Search Results (19)

Background: Using Huanglian Jiedu decoction (HJD) as a model, this study systematically compares the traditionally prepared combined decoction with mixtures of separately decocted components, focusing on differences in chemical composition, material properties, and transcriptomic responses. Methods: To maintain consistency, both the combined HJD decoction and the single-herb mixture were prepared using a standardized method, and their chemical profiles were analyzed by HPLC and UPLC-MS/MS to identify constituent differences. Physical properties were examined through key parameter measurements and phase behavior analysis, and the integration of chemical and physical data identified the components driving the observed material changes. Transcriptome sequencing compared the two decoction types, highlighting differentially expressed genes and the major regulatory pathways involved. Results: HPLC analysis showed a clear redistribution of components between the two decoction methods, with the combined decoction containing higher levels of alkaloids such as coptisine chloride, epiberberine, palmatine chloride, jatrorrhizine hydrochloride, and phellodendrine chloride, while the single decoction mixture had higher levels of berberine hydrochloride and baicalin. In the combined decoction, the berberine hydrochloride content was 37.04 mg/g, and the baicalin content was 15.57 mg/g; in the single decoction, the berberine hydrochloride content was 41.15 mg/g; in the combined decoction, the baicalin content was 40.07 mg/g. UPLC-MS/MS analysis confirmed clear differences between the two decoctions, mainly in flavonoid and alkaloid compositions. The combined decoction contains 110 flavonoid compounds and 67 alkaloid compounds, while the single decoction contains 100 flavonoid compounds and 80 alkaloid compounds. Physical measurements showed that the combined decoction had higher total dissolved solids, conductivity, and salinity, while the single decoction had higher resistivity. The combined decoction had a TDS of 2480 mg/L, σ of 4.95 ms/cm, S of 0.26%, and ρ of 202 Ω·cm; the single decoction had a TDS of 1190 mg/L, σ of 2.37 ms/cm, S of 0.12%, and ρ of 419 Ω·cm. Phase separation analysis indicated that the combined decoction formed a stable nanoscale phase structure, whereas the single decoction remained unstable. Transcriptome sequencing at various concentrations revealed marked differences in gene expression between the two preparations, reflecting their distinct biological activities. Conclusions: Analysis showed clear differences in chemical composition, physical properties, and gene expression in the combined decoction. Taking Huanglian Jiedu decoction as a representative example, we systematically compared the specific differences between combined and single decoction methods, providing a reference basis for subsequent pharmacodynamic evaluation and clinical application. Full article

Background: The water-soluble Grifola frondosa polysaccharides (GFPs) are the primary bioactive component of the edible and medicinal fungus Grifola frondosa. However, the digestive behavior of GFPs in the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract and their subsequent interaction with gut microbiota (GM) to exert health effects remain unclear. Methods: In this study, GFPs were extracted based on a traditional hot water decoction. An in vitro simulated GI digestion model and a human fecal microbiota fermentation model were established to systematically investigate the digestive stability of GFPs, GM modulation, and metabolite changes. Results: Results showed that GFPs remained structurally stable during in vitro oral, gastric, and small intestinal digestion, allowing them to reach the colon intact for microbial fermentation. During colonic fermentation, GFPs were efficiently degraded by GM, and significantly increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Akkermansia, Bacteroides, Parabacteroides, and Lactobacillus while reducing the abundance of pathogenic Escherichia-Shigella. Meanwhile, GFPs enriched metabolites beneficial for intestinal health, among which γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) was the most significantly upregulated. Single-strain fermentation confirmed that Lactobacillus (L. plantarum) was the core GABA-producing genus. Conclusions: This study highlights the potential of GFPs as prebiotics for GM modulation, expands the understanding of the health-promoting effects of fungal polysaccharides, and provides a theoretical basis for the development of GFP-based functional foods. Full article

Background: Huang Qin Decoction (HQD) is a well-established Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formulation recognized for its application in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the precise therapeutic mechanisms remain inadequately defined. Methods: This study integrates metabolomics from a mouse model and network pharmacology to screen potential targets and bio-active ingredients of HQD. The pharmacological activity of HQD for CRC was evidenced via single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) assays and cellular experimental validation were used to confirm the relative mechanisms. Results: The metabolite profile undergoes significant alterations, with metabolic reprogramming evident during the malignant progression of CRC liver metastasis. Network pharmacology analysis identified that HQD regulates several metabolic pathways, including arginine biosynthesis, alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism, nitrogen metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, and linoleic acid metabolism, by targeting key proteins such as aspartate aminotransferase (GOT1), cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2), and carbonic anhydrase 2 (CA2). ScRNA-seq analysis indicated that HQD may enhance the functionality of cytotoxic T cells, thereby reversing the immunosuppressive microenvironment. Virtual verification revealed a strong binding affinity between the identified hub targets and active constituents of HQD, a finding subsequently corroborated by AFM assays. Cellular experiments confirmed that naringenin treatment inhibits the proliferation, migration, and invasion of CRC cells by downregulating GOT1 expression and disrupting glutamine metabolism. Conclusions: Computational prediction and in vitro validation reveal the active ingredients, potential targets, and molecular mechanisms of HQD against CRC liver metastasis, thereby providing a scientific foundation for the application of TCM in CRC treatment. Full article

Cannabis sativa L. shows potent anti-inflammatory activity, resulting in an interesting pharmacological option for pain management. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between pharmacogenetics, neurological and inflammatory biomarkers, and cannabinoid plasma exposure in patients treated with cannabis. A total of 58 patients with a diagnosis of neuropathic and chronic pain treated with medical cannabis were analyzed. Cannabis was administered as a decoction (n = 47) and as inhaled cannabis (n = 11): 30 patients were treated with cannabis with high THC, while 28 patients were treated with cannabis with reduced THC (plus CBD). Cannabinoid plasma concentrations were obtained with UHPLC-MS/MS. Allelic discrimination was assessed by real-time PCR. Inflammation biomarkers (e.g., interleukin-10) were analyzed by ELISA, neurofilaments light chain (NFL), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) by Single Molecule Array. A statistically significant difference in IL-10 (p = 0.009) and BDNF (p = 0.004) levels was observed comparing patients treated with decoction and inhaled cannabis. BDNF and NFL results correlated with cannabinoid concentrations. Concerning genetics, the COMT 680 T>C genetic variant influences cannabinoid plasma levels, including Δ9-THC (p = 0.017). Conclusions: This study shows a possible impact of some genetic variants on cannabinoid plasma exposure, other than a possible role of medical cannabis on inflammation-related and neuronal impairment factor levels. Further studies in larger cohorts are required. Full article

Litsea martabanica (Kurz) Hook.f. has traditionally been used as an anti-insecticidal agent and as a medication due to its hepatoprotective properties by highland communities in Thailand. This study examined the mutagenicity, as well as the acute and chronic toxicity, of the L. martabanica water leaf extract in Sprague-Dawley rats. The pharmacognostic evaluation of L. martabanica was performed in this study to ensure its authenticity and purity. Then, the sample was extracted using decoction with water to obtain the crude water extract. The assessment of acute toxicity involved a single oral administration of 5000 mg/kg, whereas the chronic toxicity assessment comprised daily oral doses of 250, 750, and 2250 mg/kg over 270 days. Various physiological and behavioral parameters, as well as body and organ weights, were systematically monitored. The endpoint assessments involved hematological and biochemical analyses plus gross and histopathological assessments of the internal organs. Our results exhibited no mutagenic activation by the L. martabanica water leaf extract in the Ames test, and no acute toxicity was observed. In the chronic toxicity tests, no abnormalities were found in rats receiving the L. martabanica water leaf extract across multiple measures, comprising behavioral, physiological, and hematological indices. Crucially, the histopathological assessment corroborated previous studies, reporting an absence of any tissue abnormalities. The results revealed that the L. martabanica water leaf extract had no adverse effects on rats over 270 days of oral administration. This demonstrates its safety and crucial scientific evidence for informing public policy and enabling its potential future commercial use in both highland and lowland communities. Full article

Obesity is a global issue faced by many individuals worldwide. However, no drug has a pronounced effect with few side effects. Green tea, a well-known natural product, shows preventive effects against obesity by decreasing lipogenesis and increasing fat oxidation and antioxidant capacity. In contrast, other natural products are known to contribute to obesity. Relevant articles published on the therapeutic effect of natural products on obesity were retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. The search was conducted by entering keywords such as “obesity”, “natural product”, and “clinical trial”. The natural products were classified as single compounds, foods, teas, fruits, herbal medicines—single extract, herbal medicines—decoction, and herbal medicines—external preparation. Then, the mechanisms of these medicines were organized into lipid metabolism, anti-inflammation, antioxidation, appetite loss, and thermogenesis. This review aimed to assess the efficacy and mechanisms of effective natural products in managing obesity. Several clinical studies reported that natural products showed antiobesity effects, including Coffea arabica (coffee), Camellia sinensis (green tea), Caulerpa racemosa (green algae), Allium sativum (garlic), combined Ephedra intermedia Schrenk, Thea sinensis L., and Atractylodes lancea DC extract (known as Gambisan), Ephedra sinica Stapf, Angelica Gigantis Radix, Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba, Coicis semen, Cinnamomi cortex, Paeoniae radix alba, and Glycyrrhiza uralensis (known as Euiiyin-tang formula). Further studies are expected to refine the pharmacological effects of natural products for clinical use. Full article

Liver metastases remain a major obstacle for the management of all types of tumors arising from digestive organs, and the tumor microenvironment has been regarded as an important factor in metastasis. To discover herbal candidates inhibiting the liver metastasis of tumors originating from the digestive system via the modulation of the tumor microenvironment and liver environment, we searched three representative public databases and conducted a systematic review. A total of 21 studies that employed experimental models for pancreatic (9), colon (8), and stomach cancers (4) were selected. The herbal agents included single-herb extracts (5), single compounds (12), and multiherbal decoctions (4). Curcuma longa Linn was most frequently studied for its anti-colon–liver metastatic effects, and its possible mechanisms involved the modulation of tumor microenvironment components such as vascular endothelial cells and immunity in both tumor tissues and circulating cells. The list of herbal agents and their mechanisms produced in this study is helpful for the development of anti-liver metastasis drugs in the future. Full article

Blueberries are rich in polyphenols, anthocyanins, and proanthocyanidins; however, they are expensive. In contrast, strawberries have a lower cost and are rich in ellagitannins. Therefore, a strawberry–blueberry blend decoction could produce a low-cost beverage with a rich and diverse phytochemical profile. In this study, we developed three berry-based beverages: blend strawberry–blueberry (SBB), strawberry (SB), and blueberry (BB). The polyphenol profile of the beverages was characterized by UPLC-ESI-Q-ToF MS^E, an acceptability test was carried out with potential consumers, and a stability analysis was performed under commercial storage conditions (4, 25, and 34 °C). The SBB exhibited a good sensorial preference (score of 81.3) and showed high contents and a diverse composition of anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins, which were up to 3.0- and 1.2-fold higher compared to the SB, respectively. Regarding the storage stability, the SBB showed better retention of lightness (97.9%) and red color (66.7%) at the end of the storage under refrigerated conditions (4 °C) compared to the SB. Therefore, these results demonstrate that using blended berry fruits leads to the creation of a functional beverage that has higher nutraceutical potential than single-berry-based beverages. Full article

Terfezia claveryi (T. claveryi) is used by traditional healers in the Middle East region to treat several diseases, including diabetes. The present study evaluated the total phenolic and investigated the blood-glucose-lowering potential of different aqueous extracts of this selected truffle using in vitro and in vivo models. The phytochemical profile was examined using UPLC-MS. The macerate and the microwave-assisted extract were the richest in phenolic compounds. All T. claveryi extracts exhibited a remarkable α-glucosidase inhibitory effect in vitro, with an IC₅₀ of 2.43, 3.26, 5.18 and 3.31 mg/mL for the aqueous microwave-assisted extract macerate, infusion and decoction, respectively. On the other hand, in the high-fat diet alloxan-induced diabetic mice model, all tested crude aqueous extracts exhibited a significant antihyperglycemic activity (p < 0.05). Four hours after the administration of the 250 mg/kg dose, the macerate was able to induce a 29.4% blood-glucose-lowering effect compared to a 24.8% reduction induced by the infusion, which was sustained for a further two hours. The hypoglycemic effect (29.3% and 32.4%) was also recorded six hours after the administration of the single dose 500 mg/kg of the macerate and the infusion, respectively. Truffle extracts exhibited antidiabetic activity both in vitro and in vivo, providing a rationale for the traditional use as a natural hypoglycemic. Full article

With the application of the concept of supramolecular chemistry to various fields, a large number of supramolecules have been discovered. The chemical components of traditional Chinese medicine have various sources and unique structures. During the high-temperature boiling process, various active components form supramolecules due to complex interactions. The supramolecular structure in a traditional Chinese medicine decoction can not only be used as a drug carrier to promote the absorption and distribution of medicinal components but may also have biological activities superior to those of single active ingredients or their physical mixtures. By summarizing the relevant research results over recent years, this paper introduces the research progress regarding supramolecules in various decoctions, laying a foundation for further research into supramolecules in traditional Chinese medicine decoctions, and provides a new perspective for revealing the compatibility mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine, guiding clinical medications, and developing new nanometers materials. Full article

The genus Crepis L., included within the Asteraceae family, has a very wide distribution, expanding throughout the northern hemisphere, including Europe, northern Africa, and temperate Asia. This genus has a fundamental value from biodynamic and ecological perspectives, with the different species often being chosen for soil conservation, for environmental sustainability, and for their attraction towards pollinating species. Furthermore, various species of Crepis have been used in the popular medicine of several countries as medicinal herbs and food since ancient times. In most cases, the species is consumed either in the form of a decoction, or as a salad, and is used for its cardiovascular properties, as a digestive, for problems related to sight, for the treatment of diabetes, and for joint diseases. This literature review, the first one of the Crepis genus, includes publications with the word ‘Crepis’, and considers the single metabolites identified, characterised, and tested to evaluate their biological potential. The various isolated compounds, including in most cases sesquiterpenes and flavonoids, were obtained by extracting the roots and aerial parts of the different species. The secondary metabolites, extracted using traditional (solvent extraction, column chromatography, preparative thin layer chromatography, preparative HPLC, vacuum liquid chromatography), and modern systems such as ultrasounds, microwaves, etc., and characterised by mono- and bi- dimensional NMR experiments and by HPLC-MS, have a varied application spectrum at a biological level, with antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antitumor, antiviral, antiulcer, phytotoxic, and nutritional properties having been reported. Unfortunately, in vitro tests have not always been accompanied by in vivo tests, and this is the major critical aspect that emerges from the study of the scientific aspects related to this genus. Therefore, extensive investigations are necessary to evaluate the real capacity of the different species used in food, and above all to discover what the different plants that have never been analysed could offer at a scientific level. Full article

In traditional Yemeni medicine, various preparations of Loranthus regularis (L. regularis), such as powder, decoctions and infusions are commonly used to treat diabetes, kidney stone formations and inflammation. In the present study, we evaluated the antinephrotoxic effects of L. regularis extract in experimentally-induced diabetes in male Wistar rats. A single dose (60 mg/kg/day) of Streptozotocin (STZ) was used to induce type 1 diabetes. Animals were then treated for four weeks with L. regularis extract (150 or 300 mg/kg/day) by oral gavage. Renal and blood samples were subsequently harvested. Several biochemical indices, oxidative stress and inflammatory markers were assessed. Additionally, histological alterations in the renal tissue were examined. Serum glucose levels were significantly (p < 0.01) lowered while insulin levels were enhanced in L. regularis-treated diabetic animals. The increased renal markers in diabetic rats were decreased by L. regularis treatment. Serum elevated lipid profiles were markedly decreased by the plant extract. The serum and renal cytokines that were significantly increased (p < 0.001) by STZ were diminished by L. regularis treatment. Finally, renal tissue antioxidant enzymatic activity was enhanced with L. regularis treatment. Taken together, the data here indicate that L. regularis possesses therapeutic ability to reduce the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN) by minimizing oxidative injury and inflammation. Full article

Medicinal plants are vital sources of easily accessible remedy used in the countryside healthcare system. This study aimed to find and make record of plants that are used for medicinal therapy by three communities living in Cherangani Hills. So far no single study has documented medicinal plants as a whole in the area. Ethnobotanical data were obtained through interviewing informants using semi-structured questionnaires and extracting information from journals and books. Descriptive statistical analysis was applied to describe the data. Overall 296 plant species from 80 families and 191 genera were identified. Asteraceae family was the most dominant, representing 10.7% of the total plant species recorded. Roots (35.9%) represented the most commonly used parts of the plant. The commonly used method of preparation was decoction (54.9%). The reported diseases were classified into 14 diverse ailment groups out of the 81 health conditions on their underlying user reports. Rural communities in Cherangani Hills are rich sources of plants with medicinal properties. Therapeutic uses of the compiled plants provide basic information that can aid scientists to conduct additional research dedicated to conservation of species and pharmacological studies of species with the greatest significance. Full article

The use of medicinal plants for treatment of humans and animals is entrenched in the Maasai culture and traditional knowledge related to it is passed on from one generation to the next. A handful of researchers have in the past decades documented this knowledge. No single study has documented medicinal plant uses of the Maasai community as a whole. This review provides a consolidated database of the diversity and uses of medicinal plants among the Maasai in Kenya. The study will help conserve traditional medicinal plant knowledge that is valuable for the development of modern medicine. Relevant information on medicinal plants used by the Maasai of Kenya was extracted from journals, books, M.Sc., and Ph.D. dissertations. We found evidence of 289 plant species used by the Maasai of Kenya in traditional medicine. Most species were used to treat health conditions in the categories gastrointestinal and respiratory system disorders. The most used families were Leguminosae, Asteraceae, Malvaceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Lamiaceae. Medicines were commonly prepared as a decoction and administered through oral ingestion, with roots reported to be the preferred plant part for medication. The Maasai preference for roots compared to other plant parts may be unsustainable and could threaten species availability in the future. Full article

Within non-communicable diseases, chronic inflammatory conditions represent one of the biggest challenges for modern medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been practiced over centuries and has accumulated tremendous empirical knowledge on the treatment of such diseases. Huangqi Jianzhong Tang (HQJZT) is a famous TCM herbal formula composed of Radix Astragali, Ramulus Cinnamomi, Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae Praeparata cum Melle, Radix Paeoniae Alba, Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens, Fructus Jujubae and Saccharum Granorum (maltose), which has been used for the treatment of various chronic inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases. However, there is insufficient knowledge about its active constituents and the mechanisms responsible for its effects. The present study aimed at identifying constituents contributing to the bioactivity of HQJZT by combining in vitro cytokine production assays and LC-MS metabolomics techniques. From the HQJZT decoction as well as from its single herbal components, extracts of different polarities were prepared. Phytochemical composition of the extracts was analyzed by means of UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. The inhibitory effects of the extracts on TNF-α, IL-1β and IFN-γ production were studied in U937 cells. Phytochemical and pharmacological bioactivity data were correlated by orthogonal projection to latent structures discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) in order to identify those HQJZT constituents which may be relevant for the observed pharmacological activities. The investigations resulted in the identification of 16 HQJZT constituents, which are likely to contribute to the activities observed in U937 cells. Seven of them, namely calycosin, formononetin, astragaloside I, liquiritigenin, 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid, paeoniflorin and albiflorin were unambiguously identified. The predicted results were verified by testing these compounds in the same pharmacological assays as for the extracts. In conclusion, the anti-inflammatory activity of HQJZT could be substantiated by in vitro pharmacological screening, and the predicted activities of the OPLS-DA hits could be partially verified. Moreover, the benefits and limitations of MVDA for prediction pharmacologically active compounds contributing to the activity of a TCM mixture could be detected. Full article