) once daily for 7 consecutive days. The potential of GEB to improve motor behavior in PD mice was evaluated using gait analysis (GA) and the pole test. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels in the striatum of PD mice. The effects of GEB on substantia nigra damage were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining (HE) and immunohistochemistry. Lastly, the therapeutic effects and potential mechanisms of GEB on MPTP-induced PD mice through striatal metabolomics analysis were investigated.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 402 compounds were identified in the GEB ethanol extract, with gastrodin, parishins A, B, C, and E, and 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol being the major components. These were quantified by HPLC at 2.47 %, 2.04 %, 1.25 %, 0.33 %, 1.14 %, and 2.88 %, respectively. GEB improved the propulsive index and duty cycle of the gait index, reduced climbing time, and inhibited the elevation of inflammatory factors such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the striatum. GEB ameliorated neurodegeneration in the substantia nigra pars compacta and alleviated motor impairments in PD model mice.</div><div>Furthermore, striatal metabolomics analysis showed that GEB treatment improved various metabolic pathways, including glycerophospholipid, sphingolipid, tyrosine, arachidonic acid, and arginine and proline.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>GEB extract demonstrated positive ameliorative effects on PD by inhibiting inflammatory responses, ameliorating neuronal damage, and modulating lipid metabolic pathways, and possibly being an ideal candidate for the development of functional foods for PD.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"352 ","pages":"Article 120094"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144368903","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":"Hua Zheng San Ji Fang promotes ferroptosis through Keap1/Nrf2 pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma cells","authors":"Boyang Su ,&nbsp;Song Wang ,&nbsp;Zhuang Xiong ,&nbsp;Tiejun Liu ,&nbsp;Yan Leng ,&nbsp;Houbo Deng ,&nbsp;Lu Liu ,&nbsp;Xiaodan Sui","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120165","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120165","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>Hua Zheng San Ji Fang (HZSJF) is a traditional Chinese medicinal formula comprising 11 authenticated herbs that have historically been used to treat liver ailments. Its multi-component and multi-targeted nature makes it a promising therapeutic agent for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), particularly via the modulation of ferroptosis, a regulated form of cell death.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>This study aimed to investigate the anticancer effects of HZSJF on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and elucidate the underlying mechanisms, with a particular focus on ferroptosis and the Keap1/Nrf2 oxidative stress pathway.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>HZSJF was extracted through a dual aqueous decoction and concentrated to 741 g/L. The effects of the extract were assessed on SK-HEP-1 and HepG2 cells using viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion assays. Ferroptosis biomarkers and signaling components were evaluated using biochemical assays, qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence, and western blotting. A subcutaneous xenograft model was used for <em>in vivo</em> validation.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>HZSJF significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasiveness of HCC cells. It induced ferroptosis by elevating lipid peroxidation and intracellular Fe²⁺, reducing GSH and SOD levels, and downregulating GPX4, FTH-1, and SLC7A11. Mechanistically, HZSJF upregulated Keap1 and suppressed Nrf2/HO-1 signaling, thereby enhancing oxidative stress. These effects were reversed by ferroptosis inhibitors and modulated by Keap1 overexpression. <em>In vivo</em>, HZSJF inhibited tumor growth and induced the molecular effects observed <em>in vitro</em>.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>HZSJF promotes ferroptosis and suppresses HCC progression by targeting the Keap1/Nrf2 axis. These findings support its potential as a natural multitarget therapeutic agent for liver cancer management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"352 ","pages":"Article 120165"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144340175","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":"Improvement effect of Shengxian Decoction on cardiac toxicity induced by arsenic trioxide in rats","authors":"Yuxia Wang ,&nbsp;Jiahao Hou ,&nbsp;Yinfeng Yu ,&nbsp;Keqian He ,&nbsp;Haochuan Guo ,&nbsp;Ning Liu ,&nbsp;Hongfang Wang ,&nbsp;Yongxing Song ,&nbsp;Donglai Ma","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120163","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120163","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>Shengxian Decoction (SXD), first documented by Zhang Xichun in the <em>Yi Xue Zhong Zhong Can Xi Lu</em>, has been traditionally utilized to treat cardiovascular conditions such as coronary atherosclerosis and cardiomyopathy. However, the precise pharmacological mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effects remain to be fully elucidated.</div><div><em><strong>Aim of the study</strong></em>: Arsenic trioxide (ATO) induces significant cardiotoxicity during clinical treatment, manifesting as dose-dependent QT interval prolongation, severe ventricular arrhythmias, such as torsades de pointes (TdP). While SXD demonstrates favorable clinical effects in cardiovascular disease treatment, its influence on ATO-induced cardiotoxicity has not been determined. The present investigation seeks to clarify the cardioprotective potential of SXD and uncover its mechanistic basis in a rat model subjected to ATO-induced myocardial toxicity.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>The principal chemical components present in SXD were identified by employing HPLC analysis. Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with SXD first and then ATO was administered 6h later for a period of 15 days. During the course of the experiment, animal weight and food intake were documented. ECG was employed to evaluate cardiac function, and myocardial damage was assessed by applying H&amp;E and Masson's trichrome staining protocols. The ultrastructural morphology of mitochondria was examined using transmission electron microscopy. ROS levels and SOD, CAT, GSH, MDA in myocardial tissue were quantified. Serum cardiac biomarkers (LDH, CK, cTnI) were measured. ELISA was employed to quantify the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α). The expression of apoptosis-related proteins (Bax, Bcl-2, cleaved caspase-3, caspase-3) and of key regulators within the AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling axis (AMPKα2, p-AMPKα2, SIRT1, PGC-1α, and NF-κB) was analyzed via Western blotting.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The findings demonstrated that SXD administration mitigated ECG abnormalities and reduced pathological damage induced by ATO. SXD treatment reduced ROS generation, increased enzymatic bioactivities of SOD, CAT, and GSH, lowered MDA levels, and further reduced the serum concentrations of LDH, CK, and cTnI. Moreover, SXD treatment downregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. The expression levels of Bax, Cleaved caspase-3, and Caspase-3 declined, whereas Bcl-2 expression was elevated. SXD alleviated ATO-mediated inhibition of the AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α axis and suppressed NF-κB pathway activation.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>SXD may alleviate ATO-induced cardiotoxicity by mitigating oxidative damage, inflammatory responses, and programmed cell death, potentially through upregulation of the AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α axis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"352 ","pages":"Article 120163"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144340176","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":"Mechanism of action of Pulsatilla chinensis (Bunge) Regel compounds in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment: An integrated analysis combining network pharmacology, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations and luciferase reporter gene assay","authors":"Wei Chu ,&nbsp;Mingzhu Luo ,&nbsp;Jingyi Wang,&nbsp;Yue Jiao,&nbsp;Yanyan Ma,&nbsp;Jingzhe Li,&nbsp;Changzhen Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120176","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120176","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Ethnopharmacological relevance&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary malignancy originating from hepatocytes in the liver parenchyma. &lt;em&gt;Pulsatilla chinensis&lt;/em&gt; (Bunge) Regel(&lt;em&gt;P. chinensis&lt;/em&gt;) (verified via &lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;http://www.theplantlist.org&lt;/span&gt;&lt;svg&gt;&lt;path&gt;&lt;/path&gt;&lt;/svg&gt;&lt;/span&gt;, accessed April 5, 2025), a perennial herb of the Ranunculaceae family, contains multiple bioactive constituents with demonstrated pharmacological effects, including antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and immunomodulatory activities.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Aim of the study&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;To investigate the mechanisms of action and pharmacodynamic material basis of active compounds from &lt;em&gt;P. chinensis&lt;/em&gt; against HCC cells.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Materials and methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Active compounds of &lt;em&gt;P. chinensis&lt;/em&gt; were screened using the HERB database. Potential drug targets were predicted via the SwissTargetPrediction database. HCC-related targets were retrieved from GeneCards, OMIM, and TTD databases, followed by Venn diagram analysis to identify shared drug-disease targets. STRING database was employed for protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis and core target screening. DAVID platform was used for Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. Cytoscape software constructed a compound-target-pathway network to identify key active components and potential mechanisms. Molecular docking simulations validated the binding affinity between core targets and Pulsatilla's active compounds. A luciferase reporter gene system was established, generating A549-TP53 monoclonal cell lines stably expressing p53-NLuc, followed by functional validation. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) monomer compounds were screened using A549-TP53 cells. Flow cytometry and Western blot assessed their effects on apoptosis in 7402 and 7721 human HCC cells. Molecular dynamics simulations validated the binding interactions between the compounds and TP53.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;HERB database identified 29 active compounds from &lt;em&gt;P. chinensis&lt;/em&gt;. SwissTargetPrediction predicted 606 potential drug targets. GeneCards, OMIM, and TTD yielded 1095 disease-related targets, with 163 overlapping targets identified via Venn analysis. PPI analysis using the STRING database revealed the top five core targets: TP53, GAPDH, AKT1, EGFR, and STAT3. Cytoscape analysis identified 14 core active compounds from &lt;em&gt;P. chinensis&lt;/em&gt;. Molecular docking results revealed that among these 14 core active compounds from &lt;em&gt;P. chinensis&lt;/em&gt;, the top five with the highest binding affinity to TP53 protein were: Pulchinenoside C, Pulsatilla Saponin D, Pulsatilloside B, Qingdainone and Sitogluside. The recombinant retroviral vector pQCXIP-p53-NLuc was successfully constructed, and luciferase activity assays confirmed A549-TP53 as a stable NanoLuc (Nluc)-expressing cell line regulated by TP53. Lucifera","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"352 ","pages":"Article 120176"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144340177","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":"Dendrobium officinale extract alleviates aging-induced kidney injury by inhibiting oxidative stress via the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway","authors":"Bingjie Ren ,&nbsp;Mengmeng Wang ,&nbsp;Danli Hao ,&nbsp;Zhimin Wang ,&nbsp;Liping Dai","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120156","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120156","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Ethnopharmacological relevance&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;em&gt;Dendrobium officinale&lt;/em&gt; Kimura et Migo (D. officinale), a staple in Traditional Chinese Medicine, has been utilized for centuries and is renowned for its properties in nourishing yin, tonifying the kidneys, and promoting fluid production to benefit the stomach. In recent years, modern pharmacological studies have substantiated its potential in anti-aging and renal protection, highlighting its therapeutic relevance in both traditional and contemporary contexts.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Aim of the study&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;This study aimed to investigate the impacts and possible mechanism of &lt;em&gt;Dendrobium officinale&lt;/em&gt; in ameliorating aging-induced kidney injury.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Materials and methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Antioxidant activity of &lt;em&gt;Dendrobium officinale&lt;/em&gt; Kimura et Migo extract (DOE) were assessed using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging methods. D-galactose (D-gal) induced kidney aging model and H&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;O&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; induced NRK-52E cells model were established to evaluate extract of DOE pharmacodynamics &lt;em&gt;in vitro&lt;/em&gt; and vivo. Cell viability and senescence of NRK-52E cell were detected by MTT assay and β-Galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) staining, respectively. H&amp;E, kidney index and serum nephrotoxicity markers analysis were used to evaluate the protective effects of DOE. The concentrations of ROS, superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalas (CAT) were assessed both &lt;em&gt;in vivo&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;in vitro&lt;/em&gt;. Utilizing network pharmacology, we identified the key chemical constituents and potential target genes of DOE. To validate the efficacy of these targets within the relevant pathways, we conducted molecular docking studies alongside western blotting and Real-time quantitative PCR analysis.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;DOE treatment markedly increased the viability and reduced the SA-β-Gal-positive rate of NRK-52E cells as compared to the H&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;O&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; group. DOE significantly improved the general condition of the mice, including increased the kidney index, reduced the urinary protein concentration, the blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine content (CRE) and improved kidney tissue injury. Furthermore, DOE treatment significantly increased the activities of SOD, GSH-Px and CAT, while decreased the level of MDA &lt;em&gt;in vivo&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;in vitro.&lt;/em&gt; Network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses revealed that the effects of DOE are mediated by oxidative stress-associated genes and the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. The results of experiments showed that DOE regulated the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, decreased protein expression level of phosphorylation PI3K (p-PI3K), phosphorylation Akt (p-Akt), Nrf2 and HO-1. Moreover, similar results were found for mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt, Nrf2 and HO-1 after DOE treatment.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Conclusions&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;DOE may exert anti-oxidative stress effects throu","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"352 ","pages":"Article 120156"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144340174","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}