The impact of^(60)Co-γirradiation on the chemical constituents of Chuanxiong Rhizoma

Background:In order to clarify the inmpat ofγirradiation on the chemical composition of traditional Chinese medicine,this paper carefully choosed Chuanxiong Rhizoma to carry on a demonstration study.Methods:Through a meticulous assessment,a comprehensive comparison was made between the irradiated and unirradiated Chuanxiong Rhizoma samples.The property characteristics were investigated by colorimeter and electronic nose.The changes in chemical structures and contents was analyzed by fourier infrared spectroscopy,high performance liquid chromatography and fingerprinting.In a quest to uncover the presence of any new radiolysis products,cutting-edge techniques like ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were employed.Moreover,the difference of antioxidant activity were investigated.Results:The irradiation doses within 12 kGy had no significant effects on the content of the main chemical components,characteristics and in vitro antioxidant activity of Chuanxiong Rhizoma,while changes in some functional groups and degradation of some volatile oil components containing olefins need further study.Conclusion:This study indicates that^(60)Co-γirradiation is a stable method for sterilization of Chuanxiong Rhizoma.It’s also provide a reference for the establishment of irradiation standards for Chuanxiong Rhizoma and other aromatic medicinal plants.

Exploring the mechanism of Saposhnikoviae Radix and Chuanxiong Rhizoma treating Parkinson's disease based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

Backgroud:Parkinson’s disease(PD)is a neurodegenerative disorder with an increasing global prevalence.However,the development of drugs for PD treatment has not kept pace with the continuously growing number of patients.Currently,the search for new effective substances from natural drugs is a major research direction.Two Chinese medicinal materials,Saposhnikoviae Radix(Fangfeng)and Chuanxiong Rhizoma(Chuanxiong),are commonly used in the treatment of PD in China.However,the mechanism of their combination is not clear,and further research is needed.Methods:Data were collected from publicly available databases:TCMSP,UnitProt,GeneCards OMIM,PharmGKB,Therapeutic Target Database and DrugBank.Network pharmacology and molecular docking methods was used to analyze the data to discover the possible pharmacological effects of the two drugs in the treatment of PD.Results:Beta-sitosterol,Mandenol and Wallichilide were the active components of Saposhnikoviae Radix and Chuanxiong Rhizoma(FC),and they stably bonded with PD targets,including PTGS2,CASP3,AKT1 and JUN.The target genes of FC were significantly enriched in PD-associated pathways,including calcium signaling and apoptosis pathways.Moreover,the study revealed that the active components of FC may affect cellular structures,such as membrane rafts,membrane microdomains,membrane regions,and postsynaptic membranes,which,in turn,affect a variety of molecular functions and biological processes.Conclusion:The results of this study indicate the direction for clarifying the pharmacodynamic substances of FC,the extraction method of pharmacodynamic substances,as well as the mechanism and efficacy of pharmacodynamic substances.Importantly,this study provides a strategy for developing new therapeutic drugs for PD.

The mechanism of Chuanxiong Rhizoma on glaucomatous optic nerve injury based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

Based on network pharmacology,this study predicted the potential molecular mechanism and related pathways of the protective effect of traditional Chuanxiong Rhizoma,a traditional Chinese herb,on glaucomatous optic nerve injury,and conducted in vitro experimental verification of the predicted results of network analysis.We analyzed the molecular mechanism of Chuanxiong Rhizoma in the potential treatment of glaucoma by revealing its main active ingredients and predicting its targets,so as to provide reference for subsequent basic research.Network pharmacological research results showed that the potential hub targets and key signaling pathways of Chuanxiong Rhizoma in the treatment of glaucoma were closely related to biological processes such as apoptosis,autophagy,inflammation,oxidative stress and angiogenesis.Molecular docking showed that many active ingredients,such as chrysophanol(CHR),myricanone and retinol,could combine well with their target proteins by intermolecular forces,especially CHR had strong binding ability with each target.We speculated that the main active component of Chuanxiong Rhizoma might be involved in the regulation of PI3K-Akt,Nod-like receptor,IL-4 and IL-13,MAPK,AGE-RAGE and neurotrophin signaling pathway by regulating of PI3K,Akt,TLR4,RAGE,NTRK2 and other key targets.Furthermore,it may achieve multi-directional intervention on apoptosis/autophagy,inflammation/immunity,oxidative stress and nutrient metabolism of axoplasma flow,and then delay the degeneration of optic nerve injury.In vitro experiments showed that the active component CHR of Chuanxiong Rhizoma could reverse the M1-type polarization and autophagy/apoptosis of mouse microglia(BV2)induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS)at the transcriptional level.Meanwhile,the expression of inflammatory mediators IL-1βand TNF-αwas inhibited,and the mRNA level of anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 was significantly increased.In addition,CHR down-regulates activation of the RAGE-NOX4 pathway mediated by LPS in reducing oxidative stress.In this study,network pharmacology and molecular docking technology were integrated for the first time to explore the potential molecular mechanism of traditional Chinese herb“Chuanxiong Rhizoma”in the treatment on glaucoma,and CHR was innovatively proposed as an important ingredient in Chuanxiong Rhizoma that plays a protective role in the damage of optic nerve.Preliminary verification was conducted through in vitro experiments.The results suggest that Chuanxiong Rhizoma may interfere with autophagy and apoptosis,inhibit immune inflammation,as well as reduce oxidative stress in the treatment of glaucoma through the active components represented by CHR,so as to resist progressive optic nerve injury.Our study provides theoretical basis for the clinical use of Chinese herbal medicine or its extract in glaucoma,and also lays a solid foundation for the research of Chinese medicine in the field of optic nerve protection.

Study on pharmacological effect of Chuanxiong Rhizoma on vascular neuropathic headache

Chuanxiong Rhizoma is the dry rhizome of Ligusticum chuanxiong in the umbelliferae family.Chuanxiong Rhizoma pungent,warm,go to liver,gallbladder and pericardium.Effective in promoting blood circulation,promoting Qi,dispelling wind and relieving pain,it could treat chest pain,tingling pain in chest and flank,lump,irregular menstruation,amenorrhea,symptomatic abdominal pain,headache and rheumatic pain.Neurovascular headache is a primary disease caused by dysregulation of intracranial vascular movement and nerve function.It has the characteristics of long course,intermittent recurrent attacks,lingering and difficult to heal.Attacks are often accompanied by many plant nervous system symptoms,such as rapid breathing,accelerated heart rate,vomiting,and gastrointestinal dysfunction.Vascular nerve headache is a common clinical disease,frequently bidity.Studies have shown that Chuanxiong Rhizoma has good pharmacological effects in the treatment of vascular neuropathic headache.①The action of Qi and blood circulation:vascular and neurovascular headache is caused by the evil of external wind and cold and damp heat,which leads to the disconnection of the veins,the disorder of Qi and blood,the obstruction of Qi and blood channels,the loss of brain collateral,and finally causes migraine.Modern Chinese medicine points out that"wind,blood stasis,deficiency,phlegm"are the key factors of the disease.Chuanxiong Rhizoma is the medicine of Qi in the blood.It is pungent and warm.It is good at activating blood and promoting Qi,dispelling wind,relieving pain and dispelling cold,so as to achieve the effect of treating vascular headaches.②Improve brain circulation:angioneurotic headache is caused by dysfunction of the central nervous system related to the regulation of vascular movement,which causes vasospasm or extreme vasodilation,and the decrease of intracranial blood flow causes cerebral ischemia and hypoxia.Sodium ferulate is a chemical component in Chuanxiong Rhizoma.It has a relatively good inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation and the release of 5-HT from platelets.It can ensure the normal contraction of intracranial and extracranial blood vessels,improve the patient′s brain circulation and nerve function,so as to achieve the effect of treating angioneurotic headaches.③Sedative and analgesic effect:the volatile oil and water decoction of Chuanxiong Rhizoma have sedative and analgesic effects,and the water decoction can counteract the excitatory effect of caffeine.Studies have shown that the ATP activation current of rat dorsal root ganglion neurons can be inhibited by ligustrazine in a non-competitive way,which also indicates that Chuanxiong Rhizoma has a good analgesic effect.In this study,the effects of Chuanxiong Rhizoma on angoneeurotic headache were reviewed,and the pharmacological effects of Chuanxiong Rhizoma were further elucidated,providing basis for clinical application and new drug development of Chuanxiong Rhizoma in the treatment of angoneeurotic headache.

Mechanism of volatile oil from Chuanxiong(Chuanxiong Rhizoma)-Suhexiang(Styrax)-Bingpian(Borneolum)in treating angina pectoris based on network pharmacology and its protective effects on myocardial damage in rats

Objective To explore the pharmacodynamic material basis and mechanism of action of volatile oil from Chuanxiong(Chuanxiong Rhizoma)-Suhexiang(Styrax)-Bingpian(Borneolum)(hereinafter referred to as C-S-B volatile oil)in treating angina pectoris based on network pharmacology and to detect its protective effects against rat myocardial damage.Methods Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS)was used to determine the constituents of volatile oils from Chuanxiong(Chuanxiong Rhizoma),Suhexiang(Styrax),and Bingpian(Borneolum),and the targets of the three main constituents were found predicted and screened using the PharmMapper server,and Gene Cards and Coo LGe N databases.The STRING database and Cytoscape software were used to draw the protein-protein interaction(PPI)network,RStudio software was used to analyze Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genome and Genome(KEGG)pathways,and Cytoscape software was used to construct the component-target-pathwaydisease network.The rat model of myocardial injury was established by intraperitoneal injection of a large dose of isoprenaline hydrochloride.After continuous intervention with C-S-B volatile oil for 14 d,the ejection fraction(EF)and short axis shortening rate(FS)of the left ventricle were detected.The indices of myocardial damage were detected after hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining.Results Fifteen volatile oil components from the C-S-B formula were identified.There are 470 targets of these volatile oil components and 401 angina-related genes.There are 28 core targets,including CHRM4,ADRA1 A,FGFR1,CHRM2,CYP2 A6,CHRM5,CHRM1,CHRM3,HDAC2,and MPO,etc..The results of the KEGG analysis indicated that the C-S-B formula probably interferes with the following pathways:neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions,calcium signaling,cytochrome P450 metabolism of heteropoietin,among others.The results of animal experiments showed that the C-S-B formula essential oil could significantly improve the following myocardial indices in rats with myocardial injury:EF,FS,left ventricular end-systolic diameter(LVIDs),left ventricular end-diastolic diameter(LVIDd),and stroke volume(SV),and all the differences were statistically significant(P<0.01).Conclusion The mechanism of action of volatile oil components in the C-S-B formula in treating angina pectoris was analyzed using multi-component,multi-target and multi-pathway systems,which has laid a foundation for further revealing its mechanism of action.Animal experiments have shown that the volatile oil of the C-S-B formula can improve EF,FS,and other indices of myocardial damage in a rat model,thus relieving myocardial damage caused by heart hyperactivity,improving cardiac function,and protecting against myocardial damage.

Network pharmacology research of Chuanxiong Rhizoma-Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma in the treatment of vascular dementia

Objective:Using network pharmacology to explore the target and mechanism of Chuanxiong Rhizoma and Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma in the treatment of vascular dementia(VaD),so as to provide a reference for treating VaD through them.Methods:Traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and analysis platform were used to screen the main active ingredients and targets of Chuanxiong Rhizoma and Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma.By means of Gene Cards and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM),targets of VaD were collected.The intersecting targets were obtained by using the Venn map.The String online database was used to build a protein-protein interactions Network and the Metascape database was used to perform GO function enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis.A“drug-ingredient-target-pathway”network was constructed by Cytoscape software.Autodock vina software was used to conduct molecular docking between targets.Results:A total of 7 active ingredients in Chuanxiong Rhizoma and 4 active ingredients in Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma were screened.There were 42 active targets of Chuanxiong Rhizoma and 70 active targets of Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma and 1152 disease targets.After deleting the repeat value,51 drugs targets were obtained.After the intersection,with a total of 25 targets.According to GO and KEGG enrichment analysis,the main biological processes involved include cellular response to lipid,negative regulation of apoptotic signaling pathway,blood circulation,response to a steroid hormone,etc.The main pathways include pathways in cancer,PI3K-Akt signaling pathway,and AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications,etc.Molecular docking showed that the most active docking combinations were AKT1 and Perlolyrine,RELA and FA,MAPK14 and FA,respectively.Conclusion:Chuanxiong Rhizoma and Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma play an important role in the treatment of VaD mainly by anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptosis.

Chuanxiong Rhizoma extracts prevent liver fibrosis via targeting CTCF-c-MYC-H19 pathway

Objective:Hepatic fibrosis has been widely considered as a conjoint consequence of almost all chronic liver diseases.Chuanxiong Rhizoma(Chuanxiong in Chinese,CX)is a traditional Chinese herbal product to prevent cerebrovascular,gynecologic and hepatic diseases.Our previous study found that CX extracts significantly reduced collagen contraction force of hepatic stellate cells(HSCs).Here,this study aimed to compare the protection of different CX extracts on bile duct ligation(BDL)-induced liver fibrosis and investigate plausible underlying mechanisms.Methods:The active compounds of CX extracts were identified by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC).Network pharmacology was used to determine potential targets of CX against hepatic fibrosis.Bile duct hyperplasia and liver fibrosis were evaluated by serologic testing and histopathological evaluation.The expression of targets of interest was determined by quantitative real-time PCR(qPCR)and Western blot.Results:Different CX extracts were identified by tetramethylpyrazine,ferulic acid and senkyunolide A.Based on the network pharmacological analysis,42 overlap targets were obtained via merging the candidates targets of CX and liver fibrosis.Different aqueous,alkaloid and phthalide extracts of CX(CX_(AE),CX_(AL) and CXP_(HL))significantly inhibited diffuse severe bile duct hyperplasia and thus suppressed hepatic fibrosis by decreasing CCCTC binding factor(CTCF)-c-MYC-long non-coding RNA H19(H19)pathway in the BDL-induced mouse model.Meanwhile,CX extracts,especially CX_(AL) and CX_(PHL) also suppressed CTCF-c-MYC-H19 pathway and inhibited ductular reaction in cholangiocytes stimulated with taurocholate acid(TCA),lithocholic acid(LCA)and transforming growth factor beta(TGF-β),as illustrated by decreased bile duct proliferation markers.Conclusion:Our data supported that different CX extracts,especially CX_(AL) and CX_(PHL) significantly alleviated hepatic fibrosis and bile duct hyperplasia via inhibiting CTCF-c-MYC-H19 pathway,providing novel insights into the anti-fibrotic mechanism of CX.

Chuanxiong Rhizoma extracts prevent cholestatic liver injury by targeting H3K9ac-mediated and cholangiocyte-derived secretory protein PAI-1 and FN

Chuanxiong Rhizoma(CX,the dried rhizome of Ligusticum wallichii Franch.),a well-known traditional Chinese medicine,is clinically used for treating cardiovascular,cerebrovascular and hepatobiliary diseases.Cholestatic liver damage is one of the chronic liver diseases with limited effective therapeutic strategies.Currently,little is known about the mechanism links between CX-induced anti-cholestatic action and intercellular communication between cholangiocytes and hepatic stellate cells(HSCs).The study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of different CX extracts including the aqueous,alkaloid,phenolic acid and phthalide extracts of CX(CX_(AE),CX_(AL),CX_(PA)and CX_(PHL))and investigate the intercellular communication-related mechanisms by which the most effective extracts work on cholestatic liver injury.The active compounds of different CX extracts were identified by UPLC-MS/MS.A cholestatic liver injury mouse model induced by bile duct ligation(BDL),and transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)-treated human intrahepatic biliary epithelial cholangiocytes(HIBECs)and HSC cell line(LX-2 cells)were used for in vivo and in vitro studies.Histological and other biological techniques were also applied.The results indicated that CX_(AE),CX_(AL)and CX_(PHL)significantly reduced ductular reaction(DR)and improved liver fibrosis in the BDL mice.Meanwhile,both CX_(AE)and CX_(PHL)suppressed DR in injured HIBECs and reduced collagen contraction force and the expression of fibrosis biomarkers in LX-2 cells treated with TGF-β.CX_(PHL)suppressed the transcription and transfer of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1(PAI-1)and fibronectin(FN)from the‘DR-like’cholangiocytes to activated HSCs.Mechanistically,the inhibition of PAI-1 and FN by CX_(PHL)was attributed to the untight combination of the acetyltransferase KAT2A and SMAD3,followdd by the suppression of histone 3 lysine 9 acetylation(H3K9ac)-mediated transcription in cholangiocytes.In conclusion,CX_(PHL)exerts stronger anti-cholestatic activity in vivo and in vitro than other CX extracts,and its protective effect on the intracellular communication between cholangiocytes and HSCs is achieved by reducing KAT2A/H3K9ac-mediated transcription and release of PAI-1 and FN.

Mechanisms exploration of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Ligusticum Chuanxiong Rhizoma herb-pair for liver fibrosis prevention based on network pharmacology and experimental pharmacologylogy

Angelicae Sinensis Radix(Danggui)and Ligusticum Chuanxiong Rhizoma(Chuan Xiong)herb-pair(DC)have been frequently used in Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)prescriptions for hundreds of years to prevent vascular diseases and alleviate pain.However,the mechanism of DC herb-pair in the prevention of liver fibrosis development was still unclear.In the present study,the effects and mechanisms of DC herb-pair on liver fibrosis were examined using network pharmacology and mouse fibrotic model.Based on the network pharmacological analysis of 13 bioactive ingredients found in DC,a total of 46 targets and 71 pathways related to anti-fibrosis effects were obtained,which was associated with mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)signal pathway,hepatic inflammation and fibrotic response.Furthermore,this hypothesis was verified using carbon tetrachloride(CCl_4)-induced fibrosis model.Measurement of liver functional enzyme activities and histopathological examination showed that DC dramatically reduced bile acid levels,inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition caused by CCl_4.The increased expression of liver fibrosis markers,such as collagen 1,fibronectin,α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)and transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β),and inflammatory factors,such as chemokine(C-C motif)ligand 2(MCP-1),interleukin-1β(IL-1β),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and IL-6 in fibrotic mice were significantly downregulated by DC herb-pair through regulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2(ERK1/2)-protein kinase B(AKT)signaling pathways.Collectively,these results suggest that DC prevents the development of liver fibrosis by inhibiting collagen deposition,decreasing inflammatory reactions and bile acid accumulation,which provides insights into the mechanisms of herbpair in improving liver fibrosis.

Phytochemistry,biological properties and quality control of Chuanxiong Rhizoma:a review

Chuanxiong Rhizoma is a widely used Chinese herbal medicine in the past 2000 years.Chuanxiong Rhizoma is composed of volatile oils,phthalide lactones,phenolic acids,polysaccharides and other compounds.To date,more than 149 compounds in Chuanxiong Rhizoma have been isolated and identified,and some of them have been reported to possess promising biological properties on cardiovascular and central nervous system disorders besides their anti-cancer and antioxidant effects.Modulation of inflammatory mediators and apoptotic factors are believed to contribute to its bioactivities.Analytical methods,such as HPLC,GC and UPLC,are employed for qualitative evaluation of Chuanxiong Rhizoma.In this work,harvest period,growing habitat,processing method and storage,which can affect the quality of Chuanxiong Rhizoma,were also discussed.Comprehensive quality control methods should be developed to ensure the safety,quality and efficacy use of Chuanxiong Rhizoma.Herein,we collected and analyzed the literature of Chuanxiong Rhizoma published on CNKI,ScienceDirect,Springer link,Wiley and PubMed in past two decades,and up-to-date information of Chuanxiong Rhizoma was provided in this paper.We suggested ligustilide,butylidenephthalide and total senkyunolides as the chemical markers to evaluate the quality of Chuanxiong Rhizoma.Additionally,the influences of soil conditions and processing methods on Chuanxiong Rhizoma as future research perspectives should also be further assessed.

Eleven Absorbed Constituents and 91 Metabolites of Chuanxiong Rhizoma Decoction in Rats

Objective:Chuanxiong Rhizoma(CR,the dried rhizomes of Ligusticum chuanxiong)is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine that promotes qi to activate blood,dispels wind,and relieves pain.To date,more than 118 constituents of CR have been isolated and identified.However,the in vivo mechanism of CR decoction is unclear and needs further investigation.In addition,to clarify the effective forms of CR,it is essential to reveal the absorbed constituents and metabolites of CR.Materials and Methods:The absorbed constituents and metabolites in urine and plasma samples of rats orally administered with CR decoction were screened and characterized using a high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector and combined with electrospray ionization ion trap time-of-flight multistage mass spectrometry technique.Results:In total,102 compounds,including 11 absorbed constituents(eight phthalides and three phthalic acids)and 91 metabolites(71 phthalide-related and 20 phenolic acid-related),were detected in drug-containing rat urine and plasma samples,among which 33 were new metabolites of either CR or its constituents.Based on the structures of these metabolites,six phthalides(ligustilide,senkyunolide I/H,senkyunolide J/N,and butylidenephthalide)and three phenolic acids(ferulic acid,isoferulic acid,and caffeic acid)were proposed as their precursors.They were also deduced to be the main absorbed constituents of CR decoction,which should have closer relationships with its pharmacological effects than other constituents.Phthalide-related metabolites were formed through the metabolic reactions of hydration,hydroxylation,cysteine conjugation,acetylcysteine conjugation,methanethiol conjugation,mercaptomethanol conjugation,glucuronidation,and sulfation,whereas the phenolic acid-related metabolites were mainly formed by glucuronidation and sulfation.Conclusions:Six phthalides and three phenolic acids were shown to be the main precursors of the metabolites of CR,and 33 compounds were new metabolites of either CR or its constituents.These results are helpful for further understanding of the in vivo mechanism and effective forms of CR.

Molecular mechanism of Chuanxiong Rhizoma in treating coronary artery diseases

Objective:Most of the studies on the herb Chuanxiong Rhizoma(CR)have focused on the L-arginine-nitric oxide(NO)pathway,but the nitrate-nitrite-NO(NO_(3)^(-)–NO_(2)^(-)–NO)pathway was rarely investigated.Therefore,the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects and mechanisms of action of CR in coronary artery disease(CAD).Methods:The NO_(3)^(-),NO_(2)^(-)and NO levels were examined in the NO_(3)^(-)–NO_(2)^(-)–NO pathway.High-performance ion chromatography was used to quantify NO_(3)^(-)and NO_(2)^(-)levels.Then,NO was quantified using a multifunctional enzyme marker with a fluorescent probe.The tension of aortic rings was measured using a multi myograph system.Results:High content of NO_(3)^(-)and low content of NO_(2)^(-)was found in CR,and which could potently convert NO_(3)^(-)to NO_(2)^(-)in the presence of endogenous reductase enzyme.Incubating human coronary artery endothelial cells(HCAECs)with CR-containing serum showed that CR significantly decreased the NO_(3)^(-)content and increased the levels of NO_(2)^(-)and NO in the cells under hypoxic conditions.In addition,CR significantly relaxed isolated aortic rings when the L-arginine–NO pathway was blocked.The optimal concentration of CR for relaxation was 200 mg/m L.Conclusion:CR supplements large amounts of NO in cells and vessels to achieve relaxation via the NO_(3)^(-)–NO_(2)^(-)–NO pathway,thereby making up for the deficiency caused by the lack of NO after the L-arginine-NO pathway is suppressed.This study also supports the potential use of a traditional Chinese herb for future drug development.

An Exploration in the Potential Substance Basis and Mechanism of Chuanxiong Rhizoma and Angelicae Dahuricae Radix on Analgesia Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking

Objective:The objective was to study the potential substance basis and action mechanism of Chuanxiong Rhizoma(CX)and Angelicae Dahuricae Radix(AD)on analgesia through network pharmacology and molecular docking.Materials and Methods:The active components and targets of CX and AD and pain-related genes were retrieved through Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP)and GeneCards database.Then,the co-action targets were found,protein–protein interaction network was constructed by the String database.The Cytoscape 3.7.1 was used to construct"CX-AD-active components-pain"network.Further enrichment analysis of Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)was carried out to predict its mechanism of action,the top four active components in the network were docked with the targets.Results:There are 26 compounds,45 targets in the network.Among them,(Z)-ligustilide and beta-sitosterol,respectively,have more potential targets in CX and AD,and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase(PTGS2),PTGS1 have more ligands.GO analysis shows that molecular functions of CX and AD mainly performed through the G protein-coupled amine receptor activity,adrenergic receptor activity,and catecholamine binding.KEGG analysis indicates that they could exert analgesic effect on the pathways of regulating neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction,serotonergic synapse,and cGMP-PKG signaling pathway.Molecular docking results show that the active compounds are highly compatible with the structure of the protein receptor,and they interact through the hydrogen bond andπ–πbond between the ligand and the active site residues.Conclusions:Through network pharmacology and molecular docking,this study preliminarily revealed the main active components,targets,and potential regulation network of CX and AD,providing a reference for the subsequent experimental research.

Study on Rhizoma Chuanxiong based on capillary electrophoresis with amperometric detection

A high-performance capillary electrophoresis with amperometric detection(CE-AD) method has been developed for the analysis of seven bioactive ingredients,namely ferulic acid(FA),vanillin,vanillic acid,p-hydroxybenzoic acid,caffeic acid,gallic acid and protocatechuic acid,in Rhizoma Chuanxiong.The effects of several factors such as the acidity and concentration of running buffer,the separation voltage,the applied potential to working electrode and the injection time were investigated.Under the optimum condit...

Rhizoma Chuanxiong regulates vascular endothelial growth factor production in hypoxic human umbilical vein endothelial cells in vitro and in peri-infarct rat brain tissue

BACKGROUND： Vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） acts as ＂molecular bridge＂ following ischemic stroke to improve and restore blood supply and reduce infarction volume. Clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of Rhizoma Chuanxiong （Chuanxiong） in the treatment of ischemic cerebrovascular diseases. However, whether it promotes endogenous VEGF expression in ischemic stroke remains unknown. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the influence of Rhizoma Chuanxiong on VEGF production in vitro cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells and on VEGF expression in ischemic cerebral tissues to explore its role in angiogenesis. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： In vitro basic comparison of traditional Chinese drug-containing serum pharmacology; in vivo randomized, controlled, animal experiment. This study was performed at the Medical Laboratory of West China Hospital, Sichuan University between December 2002 and April 2004. MATERIALS： Two Chinese rabbits were selected. One was intragastrically perfused with 5.8 g/kg Rhizoma Chuanxiong extract twice per day for three consecutive days to prepare Rhizoma Chuanxiong extract-containing serum. The remaining rabbit was intragastrically perfused with the same volume of normal saline twice per day for three consecutive days. Rhizoma Chuanxiong extract was provided by Beijing Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Institute, predominantly composed of ligustrazine, ligustilide, and ferulic acid. ChemiKineTM human VEGF Kit was purchased from Chemicon, USA; mouse anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody and biotin-goat anti-mouse IgG were purchased from Santa Cruz Biotechnology. Inc., USA. METHODS： （1） In vitro experiment： in vitro cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells were separately incubated in rabbit serum with 10% Rhizoma Chuanxiong extract, normal medium without rabbit serum, and rabbit serum without Rhizoma Chuanxiong extract （blank control）. In addition, cells from the three groups were incubated under normoxia （5% CO2, 95% air） and hypoxia （1% 02, 5% CO2, 94% N2）, respectively, for 24 hours. （2） In vivo experiment： a total of 4/44 Sprague Dawley rats were selected for the sham-operated group （no occlusion）, and the remaining rats were used to establish a cerebral ischemiaJreperfusion model by suture occlusion. 32 animals with ischemia/reperfusion injury were randomly divided into treatment and model groups, with 16 rats in each group. Both groups were intraperitoneally infused with 0.58 g/kg Rhizoma Chuanxiong extract and normal saline two hours following reperfusion. The sham-operated group was administrated normal saline. Animals were treated with saline or Chuanxiong extracts （0.58 g/kg） twice per day for three consecutive days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： In vitro experiment： VEGF concentration was detected in each group by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In vivo experiment： behavioral alterations of rats were evaluated by neurological function scale; infarct volume was assessed by hematoxylin-eosin staining; VEGF protein expression in the infarct regions was determined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS： （1） VEGF levels were similar between the three groups under normexic condition （P 〉 0.05）; while hypoxia induced VEGF production （P 〈 0.01 ）. VEGF levels in the drug-containing serum group were particularly higher compared with the other groups （P 〈 0.01）. （2） Compared with normal saline treatment, Rhizoma Chuanxiong extract significantly improved the neurological scale and reduced cerebral infarct volumes （P〈 0.05）. The percent of VEGF-positive cells was significantly greater than the model group （P 〈 0.05）. The sham-operated group exhibited normal neurological function, with no infarct focus. CONCLUSION： Rhizoma Chuanxiong extract-containing rabbit serum effectively promoted cultured VEGF production under hypoxia. Rhizoma Chuanxiong extract upregulated VEGF expression in the infarct region, improved neurological function, and reduced infarct size.

基于GEO数据库联合网络药理学研究川芎-赤芍药对治疗动脉粥样硬化的药理过程及分子机制

目的:探讨活血化瘀中药药对川芎-赤芍拮抗动脉粥样硬化的潜在分子机制及药理过程。方法:使用R语言Limma包分析GEO数据库GSE43292数据集,对有表达差异的动脉粥样硬化基因进行筛选和提取。川芎-赤芍药对所含的化学活性组分及靶点通过中药系统药理学数据库与分析平台检索。合并差异基因和药物作用靶点以获得共同的靶点。利用在线分析工具STRING和Cytoscape构建药物和靶点的调控网络以及靶点间的蛋白质-蛋白质相互作用(PPI)网络。然后利用R语言注释靶点基因的基因本体(GO)功能,分析京都基因与基因组百科全书(KEGG)通路,再进行基因集富集分析(GSEA)以验证KEGG的通路和富集的情况,确定靶点基因的调控功能和参与基因调控功能的信号转导通道。结果:共筛选出动脉粥样硬化差异基因1244个,川芎-赤芍药对含36个生物活性成分,其中靶点为环加氧酶1、肾上腺素受体、过氧化物酶体增殖物激活受体-γ、激酶插入域受体、孕激素受体、基质金属蛋白酶9、CXC趋化因子配体8、蛋白激酶Cβ、白细胞介素6、CD14、二肽基肽酶-4、PIK3CG、肾上腺素受体α1B、微管相关蛋白2、尿激酶纤溶酶原激活剂和单胺氧化酶B。靶点在GO中主要富集在合成DNA过程的调控、DNA生物合成的过程、含胶原的细胞外基质、细胞外基质、蛋白酶结合、细胞迁移、血管形成过程、膜筏结构、转录的调节等与动脉粥样硬化炎症、脂肪代谢及血管生成相关的生物学注释。脂质与动脉粥样硬化通路和核因子κB信号通路与动脉粥样硬化关系最为密切,并且在KEGG信号通路和GSEA均显示出富集。结论:川芎-赤芍药对通过潜在的13个活性成分作用于可能的16个靶点调控相关信号转导通路,通过抗炎、调脂和保护血管等方式产生抗动脉粥样硬化的作用。

川芎挥发油治疗心绞痛的网络药理学研究及实验验证

目的 基于网络药理学研究川芎挥发油抗心绞痛的作用机制,并用动物实验加以验证。方法 通过水蒸气蒸馏法、气相色谱-质谱联用仪(gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, GC-MS)、口服利用度(oral bioavailability, OB)筛出挥发油成分;使用Pubchem、SwissTarget、DisGeNET、DrugBank数据库和R语言分别获取挥发油成分的靶点、心绞痛的靶点和交集靶点;蛋白质-蛋白质相互作用通过String数据库完成;使用R语言的ClusterProfiler包对交集靶点进行基因本体分析(gene ontology, GO)和京都基因与基因组百科全书分析(Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, KEGG)富集分析,并通过Cytoscape构建中药-成分-靶点-通路网络;借助AutoDock vina 1.2.3、Pymol 3.0、Discovery Studio 2016软件进行分子对接,分析关键靶点和主要挥发油成分的亲和力。最后,通过动物实验进一步验证川芎挥发油对心绞痛的治疗效果。结果 网络药理学研究共得到10个挥发油成分和22个关键靶点,这些靶点与神经递质、突触膜上的受体、物质代谢等生物过程以及神经活性配体-受体相互作用、视黄醇代谢、药物代谢-细胞色素P450等通路密切相关;分子对接结果表明3-butylidenephthalide、Alpha-selinene、Trans-ligustilide等挥发油成分与多个关键靶点结合发挥治疗作用。动物实验表明川芎挥发油通过调节射血分数(ejection fraction, EF)、短轴缩短率(fractional shortening, FS)、左室收缩末内径(left ventricular internal diameter in systole, LVIDs)和每搏输出量(stroke volume, SV)水平以及乳酸脱氢酶(lactate dehydrogenase, LDH)、肌酸激酶(creatine kinase, CK)、天冬氨酸转氨酶(aspartate aminotransferase, AST)活性,促进受损心肌细胞中ADRA1A、CHRM5蛋白的表达,改善心肌纤维状态,减小细胞间隙,减少炎性细胞浸润表现出保护心肌的作用。结论 川芎挥发油具有有效保护受损心肌组织,治疗心绞痛的作用。

川芎挥发油化学成分、制剂及药理作用研究进展

川芎是我国常用传统中药,其中挥发油是主要药效成分,一直是川芎研究工作的重点。早期对川芎挥发性成分的研究主要集中在其中化学成分的定性鉴定及定量分析。近年来研究者对川芎挥发油的研究逐渐深入,开展了川芎不同部位挥发油的差异分析,比较了加工制备方法对挥发油成分的影响;研究人员除了对川芎挥发油镇痛镇静、保护神经细胞、改善血管功能等药理作用及其机制进行深入研究外,新的研究发现川芎挥发油还具有骨保护、抗肿瘤、抗抑郁等药理活性。该文对近年来围绕川芎挥发油性成分的最新研究进展进行汇总,总结不同部位、不同产地、不同加工提取方法挥发油成分种类和含量差异,并综述了川芎挥发油制剂及药理活性研究进展,以期为更好地开发利用川芎挥发油自然资源提供参考。

川芎的化学成分和药理作用研究进展

川芎来源于伞形科植物川芎的干燥根茎,具有活血行气、祛风止痛的功效。川芎中主要含有苯酞、生物碱、酚酸、多糖等化学成分。药理研究表明,川芎对心脑血管系统、神经系统、呼吸系统等均具有一定的药理活性,主要表现为抗脑缺血、抗血栓、镇痛、抗炎、抗氧化、抗哮喘等药理作用。本文对川芎的化学成分及药理作用进行系统整理和归纳,以期为临床应用和资源开发提供参考。

川芎对肺癌干细胞原发性肿瘤相关黏附分子影响的实验研究

目的:探究川芎对肺癌干细胞样细胞荷瘤小鼠原发肿瘤的黏附作用机制。方法:通过无血清培养技术,培养肺癌细胞中的干细胞样细胞,并将其种植在小鼠脚垫。按照处理药物分为空白对照组(Con组)、川芎组(RC组)、顺铂组(DDP组)、川芎+顺铂组(RC+DDP组)并干预,3周后,在无菌环境中手术剥取肿瘤组织。通过Western blot实验技术和免疫组化技术,检测分析小鼠肿瘤细胞中相关黏附蛋白CD44v6、β1整合素的表达。结果:CD44v6在RC+DDP中的表达较DDP组、RC组及Con组减少,且差异具有统计学意义(均P<0.05)。β1整合素原发瘤组织在RC+DDP组中的表达低于Con组、RC组及RC+DDP组(均P<0.05)。结论:川芎和顺铂的联合应用,在一定程度上可减少肺癌干细胞样细胞原发肿瘤中黏附分子CD44v6、β1整合素的表达,从而抑制其黏附能力。