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Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Sjögren's syndrome (SJS) and dry eye syndrome (DES) are characterized by ocular dryness from inadequate tear production or excessive evaporation. To evaluate the effectiveness of TBDESJS (Chun‐Yu‐Ching‐Hua‐Yin, CYCHY), a TCM tea bag, in treating SJS and DES patients compared with healthy controls (NHC). Materials and Methods: This phase II pilot study included 100 participants (60 SJS, 30 DES, 10 NHC) across 8 weeks, assessing changes in Schirmer's test, OSDI, ESSPRI, PSQI, FIRST, and artificial tear usage, using repeated measurement ANOVA and Tukey's honestly significant difference (HSD) for analysis. Results: Total 97 subjects completed the trial, for the left eye (OS) of Schirmer's test, significant improvements at 4, and 8 weeks were observed in SJS (0.13 ± 0.43–5.77 ± 2.87, and 7.60 ± 4.84 mm) and DES (0.21 ± 0.41–6.21 ± 2.97, and 7.86 ± 3.47 mm) (all p <.001). For the right eye (OD), significant improvements were observed in SJS (0.13 ± 0.39–6.77 ± 4.53, and 8.79 ± 5.92 mm) and DES (0.34 ± 0.55–6.59 ± 2.50, and 8.24 ± 3.42 mm) (all p <.001). Secondary outcomes showed reduced the dryness of ESSPRI scores in SJS (6.37 ± 1.97–5.57 ± 1.79, p <.001) and DES (6.10 ± 1.97–5.28 ± 2.23, p <.05). PSQI global scores improved significantly in all groups at 8 weeks (p <.05). Artificial tear usage decreased in SJS (4.93 ± 2.45–1.00 ± 0.82 times/day), DES (4.47 ± 1.99–0.66 ± 0.67 times/day) (all p <.001). No serious adverse events in this study. Conclusion: TBDESJS significantly improved tear production, ocular dryness, and sleep quality, indicating potential neural regulation, anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory benefits. These findings advocate for TBDESJS (Chun‐Yu‐Ching‐Hua‐Yin, CYCHY)'s comprehensive therapeutic value in SJS and DES treatment, emphasizing the need for further research to understand long‐term effects and mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic nephropathy, a leading cause of end-stage renal disease, accounts for significant morbidity and mortality. It is characterized by microinflammation in the glomeruli and myofibroblast activation in the tubulointerstitium. Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, a traditional Chinese medicine, is shown to possess anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties, implying its renal-protective potential. This study investigates which type of component can reduce the damage caused by diabetic nephropathy in a single setting. The ethyl acetate (EtOAc) layer was demonstrated to provoke peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α and PPAR-γ activities in renal mesangial cells by dual luciferase reporter assay. In a high glucose (HG)-cultured mesangial cell model, the EtOAc layer substantially inhibited HG-induced elevations of interleukin-1β, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), and fibronectin, whereas down-regulated PPAR-γ was restored. In addition, among the extracts of S. miltiorrhiza, the EtOAc layer effectively mitigated TGF-β1-stimulated myofibroblast activation. The EtOAc layer also showed a potent ability to attenuate renal hypertrophy, proteinuria, and fibrotic severity by repressing diabetes-induced proinflammatory factor, extracellular matrix accumulation, and PPAR-γ reduction in the STZ-induced diabetes mouse model. Our findings, both in vitro and in vivo, indicate the potential of the EtOAc layer from S. miltiorrhiza for future drug development targeting diabetic nephropathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spirohydantoin-containing cucurbitane-type triterpenoid, kaguacidine A (1), was isolated and purified from 95% ethanol extract of vines of Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae). Its unprecedented chemical structure, a spirohydantoin substituent at C-23 of cucurbitane, was elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses, including HRESIMS, IR, optical rotation, 1 D- and 2 D-NMR spectra. The possible biosynthetic pathway is deduced and may be attributed to the metabolic activity of microbial symbionts in M. charantia L. Compound 1 was evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity against LPS-induced NO production in RAW 264.7 cells and anti-proliferative activity against four cancer cell lines, including HEp-2, MCF-7, Hep-G2, and WiDr. Compound 1 showed moderate anti-inflammatory activity with an IC50 value of 18.5 ± 0.4 μg/mL and weak anti-proliferative activity against MCF-7, HEp-2, Hep-G2, and WiDr with IC50 values of >40, 33.8 ± 0.6, 31.0 ± 0.7, and 27.0 ± 0.7 μM, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical screening of an algae-containing marine sponge identified as Lendenfeldia species has isolated two 24-homoscalarane sesterterpenoids, including a known compound, felixin A (1) and a new analogue, lendenfeldarane V (2). The structure of 1 , obtained in a previous study, was cited for the first time in this study via single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The structure of 2 was ascertained via 2D NMR experiments and a literature review. The absolute configurations of 1 and 2 were delineated with DP4+ computation and specific optical rotation. Homoscalarane 1 exhibited cytotoxicity towards MG63 human osteosarcoma cells. [Display omitted] • Two 24-homoscalarane sesterterpenoids, felixin A (1) and lendenfeldarane V (2), were isolated from sponge Lendenfeldia sp. • The absolute configurations of homoscalaranes 1 and 2 were delineated via DP4+ computation and specific optical rotation. • The structure of felixin A (1) was reported for the first time by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. • 24-Homoscalaranes 1 and 2 exhibit cytotoxicity toward MG63 human osteosarcoma cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesona procumbens Hemseley is a well-known traditional herbal medicine used for heat-related ailments. In Taiwan, boiled extracts of M. procumbens are also used as desserts called grass jelly. In this study, the hexane extract from 75% EtOH of M. procumbens showed potent activities on inhibition of E. coli β-glucuronidase (eβG) and NO production and cytotoxicity against MCF-7 and HepG2 cancer cell lines. Furthermore, using various flash columns and HPLC chromatography on the bioactive layer led to the isolation of twelve compounds (1–12), including a new ent-kaurene, mesokaurol A (1), and a new germacrene derivative, mesogermapene A (2). Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses, especially 2 D NMR and mass data. Biological assays showed that compound 9 (linolenic acid) had specific activity on inhibition of eβG (68.27%) at 100 µg/mL but was non-inhibitory to human β-glucuronidase. Compound 1 possessed significant cytotoxicity against MCF-7 (EC50 = 9.76 µM) and HepG2 (EC50 = 8.64 µM) cancer cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]