Abstract Context The natural products derived from Capparis ecuadorica H.H. Iltis (Capparaceae) could have great potential for anti-inflammation since they inhibited the inflammatory response in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Object This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects and related mechanism of methanol extract of C. ecuadorica leaves (MCE) during atopic dermatitis

Abstract Context Chloranthus serratus (Thunb.) Roem. et Schult. (Chloranthaceae) is an herb widely used as a folk medicine treating inflammatory diseases, although it is toxic. Objective To investigate hepatotoxicity and related mechanisms induced by ethanol extracts of different parts of C. serratus in rats. Materials and methods Sprague Dawley rats were divided into control (Con), ethanol extract

Abstract Context Ligustrazine and valsartan are commonly used drugs in the treatment of cardiac and cardiovascular disease. Objective The interaction between ligustrazine and valsartan was studied to investigate the effect of ligustrazine on the pharmacokinetics of valsartan. Materials and methods The pharmacokinetics of valsartan (10 mg/kg) was investigated in Sprague–Dawley rats divided into three

Abstract Context Although the roots and stems of Kadsura coccinea (Lem.) A. C. Smith. [Schisandraceae] are herbs and traditional foods in Li nationality, its toxicity remains unclear. Objective To study developmental toxicity of K. coccinea consumption and explain underlying mechanisms. Materials and methods Zebrafish were applied to assess LC50 values of hydroethanol extract (KCH) and water extract

Abstract Context Xiayuxue decoction (XYXD), a traditional Chinese medicine, is used for treating liver disease. However, the potential active constituents and mechanisms are still unclear. Objective To explore the main active fraction extracts, active ingredients and possible mechanisms of XYXD for anti-hepatic fibrosis. Materials and methods Different fractions including ethyl acetate fraction (EF)

Abstract Context Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a chronic and progressive disease. Arecoline, present in betel nuts, has been proposed as a vital aetiological factor. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Objectives This research elucidates the expression of tropomyosin-1 (TPM1) and its regulation mechanism in HaCaT cells treated with arecoline. Materials and methods HaCaT cells were

Abstract Context Dexamethasone (DXM) has an anti-immunoinflammatory effect, and is often used in acute kidney injury (AKI). However, the effects of DXM on albumin (ALB) have not been fully studied. Objective To investigate the effects of DXM on ALB production and renal function. Materials and methods Male Wistar rats were divided into normal and DXM groups (0.25, 0.5, 1 mg/kg for 5 days) (n = 15) for

Abstract Context Succinic acid, extracted from amber, is widely used in cardiovascular therapy. Objective The effect of succinic acid on the activity of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes was investigated in this study. Materials and methods The effect of succinic acid (100 μM) on the activity of eight isoforms of CYP450 (i.e., 1A2, 3A4, 2A6, 2E1, 2D6, 2C9, 2C19 and 2C8) was investigated compared to

Abstract Context White tea [Camellia sinensis (L) O.Ktze. (Theaceae)] is popular in Asia, but its benefits on olfactory injury are unknown. Objective The present study explores the effects of white tea on the olfactory injury caused by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). Materials and methods C57BL/6J mice (WT) were exposed to CUMS. CUMS mice (CU) were intranasally treated with white tea extract

Abstract Context Crocus sativus L. (Iridaceae), or saffron, has been used as food additives and spices. In the traditional medicine of Iran, C. sativus has been used for the treatment of liver disorders, coughs, and as an anti-inflammatory agent for eyes. Objective The current study reviewed the possible therapeutic effects of C. sativus stigma and its petal flavonoid (kaempferol) on respiratory disorders

Abstract Context Fruit of Avicennia marina (Forsk.) Vierh. (Acanthaceae) is used as a Chinese herb. Studies have found that it contains marinoid J, a novel phenylethanoid glycoside (PG) compound, but its neuroprotective functions are largely unknown. Objective This study evaluated the effects of marinoid J on vascular dementia (VD) and determined its potential mechanisms of action. Materials and methods

Abstract Context The Chinese herbal formula Heshouwu decoction (Heshouwuyin) has protective effects on testicular function in aging male rats, but the mechanism is unknown. Objective This study investigated whether Heshouwuyin affects the testicular function of aging rats by regulating the insulin/IGF signalling pathway. Materials and methods Sixteen-month-old male Wistar rats in the Heshouwuyin group

Abstract Context Wogonoside has many pharmacological activities, but whether it has a protective effect against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has not been reported. Objective This study investigates the protective effect of wogonoside against NAFLD in mice and its potential mechanism. Materials and methods C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group, NAFLD group and low-, medium-

Abstract Context Clinically, Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit. (Araceae) (PT) has been widely used in the treatment of atherosclerosis and hyperlipidaemia, but the underlying mechanisms are still not clearly understood. Objective This research was conducted to confirm the mechanism by which PT affects carotid artery intimal hyperplasia. Materials and methods An intestinal hyperplasia Sprague-Dawley

Abstract Context Heart failure is one of the most serious diseases worldwide. Astragaloside IV (ASI) is widely used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Objective To elucidate the antioxidative mechanism of ASI in a rat model of left coronary artery ligation. Materials and methods Left coronary artery of Sprague–Dawley rats was ligated to establish the model of heart failure, and then vehicle

Abstract Context The Traditional Chinese herb medicine Dalbergia odorifera T. Chen (Fabaceae), exerted a protective effect on myocardial ischaemia. Latifolin is a neoflavonoid extracted from Dalbergia odorifera. It has been reported to have the effects of anti-inflammation and cardiomyocyte protection. Objective To investigate whether latifolin can improve myocardial infarction (MI) through attenuating

Abstract Context Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels (Apiaceae) (syn. Angelica polymorpha Maxim var. sinensis Oliver) processed with yellow rice wine (WAS) has a blood-supplementing effect. Objective To establish an optimal technology for preparing water decoction of WAS (WASD), and screen blood-supplementing fractions. Materials and methods Ferulic acid and crude polysaccharide were used in optimizing

Abstract Context Guizhi-Shaoyao-Zhimu decoction (GSZD), a famous ancient oriental Chinese prescription, has been widely used for thousands of years to treat ‘arthromyodynia’. Objective The clinical studies of GSZD for the treatment of gout were systematically reviewed to evaluate its clinical efficacy and safety. Methods All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) related to GSZD and gout were collected

Abstract Context Ginsenoside compound K (CK) has anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, and myelosuppressive protective effects. Methotrexate (MTX) is widely used in combination therapy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Objective To evaluate the effects of combination therapy of CK and MTX on anaemia and anti-arthritis in adjuvant-induced arthritis (AA) rats. Materials and methods AA was induced in rats

Abstract Context Nephrolithiasis is a major public health problem worldwide and Fu-Fang-Jin-Qian-Cao granules (FFJQC) is a traditional Chinese herbal formula that is used to treat nephrolithiasis. The main component of nephrolithiasis is calcium oxalate (CaOx) and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) shown to play a crucial role in CaOx-induced kidney injury. However, the mechanism underlying

Abstract Context HuoxueJiangtang decoction (ZY) is a traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of diabetes. Objective The protective effect of ZY on renal injury in diabetic nephropathy rats was investigated in this study. Materials and methods Fifty 4-week-old SPF Wistar male rats were selected to construct diabetic nephropathy model rats (DN) group by continuous high-fat feeding for 4 weeks

Abstract Context Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a highly heterogeneous and lethal pathological process having no effective drug. Engeletin exerts multiple biological activities including anti-inflammatory and lung repair. Whether engeletin has therapeutic effects on PF remains unclear. Objective Examining effect and mechanism of engeletin on PF in vivo and in vitro. Materials and methods L929 cells (1 × 106/well)

Abstract Context The methanol extracts from Hippeastrum reticulatum (L'Hér.) Herb. (Amaryllidaceae) (HR) display acetylcholinesterase inhibitory (AChEI) activity. Objective AChEI of alkaloids isolated from HR bulbs and the ameliorating effects of the alkaloid fraction (AHR) on memory and cognitive dysfunction in scopolamine-treated mice were investigated. Materials and methods Alkaloids were isolated

Abstract Context Ganoderma lucidum (Leyss. ex Fr.) Karst. (Polyporaceae) triterpenoids (GLTs), the main components and bioactive metabolites of G. lucidum, have antitumour activity. Objective We investigated the effects of GLTs in lung cancer tumour-bearing nude mice and their potential mechanism. Materials and methods Forty BALB/c nude mice were randomly divided into four groups: saline control, GLT

Abstract Context Schumanniophyton magnificum Harms (Rubiaceae) is used traditionally in Nigeria for the treatment of snake bites. Snake venom contains phospholipase A2 (PLA2) which plays a key role in causing inflammation and pain. Objective To assess the anti-inflammatory effect of the methanol extract of Schumanniophyton magnificum (MESM) leaves through the inhibition of PLA2 and investigate the

Abstract Context Simvastatin is the first line therapeutic drug for coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis. The protective effect mechanism of simvastatin on cardiomyocytes is unclear. Objective This study explores the effect of simvastatin on high glucose induced cardiomyocyte injury and the role of autophagy during the process. Materials and methods H9c2 cells were incubated with different doses

Abstract Context Xiaoyaosan (XYS), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has been widely used to relieve a variety of disorders caused by depression. Objective This study evaluates the effect of XYS against tumour metastasis in a chronic restraint stress mouse model. Methods and materials Forty C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups, including blank-control (BC), blank-stress (BS), XYS-control

Abstract Context The species-specific differences and mechanisms of action of bee pollen on reproduction have not been well studied. Objective We compared the effects of bee pollen extracts from different plants on ovarian cell functions. Materials and methods We compared the effects of pollens from black alder, dandelion, maize, rapeseed, and willow at 0, 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, or 100 µg/mL on cultured

Abstract Context Ginsenoside Rb1, the main active ingredient of ginseng, exhibits ex vivo depression of store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) and related vasoconstriction in pulmonary arteries derived from pulmonary hypertension (PH) rats. However, the in vivo effects of ginsenoside Rb1 on PH remain unclear. Objective This study explored the possibility of using ginsenoside Rb1 as an in vivo preventive

Abstract Context Anemarsaponin BII is one of the most active saponins isolated from Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge (Asparagaceae), a commonly used Chinese traditional paediatric medicine. Objective This study investigates the effects of anemarsaponin BII on the activity of CYP450s to provide more guidance for the clinical use of anemarsaponin BII. Materials and methods Using various diagnostic substrates

Abstract Context Qing-Mai-Yin (QMY) is a clinically used herbal formula for treating arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO). Objective To evaluate the chemical constituents and effects of QMY on ASO rabbit model. Materials and methods Forty-eight New Zealand rabbits were divided into six groups (n = 8): normal (normal rabbits treated with 0.5% CMC-Na), vehicle (ASO rabbits treated with 0.5% CMC-Na), positive

Abstract Context Aaptamine is a potent ocean-derived non-traditional drug candidate against human cancers. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms governing aaptamine-mediated repression of lung cancer cells remain largely undefined. Objective To examine the inhibitory effect of aaptamine on proliferation and progression of non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) and dissect the potential mechanisms

Abstract Context Bambara groundnut (BG), originally from Africa, is widely distributed in Asian countries, especially in southern Thailand, and is used for food and functional foods. There is no report on the use of BG for ethnomedicine or cosmetics. Objective To investigate collagen biosynthesis stimulation and anti-melanogenesis of the BG extracts. Materials and methods The hulls (H) and seeds (S)

Context 5-Caffeoylquinic acid (5-CQA) is one of the most abundant compounds found in natural foods including coffee. Objective We investigated whether 5-CQA had a cytoprotective effect through the NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-antioxidant response element (ARE) signalling pathway. Materials and methods Nrf2 activation in response to 5-CQA treatment at the concentration of 10–100 μM is evaluated by

Context Naoxintong Capsule (NXT), a Chinese medicine, has been widely used for the treatment of coronary heart disease (CHD) in clinics. Objective This study evaluated the cardioprotective effects of NXT alone and in combination with ticagrelor (TIC) and atorvastatin (ATO). Materials and methods Qi deficiency and blood stasis rats were established by 8 weeks high fat diet feeding and 16 days exhaustive

Context Polysaccharide of Taxus chinensis var. mairei Cheng et L.K.Fu (Taxaceae) (PTM) functions in anti-apoptosis and antioxidation, but its function on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains unclear. Objective To investigate the effect of PTM on AD. Materials and methods C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into three groups: control, d-galactose (d-gal), and d-gal + PTM. AD-like symptom was induced by

Context Yinhuapinggan granule (YHPG) is frequently used for treating fever, cough, and viral pneumonia in traditional Chinese medicine. Objective This study investigated the antiviral effects of YHPG in H1N1 influenza virus (IFV)-infected mice and its possible mechanism. Materials and methods ICR mice were intranasally infected with 10 LD50 viral dose of IFV and then oral administration of YHPG (6

Content Isochlorogenic acid A, one of the main components of Duhaldea nervosa (Wallich ex Candolle) A. Anderberg (Asteraceae), is a folk medicine used to treat a variety of diseases including fracture and rheumatoid arthritis. Despite its widespread use, the metabolism of isochlorogenic acid A in vivo has not been fully studied. Objective An analytical strategy based on UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS

Context Kai-Xin-San (KXS) has been used to treat Alzheimer’s disease (AD) for thousands of years. However, no quantitative data regarding AD treatment using KXS are available. Moreover, its active compounds and mechanism of action for the treatment of AD remain largely unclear. Objectives To evaluate the efficacy and the potential pharmacological mechanisms of KXS in AD treatment. Materials and methods

Context Acetylshikonin, a naphthoquinone derivative, is mainly extracted from some species of the family Boraginaceae, such as Lithospermum erythrorhizon Sieb. et Zucc., Arnebia euchroma (Royle) Johnst., and Arnebia guttata Bunge. As a bioactive compound, acetylshikonin has attracted much attention because of its broad pharmacological properties. Objective This review provides a comprehensive summary

Context Sibiricose A5 (A5), sibiricose A6 (A6), 3,6′-disinapoyl sucrose (DSS), tenuifoliside A (TFSA) and 3,4,5-trimethoxycinnamic acid (TMCA) are the main active components of Polygala tenuifolia Willd. (Polygalaceae) (PT) that are active against Alzheimer's disease. Objective To compare the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of five active components in the roots of raw PT (RPT), liquorice-boiled

Context Lycium barbarum L. (Solanaceae) polysaccharides (LBPs) are important active constituents that have demonstrated kidney protection. Objective This study investigated the effect of LBPs on hyperuricaemia and explored the underlying mechanism in mice. Materials and methods Thirty-six C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the control group, hyperuricaemia group, allopurinol group (5 mg/kg) and

Context Lilium davidii var. unicolour Cotton (Lilium genus, Liliaceae) is an edible plant and a herb used in China to alleviate insomnia. Objective To investigate the alleviating insomnia mechanism of L. davidii (LD). Materials and methods Wistar rats were intraperitoneally injected with p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) to establish an insomnia model. Rats were divided into six groups (n = 8): Control

Context Alcoholic liver disease, caused by abuse and consumption of alcohol, exhibits high morbidity and mortality. Boletus aereus Bull. (Boletaceae) (BA) shows antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Objectives To investigate the hepatoprotective effects of BA using an acute alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity mice model. Materials and methods The composition of BA fruit body was first

Context Capparis L. (Capparaceae) is grown worldwide. Caper has been used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases including rheumatism, kidney, liver, stomach, as well as headache and toothache. Objective To isolate and elucidate of the secondary metabolites of the C. ovata extracts which are responsible for their anti-inflammatory activities. Materials and methods Buds, fruits, flowers,

Context Our previous study found that Fengbaisan improved chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). Objective To elucidate the mechanism of Fengbaisan in COPD. Materials and methods Rats in Model, FBS, FBS + DMSO and FBS + EX527 groups received cigarette smoke extract (CSE) inhalation and intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide to establish COPD model. Normal group received room air and

Context MicroRNA (miRNA) is an important regulator of gene expression. Methamphetamine (METH) induces a variety of alterations in different systems by affecting gene expression, but the effects of METH on miRNA profiles need to be elucidated. Objectives This study develops a rat model of METH addiction, and analyzes the expression profile alterations of miRNA in nucleus accumbens (NAc) of the METH-addicted

Context Sepsis is currently one of the leading causes of death in intensive care units (ICUs). Sesamin was previously reported to inhibit inflammation. However, no studies have revealed the impact of sesamin on sepsis. Objective We studied the mechanism underlying the effect of sesamin on the pathophysiology of sepsis through the HMGB1/TLR4/IL-33 signalling pathway. Materials and methods Fifty male

Context The potential hepatotoxicity of Polygoni Multiflori Radix (PMR) has attracted much attention, but the specific mechanism of inducing hepatotoxicity is still unclear due to the complexity of its components. Objective This study investigated the specific mechanism by which 2,3,5,4′-tetrahydroxy-stilbene-2-O-β-d-glucoside (TSG) regulates hepatotoxicity. Materials and methods The toxic effects

Context Despite the abundance of knowledge regarding high-altitude pulmonary edoema (HAPE) and high-altitude pulmonary hypertension (HAPH), their prevalence continues to be on the rise. Thus, there is an urgent need for newer safe, effective, and relatively economic drug candidates. China is particularly known for the use of medicinal plants. Objective This review summarizes the medicinal plants used

Context Cyclocarya paliurus (CP) (Batal.) Iljinsk (Cyclocaryaceae), a plant native to China, is the sole species in the genus Cyclocarya. Its leaves have been widely used as a remedy for hyperlipidaemia in traditional folk medicine. However, the mechanism underlying CP-induced lipolysis, especially in the liver, has not been entirely elucidated. Objective This study investigates the effect of CP ethanol

Context Cinnamomi ramulus, the dry twig of Cinnamomum cassia Presl. (Lauraceae), has been reported to exert several activities such as antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects. Objective This study investigates the effects of an aqueous extract of Cinnamomi ramulus (ACR) on rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Materials and methods TNF-α-induced RA-derived fibroblast-like synoviocyte MH7A cells were

Context Obacunone, a limonoid abundantly found in Citrus fruits, exhibits a variety of bioactivities. Objective To investigate the effects of obacunone on a colorectal cancer (CRC) mouse model, and clarify its potential molecular mechanisms. Materials and methods The male Balb/c mice were induced with azoxymethane and dextran sulfate sodium for 12 weeks. Obacunone (50 mg/kg) was administered via oral

Context Cryptotanshinone (CT) is a diterpene quinone compound from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. Labiatae has been widely used in cardio-cerebral vascular diseases, which could be potentially effective in treating diabetic wounds. Objective This study evaluates the wound healing activity of CT by employing an excisional wound splinting model in db/db mice. Materials and methods Wounds were induced at the

Context Alpinia officinarum Hance (Zingiberaceae) is traditionally used to treat inflammation, pain, colds and digestive diseases. Objective To investigate the potential protective mechanism of total flavonoids from the rhizomes of A. officinarum (F-AOH) in ethanol-induced acute gastric in vivo and in vitro. Materials and methods In vivo: Gastric damage was induced in BALB/c mice by administering ethanol

Context Renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) is characterized by the accumulation of inflammatory cytokines and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Curcumin exerts antifibrogenic, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects. Objective To explore the mechanisms underlying the effects of curcumin on RIF. Materials and methods Eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were intragastrically administered curcumin

(2020). Correction. Pharmaceutical Biology: Vol. 58, No. 1, pp. 796-796.

Abstract Context Ganoderma lucidum (Leyss.ex Fr.) Karst (Ganodermataceae) is a fungus that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine. Objective This is the first investigation of the lipid-lowering and anti-atherosclerotic effects of Ganoderma lucidum spore ethanol extract (EEG) in hyperlipidemic rabbits. Materials and methods Fifty-four Japanese rabbits were randomly divided into six groups (n = 9):