Search Results (2)

Zanthoxyli Pericarpium (ZP), the dried pericarp of mature fruits of Zanthoxylum schinifolium Siebold and Zucc., has traditionally been used in East Asian medicine for its medicinal properties, but its therapeutic potential in periodontitis has not been elucidated. In the present study, we investigated the effects of ZP on ligature-induced experimental periodontitis (EPD) in male Sprague Dawley rats. Animals were assigned to vehicle control, ligature control, ZP-treated (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg), or indomethacin-treated (5 mg/kg) groups (n = 10 per group) and orally administered the respective treatments daily for 10 days after ligature placement. ZP significantly reduced anaerobic bacterial proliferation and inflammatory cell infiltration in gingival tissue. ZP suppressed the production of inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β, in both gingival tissues and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, through inhibition of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathways. In addition, ZP decreased myeloperoxidase activity and reduced matrix metalloproteinase-8 expression, thereby preserving collagen areas. ZP also restored the receptor activator of NF-κB ligand/osteoprotegerin (RANKL/OPG) balance, leading to a reduction in osteoclast numbers and their occupancy on the alveolar surface, and it effectively ameliorated horizontal alveolar bone loss. Furthermore, ZP exhibited antioxidant effects by lowering malondialdehyde levels and inducible nitric oxide synthase activity in gingival tissues. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA followed by a post hoc test, with significance set at p < 0.05. These findings indicate that ZP mitigates periodontitis through combined antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-resorptive actions, supporting its potential as a therapeutic candidate for periodontitis. Full article

(1) Background: IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) is characterized by chronic intestinal inflammation leading to persistent symptoms and a lack of effective treatments. ZP (Zanthoxyli Pericarpium) has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties for the management of intestinal disorders. (2) Methods: This study aimed to investigate the components of ZP, their specific targets, and associated diseases using the TCMSP (Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology) analysis platform, TCMBank database, and ETCM2.0 (Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2.0) database. Additionally, we explored the protective effects of ZP on the colon and the underlying molecular mechanisms in the treatment of IBD. (3) Results: We identified 59 compounds in ZP that target 38 genes related to IBD, including PTGS2, PPARG, and GPBAR1. In a mice model of DSS (dextran sodium sulfate)-induced colitis, ZP significantly reduced colonic epithelial damage and oxidative stress markers, such as iNOS and nitrotyrosine, demonstrating its antioxidant properties. (4) Conclusions: These findings suggest that ZP has protective effects against DSS-induced colonic damage owing to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a potential candidate for IBD treatment. However, further research and clinical trials are required to confirm its therapeutic potential and safety in humans. Full article