Integrative & Complementary Medicine

Article Plant Sciences

Emotion regulation effects of Ayahuasca in experienced subjects during implicit aversive stimulation: An fMRI study

Tiago Arruda Sanchez, Lucas Rego Ramos, Felipe Araujo, Eduardo Ekman Schenberg, Mauricio Yonamine, Isabela Lobo, Draulio Barros de Araujo, Luis Eduardo Luna

Summary: This study aimed to investigate the acute emotional effects of Ayahuasca on the brain's response to aversive stimulation. The results showed that Ayahuasca attenuates activity in the amygdala and enhances activation in the insular cortex and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Subjects reported reduced anxiety and mental sedation on the psychometric scale.

JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY (2024)

Article Plant Sciences

Gracilaria chorda subcritical water ameliorates hepatic lipid accumulation and regulates glucose homeostasis in a hepatic steatosis cell model and obese C57BL/6J mice

Laxmi Sen Thakuri, Chul Min Park, Hyeon-A Kim, Hyung Jung Kim, Jin Woo Park, Jong Cheol Park, Dong Young Rhyu

Summary: Red seaweed has a long history in traditional Asian medicine and has been used to address various conditions. This study investigated the effects of a specific red seaweed extract on liver injury and lipid and glucose dysregulation, finding promising results.

JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY (2024)

Article Plant Sciences

Buyang Huanwu Decoction suppresses cardiac inflammation and fibrosis in mice after myocardial infarction through inhibition of the TLR4 signalling pathway

Guoyong Zhang, Xin Han, Tong Xu, Min Liu, Guanghong Chen, Lingpeng Xie, Honglin Xu, Yue Hua, Mingjie Pang, Changlei Hu, Yuting Wu, Bin Liu, Yingchun Zhou

Summary: BYHWD has anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects on cardiac inflammation and fibrosis after MI by suppressing the TLR4 signaling pathway.

JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY (2024)

Article Plant Sciences

Discovery of the toxicity-related quality markers and mechanisms of Zhi-Zi-Hou-Po decoction based on Chinmedomics combined with differentially absorbed components and network pharmacology

Shulin Wan, Xiaoxia Xie, Gongjun Yang, Fang Feng

Summary: This study aimed to explore the material basis, quality markers, and multiple mechanisms of hepatorenal toxicity induced by Zhi-Zi-Hou-Po decoction (ZZHPD). Through experiments with rat models and plasma metabolomics analysis, differential chemical constituents and metabolites of ZZHPD were identified, and the core targets and pathways related to toxicity were predicted. The results of this study contribute to a better understanding of the toxic effects and underlying mechanisms of ZZHPD.

JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY (2024)

Article Plant Sciences

Zishen Tongyang Huoxue decoction (TYHX) alleviates sinoatrial node cell ischemia/reperfusion injury by directing mitochondrial quality control via the VDAC1-β-tubulin signaling axis

Xing Chang, Siyuan Zhou, Jinfeng Liu, Yanli Wang, Xuanke Guan, Qiaomin Wu, Qin Zhang, Zhiming Liu, Ruxiu Liu

Summary: This study confirmed the protective effect of TYHX against SNC ischemia by regulating mitochondrial quality control (MQC) through beta-tubulin and voltage-dependent anion-selective channel 1 (VDAC1).

JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY (2024)

Article Plant Sciences

Asperosaponin VI protects against spermatogenic dysfunction in mice by regulating testicular cell proliferation and sex hormone disruption

Yan-Hong Cui, Lin Ma, Dong-Mei Hai, Yan-Nan Chi, Wen-Jing Dong, Xiao-Bing Lan, Wei Wei, Miao-Miao Tian, Xiao-Dong Peng, Jian-Qiang Yu, Ning Liu

Summary: ASVI improves spermatogenic dysfunction induced by CTX by activating the EGFR signaling pathway and regulating sex hormone homeostasis. This research provides a new potential protective agent for the treatment of male infertility.

JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY (2024)

Article Plant Sciences

Bidirectional regulation effect of rhubarb as laxative and astringent by metabolomics studies

Ping Zhou, Jing Zhang, Yudi Xu, Peng Zhang, Zhihao Zhang, Yongqing Xiao, Ying Liu

Summary: This study evaluated the effects of oral supplementation with lutein on physical and immune indicators in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The results showed that lutein supplementation significantly improved physical and immune indicators, including body weight, body fat percentage, waist circumference, white blood cell count, C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor α levels, and serum lutein levels. These findings provide support for the clinical application of lutein in enhancing immune function and improving physical indicators.

JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY (2024)

Article Plant Sciences

Moluodan promotes DSS-induced intestinal inflammation involving the reprogram of macrophage function and polarization

Mengran Zhao, Chen Qiao, Zilu Cui, Wen Zhang, Shuyue Yang, Congmin Zhu, Feng Du, Tingting Ning, Sian Xie, Si Liu, Peng Li, Junxuan Xu, Shengtao Zhu

Summary: This study demonstrates that Moluodan (MLD) has an obvious hemostatic effect but exacerbates the severity of inflammation in a mouse model of colitis by promoting macrophage polarization towards the M1 phenotype.

JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY (2024)

Article Plant Sciences

Jiawei Maxing Shigan Tang alleviates radiation-induced lung injury via TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway mediated by regulatory T cells

Menglei Wang, Yuqian Feng, Pengcheng Zhang, Kezhan Shen, Jingyang Su, Yazhen Zhong, Xuefei Yang, Shengyou Lin, Jinhua Lu

Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) and the effect of JMST on Tregs. The results showed that Tregs mediated epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and JMST inhibited EMT by regulating Tregs, thus alleviating RILI.

JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY (2024)

Article Plant Sciences

Antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like activities and acute toxicity evaluation of the Psilocybe cubensis mushroom in experimental models in mice

Alberto Hernandez-Leon, Raul Ivan Escamilla-Orozco, Aylin R. Tabal-Robles, David Martinez-Vargas, Leticia Romero-Bautista, Gerson Escamilla-Soto, Osiris S. Gonzalez-Romero, Martin Torres-Valencia, Maria Eva Gonzalez-Trujano

Summary: This study evaluated the anxiolytic and antidepressant effects, as well as acute toxicity, of P. cubensis mushroom. The results showed that P. cubensis mushroom has antidepressant and anxiolytic effects without causing neurotoxicity at appropriate doses.

JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY (2024)

Article Plant Sciences

The anti-infective and immunologic effect of babassu (Attalea speciosa, Mart. ex Spreng) reduces mortality induced by MRSA-Staphylococcus aureus.

Angela Tamara Lemos Souza Barroqueiro, Marcia Cristina Goncalves Maciel, Andre Alvares Marques Vale, Mayara Cristina Pinto Silva, Andressa Caroline dos Santos Maia, Ana Paula Azevedo dos Santos, Johnny Ramos do Nascimento, Flavia Raquel Fernandes do Nascimento, Claudia Quintino Rocha, Elizabeth Soares Fernandes, Rosane Nassar Meireles Guerra

Summary: Babassu mesocarp aqueous extract (BAE) has antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects, which can be used as a complementary treatment for infections, reducing mortality and inflammation.

JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY (2024)

Article Plant Sciences

Integrated metabolomic and lipidomic analysis revealed the protective mechanisms of Erzhi Wan on senescent NRK cells through BRL cells

Guanxiong Shang, Xuan Niu, Qingheng Tong, Yan Zhao, Jiu Yin, Xiaoqi Zhou, Jia Xu, Yudan Cao, Fangfang Cheng, Beihua Bao, Zhipeng Li, Weifeng Yao

Summary: This study evaluated the anti-aging effect of Erzhi Wan (EZW) and investigated the mechanisms associated with cellular metabolomics and lipidomics. The results showed that EZW exhibited a protective effect on D-gal-induced senescent kidney cells by mainly regulating amino acid metabolism, energy metabolism, and phospholipid biosynthesis pathways.

JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY (2024)

Article Plant Sciences

Orthosiphon aristatus (Blume) Miq. Extracts attenuate Alzheimer-like pathology through anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and β-amyloid inhibitory activities

Kuang-Hsing Chiang, Tain-Junn Cheng, Wei-Chih Kan, Hsien-Yi Wang, Jui-Chen Li, Yan-Ling Cai, Chia-Hui Cheng, Yi-Chien Liu, Chia-Yu Chang, Jiunn-Jye Chuu

Summary: The ethanolic extract of Orthosiphon aristatus (OA) demonstrated an improving effect on memory and could serve as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD).

JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY (2024)

Article Plant Sciences

Moutan cortex exerts blood-activating and anti-inflammatory effects by regulating coagulation-inflammation cascades pathway in cells, rats and zebrafish

Yuting Huang, Qianru Chen, Weijie Pan, Ying Zhang, Jiasheng Li, Xingyang Xue, Xinhe Lei, Shumei Wang, Jiang Meng

Summary: This study demonstrates that raw Moutan Cortex exerts blood-activating and anti-inflammatory effects by regulating the target genes of the coagulation-inflammation cascade pathway.

JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY (2024)

Article Plant Sciences

Baicalein improves Na2SeO3 induced cataract by enhancing the antioxidant capacity of juvenile Sprague Dawley Rat

Nan Hu, Fang-yin Jin, Miao-miao Gao, Lian-jie Liu, Jin-hui Wang, Bao-feng Yang, Chun-li Li

Summary: This study demonstrates that BAI can effectively reduce the opacity of the lens in Na2SeO3-induced cataract rats. This effect may be achieved through the modulation of the MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways.

JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY (2024)

Article Plant Sciences

Lianhua Qingwen protects LPS-induced acute lung injury by promoting M2 macrophage infiltration

Shanshan Li, Tianyue Feng, Yingwen Zhang, Qiqi Shi, Wanqiao Wang, Jingyu Ren, Gangyi Shen, Haihui Gu, Chengjuan Luo, Yanxin Li

Summary: This study demonstrates that LHQW alleviates acute lung injury and reduces the inflammatory response by promoting anti-inflammatory polarization of macrophages.

JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY (2024)

Article Plant Sciences

Jingfang Granule mitigates Coxsackievirus B3-induced myocardial damage by modulating mucolipin 1 expression

Bowen Sun, Lin Lin, Tian Yao, Jingchun Yao, Guimin Zhang, Yunlun Li, Chao Li

Summary: This study found that Jingfang Granules (JFG) significantly alleviated pathological damage in the cardiac tissues of coxsackievirus B3-induced viral myocarditis mice and attenuated the expression of inflammatory genes. JFG may exert its therapeutic effects by enhancing autophagy to suppress cell apoptosis, thereby reducing cell damage.

JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY (2024)

Article Plant Sciences

Mechanism of Qizhen decoction-mediated maturation of DC cells to activate the IL-12/JAK2/STAT4 pathway to sensitise PD-1 inhibitors in the treatment of colorectal cancer

Xianbin Kong, Qingbo Li, Dong Wang, Miao Wang, Fan Yang, Jingyan Meng

Summary: This study investigated the impact of Qizhen decoction (QZD) supported by intestinal flora in combination with a PD-1 inhibitor on colorectal cancer. The results revealed that QZD combined with the PD-1 inhibitor could improve the therapeutic effect on colorectal cancer by inducing more critical immune functions. The mechanism of action involves QZD promoting the maturation of DC cells through increasing the abundance of Akkermansia and activating the JAK2/STAT4 pathway, subsequently inducing effector T cell activation.

JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY (2024)

Review Plant Sciences

A comprehensive review of ethnopharmacology, chemical constituents, pharmacological effects, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, and quality control of gardeniae fructus

Lirong Wang, Shujing Chen, Suyi Liu, Abdulmumin Muhammad Biu, Yuli Han, Xingyue Jin, Chunxiao Liang, Yang Liu, Jin Li, Shiming Fang, Yanxu Chang

Summary: This review comprehensively summarizes the research progress in botany, traditional medical use, processing method, phytochemistry, pharmacological activity, quality control, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology of Gardeniae Fructus (GF), providing a scientific basis for its rational application and future research. More than 215 compounds have been isolated and identified from GF, with various pharmacological effects. Improved processing methods can alleviate side effects and toxic reactions. GF has a wide range of potential applications in treating diseases.

JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY (2024)

Article Plant Sciences

A novel heat-stable angiotensin-converting enzyme zinc-binding motif inhibitory peptide identified from corn silk

Chien-Yun Hsiang, Hsin-Yi Lo, Guan-Ling Lu, Pei-Yung Liao, Tin-Yun Ho

Summary: This study identified a novel heat-stable ACE inhibitory peptide, CS-1, in corn silk extract. CS-1 interacted with the zinc-binding motif of ACE, leading to the inhibition of ACE activity and a subsequent decrease in blood pressure in rats.

JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY (2024)