A rare iridoid featuring an unusual 3-O-8 bridged ether bond, named rotatiridoid (1), was obtained from Phlomoides rotata (Benth. ex Hook.f.) Mathiesen, along with five known analogues. Its structure was established by means of HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR experiments, and ECD calculations. When evaluated in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, compound 1 displayed anti-inflammatory activity, suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as NO and ROS at 7.5 μM.
Tamarix hispida Willd. (Tamarisk; locally known as “zhyngyl” in Kazakh) is a halophyte traditionally used for dysentery, rheumatism, and ulcers, with reported antioxidant and prolyl endopeptidase-inhibitory activities. This study investigated the phenolic profiles and biological activities of 10%, 50%, and 70% aqueous-ethanolic extracts (THU-10, THU-50, and THU-70) obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). Phenolic constituents were analyzed by HPLC-DAD, and antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities were evaluated. Eleven phenolic compounds, including rutin, gallic acid, epicatechin, fisetin, and p-hydroxybenzaldehyde were identified, where rutin was the predominant quantified phenolic compound, reaching 2.78, 3.88, and 4.42 mg/g in THU-10, THU-50, and THU-70, respectively. THU-10 showed the strongest antioxidant activity in the ABTS and DPPH assays (IC50 = 2.13 ± 0.75 and 6.01 ± 0.30 µg/mL, respectively) and the strongest AChE and BChE inhibition (IC50 = 21.90 ± 0.70 and 38.71 ± 0.19 µg/mL, respectively). The extracts also inhibited α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and pancreatic lipase. THU-70 exhibited the strongest anti-inflammatory activity (IC50 = 18.4 ± 0.2 µg/mL). In the BSLA, the tested extracts showed no activity and were considered non-cytotoxic. UAE reduced extraction time from 48 h to 25 min and increased extract yield 3–4-fold. Overall, solvent composition significantly influenced the phenolic profiles and biological activities of T. hispida extracts.
Asperpolyols A ((4E,8E,12E,16E)-3,7,11,15-tetrahydroxy-4,6,8,10,12,14,16-heptamethyloctadeca-4,8,12,16-tetraenoic acid) and B ((4E,8E,12E,16E)-3,7,11,15-tetrahydroxy-4,6,8,10,12,14,16-heptamethyloctadeca-4,8,12,16-tetraen-oic acid), two new hydroxy polyunsaturated fatty acids, were acquired from the extract of Aspergillus versicolor M7 isolated from seawater. Their chemical structures were determined by interpretation of 1D/2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HRESIMS) data. Compounds 1 and 2 were evaluated for inhibiting the growth of three marine phytoplankton species, including Prorocentrum donghaiense, Heterosigma akashiwo, and Prorocentrum micans, and compound 1 exhibited weak inhibitory activity with the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values ranging from 62.8 to 86.9 g/mL.
Niuhuang Shangqing Capsule (NHSQC) is a classical heat-pattern-related multi-herb traditional Chinese medicine formula. This study investigated its therapeutic effects and mechanisms in a mouse model of internal excess-heat pattern constipation using integrated metabolomics and gut microbiota multi-omics. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) putatively annotated 201 compounds in NHSQC. A constipation model was established by combined administration of a hot-nature herbal extract and loperamide. NHSQC treatment significantly shortened the time to first black stool, increased fecal water content, and enhanced small intestinal transit rate. It upregulated colonic tight junction protein expression, improved serum gastrointestinal hormone profiles, increased goblet cell numbers, and reduced levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, TNF-, IL-6). Furthermore, NHSQC modulated gut microbiota composition, altered fecal metabolite profiles, and preliminarily indicated the involvement of the FoxO signaling pathway in its protective effects. These findings provide pre-clinical evidence that NHSQC alleviates internal excess-heat pattern constipation through a multi-dimensional regulatory network involving multiple components, molecular targets, gut microbiota, and metabolic signaling including the FoxO pathway to restore intestinal function.
Isodon rubescens (I. rubescens), a plant of the family Lamiaceae, is the dried aerial part of I. rubescens (Hemsl.) Hara. It has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, relieving pain, promoting blood circulation, and reducing swelling. As a highly valued traditional Chinese medicine, it contains a variety of chemical components. Among them, oridonin (ORI) exhibits antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, garnering significant attention in pharmacological research. Furthermore, ORI serves as a crucial quality control marker for I. rubescens. It can exert biological effects on the nervous, cardiovascular, and visceral organ systems via multiple signaling pathways, thereby conferring potential therapeutic value for related diseases. To improve the efficacy and safety of its applications and ensure that the isolated monomer compounds exhibit high purity and favorable stability, the extraction and purification processes have been optimized. Synthetic ORI-derived products exhibit anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities, which are widely used as dietary supplements and functional beverages in daily life. Therefore, this paper reviews the source, extraction and purification, pharmacological effects, derivatives, content determination, toxicity and product applications of ORI. This has updated and deepened the understanding of ORI, thereby providing a theoretical foundation for its further research.
