Journal of ethnopharmacology最新文献

{"title":"Investigating therapeutic effects and the underlying mechanisms of jia-wei-yin-chen-hao-tang in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease based on network pharmacology analysis and experimental validation","authors":"Rong-Yu Zhou ,&nbsp;Qin Song ,&nbsp;Hu Hu ,&nbsp;Shang-Yu Zeng ,&nbsp;Xiao-Yan Tan ,&nbsp;Zang-Jia Geng ,&nbsp;Zi-Ge Feng","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120158","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120158","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>Yin–Chen–Hao–Tang (YCHT) was initially recorded in the Chinese medicine classic <em>Shang Han Lun</em>, which was written by Zhang Zhongjing, and it has long been used orally as a classic formula. Jia–Wei–Yin–Chen–Hao–Tang (JWYCHT) comprises YCHT added with the widely used Chinese Yi medicine Liangtoumao (<em>Incarvillea arguta</em> (Royle) Royle). JWYCHT has become a promising therapeutic option for several liver and gallbladder disorders, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), among the Chinese Yi population. However, its specific mechanism of action remains poorly understood.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanism of action of JWYCHT through network pharmacological analysis and experimental validation.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>NAFLD-related transcriptome data and target genes associated with JWYCHT were retrieved from public databases. Initially, candidate genes were obtained by overlapping differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from NAFLD and control samples in GSE63067 with the drug target genes. Subsequently, candidate biomarkers were further obtained using the algorithm in cytoHubba plug-in. Biomarkers were further identified via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and expression validation, and enrichment analysis was executed to explore the potential mechanisms of NAFLD biomarkers. HPLC and UPLC/QE-HFX were used to determine the chemical components of JWYCHT. Finally, the findings were validated through molecular biology experiments involving a mouse model of NAFLD induced by high-fat diet.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 416 DEGs were acquired, with 51 candidate genes subjected to enrichment analysis. Seven candidate biomarkers, including C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) and caspase-1 (CASP1), were identified from an algorithm in cytoHubba plug-in. ROC analysis confirmed CASP1 and CXCL10 as viable biomarkers, with the latter (odds ratio = 1.305, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.05) emerging as a risk factor for NAFLD. 41 compounds were identified by UPLC/QE-HFX in JWYCHT. The HPLC results demonstrated distinct variations in chemical profiles between JWYCHT, YCHT, and their component medicinal herbs. A series of molecular experiments revealed that JWYCHT effectively treated NAFLD in the mouse model. It can reduce the expressions of CXCL10 and CASP1, improve liver function biochemical indicators and histopathological changes, and alleviate inflammation and lipid deposition.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Bioinformatics and experimental validation revealed that JWYCHT can alleviate hepatic inflammation and lipid deposition in NAFLD by reducing the expressions of CXCL10 and CASP1. Our research results offer an experimental foundation for the therapeutic efficacy and mechanism of JWYCHT and guidance for its clinical application.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"352 ","pages":"Article 120158"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144364587","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":"Fabiana imbricata Ruiz & Pav. (Solanaceae) essential oil analysis in prostate cancer cells: relevance of reactive oxygen species in proapoptotic activity","authors":"Alejandro Madrid ,&nbsp;Rosanna Avola ,&nbsp;Adriana C.E. Graziano ,&nbsp;Venera Cardile ,&nbsp;Alessandra Russo","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120162","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120162","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div><em>Fabiana imbricata</em> Ruiz &amp; Pav. (Solanaceae) is a Patagonian plant widely used in traditional medicine, in particular as a diuretic, digestive and for genito-urinary system diseases. Essential oils are considered promising candidates for prostate cancer treatments. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death among men. Therefore, new therapeutic strategies of prevention are needed for this tumor.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>The present research was designed to explore the chemical composition of essential oil from fresh leaves of <em>F. imbricata</em> plants collected in Valparaíso region, Chile, and its activity on human prostate cancer cell lines.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>Chemical characterization was performed by chromatographic techniques and the biological activity was evaluated in androgen-sensitive (LNCaP) and androgen-insensitive (DU-145) human prostate cancer cell lines. The cells were exposed to essential oil for 72 h and cell viability and cell membrane integrity were evaluated. Genomic DNA and caspase-3 activity was tested to confirm the cell death for apoptosis. Western blot analysis was employed to evaluate the expression of Bcl-2, Bax, cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9, SOD, Hsp70 and STAT-3 proteins. Assays to evaluate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and GSH levels were also performed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The results showed the capacity of essential oil, for its active components (oxygenated sesquiterpenes, 77.54 %), to reduce cell viability in prostate cancer cells. At a concentration of 200 μg/mL, the cell viability in LNCaP and DU-145 cells, was 23 % and 26 %, respectively. On the contrary, it showed no significant effect on normal cells, also at this high concentration. In addition, it induced apoptosis cell death, involving the downregulation of Hsp70 and STAT-3 proteins, correlated, at least in part, to an increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This <em>in vitro</em> experimental preclinical study, suggesting a potential application of <em>F. imbricata</em> essential oil in prostate cancer, could be considered as a start point to design further research in animal experimental models and on its active components.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"352 ","pages":"Article 120162"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144325930","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":"Investigation of the antimalarial efficacy of Ilex umbellulata (Wall.) Loes. bark against Plasmodium falciparum using in-vitro whole-cell assays, GC-MS, LC-ToF-MS, and multi-step computational studies","authors":"James H. Zothantluanga ,&nbsp;Dubom Tayeng ,&nbsp;Mohnad Abdalla ,&nbsp;Sanchaita Rajkhowa ,&nbsp;Wafa Ali Eltayb ,&nbsp;Dipak Chetia","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120150","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120150","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Ethnopharmacological relevance&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;em&gt;Ilex umbellulata&lt;/em&gt; (Wall.) Loes. (Family: Aquifoliaceae), is widely used by different tribes of Southeast Asia as a herbal remedy. The Mizo tribe in India used the stem bark to treat malaria, gland inflammation, inflammation in pregnant women, tonsillitis, dysentery, and for veterinary purposes to treat pig sickness and mange. In Meghalaya, India, the decocted bark is used for digestion. In Thailand, the raw fruit was consumed to relieve stomach aches.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Aim of the study&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;The study aims to evaluate the &lt;em&gt;in vitro&lt;/em&gt; antimalarial efficacy of &lt;em&gt;I. umbellulata&lt;/em&gt; bark by screening against chloroquine-sensitive (&lt;em&gt;Pf&lt;/em&gt;3D7) and chloroquine-resistant (&lt;em&gt;Pf&lt;/em&gt;RKL-9) strains of &lt;em&gt;Plasmodium falciparum&lt;/em&gt;. Also, the study aims to identify the phytocompounds present in the most active extract and explore the molecular mechanisms against &lt;em&gt;P. falciparum&lt;/em&gt; and malaria through &lt;em&gt;in silico&lt;/em&gt; approaches.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Material and methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;em&gt;I. umbellulata&lt;/em&gt; bark, collected from Mizoram, India, was taxonomically authenticated by the Botanical Survey of India. Twelve extracts obtained using Soxhlet extraction, decoction, and cold maceration techniques were evaluated for &lt;em&gt;in vitro&lt;/em&gt; antimalarial activity against the &lt;em&gt;Pf&lt;/em&gt;3D7 and &lt;em&gt;Pf&lt;/em&gt;RKL-9. Fractions obtained from the active extract were screened for &lt;em&gt;in vitro&lt;/em&gt; antimalarial activity. The active extract and fraction were tested for their cytotoxicity using the human embryonic kidney (HEK)-293 cell line and also for their hemolytic activity. The selected extract underwent gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-time of flight (LC-ToF)-MS analyses. Molecular docking, dynamic simulations, and binding free energy calculations were also employed to identify potential targets in &lt;em&gt;P. falciparum&lt;/em&gt;. Network pharmacology revealed the malaria pathway genes affected by the phytocompounds of &lt;em&gt;I. umbellulata&lt;/em&gt;.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;The 80 % MeOH extract (IC&lt;sub&gt;50&lt;/sub&gt; ≤ 1 μg/ml) and the polar fraction (IC&lt;sub&gt;50&lt;/sub&gt; ≤ 3 μg/ml) showed the best antimalarial activity. Cytotoxicity and hemolysis assays confirmed the safety and selectivity of the active samples. GC-MS and LC-ToF-MS analyses of the 80 % MeOH extract detected 15 and 10 phytocompounds, respectively. Molecular docking and dynamic simulations showed that the phytocompounds of &lt;em&gt;I. umbellulata&lt;/em&gt; formed stable complexes with 10 blood-stage &lt;em&gt;P. falciparum&lt;/em&gt; proteins. The network pharmacology study suggests that &lt;em&gt;I. umbellulata&lt;/em&gt; may regulate immune responses, reduce inflammation, support early immune signaling, and prevent vascular complications in malaria.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Conclusion&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;The study identifies 25 phytocompounds in the active extract of &lt;em&gt;I. umbellulata,&lt;/em&gt; elucidating their key molecular mechanisms and validating ","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"352 ","pages":"Article 120150"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144325932","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":"Use and health effects of herbal medicine Ocotea guianensis during pregnancy in French Guiana","authors":"Gwladys Forsans ,&nbsp;Astrid Van-Melle ,&nbsp;Maelys Proquot ,&nbsp;Marc-Alexandre Tareau ,&nbsp;Jérôme Langrand ,&nbsp;Stéphanie Bernard ,&nbsp;Mathieu Nacher ,&nbsp;Guillaume Odonne ,&nbsp;Célia Basurko","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120161","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120161","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div><em>Ocotea guianensis</em> Aubl. leaves, in Creole <em>fey darjan</em> (“silver leaves”) are frequently cited by women in French Guiana for childbirth related practices. Although this use has been described in several ethnographic studies, the frequency of use of this plant has not been quantified yet. Moreover, beyond alarming anecdotes, the profile of users, the ways in which leaves are used during pregnancy, and its influence on childbirth and the immediate postpartum period remained to be determined. Our main objective was thus to estimate the frequency of <em>O. guianensis</em> use among women giving birth.</div></div><div><h3>Material and methods</h3><div>A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the maternity wards of Cayenne and Kourou in the immediate postpartum period. Data were collected from 332 women between March 21 and July 10, 2023. Women willing to participate were invited by multilingual health workers to answer a 10-min structured quantitative questionnaire. Qualitative individual interviews were also conducted with some caregivers and patients.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The frequency of use in the sample was 10 %. The leaves were generally used in the form of a sitz bath. Users were generally women born in French Guiana, with a relatively high level of education and social status. The study found no evidence of an increase in fetal distress or obstetrical complications in women who used <em>O.guianensis</em> compared with those who did not.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The study did not reveal any significant influence of <em>O. guianensis</em> use on pregnancy outcomes. Due to the small sample size of users and potential underreporting, this study may not have highlighted all user profiles in French Guiana. Even so, the study showed that the use of this herbal medicine concerned at least one in 10 women giving birth in Cayenne and Kourou, thus almost 484 deliveries per year. A complementary study conducted on a larger sample beyond maternity wards would refine usage frequency estimates and <em>O. guianensis</em> user profiles.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"352 ","pages":"Article 120161"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144325933","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 Huanglian Jiedu decoction inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell-derived foam cell formation by activating autophagy via suppressing P2RY12 [J. Ethnopharmacol. 328 (2024) 118125. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2024.118125].","authors":"Jinhai Lin, Mingyang Gu, Xiaolong Wang, Yuanyuan Chen, Nhi Van Chau, Junlong Li, Qingmin Chu, Lijin Qing, Wei Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120117","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2025.120117","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":" ","pages":"120117"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144317068","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":"Zhen-wu-tang alleviates nephrotic syndrome by upregulating 5-HTR1B to activate AMPK/PGC-1α-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis","authors":"Beini Lao ,&nbsp;Xiaotong Lin ,&nbsp;Xipan Zhao ,&nbsp;Yuxian Li ,&nbsp;Xiuye Huang ,&nbsp;Yiwen Cao ,&nbsp;Shengliang Yuan ,&nbsp;Jiuyao Zhou","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120160","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120160","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>Zhen-wu-tang (ZWT) as a classic herbal formula is widely recognized for its therapeutic efficacy in treating nephropathy. It is commonly used to alleviate edema, improve renal function, and manage symptoms associated with kidney yang deficiency. However, its therapeutic efficacy and mechanism for nephrotic syndrome (NS) is not yet clear.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>To investigate the underlying mechanism of ZWT in regulating mitochondrial biogenesis (MB) to treat NS.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>An adriamycin (ADR)-induced NS animal model and a renal tubular epithelial cell injury model were used, followed by intervention with three concentrations of ZWT. The location of 5-HTR1B in kidney cells was observed using immunofluorescence co-localization. Protein levels of the MB-related proteins, including recombinant transcription factor A (TFAM), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α), adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and p-AMPK, were determined by western blotting after administration of 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 1B (5-HTR1B) agonist and inhibitor interventions. The bioactive compounds of ZWT-containing serum were determined using ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>ZWT treatment ameliorated renal dysfunction and pathological damage in NS rats by attenuating podocyte and tubular cell damage. Additionally, ZWT reduced NS-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and reactive oxygen species levels. Immunofluorescence revealed that 5-HTR1B was predominantly expressed in the collecting ducts and proximal tubule cells. In ADR-induced models, ZWT upregulated the levels of PGC-1α, TFAM, AMPK and p-AMPK proteins involved in MB. In addition, a novel finding was that both gene and protein levels of 5-HTR1B were downregulated in these injury models, whereas ZWT intervention upregulated them. Studies on 5-HTR1B agonists and antagonists indicated that ZWT regulates AMPK/PGC-1α through 5-HTR1B-mediated mechanisms. Furthermore, 24 bioactive compounds were identified in ZWT-containing serum, of which paeoniflorin bound best to 5-HTR1B and acted similarly to 5-HTR1B agonists.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Overall, this study demonstrated that ZWT alleviates NS by upregulating MB via the 5-HTR1B/AMPK/PGC-1α signaling. This novel mechanism enriches the reference of ZWT for NS therapy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"351 ","pages":"Article 120160"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144321345","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":"Gu Han Yang Sheng Jing improves major depressive disorder via attenuating neuroinflammation by inhibiting AKT1/p65 signaling pathway based on network pharmacology analysis and experimental validation","authors":"Xun Li ,&nbsp;San-Qiao Yang ,&nbsp;Hai-Jun Zhang ,&nbsp;Yuan Zhong ,&nbsp;Ge Wen ,&nbsp;Xuan Kang ,&nbsp;Zi-Jian Xiao","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120146","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120146","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>Previous studies indicate that Gu Han Yang Sheng Jing (GHYSJ) exhibits neuroprotective properties in the central nervous system, but the protective effect of GHYSJ on major depressive disorder (MDD) and the precise mechanism underlying its protective effects remains unclear.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>This study aimed to clarify the antidepressant role of GHYSJ in MDD and the precise mechanism underlying via network pharmacology and experimental evaluations.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>Compounds-target-disease and protein-protein interaction network were constructed by network pharmacology to predict the potential targets of GHYSJ for the treatment of MDD. Molecular docking was used to predict the binding affinity between active components and pivotal targets. Protein expression levels were quantified via western blot analysis. The levels of proinflammatory factor were measured using ELISA kits. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to quantify Iba-1-positive cells. The antidepressant role of GHYSJ in MDD was tested by depression-like behavioral tests.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>This study identified a total of 94 active compounds and 185 targets of GHYSJ associated with MDD. Functional enrichment analyses revealed that inflammatory-related signalling pathways may be involved in GHYSJ-against MDD. Molecular docking demonstrated high-affinity binding between quercetin and TNF receptors. Furthermore, GHYSJ attenuated depressive-like behaviors of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-exposed rats, reduced neuroinflammation, and inhibited the AKT1/p65 signaling pathway in the hippocampus of CUMS-exposed rats, which was reversed by the treatment of SC97 (AKT1 activator).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Taken together, These results suggest that GHYSJ improves MDD via attenuating neuroinflammation by inhibiting AKT1/p65 signaling pathway.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"352 ","pages":"Article 120146"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144325931","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":"Qing-Re-Xiao-Zheng-(Yi-Qi) formula attenuates the renal podocyte ferroptosis in diabetic kidney disease through AMPK pathway","authors":"Jiale Zhang ,&nbsp;Qiaoru Wu ,&nbsp;Chenhui Xia ,&nbsp;Huijuan Zheng ,&nbsp;Weimin Jiang ,&nbsp;Yaoxian Wang ,&nbsp;Weiwei Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120157","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120157","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>Diabetic kidney disease (DKD), a prevalent microvascular complication of diabetes, is a leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Emerging evidence implicates ferroptosis in DKD pathogenesis. Qing-Re-Xiao-Zheng-(Yi-Qi) Formula (QRXZYQF), a traditional Chinese medicine with a 30-year clinical application history, exhibits multifaceted pharmacological benefits. But its potential role in DKD has yet to be fully investigated.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>This study investigates whether QRXZYQF alleviates podocyte injury and mitigates DKD progression by modulating ferroptosis through AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway activation.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>We induced DKD in male sprague dawley (SD) rats by performing left unilateral nephrectomy followed by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 50 mg/kg). Rats received QRXZYQF (12/24 g/kg), metformin (100 mg/kg), and valsartan (8 mg/kg) for 16 weeks. Renal function, blood glucose, lipid profiles, 24-h urinary protein (24 h-UTP), oxidative stress markers glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and histopathology were assessed. In vitro, high-glucose-cultured conditionally immortalized mouse podocytes (MPC-5) cells were analyzed for cell viability assays, ferroptosis markers, mitochondrial integrity, and AMPK signaling. Additionally, we used short hairpin RNA (shRNA) to suppress AMPK expression to confirm whether QRXZYQF exerts protective effects on DKD via AMPK-mediated ferroptosis signaling.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>QRXZYQF improved body weight, glucose-lipid metabolism, and renal function in DKD rats, and alleviated kidney tissue pathology, renal fibrosi<strong>s</strong> and mitochondrial damage. Furthermore, QRXZYQF upregulated the expression of ferroptosis-related proteins glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) while downregulating acyl CoA synthase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) expression, and attenuated oxidative stress. Moreover, AMPK silencing partially reversed QRXZYQF's protective effects, confirming AMPK-dependent ferroptosis inhibition.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>QRXZYQF attenuates DKD progression by activating AMPK signaling, thereby suppressing podocyte ferroptosis. These findings underscore its potential as a therapeutic agent for DKD.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"351 ","pages":"Article 120157"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144306352","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":"Shaoyao Gancao decoction promotes splenic immune homeostasis mediating cGAS-STING signaling pathway to delay autoimmune hepatitis progression","authors":"Anli Xu ,&nbsp;Zequan Zhang ,&nbsp;Biran Zhu ,&nbsp;Min Xiao ,&nbsp;Xiaocui Jiang ,&nbsp;Yong Yang ,&nbsp;Min Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120121","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120121","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>Shaoyao Gancao Decoction (SGD), a classic Chinese herbal formula from the “Treatise on Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun),” is widely used for treating liver disease. However, the efficacy and mechanisms by which SGD delays liver fibrosis progression in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) require further investigation.</div><div><em>Aim of the study</em>: This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the SGD-mediated delay of liver fibrosis progression in AIH through the spleen.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>SGD was administered via gavage to mice for 15 days before establishing the concanavalin A (ConA)-induced AIH model. The key factors were identified using bioinformatics analysis. The intervention effects and mechanisms of SGD on AIH were clarified using liver function assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and histopathological, real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), immunofluorescence (IF), and Western blot analyses. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were co-cultured with splenic mononuclear cells in a Transwell chamber system.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>SGD pretreatment alleviated liver injury, spleen injury, and abnormal liver function in AIH mice. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-12 were identified as key factors in SGD intervention of AIH. SGD pretreatment promoted immune homeostasis in the spleen and liver. Additionally, SGD reduced HSC proliferation and activation. Further, SGD decreased cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS), stimulator of interferon genes (STING), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) expression in the liver and HSCs.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>SGD promoted splenic immune homeostasis, which inhibited the hepatic cGAS-STING signaling pathway, thereby attenuating HSC activation and ultimately delaying liver fibrosis progression in AIH.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"352 ","pages":"Article 120121"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144309977","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":"Standardization of Kushmanda Ghrita and Its Neuroprotective Effect in Trimethyltin-Induced Dementia in Wistar Rats: Insights into Cognitive Function and Oxidative Stress Modulation.","authors":"Swati R Dhande, Abhishek Gupta, Sampada Bhosale","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119976","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2025.119976","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>An ethnopharmacological review reveals that Kushmanda ghrita is a polyherbal formulation made from Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Yashtimadhu) and Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn. (Kushmanda) in ghrita (cow's ghee) and serves as a carrier for its active compounds. Yashtimadhu and Kushmanda have been reported to exhibit memory-enhancing and antioxidant activity.</p><p><strong>Aim of the study: </strong>This study aimed to standardize Kushmanda ghrita and evaluate its neuroprotective activity against trimethyltin-induced dementia in albino Wistar rats.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Kushmanda ghrita was standardized for various parameters according to the AYUSH protocol. The HPTLC method was developed and validated to standardize Kushmanda ghrita for the markers rutin, glycyrrhizin, gallic acid, and quercetin. Well-established parameters, such as locomotor activity, behavioral parameters (Morris water maze, elevated plus maze, social recognition test, and novel object recognition test), biochemical parameters (malonaldehyde, glutathione, and catalase), and histopathological studies were performed to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of trimethyltin-induced dementia in rats.</p><p><strong>Results and discussion: </strong>In addition to its organoleptic properties, Kushmanda ghrita was standardized for its specific gravity, viscosity, refractive index, loss on drying, pH, rancidity, iodine value, saponification value, acid value, peroxide value, heavy metal test (As, Cd, Hg, and Pb), microbial contamination test, and specific pathogen tests. A novel HPTLC method was developed to simultaneously detect and quantify selected markers (ICH Q₂ R₂ guidelines). Kushmanda ghrita treated groups significantly improved cognition and memory trimethyltin-induced dementia in rats. It also reduces malondialdehyde, glutathione, and catalase levels, thereby reducing oxidative stress in the brain. In addition, a brain histopathology study revealed less damage to neuronal structures in Kushmanda ghrita-treated animals than in diseased animals.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Kushmanda ghrita was standardized, and an accurate, precise, robust, and specific HPTLC analytical method was established. Based on the pharmacological activity data, the study concludes that Kushmanda ghrita effectively reduces oxidative stress and prevents damage to hippocampal neurons, probably due to learning and memory enhancement activity.</p>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":" ","pages":"119976"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144309978","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}