No abstract

Platycodin D (PD) is a naturally occurring, biologically active triterpenoid saponin isolated from a medicinal food homology plant called Platycodon grandiflorus (Jacq.) A. DC. It is involved in the processing of various biological activities. While investigating the anti-inflammatory property of PD using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine RAW 264.7 macrophage cells, we unexpectedly found that PD exhibited toxicity to RAW 264.7 cells. In this study, the toxic effect of PD on RAW 264.7 cells was systematically evaluated for the first time. The results showed that PD (12.5−200 µM) significantly reduced cell viability and inhibited cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. At a concentration of 20 µM, PD significantly increased lactate dehydrogenase activity and the mRNA and protein expression of Bax, p53, Casp3, IL-1β, and TNF-α. Interestingly, PD (0.8−20 µM) inhibited the expression of inflammatory cytokines in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. PD (20 µM) also significantly increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and the expression of oxidative stress-related genes and proteins. This study revealed that PD exhibited immunotoxicity to RAW 264.7 cells, with possible mechanisms including oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis resulting in activation of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway and dysregulated expression of inflammatory cytokines. This study evaluated the impact of PD on immunity and provided guidelines for its future biological application.

Hippocampus is an important traditional marine Chinese medicinal resource that has been used to warm and tonify kidney yang in the clinic for a long time in China. Modern pharmacological studies show that its active ingredients display a wide range of pharmacological activities associated with the kidney, such as anti-inflammation, antioxidation, antitumor, and neuroprotective effects. Herein, we systematically summarize and analyze the research progress on the resource distribution, active ingredients, pharmacological activities, and clinical application of Hippocampus. First, the species and worldwide distribution of Hippocampus were assessed to clarify the existing resources, and the results showed that 44 species of Hippocampus have been found in 159 countries and regions worldwide. Then, based on the analysis of 16 kinds of active ingredients and extraction methods, the relationship between the ingredient extraction and pharmacological activities of Hippocampus was revealed. This review may provide a foundation for further research on the potential active ingredients and mechanisms of Hippocampus. In addition, the research status of traditional prescriptions containing Hippocampus was evaluated. The results implied that research on Hippocampus is still in its infancy, and the mechanism and material basis of its efficacy have not been clarified. This paper should provide directions for further studies on Hippocampus.