Comparative permeability of three saikosaponins and corresponding saikogenins in Caco-2 model by a validated UHPLC-MS/MS method

Saikosaponins(SSs)are the main active components extracted from Bupleuri Radix(BR)which has been used as an important herbal drug in Asian countries for thousands of years.It has been reported that the intestinal bacteria plays an important role in the in vivo disposal of oral SSs.Although the deglycosylated derivatives(saikogenins,SGs)of SSs metabolized by the intestinal bacteria are speculated to be the main components absorbed into the blood after oral administration of SSs,no studies have been reported on the characteristics of SGs for their intestinal absorption,and those for SSs are also limited.Therefore,a rapid UHPLC-MS/MS method was developed to investigate and compare the apparent permeability of three common SSs(SSa,SSd,SSb2)and their corresponding SGs(SGF,SGG,SGD)through a bidirectional transport experiment on Caco-2 cell monolayer model.The method was validated according to the latest FDA guidelines and applied to quantify the six analytes in transport medium samples extracted via liquid-liquid extraction(LLE).The apparent permeability coefficient(Papp)determined in this study indicated that the permeability of SGs improved to the moderate class compared to the corresponding parent compounds,predicting a higher in vivo absorption.Moreover,the efflux ratio(ER)value demonstrated an active uptake of SSd and the three SGs,while a passive diffusion of SSa and SSb2.

Radix Paeoniae Alba attenuates Radix Bupleuri-induced hepatotoxicity by modulating gut microbiota to alleviate the inhibition of saikosaponins on glutathione synthetase

Radix Bupleuri(RB)is commonly used to treat depression,but it can also lead to hepatotoxicity after longterm use.In many anti-depression prescriptions,RB is often used in combination with Radix Paeoniae Alba(RPA)as an herb pair.However,whether RPA can alleviate RB-induced hepatotoxicity remain unclear.In this work,the results confirmed that RB had a dose-dependent antidepressant effect,but the optimal antidepressant dose caused hepatotoxicity.Notably,RPA effectively reversed RB-induced hepatotoxicity.Afterward,the mechanism of RB-induced hepatotoxicity was confirmed.The results showed that saikosaponin A and saikosaponin D could inhibit GSH synthase(GSS)activity in the liver,and further cause liver injury through oxidative stress and nuclear factor kappa B(NF-kB)/NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3)pathway.Furthermore,the mechanisms by which RPA attenuates RBinduced hepatotoxicity were investigated.The results demonstrated that RPA increased the abundance of intestinal bacteria with glycosidase activity,thereby promoting the conversion of saikosaponins to saikogenins in vivo.Different from saikosaponin A and saikosaponin D,which are directly combined with GSS as an inhibitor,their deglycosylation conversion products saikogenin F and saikogenin G exhibited no GSS binding activity.Based on this,RPA can alleviate the inhibitory effect of saikosaponins on GSS activity to reshape the liver redox balance and further reverse the RB-induced liver inflammatory response by the NFkB/NLRP3 pathway.In conclusion,the present study suggests that promoting the conversion of saikosaponins by modulating gut microbiota to attenuate the inhibition of GSS is the potential mechanism by which RPA prevents RB-induced hepatotoxicity.

Saikosaponin D improves nonalcoholic fatty liver disease via gut microbiota-bile acid metabolism pathway

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is the main cause of chronic liver disease worldwide.Bupleurum is widely used in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver,and saikosaponin D(SSD)is one of the main active components of Bupleurum.The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of SSD in the treatment of NAFLD and to explore the mechanism of SSD in the improvement of NAFLD based on“gut-liver axis”.Our results showed that SSD dose-dependently alleviated high fat diet-induced weight gain in mice,improved insulin sensitivity,and also reduced liver lipid accumulation and injury-related biomarkers aspartate aminotransferase(AST)and alanine aminotransferase(ALT).Further exploration found that SSD inhibited the mRNA expression levels of farnesoid X receptor(Fxr),small heterodimer partner(Shp),recombinant fibroblast growth factor 15(Fgf15)and apical sodium dependent bile acid transporter(Asbt)in the intestine,suggesting that SSD improved liver lipid metabolism by inhibiting intestinal FXR signaling.SSD can significantly reduce the gut microbiota associated with bile salt hydrolase(BSH)expression,such as Clostridium.Decreased BSH expression reduced the ratio of unconjugated to conjugated bile acids,thereby inhibiting the intestinal FXR.These data demonstrated that SSD ameliorated NAFLD potentially through the gut microbiota-bile acidintestinal FXR pathway and suggested that SSD is a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of NAFLD.

Integrative lipidomic and transcriptomic study unravels the therapeutic effects of saikosaponins A and D on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)has become one of the most prominent causes of chronic liver diseases and malignancies.However,few therapy has been approved.Radix Bupleuri(RB)is the most frequently used herbal medicine for the treatment of liver diseases.In the current study,we aim to systemically evaluate the therapeutic effects of saikosaponin A(SSa)and saikosaponin D(SSd),the major bioactive monomers in RB,against NAFLD and to investigate the underlying mechanisms.Our results demonstrated that both SSa and SSd improved diet-induced NAFLD.Integrative lipidomic and transcriptomic analysis revealed that SSa and SSd modulated glycerolipid metabolism by regulating related genes,like Lipe and Lipg.SSd profoundly suppressed the fatty acid biosynthesis by downregulating Fasn and Acaca expression and promoted fatty acid degradation by inducing Acox1 and Cpt1 a expression.Bioinformatic analysis further predicted the implication of master transcription factors,including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha(PPARα),in the protective effects of SSa and SSd.These results were further confirmed in vitro in mouse primary hepatocytes.In summary,our study uncoded the complicated mechanisms underlying the promising anti-steatosis activities of saikosaponins(SSs),and provided critical evidence inspiring the discovery of innovative therapies based on SSa and SSd for the treatment of NAFLD and related complications.

Saikosaponin q-1 from Bupleurum chinense

A new saikosaponin was isolated from Bupleurum chinense DC., and its structure was identified as 3β,16α,23,28,30_pentahydroxy_olean_11,13(18)_dien_3_O_β_D_glucopyranosyl(1→6)_[α_L_rhamnopyranosyl (1→4)]_β_D_glucopyranoside on the basis of chemical and spectral evidence, named as saikosaponin q_1. In addition, two known saikosaponins, 3″_O_acetyl_saikosaponin d and 3″_O_acetyl_saikosaponin b 2, were also isolated and identified from this plant for the first time.

Saikosaponin D inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis via C/EBPβ-p53 signal pathway in human hepatoma HepG2 cells

Objective To investigate the anticancer effects and detailed mechanisms of Saikosaponin D(SSD)in human hepatoma HepG2 cells.Methods Cell proliferation and apoptosis were tested by MTT assay and Annexin-V/PI assay respectively.The expressions of CCAAT enhancer binding protein β(C/EBPβ)and p53 were detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting.Results SSD inhibited cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner and induced apoptosis at the concentration of 5.0 mg/L.SSD significantly increased the mRNA and protein levels of C/EBPβ and p53 in a dose-dependent manner.Conclusion SSD exerts its anticancer effect by inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis partly through C/EBPβ-p53 signal pathway in HepG2 cells.

Saikosaponin a increases interleukin-10 expression and inhibits scar formation after sciatic nerve injury

Nerve scarring after peripheral nerve injury can severely hamper nerve regeneration and functional recovery.Further,the anti-inflammatory cytokine,interleukin-10,can inhibit nerve scar formation.Saikosaponin a（SSa） is a monomer molecule extracted from the Chinese medicine,Bupleurum.SSa can exert anti-inflammatory effects in spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury.However,it has not been shown whether SSa can play a role in peripheral nerve injury.In this study,rats were randomly assigned to three groups.In the sham group,the left sciatic nerve was directly sutured after exposure.In the sciatic nerve injury（SNI） ＋ SSa and SNI groups,the left sciatic nerve was sutured and continuously injected daily with SSa（10 mg/kg） or an equivalent volume of saline for 7 days.Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay results demonstrated that at 7 days after injury,interleukin-10 level was considerably higher in the SNI ＋ SSa group than in the SNI group.Masson staining and western blot assay demonstrated that at 8 weeks after injury,type I and III collagen content was lower and nerve scar formation was visibly less in the SNI ＋ SSa group compared with the SNI group.Simultaneously,sciatic functional index and nerve conduction velocity were improved in the SNI ＋ SSa group compared with the SNI group.These results confirm that SSa can increase the expression of the anti-inflammatory factor,interleukin-10,and reduce nerve scar formation to promote functional recovery of injured sciatic nerve.

Evaluation on Quality and Utilization Value of Bupleurum falcatum Linne

[Objectives]This study aimed to evaluate the quality of Bupleurum falcatum Linne interplanted with walnut in Ganluo and study the development and utilization value of other parts.[Methods]The contents of saikosaponins a and d were determined with RP-HPLC,and the contents of 7 kinds of harmful elements were determined by ICP-MS.The quality of B.falcatum Linne was compared with that of other Bupleurum species.[Results]The total saikosaponin content in Radix Bupleurum Falcatum(15.894 mg/g)was higher than that in Radix Bupleuri of other origins(8.748 mg/g).The total saikosaponin content in leaves of B.falcatum Linne(7.518 mg/g)is more than twice the limit promulgated by Chinese Pharmacopoeia.The contents of Al,Cr,Cu,As,Cd,Pb and Hg in B.falcatum Linne were all lower than the limits promulgated by the pharmacopoeia.In short,the quality of Radix Bupleurum Falcatum was better than that of Radix Bupleurum Marginatum(S3,S4)and Radix Bupleurum Sachalinense(S5).The leaves of B.falcatum Linne contained more saikosaponins and less harmful elements.[Conclusions]The method and technology of interplanting B.falcatum Linne with walnut in Ganluo are mature.The quality of the medicinal materials produced is superior,and the leaves are also rich in saikosaponins a and d,and can be used as the raw material for extracting saikosaponins a and d.This study provides a basis for further in-depth research on the cultivation of B.falcatum Linne in the domestic market.

Saikosaponin v-2 from Bupleurum chinense

Saikosaponin v-2(1). was isolated li om the roots of the title plant and thc structure was identified on rhs basis of spectral anal? sis. Saikosaponin v-2 is a new compound. which was identified as 3 beta .16 alpha .23.28-tetrahydroxy-olean-11.13(18)-dien-30-oic acid-3-O-beta -D-glucopyranosyl- (1 -->2)glucopyranosyl-(1 -->3)-beta -D-fucopyranosol-30-O-xylitol ester.

Water Extraction Process of Chinese Herbal Compound Man Gan Ning

[Objectives]To optimize the water extraction process of Chinese Herbal Compound Man Gan Ning and establish a method for its extraction and content determination.[Methods]The L9(34)orthogonal test was carried out,the comprehensive scores of ginsenoside Rb1 content,notoginsenoside R1 content,tanshinone I content and saikosaponin A content in the compound extract were used as evaluation indicators to explore the effects of water addition,the water addition,decoction time and decoction times on the water extraction process,and verification tests were carried out.[Results]The optimized water extraction process was as follows:adding 9 times of water in the first extraction,and extracting for 90 min;adding 7 times of water in the second extraction,and extracting for 60 min;adding 7 times of water in the third extraction,and extracting for 60 min.[Conclusions]The optimized water extraction process is stable and feasible,and can be used for the extraction of various herbs in Compound Man Gan Ning.It can also provide experimental basis for the formulation development of Compound Man Gan Ning sustained release tablet.

Research progress on modern pharmacological action of Radix bupleuri

Radix bupleuri is the dried root of Umbelliferae plants Bupleurem chinense DC.or Bupleurem scorzonerifolium Willd.,which are widely distributed in Northeast China,North China,Northwest China,East China,Hubei,Sichuan and other places.The plant roots are excavated in spring and autumn and dried with removing stems and leaves and sediment.Radix bupleuri,one of the oldest and most commonly used Chinese herbal medicine,has a long history of application,with high medicinal value.Modern pharmacological studies have shown that Radix bupleuri has pharmacological effects such as anti-cancer,anti-depression,anti-inflammation,heart protection,liver protection,and kidney protection,and mainly plays an role in regulating apoptosis signaling pathway,inflammation signaling pathway,neuroendocrine system,oxidative stress signaling pathway,and fibrosis signaling pathway.This paper reviews the modern pharmacological effects of Radix bupleuri in recent years,in order to provide reference for better research,development and rational utilization of Bupleurum resources.

Effect of saikosaponin A on Treg and Th17 immune balance in depressive rats

Objective:To investigate the Effect of saikosaponin A on Treg and Th17 immune balance in depressive rats.Methods:The rat depression model was established with reference to the Katz method,and the rats were randomly divided into control group,model group,western medicine group,and saikosaponin A group.The western medicine group was given 1.2 mg/kg/d of fluoxetine,and the saikosaponin A group was given 25 mg/kg/d of saikosaponin A,while the control group and model group were given the same volume of normal saline.The evaluation of depression in Rats was analyzed by Openfield-test and sugar water preference test.Flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of Th17 and Treg cells.And the expression of IL-17,IL-23,TNF-α,IL-10,TGF-βwere detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Results:Compared with the control group,the horizontal exercise score,vertical exercise score,and sugar preference of the model group decreased significantly(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the above indicators were significantly increased in the western medicine group and saikosaponin A group(P<0.05).Flow cytometry showed that compared with the control group,the Th17 cells,Th17/Treg cell ratio in model group increased significantly,whereas the Treg cells decreased significantly(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,The Th17 cells and Th17/Treg ratio in western medicine group and saikosaponin A group decreased,while the Treg cells increased significantly(P<0.05).ELISA showed that compared with control group,the serum levels of IL-17,IL-23 and TNF-αin model group increased,while the levels of IL-10 and TGF-βdecreased(P<0.05).Compared with model group,the levels of IL-17,IL-23 and TNF-αdecreased,while the levels of IL-10 and TGF-βincreased in western medicine group and saikosaponin A group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Saikosaponin A can reduce the degree of depression by regulating the imbalance of Th17/Treg cells and the secretion of inflammatory cytokines in depressed rats.

Saikosaponin A induces apoptosis and upregulates autophagy in Huh7 cells

Objective: It is discussed whether saikosaponin A induces apoptosis of human hepatoma Huh7 cells is related to the change of autophagy level.Methods: The effects of different concentrations of SSA on proliferation and apoptosis of Huh7 cells were detected by MTT and flow cytometry, and then constructed recombinant plasmid pEGFP-N1-LC3B and transfected into Huh7 cells. After intervened by SSA culture medium, the autophagy level was observed under confocal microscope. The expression of apoptosis proteins Bax, Bcl-2, PCNA and autophagy-related proteins LC3B, Beclin1, and Apg12-Apg5 were detected by Western Blot. Results: SSA can significantly inhibit the proliferation of Huh7 cells, promote apoptosis, increase the number of autophagy bodies in the cytoplasm, up-regulate the expression of Bax, LC3B-II, Beclin1, Apg12-Apg5 and down-regulate the expression of Bcl-2, PCNA. Conclusion:SSA induced apoptosis of Huh7 cells in vitro and upregulated the autophagy level.

Bioassay-guided isolation of saikosaponins with agonistic activity on 5-hydroxytryptamine 2C receptor from Bupleurum chinense and their potential use for the treatment of obesity

5-Hydroxytryptamine 2C(5-HT2C) receptor is one of the major targets of anti-obesity agents, due to its role in regulation of appetite. In the present study, the 70% EtO H extract of the roots of Bupleurum chinense was revealed to have agonistic activity on 5-HT2 C receptor, and the subsequent bioassay-guided isolation led to identification of several saikosaponins as the active constituents with 5-HT2 C receptor agonistic activity in vitro and anti-obesity activity in vivo. The new compound, 22-oxosaikosaponin d(1), was determined by extensive spectroscopic analyses(HR-ESI-MS, IR, and 1D and 2D NMR). The primary structure-activity relationship study suggested that the intramolecular ether bond between C-13 and C-28 and the number of sugars at C-3 position were closely related to the 5-HT2 C receptor agonistic activity. Saikosaponin a(3), the main saponin in B. chinense, showed obviously agonistic activity on 5-HT2 C receptor with an EC50 value of 21.08 ± 0.33 μmol×L^(–1) in vitro and could reduce food intake by 39.1% and 69.2%, and weight gain by 13.6% and 16.4%, respectively, at 3.0 and 6.0 mg×kg^(–1) in vivo. This investigation provided valuable information for the potential use of B. chinense as anti-obesity agent.

Chromatographic fingerprint analysis of Bupleuri Radix by HPLC-ELSD

To facilitate the species identification and quality assessment of Chaihu （Bupleuri Radix）, a simple and valid chromatographic fingerprint method was developed. The method uses high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with evaporative light scattering detector （HPLC-ELSD） and the data analysis is assisted by professional analytical software recommended by the State Food and Drug Administration （SFDA）. The results indicate that Nan Chaihu raw materials and Chaihu decoction pieces vary markedly in chemical quality, while Bei Chaihu raw materials are relatively more stable. Furthermore, it is obvious that Nan Chaihu is chemically very different from Bei Chaihu, suggesting that Nan Chaihu may not be suitable for medicinal use. In addition, the obvious differences between the chromatograms of decoction pieces and raw materials, especially the peaks between 30 and 40 rain and after 45 rain, indicate possible effects of the processing procedures on the chemicals. By analyzing the fingerprints of all samples, 12 main saponin-like fingerprint peaks, of which at least three are characteristic peaks of saikosaponins a, c, and d, are proposed to be considered for further characterization and quality evaluation of Chaihu.

Localization and Dynamic Change of Saikosaponin in Root of Bupleurum chinense

Anatomical, histochemical and phytochemical methods were used to investigate the structure, the localization and content changes of total saikosaponin and saikosaponin-a of the roots of Bupleurum chinense DC. at different developmental stages. Results showed that saikosaponin was mainly distributed in pericycle and primary phloem in the young root; but in the mature root, it was mainly distributed in vascular cambium and secondary phloem. During the whole growth period from the pre-blossom, blossom, fruit, and fruit mature periods until the pre-withering period, it was in the fruit mature period that both the total saikosaponin content and the saikosaponin-a content reached the highest level. So the last 20 d of October was considered as the right collecting season for the drug of B. chinense. In addition, the quality of 1-year-old drug was better than that of 2-year-old drug due to its higher saikosaponin content. On the other hand, judging from the external characteristics of the drug, the one with an acerose taproot and more lateral roots was of better quality. The results offered theoretical bases for selecting medicinal material of high quality and determining the most appropriate harvesting stage and part of B. chinense.

Effects of Saikosaponin-D on syndecan-2,matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 in rats with hepatocellular carcinoma

OBJECTIVE:To investigate effects of Saikosaponin D(SSd) on syndecan-2,matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2(TIMP-2) in livers of rat with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).METHODS:Male SD rats were divided into control(n=10),model(n=20) and SSd(n=20) groups,and model and SSd groups given intragastric 0.2%(w/v) N-diethylnitrosamine to induce HCC.SSd group received 0.03%(w/v) SSd in saline.Liver samples were analysed immunohistochemically for syndecan-2,MMP-2,MMP-13 and TIMP-2 at 16 weeks.RESULTS:The model group had more malignant nodules than the SSd group;all model-group HCC cells were grade III;SSd-group HCC cells were grades I-II.Controls showed normal hepatic cell phenotypes and no syndecan-2 + staining.Syndecan-2 + staining was greater in the model group(35.2%,P≤0.001) than in controls or the SSd group(16.5%,P ≤ 0.001).The model group had more intense MMP-2 + staining than controls(0.37 vs 0.27,P≤0.01) or the SSd group(0.31 vs 0.37,P≤0.05);and higher MMP-13 + staining(72.55%) than in controls(12.55%,P≤0.001) and SSd group(20.18%,P≤0.01).The model group also had more TIMP-2 + staining(57.2%) than controls(20.9%,P≤0.001) and SSd group(22.7%,P≤0.001).Controls and SSd group showed no difference in TIMP-2 + rates.CONCLUSION:SSd inhibited HCC development,and downregulated expression of syndecan-2,MMP-2,MMP-13 and TIMP-2 in rat HCC liver tissue.

Simultaneous determination of Saikosaponin a, c and d in different parts of wild bupleurum from Shanxi Province

As a traditional Chinese herbal medicine exhibiting analgesic,fever-reducing and anti-inflammatory effects,Radix Bupleuri（Chai-Hu） is commonly used for the treatment of influenza,which is derived from the dried roots of Bupleurum chinense DC.and Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd.Among of diverse chemical components,saikosaponins are the key active components of the herb medicine.In the present study,we established a method of high performance liquid chromatography（HPLC） coupled with evaporative light scattering detection（ELSD） for simultaneous determination of saikosaponin a,c and d in root,stem,leaf and flower of Bupleurum chinense（B chinense） collected from different areas of Shanxi Province,China.The results from 16 samples of root,stem,leaf and flower of B chinense demonstrated that the total contents of the three saikosaponins in the root of B chinense collected from Dongshan Taiyuan,Xishan,Tianlongshan and Pangquangou were 4.26 mg/g,3.22 mg/g,4.23 mg/g and 3.05 mg/g,respectively.However,there was scarcely any saikosaponins in the stem,leaf and flower of B chinense collected from above-mentioned areas.The method of HPLC coupled with ELSD was suitable for quality control of Radix Bupleuri.The result also confirmed that the root of B chinense was the best medicinal part.

A comparative study on different multiple cropping patterns of Bupleurum chinense

Bupleurum chinense is a genuine medicinal material in Shanxi Province,and planting B.chinense is one of the main sources for local farmers to increase their income.In B.chinense cultivation,wheat-B.chinense,maize-B.chinense and soybean-B.chinense are commonly used as multiple cropping patterns.In the present study,we studied the effects of three different multiple cropping patterns on N,P and K levels of soil,photosynthetic parameters,agronomic characteristics,saikosaponin A,C and D contents,yield and economic benefits of B.chinense.The results showed that the soybean-B.chinense multiple cropping pattern was beneficial to the enrichment of N in the soil,thus promoting photosynthetic parameters,growth,saikosaponin accumulation,yield and economic benefits of B.chinense.It is suggested that soybean-B.chinense multiple cropping was an appropriate multiple cropping pattern for local cultivation of B.chinense.

Identification of WRKY Transcription Factors Related to Saikosaponin Biosynthesis in Adventitious Roots of Bupleurum chinense

Objective To identify the genes of WRKY transcription factors（TFs） from roots of Bupleurum chinense and genes that potentially regulate saikosaponin（SS） biosynthesis.Methods Firstly,the subfamily cluster analysis was mainly based on Arabidopsis thaliana WRKYs for 27 putative WRKY TFs selected from previous transcriptome sequencing data.Secondly,qPCR was used to screen such genes of WRKY TFs that could be induced by NaCI and PEG6000 in adventitious roots of B.chinense.Meanwhile,saikosaponins（SSs） in treated adventitious roots were determined by HPLC.The roots were collected at 0,2,4,8,12,24,48,and 72 h after treatments,and 120 h only for PEG.Finally,the tissue-specific expression was analyzed on screened genes by qPCR.Results The 27 genes were grouped into three categories：There were nine in Group Ⅰ,15 in Group Ⅱ,and two in Group Ⅲ.Four genes of WRKYTFs,BCWRKY6,BCWRKY16,BCWRKY32,and BCWRKY35 were obviously induced by NaCI in adventitious roots of B.chinense,while only BCWRKY32 was induced by PEG.The content of SSs increased at different levels in NaCI and PEG6000 treatment.Three genes including BCWRKY6,BCWRKY32,and BCWRKY35,expressed most in roots,were similar to the accumulation pattern of SS.Conclusion The three WRKY genes,BCWRKY6,BCWRKY32,and BCWRKY35,may be involved in the biosynthesis of SS.