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Investigation into the chemical diversity of Nardostachys chinensis Batal led to the discovery of three new (1–3) and one known (4) iridoid glycosides. Their structures were established through spectroscopic methods including 1 D and 2 D NMR experiments and HRESIMS analysis. Inhibitory effects of 1–4 on nitric oxide production were investigated in lipopolysaccaride (LPS)-mediated RAW 264.7 cells, and they displayed IC50 values in the range 7.8–15.2 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The twenty-one sesquiterpenoids were isolated from N. chinensis. • Two new (1 and 3) and one new natural (2) sesquiterpenoids were identified. • 13 - 15 showed stronger NO inhibitory activity than positive control. • NO inhibitory structure-relationships of these sesquiterpenoids were discussed. • 13 dose-dependently inhibited IL-6, IL-10, and IL-23 mRNA expression. Chemical investigation on the roots and rhizomes of Nardostachys chinensis Batal led to the isolation of twenty-one sesquiterpenoids with various carbocyclic skeletons including three eudesmane-type (1 - 2, 4), nine nardosinane-type (3 , 5 - 12), and nine aristolane-type sesquiterprenoids (13 - 21). The structures of the new compounds 1 and 3 , and the new natural product 2 were established by extensive spectroscopic analysis, and their absolute configurations were established by computational electronic circular dichroism (ECD) method. Nitric oxide (NO) is one of the most important inflammatory modulators in many inflammatory diseases. Thus, inhibitory effects of compounds 1 - 21 on NO production were investigated in lipopolysaccaride (LPS)-mediated RAW 264.7 cells, and compounds 13 - 15 displayed NO inhibitory activity with IC 50 values of 2.67, 2.79, 9.87 μ M, respectively. Moreover, a further study revealed that compound 13 exhibited anti-inflammatory activity via suppression of IL-6, IL-10, and IL-23. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Four hitherto unknown aristolane-type sesquiterpenes, including one novel 8,9-secoaristolane, namely secoaristolenedioic acid (1), two aristolone derivatives, namely 1α,2β-dihydroxyaristolone (2), 9-epidebilon (3), and one rare aristolane-chalcone hybrid, namely 3′-hydroxynardoaristolone A (4) were isolated from the ethanol extract of the roots and rhizomes of Nardostachys chinensis. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis. In addition, the structure of aristolanhydride, recently isolated from the same species, was corrected by reanalysis of the published NMR data. Graphical Abstract

• A pair of new enantiomeric neoligans, (±)-neonardochinone A (1) were isolated from Nardostachys chinensis. • The structure elucidation and chiral HPLC separation of (±)-neonardochinone A (1) were described. • The absolute configurations of (–)-neonardochinone A and (+)-neonardochinone A were deduced by calculated ECD method. • Compound 1 showed a possible significant anti-AD activity. A pair of new enantiomeric neoligans, (±)-neonardochinone A (1) were isolated from Nardostachys chinensis. The structure of 1 was determined by extensive spectroscopic analysis, containing IR, HRESIMS, NMR spectra and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The enantiomeric separation was finished by HPLC on a chiral column. The absolute configurations were assigned via comparison of their calculated and experimental ECD data. The anti-Alzheimer's disease (AD) activities of 1 , 1a , and 1b were also evaluated using the Caenorhabditis elegans AD pathological model, respectively, and 1 had the highest anti-AD activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of premature death throughout the world. An estimated 17.5 million people died from CVD in 2012, representing 31% of all global deaths. Nardostachys chinensis (NC), a typical traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), plays a crucial role in the management of patients with CVD, especially for those with cardiac arrhythmia. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cardioprotective and antiarrhythmic effects of NC in animal and cell experiments. Methods To review the cardioprotective and antiarrhythmic effects of NC, studies of NC on cardiovascular diseases in animal and cell experiments were identified from five databases through April 2016. Two investigators independently conducted the literature search, study selection, and data extraction. Results A total of 16 studies were identified, including five animal experiments and eleven cell experiments. Four studies showed significant effects of NC on myocardial protection by inhibiting myocardial apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative stress. Twelve studies indicated significant beneficial effects of NC in cardiac arrhythmia primarily through the modulation of ion channels (Ik, Ik1, INa, ICa-L, Ito). Conclusion The above findings showed the possible efficacy of NC via its cardioprotective and antiarrhythmic effects, but the results should be interpreted with caution due to the limitations and the deficiencies in the studies.

Background The medicinal plants of Radix et Rhizoma Nardostachyos include Nardostachys jatamansi and N. chinensis. Traditionally, the two plants have been used to treat many diseases. Because of their special aroma, they are also commonly used in the food and cosmetics industry. Recently, N. jatamansi and N. chinensis have been overexploited due to their economic importance, resulting in a sharp decline in their wild resources. Predicting potential distributions of the genus Nardostachys under different climate scenarios and understanding its preferred habitat are of great significance for their conservation, artificial cultivation, and assessment of their value. Methods The Maxent model was used to predict the potential geographical distributions of the genus Nardostachys under current and future climatic conditions based on two representative concentration pathways (RCP2.6 and RCP8.5) for the 2050s and 2070s. These data were used to study the effects of climate variables. Results The results show that the potential distribution of the two species will increase, thus more suitable habitats will be present in China. The suitable habitat for N. chinensis presents a relatively stable growth compared to N. jatamansi. In addition, precipitation plays a crucial role in modeling the effects of climate change on the genus Nardostachys. This study provides theoretical guidance for the cultivation of N. chinensis.

Background: Nardostachys chinensis is an herbal medicine widely used in the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF), but the mechanism is unclear., Objective: To explore the molecular mechanism of N. chinensis against AF., Methods: The TCMSP was used to screen the active N. chinensis compounds and their targets. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for AF were identified using open-access databases. Using Venn diagrams, the cross-targets of N. chinensis , pyroptosis, and AF were obtained. The genes underwent molecular docking as well as gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). A nomogram based on candidate genes was constructed and evaluated with the clinical impact curve. After that, the immune infiltration of the dataset was analyzed by single sample GSEA (ssGSEA). Finally, microRNAs (miRNAs) and transcription factors (TFs) were predicted based on candidate genes., Results: Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and caspase-8 (CASP8) were obtained as candidate genes by taking the intersection of DEGs, targets of N. chinensis , and pyroptosis-related genes. Tolllike receptor (TLR) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathways were linked to candidate genes. Additionally, immune cell infiltration analysis revealed that CASP8 was associated with natural killer T cells, natural killer cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), macrophages, CD8 T cells, and CD4 T cells. Finally, miR-34a-5p and several TFs were found to regulate the expression of CASP8 and TNF., Conclusion: CASP8 and TNF are potential targets of N. chinensis intervention in pyroptosisrelated AF, and the TLR/NLRP3 signaling pathway may be associated with this process., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Abstract: Four hitherto unknown aristolane-type sesquiterpenes, including one novel 8,9-secoaristolane, namely secoaristolenedioic acid (1), two aristolone derivatives, namely 1α,2β-dihydroxyaristolone (2), 9-epidebilon (3), and one rare aristolane-chalcone hybrid, namely 3′-hydroxynardoaristolone A (4) were isolated from the ethanol extract of the roots and rhizomes of Nardostachys chinensis. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis. In addition, the structure of aristolanhydride, recently isolated from the same species, was corrected by reanalysis of the published NMR data.Graphical Abstract: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The roots and rhizomes of Nardostachys chinensis have neuroprotection and cardiovascular protection effects. However, the specific mechanism of N. chinensis is not yet clear. Nardochinoid C (DC) is a new compound with new skeleton isolated from N. chinensis and this study for the first time explored the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effect of DC. The results showed that DC significantly reduced the release of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW264.7 cells. The expression of pro-inflammatory proteins including inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were also obviously inhibited by DC in LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells. Besides, the production of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were also remarkably inhibited by DC in LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells. DC also suppressed inflammation indicators including COX-2, PGE2, TNF-α, and IL-6 in LPS-stimulated THP-1 macrophages. Furthermore, DC inhibited the macrophage M1 phenotype and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells. Mechanism studies showed that DC mainly activated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway, increased the level of anti-oxidant protein heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and thus produced the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects, which were abolished by Nrf2 siRNA and HO-1 inhibitor. These findings suggested that DC could be a new Nrf2 activator for the treatment and prevention of diseases related to inflammation and oxidative stress.

Nardochinoid B (NAB) is a new compound isolated from Nardostachys chinensis. Although our previous study reported that the NAB suppressed the production of nitric oxide (NO) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW264.7 cells, the specific mechanisms of anti-inflammatory action of NAB remains unknown. Thus, we examined the effects of NAB against LPS-induced inflammation. In this study, we found that NAB suppressed the LPS-induced inflammatory responses by restraining the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) proteins and mRNA instead of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein and mRNA in RAW264.7 cells, implying that NAB may have lower side effects compared with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Besides, NAB upregulated the protein and mRNA expressions of heme oxygenase (HO)-1 when it exerted its anti-inflammatory effects. Also, NAB restrained the production of NO by increasing HO-1 expression in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Thus, it is considered that the anti-inflammatory effect of NAB is associated with an induction of antioxidant protein HO-1, and thus NAB may be a potential HO-1 inducer for treating inflammatory diseases. Moreover, our study found that the inhibitory effect of NAB on NO is similar to that of the positive drug dexamethasone, suggesting that NAB has great potential for developing new drugs in treating inflammatory diseases.

In order to investigate essential oils with biological activity from local wild plants, two valerianaceous species, Nardostachys chinensis and Valeriana officinalis, were screened for their antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. The essential oils were obtained from the roots and rhizomes of the two plants by hydro-distillation, and were analyzed for their chemical composition by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Calarene (25.31%), aristolone (13.35%), α-selinene (7.32%) and β-maaliene (6.70%) were the major compounds of the 23 identified components which accounted for 92.76% of the total oil of N. chinensis. Patchoulol (16.75%), α-pinene (14.81%), and β-humulene (8.19%) were the major compounds among the 20 identified components, which accounted for 88.11% of the total oil of V. officinalis. Both oils were rich in sesquiterpene hydrocarbons as well as their oxygenated derivatives. Essential oils were shown to have broad spectrum antibacterial activity with MIC values that ranged from 62.5 μg/mL to 400 μg/mL, and IC50 values from 36.93 μg/mL to 374.72 μg/mL. The oils were also shown to have moderate antifungal activity to Candida albicans growth as well as inhibition of spore germination of Magnaporthe oryzae. Two essential oils were assessed by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging, β-carotene bleaching and ferrozine-ferrous ions assays, respectively, to show moderate antioxidant activity. Results suggest that the isolated essential oils could be used for future development of antimicrobial and antioxidant agents.

Excessive microglial cell activation is related to the progression of chronic neuro-inflammatory disorders. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression mediated by the NFE2-related factor (Nrf-2) pathway is a key regulator of neuro-inflammation. Nardostachys chinensis is used as an anti-malarial, anti-nociceptive, and neurotrophic treatment in traditional Asian medicines. In the present study, we examined the effects of an ethyl acetate extract of N. chinensis (EN) on the anti-neuro-inflammatory effects mediated by HO-1 up-regulation in Salmonella lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- or Staphylococcus aureus lipoteichoic acid (LTA)-stimulated BV2 microglial cells. Our results indicated that EN suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokine production and induced HO-1 transcription and translation through Nrf-2/antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling. EN markedly inhibited LPS- and LTA-induced activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) as well as phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT). Furthermore, EN protected hippocampal HT22 cells from indirect neuronal toxicity mediated by LPS- and LTA-treated microglial cells. These results suggested that EN impairs LPS- and LTA-induced neuro-inflammatory responses in microglial cells and confers protection against indirect neuronal damage to HT22 cells. In conclusion, our findings indicate that EN could be used as a natural anti-neuro-inflammatory and neuroprotective agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dinardokanshones A ( 1 ) and B ( 2 ), two unique sesquiterpene dimers were isolated from the roots and rhizomes of Nardostachys chinensis Batal. (Valerianaceae). Their structures were revealed by extensive spectroscopic analysis, and the absolute configurations were established by reported rules and computational electronic circular dichroism (ECD) method. Dinardokanshone B characteristically contains an aristolane lactone with an unusual 3/5/5/6 tetracyclic ring system. Based on a high-content assay for testing serotonin transporter (SERT) function, the two compounds showed significant enhancement effects on SERT activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method combining enzyme assay-guided high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) micro-fractionation and elution-extrusion counter-current chromatography (EECCC) was developed to screen and separate aldose reductase (AR) inhibitory activities from those of the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction of Nardostachys chinensis. Under the target-guidance of HPLC micro-fractionation, two phenolic compounds, three caffeoylquinic acid derivatives and two sesquiterpene were isolated by high-speed countercurrent chromatography (HSCCC) using elution modes of extrusion-elution. A one-step HSCCC isolation method was developed, which included a solvent system of n-hexane-EtOAc-methanol-water at a ratio of 2:8:3:7 (v/v/v/v). The chemical structures of the isolated compounds were determined using H- and C-nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry. The compounds inhibiting AR in the EtOAc fraction of 70 % ethanol extracts of N. chinensis were identified as chlorogenic acid ( 2) and 1,5-di- O-caffeoylquinic acid ( 6). Our results indicate that the combined method of HPLC micro-fractionation and EECCC is fast, efficient, and reproducible for systematically isolating AR inhibitory compounds from complex natural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Five new sesquiterpenoids Nardosinanone A–E (1–5), were isolated from the extract of Nardostachys chinensis, and their structures were determined by extensive spectroscopic analysis. Compound 1 featured a nardosinane sesquiterpenoid with an unusual tricyclic skeleton. Compounds 2–4 were new nardosinane sesquiterpenoids bearing a rare 10,11-epoxy group. The absolute configurations were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, ECD calculation method, the CD analysis of the in situ formed [Rh2(OCOCF3)4] complex, and the CD data analysis based on the octane rule of cyclohexanone. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Nardokanshone A (1), a new type of sesquieterpenoid–chalcone hybird, with a 2,3-dihydrofuran ring fusing an aristolane-type sesquiterpenoid and a chalcone, along with its possible bioprecursor, kanshone C (2), together with four known flavones were isolated from Nardostachys chinensis. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, and the absolute configuration of 1 was determined by quantum chemical DFT calculations. The possible biosynthetic pathway of 1 was also proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Seven new sesquiterpenes (1–7) as well as two known sesquiterpenes (8–9) were isolated from the underground parts of Nardostachys chinensis. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic data (NMR, MS) analyses. The absolute configurations were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, the modified Mosher's method, Snatzke's method, and the CD analysis of the in situ formed [Rh2(OCOCF3)4] complex. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance Nardostachys chinensis has been used in folk medicine to treat melasma and lentigines in Korea. We investigated the inhibitory activities of Nardostachys chinensis in melanogenesis and its related signaling pathway. Materials and methods: Bioassay-guided fractionation of Nardostachys chinensis using solvent partitioning and purification with octadecylsilane open-column chromatography resulted in partial purification. The active 20% methanol chromatographic fraction from the ethyl acetate layer (PPNC) was used to investigate melanogenesis by melanin synthesis, tyrosinase activity assay, cAMP assay, Western blot and flow cytometric analyses in B16F10 mouse melanoma cells. Results: PPNC markedly inhibits melanin synthesis and tyrosinase activity in a concentration-dependent manner. We also found that PPNC decreases microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein (TRP)-1, and dopachrome tautomerase (Dct) protein expressions and MITF and tyrosinase mRNA levels. Moreover, PPNC reduces intracellular cAMP levels and activates mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt expression in B16F10 cells. The specific MEK/ERK inhibitor PD98059 and PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002, block the PPNC-induced hypopigmentation effect, and abrogate the PPNC-suppressed expression of melanogenic proteins such as MITF, tyrosinase, TRP-1, and Dct. Using flow cytometry, we elucidated whether PPNC directly induces ERK phosphorylation at the level of an intact single cell. PPNC shows marked expression of phosphorylated ERK in live B16F10 cells and abrogates PPNC-induced phosphorylated ERK by PD98059 treatment. Conclusions: PPNC stimulates MEK/ERK phosphorylation and PI3K/Akt signaling with suppressing cAMP levels and subsequently stimulating MITF and TRPs down-regulation, resulting in melanin synthesis suppression. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In order to investigate essential oils with biological activity from local wild plants, two valerianaceous species, Nardostachys chinensis and Valeriana officinalis, were screened for their antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. The essential oils were obtained from the roots and rhizomes of the two plants by hydro-distillation, and were analyzed for their chemical composition by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Calarene (25.31%), aristolone (13.35%), α-selinene (7.32%) and β-maaliene (6.70%) were the major compounds of the 23 identified components which accounted for 92.76% of the total oil of N. chinensis. Patchoulol (16.75%), α-pinene (14.81%), and β-humulene (8.19%) were the major compounds among the 20 identified components, which accounted for 88.11% of the total oil of V. officinalis. Both oils were rich in sesquiterpene hydrocarbons as well as their oxygenated derivatives. Essential oils were shown to have broad spectrum antibacterial activity with MIC values that ranged from 62.5 μg/mL to 400 μg/mL, and IC50 values from 36.93 μg/mL to 374.72 μg/mL. The oils were also shown to have moderate antifungal activity to Candida albicans growth as well as inhibition of spore germination of Magnaporthe oryzae. Two essential oils were assessed by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging, β-carotene bleaching and ferrozine-ferrous ions assays, respectively, to show moderate antioxidant activity. Results suggest that the isolated essential oils could be used for future development of antimicrobial and antioxidant agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Valerena-4,7(11)-diene and β-maaliene were isolated from spikenard for the first time, and the effects of inhaling these compounds were investigated. Both compounds reduced the locomotor activity of mice dose-dependently, even at a low dose. Valerena-4,7(11)-diene had a particularly profound effect, with the strongest sedative activity observed at a dose of 0.06%. Caffeine-treated mice that showed an area under the curve (AUC) for locomotor activity that was double that of controls were calmed to normal levels by administration of valerena-4,7(11)-diene. The continuous sleep time of pentobarbital-treated mice was prolonged by about 2.7 times with valerena-4,7(11)-diene, an effect similar to that of chlorpromazine administered orally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agarwood oil and spikenard extract were examined for their sedative activity using a spontaneous vapor administration system. It was shown that inhalation of agarwood oil vapor sedated mice. The main volatile constituents of the oil were found to be benzylacetone [agarwood oil from a Hong Kong market (1)], or α-gurjunene and (+)-calarene [agarwood oil made in Vietnam (2)]. A hexane extract of spikenard contained a lot of calarene, and its vapor inhalation had a sedative effect on mice. Individual principles benzylacetone, calarene, and α-gurjunene were administered to mice, which reproduced the result of the corresponding oil or extract. However, the most effective dose of the compounds was lower than their original content in the oil and extract (benzylacetone 0.1%, calarene 0.17%, α-gurjunene 1.5%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volatile components in 13 crude drug samples derived from Nardostachys chinensis or Nardostachys grandiflora were studied by solid phase micro extraction (SPME)-GC and SPME-GC–MS. Twenty-three compounds accounting for 81.3 and 70.0% of volatile components in newly collected samples of two species were identified. β-Maaliene, 9-aristolene, calarene and patchouli alcohol were identified as the major volatile constituents of N. chinensis, whereas aromadendrene, cube-11-ene, epi-α-selinene, spirojatamol and valeranone were identified as those of N. grandiflora. Using the peaks of β-maaliene and 9-aristolene in GC profiles as the marker, two Nardostachys species were clearly distinguished among the samples examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The activity-guided fractionation of the MeOH extract of the rhizomes and roots of Nardostachys chinensis led to the isolation of two new sesquiterpenoids, narchinol B (8) and narchinol C (9), along with 10 known compounds, ursolic acid (1), nardosinone (2), pinoresinol (3), desoxo-narchinol A (4), kanshone B (5), epoxyconiferyl alcohol (6), debilon (7), 4α,5-dimethyl-1,3-dioxo-1,2,3,4,4α,5,6,7-octahydronaphthalene (10), p-coumaric acid (11), and isoferulic acid (12). Their structures were determined using spectroscopic techniques, which included 1D- and 2D-NMR. Among the isolates, compounds 2, 4, 5, 8 and 9 showed inhibitory activity against LPS-induced NO production with IC50 values of 4.6–21.6μM. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• A method for quickly evaluating antioxidant activity was established. • Evaluation process without complex and time-consuming purification. • Antioxidant and radical scavenging mechanisms were explained. • Spikenard essential oil was analyzed and the accuracy was improved. As a new rapid detection technology, ultra-fast gas chromatography electronic nose (E-nose) can accurately distinguish and identify different odor ingredients based on the retention index and data processing system in a short time. The chemical components of spikenard (Nardostachys chinensis) essential oil (SEO) were detected by E-nose and verified by GC–MS with 94 % accuracy. Combining E-nose with traditional chemical methodology including E-nose-DPPH, E-nose-ABTS and E-nose−OH were used to quickly evaluate the antioxidant activity of each component of SEO. The results showed that the main components of SEO were calarene, β-maaliene, valerena-4,7(11)-diene, aristolene, γ-terpinene, and seychellene. Furthermore, SEO showed the best scavenging ability in ABTS than DPPH or OH radicals, and the highest scavenging rates are 95.0 % for ABTS, 72.4 % for DPPH and 73.0 % for OH radical, respectively. Among all ingredients of SEO, β-maaliene (70.6 %, 52.3 %, 26.4 %), calarene (69.5 %, 41.6 %, 22.5 %), valerena-4,7(11)-diene (78.1 %, 46.2 %, 6.4 %) and β-cadinene (78.8 %, 51.4 %, 7.1 %) have scavenging effects for ABTS, DPPH and OH radicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The side effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the cardiovascular system mainly result from its inhibitory effect on cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Since NSAIDs are one of the most commonly used anti-inflammatory drugs in the clinic, it is necessary to identify new anti-inflammatory drugs that are safer than NSAIDs. Nardosinanone N (NAN), a compound isolated from the roots and rhizomes of Nardostachys chinensis , was evaluated for its anti-inflammatory effects using the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cell line and rat peritoneal macrophage models. First, we found that NAN down regulated the levels of nitric oxide (NO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2), but not cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Additionally, NAN reduced the M1 macrophage phenotype and increased the M2 macrophage phenotype. Furthermore, mechanistic studies showed that NAN activated the nuclear factor-erythroid 2 -related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway, which, in turn, increased the expression of antioxidant protein heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) to achieve its anti-inflammatory effect. Finally, Nrf2 siRNA and the HO-1 inhibitor significantly attenuated the anti-inflammatory effect of NAN. More interestingly, we found that NAN did not affect COX-2 expression and activity but reduced the PGE 2 concentration by selective inhibition of microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1). In conclusion, NAN may be a new anti-inflammatory drug that has fewer side effects than NSAIDs and can be a new potential Nrf2 activator and mPGES-1 inhibitor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nardochinoid B (NAB) is a new compound isolated from Nardostachys chinensis. Although our previous study reported that the NAB suppressed the production of nitric oxide (NO) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW264.7 cells, the specific mechanisms of anti-inflammatory action of NAB remains unknown. Thus, we examined the effects of NAB against LPS-induced inflammation. In this study, we found that NAB suppressed the LPS-induced inflammatory responses by restraining the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) proteins and mRNA instead of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein and mRNA in RAW264.7 cells, implying that NAB may have lower side effects compared with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Besides, NAB upregulated the protein and mRNA expressions of heme oxygenase (HO)-1 when it exerted its anti-inflammatory effects. Also, NAB restrained the production of NO by increasing HO-1 expression in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Thus, it is considered that the anti-inflammatory effect of NAB is associated with an induction of antioxidant protein HO-1, and thus NAB may be a potential HO-1 inducer for treating inflammatory diseases. Moreover, our study found that the inhibitory effect of NAB on NO is similar to that of the positive drug dexamethasone, suggesting that NAB has great potential for developing new drugs in treating inflammatory diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]