Journal of ethnopharmacology最新文献

{"title":"Violae Herba: A comprehensive review of the traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, quality control and clinical applications.","authors":"Chengru Li, Haiqing Wang, Kangzhe Fu, Aijing Leng, Jialin Qu","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119561","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2025.119561","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Ethnopharmacological relevance: </strong>Violae Herba (VH), the dried whole plant of Viola yedonensis Makino that belongs to the family Violaceae, has been long used for treating sores, swollen toxins, carbuncles, erysipelas, and venomous snake bites in China due to is traditional efficacy of clearing heat, detoxifying, cooling blood, and reducing swelling.</p><p><strong>Aim of the review: </strong>This article aims to report the latest research progress of VH focusing on the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, quality control and therapeutic applications, so as to lay a solid foundation for future clinical treatments and scientific studies.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A comprehensive search was conducted for all Chinese and English literature on \"Viola yedoensis Makino\" or \"Violae Herba\" from scientific literature databases including PubMed, CNKI and other literature sources (Ph.D. and M.Sc. dissertations and Chinese herbal classic books), covering the period from January 1955 to August 2024. Subsequently, articles pertaining to classification, historical origins, traditional uses, phytochemistry, contemporary applications, quality control and clinical applications were selected for reference, while literature on growth habits, landscaping and literature appreciation was excluded.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>To date, 320 compounds (flavonoids and their glycoside, coumarin, volatile oil, cyclic peptides, alkaloids, terpenoids, organic acids, lignans, etc.) have been isolated and identified from VH. Among which, flavonoids and coumarins are the two major types of constituents that have been taken as the quantitative indicators. Notably, cyclic peptides which exist uncommon in ordinary plants are also effective antibacterial and antitumor constituents in VH. Further pharmacological investigations demonstrate that it exhibits a range of activities, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antitumor and immunomodulatory effects. These findings provide a solid theoretical foundation for its application in treating skin diseases, respiratory disorders, digestive system conditions and prospects its potential in clinical uses.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>As a widely used herb in TCM formulae, extensive pharmacological and clinical studies have confirmed the traditional efficacy of VH. However, most of the existing studies have focused primarily on its total flavonoids and coumarins, with fewer studies looking at other compounds. This leads to low development and resources waste. Meanwhile, the specific cyclic peptide components with antibacterial and antitumor activity drive us focus on its functional development in the field of medicine and promote the transition from experimentation to clinical practice. Besides, relative limited investigation about its pharmacokinetics and toxicology effects indicates that further systematic studies are needed to ensure the effective and safe applicati","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":" ","pages":"119561"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143795563","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":"Affinity-purified targets screening facilitates active components discovery of Chinese formula —HuGan tablets as a case","authors":"XueJiao Li , Miao Li , RuiShu Chen, Ying Wang, Gan Luo, XiaoYan Gao","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119703","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119703","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD), a chronic condition caused by long-term heavy alcohol consumption, can progress to cirrhosis or liver failure. HuGan Tablets (HGT) is a compound preparation made of six Chinese herbs, which is used in clinic for the treatment of chronic hepatitis, with studies demonstrating its efficacy in alleviating alcohol-induced liver injury in rats. However, the active components and therapeutic targets of HGT remain unclear and require further investigation.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of this study</h3><div>The aim of this study was to develop a systematic pipeline based on the SPR fishing strategy to identify effective components and therapeutic targets in Chinese formulas, using HGT as a representative case.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>HRMS was employed to analyze HGT ingredients absorbed in rat blood, while network pharmacology, molecular docking and literature mining were utilized to identify potential targets of HGT for ALD alleviation. A systematic SPR-based fishing system was developed by evaluating protein target coupling efficiency, sample recovery rate, specificity of target-small molecule binding, and LOD, and candidate components screened and identified using this system were further screened by SPR affinity tests. Additionally, therapeutic efficacy of the selected compounds was validated <em>in vitro</em> using an ethanol-induced AML12 model and further confirmed <em>in vivo</em> using a mouse model of ALD by assessing markers such as ALT, AST, and oxidative stress indicators.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 128 compounds were identified in HGT, with 29 metabolites detected in rat blood. MFN2, SOD2, mTOR, RXRA, and GSTP1 were identified as anti-ALD targets of HGT through integrated network pharmacology, molecular docking, and literature analysis. An SPR-based active component fishing system was successfully developed, capturing 15 candidate compounds. SPR affinity analysis revealed strong binding (<em>K</em><sub>D</sub>: 3.41–221.7 μM) between (<em>R,S</em>)-goitrin, chlorogenic acid, saikosaponin B2, schisandrin, schisandrol B, schisandrin A, schisandrin C, and schisantherin A and the target proteins. Except for (<em>R,S</em>)-goitrin, the other seven compounds significantly reduced ALT, AST, TG, ROS, and MDA levels while enhancing SOD and GSH activities in cellular models, with comparable therapeutic effects observed in ALD mice.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study scientifically established an integrated SPR-based pipeline to systematically characterize active ingredients and therapeutic targets in herbal formulations, which was successfully applied to reveal key therapeutic targets and pharmacodynamic components of HGT for ALD. This study provides a valuable framework for SPR-based screening of bioactive components in traditional formulas, as well as for understanding the material basis and mechanism of action ","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"347 ","pages":"Article 119703"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143795554","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 “Er-Dong-Xiao-Ke decoction regulates lipid metabolism via PPARG-mediated UCP2/AMPK signaling to alleviate diabetic meibomian gland dysfunction” [J. Ethnopharmacol. (2024) 333 118484]","authors":"Li Shi , Liu-Jiao Li , Xin-Yi Sun , Yi-Ying Chen , Dan Luo , Lu-Ping He , Hui-Jie Ji , Wei-Ping Gao , Hu-Xing Shen","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119736","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119736","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"346 ","pages":"Article 119736"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143795556","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":"Integrating metabolomics and network pharmacology to investigate Mu Jin Powder prevents ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats","authors":"Jia-xin Shi ,&nbsp;Jin-nan Huo ,&nbsp;Xi Luo ,&nbsp;Qiang Zhang ,&nbsp;Li-ying Han ,&nbsp;Xi Wu ,&nbsp;Yong-rui Bao ,&nbsp;Shuai Wang ,&nbsp;Tian-jiao Li ,&nbsp;Bao-qiang Dong ,&nbsp;Xian-sheng Meng","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119730","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119730","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>Gastric ulcer (GU) is a common multifactorial gastrointestinal disorder, affecting millions of people worldwide. Mu Jin Powder (MJP), a renowned herbal pair, was recorded in Yizong Jinjian by Wu Qian during the Qing dynasty. This combination has been integrated into traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescriptions for gastrointestinal diseases, particularly GU, and has demonstrated significant results in modern medicine studies. However, the specific advantages of MJP for GU and its underlying mechanisms remain insufficiently understood, requiring further investigation.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>To assess the preventive effects of MJP on ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury and elucidate its underlying mechanisms.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>This study was based on ethanol induced SD rat model to elucidate the pharmacological effects of MJP. The chemical components of MJP and the absorbed components in the serum of treated rats were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. Serum metabolomics and Network pharmacology were applied to investigate the potential mechanisms of MJP against GU, and the mechanistic pathways were verified through PCR and Western blot analyses.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In vivo pharmacological experiments demonstrated that MJP significantly reduced ulcer area and improved the histopathological features of gastric tissues. Fifty-three chemical components were determined in MJP, and 18 absorbed components were detected in the serum of treated rats for the first time. Non-targeted serum metabolomics revealed 28 significantly altered differential metabolites, most of which were modulated and normalized by MJP. Comprehensive network pharmacology and metabolomics analyses indicated that MJP exerted anti-GU effects by intervening in 5 key target proteins (PTG2, CHRNA7, CA1, PTG1, CASP3, and AKT1) and regulating differential metabolites. PCR and Western blot analyses suggested that MJP may inhibit the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathway to prevent ethanol-induced gastric ulcers.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Mu Jin Powder effectively ameliorates ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats, potentially by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathway.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"347 ","pages":"Article 119730"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143795576","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 role of miR-146a/IRAK1/JNK1 pathway in mediating the effects of Yiqi Congming decoction on dry eye: A mechanistic study in rat models","authors":"Yulin Liu ,&nbsp;Yanhua Jiang ,&nbsp;Caiqiu Song ,&nbsp;Tao Zuo ,&nbsp;Jinghan Zhang ,&nbsp;Lei Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119698","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119698","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Ethnopharmacological relevance&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Yiqi Congming Decoction (YQCM) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula widely used as a complementary and alternative therapy for dry eye and other ophthalmic disorders.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Objective&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;This study aims to investigate the potential effects of YQCM on dry eye and to identify the active components responsible for its therapeutic efficacy using a rat model.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Materials and methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Using Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography/Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-QTOF/MS), the chemical constituents of YQCM were identified. In vivo experiments demonstrated the protective effects of YQCM on the corneal barrier in a rat model of dry eye and determined the optimal therapeutic dose. YQCM and agomiR-146a were administered either individually or in combination to rat over 14 days, followed by evaluations of Schirmer I test (SⅠT) results, tear film breakup time (BUT), fluorescein staining (FL) levels, corneal epithelial cell inflammation, and apoptosis. Furthermore, the expression of proteins in the miR-146a/IRAK1/JNK1 pathway, as well as inflammation and apoptosis-related proteins, was examined to explore the mechanisms through which YQCM modulates inflammation and improves tear film stability. In vitro experiments employed serum containing YQCM, agomiR-146a, and the IRAK1 inhibitor (AZ1495) to further investigate the regulatory effects of YQCM on the miR-146a/IRAK1/JNK1 pathway and its impact on inflammation and apoptosis in human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) under hypertonic conditions.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;In vivo experimental results demonstrated that YQCM significantly restored tear film stability. Treatment with varying doses of YQCM improved corneal epithelial damage in rats, with the medium dose exhibiting the most pronounced effect. YQCM increased the SⅠT and BUT levels, effectively reduced FL levels, and inhibited apoptosis and inflammatory damage in corneal epithelial cells. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, TUNEL assays, and Western blot (WB) and qPCR analyses revealed that YQCM significantly ameliorated corneal damage in dry eye rats and reduced the expression levels of MMP-9, TNF-α, IL-1β, Caspase-3, IL-6, and IFN-γ. Moreover, YQCM modulated the expression of proteins in the miR-146a/IRAK1/JNK1 pathway. In vitro experiments demonstrated that YQCM regulated the levels of miR-146a/IRAK1/JNK1 in HCECs under hypertonic conditions and enhanced cell viability by reducing the expression of MMP-9, TNF-α, IL-1β, Caspase-3, IL-6, and IFN-γ. Using Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining and other techniques, it was further confirmed that YQCM alleviated apoptosis in HCECs under hypertonic conditions.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Conclusion&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;YQCM protects tear film stability in a rat model of dry eye by suppressing corneal epithelial inflammatory responses and reducing apoptosis throu","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"347 ","pages":"Article 119698"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143795581","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Tripterygium glycoside tablets and triptolide alleviate experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mice involving the PACAP/cAMP signaling pathway","authors":"Hong Wang ,&nbsp;Juan Zou ,&nbsp;Yiming Li ,&nbsp;Jingwen Liu ,&nbsp;Fujiang Guo","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119748","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119748","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div><em>Tripterygium</em> <em>wilfordii</em>, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has been used for treating autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Tripterygium glycoside tablets (TGT), derived from this herb, is widely used in clinical practice in China. However, the therapeutic effects of TGT on Multiple sclerosis (MS), particularly through its active component triptolide (TP), remain insufficiently understood.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of TGT and TP on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>TGT and TWPT were chemically characterized using liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The therapeutic effect of TGT, TWPT, and TP was evaluated in the EAE model. Proteomics analysis and Western blot analysis were validated the signaling pathways.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>TGT and TP significantly alleviated EAE symptoms in mice, including reduced weight loss and neurological deficits, whereas TWPT (TGT without triptolide) shows no significant therapeutic effect. Histological analysis revealed that TGT and TP reduced demyelination and inflammatory cell infiltration in the spinal cord. TGT and TP decreased systemic inflammatory cytokines (IL-17A, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-6) and the mRNA expression of the transcription factors T-bet and ROR-γt in the spinal cord. Proteomic analysis indicated that TP significantly upregulated the expression of PACAP and activated the cAMP signaling pathway. Furthermore, TGT and TP modulate PKA, PI3K-AKT, NF-κB, and apoptosis-related signaling pathways, contributing to the reducing inflammation, apoptosis and demyelination in EAE mice.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>TGT and TP exert anti-inflammatory and demyelination-improving effects to alleviate both clinical and pathological manifestations of EAE in mice <em>via</em> the PACAP/cAMP signaling axis, suggesting TGT as promising therapeutic strategies for MS.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"347 ","pages":"Article 119748"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143795502","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":"Rosa roxburghii juice alleviates DEHP-induced reproductive system damage in male mice via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway","authors":"Chaoyu Huang,&nbsp;Chen Qian,&nbsp;Zongxian Li,&nbsp;Yuanyuan Qin,&nbsp;Wuning Mo,&nbsp;Faquan Lin","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119742","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119742","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div><em>Rosa roxburghii</em> is an ethnic medicinal herb. Folk medicine collections have documented its nourishing and strengthen effects. It has been used to improve reproductive health, but scientific evidence supporting its efficacy and mechanisms remains limited.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of this study</h3><div>Endocrine-disrupting chemicals, such as di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), are known to impair male reproductive health. This study aims to investigate the protective effects of raw <em>Rosa roxburghii</em> juice (RRJ) on DEHP-induced reproductive toxicity in mice and elucidates its underlying mechanisms.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>Using a DEHP-induced murine model of reproductive damage, we evaluated the effects of RRJ on sperm quality, testicular histopathology, reproductive endocrine function, oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and DNA damage. Network pharmacology analysis was performed to identify the active components, targets, and mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of <em>Rosa</em> <em>r</em><em>oxburghii</em>.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Our data demonstrated that RRJ significantly improved sperm quality, alleviated testicular atrophy, restored endocrine disorders, and mitigated oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in testicular tissues. Additionally, RRJ reduced testicular and sperm DNA damage, as evidenced by decreased γ-H2AX expression and DNA fragmentation index. Network pharmacology analysis identified quercetin, apigenin, luteolin, kaempferol, eriodictyol, and ellagic acid as the key bioactive compounds in RRJ, with the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway playing a crucial role in its therapeutic effects. Western blotting confirmed that RRJ reversed DEHP-induced suppression of the PI3K/AKT pathway.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study demonstrates that RRJ protects against DEHP-induced reproductive toxicity through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms, mediated in part by the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. This work provides the first comprehensive evidence of the protective effects of <em>Rosa roxburghii</em> against male reproductive system damage and its underlying mechanisms.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"347 ","pages":"Article 119742"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143788509","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":"Decoding the pharmacodynamics of Fufang Tongye Shaoshang You: A promising ethnomedicine for diabetic ulcer healing","authors":"Yuting Lu ,&nbsp;Yan Duan ,&nbsp;Yuping Dai ,&nbsp;Xiaoting Ni ,&nbsp;Juan Li ,&nbsp;Xinliang Zeng ,&nbsp;Pei Cai ,&nbsp;Shunxiang Li","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119727","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119727","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>Fufang Tongye Shaoshang You (TYY) is an ethnomedicine derived from the traditional folk formula of the Tujia people in Hunan Province, which consists of Paulownia leaf and sesame oil, has shown promising potential in promoting diabetic ulcer (DU) healing. However, its pharmacological substance and mechanism of action require further elucidation.</div></div><div><h3>Aims of the study</h3><div>This study was designed to assess the healing effect of TYY on DU wounds in mice, and to explore systematically its potential mechanisms and pharmacodynamic material basis.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The combination of high-fat, high-sugar diet and streptozotocin injection was used to induce C57BL/6 J mouse diabetic model, and the ulcer was surgically introduced. After TYY treatment, the skin lesions of diabetic mice were observed by H&amp;E, Masson staining and transmission electron microscopy over a period of time. The wound tissues were collected. Transcriptomics were used to predict the potential mechanism of TYY, and then immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, ELISA, Western blotting, and qRT-PCR were used to detect the expression levels of key proteins and mRNA in related signaling pathways. The effect of TYY on tight junction proteins was evaluated by Western blotting. The chemical components of 10 batches of TYY were analyzed by multivariate analysis, and the iconic components of TYY were screened by molecular docking and dynamics simulation. HMEC-1 cells were induced by lipopolysaccharide and high glucose concentrations to simulate a DU microenvironment and construct an endothelial cell injury model. Scratch test and RT-qPCR were used to evaluate the effects of TYY active ingredients on the endothelial cell injury model, finally determining the pharmacodynamic material basis of TYY.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The study has demonstrated that TYY can not only effectively repair the skin barrier, but also regulate the IL-17-mediated NF-κB/AP-1 signaling pathway, inhibit the exacerbation of inflammation, and accelerate wound healing in DU mice. In addition, we further discovered the key active ingredients of TYY: maslinic acid, corosolic acid, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid and sesamin.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study provides scientific evidence for TYY as a potential drug to repair DU, and also provides a theoretical basis for its further clinical application and drug development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"347 ","pages":"Article 119727"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143788459","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":"Root of Prunus persica (taoshugen) ameliorated renal fibrosis by inhibiting TGF-β signaling via upregulating Pmepa1 in mice with unilateral ureter obstruction","authors":"Wen Long ,&nbsp;Xue-Mei Shang ,&nbsp;Wen-Yan Chen ,&nbsp;Lu Wang ,&nbsp;Yu-Qing Li ,&nbsp;Hong-Min Zhang ,&nbsp;Yi-Xuan Wang ,&nbsp;Qiu-Wei Chen ,&nbsp;Jing-Yi Lin ,&nbsp;Wei Ren ,&nbsp;Li Wang ,&nbsp;Hong-Lian Wang ,&nbsp;Hong-Chun Shen","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119750","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119750","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>Various parts of <em>Prunus persica</em> (L.) Batsch (peach) exhibit medicinal properties and are utilized in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for therapeutic purposes. Notably, the root of <em>P. persica</em>, referred to as “<em>taoshugen</em>” in Chinese, is utilized by experienced TCM practitioners for the treatment of liver cirrhosis, suggesting its potential efficacy in mitigating organ fibrosis.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>The study aimed to investigate the potential protective role of the water extract of <em>taoshugen</em> (WE-TSG) against chronic kidney disease-associated renal fibrosis and the underlying mechanisms.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>The chemical composition of WE-TSG was characterized using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The anti-renal fibrosis efficacy of WE-TSG was evaluated <em>in vitro</em> using TGF-β1-stimulated renal tubular TCMK1 cells and <em>in vivo</em> using a murine model of unilateral ureter obstruction (UUO). The underlying mechanisms were elucidated using RNA-seq and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated loss of function of candidate genes. The activity of TGF-β signaling and the extent of fibrosis were determined by luciferase reporter assays, histology, immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, and Western blot.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>LC-MS/MS analysis identified 14 major compounds in WE-TSG, primarily flavonoids and organooxygen compounds. In TCMK1 cells, WE-TSG significantly inhibited the activity of TGF-β-responsive luciferase reporters, CAGA-luc and CTGF-luc, and dose-dependently (3.125, 6.25, and 12.5 μg/mL) suppressed TGF-β1-induced Smad2/3 phosphorylation (p-Smad2/3) and fibrotic gene (<em>fibronectin</em>, <em>Col1a1</em>, and <em>Ctgf</em>) expression, without affecting total Smad2/3 protein levels. <em>In vivo</em>, oral administration of WE-TSG (1.4 and 2.8 g/kg) attenuated structural abnormalities, collagen deposition, and fibrotic gene (<em>fibronectin</em>, <em>Col1a1</em>, and <em>α-SMA</em>) expression, alongside reduced TGF-β signaling activity (TGF-β1 and p-Smad2/3) in the kidney tissues of UUO mice. RNA-seq in TCMK1 cells identified that <em>Pmepa1</em>, a negative-feedback regulator of TGF-β signaling, was significantly upregulated upon WE-TSG pretreatment. Importantly, knockout of <em>Pmepa1</em> abolished the anti-TGF-β signaling and anti-fibrosis effects of WE-TSG in TGF-β1-stimulated TCMK1 cells. Moreover, kidney-targeted <em>Pmepa1</em> knockdown also abrogated the anti-renal fibrosis role of WE-TSG in UUO mice.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Our findings demonstrate that WE-TSG inhibits TGF-β signaling and attenuates UUO-induced renal fibrosis by promoting <em>Pmepa1</em> expression, highlighting the potential of herbal medicine <em>taoshugen</em> in the clinical treatment of CKD.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"347 ","pages":"Article 119750"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143788508","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":"Phytochemical characterization and pharmacological mechanisms of Huazhuo Sanjie Chubi Decoction in treating gouty arthritis: A multivariant approach","authors":"Xueting Chen ,&nbsp;Xiaomei Zhong ,&nbsp;Jiemei Guo ,&nbsp;Tong Jin ,&nbsp;Huaying Guan ,&nbsp;Jing Lin ,&nbsp;Minjie Zeng ,&nbsp;Yiqian Zhang ,&nbsp;Yanxiang Lin ,&nbsp;Dennis Chang ,&nbsp;Yanfang Zheng ,&nbsp;Xian Zhou ,&nbsp;Mingqing Huang ,&nbsp;Youxin Su","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119731","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.119731","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>Huazhuo Sanjie Chubi Decoction (HSCD), a Chinese herbal formula, is traditionally used for the treatment of spleen deficiency with dampness accumulation and is commonly used to treat gouty arthritis (GA). However, the potential active compounds and mechanisms of HSCD remain unclear.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>To elucidate the key bioactive compounds and pharmacological mechanisms of HSCD in treating GA.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>The chemical compounds in HSCD were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed using ultraperformance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Network pharmacology and molecular docking were employed to identify key active compounds and associated molecular pathways. Monosodium urate (MSU)-induced RAW264.7 macrophages and GA rat model were used to explore the potential therapeutic effects and mechanisms of HSCD in treating GA.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>UPLC-MS/MS identified 184 compounds in HSCD, with 28 key compounds quantified. Network pharmacology revealed that verbenalin, limonin, and quercitrin are strongly associated with the molecular mechanisms of HSCD in treating GA <em>via</em> the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. These compounds exhibited strong binding affinity to PI3K and AKT proteins. In RAW264.7 cells, HSCD and the three identified compounds dose-dependently reduced inflammation by inhibiting nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). They also downregulated both the PI3K-AKT and apoptosis signaling pathways. In rats, HSCD exerted therapeutic effects against acute GA by alleviating swelling and pathological damage to the ankle joints. Moreover, the molecular mechanisms <em>in vivo</em> were confirmed to be associated with the PI3K-AKT and apoptosis signaling pathways.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study employed a multivariant approach to demonstrate the main bioactive compounds and molecular mechanisms of HSCD in treating GA, thereby supporting its traditional use.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"347 ","pages":"Article 119731"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143788506","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}