Background and objectives: Fuzi, the processed product of daughter roots of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx., is a well-known Chinese medicine for the treatment of heart failure (HF) and related cardiac diseases. This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism of the cardioprotective effects of Fuzi water decoction (FWD) and Fuzi water-soluble alkaloids (FWA) on the model of HF.
Methods: The HF model of rats was prepared through intravenous injection of propafenone hydrochloride. The normal group, model group, FWD-treated groups (1.25 g/kg, 2.5 g/kg, 5 g/kg) and positive group (Shenfu Injection, 3.3 mL/kg) were set up. Heart rate, LV+dp/dtmax, and LV-dp/dtmax were recorded at 5 m, 10 m, 20 m, 30 m, and 60 m after drug administration, respectively. The contents of atrial natriuretic peptide, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), angiotensin II, and aldosterone in serum were determined 20 m post-administration. An in vitro cardiomyocyte hypertrophy model with HDAC2 overexpression was constructed and verified by lentivirus transfection. The experiment included a blank group, FWD-treated groups (3 mg/mL, 1.5 mg/mL), and FWA-treated groups (4 mg/mL, 2 mg/mL). For transcriptome analysis, the model group, blank group, and FWD-treated group (2.5 g/kg) at 20 m and 60 m in vivo, and different dose groups in vitro, were selected to analyze the therapeutic mechanisms of FWD and FWA.
Results: All FWD treatment groups showed an increased heart rate, among which the groups with 2.5 g/kg and 5 g/kg FWD showed better effects, significantly increasing LV+dp/dtmax and LV-dp/dtmax after 20 m of administration and significantly reducing BNP and aldosterone serum levels. In the constructed cardiomyocyte hypertrophy model, HDAC2 expression, atrial natriuretic peptide and BNP protein levels, and cell surface area increased. Transcriptome data from both in vivo and in vitro showed that FWD and FWA could exert cardioprotective effects through pathways such as the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, NF-κB signaling pathway, and ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, involving key genes such as ITGB1, TLR2, and CDKN1A. Fuzi inhibited the hypertrophic gene HDAC2. Additionally, based on weighted gene co-expression network analysis, ABC transporters may be an important molecular pathway for FWA in treating HF.
Conclusions: Both FWD and FWA can ameliorate HF by regulating apoptosis, proliferation, and anti-fibrosis, with ABC transporters potentially being the main pathway for the action of FWA.
Background and objectives: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic autoimmune disease that mainly affects the rectum and colon. The symptoms primarily include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloody stools. The incidence of UC continues to increase each year. Bear bile powder (BBP) is a well-known traditional medicine that remains in use due to its outstanding efficacy. This study aimed to elucidate the therapeutic effects and molecular mechanisms of BBP on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC.
Methods: DSS-induced UC model mice were created and then randomly assigned to the following groups: control, DSS-treated, 5-amino salicylic acid-treated, BBP low dose, and BBP high dose. Treatment was administered by gavage. Disease activity index, body weight loss, colon histopathology, colon length, and the expression of inflammatory cytokines were measured. Samples of the intestinal content were collected, and differences in the gut microbiota were analyzed by 16S rDNA sequencing.
Results: The experimental results demonstrated that BBP significantly alleviated the symptoms and histopathological scores in UC mice, reduced the production of interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and myeloperoxidase, and upregulated the expression of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), protein kinase A, and cAMP-response element binding protein. Moreover, 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that the gut microbiota of mice in the DSS-treated group was disordered compared to the control group. The abundance of gut microbiota in the treatment groups improved to varying degrees.
Conclusions: Together, these results indicate that BBP significantly improves the inflammatory symptoms of mice with acute colitis, which may be related to its upregulation of the cAMP/protein kinase A/cAMP-response element binding protein signaling pathway, inhibition of NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 inflammasome secretion, and regulation of gut microbiota.
Background and objectives: Patients with corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) face not only physical strains but also significant psychological stress, highlighting the importance of addressing their mental health concerns. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Lianhua Qingwen on the psychological well-being of asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic COVID-19 patients, providing empirical evidence to guide clinical practices.
Methods: Conducted in eight shelter hospitals in Shanghai, the study employed a cluster randomization method to allocate patients equally into either the Lianhua Qingwen group or the control group. The Lianhua Qingwen group received oral doses of four capsules or one packet of granules three times daily for 14 days. In contrast, the control group received standardized treatment according to the diagnostic and treatment plan, excluding Lianhua Qingwen. Mental health was assessed using the Self-rating Depression Scale and Self-rating Anxiety Scale, with symptom reporting on the 7th and 14th days, accompanied by nucleic acid test result screenshots. A follow-up investigation on new disease occurrence was conducted six months post-discharge.
Results: Among the 2,652 valid questionnaire respondents, the Lianhua Qingwen group accounted for 1,665 cases, characterized by a higher proportion of females (32.7% vs. 26.9%), younger age (44.8 vs. 46.2 years), lower percentages of asymptomatic infections (27.6% vs. 38.5%), higher baseline Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scores (2.7 vs. 1.9), and higher Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 scores (1.9 vs. 1.4). Further multivariate logistic regression analysis explored factors influencing the alleviation of depressive and anxiety symptoms during follow-up, revealing that Lianhua Qingwen use was an independent factor in reducing anxiety (odds ratio = 1.37, 95% confidence interval 1.14-1.65, p = 0.001) and depression (odds ratio = 1.42, 95% confidence interval 1.19-1.69, p < 0.0001). Lianhua Qingwen increased the likelihood of reducing anxiety by 37% and depression by 42%.
Conclusions: Lianhua Qingwen significantly alleviated anxiety and depression symptoms in COVID-19 patients, suggesting its potential therapeutic efficacy in mitigating these conditions.
This review aims to highlight the growing burden of lifestyle diseases in India and explore the potential of herbal-based nutraceuticals as complementary or alternative management approaches. It emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to managing these diseases, acknowledging the potential of traditional remedies alongside modern medicine. Specifically, the article addresses several key points. It describes the rising prevalence of lifestyle diseases in India, providing a clear understanding of the current health landscape. Additionally, it introduces the concept of herbal-based nutraceuticals and their potential benefits in managing these diseases, offering alternative solutions. The article provides evidence-based information on popular herbal remedies such as turmeric, Ashwagandha, Indian gooseberry, Aloe vera, Neem, flaxseed, cinnamon, and green tea, offering specific examples and potential benefits. It highlights the growing awareness and increasing consumption of herbal-based nutraceuticals in India, reflecting a shift in public perception towards natural remedies. Finally, the article calls for further research to validate the efficacy and safety of these products in managing lifestyle diseases, ensuring responsible use, and promoting scientific validation.
Essential oils, known for their pleasant aromas, not only calm the mind and elevate the mood but also captivate the interest of researchers aiming to unveil their vast potential. Various methodologies are employed to explore the diverse capabilities of essential oils, often yielding promising and significant outcomes. This review aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of essential oils at the cellular level. It identifies multiple mechanisms through which essential oils exhibit their therapeutic effects across various systems. However, a comprehensive understanding of their fundamental mechanisms still necessitates extensive research. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms underlying the biological activities of essential oils, specifically their antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticarcinogenic, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a prevalent and progressive respiratory disorder characterized by persistent airflow limitation, often associated with chronic bronchitis and emphysema. This abstract provides a comprehensive overview of COPD, emphasizing its clinical significance and impact on global health. COPD represents a significant public health concern, with escalating prevalence and mortality rates worldwide. Understanding epidemiological trends and risk factors is crucial for effective disease management and prevention strategies. The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines serve as a compass in COPD management. It provides a comprehensive overview of the GOLD guidelines, elucidating their role in risk stratification, treatment escalation, and personalized care for individuals across varying disease severities. The management of COPD involves a multidimensional approach targeting symptom relief, improving lung function, and enhancing overall quality of life. Pharmacological interventions, such as bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory agents, play a pivotal role. Beyond conventional pharmacological treatments, various traditional therapies have gained attention in COPD management. These may include complementary and alternative medicine practices, such as acupuncture, herbal supplements, and yoga. While evidence supporting the efficacy of these interventions is still evolving, exploring their potential benefits. A comprehensive and integrative approach is crucial for optimizing COPD care and improving the lives of individuals affected by this intricate respiratory condition. This abstract concludes by encouraging continued collaboration among clinicians and patients to shape the future of COPD care. Ultimately fostering hope for improved outcomes and an enhanced prospect for those living with severe respiratory ailments.
Background and objectives: Several studies have suggested that rose hip extracts have anti-obesity potential. Conventional medicines treating obesity are followed by multiple adverse side effects and is very cost full to society. This makes the investigation of herbal remedies with anti-obesity effects potential highly relevant. This systematic review aims to shed light on the results of existing literature reports on the correlation between the intake of rose hip extracts and anti-obesity effects.
Methods: A systematic literature search of PubMed and Web of Science was made to localize relevant experimental literature. Nine articles met the inclusion criteria, including one in vitro study, seven in vivo animal studies, and one human trial with pre-obese subjects. All nine articles are objectively reviewed in this systematic review.
Results: Eight out of nine articles, including the article on humans, presented significant anti-obesity effects. Though some limitations of the studies were found, including the human trial, seven possible metabolic mechanisms are suggested as the underlying cause of the significant effects.
Conclusions: Based on the findings of this review, rose hip extracts containing tiliroside found in the seeds have the potential to become a new herbal remedy with anti-obesity effects. Nevertheless, more research is needed to assess the effectiveness and optimal dosage of the rose hip treatment and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of the effects.