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The gut-liver axis is largely involved in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We investigated whether 2, 3, 5, 4′-tetrahydroxy-stilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (TSG) could reverse NAFLD induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) and whether it did so via the gut-liver axis. Results showed that TSG could reduce the accumulation of FFA and it did so by reducing the expression of L-FABP and FATP4. TSG regulated gut microbiota balanced and increased the protein expression of ZO-1 and occludin, which could improve the function of the intestinal mucosal barrier and reduce serum LPS content by about 25%. TSG reduced TL4 levels by 56% and NF-κB expression by 23% relative to the NAFLD model group. This suggests that prevention of NAFLD by TSG in HFD-fed rats is mediated by modulation of the gut microbiota and TLR4/NF-κB pathway, which may alleviate chronic low-grade inflammation by reducing the exogenous antigen load on the host.

Polygonum multiflorum is a traditional Chinese medicine with a long history in hair growth promotion and hair blackening. The purpose of the study was to examine the effect and the mechanism of Polygonum multiflorum in hair blackening. C57BL/6 mice hair fade was induced with H2O2 and used in this research. Hair pigmentogenesis promotion activities of Polygonum Multiflorum Radix (PMR, raw crude drug), Polygonum Multiflorum Radix Preparata (PMRP, processed crude drug), and their major chemical constituent TSG were investigated. The regulation effects of several cytokines and enzymes such as POMC, α-MSH, MC1R, ASIP, MITF, TYR, TRP-1, and TRP-2 were investigated. PMR group gave out the most outstanding black hair among all groups with the highest contents of total melanin, α-MSH, MC1R, and TYR. Promotion of hair pigmentogenesis was slightly decreased after processing in the PMRP group. TSG as the major constituent of PMR showed weaker hair color regulation effects than both PMR and PMRP. PMR, but not PMRP, should be used to blacken hair. The α-MSH, MC1R, and TYR were the major targets in the medicinal use of PMR in hair graying. Chemical constituents other than TSG may contribute to the hair color regulation activity of PMR.

Background The dried mature fruit of Amomum villosum has been historically used in China as food and in the auxiliary treatment of digestive system disorders. Numerous studies have shown that gastrointestinal function is closely related to the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease via the “gut-liver” axis. Objective The present study aimed to explore whether the mechanism underlying the regulation of lipid accumulation in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) may affect related disorders using the active ingredients in A. villosum. Design Male Sprague-Dawley rats on a high-fat diet (HFD) to induce NAFLD were administered water extract of A. villosum (WEAV), volatile oil of A. villosum (VOAV), or bornyl acetate. After treatment, serum and liver total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), free fatty acid (FFA), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were measured. The regulatory role of A. villosum in the microecology of the intestines was assessed using the V4 region of the 16S rDNA sequencing. The expression of the intestinal tight junction proteins occludin and ZO-1 was also measured. The influence of A. villosum on TLR4-mediated chronic low-grade inflammation was evaluated based on the concentrations of key proteins of the TLR4/NF-кB signaling pathway. Results. A. villosum effectively inhibited endogenous lipid synthesis, reduced TG, TC, and FFA accumulation, regulated the expression of LDL-C, and decreased lipid accumulation in liver tissues. VOAV effectively regulated the intestinal microflora, improved chronic low-grade inflammation by promoting ZO-1 and occludin protein expressions, and inhibited the TLR4/NF-кB signaling pathway. Conclusion The present study provides scientific basis for the potential application of A. villosum in NAFLD prevention and treatment. Additional chemical constituents other than bornyl acetate also contributed to the preventive effects of A. villosum on NAFLD.