Pedunculoside promotes oral ulcer healing in mice by upregulating STAT3 and Smad3

Background:Pedunculoside(PE)is a pentacyclic triterpenoid saponin found in the dried barks of the Ilex rotunda Thunb.In traditional Chinese medicine,the juice extracted from various Ilex species is commonly used for treating inflammatory diseases.Objective:This study aims to investigate the potential of PE in promoting the healing of oral ulcers in mice and to explore its possible mechanism.Materials and Methods:A mouse model of oral ulcer was established to evaluate the healing promotion effects of PE,and an in-vitro inflammatory cell model was established by using primary fibroblasts isolated from mouse oral mucosal tissue.Gene transcription and protein expression related to cell proliferation,migration,and collagen synthesis were measured.Results:PE showed the highest cure rate of 85.7%for oral ulcers in mice within 7-days treatment.It significantly promoted cell proliferation and collagen secretion in fibroblast in-vitro model.PE also upregulated the gene transcription of Smad3,Col1a1 and Col3a1.Furthermore,PE antagonized the inhibitory effect of WP1066 on STAT3activation,but did not affect cell migration.Conclusion:This study demonstrates that PE has potential therapeutic effects in promoting oral ulcer healing in mice.The improvement was achieved by the increasing collagen synthesis through the upregulation of STAT3 and Smad3 in mucosa fibroblasts.These results provide a preliminary pharmacological work for developing PE as a potential treatment agent for oral ulcers.

The mechanisms of melanogenesis inhibition by glabridin:molecular docking,PKA/MITF and MAPK/MITF pathways

Glabridin is the main ingredient of hydrophobic fraction in licorice extract and has been shown to have anti-melanogenesis activity in skins.However,the underlying mechanism(s)remain not completely understood.The aim of this study is thus to elucidate the possible mechanisms related to the melanogenesis suppression by glabridin in cultured B16 murine melanoma cells and in UVA radiation induced hyperpigmentation model of BALB/c mice as well.Molecular docking simulations revealed that between catalytic core residues and the compound.The treatment by glabridin significantly downregulated both transcriptional and/or protein expression of melanogenesis-related factors including melanocyte stimulating hormone receptor(MC1R),microphthalmia-associated transcription factor(MITF),tyrosinase(TYR),TYR-related protein-1(TRP-1)and TRP-2 in B16 cells.Both PKA/MITF and MAPK/MITF signaling pathways were found to be involved in the suppression of melanogenesis by glabridin in B16 cells.Also in vivo glabridin therapy significantly reduced hyperpigmentation,epidermal thickening,roughness and inflammation induced by frequent UVA exposure in mice skins,thus beneficial for skin healthcare.These data further look insights into the molecular mechanisms of melanogenesis suppression by glabridin,rationalizing the application of the natural compound for skin healthcare.

A Cardiomyopeptin Preparation Protects against Isoproterenol-Induced Chronic Heart Failure in Rats

The present study investigated the effect of an herbal extract-supplemented cardiomyopeptin preparation (HECP), in the rat model of chronic heart failure. HECP pre-/co-treatment at a daily dose of 0.072 to 0.124 g/kg for 30 days protected against isoproterenol (ISO)-induced chronic myocardial damage in rats in a dose-dependent manner, with the extent of protection, as assessed by plasma cardiac troponin I level, being up to 76%. The cardioprotection afforded by HECP was associated with the enhancement of myocardial mitochondrial antioxidant status, amelioration of plasma parameters on cardiac dysfunction and hypertrophy, as well as an increase in myocardial endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity. Myocardial apoptotic and anti-apoptotic parameters were suppressed and stimulated, respectively. The cardioprotection afforded by HECP was accompanied by an increase in exercise capacity, an indirect functional index of the myocardium, in ISO-challenged rats. In conclusion, HECP may offer a promising prospect in preventing chronic heart failure in human subjects.

Effect of three kinds of Chinese Herbal Medicine on the Viscosity of the Thickeners for Toothpaste

The effects of Scutellaria baicalensis, Panax notoginseng and Ilex rotunda on the viscosities of CMC and Xanthan gum were researched in this paper. Results showed that the viscosities of CMC decrease rapidly with Panax notoginseng;the viscosities of CMC decrease with Scutellaria baicalensis;the viscosities of CMC decrease slowly with Ilex rotunda. The viscosities of Xanthan gum are almost stable with Scutellaria baicalensis, Panax notoginseng and Ilex rotunda respectively;and the viscosities of Xanthan gum increase with the increase of the Scutellaria baicalensis concentration. There is a side chain on the molecular chain of Xanthan gum, which can form a rod-shaped double helix complex to protect the main chain. There is no side chain on the molecular chain of CMC, and the main chain is “bare”. So, compared to xanthan gum, the molecular chain of CMC is is more susceptible to external influences.

Study on Bacteriostatic Properties of Piroctone Olamine in Commonly Used Surfactants Systems

Piroctone olamine(OCT) was used as the main bacteriostatic component, the inhibition of OCT in different kinds and mass concentrations of surfactants were studied. Six surfactants commonly used in personal care products, i.e. sodium laureth sulfate(AES), cocamidopropyl betaine(CAB 35), sodium lauroyl sarcosinate(LS-30), sodium lauroyl glutamate(ULS-30S), alkyl glycoside(APG), cocamide methyl MEA(CMMEA),were used. The results showed that the bacteriostatic of OCT decreased with the increase of AES, which was suggested ≤ 5%. OCT has good bacteriostatic performance in the systems of amino acid surfactants and high dosage of amphoteric surfactants, 5% LS 30 and ≥ 10% CAB 35 was recommended. High dosage of nonionic surfactant could interfere the bacteriostatic performance of OCT, the recommended dosage was ≤ 2%.In addition, OCT has good bacteriostatic performance against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans when pH was controlled less than 5.5.

Extraction Process Optimization and Moisturizing Performance of Fucoidan from Sargassum fusiforme

[Objectives] The research aimed to optimize extraction process of fucoidan from Sargassum fusiforme( FSF) and study its moisturizing performance. [Methods]Extracting condition of FSF by cellulase hydrolysis-ultrasonic assisted extraction method was optimized. The influences of solvent p H,enzyme dosage,extraction temperature,cellulose hydrolysis time,ultrasonication time,and the ratio of material to liquid on FSF were investigated by single factor and orthogonal experiments. [Results] The optimum extraction conditions were as followings:p H,4. 5; enzyme dosage,1%; extraction temperature,40℃; cellulose hydrolysis time,2 h; ultrasonic time,15 min; and the ratio of material to liquid,1∶ 10( g∶ m L). Under the optimal condition,the extraction yield of FSF was 8. 50%,RSD = 2. 74%. The short-time hygroscopicity( within 8 h) of crude extract of fucoidan from S. fusiforme( CEFSF) was better than glycerin,butanediol,and sodium alginate,and the moisture retention capacity of 1% CEFSF aqueous solution was better than 1% butanediol or 1% sodium alginate,and was equal to 5% glycerin under relative humidity of 43% and 81%. The determination results of skin moisture content and transepidermal water loss rate( TEWL)showed that: 5% CEFSF solution had good moisturizing effect. [Conclusions]The research could provide certain reference for deep development of S. fusiforme.

<i>Lily bulb</i>Nectar Produces Expectorant and Anti-Tussive Activities, and Suppresses Cigarette Smoke-Induced Inflammatory Response in the Respiratory Tract in Mice

Air pollutants pose a major environmental threat to the respiratory system. Pathogen invasion and the exposure to particulate matters in atmospheric air, particularly, cigarette smoke (CS), have been found to be associated with acute and chronic respiratory diseases, including asthma. Therefore, the search for agents that can protect the respiratory system against potentially harmful substances is of interest in preventive health. Lily bulb Nectar (LBN), which contains Lily bulb, Pyrus pyrifolia N., Siraitia grosvenorii and Apricot kernel as its ingredients, is a health supplement intended to improve the wellness of the respiratory system in humans. Lily bulb, Pyrus pyrifolia N., Siraitia grosvenorii and Apricot kernel are commonly prescribed for the treatment of respiratory tract disorders such as bronchitis, pneumonia and cough in the practice of traditional Chinese medicine. Pharmacological studies have shown that these herbs can produce beneficial effects on the respiratory tract or even the lungs. In the present study, we investigated the effects of LBN on mouse respiratory tract function under normal and challenged conditions. LBN was first examined for its expectorant and anti-tussive activities in mice. The effect of LBN on long-term exposure to CS was also investigated. Our findings showed that long-term LBN treatment enhanced the expectorant activity and suppressed the SO2-induced coughing in mice. LBN treatment also suppressed the CS-induced inflammation in the respiratory tract, as assessed by differential cell count and cytokine production. In conclusion, long-term LBN consumption may produce beneficial effects on the respiratory tract function in humans, particularly in the face of challenge by irritants in the inhaling air.

Rapid Quantification of Bioactive Lentinan with an Aniline Blue Fluorescent Method

Lentinan is a clinically approved immune modulator and its anticancer and immunomodulatory bioactivity is found to be dependent on its triple helical conformation. Therefore, the development of rapid and convenient method for determination of bioactive lentinan with triple helical conformation holds great promise for the quality control of lentinan healthy products. In this work, an aniline blue fluorescent method was optimized and established to accurately and rapidly detect bioactive lentinan. In the presence of lentinan, the fluorescence intensity of aniline blue with 404 nm excitation and 492 nm emission dramatically enhanced within 15 min in pH 10 glycine-NaOH buffer solution, which allowed the analysis of lentinan in a very simple and fast manner. The method allowed for the sensitive determination of lentinan in the range of 1 to 60 μg/mL with a detection limit of 0.25 μg/mL. Notably, the protocol exhibited excellent selectivity for the determination of triple helical lentinan over other saccharides. The method was successfully applied to the detection of bioactive lentinan in health tonic solution, which demonstrated the method had great potential for quality control of lentinan contained products.

Mechanistic action of the acute toxicity of Bajitian(Morinda officinalis)in zebrafish embryos

Objectives:To investigate acute toxicity of Bajitian(Morinda officinalis)in zebrafish embryos.Methods:Zebrafish embryos at 48-h post fertilization(hpf)were exposed to Bajitian ethanol extract for72 h.The causative action of a delay in yolk sac absorption by Bajitian was investigated by RT-PCR analysis of lipid metabolism-related microsomal triglyceride transfer protein(MTP),apolipoprotein CII(ApoC2)and lipogenesis-related liver x receptor(LXR)genes.The effect of Bajitian eliciting an inflammatory response was studied by exposing 72 hpf myeloperoxidase(MPO):GFP transgenic zebrafish embryos to Bajitian extract for 4 h.Assessment was done by TUNEL,caspase-3/7,and RT-PCR analysis of the apoptosis related pathway B-cell lymphoma 2 associated X protein(Bax),Nuclear factor kappa-lightchain-enhancer of activated B cells(NF-k B)genes,neutrophil development-related stem cell leukaemia(SCL)and transcription factor PU.1 genes,to reveal the causative action of Bajitian reducing neutrophils.Results:RT-PCR analysis found that Bajitian extract had no effect on the expression of MTP or ApoC2 genes,but upregulated LXR gene,which might explain the delay in yolk sac absorption.Analysis of the inflammatory response showed that compared with negative controls,Bajitian extract significantly(P<.05)reduced the number of neutrophils in MPO:GFP embryos.TUNEL,caspase-3/7,and RT-PCR analysis of Bax and NF-k B genes found that Bajitian extract did not trigger the cell apoptosis.Further RT-PCR analysis found that Bajitian extract did not affect SCL expression,but did lead to down-regulation of PU.1.The inhibition of neutrophil development/differentiation may explain the decline in the total number of neutrophils following Bajitian treatment,which could be attributed to the anti-inflammatory effects found clinically for this drug.Conclusions:This study demonstrated that Bajitian caused a delay in yolk sac absorption and a decrease neutrophil in zebrafish embryos,which may be related to the inhibition of neutrophil development.

Hawthorn Nectar Enhances Gastrointestinal Motility as Well as Stimulates Intestinal Am-ylase and Lipase Activities in Mice

Gastrointestinal (GI) digestion, which facilitates the decomposition of ingested food into absorbable small molecules for further utilization in the body, necessitates both neural- and hormonal-regulated coordination of GI motility and secretion of digestive enzymes in the GI tract. The dysregulation of such coordination is likely associated with a wide range of disorders in the digestive system. Hawthorn Nectar (HN) is a health supplement for improving the wellness of the gastrointestinal digestive system in humans. The ingredients of HN, which include hawthorn, citrus, germinated barley and honeysuckle, are commonly prescribed to increase appetite and to treat digestive disorders in the practice of traditional Chinese medicine. Pharmacological studies have also shown that these herbs can produce beneficial effects on the GI digestive system. In the present study, HN was first examined for its effects on gastric emptying and postprandial intestinal motility in mice. The activities of digestive enzymes in gastric and pancreatic juice were also measured in HN-pretreated mice. Our results showed that long-term HN treatment increased the extents of gastric emptying and postprandial intestinal motility in mice. HN pretreatment also stimulated the activities of intestinal amylase and lipase in mice, while gastric pepsin and intestinal chymotrypsin activities remained unchanged. However, intestinal trypsin activity was suppressed by HN pretreatment. In conclusion, long-term HN consumption may produce beneficial effect on GI digestive function in humans.

Comprehensive profiling of Lingzhihuang capsule by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry-based molecular networking and target prediction

Objective:Lingzhihuang capsule(LZHC)is a natural product that consists of 10 commonly used medicinal plants,and it is used in traditional Chinese medicine to promote people’s overall health.Previously,LZHC was successfully used as adjuvant therapy for treating patients with cancer.However,the chemical constituents of LZHC and their potential biological functions remain unclear.The aim of this study is to investigate the major bioactive compounds in LZHC and predict their pharmacological targets.Methods:The LZHC constituents were putatively identified by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with timeof-flight mass spectrometry combined with mass spectrometry-based molecular networking.The targets were predicted using SwissTargetPrediction software,and the associated gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathways were analyzed using the Database for Annotation,Visualization,and Integrated Discovery.The mass spectrometry-based molecular network and compound-target-pathway network were constructed using Cytoscape 3.8.0 software.Results:We putatively identified 94 compounds of LZHC by mass spectrometry-based molecular networking,including triterpene(the main structural type)and other clusters(ie,flavonoids and organic acids).Our results suggested that multiple pivotal targets were regulated by LZHC,including tumor necrosis factor,nitric oxide synthase 2,glucocorticoid receptor,estrogen receptor,3-oxo-5-alpha-steroid 4-dehydrogenase 2,prostaglandin e2 receptor ep4 subtype,estrogen receptor beta,phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha isoform,mitogen-activated protein kinase 3,and racalpha serine,which are related to signal transduction,positive regulation of transcription from RNA polymerase II promoters,oxidation-reduction processes,inflammatory responses,and other biological processes.Functional annotation of those targets suggested that several signaling pathways may be regulated by LZHC,such as cancer-related proteoglycans,the PI3K-Aktsignaling pathway,and the cAMP-signaling pathway.Conclusions:Our findings reveal the chemical constituents of LZHC and provided scientific support for the efficacy of LZHC in terms of immune regulation,anti-aging,and tumor suppression.

Long-Term Treatment with an Herbal Formula MCC Ameliorates Obesity-Associated Metabolic Dysfunction in High Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice: A Comparative Study among MCC and Various Combinations of Its Constituents

Obesity has been found to be associated with increased incidence of various metabolic disorders. Anti-obesity interventions are therefore urgently needed. An earlier study has demonstrated that treatment with an herbal formula MCC, which comprises the fruit of Momordica charantia (MC), the pericarpium of Citri reticulate (CR) and L-carnitine (CA), reduced the weight gain in high fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. In the present study, we investigated the effect of long-term treatment with MCC (6 g/kg/day × 40 doses) and various combinations of its constituents in HFD-fed female ICR mice. Body weight change was monitored during the course of the experiment. Total and differential adiposity, plasma lipid contents, metabolic enzyme activities and mitochondrial coupling efficiency in skeletal muscle were measured. Glucose homeostasis was also assessed. Results showed that HFD increased the body weight, total and differential adiposity, and plasma lipid contents as well as impaired metabolic status in skeletal muscle and glucose homeostasis. MCC and all combinations of its constituents reduced the weight gain in HFD-fed mice, which was accompanied with an improvement on glucose homeostasis. While MC, CA and CR independently suppressed the HFD-induced weight gain in mice, MC seems to be the most effective in weight reduction, all of which correlated with the induction of mitochondrial uncoupling in skeletal muscle. Only CA and CR, but not MC, significantly reduced the total adiposity and visceral adiposity as well as plasma cholesterol level. However, the two component combinations, MC + CR and MC + CA, decreased the degree of visceral adiposity and plasma cholesterol level, respectively. MCC treatment at 1.5 g/kg (but not a higher dose of 6 g/kg) suppressed visceral adiposity and induced mitochondrial uncoupling in skeletal muscle in HFD-fed mice. The finding suggests that MCC may offer a promising prospect for ameliorating the diet-induced obesity and metabolic disorders in humans.

Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Combined with Absorbance Upper Optimization Partial Least Squares Applied to Rapid Analysis of Polysaccharide for Proprietary Chinese Medicine Oral Solution

Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy was applied to reagent-free quantitative analysis of polysaccharide of a brand product of proprietary Chinese medicine (PCM) oral solution samples. A novel method, called absorbance upper optimization partial least squares (AUO-PLS), was proposed and successfully applied to the wavelength selection. Based on varied partitioning of the calibration and prediction sample sets, the parameter optimization was performed to achieve stability. On the basis of the AUO-PLS method, the selected upper bound of appropriate absorbance was 1.53 and the corresponding wavebands combination was 400 - 1880 & 2088 - 2346 nm. With the use of random validation samples excluded from the modeling process, the root-mean-square error and correlation coefficient of prediction for polysaccharide were 27.09 mg·L-1 and 0.888, respectively. The results indicate that the NIR prediction values are close to those of the measured values. NIR spectroscopy combined with AUO-PLS method provided a promising tool for quantification of the polysaccharide for PCM oral solution and this technique is rapid and simple when compared with conventional methods.

Microencapsulation of nutmeg essential oil by spray-drying with different wall materials

Nutmeg essential oil with volatile components is sensitive to oxygen, light, water and high temperature. Spray-drying is widely used as an encapsulation technique for improving compound stability during processing and storage. In this study, influence of encapsulated matrix on spray-dried nutmeg essential oil microcapsule was investigated using blends of maltodextrin and either gum Arabic(GA-MD), or octenyl succinic acid modified starch(OSA-MD) as wall materials. Characteristics of spray-dried powders from these 2 wall materials were evaluated and compared. Powder property analysis indicated that GA-MD microcapsules presented larger size, higher moisture and poorer flowability compared with OSA-MD microcapsules. Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis showed that both GA-MD and OSA-MD microcapsules improved the stability of nutmeg essential oil. However, GA-MD microcapsules exhibited higher storage stability than OSA-MD microcapsules. This research provided theoretical foundation for wall material choice of microcapsule and nutmeg essential oil utilization in food industry.

Clinical Study on the Anti-Aging Effect of a Cream Containing Ginseng Root Extract and L-Carnosine

The anti-aging effects of a cream containing L-carnosine and ginseng root extract to provide a reference for the evaluation and development of anti-aging cosmetics were tested. Sixty healthy females, aged 35-60,were grouped into test sample and placebo groups. Skin elasticity, gloss, and wrinkles of the participants were analyzed before use and after use for 8 weeks. Instrument measurement results showed that after 8 weeks,skin elasticity, gloss, and wrinkles in the members of the test sample group obviously improved relative to those of the placebo group. Clinical effect assessment results showed that subjects did not experience adverse skin reactions, and their skin gloss showed obvious improvement. Self-assessment results showed that 87%subjects are satisfied with the test sample. Cream containing L-carnosine and ginseng root extract has a certain anti-aging effect.

An Herbal Formula (GPC) Suppresses the Releases of Pro-Inflammatory Effectors in Lipopolysaccharide/Peptidoglycan-Activated RAW264.7 Macrophages and Reduces the Extent of Chemical-Induced Acute/Chronic Inflammation in Rodents

Pharyngitis (an inflammation in the pharynx) is a commonly occurring symptom of upper respiratory tract infection in patients suffering from common cold. The high prevalence of upper respiratory tract infection necessitates a safe and effective antiinflammatory agent for pharyngitis. Chinese herbal medicine, which has been clinically prescribed for thousands of years, may offer a basis for the treatment of common cold as well as the amelioration of pharyngitis. In the present study, we investigated the in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory activities of a Chinese herbal formula, namely GPC, which is comprised of Glycyrrhiza Radix, Platycodonis Radix, Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, Phyllanthi Fructus and Taraxaci Herba. Incubation with GPC (30, 100 and 300 μg/mL) suppressed the releases of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and nitric oxide in lipopolysaccharide/peptidoglycanactivated RAW264.7 macrophages. In addition to the cell-based study, long-term treatment with GPC (0.35, 1.05 and 2.10 mL/kg/day × 30 doses) was found to reduce the extent of inflammation in animal models of carrageenan-induced paw edema (acute inflammation) as well as cotton pellet-induced granuloma formation (chronic inflammation) in mice. The ability of GPC to enhance the tracheobronchial expectorant action suggested its immunomodulatory activity in the respiratory tract. This postulation was supported by the observation that GPC reduced the degree of pharyngitis and reversed the changes in plasma TNF-α and IL-6 levels in capsaicininduced pharyngitis in rats. The ensemble of results suggests that GPC may offer a promising prospect for alleviating the extent of pharyngitis by virtue of antiinflammatory activities.

Antimicrobial Mechanism of Saponin from Sapindus mukorossi against Escherichia coli

[Objectives]To investigate the antimicrobial activity and mechanism for saponin from Sapindus mukorossi against Escherichia coli.[Methods]E.coli was used as the test bacteria,and the antimicrobial effect of Sapindus saponin was studied by the minimum inhibitory concentration method.The antimicrobial mechanism of Sapindus saponin was studied in terms of growth curves,membrane potential,activity of cells,cell surface morphology and cell internal structure.[Results]The results indicate that Sapindus saponin can inhibit the growth of E.coli,the minimum inhibitory concentration is 5 mg/mL and has a significant inhibitory effect on the growth of E.coli.After treated with Sapindus saponin,the membrane potential of E.coli increased by 16.7,17.3 and 19.1 times after exposition to 0.5,1,2 MIC Sapindus saponin respectively.PI staining results show that cell viability decreased and permeability of cell membranes increased.The results of SEM and TEM further corroborate the membrane damage,the cell was damaged after exposition to Sapindus saponin.[Conclusions]The antimicrobial mechanism of Sapindus saponin were to changed membrane potential of cell,and damage the cell membrane structures.

Long-Term Treatment with an Herbal Formula MCC Reduces the Weight Gain in High Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice

Obesity is a risk factor for metabolic disorders, with its prevalence being increased in the world over the past several decades. Therapeutical interventions for obesity are thus urgently needed. In the present study, we investigated the effect of long-term treatment (0.51 and 5.1 g/kg/day, 5 days per week for a total of 40 doses) with an herbal formula MCC [which comprises the fruit of Momordica charantia (MC), the pericarpium of Citri reticulata and L-carnitine] in normal diet (ND) and high fat diet (HFD)-fed female ICR mice. Body weight change was monitored during the course of the experiment. Fat pad indices, plasma glucose and lipid contents, as well as metabolic enzyme activities and mitochondrial coupling efficiency in skeletal muscle were measured at 24 hours after the last dosing. Results showed that HFD increased the body weight, fat pad indices, plasma glucose and lipid contents as well as β-hydroxyacyl-Co A dehydrogenase (β-HAD) and carnitine palmitoyl CoA transferase (CPT) activities in skeletal muscle. However, the phosphofructokinase (PFK) activity was decreased in skeletal muscle. MCC treatment reduced the HFD-induced increases in body weight, fat pad indices and plasma lipid contents. MCC treatment only partially reversed the HFD-induced changes in β-HAD and CPT activities, but did not restore the HFD-induced decrease in PFK activity. MCC did not alter the plasma glucose level and mitochondrial coupling efficiency in skeletal muscle of ND and HFD-fed mice. Since MCC formula did not increase activities of energy metabolic enzymes or induce mitochondrial uncoupling, the weight loss effect of MCC is likely related to the reduction of intestinal lipid absorption in HFD-fed mice.

Acute and Long-Term Treatments with an Herbal Formula V-Vital Capsule Increase Exercise Endurance Capacity in Weight-Loaded Swimming Mice

Fatigue is a self-limiting response arising from physical and/or mental weariness, with a consequent personal and economic morbidity on work performance and social relationships. Anti-fatigue intervention is therefore urgently sought. “Qi-invigorating” Chinese tonic herbs, which can improve the energy status in the body according to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, may produce beneficial effects in fatigue individuals. The herbal formula V-Vital capsule (VVC), which comprises 3 “Qi-invigorating” herbs, namely the root of Rhodiola rosea, Eleutherococcus senticosus and Panax quinquefolium, may produce anti-fatigue effect. In the present study, we investigated the effect of acute/long-term VVC treatment (acute: 0.75, 0.2 and 3.75 kg/day × 1 dose;long-term: 0.075 and 0.25 g/kg/day × 14 doses) on weight-loaded swimming female ICR mice. The weight-loaded swimming time until exhaustion, indicative of exercise endurance capacity, was recorded. Plasma levels of glucose, non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), lactate and reactive oxygen metabolites (ROM) were measured in the exhausted mice. Glycogen levels in skeletal muscle and liver tissues were also measured. Mitochondrial function status [such as adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT) activity and coupling efficiency] was assayed. Results showed that acute VVC treatment increased the exercise endurance capacity in weight-loaded swimming mice. The ability of acute VVC treatment to enhance the exercise endurance was associated with increases in plasma glucose levels as well as glycogen levels in skeletal muscles and liver tissues, presumably due to the utilization of plasma lactate for gluconeogenesis and/or glycogen synthesis in the liver. While acute VVC treatment reduced the plasma ROM level in weight-loaded swimming mice, it increased the ANT activity. In this regard, the enhancement in exercise endurance afforded by acute VVC treatment might be due to an increase in the glucose supply to the skeletal muscle, the amelioration of systemic oxidative stress and the improvement in mitochondrial function of skeletal muscle. Consistent with the results obtained in acute VVC treatment experiment, the long-term VVC treatment enhances the exercise endurance in weight-loaded swimming mice. The ensemble of results suggests that VVC may offer a promising prospect for enhancing the exercise endurance and alleviating fatigue in humans.

Selected Medicinal Herbs and Functional Peptides for Protection against Photoaging of the Skin

Photoaging is an accelerating aging process of the skin due to prolonged exposure to UV from the Sun or other sources. Herbal extracts, natural compounds, and bioactive polypeptides have widely used in cosmetic agents for protection of the skin against photoaging. This mini review briefly summarizes topical use of selected most common medicinal herbs, naturopathic chemicals, and bioactive peptides examined for skin protection.