PMID: 

Microorganisms. 2019 Sep 12 ;7(9). Epub 2019 Sep 12. PMID: 31547282

Abstract Title: 

Anti-Biofilm Effect of Selected Essential Oils and Main Components on Mono- and Polymicrobic Bacterial Cultures.

Abstract: 

Biofilms are surface-associated microbial communities resistant to sanitizers and antimicrobials. Various interactions that can contribute to increased resistance occur between the populations in biofilms. These relationships are the focus of a range of studies dealing with biofilm-associated infections and food spoilage. The present study investigated the effects of cinnamon (), marjoram (), and thyme () essential oils (EOs) and their main components, i.e., trans-cinnamaldehyde, terpinen-4-ol, and thymol, respectively, on single- and dual-species biofilms of,,and. In dual-species biofilms,was paired with each of the other three bacteria. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for the individual bacteria ranged between 0.25 and 20 mg/mL, and trans-cinnamaldehyde and cinnamon showed the highest growth inhibitory effect. Single-species biofilms of,andwere inhibited by the tested EOs and their components at sub-lethal concentrations. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that the three-dimensional structure of mature biofilms embedded in the exopolysaccharide matrix disappeared or was limited to micro-colonies with a simplified structure. In most dual-species biofilms, to eliminate living cells from the matrix, concentrations exceeding the MIC determined for individual bacteria were required.

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PMID: 

Int J Biol Macromol. 2019 Mar 1 ;124:955-962. Epub 2018 Dec 4. PMID: 30529201

Abstract Title: 

Characterization and macrophage immunomodulatory activity of two polysaccharides from the flowers of Paeonia suffruticosa Andr.

Abstract: 

Paeonia suffruticosa Andr. has a long history of cultivation in China and its flower possesses high nutritional and medicinal value. Characterization and macrophage immunomodulatory activity of the two polysaccharides from the flowers of Paeonia suffruticosa Andr., PSAP-1 and PSAP-2, purified by anion exchange chromatography followed by size exclusion chromatography, were investigated in the present study. Results showed that PSAP-1, with a molecular weight of 155 kDa, was mainly composed of glucuronic acid, glucose, arabinose and galactose with molar percentages of 0.83, 11.53, 18.98 and 68.96% respectively, and PSAP-2, with a molecular weight of 210 kDa, consisted of rhamnose, galacturonic acid, glucose, arabinose and galactose with molar percentages of 9.13, 8.35, 12.20, 14.75 and 55.57% respectively. Immunostimulatory activity evaluation in vitro revealed that the PSAP-1 and PSAP-2 could significantly stimulate the proliferation of Raw264.7 cells in dose-dependent manner and further activate Raw264.7 cells by releasing immunoactive molecules such as nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6. In addition, PSAP-2 had higher immunomodulatory activity than PSAP-1. The above results suggested that both PSAP-1 and PSAP-2 had potent immunostimulatory activity and could be explored as a potential natural immunomodulatoryagent in medicine or functional food fields.

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PMID: 

J Food Biochem. 2019 Apr ;43(4):e12777. Epub 2019 Jan 24. PMID: 31353606

Abstract Title: 

Flower extracts from Paeonia decomposita and Paeonia ostii inhibit melanin synthesis via cAMP-CREB-associated melanogenesis signaling pathways in murine B16 melanoma cells.

Abstract: 

This investigation seeks to identify the effects of the EtOAc fractions of different flower parts of Paeonia decomposita (Pd) and Paeonia ostii (Po) on melanogenesis and their mechanisms of action in B16 melanoma cells. Cell viability assay showed that Pd-1, Po-1 (the petals of Pd or Po), Pd-3 and Po-3 (the stamens of Pd or Po) at 25 μg/ml produced lower toxic activities in B16 cells. Pd-1 and Po-1 extracts considerably reduced the melanin content and inhibited tyrosinase and DOPA oxidase activity. Moreover, Pd-1 and Po-1 down-regulated the expressions of MC1R, MITF, TRP-1, TRP-2, and tyrosinase. These extracts also reduce cAMP levels and inhibited the phosphorylation of CREB, which might be due to the presence of high concentrations of phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Our results suggested that Pd-1 and Po-1 are able to modulate the cAMP-CREB signaling pathway and down-regulate the melanogenesis-related proteins resulting in the observed anti-melanogenic effects. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: In China, the flower of Paeonia is often consumed as a dietary supplement and as an additive in skin whitening products. In November 2013, the National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China hasapproved the flower of Paeonia ostii as a novel food resource. The current study firstly demonstrated that the effects of EtOAc fractions of the petals of Paeonia decomposita (Pd) and Paeonia ostii (Po) considerably reduced the melanin content in B16 cells, which is due to the modulation of the cAMP-CREB signaling pathway followed by the down-regulation of melanogenesis-related proteins. Pd and Po extracts, as natural tyrosinase inhibitors, may serve as good candidates in food additives, cosmetic materials, or even in treating hyperpigmentation diseases.

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PMID: 

Chem Biol Interact. 2019 Apr 1 ;302:156-163. Epub 2019 Feb 2. PMID: 30721698

Abstract Title: 

Penta-O-galloyl-β-d-glucose, a hydrolysable tannin from Radix Paeoniae Alba, inhibits adipogenesis and TNF-α-mediated inflammation in 3T3-L1 cells.

Abstract: 

Penta-O-galloyl-β-d-glucose (PGG) was purified and identified from Radix Paeoniae Alba by HSCCC and HPLC/ESI-MS, and its inhibitory effects on adipogenesis and TNF-α-induced inflammation were assessed in 3T3-L1 cell line. The results showed that PGG dose-dependently reduced intracellular lipids accumulation, andthis involved decrease the expression levels of major adipogenic markers, PPARγ, C/EBP α, through MAPKs inhibition. This was accompanied by a reduction of lipogenic genes, ACC, FAS, and SCD-1, involved in fatty acid synthesis. Furthermore, PGG also inhibited TNF-α-induced expression of inflammatory cytokines including IL-6 and MCP-1 in the matured 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The inhibitions were likely mediated by blocking the MAPKs and NF-κB activation. These findings highlighted that PGG could serve as a potent therapeutic agent for controlling obesity and obesity-related chronic inflammation.

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PMID: 

Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2019 May ;35:329-341. Epub 2019 Mar 20. PMID: 31003678

Abstract Title: 

Paeoniae Radix-containing herbal medicine for patients with restless legs syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Paeoniae Radix has been used for legs discomfort such as restless legs syndrome. The aim of this review is to evaluate efficacy and safety of Paeoniae Radix-containing herbal medicine on restless legs syndrome.METHODS: Literature search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, CENTRAL, CiNii, KTKP, OASIS, and CNKI for randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effects of Paeoniae Radix-containing herbal medicines on restless legs syndrome.RESULTS: Twelve studies (n = 639) were included. The overall methodological quality was low. In the herbal group, meta-analysis indicated statistically significant improvements in the total effective rate, the restless legs syndrome rating scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index as compared with those in the non-herbal group. Herbal treatments were found to be relatively safe.CONCLUSION: Paeoniae Radix-containing herbal medicines might promote improvements in restless legs syndrome. However, we are unable to draw concrete conclusions owing to limitations of the included studies.

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PMID: 

Antioxidants (Basel). 2019 Jul 27 ;8(8). Epub 2019 Jul 27. PMID: 31357649

Abstract Title: 

Isolation of Strong Antioxidants fromRoots and Leaves and Evaluation of Their Bioactivities.

Abstract: 

extracts from leaves and roots were tested for their antioxidant potential using in vitro chemical (Folin-Ciocalteu, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), 2,2'-azino–3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), hydroxyl radical antioxidant capacity (HORAC), hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity HOSC)) and cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) assays. Leaf extracts were stronger antioxidants than root extracts, while methanol was a more effective solvent than water in chemical assays. However, the selected water extract of leaves was a stronger antioxidant in CAA than the methanol extract (0.106 vs. 0.046µmol quercetin equivalents/mg). Twenty compounds were identified by ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight (UPLC-Q-TOF) mass spectrometer, while on-line screening of their antioxidant capacity by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a DPPH-scavenging detector revealed that gallic acid derivatives are the major peony antioxidants. Root water and leaf methanol extracts inhibitedα-amylase in a dose dependent manner. The ICvalue for the strongest inhibitor, the methanol extract of leaves, was 1.67 mg/mL. In addition, the cytotoxicity assessment of extracts using human Caco-2 cells demonstrated that none of them possessed cytotoxic effects.

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PMID: 

J Ethnopharmacol. 2019 Nov 15 ;244:112136. Epub 2019 Aug 1. PMID: 31377261

Abstract Title: 

Total glucosides of peony improve ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma by inhibiting mast cell degranulation.

Abstract: 

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Paeonia lactiflora Pall. (peony) is a medicinal plant used in the Xiaoqinglong decoction, a commonly prescribed traditional Chinese medicine for asthma. The main active ingredients of peony roots-described as the total glucosides of peony (TGP)-have anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and protective effects on endothelial cells, and they are known to improve rheumatoid arthritis. This study explored the underlying mechanism of TGP activity in the treatment of allergic asthma.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Allergic asthma was induced in BALB/c mice by administering injections of ovalbumin (OVA) mixed with aluminum hydroxide gel and inhaling nebulized OVA. The OVA-sensitized mice were treated with TGP by oral gavage, and the potentially anti-asthmatic treatment effect was studied by testing airway hyperresponsiveness, classifying and counting of leukocytes, performing cytokine assays, and analyzing the lung histopathology. Theβ-hexosaminidase activity was assayed as a biomarker to evaluate the effect of TGP on mast cell degranulation. The mechanism of TGP was explored by monitoring the Cainflux level in mast cells (RBL-2H3) using a Cafluorescent probe technique.RESULTS: In mice with OVA-induced allergic asthma, TGP reduced airway hyperresponsiveness and improved lung tissue pathology, which included a decrease in inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition. TGP also significantly lowered BALF leukocyte, eosinophil, and neutrophil counts, along with chemokines and cytokines, such as eotaxin, TNF-α, IL-4, and MIP-1α, in serum and lungs of OVA-challenged mice. These effects were further confirmed with the decrease of β-hexosaminidase release and the inhibition of Cainflux in mast cell degranulation.CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that TGP improved OVA-induced allergic asthma in mice mainly by suppressing Cainflux-dependent mast cell degranulation.

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PMID: 

J Ethnopharmacol. 2019 Sep 7 ;246:112222. Epub 2019 Sep 7. PMID: 31505213

Abstract Title: 

Paeonia lactiflora root extract suppresses cancer cachexia by down-regulating muscular NF-κB signalling and muscle-specific E3 ubiquitin ligases in cancer-bearing mice.

Abstract: 

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The dried root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. (Radix Paeoniae) has been traditionally used to treat various inflammatory diseases in many Asian countries.AIM OF THE STUDY: Cancer cachexia is a catabolic syndrome driven by inflammation and characterised by a loss of skeletal muscle. This study aimed to assess the effects of an ethanolic extract of Radix Paeoniae (RP) on cancer cachexia and elucidate its mechanism of action.MATERIAL AND METHODS: The anti-cachexic effect and mechanism of RP were examined in mouse models of cancer cachexia established in C57BL/6 mice by subcutaneously injecting Lewis lung carcinoma or MC38 colon carcinoma cells. Skeletal muscle tissues were analysed by RNAseq, real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence microscopy. Megestrol acetate, which is recommended for the treatment of cachexia in cancer patients, was used as the comparator treatment in this study.RESULTS: In lung and colon cancer-bearing mice, RP significantly restored food intake and muscle mass, along with muscle function measured by grip strength and treadmill running time. In the skeletal muscle tissue of the cancer-bearing mice, RP suppressed NF-κB signalling and reduced inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β; it also down-regulated the muscle-specific E3 ubiquitin ligases MuRF1 and MAFbx.CONCLUSION: RP restored skeletal muscle function and mass in cancer-bearing mice by down-regulating the muscular NF-κB signalling pathway and muscle-specific E3 ubiquitin ligases. Our study indicates that RP is a potential candidate for development as a therapeutic agent against cancer cachexia.

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PMID: 

Acta Histochem. 2019 Oct 3:151455. Epub 2019 Oct 3. PMID: 31587886

Abstract Title: 

Paeonol antagonizes oncogenesis of osteosarcoma by inhibiting the function of TLR4/MAPK/NF-κB pathway.

Abstract: 

As the the major functional component of Paeonia suffruticosa, paeonol (PAE) has shown its potential to inhibit the progression of multiple cancer types. In the current study, the mechanism driving the effect of PAE on osteosarcoma (OS) was investigated by focusing on its influence on TLR4-mediated MAPK/NF-κB pathway. Human OS cells were firstly administrated with PAE of different concentrations to assess its effect on the proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, and TLR4/MAPK/NF-κB pathway in OS cells. Thereafter, the level of TLR4 was induced in OS cells before PAE administration to explore the roleof the molecule in the anti-OS function of PAE. The results of in vitro assays were further validated with xenograft mice models. The administration of PAE of two doses both suppressed the proliferation and induced apoptosis in OS cells in a dose-dependent manner. Regarding the effect on the metastasis potential of OS cells, PAE inhibited the migration and invasion potential of the cells, but the effect did not change with concentrations. The administration of PAE also inhibited the expression of TLR4 and deactivated MAPK/NF-κB pathway. Moreover, the induced expression of TLR4 counteracted the anti-OS function of PAE. Further validation with xenograft models also showed that PAE inhibited solid tumor growth and TLR4 expression in OS mice. In conclusion, it was inferred that the anti-OS function of PAE depended on the inhibition of TLR4 and its downstream MAPK/NF-κB pathway.

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PMID: 

Med Sci Monit. 2019 Oct 9 ;25:7574-7580. Epub 2019 Oct 9. PMID: 31594914

Abstract Title: 

Mechanisms of Paeonia lactiflora in Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis: A Network Pharmacological Study.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND Paeonia lactiflora is the main active ingredient of peony decoction, which is used to treat ulcerative colitis (UC) in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Network pharmacology indicates the multiple interactions among genes, proteins, and metabolites associated with diseases and drugs from the network perspective, which shows the multi-component and multi-target attributes of TCM. This study predicted the pharmacological mechanism of Paeonia lactiflora in the treatment of UC by network pharmacological method. MATERIAL AND METHODS Chemical constituents of Paeonia lactiflora were searched from TCMSP data, gene names of target sites were extracted from UniProt database, and disease targets of ulcerative colitis were obtained from the CTD disease database. Use Venny online tools to obtain common targets for drugs and diseases. The DAVID database was used to enrich GO and KEGG for the common target, and the related functions and pathways were obtained. Cytoscape 3.7.1 was used to construct the 'drug-compound-target-disease' network. RESULTS There are 70 common target genes between Paeonia lactiflora and UC. GO analysis showed that the biological functions of the common target genes of Paeonia lactiflora and UC include response to lipopolysaccharide, response to estradiol, response to drug, positive regulation of nitric oxide biosynthetic process, and steroid hormone-mediated signaling pathway. Enrichment of the KEGG signaling pathway mainly involves signaling pathways, including Pathways in cancer, TNF signaling pathway, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, and Toxoplasmosis. CONCLUSIONS The network pharmacology intuitively shows the multi-component, multi-target, and multi-channel pharmacological effects of Paeonia lactiflora on UC, and provides a scientific basis for studying the mechanism of the effect of Paeonia lactiflora on UC.

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