Journal of ethnopharmacology最新文献

{"title":"Exploring the pro-angiogenic potential of Chinese herbal medicines: a comprehensive insight into mechanisms","authors":"Muhammad Mazhar Munir,&nbsp;Xian Zhou,&nbsp;Dennis Chang","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120132","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120132","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>Pro-angiogenic therapy aims to stimulate the formation of new blood vessels, thereby enhancing blood flow to tissues and organs. Current strategies, such as growth factors, gene therapy, and cell-based approaches, are widely employed to promote angiogenesis. However, these interventions often suffer from off-target effects and limited efficacy due to the complex regulation of angiogenesis. Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) provides a rich source of therapeutic agents and offers promising alternatives for the treatment of vascular insufficiency-related disorders.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>This review aims to summarise current research on the pro-angiogenic effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of CHM, including herbal extracts, traditional formulations and key bioactive phytochemicals.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A comprehensive literature search was conducted using electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, covering publications from 2003 to 2024. Keywords including “Pro-angiogenic”, “Angiogenesis”, “Phytochemicals”, “Traditional Chinese Medicine”, “Natural compounds”, “Phytomedicine”, “Plant medicine”, “Botanical drugs” and “Chinese herbal medicine” were used to retrieve relevant studies. The retrieved articles were then assessed, summarised and synthesized to provide a comprehensive overview of the pro-angiogenic effects of CHMs and the molecular mechanisms underpinning these effects.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>We systematically summarised the key molecular mechanisms involved in angiogenesis, including the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), notch signalling, angiopoietin-tie, fibroblast growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) pathways. Mechanistically, CHMs exert pro-angiogenic effects through promoting cell survival, proliferation, and migration, primarily through the upregulation of VEGF, Notch signalling, MAPK signalling, HIF-1α, and PI3K- Protein Kinase B (Akt) signalling pathways.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Multiple Chinese herbal extracts, formulations and key phytochemicals demonstrate significant pro-angiogenic effects. The mechanisms of these effects are multifaceted. The evidence highlights the potential of CHMs as promising candidates for pro-angiogenic therapy, warranting the need for further research and development to fully harness their therapeutic value.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"351 ","pages":"Article 120132"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144293847","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":"Huangqin decoction alleviates chemotherapy-induced intestinal injury by inhibiting ferroptosis via modulation of P53/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway","authors":"Yusu Wang,&nbsp;Yunjing He,&nbsp;Wan Liang,&nbsp;Shaojun Kan,&nbsp;Yujie Gao,&nbsp;Chenglu Yang,&nbsp;Siyu Han,&nbsp;Yuke Ren,&nbsp;Ke Nie","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120135","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120135","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>Huangqin Decoction (HQD), a traditional Chinese medicine formula for the treatment of heat-induced diarrhea and dysentery. HQD can significantly reduce chemotherapy induced intestinal toxicity. However, the underlying mechanism of HQD in alleviating chemotherapy-induced intestinal injury remains unclear.</div></div><div><h3>Aims of the study</h3><div>To explore the underlying mechanism of HQD against chemotherapy-induced intestinal injury through the P53/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway-mediated ferroptosis.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>Irinotecan (CPT-11) was used to establish chemotherapy-induced intestinal injury model in mice. The inflammatory damage of the jejunum and colon is evaluated by HE staining and ELISA. The degree of ferroptosis is validated by the iron deposition, the levels of ROS, MDA, SOD and GSH, and the changes in the distribution of 4-HNE and iron in the jejunum and colon. Expression of intestinal tight junction protein TJP-1 and Occludin was detected by immunofluorescence. The <em>P53/</em>SLC7A11/GPX4 signal pathway was examined by RT-qPCR and Western blot.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>HQD significantly decreased diarrhea scores in chemotherapy mice, and improved the inflammatory pathological damage, with decreased levels of IL-1β and TNF-α. HQD also restored intestinal barrier function and intestinal tight junction protein TJP-1 and Occluding expression. Furthermore, HQD significantly suppressed ferroptosis, as indicated by the improvement of iron deposition, and oxidative stress. The PCR and Western blot results indicated that HQD could activate the P53/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The occurrence of chemotherapy-induced intestinal injury is associated with ferroptosis-induced intestinal inflammation; HQD prevent chemotherapy-induced intestinal injury by activating the p53/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway, inhibiting ferroptosis, and alleviating intestinal inflammatory injury.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"351 ","pages":"Article 120135"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144280206","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":"Study on the modulation of kidney and liver function of rats with diabetic nephropathy by Huidouba through metabolomics","authors":"Peihang Li ,&nbsp;Haiying Liao ,&nbsp;Yang Niu ,&nbsp;Xu He ,&nbsp;Wenbin Zhou ,&nbsp;Zongran Pang","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120136","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120136","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Ethnopharmacological relevance&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Huidouba (HDB), a traditional Tibetan medicine, has been used for centuries in the Emei Mountain region of Sichuan, China, to treat diabetes and its complications. Known for its efficacy in nourishing kidney-Yin (kidney water) and regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, it is considered a“wonder drug”of Mount Emei.The study of Huidouba holds great significance for elucidating the mechanisms of action by which traditional Chinese and ethnic medicines treat diseases.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Aim of the study&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;To investigate the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of Huidouba on diabetic nephropathy (DN) using metabolomic and molecular approaches.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Materials and methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;DN rat model was established using high fat diet and streptozotocin (STZ 30 mg/kg) injection. The 65 rats included in the study were divided into normal group, metformin positive control model group, HDB high dose group and HDB low dose group with 13 rats in each group by using random number table method.The rats in HDB treatment group were given a high dose (7.2 g/kg) and a low dose (3.6 g/kg) respectively for 8 weeks. Serum biochemical indices of rats were detected and histopathological analyses of liver, kidney and pancreas were performed. Metabolomics analysis of plasma was performed using UPLC-MS/MS technique. Western blot was used to analyse the expression of key proteins in the bile acid metabolic pathway.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;HDB administration modulated aberrant metabolic pathways in DN rats, leading to ameliorated hepato-renal functions. Notably, renal dysfunction markers were markedly attenuated: blood urea nitrogen (BUN) declined from 16.27 ± 3.32 mmol/L to 8.95 ± 1.24 mmol/L (HDBL) and 11.80 ± 1.52 mmol/L (HDBH), while serum creatinine (SCr) reduced from 56.00 ± 15.96 μmol/L to 28.75 ± 2.33 μmol/L (HDBL) and 28.01 ± 2.93 μmol/L (HDBH). Albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR-8) dropped from 7.68 ± 2.44 mg/g (Model) to 4.39 ± 0.92 mg/g (HDBL) and 5.20 ± 1.80 mg/g (HDBH), indicating preserved glomerular filtration.Hepatoprotective effects were evident, with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels decreasing from 148.6 ± 63.73 μmol/L (Model) to 90.45 ± 20.35 μmol/L (HDBL) and 82.67 ± 19.55 μmol/L (HDBH). Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels also trended downward (Model: 253.6 ± 225.9 μmol/L vs. HDBH: 147.5 ± 42.18 μmol/L). Histologically, HDB treatment reduced inflammatory infiltration in the liver, kidney, and pancreatic islets, alongside ameliorated tissue degeneration, including a significant reduction in renal fibrosis (renal fibrotic area percentage in the Model group was approx. 13.32 %, which decreased to approx. 7.31 % and 8.68 % in the HDB low and high dose groups, respectively). Untargeted metabolomics revealed upregulated bile acid metabolism pathways (Cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) and Farnesoid X receptor (FXR/NR1H4)), correlating with improved glucose-","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"351 ","pages":"Article 120136"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144293851","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 mechanism of Carbonized Typhae Pollen in treating blood stasis syndrome through metabolic profiling: the synergistic effect of hemostasis without blood stasis","authors":"Xingyong Zhang ,&nbsp;Nian Sheng ,&nbsp;Zhenchang Wang ,&nbsp;Yudan Cao ,&nbsp;Xuan Jiang ,&nbsp;Hui Yan ,&nbsp;Fangfang Cheng ,&nbsp;Ting Geng ,&nbsp;Kaifeng Wei ,&nbsp;Li Zhang ,&nbsp;Mingliang Gao ,&nbsp;Guisheng Zhou ,&nbsp;Peidong Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120124","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120124","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Ethnopharmacological relevance&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Removing blood stasis and stopping bleeding traditional Chinese medicines (RBSB-TCM) formed a unique class of TCM, characterized by vasodilating, removing stasis and hemostatic effects. Carbonized Typhae Pollen (CTP), derived from Typhae Pollen (TP) through carbonization, has emerged as a particularly valuable therapeutic agent. It has been widely used in clinical practice to treat hemorrhagic disorders caused by blood stasis syndrome (BSS). However, the potential mechanism for CTP to achieve the dual synergistic effect of promoting blood flow and hemostasis remains unclear.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Aim of the study&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;From the standpoint of metabolite profiles, this study attempts to investigate the fundamental mechanism of CTP in the elimination of blood stasis and the cessation of bleeding.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Materials and methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;First, chemical constituents, absorbed constituents and metabolites in rats following oral administration of CTP were identified by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with the quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS) method combined with MetabolitePilot 2.0.4 software. Subsequently, the pharmacological effects of CTP were systematically investigated using rat models with BSS and zebrafish with cerebral hemorrhage. Specifically, the impact on coagulation function and histopathology in rats, as well as the effect on cerebral hemorrhage in zebrafish, were thoroughly evaluated. Untargeted metabolomics based on rat plasma was applied to analyze the metabolic profile changes, revealing the potential action mechanism. The underlying mechanism was furtherly confirmed by gut microbiome analysis and systemic molecular biology experiments.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;34 prototype chemicals and 71 metabolites from the liver, heart, spleen, lung, kidney, small intestine, uterus, and serum were found. CTP improved the abnormal coagulation system, promoted blood circulation, and reduced pathological damage caused by BSS. Plasma metabolomics revealed that BSS significantly altered bile acid (BA) metabolism and arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism. Gut microbiome analysis and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) experiments further demonstrated that CTP modulated the gut microbiota. This modulation promoted BA production and activated endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), leading to increased nitric oxide (NO) levels. These changes contributed to the therapeutic effect of CTP in removing blood stasis. Systemic molecular biology experiments showed that CTP activated key components of the AA metabolic pathway. It promoted PLCγ1 phosphorylation, increased intracellular Ca&lt;sup&gt;2+&lt;/sup&gt; levels, and upregulated COX-2 expression. In addition, CTP enhanced the production of AA-related metabolites, including 6-keto-prostaglandin F&lt;sub&gt;1α&lt;/sub&gt; (6-keto-PGF&lt;sub&gt;1α&lt;/sub&gt;), prostaglandin E&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; (PGE&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;), and thromboxane B&lt;s","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"351 ","pages":"Article 120124"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144293846","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":"Sea buckthorn regulates PXR/CAR/NF-κB signaling and restores CYP2C metabolic function in BCG-induced hepatitis","authors":"Peipei Hao ,&nbsp;Ruifeng Ding ,&nbsp;Xuefeng Bai ,&nbsp;Aimin Zhang ,&nbsp;Ziqi Jin ,&nbsp;Jiayi Zhang ,&nbsp;Yongzhi Xue","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120142","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120142","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><strong><em>Ethnopharmacological relevance</em></strong>: Sea buckthorn (<em>Hippophae rhamnoides</em> L.) exhibits anti-oxidation, anti-atherosclerosis, anti-inflammation, anti-cancer, and liver protective effects; it may also inhibit ECM collagen deposition and alleviate liver fibrosis. Therefore, we hypothesized that sea buckthorn granule (SG) polysaccharides may possess anti-hepatitis activity.</div><div><strong><em>Aim of the study</em></strong>: To investigate the role of sea buckthorn in regulating hepatic pregnane X receptor (PXR)/constitutive androstane receptor (CAR)/NF-κB signal transduction and CYP2C following BCG-induced liver injury.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>A mouse liver injury model was established through single tail vein injection of Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine. SGs were administrated intragastrically for 7 days. Pregnenolone 16alpha-carbonitrile (PCN, PXR agonists) and 1,4-bis-(2-[3,5-dichloropyridyloxy]) benzene (TCPOBOP, CAR agonists) were administered as positive controls. To evaluate modeling success, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transferase (AST) levels and hepatic IL-1β, TNF-α, 11,12-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (EET), and 14,15-EET expressions were measured.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Overall, 5281 reliable proteins were identified, including 43 cytochrome P450 (CYP) subtypes, with the CYP2C subfamily accounting for approximately 27 %. BCG-induced hepatitis downregulated 23 CYPs. The BCG group exhibited increased inflammatory infiltration and ALT/AST levels. PXR, CAR, CYP2C, 11,12-EET, and 14,15-EET were downregulated, whereas NF-κB, IL-1β, and TNF-α were upregulated. Following SG administration, hepatic inflammation and ALT/AST levels decreased; PXR, CAR, CYP2C, 11,12-EET, and 14,15-EET increased, and NF-κB, IL-1β, and TNF-α decreased. The SG high-dose group effects were comparable to the PCN and TCPOBOP group effects.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>SGs may regulate the PXR/CAR/NF-κB signaling pathway and CYP reprogramming, mitigating BCG-induced liver injury and inflammation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"351 ","pages":"Article 120142"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144280207","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":"Rapid screening of active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine based on bar-form-diagram fingerprint combined with spectrum-effect relationship","authors":"Yanglan Zhao ,&nbsp;Shuying Mao ,&nbsp;Yuqing Li ,&nbsp;Conghui Zhou ,&nbsp;Hui Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120137","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120137","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>The discovery of active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is vital for its modernization. However, the complex composition and varying component contents often cause trace ingredients to be overlooked during screening. It is crucial to develop a key screening technology for active ingredients in TCM.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>This study aimed to construct a spectrum-effect relationship analysis method based on the bar-form-diagram (BFD) combined with chemometrics. <em>Gardenia jasminoides</em> root was selected as an example to screen its active ingredients with hepatoprotective effects.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>The BFD was established through penalized least-squares background fitting, and peak area calculation by composite Simpson's rule. Hepatoprotection was evaluated by measuring the levels of AST, ALT, NO, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α. Grey relational analysis (GRA), partial least squares regression (PLSR), Pearson correlation analysis and multidimensional feature network analysis were used to screen potential components. Furthermore, the high-resolution peak fractionation (HRPF) strategy was used for further active screening. The active components that could serve as quality control markers (Q-markers) were discriminated by multidimensional feature network analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The results showed that based on BFD, 35 common peaks were identified from 52 chromatographic peaks, which was superior to the 23 in regular fingerprints. In the spectrum-efficacy analysis, 20 candidates were screened from six indicators. HRPF showed 15 fractions exhibited favorable effects, with the inhibition rate greater than 50 %. After integration analysis, eight key Q-markers responsible for the hepatoprotection were determined, including rutin, kaempferol-3-O-sophoroside, chikusetsusaponin Iva, chlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acid C, caffeic acid, isochlorogenic acid A, and isochlorogenic acid B. These Q-markers were stably detected in ten batches of <em>Gardenia jasminoides</em> root samples, and the RSD of their contents were all less than 5.0 %.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>A novel BFD fingerprint combined with spectrum-effect relationship was successfully developed and applied to discover the Q-markers of <em>Gardenia jasminoides</em> root based on multidimensional feature network. It facilitates the quick screening of active ingredients in the complex systems of TCM.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"351 ","pages":"Article 120137"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144284914","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 single-cell analysis and machine learning to identify COPD hub genes and explore the intervention mechanism of effective component compatibility of Bufei Yishen formula III","authors":"Chunlei Liu ,&nbsp;Yange Tian ,&nbsp;Ruilong Lu ,&nbsp;Changyuan Yue ,&nbsp;Yuan Xie ,&nbsp;Tiantian Zhang ,&nbsp;Jiansheng Li ,&nbsp;Qingzhou Guan","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120126","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120126","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a prevalent condition that poses a major threat to public health. Endothelial cells play a critical role in COPD pathogenesis. Recent evidence suggests that the effective-component combination of Bufei Yishen formula III (ECC-BYF III) significantly improves clinical symptoms and quality of life in COPD patients.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>To identify endothelial cell-associated hub genes in COPD using single-cell analysis and machine learning, and to elucidate the intervention mechanism underlying ECC-BYF III.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>Single-cell analysis was used to identify altered cellular subtypes in COPD samples. High-dimensional weighted gene co-expression network analysis (hdWGCNA) and multiple machine learning algorithms were applied to identify COPD-related hub genes. These genes were validated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, independent datasets, qRT-PCR in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and a rat model of COPD.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Single-cell analysis revealed nine distinct cell subtypes, with endothelial cells markedly reduced in COPD samples compared to controls. Cell communication and pseudotime trajectory analysis highlighted the role and developmental trajectory of endothelial cells in COPD. Differential expression analysis and hdWGCNA identified 269 endothelial cell–associated genes, from which six hub genes were selected via machine learning. qRT-PCR confirmed that CD74, AQP1, SOX4, and ANXA1 were significantly dysregulated in both HUVECs and COPD rat models, consistent with the data analysis results. Notably, ECC-BYF III intervention reversed these gene expression abnormalities. Molecular docking demonstrated that the components of ECC-BYF III exhibited strong binding affinities for the hub genes.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Four hub genes (CD74, SOX4, AQP1, and ANXA1) involved in the pathogenesis of endothelial cells in COPD were identified. ECC-BYF III was shown to modulate their expression, supporting its potential as a therapeutic agent in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for COPD. These findings offer novel insights into the mechanisms of COPD and open avenues for TCM treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"351 ","pages":"Article 120126"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144284910","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":"Ethnopharmacological investigations on the cardiometabolic protective effects of Caiman yacare fat oil in hypertensive and dyslipidemic rats","authors":"Luciane Barbosa Pessoa ,&nbsp;Lucas Polizzeli Azevedo ,&nbsp;Aline Aparecida Macedo Marques ,&nbsp;Juliane Barbosa Pessoa ,&nbsp;Luana Ale Bertoncello Pael ,&nbsp;Karyne Garcia Tafarelo Moreno ,&nbsp;Maria Luiza Fidelis da Silva ,&nbsp;Bianca Viana Silva ,&nbsp;Danielle Ayr Tavares de Almeida ,&nbsp;Marco Antonio Utrera Martines ,&nbsp;Jesus Rafael Rodriguez Amado ,&nbsp;Fabricio Rios-Santos ,&nbsp;Francislaine Aparecida dos Reis Lívero ,&nbsp;Arquimedes Gasparotto Junior","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120140","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120140","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>The fat derived from different species of the genus <em>Caiman</em> is traditionally used in Brazil for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular complications. Despite its widespread use, data on the efficacy and mechanisms of action of these preparations remain scarce.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>To evaluate the potential cardiovascular protective effects of treatment with <em>Caiman yacare</em> visceral fat oil (YO) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) associated with multiple risk factors.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>SHRs received an atherogenic diet for 8 weeks to induce cardiovascular and metabolic dysfunction. Treatments with YO (19, 56, and 168 mg/kg), rosuvastatin (5 mg/kg), and fish oil (56 mg/kg) started after 4 weeks and continued for 4 weeks. Renal function, blood pressure, and cardiac activity were monitored. Serum lipids, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, as well as liver and kidney function parameters, were assessed. Vascular reactivity of mesenteric vascular beds was evaluated, and tissue samples from the kidneys, heart, and arteries were collected for histopathological analyses.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Treatment with YO at 168 mg/kg significantly reduced serum lipids, urea, creatinine, and oxidized LDL levels while preventing arterial endothelial dysfunction and intima-media thickening.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The treatment with YO visceral fat oil exerts lipid-lowering effects, reduces LDL oxidation, and prevents endothelial dysfunction, while also partially modulating renal function in SHRs with multiple risk factors. Further preclinical in vivo studies are necessary to fully elucidate the benefits and risks associated with the use of YO, particularly in the context of cardiovascular diseases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"351 ","pages":"Article 120140"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144284908","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":"Phthalide extract from stems and leaves of Ligusticum chuanxiong attenuates cerebral I/R injury via CaSR-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome suppression","authors":"Jing Wu ,&nbsp;Chunrong Li ,&nbsp;Qing Liao ,&nbsp;Tianzhe Chu ,&nbsp;Gang Li ,&nbsp;Li Wang ,&nbsp;Dandan Zhang ,&nbsp;Xiaoyu Han ,&nbsp;Cheng Peng ,&nbsp;Yuzhu Tan","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120125","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120125","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3><div>The stems and leaves of <em>Ligusticum chuanxiong</em> (“Miwu\") have been historically documented in ancient texts such as “Shennong Bencao Jing Jizhu\" for alleviating conditions like stroke and dizziness. However, the therapeutic potential of phthalide extract from the stems and leaves of <em>Ligusticum chuanxiong</em> (SLECX) needs further investigate.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of SLECX against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury and elucidate its mechanism of action.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>SLECX was prepared from stems and leaves of <em>Ligusticum chuanxiong</em>via ethanol extraction and macroporous resin purification, with major phthalides quantified by HPLC and LC-MS/MS. Neuroprotective effects were evaluated in Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rats and oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R)-induced HT22 cells. Molecular docking, surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and calcium imaging were employed to identify key active compounds targeting CaSR and NLRP3.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>SLECX pretreatment significantly reduced cerebral infarct volume (29.6 % → 16.4 %), alleviated neurological deficits, and attenuated brain edema in MCAO rats. It suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibited CaSR/NLRP3 inflammasome activation in both in vivo and in vitro models. Molecular docking and SPR identified chuanxiongnolide B as a primary active compound, exhibiting strong CaSR binding (KD = 1.36 × 10⁻⁴ M) and reducing OGD/R-induced Ca²⁺ overload and apoptosis in HT22 cells. SLECX also restored blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity by upregulating zona occludens 1 (ZO-1) and Occludin.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>SLECX mitigates cerebral I/R injury by inhibiting CaSR-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation, with chuanxiongnolide B as a pivotal bioactive component.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"351 ","pages":"Article 120125"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144272447","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":"Overview of oyster polysaccharide extraction process and pharmacological activity studies","authors":"Jingjing Wu ,&nbsp;Yan Qian ,&nbsp;Xuehua Zhong ,&nbsp;Yongguo Li ,&nbsp;Yan Yang ,&nbsp;Lingsheng Zhang ,&nbsp;Xiao Fang ,&nbsp;Yongjie Tian ,&nbsp;Yongcheng Yang ,&nbsp;Aien Tao ,&nbsp;Conglong Xia","doi":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120133","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jep.2025.120133","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Ethnopharmacologic relevance&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Oysters, also known as oysters or sea oysters, are a type of marine creatures with a long history of medicinal use and rich nutritional value. Oyster shells and oyster meat contain a variety of active substances that can be used as medicinal herbs. Among them, oyster polysaccharides (OPSs) is one of the main active substances, which has antioxidant, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, antitumor, hypoglycemic, and intestinal protective effects. OPSs have received increasing attention for their significant health and medicinal benefits and are considered a valuable resource in the field of ethnopharmacology.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Aim of the study&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;This overview aims to fill this gap by providing a detailed examination of the techniques for extraction, isolation, and purification, alongside an analysis of the functional properties of OPSs. Furthermore, it discusses the prospects and challenges in harnessing OPSs for industrial use in food and biomedical sectors.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Materials and methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;By inputting the search term “Oyster polysaccharides”, relevant research information was obtained from databases such as Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, Springer, Elsevier, Wiley, China Knowledge Network (CNKI), China Master Theses Database, and China Doctoral Dissertations Database.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;The main extraction methods of OPSs include hot water extraction, enzyme extraction, alkali extraction, and ultrasound-assisted extraction. Each extraction technique has its unique advantages and limitations. For the crude polysaccharides obtained from extraction, OPSs can be purified using enzymatic and Sevag methods for protein removal, anion-exchange chromatography, and Sephacryl S-400 gel filtration chromatography. OPSs possess a variety of pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, antitumor, intestinal protection, and antidiabetic activities. With a deepening understanding of the nutritional value and functional activity of OPSs, an increasing number of OPSs products have been introduced into the market.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Conclusion&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Oysters are marine creatures with a long history of consumption and can be used as a dietary supplement for health and wellness. Polysaccharides are important active substances in oysters with a variety of functional activities. Research on polysaccharides in oysters has been receiving increasing attention, making it one of the most promising options for the development and application of deep-processed oyster products. However, there are some challenges in the research and development of OPSs. Oyster mainly focuses on the study of active peptides. The research foundation on the structural characteristics and physicochemical properties of OPSs is weak, and the conformational relationship of polysaccharides and the mechanism of the active effects are not yet fully understood. In","PeriodicalId":15761,"journal":{"name":"Journal of ethnopharmacology","volume":"351 ","pages":"Article 120133"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144284912","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}