Search

As consumer demands evolve for health supplements, traditional ginseng products are facing challenges in enhancing their powder characteristics and bioavailability. The objective of this study was to prepare a novel ginseng superfine powder using a high-pressure homogenization (HPH) process. Response surface methodology was employed to determine the effects of HPH parameters (pressure, number of passes, and concentration) on particle size and the dissolution of the saponin components of the superfine powders. The Box–Behnken design of experiments was applied to ascertain the optimal HPH parameters for the smallest particle size and the highest dissolution of the saponin components. For the powders obtained at different parameters, the characterization of tap density, bulk density, flowability, water-holding capacity, appearance, and taste were observed. The optimized experimental conditions for the HPH process were as follows: 15,000 psi (pressure), 3 (number of passes), and 1 kg/L (concentration). The optimized values were 55 μm (particle size) and 83 mg/g (dissolution of the saponin components), respectively. The method offered technical support for the application of the HPH process in the preparation of ginseng powders. The objects of this research could be broadened to include a diverse array of botanical materials, addressing contemporary demands for cost-effectiveness and sustainability within the industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fufang Muji granules (FMGs) are a prominent modern prescription Chinese patent formulation derived from the Muji decoction. Utilized in clinical practice for nearly four decades, FMGs have demonstrated efficacy in treating liver diseases. However, the precise mechanism of action remains unclear. This study investigates the hepatoprotective effects of FMGs against liver fibrosis in rats based on untargeted metabolomics and elucidates their underlying mechanisms. A comprehensive model of liver fibrosis was established with 30% CCl4 (2 mL/kg) injected intraperitoneally, and a fat and sugar diet combined with high temperatures and humidity. Rats were orally administered FMGs (3.12 g/kg/d) once daily for six weeks. FMG administration resulted in improved liver fibrosis and attenuated hepatic oxidative stress and apoptosis. Furthermore, FMGs inhibited hepatic stellate cell activation and modulated transforming growth factor β1/Smad signaling. Additionally, FMG treatment influenced the expression levels of interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, and tumour necrosis factor alpha in the injured liver. Metabolic pathways involving taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, as well as primary bile acid biosynthesis, were identified as mechanisms of action for FMGs. Immunohistochemistry, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and quantitative analysis also revealed that FMGs regulated taurine and hypotaurine metabolism and bile acid metabolism. These findings provide a valuable understanding of the role of FMGs in liver fibrosis management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The luminescent properties and mechanisms of non‐carrier injection (NCI) mode quantum dot light‐emitting diodes (QLEDs) were explored in this work. The intermediate insulator electric layer, Poly(vinylidene fluoride‐trifluoroethylene‐chlorofluoroethyl ene) (P(VDF‐TrFE‐CFE)), effectively blocks carrier injection from the electrodes. Carriers for radiative recombination in the quantum dot (QD) layer are generated by the corresponding carrier generation complex layer under an AC electric field. In this investigation, the emission layer (EML), comprising distinct layers of Cd‐based quantum dots, was precisely regulated using the spontaneous spreading (SS) method. The work revealed that the thickness of the QDs in NCI‐QLEDs significantly influences the device's luminescent performance. In NCI‐QLEDs with a double QD layer as the EML, the device exhibited a maximum brightness of 1003.6 cd m⁻2 and a start‐up voltage of 7 root mean square voltage (VRMS). This brightness level represents the highest reported for vertical emission NCI‐QLEDs. All devices exhibited a broad range of driven voltages. Interestingly, luminescence was detected only during a half‐cycle of the driven signal, as indicated by transient time‐resolved spectrum test results. A system was established to analyze the luminescence mechanism comprehensively. Finally, a proposed carrier compounding mechanism sheds light on the behavior of NCI‐QLED devices.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xanthoceras sorbifolia Bunge husk is a waste material produced during the cultivation of this plant. Here, the process conditions for extracting total saponins from X. sorbifolia Bunge husk as a raw material were optimized using single-factor ultrasonic cell fragmentation combined with the response surface methodology. The antioxidant activity of the extracted total saponins was evaluated using DPPH· and ABTS+· scavenging and Fe2+ chelating assays. Further, the inhibitory effects of the extracted total saponins on the proliferation of HepG2 and A549 cells were analyzed using the CCK-8 assay. The optimum extraction conditions for total saponins from X. sorbifolia Bunge husk were as follows: 65% ethanol volume fraction, 35:1 solvent-to-solid ratio, 200 W ultrasonic power, 35 min ultrasonic treatment duration, and 50 °C ultrasonic treatment temperature; under these conditions, the total saponin yield reached 14.95mg/g.Antioxidant assays showed that at the total saponin concentration of 0.05 mg/mL, the DPPH- andABTS+ scavenging rates were 91.35% and 82.63%, respectively.Moreover, at the total saponin concentration of 0.10 mg/mL, the Fe2+ chelating rate was 88.01%. Total saponin concentration was significantly correlated with ABTS+· scavenging and Fe2+ chelating potential (p<0.01). At the total saponins concentration of 120 μg/mL, the survival rates of HepG2 and A549 cells were 10.95% and 2.04%, with the IC50 values of 79.30 and 63 μg/mL, respectively. Thus, ultrasonic cell fragmentation is an efficient technology for extracting total saponins from X. sorbifolia Bunge husk. Total saponins extracted from X. sorbifolia Bunge husk exhibit potent antioxidant and antitumor activities. This article provides a methodological reference for the effective utilization of X. sorbifolia Bunge waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperbilirubinemia caused severe hepatobiliary diseases with various causes, especially hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis caused by end‐stage hepatitis B and C. Plasma adsorption perfusion (PP) has a tremendous advantage in treating patients with hyperbilirubinemia and liver failure, wherein, a safe and effective adsorbent is the key to filter out bilirubin successfully in PP. In this work, a simple engineering strategy, a new porous polymer adsorption resin ERM‐0100 based on the homopolymer predispersion system, is proposed to produce high‐performance bilirubin adsorbents. Preliminary experimental results show that ERM‐0100 exhibits a large surface area and uniformly porous structure. Experimental results verify that ERM‐0100 has high biocompatibility and bilirubin adsorption efficiency (TBIL:35%, direct bilirubin [DBIL]:30%, IBIL:87%) that is significantly higher than most of the reported adsorbents. Animal experiments prove that ERM‐0100 has high bilirubin adsorption efficiency and can improve the liver function of animals. The combination of high biocompatibility and high adsorption capacity positions the ERM‐0100 as a promising candidate for bilirubin removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]