Comparative Study on the Chemical Components and Gastrointestinal Function on Rats of the Raw Product and Licorice-Simmered Product of Polygala tenuifolia

Abstract

The root of Polygala tenuifolia Willd. (Polygalaceae) (PT) has been listed as a nootropic, anti-inflammatory, and antipsychotic medicine that can cure insomnia. Raw PT (RPT) is toxic and must be processed before clinical use. Licorice-simmered PT (LPT) is one of the most common processed products. We conducted this study in order to investigate the differences in chemical components and gastrointestinal function between RPT and LPT. We used principal component analysis (PCA) and quantitative analysis to study the differences in the chemical components. Animal experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of PT on the gastrointestinal function of rats before and after simmering. Pathological sections of gastrointestinal tissues, serum hormone levels, and inflammatory cytokines were observed. The PCA results demonstrated that obvious separation was achieved between the RPT and LPT samples. Tenuifoliside B (TFSB), 3,6’-disinapoyl sucrose (DSS), tenuifoliose A (TFOA), tenuifoliose H (TFOH), onjisaponin B (OJB), onjisaponin Z (OJZ), and total saponins levels were decreased after licorice processing, while glomeratose A (GA) and 3,4,5-trimethoxycinnamic acid (TMCA) levels were markedly increased. Compared to the control group, the RPT groups exhibited dramatically lower levels of gastrin (GAS), motilin (MTL), and substance P (SP) and markedly higher levels of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and somatostatin (SS), but the LPT groups exhibited no significant differences in the above indexes. The levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in gastrointestinal tissue were markedly increased in the low RPT (L-RPT), high RPT (H-RPT), and H-LPT groups, showing a certain inflammatory effect, but the inflammatory effect in the L-LPT group was relatively weak. Licorice simmering can effectively reduce the inhibitory effect of RPT on gastrointestinal function in rats and reduce damage to gastrointestinal tissue. This study provides a scientific basis for research on the processing mechanism and clinical application of PT.

Fecal Metabolomics and Network Pharmacology Reveal the Correlations between Constipation and Depression

“…GAS is one of the brain–gut peptides, synthesized mainly by G cells distributed in the gastrointestinal mucosa. It is known that GAS and MTL can promote gastric acid and pepsin secretion, stimulate gastrointestinal peristalsis, and promote gastric emptying . In this study, there were significant differences in the gastrointestinal function-related proteins GAS and MTL between the model and the normal group, suggesting that gastrointestinal dysfunctions occurred in both constipation and depression.…”

“…It is known that GAS and MTL can promote gastric acid and pepsin secretion, stimulate gastrointestinal peristalsis, and promote gastric emptying. 21 In this study, there were significant differences in the gastrointestinal function-related proteins GAS and MTL between the model and the normal group, suggesting that gastrointestinal dysfunctions occurred in both constipation and depression. Further, we speculate that gastrointestinal dysfunctions of constipation and depression could accelerate the occurrences and/or the development of each other.…”

Magnolia Officinalis Alcohol Extract Alleviates the Intestinal Injury Induced by Polygala Tenuifolia Through Regulating the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB Signaling Pathway and Intestinal Flora

“…1,2 However, previous research has highlighted the severe gastrointestinal toxicity associated with PT, leading to gastrointestinal motility disorders, mucosal damage, and even death in mice. [3][4][5] Additionally, saponins have been identified as the primary toxic components of PT, significantly hampering its application and development. [6][7][8] Magnolia Officinalis Cortex (Magnolia Officinalis Rehd.et Wils, MO, Hou po in Chinese) has been extensively used in Asia for approximately 2000 years, primarily for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases.…”

Measurement and Analysis of Solvent Behavior and Thermodynamic Properties of 3,4,5-Trimethoxycinnamic Acid in Industrial Common Solvents with Different Temperatures (T = 278.15–323.15 K)

“…3,4,5-Trimethoxycinnamic acid (C 12 H 14 O 5 , TMCA; CAS 90-50-6; molar mass 238.24 g mol –1 ; Figure ) is one of the active components of traditional Chinese medicine Yuanzhi. − Previous literature reports have found that TMCA and its derivatives have important medical effects and are widely used in sleep disorders, depression, toxicity reduction, and other aspects, with good bioavailability. , Meanwhile, TMCA could generate antiseizure effects by combining with the GABAA (gamma-aminobutyric acid type A) receptor complex, which was utilized to exploit therapeutic agents for anxiety depression and therapeutic agents against morphine dependence . In addition, some derivatives synthesized with TMCA , showed good anticonvulsant activity and sedative effect, which was used for the development of anticonvulsant drugs and sedatives .…”