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Pharmaceuticals
Special Issues
The Mode of Action of Herbal Medicines and Natural Products
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The Mode of Action of Herbal Medicines and Natural Products

A special issue of Pharmaceuticals (ISSN 1424-8247). This special issue belongs to the section "Natural Products".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 5 August 2024 | Viewed by 2741

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Hongnan Cao

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Guest Editor
Department of Biochemistry, Alumni of University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
Interests: protein chemistry; structural biology; crystallography; drug discovery

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We invite researchers and scholars to contribute to our upcoming publication on the "Mode of Action of Herbal Medicines and Natural Products." This interdisciplinary collection aims to explore the intricate mechanisms through which herbal medicines and natural products exert their health benefits and/or therapeutic effects.

As the global interest in alternative and complementary medicine continues to grow, understanding the precise mode of action of herbal remedies becomes imperative. We encourage submissions that delve into the molecular, cellular, and systemic interactions between bioactive compounds in herbs and their targets within the human body.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

  • Molecular pathways and signaling cascades influenced by herbal compounds;
  • Computational methods to predict mode of actions of natural products and herbal medicines;
  • Experimental methods to elucidate and/or investigate mode of actions of natural products and herbal medicines;
  • Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of natural products;
  • Cellular and physiological responses to herbal interventions;
  • Integrative approaches combining traditional knowledge and modern research methods;
  • Case studies illustrating the mode of action of specific herbal medicines;
  • Ethnopharmacology and the cultural context of herbal therapies.

Contributions from diverse perspectives and research methodologies are welcome. Join us in advancing our understanding of the therapeutic potential inherent in herbal medicines and natural products. Submissions are invited from researchers, clinicians, and academicians across disciplines. Together, let's unravel the mysteries behind the efficacy of nature's pharmacopeia.

Dr. Hongnan Cao
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Pharmaceuticals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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31 pages, 7141 KiB  
Article
Unraveling the Mechanism of Xiaochaihu Granules in Alleviating Yeast-Induced Fever Based on Network Analysis and Experimental Validation
by Xiuli Chen, Hao Wu, Peibo Li, Wei Peng, Yonggang Wang, Xiaoli Zhang, Ao Zhang, Jinliang Li, Fenzhao Meng, Weiyue Wang and Weiwei Su
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(4), 475; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ph17040475 - 08 Apr 2024
Viewed by 442
Abstract
Xiaochaihu granules (XCHG) are extensively used to treat fever. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. This study aimed to explore the potential of XCHG in mitigating yeast-induced fever and the underlying metabolic pathways. The chemical composition of XCHG was ascertained using ultra-fast liquid [...] Read more.
Xiaochaihu granules (XCHG) are extensively used to treat fever. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. This study aimed to explore the potential of XCHG in mitigating yeast-induced fever and the underlying metabolic pathways. The chemical composition of XCHG was ascertained using ultra-fast liquid chromatography/quadrupole-time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UFLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS), followed by integrated network analysis to predict potential targets. We then conducted experimental validation using pharmacological assays and metabolomics analysis in a yeast-induced mouse fever model. The study identified 133 compounds in XCHG, resulting in the development of a comprehensive network of herb–compound–biological functional modules. Subsequently, molecular dynamic (MD) simulations confirmed the stability of the complexes, including γ-aminobutyric acid B receptor 2 (GABBR2)–saikosaponin C, prostaglandin endoperoxide synthases (PTGS2)–lobetyolin, and NF-κB inhibitor IκBα (NFKBIA)–glycyrrhizic acid. Animal experiments demonstrated that XCHG reduced yeast-induced elevation in NFKBIA’s downstream regulators [interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-8], inhibited PTGS2 activity, and consequently decreased prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels. XCHG also downregulated the levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), and adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH). These corroborated the network analysis results indicating XCHG’s effectiveness against fever in targeting NFKBIA, PTGS2, and GABBR2. The hypothalamus metabolomics analysis identified 14 distinct metabolites as potential antipyretic biomarkers of XCHG. In conclusion, our findings suggest that XCHG alleviates yeast-induced fever by regulating inflammation/immune responses, neuromodulation, and metabolism modules, providing a scientific basis for the anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties of XCHG. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Mode of Action of Herbal Medicines and Natural Products)
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16 pages, 3544 KiB  
Article
Potential of Lycii Radicis Cortex as an Ameliorative Agent for Skeletal Muscle Atrophy
by Rak Ho Son, Myeong Il Kim, Hye Mi Kim, Shuo Guo, Do Hyun Lee, Gyu Min Lim, Seong-Min Kim, Jae-Yong Kim and Chul Young Kim
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(4), 462; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ph17040462 - 04 Apr 2024
Viewed by 521
Abstract
Lycii Radicis Cortex (LRC) is a traditional medicine in East Asia with various beneficial effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-diabetic, and anti-depressant properties. However, its potential effects on skeletal muscle atrophy have not been studied. In this study, the protective effects of LRC [...] Read more.
Lycii Radicis Cortex (LRC) is a traditional medicine in East Asia with various beneficial effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-diabetic, and anti-depressant properties. However, its potential effects on skeletal muscle atrophy have not been studied. In this study, the protective effects of LRC extract (LRCE) on dexamethasone (DEX)-induced muscle atrophy were investigated in C2C12 myotubes and mice. We evaluated the effect of LRCE on improving muscle atrophy using a variety of methods, including immunofluorescence staining, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), Western blot, measurements of oxidative stress, apoptosis, ATP levels, and muscle tissue analysis. The results showed that LRCE improved myotube diameter, fusion index, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, mitochondrial content, ATP levels, expression of myogenin and myosin heavy chain (MHC), and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in dexamethasone-induced C2C12 myotubes. LRCE also enhanced protein synthesis and reduced protein degradation in the myotubes. In mice treated with DEX, LRCE restored calf thickness, decreased mRNA levels of muscle-specific RING finger protein 1 (MuRF1) and atrogin-1, and increased insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) mRNA level. Moreover, LRCE also repaired gastrocnemius muscle atrophy caused by DEX. Although human studies are not available, various preclinical studies have identified potential protective effects of LRCE against muscle atrophy, suggesting that it could be utilized in the prevention and treatment of muscle atrophy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Mode of Action of Herbal Medicines and Natural Products)
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18 pages, 9367 KiB  
Article
Xiao Cheng Qi Decoction, an Ancient Chinese Herbal Mixture, Relieves Loperamide-Induced Slow-Transit Constipation in Mice: An Action Mediated by Gut Microbiota
by Amanguli Tuohongerbieke, Huaiyou Wang, Jiahui Wu, Zhengqi Wang, Tingxia Dong, Yamiao Huang, Dequan Zhu, Dongmei Sun and Karl Wah Keung Tsim
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(2), 153; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ph17020153 - 24 Jan 2024
Viewed by 953
Abstract
Xiao Cheng Qi (XCQ) decoction, an ancient Chinese herbal mixture, has been used in treating slow-transit constipation (STC) for years. The underlying action mechanism in relieving the clinical symptoms is unclear. Several lines of evidence point to a strong link between constipation and [...] Read more.
Xiao Cheng Qi (XCQ) decoction, an ancient Chinese herbal mixture, has been used in treating slow-transit constipation (STC) for years. The underlying action mechanism in relieving the clinical symptoms is unclear. Several lines of evidence point to a strong link between constipation and gut microbiota. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and microbial metabolites have been shown to affect 5-HT synthesis by activating the GPR43 receptor localized on intestinal enterochromaffin cells, since 5-HT receptors are known to influence colonic peristalsis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of XCQ in alleviating clinical symptoms in a mouse model of STC induced by loperamide. The application of loperamide leads to a decrease in intestinal transport and fecal water, which is used to establish the animal model of STC. In addition, the relationship between constipation and gut microbiota was determined. The herbal materials, composed of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma (Rhizomes of Rheum palmatum L., Polygonaceae) 55.2 g, Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex (Barks of Magnolia officinalis Rehd. et Wils, Magnoliaceae) 27.6 g, and Aurantii Fructus Immaturus (Fruitlet of Citrus aurantium L., Rutaceae) 36.0 g, were extracted with water to prepare the XCQ decoction. The constipated mice were induced with loperamide (10 mg/kg/day), and then treated with an oral dose of XCQ herbal extract (2.0, 4.0, and 8.0 g/kg/day) two times a day. Mosapride was administered as a positive drug. In loperamide-induced STC mice, the therapeutic parameters of XCQ-treated mice were determined, i.e., (i) symptoms of constipation, composition of gut microbiota, and amount of short-chain fatty acids in feces; (ii) plasma level of 5-HT; and (iii) expressions of the GPR43 and 5-HT4 receptor in colon. XCQ ameliorated the constipation symptoms of loperamide-induced STC mice. In gut microbiota, the treatment of XCQ in STC mice increased the relative abundances of Lactobacillus, Prevotellaceae_UCG_001, Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group, Muribaculaceae, and Roseburia in feces and decreased the relative abundances of Desulfovibrio, Tuzzerella, and Lachnospiraceae_ NK4A136_group. The levels of SCFAs in stools from the STC group were significantly lower than those the control group, and were greatly elevated via treatment with XCQ. Compared with the STC group, XCQ increased the plasma level of 5-HT and the colonic expressions of the GPR43 and 5-HT4 receptor, significantly. The underlying mechanism of XCQ in anti-constipation could be related to the modulation of gut microbiota, the increase in SCFAs, the increase in plasma 5-HT, and the colonic expressions of the GPR43 and 5-HT4 receptor. Our results indicate that XCQ is a potent natural product that could be a therapeutic strategy for constipation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Mode of Action of Herbal Medicines and Natural Products)
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Review

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20 pages, 3814 KiB  
Review
Bupleurum in Treatment of Depression Disorder: A Comprehensive Review
by Shuzhen Ran, Rui Peng, Qingwan Guo, Jinshuai Cui, Gang Chen and Ziying Wang
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(4), 512; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ph17040512 - 16 Apr 2024
Viewed by 360
Abstract
The incidence of depression has been steadily rising in recent years, making it one of the most prevalent mental illnesses. As the pursuit of novel antidepressant drugs captivates the pharmaceutical field, the therapeutic efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been widely explored. [...] Read more.
The incidence of depression has been steadily rising in recent years, making it one of the most prevalent mental illnesses. As the pursuit of novel antidepressant drugs captivates the pharmaceutical field, the therapeutic efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been widely explored. Chaihu (Bupleurum) has been traditionally used for liver conditions such as hepatitis, liver inflammation, liver fibrosis, and liver cancer. It is believed to have hepatoprotective effects, promoting liver cell regeneration and protecting against liver damage. In addition, Bupleurum has also been used as a Jie Yu (depression-relieving) medicine in China, Japan, Republic of Korea, and other Asian countries for centuries. This review article aims to summarize the research conducted on the antidepressant properties and mechanisms of Bupleurum, as well as discuss the potential of TCM formulas containing Bupleurum. This review highlights various antidepressant ingredients isolated from Bupleurum, including saikosaponin A, saikosaponin D, rutin, puerarin, and quercetin, each with distinct mechanisms of action. Additionally, Chinese herb prescriptions and extracts containing Bupleurum, such as Chaihu Shugansan, Xiaoyaosan, and Sinisan, are also included due to their demonstrated antidepressant effects. This review reveals that these Bupleurum compounds exhibit antidepressant effects through the regulation of neurotransmitter mechanisms (such as 5-HT and DA), the NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) system, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and other intracellular signaling pathways. Collectively, this comprehensive review provides insights into the multiple applications of Bupleurum in the treatment of depression and highlights its potential as an alternative or complementary approach to traditional therapies. However, it is essential to consider the potential adverse effects and clinical restrictions of Bupleurum despite its promising potential. Further research is needed to elucidate its specific mechanisms of action and evaluate its effectiveness in human subjects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Mode of Action of Herbal Medicines and Natural Products)
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