Journal of ethnopharmacology最新文献

{"title":"Discovery of antiepileptic Q-Markers for Bombyx batryticatus: Integrating serum pharmacochemistry, network pharmacology and temporal-efficacy validation","authors":"Yunhua Feng , Zhenyang Li , Huijie Sun , Yu Hu , Jianguo Sun , Ying Peng , Kaicheng Xie , Jinyi Sui , Yang Li , Jiandong Zou , Meijuan Xu","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119992","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119992","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div><em>Bombyx batryticatus</em> (BB) is a well-known animal-derived traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) commonly used for the treatment of epilepsy, convulsions, headaches, and other disorders. However, quality evaluation and control of BB remains incomplete, necessitating robust quality control paradigms.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>To identify the Quality markers (Q-markers) of BB for the treatment of epilepsy by integrating serum pharmacochemistry, network pharmacology, HPLC-UV quantification, and temporal-efficacy validation, all in accordance with the core principles of Q-markers.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>Initially, Q-markers candidates were screened through serum pharmacochemistry-based tracing to achieve “traceability”. Additionally, network pharmacology predictions and relevant literature were consulted to confirm potential bioactivity. Next, fingerprint and their contents in BB were determined by HPLC-UV, which provided the dosage basis for the efficacy validation experiment and ensured of “measurability”. Finally, their antiepileptic effects were investigated through a temporal pharmacodynamic study using acute pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced mouse epilepsy model to ensure “pharmacological effectiveness”.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>HPLC-Q-TOF/MS analysis identified 65 compounds in the BB extract, of which 31 were found in mouse serum, including 9 amino acids, 4 nucleosides, 8 peptides, 5 fatty acids, 3 organic acids and 2 other components. Only 8 cyclic peptides were screened for network pharmacology analysis, and 4 potential bioactive components were selected for HPLC-UV quantification. The average contents of the final selected candidates across 15 batches of BB were as follows: beauvericin at 192.3 μg/g, bassianolide at 325.6 μg/g, and ammonium oxalate at 66515 μg/g. The PTZ model experiment showed that BB powder suspension (0.86 g/kg, i.g.) significantly prolonged seizure latency from 1 to 8 h (<em>P</em> < 0.05) with fluctuating efficacy (the maximum effect <em>E</em><sub><em>max1</em></sub> at 3 h and <em>E</em><sub><em>max2</em></sub> at 8 h). Ammonium oxalate (50 mg/kg, i.g.) demonstrated rapid-onset protection (<em>E</em><sub><em>max</em></sub> at 1–2 h), significantly increasing seizure latency at 1–4 h (<em>P</em> < 0.01) and achieving 90 % survival rate at 2 h (<em>vs</em>. 30 % model, <em>P</em> < 0.05), suggesting its role as an active ingredient in the early stage of BB's anticonvulsant effects. Beauvericin and bassianolide showed delayed efficacy (both <em>E</em><sub><em>max</em></sub> at 6 h), significantly extending seizure latency at 4–8 h and 2–8 h (<em>P</em> < 0.05), respectively, indicating their potential as active ingredients in the later stage.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Beauvericin, bassianolide and ammonium oxalate could be used as the Q-markers of BB, and the strategy applied in this s","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"350 ","pages":"Article 119992"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144124070","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":"The leaves of Flabellaria paniculata Cav. (Malphigiaceae) exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antinociceptive activities in vivo","authors":"Margaret O. Sofidiya ,&nbsp;Janet Olaosilo ,&nbsp;Dolapo Alarape ,&nbsp;Oluwatobi Owolabi ,&nbsp;Abayomi M. Ajayi","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>The leaves of <em>Flabellaria paniculata</em> Cav. (Malpighiaceae) are used in the treatment of conditions associated with inflammation and pain.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>The study aimed at evaluating the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of ethanol extract from the leaves of <em>F. paniculata.</em></div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>The extract was obtained by maceration with ethanol (95 %) and characterized by GC-MS. The anti-inflammatory effect was assessed in carrageenan, serotonin, histamine-induced paw oedema and xylene-induced ear oedema models at the dose of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg. Antioxidant parameters and cytokine production (IL-6, and TNF-α) levels were determined in carrageenan air pouch model. The antinociceptive property was also evaluated.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The extract at 200 mg/kg showed significant anti-inflammatory activity at 2 h (39.66 %, inhibition) which lasted for 5 h (70.37 %, inhibition) in carrageenan paw oedema. In the air pouch model, the extract decreased neutrophils and monocytes counts in the exudate but not lymphocytes count. At the dose of 200 mg/kg, the release of TNF-α and IL-6 was inhibited by 56.6 % and 35.9 %, respectively. The extract boosted catalase and SOD activities in addition to GSH level. Xylene-induced ear oedema was inhibited by 52.25, 62.62 and 64.97 %, at the dose of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively. Antinociceptive activity of the extract (100 and 200 mg/kg) was significant in acetic acid-induced writhing test (53.33 and 54.57 %, inhibition) and the late phase of formalin test (88.04 % and 92.13 %, inhibition). No significant effect was found on motor performance in the open field. The GC-MS profile revealed the presence of 15 compounds, with cyclododecyne, hexadecanoic acid, ethyl ester, n-Hexadecanoic acid, (E)-9-Octadecenoic acid ethyl ester, 1,4,2,5 Cyclo-hexanetetrol and phytol, acetate as the main compounds.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div><em>F. paniculata</em> demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effect and the anti-inflammatory mechanism could be through inhibition of the inflammatory markers and oxidative parameters.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"350 ","pages":"Article 120004"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144127879","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":"Proteomic analysis reveals proteins and pathways associated with the effects of Hippophae rhamnoides L. total flavonoids on ameliorating excessive erythropoiesis in high-altitude polycythemia mice","authors":"Fang Liu ,&nbsp;Tiantian Li ,&nbsp;Yong Shao ,&nbsp;Ziwei Dong ,&nbsp;Fantan Kong ,&nbsp;Zixuan Liu ,&nbsp;Haolong Tian","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119996","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119996","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>The total flavonoids of <em>Hippophae rhamnoides</em> L. (TFH) exert significant antioxidant effects against hypoxia, which decreases the hematological index of high-altitude polycythemia (HAPC) mice. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>The aim of this study was to explore the targets and pathways of TFH in inhibiting excessive erythropoiesis in HAPC mice.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>Comprehensive techniques, including biochemical index detection, morphological examination, proteomics, and western blotting, were used to explore the targets and pathways through which TFH inhibits excessive erythropoiesis in HAPC mice.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Gene ontology annotation of differentially expressed proteins identified substantial enrichment in reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolic processes, mitochondrial assembly, and aerobic oxidation. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis revealed enrichment in peroxisome chemicals, carcinogenesis-ROS, and oxidative phosphorylation. Western blotting demonstrated that the expression of Sestrin1 (Sesn1) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) increased, whereas that of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and hypoxia-inducible factor-2 alpha (HIF-2α) decreased.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>TFH could promote HIF-2α protein degradation by activating the Sesn1/Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway to scavenge ROS, thereby inhibiting erythropoietin (Epo) production.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"350 ","pages":"Article 119996"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144127837","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":"NuanXin Formula inhibits bone resorption to combat osteoporosis by attenuating osteoclast oxidative phosphorylation","authors":"Shuojia Lin ,&nbsp;Delong Song ,&nbsp;Shimin Wang ,&nbsp;Zilong Song ,&nbsp;Feifei Xing ,&nbsp;Zhexin Hong ,&nbsp;Junren Luo ,&nbsp;Qizhou Song ,&nbsp;Zhiyuan Fang ,&nbsp;Xiu-Cai Chen ,&nbsp;Yu-Jing Lu ,&nbsp;Fujun Jin","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119998","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119998","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>Osteoporosis is a chronic metabolic bone disorder characterized by excessive bone resorption. The NuanXin Formula (NX) is a classical traditional Chinese medicine formula that can warm and tonify kidney Yang, as well as replenish Qi and blood, which are essential for maintaining bone health and regulating bone metabolism. Nevertheless, the functions and mechanisms of NX in osteoporosis therapy remain unclear.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>This study aims to evaluate the effects and mechanisms of NX on osteoclastogenesis and to investigate its potential in combating osteoporosis.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>The inhibitory effects of NX on RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis were evaluated using Western blotting, quantitative PCR (Q-PCR), TRAP staining, and pit-formation assays. Bone mass and structure were assessed through micro-CT, biomechanical testing, TRAP staining, IHC staining, and H&amp;E staining. The mechanism of action of NX on osteoclasts was investigated using RNA sequencing, ROS staining, ATP measurement, and mitochondrial membrane potential assays.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The in vitro findings demonstrated that NX treatment significantly inhibited osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption activity. Q-PCR and WB analyses indicated that NX substantially downregulates the expression levels of key osteoclast markers, including Nfatc1, Ctsk, Mmp9, and Trap. In vivo experiments revealed that intragastric administration of NX effectively suppressed bone loss and bone resorption, while enhancing the biomechanical properties of bone in ovariectomized (OVX) mice. Mechanistically, NX inhibits oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), decreases mitochondrial membrane potential, and reduces ATP production and reactive oxygen species generation, thereby impeding osteoclast differentiation and activity.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>NX mitigates osteoporosis by modulating OXPHOS to inhibit osteoclast differentiation and activity, thus offering a potential therapeutic approach for osteoporosis management. However, the study has limitations that require further investigation. NX did not show a clear dose-dependent effect in animal tests, suggesting a need for improved dosing designs. Although we emphasize NX's therapeutic potential, more research is necessary to clarify its mechanism. Variability in plant materials and ingredient ratios might influence NX's pharmacological effects, with specific bioactive components potentially playing a major role. Future research should integrate network pharmacology with experimental validation for a more thorough understanding.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"350 ","pages":"Article 119998"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144119812","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":"Anticancer potential of iron-based polyherbal formulation against lung and colon cancer cell lines","authors":"Kiruthiga Karunamoorthy,&nbsp;Jaikumar Vasudevan","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119999","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119999","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>Evidence-based research could unlock novel, safe drugs from medicinal plants. Ancient herbal formulations remain largely unproven limits their modern use.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>Following a review of extensive ancient literature, “Kantha Chenduram (KC)” was selected. The current investigation involved a comprehensive characterisation utilising Atomic Force Microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopic Analysis. Subsequently, the formulation's efficacy was evaluated <em>in vitro</em> against two prevalent lethal cancer cells, namely lung (A549) and colon (HT 29) cancer cells, then through a series of cellular assays, including DNA fragmentation, Fluorescence microscopy, cell cycle studies, and Apoptosis studies. Furthermore, cytotoxicity profile of the formulation was assessed using Vero cells, and its anti-inflammatory potential was investigated.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>KC showed crystalline particles, ranging from 200 nm to 7 μm, with the presence of iron and oxygen. Exhibiting potent anticancer activity, the compound showed statistically significant (P &lt; 0.05) IC₅₀ values of 24.75 ± 0.028 μg/mL and 28.8 ± 0.032 μg/mL against lung and colon cancer cell lines, respectively. KC potentially targeted both lung and colon DNA, and fluorescent microscopic studies revealed that apoptotic cells were higher than necrotic cells. Lung cancer cell cycle studies demonstrated G₀-G₁ phase arrest. Furthermore, Apoptotic studies demonstrated a higher proportion of apoptotic cells in lung (24.33 %) and colon (59.73 %) cancer cells, suggesting a more aggressive cell death pathway. The formulation exhibited a favourable safety profile in Vero cell assays, indicating its safe potential for <em>in vivo</em> administration (P &lt; 0.001). KC evidenced potent anti-inflammatory effects in egg albumin and bovine albumin with IC₅₀ of 73.78 and 81.62 μg/mL, respectively (P &lt; 0.05).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These scientific data support the claim that the herbal formulation possesses significant anticancer properties, improving human health. Consequently, the formulation is a promising candidate for clinical trials and global application.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"350 ","pages":"Article 119999"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144116035","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":"Taraxacum mongolicum total triterpenoids and taraxasterol ameliorate benign prostatic hyperplasia by inhibiting androgen levels, inflammatory responses, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition via the TGFβ1/Smad signalling pathway","authors":"Le Chen ,&nbsp;Ming Lin ,&nbsp;Yuanyuan Wang ,&nbsp;Xuesen Wang ,&nbsp;Chengcheng Qi ,&nbsp;Ruoying Fan ,&nbsp;Shulan Su ,&nbsp;Jialun Duan ,&nbsp;Feng Liu ,&nbsp;Sheng Guo ,&nbsp;Jin-ao Duan","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119995","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119995","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Ethnopharmacological relevance&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;em&gt;Taraxacum mongolicum&lt;/em&gt; Hand.-Mazz. is a well-known plant used both medicinally and as food, commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions to alleviate benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, the material basis and molecular mechanisms of &lt;em&gt;T. mongolicum&lt;/em&gt; alone in improving BPH remain unclear. In recent years, triterpenoids have been considered to be a key chemical constituents for &lt;em&gt;T. mongolicum&lt;/em&gt; to exert its biological activity.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Aim of the study&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;To explore the therapeutic efficacy and underlying mechanism of total triterpenoids from &lt;em&gt;T. mongolicum&lt;/em&gt; (TTM) and its active constituents against BPH.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Materials and methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;The chemical components of TTM were determined using UPLC-QTOF-MS analysis. We established a testosterone propionate (TP)-induced rat model of BPH to assess the potential of TTM &lt;em&gt;in vivo&lt;/em&gt;. Subsequently, network pharmacology was combined with experimental results from a TGFβ1-stimulated BPH-1 cell model to reveal the molecular mechanism of TTM. The main active ingredient (taraxasterol, TAR) of TTM was screened by evaluating its antiproliferative ability against BPH-1 and WPMY cells. Eventually, RNA-sequencing, RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting were employed to elucidate the potential molecular targets and signalling pathways of TAR in BPH rats.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;TTM was mainly composed of ten pentacyclic triterpenoids and one phytosterol, including TAR, lupeol, β-amyrin, taraxerol, and their acetates. TTM ameliorated TP-induced BPH by decreasing androgen levels and repressing inflammatory responses and oxidative stress. Furthermore, TTM inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition &lt;em&gt;via&lt;/em&gt; impeding the TGFβ1/Smad signalling pathway in BPH-1 cells based on the network pharmacology. Among the main chemical components of TTM, TAR exerted the strongest antiproliferative activity &lt;em&gt;in vitro&lt;/em&gt;, and inhibited the growth of BPH-1 and WPMY-1 cells in a concentration dependent manner. Importantly, TAR also reduced androgen levels and inflammatory responses to balance proliferation and apoptosis in BPH rats. Transcriptomic analysis showed that TAR attenuated collagen deposition in BPH by inhibiting ECM-receptor interaction pathway. In addition, TAR notably suppressed EMT and the TGFβ1/Smad signalling in BPH rats, as evidenced by reduced the protein levels of collagen I, a-SMA, Snail, TGFβ1, p-Smad2/Smad2, and p-Smad3/Smad3, alongside an increase in E-cadherin expression.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Conclusions&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;TTM or TAR could effectively improve TP-induced BPH by suppressing androgen levels, inflammatory response, and EMT &lt;em&gt;via&lt;/em&gt; the TGFβ1/Smad signalling pathway. These findings may present new therapeutic approachs for BPH in clinical settings. Notably, this study is the first to systematica","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"349 ","pages":"Article 119995"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144110332","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 “Antidepressant effects of Parishin C in chronic social defeat stress-induced depressive mice” [J. Ethnopharmacol. 325 (2024) 117891]","authors":"Ning Jiang ,&nbsp;Caihong Yao ,&nbsp;Yiwen Zhang ,&nbsp;Yuzhen Chen ,&nbsp;Fang Chen ,&nbsp;Yanqin Luo ,&nbsp;Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary ,&nbsp;Ruile Pan ,&nbsp;Xinmin Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119686","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119686","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"349 ","pages":"Article 119686"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144093752","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 pharmacological mechanism of Bu-Wang San on Alzheimer's disease through multiple GEO datasets of the human hippocampus, network pharmacology, and metabolomics based on GC-MS and UPLC-Q/TOF-MS","authors":"Hui Wang ,&nbsp;Liang Chao ,&nbsp;Shuqi Shen ,&nbsp;Piaoxue You ,&nbsp;Ling Li ,&nbsp;Xiaofei Chen ,&nbsp;Zhanying Hong ,&nbsp;Yifeng Chai","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119994","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119994","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Ethnopharmacological relevance&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Bu-Wang San (BWS) is a prominent traditional Chinese medicine known for calming the mind and promoting intelligence. It has been reported to improve learning and memory, enhance memory ability, and promote synaptic plasticity. However, the complexity of the material basis and the diversity of therapeutic targets of BWS on Alzheimer's disease (AD) have not been elucidated.&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 therapeutic material basis and the mechanism of BWS in AD treatment by comprehensively analyzing multiple GEO datasets of the human hippocampus, network pharmacology, and multi-platform metabolomics validation.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Materials and methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Three GEO datasets of the human hippocampus were utilized to identify AD-associated targets using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and differential analysis. Network pharmacology analyses were performed to investigate BWS's therapeutic material basis and predict the therapeutic targets of BWS on AD. A rat model was induced through the concurrent administration of AlCl&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt; and &lt;em&gt;D&lt;/em&gt;-galactose to validate BWS's therapeutic potential and underlying mechanisms in AD. To validate the results of GEO data mining and network pharmacology, a comprehensive metabolomics approach integrating gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF/MS) was conducted on rat serum samples to uncover potential metabolic alterations and their associated pathways.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;A total of 6367 genes were selected as AD drug targets through WGCNA analysis and enrichment analysis of disease-associated gene expression profiles in the GEO database. Network pharmacology was performed in this study for the identification of potential interactions between the components of BWS and its targets, TP53, STAT3, EGFR, MAOA, NOS3, PPARG, PRKCA, MAPK8, AChE, ARG1, among others, which were among the top 25 highest probable targets of BWS acting on AD. The multi-platform metabolomics indicated that amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism pathways, and other pathways may be associated with the AD model based on AlCl&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt; and &lt;em&gt;D&lt;/em&gt;-galactose. The comparison of differential metabolites between the AD model group and the BWS intervention group revealed that 66 of the 97 differential metabolites exhibited a pullback trend, indicating a potential therapeutic effect of BWS on these metabolites.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Conclusion&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;This study builds a systematic strategy combining GEO datasets, network pharmacology, and multi-platform metabolomics and provides valuable insights into the pharmacological mechanism of BWS on AD. The results suggest that BWS may exert its therapeutic effects on AD by modulating the amino sugar and nucleoti","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"350 ","pages":"Article 119994"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144101924","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":"AMP-Activated Protein Kinase mediates the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Ceiba speciosa and Ceiba insignis in a rat model of ulcerative colitis","authors":"Kholoud Kh Kadry ,&nbsp;Marwa M. Nagib ,&nbsp;Ashaimaa Y. Moussa ,&nbsp;Fadia S. Youssef ,&nbsp;Manal S. Afifi","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119990","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119990","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>Genus <em>Ceiba</em>, (Malvaceae) encompasses 200 species that naturally thrive in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide as West Africa, South Asiam Mexico, Central America, South America, the Bahamas and the Caribbean. <em>Ceiba speciosa</em> (A.St.-Hil.) Ravenna (CS) and <em>Ceiba insignis</em> (Kunth) P.E.Gibbs &amp; Semir (CI) were traditionally used for treatment of inflammatory disorders as ulcer, arthritis and rheumatism.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>The study aimed to characterize CS and CI leaves methanol extracts and to evaluate their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect on acetic acid induced ulcerative colitis in rat model.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>Chemical profiling of CS and CI was done by liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry (LC-MS). <em>In vivo</em> ulcerative colitis model was induced by acetic acid<em>.</em> Histological examination and levels of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers were investigated. Docking studies were performed in the active sites of 5-LOX and COX-2 using Discovery studio software.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Thirty phytoconstituents, mostly flavonoids and phenolic acids were characterized in CS and CI. Both extracts showed significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity at the low and high doses (200 and 400 mg/kg <em>p.o</em>.) but CI exhibited better activity than CS. CI showed pronounced antioxidant activity evidenced by reduction in malonaldehyde levels (41.3 % and 48.6 %) with significant elevation in catalase by 2.6 and 3.1 folds and glutathione by 2.6 and 3.4 folds respectively. The anti-inflammatory activity reflected in the reduction of COX-2 levels (33.0–52.0 %), TNF-α (47.4–63.4 %) respectively. As for AMPK and NF-kB levels at the low dose, CI increased their levels significantly by 1.4 and 4.5 folds while at the high dose AMPK levels elevated by 6.7 folds. The docking experiment showed that clovamide had the best fitting within the 5-LOX and COX-2 active sites with binding energy (ΔG = −35.8 and −36.6 kcal/mol) respectively.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Both CS and CI showed potent anti-inflammatory activity that further consolidates its traditional importance in ulcerative colitis rat models, but CI showed more potency.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"350 ","pages":"Article 119990"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144101922","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":"Chuanxiong-Danggui herb pair alleviated cognitive deficits of APP/PS1 mice by promoting mitophagy","authors":"Keting Pu ,&nbsp;Simin Yang ,&nbsp;Ruilin Sheng ,&nbsp;Jie Chen ,&nbsp;Yuan Dai ,&nbsp;Ian C. Wood ,&nbsp;Zhanqiong Zhong ,&nbsp;Shijun Xu","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119988","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119988","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>Disruption of receptor-mediated mitophagy contributes to neuronal damage in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Chuanxiong-Danggui herb pair (CDHP) is classic herbal pair applied to treating neurodegenerative diseases including AD, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Parkinson's disease. Though studies have demonstrated the neuroprotective effects of CDHP, the underlying mechanisms by which CDHP attenuates neuronal impairment of AD remains to be elucidated.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>The objective of this work was to investigate the anti-AD mechanism of CDHP in APP/PS1 mice.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>Behavioral assessments were conducted on C57BL/6J and APP/PS1 mice following CDHP treatment, alongside an evaluation of neuronal morphology in the hippocampal region. In vitro, HT-22 cells were induced by Aβ_25-35 before being treated with CDHP. The mechanisms of CDHP were investigated using transmission electron microscopy, Golgi staining, immunofluorescence, and Western blot analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Results from the passive avoidance test and the Morris water maze (MWM) indicated that CDHP significantly mitigated cognitive deficits of APP/PS1 mice, accompanied by a reduction of pathological damage in the CA1 and CA3 regions of hippocampus. Further testing found that a significant reduction in dendritic spines density was rescued by CDHP. Synaptophysin (SYN) and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95) were elevated in the CDHP group, while β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques deposition was significantly reduced. Simultaneously, CDHP markedly inhibited neuronal apoptosis through a decrease of the levels of Cleaved Caspase-12 and enhanced expression of Bcl-2/Bax, both in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, CDHP improved mitochondrial morphology and function in the AD model by decreasing abnormal mitochondria and increasing the expression of COXIV. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that clear mitophagy-autophagosomes were nearly absent in APP/PS1 mice, while the expression of p62 and LC3B were elevated following CDHP treatment. Furthermore, CDHP increased the expression of the FUNDC1 and PGAM5 in APP/PS1 mice and AD-like cell models.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These findings suggest that CDHP mitigated cognitive dysfunction in APP/PS1 mice by enhancing mitophagy to reduce neuronal injury.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"350 ","pages":"Article 119988"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144101923","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}