Background:Cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppression is closely associated with oxidative stress and ferroptosis, but effective therapeutic interventions remain limited. This study investigated the protective effects of the non-polysaccharide fraction of Lonicerae japonicae Flos (LJFE) against CTX-induced immunosuppression and explored its underlying molecular mechanism. Methods:LJFE was prepared by water extraction followed by ethanol precipitation, and its chemical profile was characterized using UPLC-MS/MS. Mice with CTX-induced immunosuppression were administered LJFE at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg for 10 consecutive days. Immune organ indices, serum IgE and IgM levels, oxidative stress markers (SOD, GSH, MDA), and the TBX21/GATA3 ratio were measured. The Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 signalling pathway was investigated via Western blotting and immunofluorescence. Serum metabolomics and molecular docking were applied to screen key differential metabolites and predict binding interactions between characteristic components and target proteins. LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages were used to verify pathway activation. Results:Seventeen chemical constituents were identified in LJFE. In vivo, LJFE markedly restored thymus and spleen indices, increased serum IgE and IgM levels by approximately 45% and 35%, respectively, elevated SOD and GSH activities, reduced MDA accumulation, and normalized the TBX21/GATA3 ratio. Mechanistically, LJFE downregulated Keap1 and upregulated Nrf2, HO-1, and GPX4 expression. Metabolomics analysis identified hydroferulic acid as a key differential biomarker involved in antioxidative regulation. Molecular docking suggested that characteristic components of LJFE exhibit favorable binding affinity toward Keap1 and Nrf2. In vitro, LJFE dose-dependently activated the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signalling axis and suppressed excessive NO release in LPS-challenged macrophages. Conclusion:LJFE ameliorates CTX-induced immunosuppression by modulating the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 pathway, thereby alleviating oxidative stress and ferroptosis. These findings support the potential of LJFE for further development as an immune-enhancing functional food ingredient.

The fruit of Rosa roxburghii is an important edible and medicinal resource in Guizhou Province, China. In this study, an integrated approach combining bioactivity-guided fractionation and molecular networking was employed for the systematic isolation of triterpenoids from R. roxburghii. This approach led to the isolation of 32 phytochemicals, predominantly featuring ursane and oleanane-type triterpenoid skeletons, including two new structures (1 and 2). Structurally, compound 1 represents a rare chlorinated triterpenoid glycoside, whereas compound 2 possesses an uncommon C-6′-O-acetyl substitution on its β-D-glucopyranosyl moiety. Additionally, nine triterpenoids (3, 6, 15, 18, 20–24) were isolated from R. roxburghii for the first time. The neuroprotective potential of the isolated compounds was evaluated using an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-induced PC-12 cell injury model. Compounds 16, 28, and 32 exhibited significant neuroprotective effects within the range of 2.5–30 μM. Overall, these findings expand the chemical diversity of R. roxburghii triterpenoids and underscore their potential as leads for neuroprotective agent development.

Oligoasthenospermia is a major cause of male infertility.According to the TCM theory that the kidney stores essence and governs reproduction,this study investigated the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of the classic formula Erjing Wan(EJW)on busulfan(Bu)-induced oligoasthenospermia in mice.A mouse model of oligoasthenospermia was established by Bu injection,and the water decoction(EJW-W),alcohol extract(EJW-E),and polysaccharide fraction(EJW-P)of EJW were systematically prepared,in which the chemical constituents were analyzed by UPLC-MS/MS.In vivo pharmacodynamic evaluation showed that compared with the model group,all EJW interventions significantly increased the sperm count and motility and restored the serum levels of testosterone(T)and follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH).Additionally,testicular oxidative stress was effectively ameliorated,as indicated by enhanced activities of superoxide dismutase(SOD)and glutathione(GSH),along with reduced malondialdehyde(MDA)content.Histopathological examination revealed significant alleviation of seminiferous tubule vacuolization and structural atrophy,with improved orderly arrangement of spermatogenic cells at various stages.The further molecular mechanism study demonstrated that the therapeutic effects were closely associated with the suppression of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)/nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB)signaling pathway over-activation,manifested as significantly downregulated expression of phosphorylated p38 MAPK(p-p38 MAPK),phosphorylated NF-κB p65(p-NF-κB p65),and downstream inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β(IL-1β),interleukin-6(IL-6),and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α).Moreover,the expression of synaptonemal complex protein 3(SYCP3),a marker of spermatogenic cells,and cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme(CYP11A1+),a key enzyme in testosterone synthesis,was effectively up-regulated.Notably,EJW-E and EJW-P exhibited particularly remarkable effects,with EJW-P showing superior potential in improving the testicular microenvironment.In conclusion,EJW extracts ameliorate Bu-induced oligoasthenospermia by inhibiting the p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway and mitigating testicular oxidative stress and inflammatory responses.The active material basis is likely associated with flavonoids and steroidal saponins in the alcohol extract,as well as polysaccharides.

One new cassane diterpenoid(1) and six known compounds(2-7) were isolated from the 95% ethanol extract of fresh Caesalpinia decapetala pods by silica gel column chromatography, gel filtration chromatography, and semi-preparative HPLC. Compound 1 was identified as a highly oxidized cassane diterpenoid, and its absolute configuration was determined by comprehensive spectroscopic analysis and electronic circular dichroism(ECD) calculations, being named caesalpin L. The known compounds were characterized as caesalsappanin K(2), bonducellin(3), 4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxybenzaldehyde(4), thellungianin C(5), p-hydroxybenzoyl coumaric acid anhydride(6), and gallic acid(7). Compounds 2 and 4-7 were obtained from this plant species for the first time. The anti-inflammatory activity of compounds 1 and 2 was comparable to that of the positive control.

The aim of this study was to isolate and identify a nicotine-degrading Paenarthrobacter nicotinovorans strain from the Epimedium rhizosphere, characterize its secondary metabolites, and evaluate its potential antioxidant activity against premature ovarian failure (POF). By exploring the bioactive properties of this rhizosphere microorganism, the research sought to uncover new insights into the functional roles of plant-associated microbes and discover potential natural agents for treating oxidative stress-related diseases. A strain designated YYH-1 was isolated from the E. rhizosphere and identified through morphological observations and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-HRMS) combined with GNPS molecular networking was employed to profile the chemical components of the ethyl acetate extract from YYH-1 fermentation broth. In vitro experiments utilized the human ovarian granulosa cell line (KGN) to assess the extract’s effect on D-galactose-induced cellular senescence, measuring the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) as an indicator of antioxidant capacity. Additionally, molecular docking was performed to elucidate the interaction mechanisms between key compounds and the Nrf2 signaling pathway. The isolate was confirmed as P. nicotinovorans YYH-1. Chemical profiling identified 21 secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, alkaloids, fatty acids, and amino acid derivatives. In vitro studies demonstrated that the YYH-1 extract significantly mitigated D-galactose-induced cellular senescence in KGN cells and effectively upregulated superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, which increased by 50.94

Alcoholic liver injury (ALI) is a major global public health issue, with oxidative stress imbalance as its core pathological mechanism. The Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1–nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2–heme oxygenase-1/glutathione peroxidase 4 signaling pathway (Keap1–Nrf2–HO-1/GPX4) signaling pathway is a key target for regulating hepatic antioxidant defense. This study integrated Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) molecular networking, network pharmacology, and animal experiments to systematically explore the hepatoprotective effect and mechanism of Cornus officinalis yeast-fermentation (COF). Component characterization identified 25 bioactive components, including flavonoids, triterpenic acids, and other fermentation-derived metabolites. Network pharmacology identified 441 common targets and 36 core targets of COF and ALI, which were enriched in oxidative stress regulation, inflammatory response, and the Keap1–Nrf2 pathway via Gene Ontology (GO)/Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis. Molecular docking showed that icariin and other components had stable interactions with Keap1 and Nrf2 (binding energy < −5 kcal/mol). Animal experiments confirmed that COF reduced the liver index of ALI mice, downregulated serum Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)/Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) activities, and ameliorated liver pathological damage. Western blot verified that COF inhibited Keap1 expression, promoted Nrf2 nuclear translocation, and upregulated HO-1/GPX4 expression. In conclusion, COF alleviates hepatic oxidative stress by regulating the Keap1–Nrf2–HO-1/GPX4 pathway, providing a scientific basis for its development as a functional food or candidate drug against ALI and a technical paradigm for fermentation-enhanced medicinal plant research.

BACKGROUND:Senior osteoporosis (SOP) represents a significant health concern that impacts quality of life among the elderly population. Calcium supplementation is the most common treatment for those diagnosed with osteoporosis. However, the administration of inorganic calcium supplements is often associated with adverse effects, including constipation and nephrolithiasis. The fruit of Rosa roxburghii, commonly known as 'Ci Li' in Chinese, is both a medicine and a food. It aids in digestion, strengthens the spleen and stomach, and improves intestinal inflammation. The polysaccharides from R. roxburghii (RRFP) also exhibit activities such as enhancing immunity, managing diabetes, and regulating intestinal function. The current methods for RRFP extraction either have low extraction rates or are not conducive to scale-up applications; in addition, the effect of RRFP on improving SOP is unclear. RESULTS:RRFP with molecular weights ranging from 50 to 100 kDa was enriched by ultrafiltration, and was composed of fucose, rhamnose, arabinose, galactose, glucose, xylose, and galacturonic acid. The functional groups of polysaccharides were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that RRFP exhibited a porous morphology. Notable increases in antioxidant capacity, dry femur weight, femur bone mineral density, and femur calcium levels were observed in RRFP group rats. Protein expression of keap1 decreased while HO-1 and Nrf2 increased after RRFP-Ca treatment. RRFP altered the composition of the intestinal microbiota in rats. CONCLUSION:RRFP could enhance calcium absorption to improve SOP by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and modulating the gut microbiota, especially by altering the abundance of Lachnospiraceae. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.

This study aimed to develop a submicron emulsion (SE) of Acer truncatum seed oil (ASO) and Rose roxburghii Tratt juice (RRTJ) using a response surface method for optimal formula screening and process parameters. The stability of ASO-RRTJ/SE and its effects on scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice were investigated. The ASO-RRTJ/SE exhibited a desirable particle size ((276.86 ± 4.61) nm), polydispersity index (PDI, 0.22 ± 0.02), centrifugal stability parameter (Ke, 0.143 ± 0.004), and Zeta potential ((30.57 ± 2.38) mV). Morris water maze test, measurement of acetylcholine (ACh) concentration and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the hippocampus, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in serum, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, immunofluorescence staining were adopt to evaluate ASO-RRTJ/SE therapeutic potential in alleviating scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice. Behavioral tests demonstrated that ASO-RRTJ/SE significantly ameliorated scopolamine-induced spatial learning and memory deficits in mice, suggesting potential neuroprotective effects against scopolamine-mediated central nervous system excitation. Compared to the Model group, the high-dose ASO-RRTJ/SE (H-SE) group displayed a 77.84% increase in hippocampal ACh content, a 46.97% decrease in AChE activity, a 29.48% increase in serum SOD activity, and a 40.15% decrease in MDA content. H&E staining of hippocampal sections revealed that the H-SE group exhibited well-organized hippocampal neurons, with a significantly reversal of nuclear pyknosis, deep staining, and cytoplasmic dissolution. The pyramidal cell layer displayed improved organization, and the intercellular distance returned to normal. Additionally, H-SE treatment significantly reduced the aggregation of phosphorylated tau protein, increased choline acetyltransferase expression, and promoted brain-derived neurotrophic factor production. In conclusion, ASO-RRTJ/SE ameliorates scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice.

Introduction:Depression is a mental illness closely associated with neurological damage and is characterised by high rates of suicide and mood changes. As a traditional medicinal plant, Rosa roxburghii Tratt has been widely used since ancient times in the Miao and Dong regions of Southwest China for the relief of sleep disorders, indigestion, anti-inflammation, neurasthenia and neuroprotection. The total triterpenes of R. roxburghii were previously found to have certain neuroprotective effects, and whether Kaji-ichigoside F1 (KF1), as its main ingredient, plays a relevant pharmacological role needs to be further investigated. Methods:Establishment of mouse depression model and BV2 microglia inflammation model using intraperitoneal injection of LPS in mice and LPS stimulated-BV2 microglia, respectively. The antidepressant effects of KF1 were evaluated by forced swim test (FST), sucrose preference test (SPT), tail suspension test (TST) and open field test (OFT). The number of Nissl bodies and apoptotic positive cells in the CA1 region of the hippocampus was observed by Nissl and TUNEL staining. Then, the levels of TNFα, PPAR-γ, TGF-β, and IL-6 cytokines were tested by ELISA kits. Finally, the molecular mechanisms were investigated by Western blotting (WB) and immunofluorescence in vivo and in vitro. Results:KF1 dramatically ameliorated LPS-induced depressive like behaviors, neuronal damage, apoptosis, and suppressed the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the serum and hippocampus of mice. Our vitro experiment also showed KF1 significantly reduced cell viability and attenuated apoptosis in LPS-induced BV2 microglia, decreased the mean fluorescence intensity of Caspase-1, TNFα, NF-κB, IL-1β, NLRP3, and Keap1. However, the mean fluorescence intensity of GCLC, GCLM, GST, SOD1, HO-1, and Nrf2 were significantly increased. Finally, Western blot analysis showed that KF1 suppressing the expression of NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway and activating PPARγ/CX3CR1/Nrf2 signaling pathway both in vivo and in vitro. Conclusion:In conclusion, these results suggest that KF1 is an effective alleviator of LPS-induced depression-like effects in vivo and in vitro. These effects were associated with activating PPARγ/CX3CR1/Nrf2 signaling, and suppressing NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathways.

Eleven sesquiterpenoids were isolated from the petroleum ether and ethyl acetate extracted fraction of 95% ethanol extract of fresh Centipeda minima by using modern chromatographic separation techniques such as silica gel, MCI, gel, and semi-preparative liquid chromatography. Their structures were identified using spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR) calculation as minimin A(1), brevilin A(2), minimolide L(3), minimolide A(4), minimolide B(5), arnicolide D(6), microhelenin C(7), 2β-hydroxyl-2,3-dihydrogen-6-O-angeloylplenolin(8), 11α,13-dihydroarnifolin(9),(1S,2R,5R,6S,7S,8S,10R)-6-hydroxy-2-ethoxy-4-oxopseudoguai-11(13)-en-12,8-olide(10), and pulchellin-2-O-isovalerate(11), among which compound 1 was a new compound, and compounds 9-11 were isolated from Centipeda for the first time. The evaluation results of in vitro anti-inflammatory activity showed that compounds 1-11 possessed significant anti-inflammatory activity, with IC_(50) values ranging from(0.13±0.03) to(13.11±0.17) μmol·L~(-1).

IntroductionRosa roxbunghii pomace (RRP), a by-product of R. roxbunghii processing, remains largely underutilized. Given the increasing demand for sustainable and resource-efficient mushroom cultivation methods, exploring RRP as a mushroom cultivation medium could not only address waste management issues but also potentially enhance the quality of cultivated mushrooms. This study aimed to investigate the effects of RRP at different proportions on the yield and volatile flavor compounds of Lentinula edodes, and to optimize the formula of the cultivation substrate.MethodsDifferent proportions of RRP were incorporated into the cultivation substrate of Lentinula edodes to form various test formulas. The mushroom yield of each formula was measured by counting the harvested weight per cultivation bag. Advanced gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was employed to analyze the volatile flavor profiles of the mushrooms cultivated under different formulas. Principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted to explore the differences in volatile flavor substances among formulas and compared with the control group.ResultsAmong the tested formulas, a mixture containing 30% RRP (Formula 2) showed the highest yield, reaching 0.85 kg per cultivation bag, significantly outperforming other formulas. GC-MS analysis revealed distinct volatile flavor profiles for each formula. Formula 2 was characterized by its unique flavor attributes, with 1-octen-3-ol accounting for 29.16% of the relative content, a key compound contributing to the umami flavor of mushrooms. PCA results further confirmed that the volatile flavor substances of Formula 2 were significantly different from those of the control group.DiscussionThese findings demonstrate that incorporating RRP into mushroom cultivation substrates can enhance both yield and flavor characteristics of L. edodes. The optimal formulation (30% RRP) not only supported maximum productivity but also contributed to a more desirable aroma profile. This study presents an innovative and sustainable approach to repurposing agricultural waste, adding value to both mushroom production and resource utilization.

Gastrodia elata Lujiu was prepared with G.elata, American ginseng and wolfberry as raw materials, and strong-flavor (Nongxiangxing) Baijiu as base liquor. The volatile flavor components of 5 different production batches of base liquor (1#-5#) were detected. The key volatile flavor components (ROAV u0026gt; 1) were analyzed in combination with the relative odor activity value (ROAV) to screen the optimal base liquor. The volatile flavor components of the G. elata Lujiu prepared by the base liquor were analyzed, and its safety was evaluated. The results showed that a total of 79 volatile flavor components and 13 key volatile flavor components were detected in the 5 base liquors. Among them, base liquor 5#had the richest variety of volatile flavor components (45), including 12 key volatile flavor components. A total of 68 volatile flavor components were detected in G. elata Lujiu prepared by the base liquor 5#. Among them, there were many types of alcohols and esters (22 and 21), with relative contents of 79.33%and 11.36%, respectively. The results of the safety evaluation indicated that no poisoning symptoms or death occurred in the mice, and there was no significant difference in organ indices (P u0026lt; 0.05). The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was u0026gt; 8260 mg/kg body mass, and the degree of pathological damage to the liver tissue of mice was relatively mild. Therefore, G. elata Lujiu prepared by the base liquor 5# presented a harmonious and complex aroma with a distinct sauce flavor and rich and mellow taste, and it maintained a unique plant-based fortified Lujiu style, with relatively high safety.

BackgroundNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease characterized by the excessive accumulation of lipids as a pathological feature. Previous studies have demonstrated that Rosa roxburghii Tratt. fruit vinegar (RFV) played an important role in intervening in obesity and related complications by regulating the intestinal microbiota in high-fat diet mice.MethodsThis study investigated the mechanisms by which RFV improves NAFLD from multiple perspectives. Potential targets were predicted by network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses. Intestinal microbial communities were detected and analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology. Liver metabolites were detected and analyzed using ultra high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole-exactive high field-X mass spectrometer (UHPLC-Q-Exactive HF-X) and Progenesis QI software. Hepatic protein expression levels were detected and quantified using Western blotting analysis and gray-value analysis, respectively.ResultsThe results indicated that, RFV could improve the diversity of intestinal microbiota in NAFLD mice, reduce the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes (F/B), and reverse the relative abundance of differential bacteria genera related to lipid accumulation and energy metabolism. The intestinal microbiota was correlated with the levels of lipid metabolism and oxidative stress in the serum and liver of mice with NAFLD. The primary bacteria genera involved were Allobaculum, Faecalibaculum, Dubosiella, Blautia, and unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae. A total of 441 liver metabolites were identified in NAFLD mice and participating in 21 metabolic pathways. Glycerophospholipid metabolism may be an important pathway regulating NAFLD by RFV. Phosphatidylcholines (PC) and lysophosphatidylcholinergic (LPC) metabolites were significantly regulated by RFV and had significant correlation with differential microbiota. RFV may improve NAFLD by regulating lipid synthesis in the adenosine 5’-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway. Western blotting analysis showed that, RFV could activate the AMPK phosphorylation, and reduce the expression of fatty acid synthase (FASN) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP-1c), resulting in the inhibition of fatty acids de novo synthesis and lipid accumulation.ConclusionAs a functional food, RFV has been proven to be effective in improving NAFLD. The underlying mechanisms involve the modulation of the intestinal microbiota and metabolites balance, and regulation on lipid disorders through AMPK signaling pathway.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE:Zanthoxylum bungeanum, as a crucial "dual-purpose resource for food and medicine", has been proven to possess a wide range of biological activities, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant effects. In the traditional application of Traditional Chinese Medicine, external use of Zanthoxylum bungeanum exhibits antipruritic efficacy and is commonly used to alleviate pruritus caused by eczema and mosquito bites. However, its underlying mechanism of action has not yet been systematically elucidated. AIM OF THE STUDY:This study aims to identify the compounds in Zanthoxylum bungeanum essential oil (ZO), preliminarily analyze the pathways and targets related to its alleviation of acute pruritus using network pharmacology and molecular docking, and verify the findings through in vivo experiments. MATERIALS AND METHODS:The compounds of ZO was analyzed using GC-MS. Pathways and targets related to acute pruritus were screened through databases including GenGards, OMIM, DrugBank, TTD, and Disgenet. Molecular docking was employed to examine the interactions between active compounds and potential targets. A rat model of acute pruritus was induced by subcutaneous injection of 5 mg/mL histamine phosphate solution into the nape of the neck. After 14 days of topical application of the test substance, behavioral observations were conducted; the levels of IL-4, IL-7,IgE, and IgM in serum were determined; and skin and spleen tissues were collected for pathological examination and detection of other relevant indicators. RESULTS:In total,21 compounds were identified from ZO. Among the identified compounds, linalool (81.60 %), 4-terpineol (3.18 %), D-limonene (3.12 %), and sabinene (3.07 %) being confirmed as the major bioactive constituents. Network pharmacology predicted that ZO alleviates acute itch potentially through targeting JAK1, STAT3, and STAT6, which was further supported by molecular docking simulations demonstrating strong binding affinity between these targets and the corresponding compounds. In vivo experiments revealed that ZO significantly alleviated acute itch in rats by: Downregulating serum levels of IL-4, IL-7, IgM, and IgG; Reducing CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T-cell populations in the spleen; Inhibiting phosphorylation of JAK1, STAT3, and STAT6 proteins in the skin. CONCLUSIONS:ZO demonstrated significant efficacy in alleviating acute itch in rats, It may alleviate skin pruritus in rats by down-regulating the levels of IL-4, IL-7, IgE, and IgM in serum, reducing the contents of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ in the spleen, inhibiting the expression of JAK1, STAT3, and STAT6 proteins, and weakening their immune capacity.

Five previously undescribed oxygen-bridged sesquiterpenes (cinnamigones D-H), along with three known analogs, were isolated from the fruits of Cinnamomum migao using an MS/MS-based molecular networking strategy. Their structures were unambiguously elucidated through comprehensive spectroscopic analyses, including HRESIMS, X-ray crystallography, electronic circular dichroism calculations, and comparisons with existing literature data. All isolated compounds feature an oxygen-bridged structural units and a tricyclic framework. In particular, cinnamigone E (2) possesses a rare 6/7/6 tricyclic ring system, with the ring A being a benzene ring. The neuroprotective potential of these compounds was assessed using the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)-induced injury model in PC12 cells. Compounds 2 and 3 exhibited moderate neuroprotective activity against NMDA-induced neurotoxicity. Furthermore, molecular docking studies revealed that compound 2 bind to the active site of the NMDA receptor through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions.

With growing concerns about the negative impact of environmental pollution on skin health, there is an increasing demand for natural active ingredients to combat free radicals and excessive melanin production. In this context, Rosa roxburghii Tratt (RR) has emerged as a potential source of skin-lightening compounds. Vitamin C (Vc) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)-rich extracts were extracted from RR, namely RRVC and RRSOD, using macroporous resin column chromatography and graded ammonium sulfate precipitation. The antioxidant and skin-lightening effects of these extracts were evaluated. RRVC and RRSOD showed strong inhibitory activity against various radicals and tyrosinase. When formulated together, their antioxidant and skin-lightening abilities were significantly enhanced, with the optimal ratio of RRVC and RRSOD (RRVS) of 5:32. In vivo studies on C57BL/6J mice revealed that these two extracts and their formulations effectively lowered oxidative stress levels in a model of d-galactose-induced aging in mice. Furthermore, they inhibited melanogenesis and tyrosinase activity in B16 cells and reduced ultraviolet-radiation-induced melanin deposition in mouse ears. The combination of RRVC and RRSOD had a more potent melanin-scavenging effect compared with the individual extracts. These findings suggest that RRVC and RRSOD, especially when combined at the optimal ratio, can whiten skin, increasing the value of RR products and offering natural alternatives for skin lightening.

This study isolated five acid-producing strains (XQ1 and YZ1–YZ4) from naturally fermented pomace of Rosa roxburghii Tratt (RRT) in Guizhou’s karst region. Genetic and phenotypic analyses identified XQ1, YZ2, and YZ4 as Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum), YZ3 as Weissella cibaria, and YZ1 as Bacillus licheniformis. A comparative evaluation with commercial strain AC revealed that XQ1, YZ2, and YZ4 exhibited superior acidification (reaching the stationary phase at 40 h) and tolerance to acidic conditions (pH 3.0), ethanol (6% v/v), bile salts (0.3%), and osmotic stress (6.5% NaCl), along with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Shigella dysenteriae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Their cell-free supernatants (CFSs) showed comparable superoxide dismutase activity and total antioxidant capacity (2.54–2.66 FeSO4·7H2O eq mmol/L) to AC (2.68), with DPPH radical scavenging exceeding 50%. YZ3 displayed weaker acid production, tolerance, and limited antimicrobial effects. Safety assessments confirmed non-hemolytic activity and antibiotic susceptibility. In conclusion, the L. plantarum strains XQ1, YZ2, and YZ4 demonstrated strong ensiling potential and remarkable probiotic properties, establishing them as promising indigenous microbial resources for the preservation of RRT pomace and other food products.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE:Abnormal wound healing, including delayed and excessive healing, is a significant clinical challenge requiring multidisciplinary interventions. Campanumoea javanica Bl., traditionally used postoperatively for hemostasis, immune enhancement, and postsurgical repair in minority ethnic regions, has shown potential in promoting wound healing. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY:This study investigates the therapeutic mechanism of a purified polysaccharide fraction derived from C. javanica (CJPP) on wound healing in rats and cells using histopathological analysis, immunomics, and proteomics. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into six groups: normal control, model (untreated wound), Chuyuan compound peptide (positive control), and CJPP low-, medium-, and high-dose groups. After creating standardized wounds, treatments were administered daily to the respective groups, while the normal control and model groups received saline. Wound healing was assessed on days 0, 4, 7, and 14. Blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis of cytokines, and wound tissues were harvested for histopathological evaluation and immunomic/proteomic studies. The mechanism of action was further verified through cell experiments. RESULTS:Biochemical, histopathological, immunomic, and proteomic analyses demonstrated that CJPP significantly accelerated wound healing rates in rats. It increased levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 while reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines. Histologically, CJPP improved the structure of wounded skin by promoting collagen fiber deposition and microvascular proliferation. Additionally, CJPP facilitated macrophage polarization from the pro-inflammatory M1 macrophage to the reparative M2 macrophage. Mechanistically, CJPP upregulated the expression of the SIRT1 protein and modulated the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway, which are critical regulators of wound healing.This conclusion was verified by adding SIRT1 and TGF-β/Smad inhibitors in vitro experiments with RAW264.7 and HFF-1 cells. CONCLUSION:The results indicate that CJPP promotes wound healing by facilitating macrophage polarization from M1 to M2 through the SIRT1 protein and modulating the TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway. This study provides insight into the pharmacological mechanisms underlying the traditional use of C. javanica in wound healing.

Zanthoxylum schinifolium is used traditionally as a herbal medicine and spice and flavouring agent, with its essential oil (Z. schinifolium essential oil [ZEO]) having potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity. In this study, the ZEO was extracted using supercritical CO2 (Sup-CO2), and the extraction process was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). The composition of the ZEO was analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), whereas the role of the ZEO in inhibiting the release of inflammatory factors from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells was investigated. In addition, classical pharmacological experiments were conducted to examine its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. The study found that the best conditions for Sup-CO2 extraction of EO from Z. schinifolium were a pressure of 14 MPa, CO2 flow rate of 18 L/h, extraction time of 1.5 h, temperature of 55°C and granularity of 40 mesh. The yield of ZEO under these conditions was 9.40%. Analysis of the ZEO revealed 18 components, with linalool (72.44%), d-limonene (4.94%) and 4,6-dimethyldodecane (3.74%) being the most abundant. The ZEO showed significant inhibitory effects on mouse ear swelling, foot swelling, hot plate analgesia and writhing response. In addition, the ZEO reduced the production of inflammatory markers in macrophages. These findings suggested that the ZEO extracted by Sup-CO2 has potential pharmaceutical applications due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.

Three new polyketides, actinofuranones J (1) and K (2), nocapyrone S (3), with one known compound nocapyrone Q (4) were isolated from the culture broth of a Karst cave-derived Streptomyces sp. (FD-2-6). Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive analysis of NMR spectroscopic data, HR-MS and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data. The antitumour and antibacterial activities of 1-4 were investigated by examining their IC50 and MIC values in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells, human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells and human cervical cancer Hela cells, and Klebsiella pneumoniae sp, Pseudomonas aeruginosa sp, Mycolicibacterium smegmatis sp, Escherichia coli sp, Staphylococcus aureus sp. Compounds 1-4 showed weak inhibitory effect on antitumour activity on MCF-7 human breast cancer cells, and human cervical cancer Hela cells.