Antidepressant effects of coumarins and their derivatives: A critical analysis of research advances.

Coumarins and their derivatives are non-flavonoids polyphenols with diverse pharmacological activities including anti-depressant effects. This study systematically examines the antidepressant effects of coumarins and their derivatives in relation to time series of research progress in the pharmacological pathways, association with other diseases, toxicity and bibliometric analysis. The review was approached using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) coupled with R package involving Biblioshiny, a web interface for Bibliometrix analysis and VOSviewer software analytic tools. Literature searches were conducted in Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed from the inception through January 21, 2023. Coumarins, depression, coumarin derivatives and treatment were the main search terms used which resulted in the inclusion of 46 eligible publications. Scopoletin, psoralen, 7-hydroxycoumarin, meranzin hydrate, osthole, esculetin/umbelliferone were the most studied coumarins with antidepressant effects. Coumarins and their derivatives exerted antidepressant effects with a stronger affinity for monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) inhibition and, their inhibitory effect via neurotransmitter pathway on MAO is well-studied. However, epigenetic modification, neuroendocrine, neurotrophic pathways are understudied. Recent research focuses on their antidepressant effects which targeted cytokines and fibromyalgia. There is a link between the gut microbiome, the brain, and depression; meranzin hydrate exerts an antidepressant activity by remodelling the gastrointestinal system. We established that empirical data on some coumarins and their derivatives to support their antidepressant effects are limited. Likewise, the safe dose range for several coumarins and their derivatives is yet to be fully determined.

Intervention effect and mechanism of Hippophae rhamnoides oil on glucocorticoid resistance in superantigen-induced atopic dermatitis mice / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To study the intervention effect of Hippophae rhamnoides oil on glucocorticoid resistance in superantigen-induced atopic dermatitis （AD） mice，and to explore the mechanism of action. METHODS Fifty mice were randomly divided into 5 groups，i.e. normal control group （group A），model group （group B），dexamethasone intervention group （positive control，group C），H. rhamnoides oil intervention group （group D），dexamethasone+H. rhamnoides oil intervention group （group E），with 10 mice in each group. Except for group A，other groups were given 2，4-dinitrochlorobenzene+staphylococcal enterotoxin B to induce the AD mice model. Starting from the 7th day of the experiment，groups C，D and E were given dexamethasone （1.5 mg/kg） and/or H. rhamnoides oil （10 mL/kg） intragastrically，once a day，for 28 consecutive days. After the last medication，the pathomorphological changes of ear tissue were observed by 节作用。E-mail：57667478@qq.com HE staining； the serum levels of immunoglobulin E （IgE） and interleukin 4 （IL-4） were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Positive cell count of glucocorticoid receptor α （GRα） and GRβ in the ear tissue of mice was detected by tyramide signal amplification. The expressions of GRα protein，GRβ protein，and protein kinase B （AKT）/ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1，S6K1 （S6K1） signaling pathway-related proteins were determined by Western blot assay. RESULTS Compared with group B，the skin inflammation in the left ear of the mice was significantly reduced in groups C，D and E，the serum levels of IgE and IL-4 were decreased significantly in groups D and E （P＜ 0.05），while the number of GRα positive cells and GRα protein expression were increased significantly （P＜0.05）； the protein levels of G protein inhibitory subunit 1 （Gαi1），Gαi3，phosphorylated S6K1 （p-S6K1） and phosphorylated AKT （p-AKT） were decreased significantly （P＜0.05）； the number of GRβ positive cells and protein expression of GRβ was decreased significantly in group E（P＜0.05）. Compared with group C，the skin inflammation in the left ear of the mice was almost clear away in group E，the serum levels of IgE and IL-4 were decreased significantly （P＜0.05）； the number of GRα positive cells and GRα protein expression were increased significantly in groups D and E （P＜0.05）； the protein levels of GRβ，Gαi1，p-S6K1 and p-AKT were all decreased significantly in groups D and E（P＜0.05）； and protein level of Gαi3 was decreased significantly in group E （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS H. rhamnoides oil has an intervention effect on superantigen-induced glucocorticoid resistance of AD mice，which may be exerted by inhibition of the Gαi1/3-induced AKT/S6K1 signaling pathway.

Evidence-based anti-viral and immunomodulatory potential of Black cumin (Nigella sativa L) in COVID-19 / Potencial antivírico e inmunomodulador en COVID-19 del comino negro (Nigella sativa L) basado en la evidencia

Currently, the whole world is facing a life-threatening novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Natural products are well-known for their potential role against viral disease, and some anti-viral agents have been developed to combat these diseases. Herein, the authors investigated the possible effects of this Holy plant Nigella sativa L. (NS), against coronavirus, using evidence-based and mechanistic approaches to conclude the immune-boosting and alleviation of respiratory systemeffects of NS. The pharmacological studies established a prominent role in treating various respiratory, immune systems, cardiovascular, skin, and gastrointestinal disorders. Literature supported the significant anti-viral role and showed an inhibitory role for NS against MHV-A59 CoV (mouse-hepatitis virus­A59) infected Hela, i.e., HeLaCEACAM1a (HeLa-epithelial carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1a) cell. NS is a safe herbal product or dietary supplement and could be an effective and affordable community adjuvant treatment for coronavirus in the current scenario.

Actualmente, el mundo entero se enfrenta a una pandemia del nuevo coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) que amenaza la vida. Los productos naturales son bien conocidos por su papel potencial contra las enfermedades virales, y se han desarrollado algunos agentes antivirales para combatir estas enfermedades. En este documento, los autores investigaron los posibles efectos de esta planta sagrada Nigella sativa L. (NS), contra el coronavirus, utilizando enfoques mecanicistas y basados en la evidencia para concluir el refuerzo inmunológico y el alivio de los efectos del SN en el sistema respiratorio. Los estudios farmacológicos establecieron un papel destacado en el tratamiento de diversos trastornos respiratorios, del sistema inmunológico, cardiovasculares, cutáneos y gastrointestinales. La literatura apoyó el importante papel antivírico y mostró un papel inhibidor de NS contra células Hela infectadas con MHV-A59 CoV (virus de la hepatitis de ratón-A59), es decir, HeLaCEACAM1a (molécula de adhesión celular 1a relacionada con el antígeno carcinoembrionario epitelial de HeLa). NS es un producto a base de hierbas o un suplemento dietético seguro y podría ser un tratamiento adyuvante comunitario eficaz y asequible para el coronavirus en el escenario actual.

Black Ginseng and Its Saponins: Preparation, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Effects.

Black ginseng is a type of processed ginseng that is prepared from white or red ginseng by steaming and drying several times. This process causes extensive changes in types and amounts of secondary metabolites. The chief secondary metabolites in ginseng are ginsenosides (dammarane-type triterpene saponins), which transform into less polar ginsenosides in black ginseng by steaming. In addition, apparent changes happen to other secondary metabolites such as the increase in the contents of phenolic compounds, reducing sugars and acidic polysaccharides in addition to the decrease in concentrations of free amino acids and total polysaccharides. Furthermore, the presence of some Maillard reaction products like maltol was also engaged. These obvious chemical changes were associated with a noticeable superiority for black ginseng over white and red ginseng in most of the comparative biological studies. This review article is an attempt to illustrate different methods of preparation of black ginseng, major chemical changes of saponins and other constituents after steaming as well as the reported biological activities of black ginseng, its major saponins and other metabolites.

Ardipusilloside-I stimulates gastrointestinal motility and phosphorylation of smooth muscle myosin by myosin light chain kinase

Ardipusilloside-I is a natural triterpenoid saponin, which was isolated from Ardisia pusilla A. DC. The aim of the study was to evaluate the stimulation of ardipusilloside-I on gastrointestinal motility in vitro and in vivo. The experiment of smooth muscle contraction directly monitored the contractions of the isolated jejunal segment (IJS) in different contractile states, and the effects of ardipusilloside-I on myosin were measured in the presence of Ca²⁺-calmodulin using the activities of 20 kDa myosin light chain (MLC₂₀) phosphorylation and myosin Mg²⁺-ATPase. The effects of ardipusilloside-I on gastro emptying and intestinal transit in constipation-predominant rats were observed, and the MLCK expression in jejuna of constipated rats was determined by western blot. The results showed that, ardipusilloside-I increased the contractility of IJS in a dose-dependent manner and reversed the low contractile state (LCS) of IJS induced by low Ca²⁺, adrenaline, and atropine respectively. There were synergistic effects on contractivity of IJS between ardipusilloside-I and ACh, high Ca²⁺, and histamine, respectively. Ardipusilloside-I could stimulate the phosphorylation of MLC₂₀ and Mg²⁺-ATPase activities of Ca²⁺- dependent phosphorylated myosin. Ardipusilloside-I also stimulated the gastric emptying and intestinal transit in normal and constipated rats in vivo, respectively, and increased the MLCK expression in the jejuna of constipation-predominant rats. Briefly, the findings demonstrated that ardipusilloside-I could effectively excite gastrointestinal motility in vitro and in vivo.

Chemical Characteristics and Chemical Science of Chinese Materia Medica / 世界科学技术-中医药现代化

The common carrier of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and western medicine was chemical substance. Therefore, the chemical characteristics and chemical science of Chinese Materia Medica (CMM) were proposed as a bridge between TCM and western medicine. This paper firstly suggested the theory and research method of the chemical characteristics and chemical science of CMM for the effective promotion and improvement of the theories and integration of TCM and western medicine, especially to lay the foundation of CMM conversion of western medicine.

Study on Stability of Atractylon in Volatile Oil of Atractylodes Macrocephala Koidz / 世界科学技术-中医药现代化

This study was aimed to explore the stability of atractylon in volatile oil of A tractylodes macrocephala Koidz. under various conditions. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was used to determine the atractylon content and atractylenolide content of volatile oils. And the relative percentages of atractylone and a-tractylenolide were selected as indexes to measure the change of atractylon. The results showed that the atractylon in atractylodes volatile oil was unstable with the rate of atractylon decomp osition up to 12% in natural conditions on the 6th day. The condition was almost not changed at room temperature and avoiding light. Atractylodes volatile oil in tween-80 solution was unstable with the rate of atractylon decomposition up to 30% at room temperature and avoiding light on the 5th day. The condition was almost not changed in the freezing temperature and avoiding light. The atracty-lon in volatile oil in artificial gastric juice and artificial intestinal juice were unstable, which were in conformity with the first order kinetics. It was concluded that the stability of atractylon of volatile oil was different. The atractylon of volatile oil was relatively stable in dilute solution within 48 hours. The atractylon in volatile oil was stable than its pure solution.

A Method for Evaluation of Non-similarity Degrees between Splitting Fractions of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma / 分析化学

Five fractions were split for the chemical components of Atractylodis macrocephalae rhizome by the combination application of various separation methods and the over 90% similarity of HPLC fringerprints within each fractions indicated the good repeatability for the splitting procedure. Further, a term of nonsimilarity degree ( NSD) was introduced to measure the unoverlapping property of the chemical fractions and different statistic analyses, including principal component analysis, cluster analysis, angle cosin analysis, squared euclidean distance and the NSD of peak areas of crude drug were used to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze their unoverlapping property, revealing the NSD among different fractions was calculated above 85%. Among them, the NSD of peak area of crude drug established on the basis of HPLC fingerprints of crude drug is more suitable for the NSD evaluation of chemical splitting fractions of crude drug comparing with other statistical methods and practical for reflecting the real content-activity relationship in the subsequent exploration of effective substances of crude drugs. This research provides a new effective method to evaluate the chemical difference of splitting fractions of Chinese medicine and lay the foundation for exploring the effective and property-flavor substances or of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz.

Identification of traditional medicine "Fructus Arctii" by nuclear ribosomal DNA ITS sequences / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To identify the traditional medicine Fructus Arctii from its adulterants by ITS.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Twenty-six samples of the different Fructus Arctii materials and 10 samples of the adulterants of the fruits of A. tomentosum, Onopordum acantium, Silybum marianum, and Amorpha fruticosa were collected. The total DNA of the samples were extracted, amplified cloned and sequenced.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>ITS sequences were obtained from 26 samples respectively, there were Fructus Arctii 641 bp, A. tomentosum 641 bp, Onopordum acantium 639 bp, Silybum marianum 630-631 bp, Amorpha fruticosa 625-626 bp, which were registered in the GenBank. The similarity in ITS sequences between Fructus Arctii and the adulterants was less than 95%. In contrast, the similarity between any pair of Fructus Arctii was greater than 99%. The similarity was 98.29%-99.22% between Fructus Arctii and A. tomentosum. Phylogeny tree reconstruction using UPGMA analysis based on ITS nucleotide sequences can effectively distinguish Fructus Arctii from adulterants.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>ITS sequences can be used as a reliable molecular marker for the identification of Fructus Arctii.</p>

Study on correlation between ITS sequence of Arctium lappa and quality of Fructus Arctii / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the correlation between ITS sequence of Arctium lappa and Fructus Arctii quality of different origin.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The samples of Fructu arctii materials were collected from 26 different producing areas. Their ITS sequence were determined after polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and quality were evaluated through the determination of arctiin content by HPLC. Genetic diversity, genotype and correlation were analyzed by ClustalX (1.81), Mage 4.0, SPSS 13.0 statistical software.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>ITS sequence of A. was obtained from 26 samples, and was registered in the GenBank. Corresponding arctiin content of Fructus arctii and 1000-grain weight were determined. A. lappa genotype correlated with Fructus arctii quality by statistical analysis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The research provided a foundation for revealing the molecular mechanism of Fructus arctii geoherbs.</p>

Ginsenoside-Ro enhances cell proliferation and modulates Th1/Th2 cytokines production in murine splenocytes / 药学学报

Aim To study the effects of ginsenoside-Ro on cell proliferation and cytokine production in murine splenocytes. Methods The effect of ginsenoside-Ro on murine splenocytes proliferation was studied using [3 H] thymidine incorporation assay. Effects of ginsenoside-Ro on the production of cytokines interleukin-2 (IL-2), interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) from murine splenocytes were detected by ELISA method. Effects of ginsenoside-Ro on mRNA level of Th1 cytokine IFN-γ and Th2cytokine IL-4 were evaluated by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis.Results Ginsenoside-Ro showed no mitogenic effect on unstimulated murine splenocytes. It enhanced the proliferation of Con A-induced murine splenocytes and the production of IL-2 at concentrations of 1 - 10decreased the production and expression of Th1 cytokine IFN-γ in Con A-induced murine splenocytes at regulating the production and expression of Th1/Th2 cytokines in murine splenocytes.

Effect of ginsenosides from Panax ginseng on proliferation of human osteosarcoma cell U_2OS / 中草药

Object To find out which of the 27 ginsenosides isolated from Panax ginseng C A Mey that may inhibit the proliferation of human osteosarcoma cell line U 2OS Methods Effects of each individual ginsenoside on the proliferation of U 2OS cell were studied by determining the viability of cancer cells during culture with or without the presence of the test compound DNA assay was determined by flow cytometry Results Ginsonosides Ro, Rh 1, Rh 2, F 1 and L 8 at concentrations of 5 ?mol/L could obviously suppress the proliferation of U 2OS cells while ginsenosides Rg 1, F 3, Rf, PPT and PT significantly inhibited the cancer cells Flow cytometry revealed that ginsenosides Ro, Rg 1, Rf, F 1, Rh 2 ,PPT and PT induced cell cycle arrest at G 0/G 1 phase with obvious decrease of cell count at S and G 2+M phase Moreover, ginsenosides Rf 1, Rg 1, F 1 and PPT induced significantly high rates of cell death as compared with the control Conclusion These data suggested that ginsenosides inhibited U 2OS proliferation via cell cycle arrest or induction of cell death

Studies on chemical constituents from leaves of Smallanthus sonchifolius / 中草药

Objective To study the chemical composition from leaves of Smallanthus sonchifolius.Methods Some chromatography methods were used in the isolation procedure,while the structures were determined on the aids of NMR and MS spectral analyses.Results A new compound,together with five known compounds,was isolated from the ethanolic extract of the leaves.The new compound is characterized as 5,8-dihydroxyl-(5H,8H)-?-ionol(Ⅰ).Other compounds are obtained for the first time from the title plant and identified as ent-kaurane-3?,16?,17-triol(Ⅱ),entkaurane-16?,17-diol-19-oic acid(Ⅲ),3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde(Ⅳ),1-pentacosanol(Ⅴ),and 1-octacosanol(Ⅵ),respectively.Conclusion Compounds Ⅰ-Ⅵ are isolated from the plants of genus Smallanthus for the first time.Compound Ⅰ is a ?-ionol derivate firstly isolated from genus Smallanthus.It is named as sonchifolol.