The American journal of Chinese medicine
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Colitis is an important risk factor for the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). The inhibitory effect and the underlying mechanism of neferine on colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CA-CRC) were investigated using an azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) triggered mice model. Compared with the CA-CRC model, oral treatment of neferine (2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg) significantly inhibited the DAI scores, decreased the tumor number, and reduced the tumor size. ⋯ Molecular docking demonstrated the interactions of neferine with both NF-[Formula: see text]B p65 and STAT3. In conclusion, these results suggested that neferine inhibited CA-CRC carcinogenesis possibly by regulating NF-[Formula: see text]B and STAT3. Neferine might be a lead compound for the chemoprevention of CA-CRC.
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Although growing evidence has shown that ginsenosides from stems and leaves of Panax ginseng (GSLS) exercise a protective impact on the central nervous system, in the model of memory damage induced by scopolamine, it is still rarely reported. Thus, the mechanism of action needs to be further explored. This study was to investigate the effect of GSLS on scopolamine (SCOP)-induced memory damage and the underlying mechanism. ⋯ Meanwhile, immunohistochemical assay suggested that GSLS increased the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and Tyrosine Kinase receptor B (TrkB). Further mechanism research indicated that GSLS inhibited the Tau hyperphosphorylation and cell apoptosis by regulating the PI3K/AKT pathway and inhibited neuroinflammation by regulating the NF-κB pathway, thereby exerting a cognitive impairment improvement effect. This work suggested that GSLS could protect against SCOP-induced memory defects possibly through inhibiting oxidative stress, inhibiting neuroinflammation and cell apoptosis.
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Cornuside (CNS), found in the fruit of Cornus officinalis Seib, is a natural bisiridoid glucoside that possesses therapeutic effects by suppressing inflammation. This study aimed to determine whether CNS could inhibit the inflammatory response induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and mice, as well as to decipher the mechanisms. After activating HUVECs with LPS, the cells were treated with CNS. ⋯ After CNS treatment in vivo, iNOS levels in lung tissue and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-[Formula: see text] expression in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were significantly decreased. The results indicated that CNS increased HO-1 expression, reduced LPS-activated NF-[Formula: see text]B-luciferase activity, and inhibited iNOS/NO and COX-2/PGE2, all of which contributed to the inhibition of STAT-1 phosphorylation. Thus, CNS can be a potential new substance for treating inflammatory disorders.
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Improving autophagy-lysosome fusion has been considered a key method in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Cornel iridoid glycoside (CIG) is extracted from Cornus officinalis and has been shown to promote the clearance of tau oligomers via the autophagy pathway. However, the mechanisms of CIG on autophagy deficits are not understood. ⋯ In conclusion, CIG suppressed autophagosome accumulation by regulating the ATPase Vps4A/JNK. SWE is a core of active factors of CIG in Vps4A regulation. These findings suggest CIG may be a potential drug in AD treatment.
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Angelica gigas Nakai (AGN) root is a medicinal herbal widely used in traditional medicine in Korea. AGN root ethanolic extract dietary supplements are marketed in the United States for memory health and pain management. We comprehensively reviewed the anticancer, analgesic, pro-memory and other bio-activities of AGN extract and its signature phytochemicals decursin, decursinol angelate, and decursinol a decade ago in 2012 and updated their anticancer activities in 2015. ⋯ Knowledge gaps include whether human pyranocoumarin PK metrics are AGN dose dependent and subjected to metabolic ceiling, or metabolic adaptation after repeated use. Critical clinical translation challenges include sourcing of AGN extracts, product consistency and quality control, and AGN dose optimization for different health conditions and disease indications. Future research directions are articulated to fill knowledge gaps and address these challenges.