The synchronized feature of Saururus chinensis and gut microbiota against T2DM, NAFLD, obesity and hypertension via integrated pharmacology.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), obesity (OB) and hypertension (HT) are categorized as metabolic disorders (MDs), which develop independently without distinct borders. Herein, we examined the gut microbiota (GM) and Saururus chinensis (SC) to confirm their therapeutic effects via integrated pharmacology. The overlapping targets from the four diseases were determined to be key protein coding genes. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks, and the SC, GM, signalling pathway, target and metabolite (SGSTM) networks were analysed via RPackage. Additionally, molecular docking tests (MDTs) and density functional theory (DFT) analysis were conducted to determine the affinity and stability of the conformer(s). TNF was the main target in the PPI analysis, and equol derived from Lactobacillus paracasei JS1 was the most effective agent for the formation of the TNF complex. The SC agonism (PPAR signalling pathway), and antagonism (neurotrophin signalling pathway) by SC were identified as agonistic bioactives (aromadendrane, stigmasta-5,22-dien-3-ol, 3,6,6-trimethyl-3,4,5,7,8,9-hexahydro-1H-2-benzoxepine, 4α-5α-epoxycholestane and kinic acid), and antagonistic bioactives (STK734327 and piclamilast), respectively, via MDT. Finally, STK734327-MAPK1 was the most favourable conformer according to DFT. Overall, the seven bioactives from SC and equol that can be produced by Lactobacillus paracasei JS1 can exert synergistic effects on these four diseases.

The chromosome-level genomes of the herbal magnoliids Warburgia ugandensis and Saururus chinensis.

Warburgia ugandensis and Saururus chinensis are two of the most important medicinal plants in magnoliids and are widely utilized in traditional Kenya and Chinese medicine, respectively. The absence of higher-quality reference genomes has hindered research on the medicinal compound biosynthesis mechanisms of these plants. We report the chromosome-level genome assemblies of W. ugandensis and S. chinensis, and generated 1.13 Gb and 0.53 Gb genomes from 74 and 27 scaffolds, respectively, using BGI-DIPSEQ, Nanopore, and Hi-C sequencing. The scaffold N50 lengths were 82.97 Mb and 48.53 Mb, and the assemblies were anchored to 14 and 11 chromosomes of W. ugandensis and S. chinensis, respectively. In total, 24,739 and 20,561 genes were annotated, and 98.5% and 98% of the BUSCO genes were fully represented, respectively. The chromosome-level genomes of W. ugandensis and S. chinensis will be valuable resources for understanding the genetics of these medicinal plants, studying the evolution of magnoliids and angiosperms and conserving plant genetic resources.

Saururus chinensis (Lour.) Baill. extract promotes skeletal muscle cell differentiation by positively regulating mitochondrial biogenesis and AKT/mTOR signaling in vitro.

Promotion of myoblast differentiation by activating mitochondrial biogenesis and protein synthesis signaling pathways provides a potential alternative strategy to balance energy and overcome muscle loss and muscle disorders. Saururus chinensis (Lour.) Baill. extract (SCE) has been used extensively as a traditional herbal medicine and has several physiological activities, including anti­asthmatic, anti­oxidant, anti­inflammatory, anti­atopic, anticancer and hepatoprotective properties. However, the effects and mechanisms of action of SCE on muscle differentiation have not yet been clarified. In the present study, it was investigated whether SCE affects skeletal muscle cell differentiation through the regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis and protein synthesis in murine C2C12 myoblasts. The XTT colorimetric assay was used to determine cell viability, and myosin heavy chain (MyHC) levels were determined using immunocytochemistry. SCE was applied to C2C12 myotube at different concentrations (1, 5, or 10 ng/ml) and times (1,3, or 5 days). Reverse transcription­quantitative PCR and western blotting were used to analyze the mRNA and protein expression change of factors related to differentiation, mitochondrial biogenesis and protein synthesis. Treatment of C2C12 cells with SCE at 1,5, and 10 ng/ml did not affect cell viability. SCE promoted C2C12 myotube formation and significantly increased MyHC expression in a concentration­ and time­dependent manner. SCE significantly increased the mRNA and protein expression of muscle differentiation­specific markers, such as MyHC, myogenic differentiation 1, myogenin, Myogenic Factor 5, and ß­catenin, mitochondrial biosynthesis­related factors, such as peroxisome proliferator­activated receptor­gamma coactivator­1α, nuclear respirator factor­1, AMP­activated protein kinase phosphorylation, and histone deacetylase 5 and AKT/mTOR signaling factors related to protein synthesis. SCE may prevent skeletal muscle dysfunction by enhancing myoblast differentiation through the promotion of mitochondrial biogenesis and protein synthesis.

Cytotoxic effects of neolignans from Saururus cernuus (Saururaceae) against prostate cancer cells.

In this study, five neolignans were isolated from Saururus cernuus-threo-dihydroguaiaretic acid (1), threo-austrobailignan-6 (2), threo-austrobailignan-5 (3), verrucosin (4), and saucernetin (5)-and have their cytotoxic effects evaluated in prostate cancer cell lines (PC3 and DU145). Initially, using an in silico approach, tested compounds were predicted to be absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract, be able to permeate the blood-brain barrier and did not show any alert in PAINS (pan-assay structures interference). In vitro assays showed that compounds 2, 4, and 5 reduced cell viability of DU145 cell line at 100 µmol/L after 48 h while compounds 1 and 3 showed to be inactive at the same conditions. Furthermore, compounds 4 and 5 reduced cell number as early as in 24 h at 50 µmol/L and compound 2 showed effects at 100 µmol/L in 24 h against both cancer cell lines PC3 and DU145. Studies using flow cytometry were conducted and indicated that compound 4 induced strong necrosis and apoptosis whereas compound 5 induced strong necrosis. Otherwise, less active compound 2 did not show evidence of induction of apoptosis or necrosis, suggesting that its mechanism of action involves inhibition of cell proliferation. In conclusion, compounds 4 and 5 have been shown to be promising cytotoxic agents against prostate cancer cell lines and can be used as a starting point for the development of new drugs for the treatment of prostate cancer.

The Saururus chinensis genome provides insights into the evolution of pollination strategies and herbaceousness in magnoliids.

Saururus chinensis, an herbaceous magnoliid without perianth, represents a clade of early-diverging angiosperms that have gone through woodiness-herbaceousness transition and pollination obstacles: the characteristic white leaves underneath inflorescence during flowering time are considered a substitute for perianth to attract insect pollinators. Here, using the newly sequenced S. chinensis genome, we revisited the phylogenetic position of magnoliids within mesangiosperms, and recovered a sister relationship for magnoliids and Chloranthales. By considering differentially expressed genes, we identified candidate genes that are involved in the morphogenesis of the white leaves in S. chinensis. Among those genes, we verified - in a transgenic experiment with Arabidopsis - that increasing the expression of the "pseudo-etiolation in light" gene (ScPEL) can inhibit the biosynthesis of chlorophyll. ScPEL is thus likely responsible for the switches between green and white leaves, suggesting that changes in gene expression may underlie the evolution of pollination strategies. Despite being an herbaceous plant, S. chinensis still has vascular cambium and maintains the potential for secondary growth as a woody plant, because the necessary machinery, i.e., the entire gene set involved in lignin biosynthesis, is well preserved. However, similar expression levels of two key genes (CCR and CAD) between the stem and other tissues in the lignin biosynthesis pathway are possibly associated with the herbaceous nature of S. chinensis. In conclusion, the S. chinensis genome provides valuable insights into the adaptive evolution of pollination in Saururaceae and reveals a possible mechanism for the evolution of herbaceousness in magnoliids.

Antiviral Mechanisms of Saucerneol from Saururus chinensis against Enterovirus A71, Coxsackievirus A16, and Coxsackievirus B3: Role of Mitochondrial ROS and the STING/TKB-1/IRF3 Pathway.

Enterovirus A71 (EV71), coxsackievirus A16 (CVA16), and coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) are pathogenic members of the Picornaviridae family that cause a range of diseases, including severe central nervous system complications, myocarditis, and pancreatitis. Despite the considerable public health impact of these viruses, no approved antiviral treatments are currently available. In the present study, we confirmed the potential of saucerneol, a compound derived from Saururus chinensis, as an antiviral agent against EV71, CVA16, and CVB3. In the in vivo model, saucerneol effectively suppressed CVB3 replication in the pancreas and alleviated virus-induced pancreatitis. The antiviral activity of saucerneol is associated with increased mitochondrial ROS (mROS) production. In vitro inhibition of mROS generation diminishes the antiviral efficacy of saucerneol. Moreover, saucerneol treatment enhanced the phosphorylation of STING, TBK-1, and IRF3 in EV71- and CVA16-infected cells, indicating that its antiviral effects were mediated through the STING/TBK-1/IRF3 antiviral pathway, which was activated by increased mROS production. Saucerneol is a promising natural antiviral agent against EV71, CVA16, and CVB3 and has potential against virus-induced pancreatitis and myocarditis. Further studies are required to assess its safety and efficacy, which is essential for the development of effective antiviral strategies against these viruses.

Neolignans isolated from Saururus cernuus L. (Saururaceae) exhibit efficacy against Schistosoma mansoni.

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease caused by the blood fluke of the genus Schistosoma, affects over 230 million people, especially in developing countries. Despite the significant economic and public health consequences, only one drug is currently available for treatment of schistosomiasis, praziquantel. Thus, there is an urgent demand for new anthelmintic agents. Based on our continuous studies involving the chemical prospection of floristic biodiversity aiming to discover new bioactive compounds, this work reports the in vitro antiparasitic activity against Schistosoma mansoni adult worms of neolignans threo-austrobailignan-6 and verrucosin, both isolated from Saururus cernuus L. (Saururaceae). These neolignans showed a significant in vitro schistosomicidal activity, with EC50 values of 12.6-28.1 µM. Further analysis revealed a pronounced reduction in the number of S. mansoni eggs. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed morphological alterations when schistosomes were exposed to either threo-austrobailignan-6 or verrucosin. These relevant antischistosomal properties were accompanied by low cytotoxicity potential against the animal (Vero) and human (HaCaT) cell lines, resulting in a high selectivity index. Considering the promising chemical and biological properties of threo-austrobailignan-6 and verrucosin, this research should be of interest to those in the area of neglected diseases and in particular antischistosomal drug discovery.

Inhibitory Effects of Saururus chinensis Extract on Receptor for Advanced Glycation End-Products-Dependent Inflammation and Diabetes-Induced Dysregulation of Vasodilation.

Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and the receptor for AGEs (RAGE) are implicated in inflammatory reactions and vascular complications in diabetes. Signaling pathways downstream of RAGE are involved in NF-κB activation. In this study, we examined whether ethanol extracts of Saururus chinensis (Lour.) Baill. (SE) could affect RAGE signaling and vascular relaxation in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Treatment with SE inhibited AGEs-modified bovine serum albumin (AGEs-BSA)-elicited activation of NF-κB and could compete with AGEs-BSA binding to RAGE in a dose-dependent manner. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) secretion induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-a RAGE ligand-was also reduced by SE treatment in wild-type Ager+/+ mice as well as in cultured peritoneal macrophages from Ager+/+ mice but not in Ager-/- mice. SE administration significantly ameliorated diabetes-related dysregulation of acetylcholine-mediated vascular relaxation in STZ-induced diabetic rats. These results suggest that SE would inhibit RAGE signaling and would be useful for the improvement of vascular endothelial dysfunction in diabetes.

Comparative pharmacokinetic study of six lignans in normal and diabetic rats after oral administration of Saururus chinensis extract by LC-MS/MS.

Saururus chinensis (SC) possesses significant anti-diabetic activity and lignans were its major bioactive compounds. In this study, a rapid and sensitive ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method was established for simultaneous quantification of six lignans, namely (-)-(7R,8R)-machilin D (1), verrucesin (2), rel-(7S,8S,7'R,8'R)-3,3',4,4',5,5'-hexamethoxy-7.O.7',8.8'-lignan (3), manassantin A (4), manassantin B (5), and saucerneol F (6) in rat's plasma. It was validated with acceptable linearity (r ≥ 0.9922), accuracy (80.42-95.17%), precision (RSD ≤ 12.08%), and extraction recovery (80.36-93.45%). The method was successfully applied to the comparative pharmacokinetic study of the six lignans in normal and diabetic rats after oral administration of SC extract. Results showed that the areas under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC0 → t and AUC0 → ∞ ) of (-)-(7R,8R)-machilin D, rel-(7S,8S,7'R,8'R)-3,3',4,4',5,5'-hexamethoxy-7.O.7',8.8'-lignan, manassantin B, and saucerneol F in diabetic rats were significantly increased, and the plasma clearance (CL) of (-)-(7R,8R)-machilin D in diabetic rats was significantly decreased. However, the AUC0 → t and AUC0 → ∞ of verrucesin were significantly decreased, and its CL was significantly increased in diabetic rats compared with those in normal rats. These results indicated that there were remarkable differences in the pharmacokinetic parameters between the normal and diabetic rats. The pharmacokinetic studies might be beneficial for the clinical use of SC as hypoglycemic agent.

Development of the petaloid bracts of a paleoherb species, Saururus chinensis.

Saururus chinensis is a core member of Saururaceae, an ancient, perianthless (lacking petals or sepals) family of the magnoliids in the Mesangiospermae, which is important for understanding the origin and evolution of early flowers due to its unusual floral composition and petaloid bracts. To compare their transcriptomes, RNA-seq abundance analysis identified 43,463 genes that were found to be differentially expressed in S. chinensis bracts. Of these, 5,797 showed significant differential expression, of which 1,770 were up-regulated and 4,027 down-regulated in green compared to white bracts. The expression profiles were also compared using cDNA microarrays, which identified 166 additional differentially expressed genes. Subsequently, qRT-PCR was used to verify and extend the cDNA microarray results, showing that the A and B class MADS-box genes were up-regulated in the white bracts. Phylogenetic analysis was performed on putative S. chinensis A and B-class of MADS-box genes to infer evolutionary relationships within the A and B-class of MADS-box gene family. In addition, nature selection and protein interactions of B class MADS-box proteins were inferred that B-class genes free from evolutionary pressures. The results indicate that petaloid bracts display anatomical and gene expression features normally associated with petals, as found in petaloid bracts of other species, and support an evolutionarily conserved developmental program for petaloid bracts.

Machilin D, a Lignin Derived from Saururus chinensis, Suppresses Breast Cancer Stem Cells and Inhibits NF-κB Signaling.

Cancer stem cells are responsible for breast cancer initiation, metastasis, and relapse. Targeting breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) using phytochemicals is a good strategy for the treatment of cancer. A silica gel, a reversed-phase C18 column (ODS), a Sephadex LH-20 gel, thin layer chromatography, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were used for compound isolation from Saururus chinensis extracts. The isolated compound was identified as machilin D by mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Machilin D inhibited the growth and mammosphere formation of breast cancer cells and inhibited tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model. Machilin D reduced the proportions of CD44+/CD24- and aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1)-positive cells. Furthermore, this compound reduced the nuclear localization of the NF-κB protein and decreased the IL-6 and IL-8 secretion in mammospheres. These results suggest that machilin D blocks IL-6 and IL-8 signaling and induces CSC death and thus may be a potential agent targeting BCSCs.

A Review of Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Properties of the Genus Saururus.

The genus Saururus, belonging to Saururaceae, contains two species, S. cernuus L. and S. chinensis (Lour) Baill. with common utilization in traditional medicine from Asia to North America for the treatment of edema, beriberi, jaundice, leucorrhea, urinary tract infections, hypertension, hepatitis diseases, and tumors. An extensive review of literature was made on traditional uses, phytochemistry, and ethnopharmacology of Saururus using ethno-botanical books, published articles, and electronic databases. The 147 of chemical constituents have been isolated and identified from S. cernuus and S. chinensis, and lignans, flavonoids, alkaloids, anthraquinones, saponins, and phenols are the major constituents. Various pharmacological investigations in many in vitro and in vivo models have revealed the potential of the genus Saururus with anti-inflammatory, antitumor, anti-oxidant, hepatoprotective, antimelanogenic, lipid-lowering, and bone protective activities, supporting the rationale behind numerous of its traditional uses. Due to the noteworthy pharmacological properties, Saururus can be a better option for new drug discovery. Data regarding many aspects of this plant such as toxicology, pharmacokinetics, quality-control measures, and the clinical value of the active compounds is still limited which call for additional studies.

Two new lignans from Gymnotheca involucrata.

A new dibenzocyclooctdiene (1), and a new eupodienone (2) type lignans were isolated along with five known analogues from the whole plant of Gymnotheca involucrata Pei. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated on the basis of detailed spectroscopic analysis. Bioassay results showed that compounds 1 and 2 exhibited no antimicrobial activity against four Gram-positive bacterial strains and four Gram-negative bacteria at the concentration of 1 mg/mL.

Two new lignans from the aerial parts of Saururus chinensis with cytotoxicity toward nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Two new lignans (1 and 12), together with 15 known compounds (2-11 and 13-17), were isolated from the aerial parts of Saururus chinensis Baill. Their structures were determined through extensive spectroscopic analyses. All the isolates were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against four human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells (HONE1, CNE1, CNE2, and SUNE1). Compound 13 showed the most potent cytotoxicity toward HONE1, SUNE1, CNE2, and CNE1 cells with IC50 values of 0.76, 5.42, 5.86 and 6.28 µM, respectively. Further studies revealed that compound 13 suppressed cell growth by arresting the cell cycle at the S phase and induced cell apoptosis in the HONE1 cell line.

Hair Growth Promoting Effect of Hottuynia cordata Extract in Cultured Human Hair Follicle Dermal Papilla Cells.

Houttuynia cordata (HC) is a traditional oriental herbal medicinal plant widely used as a component of complex prescriptions in Asia for alopecia treatment. The effect of HC on hair growth and its underlying mechanism, however, have not been demonstrated or clarified. In this study, we investigated the hair growth promoting effect of HC in cultured human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs). HC extract was found to stimulate the proliferation of hDPCs and this stimulation might be in part a consequence of activated cellular energy metabolism, because treatment of HC extract increased the generation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and ATP through increasing the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ). In the context of cell cycle, HC extract increased the expression of CDK4 and decreased the expression of CCNA2 and CCNB1, implying that HC extract might induce G1 phase progression of DPCs which resulted in enhanced proliferation. HC extract increased the expression of Bcl2 essential for maintaining hair follicle anagen stage and cell survival. On the contrary, the expression of p16 and p21 was down-regulated by HC extract. In addition, HC extract enhanced the secretion of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-aa and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and AKT. Furthermore, HC extract prolonged anagen stage in organ cultured human hair follicles. Our data strongly suggest that HC extract could support hair growth by stimulating proliferation of DPCs and elongating anagen stage, resulted from enhanced cellular energy metabolism and modulation of gene expression related to cell cycle, apoptosis, and growth factors.

Antileishmanial activity and ultrastructural changes of related tetrahydrofuran dineolignans isolated from Saururus cernuus L. (Saururaceae).

OBJECTIVE: This work describes the isolation of anti-Leishmania amazonensis metabolites from Saururus cernuus (Saururaceae). Additionally, ultrastructural changes in promastigotes were evidenced by electron microscopy. METHODS: The MeOH extract from the leaves of S. cernuus was subjected to bioactivity-guided fractionation. Anti-L. amazonensis activity of purified compounds was performed in vitro against promastigote and amastigote forms. KEY FINDINGS: Bioactivity-guided fractionation of the MeOH extract from the leaves of S. cernuus afforded two related tetrahydrofuran dineolignans: threo,threo-manassantin A (1) and threo,erythro-manassantin A (2). Compounds 1 and 2 displayed activity against promastigotes (EC50 of 35.4 ± 7.7 and 17.6 ± 4.2 µm, respectively) and amastigotes (EC50 of 20.4 ± 1.9 and 16.0 ± 1.1 µm, respectively), superior to that determined for the positive control miltefosine (EC50 of 28.7 ± 3.5 µm). Reduced cytotoxicity for host cells was observed for both compounds. Additionally, ultrastructural changes in promastigotes leading to an alteration of structural morphology were observed, as evidenced by electron microscopy. Furthermore, these compounds altered the morphology and physiology of the plasmatic membrane of L. amazonensis. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results indicated that dineolignans 1 and 2 could be considered as a scaffold for the design of novel and selective drug candidates for the treatment of leishmaniasis.

Lignans from Saururus chinensis with Inhibitory Effects on Nitric Oxide Production.

Three biogenetically related ent-sauchinone-type lignans (1-3), four 8-O-4'-type neolignans (4-7), a diaryldimethylbutane lignan (8), and a cyclic carbonate (9), along with 12 known compounds, have been isolated from a methanol extract of the aerial parts of Saururus chinensis. The structures of the new compounds (1-9) were determined by analysis of their 1D and 2D NMR spectra, HRESIMS, and ECD data. A putative biosynthetic pathway for the three ent-sauchinone-type lignans (1-3) was postulated. Compounds 1, 7, and 10 showed inhibitory effects on LPS-induced NO production in RAW 264.7 cells with IC50 values of 5.6, 8.6, and 9.2 µM, respectively.

Dibenzylbutane neolignans from Saururus cernuus L. (Saururaceae) displayed anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity via alterations in the mitochondrial membrane potential.

The MeOH extract from leaves of Saururus cernuus L. (Saururaceae) displayed in vitro activity against trypomastigote forms of T. cruzi (100% of parasite death at 200 µg/mL), suggesting the presence of bioactive compounds. Thus, the bioactivity-guided fractionation was carried out, leading to the isolation of three related neolignan derivatives, identified as threo-austrobailignan-5 (1), threo-austrobailignan-6 (2), and threo-dihydroguaiaretic acid (3). Anti-T. cruzi activity of compounds 1-3 was performed against cell-derived trypomastigotes and intracellular amastigotes. Additionally, the mammalian cytotoxicity was investigated using NCTC cells. Compound 2 was the most effective against extracellular trypomastigotes with IC50 of 3.7 µM, while compound 3 showed activity in both clinically relevant forms of the parasite, trypomastigotes and amastigotes, with IC50 values of 7.0 and 16.2 µM, respectively. However, the structurally related compound 1 was inactive. Based on these results, compounds 2 and 3 were selected to evaluate the mechanism of cellular death. Compound 2 induced alteration in the plasma membrane permeability and consequently in the ROS levels after 120 min of incubation. By using flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy, compound 3 showed alterations in the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) of trypomastigotes. Considering the promising chemical and biological properties of neolignans 2 and 3, these compounds could be used as starting points to develop new lead compounds for Chagas disease.

Effect of Saururus chinensis leaves extract on type II collagen-induced arthritis mouse model.

BACKGROUND: Saururus chinensis leaves have been used as traditional medicine in Korea for pain, intoxication, edema, and furuncle. According to previous reports, these leaves exert renoprotective, neuroprotective, and antioxidant effects by attenuating inflammatory responses. However, the beneficial effect of Saururus chinensis leaves on arthritis has not been elucidated. Thus, we evaluated the water extract of Saururus chinensis leaves (SHW) using type II collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice models. METHODS: Quantitative analysis of major components from SHW was performed by HPLC. Arthritis was induced by injection of type II collagen. Each group was orally administered SHW (100 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg). Methotrexate (MTX) was used as a positive control. Serum levels of interleukin-6, TNF-alpha, and type II collagen IgG in the animal models were measured using ELISA. Histological features were observed by H&E staining. RESULTS: Quantitative analysis of SHW showed the contents as 56.4 ± 0.52 mg/g of miquelianin, 7.75 ± 0.08 mg/g of quercetin 3-O-(2"-O-ß -glucopyranosyl)-α-rhamnopyranoside, and 3.17 ± 0.02 mg/g of quercitrin. Treatment with 500 mg/kg SHW decreased the serum level of Interleukin-6 (IL-6), TNF-alpha, and collagen IgG in the CIA model. Moreover, SHW treatment diminished the swelling of hind limbs and monocyte infiltration in blood vessels in CIA animal models. The results indicate that SHW could decrease CIA-induced arthritis in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that SHW could be used to improving arthritis by reducing inflammatory factors (IL-6 and TNF-alpha). However, further experiments are required to determine how SHW influences signal transduction in animal models.

Lignans from Saururus chinensis exhibit anti-inflammatory activity by influencing the Nrf2/HO-1 activation pathway.

As part of our ongoing program to develop anti-inflammatory agents, an extract derived from Saururus chinensis collected in Korea was found to inhibit nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW264.7 cells. Bioassay-guided fractionation led to the isolation two new (1 and 2) and six known dineolignans (3-8). To the best of our knowledge, manassatin B1 (3) was isolated from S. chinensis for the first time. All structures were elucidated using extensive spectroscopic analysis. Of these compounds, 2 and 8 inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of NO and showed IC50 values of 5.80 and 1.52 µM, respectively. LPS-induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was also significantly suppressed by the administration of 2 and 8. In addition, these lignans induced the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in a concentration-dependent manner. Nuclear translocation of nuclear-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a key regulator of HO-1 protein expression, was also induced in RAW264.7 cells treated with 2 and 8. These findings suggested that these lignans exerted anti-inflammatory effects in RAW264.7 cells through modulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and that they were potential HO-1 inducers for preventing or treating inflammation.