Search Results (485)

Background/Objectives: As a non-medicinal part resource of Ziziphus jujuba, this study focuses on the total flavonoids from Ziziphus jujuba mesocarp (TFZJM), aiming to optimize the extraction process and explore its sedative and hypnotic effects. Methods: The extraction process of TFZJM was optimized by using single-factor experiments and the Box-Behnken response surface design method. The material basis of TFZJM was analyzed using Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Quadrupole-Time of Flight-Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). The mouse insomnia model was induced by intraperitoneal injection of PCPA, and the effects of TFZJM on this model and its potential mechanism were evaluated using multiple methods, such as sleep enhancement induced by pentobarbital sodium, HE staining of tissue sections, ELISA, RT-PCR, WB, and serum metabolomics. Results: The results showed that by optimizing the extraction conditions, a solid-liquid ratio (SLR) of 1:25 g·mL⁻¹, ethanol concentration of 60%, extraction time of 60 min, and extraction rate of 1.98% were achieved. The common chemical basis of the 10 flavonoid components was identified using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS analysis. Compared with the model group, the high-dose TFZJM (TFZJM-H) group had the most significant effect, followed by the medium-dose (TFZJM-M) and low-dose (TFZJM-L) groups. Conclusions: Metabolomic analysis revealed that TFZJM regulates pathways related to the metabolism of phenylalanine, tyrosine, cytochrome P450, and alanine. This lays the foundation for further exploration of the active substances and mechanisms of action of TFZJM in sedation and hypnosis. Full article

Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by chronic glycolipid metabolic dysregulation. This study aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of Artemisia integrifolia Linn. (LH) as a functional food in a T2DM rat model. The UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS technique was used to identify the components of LH. T2DM was induced in rats via a high-fat/high-sugar diet combined with streptozotocin (STZ, 35 mg/kg, i.p.). The rats were subsequently treated with LH (90 mg/kg, 180 mg/kg) for 15 days. A total of 66 compounds were identified in both positive and negative ions. LH treatment resulted in an increase in body weight while reducing FBG levels. It also improved insulin resistance, blood lipid levels, liver pathology, function, and lipid accumulation. Furthermore, 18 metabolites and 5 metabolic pathways were identified in the liver. Mechanistically, LH may improve T2DM through modulation of the S1P and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Caffeic acid, coumarin, trifolin, and apigetrin were identified as the likely active components. In conclusion, LH may mitigate glycolipid metabolism disorders in T2DM rats by modulating metabolic profiling, S1P, and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, supporting its potential as a functional food. Full article

Background/Objectives: Eupatorium lindleyanum DC (Eup), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, is widely used for treating inflammation-mediated diseases, including pneumonia. However, its potential therapeutic effects on inflammation-driven liver fibrosis remain to be elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Eup on carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver fibrosis and elucidate its underlying mechanisms. Methods: The chemical constituents of Eup were analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q/TOF-LC/MS). A CCl₄-induced liver fibrosis murine model and LX-2 cells were used in study. Serum biochemical assays, histological analysis, qRT-PCR, ELISA, and Western blot were used to assess Eup’s anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was employed to identify potential mechanisms, with validation by Western blot. Results: 89 and 49 compounds were identified in Eup under positive and negative ion modes, respectively. In vivo, Eup treatment decreased collagen deposition and expression levels of fibrosis-related genes, including collagen I and α-smooth muscle actin. Additionally, Eup alleviated hepatic inflammation. In vitro, Eup inhibited FBS-induced hepatic stellate cell (HSCs) activation. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) indicated that Eup significantly downregulated the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)/platelet-derived growth factor receptor-beta (PDGFR-β) signaling pathway, which was further validated in both CCl₄-induced fibrotic livers and PDGF-BB-activated HSCs using western blot. Conclusions: Eup attenuated liver fibrosis by inhibiting inflammation and suppressing HSCs activation via downregulating PDGF/PDGFR-β signaling pathway. Full article

Background/Objectives: Edgeworthia chrysantha is rich in coumarin and flavonoid dimers, which may exhibit diverse pharmacological activities. However, to date, no metabolomics studies have been conducted and its bioactive constituents related to glucose metabolism remain uncharacterized. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive chemical analysis combined with bioactivity assays to evaluate its efficacy in promoting glucose uptake. Methods: Chemical profiling of three parts (leaf, stem, and root) of E. chrysantha was performed using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS spectrometry, followed by metabolomics analysis. Based on the chemical profiles and glucose uptake activity, compounds were isolated from the root. Their structures were elucidated using spectroscopic techniques, including UV, NMR, and mass spectrometry. The glucose uptake activity of the isolated compounds was assessed using a 2-NBDG assay. Results: Metabolic analysis revealed distinct chemical compositions among the plant parts. Dimeric coumarins and biflavonoids were abundant in the root, whereas flavonoid monomers were predominant in the leaf. Bioactivity-guided isolation yielded nine compounds (1–9), among which compound 1, a newly identified coumarin glycoside, exhibited significant glucose uptake-enhancing activity. Molecular docking analysis further suggested that compound 1 activates AMPK through an allosteric site, thereby promoting glucose uptake. Conclusions: These findings provide a comprehensive chemical and metabolomic characterization of E. chrysantha and highlight its potential as a functional food ingredient for glucose-lowering effects. Full article

Background: This study investigates metabolic perturbations in serum samples associated with different genotypes (AA, AC, and CC) of the schizophrenia susceptibility gene NOS1AP-rs12742393. Methods: Publicly available datasets acquired using ultra-performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC–QTOFMS) were analyzed by employing network and enrichment approaches. Results: Key metabolites, including tryptophan, 2-aminobutyric acid, palmitic acid, and 5-hydroxytryptophan, were strongly linked to metabolic networks in genotypes AA-AC and AA. Enrichment analysis was conducted to identify metabolite sets differentially distributed across these genotypes, with a particular focus on genotype AA. Conclusions: The findings suggest that NOS1AP-rs12742393 contributes to complex metabolic alterations involving amino acids, organic compounds, fatty acids, and cholic acids. Moreover, serum metabolome analysis demonstrates sufficient sensitivity and specificity to provide insights into NOS1AP-rs12742393 genotype-associated metabolic profiles, supporting a network-based approach to understanding schizophrenia susceptibility. Full article

The functional exploration of natural foods, coupled with the increasing prevalence of gastrointestinal motility disorders and the associated therapeutic challenges, has generated significant interest in this field. This study aims to investigate the ameliorative effects of the extract from Pugionium cornutum (L.) Gaertn (EAEPC), a traditional edible vegetable in northwest China’s desert region, on atropine-induced gastroparesis in mice, as well as to elucidate its mechanism in terms of the gut microbiota and major metabolites. The findings indicate that EAEPC effectively reduces the rate of pigment residual in the stomach while shortening the gastrointestinal transit time and alleviating other symptoms associated with atropine-induced gastroparesis. These effects may be mediated through modulation of the expression levels of major intestinal metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), bile acids (BAs), and L-tryptophan, alongside remodeling of both the diversity and relative abundance of the gut microbiota. Furthermore, correlation analyses were conducted on significantly altered strains and metabolites to clarify their interactions. Moreover, the chemical constituents of EAEPC were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, and the key active components responsible for improving gastroparesis were predicted through network pharmacology approaches and validated experimentally. These results provide a foundation for further research into the functions of Pugionium and offer scientific support for developing natural plant-based strategies aimed at treating gastrointestinal motility disorders. Full article

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.), a nutrient-rich legume beneficial to human health, is valued for its high L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) and phenolic content. This study investigated phytochemical diversity and bioactivity across 29 Chinese faba bean varieties. Phenolics were profiled using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS) and quantified via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Antioxidant capacity was evaluated, including DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) radical scavenging activity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), along with α-amylase/α-glucosidase inhibitory effects. Twenty-five phenolics were identified, including L-DOPA (11.96–17.93 mg/g, >70% of total content), seven phenolic acids, and seventeen flavonoids. L-DOPA showed potent enzyme inhibition (IC₅₀ values of 22.45 μM for α-amylase and 16.66 μM for α-glucosidase) but demonstrated limited antioxidant effects. Lincan 13 (Gansu) exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity (DPPH, 16.32 μmol trolox/g; ABTS, 5.85 μmol trolox/g; FRAP, 21.38 mmol Fe²⁺/g), which correlated with it having the highest flavonoid content (40.51 mg rutin/g), while Yican 4 (Yunnan) showed the strongest α-amylase inhibition (43.33%). Correlation analysis confirmed flavonoids as the primary antioxidants, and principal component analysis (PCA) revealed geographical trends (e.g., Jiangsu varieties were particularly phenolic-rich). These findings highlight faba beans’ potential as functional foods and guide genotype selection in targeted breeding programs aimed at enhancing health benefits. Full article

Background: Cardiovascular diseases, particularly hypertension, and gastrointestinal disorders represent major public health concerns in Mexico. Although a range of pharmacological treatments exists, their use is associated with adverse effects, highlighting the need for safer therapeutic alternatives. Species of the Ipomoea genus are widely employed in Mexican traditional medicine (MTM) for their purgative, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and sedative properties. Particularly, Ipomoea purpurea is traditionally used as a diuretic and purgative; its leaves and stems are applied topically for their anti-inflammatory and soothing effects. This study aimed to determine their phytochemical composition and to evaluate the associated vasodilatory activity, modulatory effects on intestinal smooth-muscle motility, and toxicological effects of the methanolic (ME-Ip) and dichloromethane (DE-Ip) extracts obtained from the aerial parts of I. purpurea. Methods: The phytochemical composition of the ME-Ip and DE-Ip extracts of I. purpurea was assessed using UPLC-QTOF-MS and GC-MS, respectively. For both extracts, the vasodilatory activity and effects on intestinal smooth muscle were investigated using ex vivo models incorporating isolated rat aorta and ileum, respectively, whereas acute toxicity was evaluated in vivo. Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed, for the first time, the presence of two glycosylated flavonoids within the Ipomoea genus; likewise, constituents with potential anti-inflammatory activity were detected. The identified compounds in I. purpurea extracts may contribute to the vasodilatory, biphasic, and purgative effects observed in this species. The EC₅₀ values for the vasodilatory effects of the methanolic (ME-Ip) and dichloromethane (DE-Ip) extracts were 0.80 and 0.72 mg/mL, respectively. In the initial phase of the experiments on isolated ileal tissues, both extracts induced a spasmodic (contractile) effect on basal motility, with ME-Ip exhibiting higher potency (EC₅₀ = 27.11 μg/mL) compared to DE-Ip (EC₅₀ = 1765 μg/mL). In contrast, during the final phase of the experiments, both extracts demonstrated a spasmolytic effect, with EC₅₀ values of 0.43 mg/mL for ME-Ip and 0.34 mg/mL for DE-Ip. In addition, both extracts exhibited low levels of acute toxicity. Conclusions: The phytochemical profile and the vasodilatory and biphasic effects of the I. purpurea extracts explain, in part, the use of I. purpurea in MTM. The absence of acute toxic effects constitutes a preliminary step in the toxicological safety assessment of I. purpurea extracts and demonstrates their potential for the development of phytopharmaceutic agents as adjuvants for the treatment of cardiovascular and gastrointestinal disorders. Full article

Sanghuangporus spp. are medicinal fungi with significant therapeutic value, but their taxonomic ambiguity and frequent market adulteration have hindered their standardized utilization. In this study, untargeted metabolomics based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS was employed to systematically analyze the metabolic profiles of three Sanghuangporus species: Sanghuangporus. sanghuang (SS), Sanghuangporus. vaninii (SV), and Sanghuangporus. baumii (SB). A total of 788 metabolites were identified and classified into 16 categories, among which 97 were common differential metabolites, including bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, polysaccharides, and terpenoids. Multivariate statistical analyses (PCA and OPLS-DA) revealed distinct metabolic patterns among the species. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that the differential metabolites were mainly involved in flavonoid and isoflavonoid biosynthesis. Notably, SV and SB exhibited significantly higher levels of several key bioactive compounds, including Apigenin and D-glucuronolactone, compared to SS. These findings highlight substantial interspecies differences in metabolic composition and pharmacological potential, providing a scientific basis for species authentication, quality control, and medicinal development of Sanghuangporus. Full article

Background: Rehmannia glutinosa, a traditional Chinese herb, is commonly used to treat vascular-related disorders. Sepsis-associated vascular endothelial dysfunction is closely associated with mitochondrial damage. This study investigated the protective effects of secondary metabolites from R. glutinosa against LPS-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in endothelial cells, providing potential therapeutic insights into sepsis-related vascular complications. Methods: Phytochemical profiling of fresh R. glutinosa roots was conducted, and the structures of new secondary metabolites (1 and 2) were elucidated through comprehensive spectroscopic analysis and ECD calculations. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS characterized phenylethanoid glycosides. Mitochondrial function was assessed by measuring the membrane potential, ROS levels, and TOM20/DRP1 expression in LPS-injured HUVECs. Results: Two novel eremophilane-type sesquiterpenes, remophilanetriols J (1) and K (2), along with five known phenylethanoid glycosides (3–7), were isolated from the fresh roots of R. glutinosa. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis revealed unique fragmentation pathways for phenylethanoid glycosides (3–7). In LPS-injured HUVECs, all compounds collectively restored the mitochondrial membrane potential, attenuated ROS accumulation, and modulated TOM20/DRP1 expression. In particular, remophilanetriol K (2) exhibited potent protective effects at a low concentration (1.5625 μM). Conclusions: This study identifies R. glutinosa metabolites as potential therapeutics for sepsis-associated vascular dysfunction by preserving mitochondrial homeostasis. This study provides a mechanistic basis for the traditional use of R. glutinosa and offers valuable insights into the development of novel therapeutics targeting mitochondrial dysfunction in sepsis. Full article

Marek’s disease (MD), induced by the highly contagious Marek’s disease virus (MDV), remains a significant challenge to global poultry health despite extensive vaccination efforts. This study employed integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses to investigate liver responses in naturally MDV-infected Wenchang chickens during late infection stages. RNA sequencing identified 959 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the infected and uninfected groups. Functional enrichment analysis demonstrated that these DEGs were primarily associated with canonical pathways related to metabolism and cellular processes, including lipid, carbohydrate, and amino acid metabolism, as well as the p53 signaling pathway, cell cycle, and apoptosis. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) detected 561 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs), showing near-significant enrichment (p = 0.069) in phenylalanine metabolism. Integrated analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics data highlighted that critical gene–metabolite pairs such as SGPL1-palmitaldehyde–sphinganine-1-phosphate and ME1-NADP+–malic acid potentially mediate functional crosstalk between sphingolipid metabolism and cellular redox homeostasis during viral oncogenesis. This comprehensive mapping of regulatory networks provides insights into host–virus interactions during MDV pathogenesis, offering potential applications in immunomodulation approaches, targeted therapeutic strategies, and vaccine adjuvant development. Full article

Temperature is the most critical factor in fish preservation. Superchilled storage represents a novel technology that effectively retards quality deterioration in aquatic products. This study investigated the flavor variation patterns and deterioration mechanisms in 16 northern pike (Esox lucius) samples during superchilled storage (−3 °C) based on analysis using gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS). The results indicate that GC-MS analysis identified 25 key volatile flavor compounds. These comprised seven ketones, thirteen alcohols, aldehydes including 2-methylbutanal, esters such as 2-heptyl acetate and methyl butyrate, as well as nitrogen-containing compounds, exemplified by pyrazines and indole. Non-targeted metabolomics further revealed four pivotal metabolic pathways, glycerophospholipid metabolism, purine metabolism, the pentose phosphate pathway, and arginine biosynthesis. These metabolic pathways were found to regulate flavor changes through modulation of lipid oxidation, nucleotide degradation, and amino acid metabolism. Notably, the arginine biosynthesis pathway exhibited significant correlations with the development of characteristic cold-storage off-flavors, mediated by glutamate accumulation and fumarate depletion. This investigation provided a theoretical foundation for optimizing preservation strategies in cold-water fish species at the molecular level. Full article

The progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is shaped by a multifaceted interplay among genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors, alongside gut dysbiosis. Cinnamon, being abundant in polyphenols and flavonoids, shows significant antioxidant effects. Studies have substantiated that cinnamon contributes to the management of glucose and lipid metabolism. However, the anti-diabetic efficacy of cinnamon is not completely understood. The objective of this research was to clarify the anti-diabetic mechanism associated with cinnamon extract through a combination of chemical profiling, network pharmacology, and in vivo investigations. The results indicated that 32 chemical ingredients, including quercetin, were identified through UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. Network pharmacology revealed that 471 targets related to 14 compounds were screened. The analysis of GO enrichment revealed that the primary pathways were notably enhanced in the metabolism of insulin and glucose. In vivo analyses showed that cinnamon could effectively alleviate hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and lipid metabolism abnormalities via increased relative abundance of Akkermansia and Ligilactobacillus at the genus level and a decreased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio at the phylum level. Moreover, cinnamon reduced the serum levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) and significantly increased the colon Zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin protein levels. It was also observed that cinnamon improved the fecal SCFA levels (acetic, propionic, butyric, valeric and caproic acid), while also modifying the bile acid (BA) profile and increasing the conjugated-to-unconjugated BA ratio. The Western blotting analysis further demonstrated that cinnamon activated intestinal FXR/FGF15 and hepatic PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. In summary, the finding confirmed that cinnamon ameliorated glucose and lipid metabolism disorders by safeguarding the intestinal barrier and modulating the gut microbiota and metabolites, thereby activating intestinal FXR/FGF15 and hepatic PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. Full article

This study evaluated the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of serotonin derivatives from safflower seed powder and elucidated their mechanism against ulcerative colitis using network pharmacology. Compounds were extracted and purified via silica gel column chromatography, Sephadex LH-20 and semi-preparative HPLC. Structural characterization employed NMR and UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS with literature comparisons. Anti-inflammatory efficacy was assessed in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. Network pharmacology predicted targets, molecular docking analyzed binding interactions and molecular dynamics simulations assessed complex stability. Eleven serotonin derivatives were isolated; N-trans-Feruloyl-3,5-dihydroxyindolin-2-one (1) and Bufoserotonin A (2) were identified in safflower seed meal for the first time. Compounds 1, 3–7 and 10 significantly reduced inflammatory factors, with N-feruloyl serotonin (4, FS) showing the strongest activity. Mechanistic studies revealed FS targets key molecules (STAT3, EGFR, ESR1, PTGS2, NF-κB1, and JUN), modulating PI3K-Akt, MAPK and cancer-related pathways. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed FS-EGFR complex stability. Thus, two novel derivatives were isolated and FS demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory and potential anti-ulcerative colitis effects through multi-target, multi-pathway synergy, providing a foundation for developing safflower seed meal therapeutics. Full article

The quest to establish permanent outposts in space, the Moon, and Mars requires growing plants for nutrition, water purification, and carbon/nutrient recycling, as well as the psychological well-being of crews and personnel on extra-terrestrial platforms/outposts. To achieve these essential goals, the safety, quality, and sustainability of plant material grown in space should be comparable to Earth-grown crops. In this study, radish plants were grown at 2500 ppm CO₂ in two successive grow-outs on the International Space Station and at similar CO₂ partial pressure at the Kennedy Space Center. An additional control experiment was performed at the University of Louisiana Lafayette laboratory, at ambient CO₂. Subsequent analyses of glucosinolate and sugar species and content showed that regardless of growth condition, glucoraphasatin, glucoraphenin, glucoerucin, glucobrassicin, 4-hydroxyglucobrassicin, 4-methoxyglucobrassicin, and three aliphatic GSLs tentatively assigned to 3-methylpentyl GSL, 4-methylpentyl GSL, and n-hexyl GSL were present in all examined plants. The most common sugars were fructose, glucose, and sucrose, but some plants also contained galactose, maltose, rhamnose, and trehalose. The variability of individual secondary metabolite abundances was not related to gravity conditions but appeared more sensitive to CO₂ concentration. No indication was found that radish cultivation in space resulted in stress(es) that increased glucosinolate secondary metabolism. Flavor and nutrient components in space-grown plants were comparable to cultivation on Earth. Full article