Mechanisms Underlying the Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Pruritic, and Anti-Allergic Effects of the Fuyanjie Chinese Herbal Formula : Insights from Network Pharmacology

[Objectives] To examine the mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory, anti-pruritic, and anti-allergic effects of the Fuyanjie Chinese herbal formula, which comprises Radix Sophorae Flavescentis, Stemonae Radix, Fructus Cnidii, and Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex, on sensitive skin using network pharmacology.[Methods] The TCMSP database was employed to identify and extract the active ingredients and corresponding targets of the Fuyanjie formula. The collective targets were then intersected with the disease targets "pruritus", "dermatitis", and "skin allergy", which were obtained from the GeneCards database, in order to identify the core targets. The String database, Cytoscape software, and the cytoHubba plug-in were utilized to construct and analyze the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and the key hub genes were subsequently identified and quantified. A GO function analysis and KEGG enrichment analysis of core action targets were conducted utilizing the DAVID database.[Results] A total of 87 active ingredients were identified from the Fuyanjie formula through a screening process, which corresponded to a total of 254 targets of action. Through intersection analysis, 41 core targets of the Fuyanjie Chinese herbal formula were identified, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory, anti-pruritic, and anti-allergic effects. The findings indicated that quercetin, beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, formononetin, luteolin, and other bioactive compounds present in the Fuyanjie Chinese herbal formula may interact with the targets IL-6, MMP-9, TNF, and IL-1β. These compounds were suggested to exert anti-inflammatory, anti-pruritic, and anti-allergic effects through pathways associated with the inflammatory response, including the IL-17 signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, NF-κB signaling pathway, etc.[Conclusions] Fuyanjie Chinese herbal formula may modulate skin conditions through a multifaceted mechanism of action that involves multiple components, targets, and pathways.

Research Progress of Antimicrobial Peptides and the Potential Applications of Bacillus subtilis

This paper presents a comprehensive account of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) derived from various sources, including animal, plant, and microbial origins, along with an examination of their structural characteristics and biological activities. Specifically, the potential of Bacillus subtilis as a safe and effective host for the production of AMPs is discussed. B. subtilis exhibits a notable capacity for protein secretion and is also capable of efficiently producing AMPs without the presence of endotoxin contamination. The research indicates that the production efficiency of AMPs derived from B. subtilis can be significantly enhanced through the application of genetic engineering and synthetic biology techniques. This advancement holds considerable potential for applications in food preservation, agriculture, medicine, and various other fields. The paper additionally investigates the stability of AMPs under diverse conditions of temperature, pH, and enzymatic treatment, and highlights the necessity for further research to facilitate the advancement of these AMPs for practical applications.

Insight into the Efficacy and Potential Mechanism of Fructus Aurantii on Skin Based on Network Pharmacology

[Objectives]This study was conducted to explore the mechanism and pharmacological activity of Fructus Aurantii on human skin through network pharmacology.[Methods]The active components and targets of Fructus Aurantii were screened byTCMSPand SymMap data-bases,and the targets were humanized after de-duplication by UniProt database.Relevant therapeutic targets were searched in Gencards data-base with"skin"as the key word,and those with higher weights were retained.An effective component-human skin action target network of Fructus Aurantii was established by Cytoscape software.Then,the topological analysis of protein-protein interaction(PPI)network was made by using String database and Cytoscape software.Gene Ontology(GO)funetional enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analysis were carried out by david database,and the analysis results were visualized by Hiplot soft-ware.[Results]Thirteen active compounds of Fructus Aurantii were obtained by screening,and 99 gene targets of Fructus Aurantii which might have pharmacological activity on human skin were obtained by intersection analysis.PTGS2,PTGS1,HSP90AB1,HSP90AAI,NCOA2 and PIK3CG might be core action targets of Fructus Aurantii on human skin according to the topological analysis of the active component-target network.The analysis of PPI network showed that IL-1β,INS,TNF,TP53 and ESR1 might be core action proteins of Fructus Auranti.GO enrichment analysis showed that Fructus Aurantii might balance the imbalance of skin microenvironment caused by various in-vitro stimuli by participating in biological processes such as response to xenobiotic stimulus and regulation of small molecule metabolic process.KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that the targets of Fructus Aurantii acting on human skin were enriched in pathways in cancer,Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus infection,pathways in measles,AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications,IL.-17 signaling pathway,etc.[Conclusions]Fructus Aurantii may act on human skin targets through a variety of active components,and play a regulatory role in skin-related diseases.

Research progress on chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Viburnum tinus L.

Viburnum tinus L.is a shrub native to the Mediterranean basin.Because of its sedative and antispasmodic activities,it is often used as a folk medicine in Europe.Phytochemical researches have shown that numerous chemical components,including iridoid glycosides,diterpenes,triterpenes,coumarin,flavonoids and anthocyanidins have been isolated from Viburnum tinus L..This study reviewed the chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Viburnum tinus L.to provide a reference for further researches.

Benefits of Aronia melanocarpa Elliot in Eye Protection

This paper reviews the main benefits of Aronia melanocarpa Elliot for eye health,focusing on its antioxidant protection,prevention of visual deterioration,reduction of inflammation,improvement of blood circulation,protection of the retina,and immunity enhancement.Based on the existing studies,the application of A.melanocarpa Elliot in the field of eye health is promising and deserves further research and promotion.

Action Mechanism of Components from Gardenia jasminoides on Eye Skin Based on Network Pharmacology

[Objectives]To explore the pharmacological effects of Gardenia jasminoides and its potential benefits on eye skin.[Methods]TCMSP and SymMap databases were used to screen the active components and corresponding targets of G.jasminoides.Human eye skin-related targets were screened,and the active component-target network and protein-protein interaction(PPI)network were established.Gene ontology(GO)analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway analysis were performed.[Results]Twenty-six active compounds were screened out from G.jasminoides,and 277 targets were obtained.From the Gencards database,26652 disease targets were retrieved and 205 related gene targets were screened.The active component-action target network of G.jasminoides constructed by Cytoscape software revealed the potential of G.jasminoides to play a role in multiple biological pathways.In addition,PPI-network analysis,GO function analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the active components of G.jasminoides mainly regulate the biological processes such as inflammatory response,oxidative stress and apoptosis,involving MAPK,NF-κB and other important signaling pathways.[Conclusions]This study provides a theoretical basis for the eye skin protection of G.jasminoides and an important clue for future drug development.

Efficacy and Mechanism of Action of the Dangshen Xiangfu Chinese Herbal Patch:Insights from Network Pharmacology

[Objectives]To investigate the efficacy and mechanisms of action of the Dangshen Xiangfu Chinese herbal patch through the application of network pharmacology.[Methods]The HIT 2.0 database and the TCMSP database were utilized to identify and gather the active ingredients and corresponding action targets of the Dangshen Xiangfu Chinese herbal patch.Cytoscape software was utilized to create network diagrams and analyze the primary active ingredients and action targets of the herbal patch formulation.Gene Ontology(GO)functional analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)enrichment analysis of the identified action targets were conducted using the DAVID database.The SymMap database was utilized to analyze the network information pertaining to traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),syndromes and the associated symptoms of the medicinal plants found in the Chinese herbal patch.[Results]The network pharmacological analysis suggested that the primary Chinese herbal ingredients of the Dangshen Xiangfu Chinese herbal patch may include Radix Glycyrrhizae Preparata,Fructus Aurantii,Cyperi Rhizoma,Radix Codonopsis,etc.The primary active ingredients may include quercetin,luteolin,kaempferol,fisetin,nobiletin,naringenin,isosinensetin,baicalin,etc.These ingredients exhibited a protective effect on the intestinal tract and were advantageous in the regulation of abnormal intestinal function.The primary targets of action included PTGS2,CASP3,HSP90AA1,PTGS1,AKT1,and MMP9.The active ingredients of the Dangshen Xiangfu Chinese herbal patch may exert a regulatory effect on gastrointestinal inflammation by interacting with the pertinent targets within the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway,the IL-17 signaling pathway,and other related pathways in the body.The principal symptoms associated with this condition may include qi stagnation,qi deficiency,and food accumulation.[Conclusions]This study offers a framework for analyzing the efficacy and mechanisms of action of external preparations derived from medicinal plants.