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The leaves of Eucommia ulmoides are rich in bioactive constituents that have potential gastrointestinal benefits for animals. In aged laying hens, intestinal health issues contribute to a significant decline in egg-laying capacity during intermediate and later stages. It remains unclear whether E. ulmoides leaf extract (ELE) can improve intestinal health and enhance egg production in elderly laying hens, and the underlying mechanisms are yet to be elucidated. Therefore, we conducted a study with 480 laying hens (65 weeks old) randomly allocated into four groups: a control group fed with the basal diet, and three treatment groups supplemented with 500, 1,000, and 2,000 mg/kg of ELE, respectively. The primary active constituents of ELE include flavonoids, polysaccharides, terpenoids, and phenolic acids. Dietary supplementation with ELE at 1,000 mg/kg (ELE1000) significantly improved laying performance and egg quality compared to the other groups. ELE1000 stimulated the maturation of intestinal epithelial cells, increased villus height, and reduced crypt depth. It also influenced the levels of proteins associated with tight junctions (claudin-1 and claudin-2) and intestinal inflammatory factors (IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-2) in different intestinal sections. Integrative analysis of serum metabolomics and gut microbiota revealed that ELE1000 improved nutrient metabolism by modulating amino acid and ubiquinone biosynthesis and influenced the abundance of intestinal microbiota by enriching pivotal genera such as Bacteroides and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group. We identified 15 metabolites significantly correlated with both gut microbiota and laying performance, e.g., DL-methionine sulfoxide, THJ2201 N-valerate metabolite, tetracarbonic acid, etc. In conclusion, ELE1000 improved laying performance in elderly laying hens by affecting intestinal morphology, barrier function, microbiota, and serum metabolite profiles. These findings suggest that ELE can be a beneficial feed additive for extending the peak producing period in aged laying hens.

The study aims to investigate the effects of dietary Astragalus membranaceus extract (AME) and Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract (ELE) supplementation on the growth performance, blood biochemistry, and antioxidant capacity of gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio var. CAS V, 10.01 g ± 0.24 g). Six experimental diets supplemented were marked as A0E0 (basic diet, 0% AME and 0% ELE), A0E0.1 (0% AME and 0.1% ELE), A0.02E0, A0.02E0.05, A0.02E0.1, A0.02E0.2 (0.02% AME with 0%, 0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.2% ELE). After 8 weeks, A0.02E0 diet significantly increased the final body weight (FBW), weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), and decreased the glucose (GLU), triglyceride content (TG), and total cholesterol (TC) of the plasma, the malonaldehyde (MDA) content of the liver, the A0E0.1 group significantly increased the total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB) content of the plasma, decreased the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) content of the plasma when compared with A0E0 group (Independent T-test: P

The aim of this study was to explore the uric acid-lowering effect and renal protective effect of Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract (EULE). The results of xanthine oxidase inhibition assay showed EULE exhibited a high inhibition rate similar to that of allopurinol, with an IC 50 value of 1.53 mg/mL. A chronic kidney disease (CKD) model was established in adenine-induced rats to investigate the therapeutic effect of EULE on CKD. The results demonstrated EULE could reduce blood pressure and improve renal index. Additionally, EULE could regulate serum and urine indicators of renal function injury, and restore renal tissue morphology. Mechanistically, EULE was found to downregulate levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), while upregulating total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), thereby alleviating inflammatory response in rats, leading to a reduction in renal damage. the Our findings provide potential applications of EULE as a natural product for the improvement of renal injury.

This study examined the effects of dietary Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract (ELE) supplements on carcass traits and lipid metabolism in growing–finishing pigs. A total of 144 crossbred (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) piglets with an average initial weight of 10.11 ± 0.03 kg were randomly allotted to four treatment groups, each with six replicates and six piglets per replicate. Each group of pigs was fed a basal diet or a diet supplemented with increasing levels of ELE (0.1, 0.2, or 0.3%). The results showed that adding ELE had no negative effect on the growth performance of pigs. Dietary supplements of 0.1% ELE significantly increased carcass weight (p < 0.01), dressing percentage (p < 0.01), carcass length (p < 0.05), and eye muscle area (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, a 0.2% ELE supplement significantly increased (p < 0.01) the levels of adiponectin, insulin-like growth factor 1, and hormone-sensitive lipase and lipoprotein lipase activity in the serum. Histological examination showed that ELE inhibited fat deposition in the backfat tissue. Lipid metabolism-related biochemical indices and mRNA expression levels were improved after supplementing diets with ELE. Moreover, all three levels of ELE dramatically upregulated (p < 0.05) the protein levels of p-AMPK-α and p-ACC. In summary, adding ELE to pig diets could improve the carcass traits of growing–finishing pigs and exert a lipid-lowering effect by activating the AMPK-ACC pathway and regulating mRNA expression levels related to lipid metabolism. Supplementing the diet with 0.1–0.2% ELE is the optimal range to reduce fat deposition in pig backfat tissue.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract (ELE) on meat quality, antioxidant capacity, and lipid metabolism in finishing pigs. A total of 240 “Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire” crossbred pigs with an initial weight of 74.70 ± 0.77 kg were randomly assigned to two groups: control group and 0.2% ELE group, with each group containing 10 replicates of 12 pigs per pen (half barrows and half gilts). The data showed dietary 0.2% ELE supplementation did not affect growth performance but tended to reduce the backfat thickness of the finishing pigs (p = 0.07). ELE diets increased pH value (p < 0.05) and meat color score (p = 0.01) and decreased 45 min L* value (p < 0.05), 24 h L* value (p = 0.01), pressurization loss (p = 0.01), and 24 h drip loss (p < 0.05) in longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle, accompanied by an increased (p < 0.05) proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and decreased polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (p = 0.06) and n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio (p = 0.05) compared to controls. In addition, ELE supplementation increased inosine monophosphate (IMP) (p = 0.01), sweet amino acids (AAs) (p < 0.05), and total free AA content (p = 0.05) in LD. Meanwhile, increased activity of glutathione peroxidase (p < 0.05) and superoxide dismutase (p < 0.01) in both serum and LD muscle and decreased malondialdehyde content (p < 0.01) in LD muscle were detected with ELE treatment. Moreover, pigs fed ELE had a higher total protein (p < 0.01), albumin (p < 0.05), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.05) and a lower total cholesterol (p < 0.01) and triacylglycerols (p = 0.06) in serum. Consistently, significant effects of dietary ELE were observed on the relative mRNA expression of lipid metabolism in the backfat and the LD muscle, respectively. ELE attenuated lipogenic processes in backfat, decreasing the relative expression of acetyl-CoA carboxylase and upregulating the relative expression of adipose triacyl glyceride lipase, carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1B, and fatty acid-binding protein 4 (p < 0.05). ELE also decreased the relative expression of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (p < 0.05), fatty acid translocase (p < 0.05), carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1B (p < 0.01), and adipose triacyl glyceride lipase (p < 0.05) in LD muscle (p < 0.05). More specifically, lipogenesis appeared to be inhibited in both LD muscle and backfat, with the difference being that lipolysis was enhanced in backfat and inhibited in LD muscle. In conclusion, dietary ELE supplementation can potentially enhance carcass traits, sensory quality, and nutritional value of pork without negatively affecting intramuscular fat content. The underlying mechanism for these positive effects may be linked to the alterations in lipid metabolism and increased antioxidant capacity induced by ELE.

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of different doses of dietary Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract (ELE) on juvenile red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus). A total number of 720 red claw crayfish (initial body weight of 0.24 ± 0.01 g) were randomly assigned to six groups and fed diets containing 0 (Diet 1), 0.5 (Diet 2), 1 (Diet 3), 2 (Diet 4), 4 (Diet 5) and 10 (Diet 6) g dry weight (dw) ELE kg (dw)−1 diets for eight weeks and challenged with microcystin-LR stress. The results indicated that dietary supplementation with 1–2 g dw ELE kg (dw)−1 diet could significantly improve the weight gain rate (WGR) and specific growth rate (SGR) of crayfish. Muscle crude protein contents of crayfish fed Diet 2, Diet 3, and Diet 4 were significantly higher than those of the control group. Compared with the control group, dietary ELE could increase total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), and phenoloxidase (PO) activities and decrease malondialdehyde (MDA) level of crayfish. Dietary ELE significantly increased the relative expression levels of SOD, thioredoxin 1 (TRX1), GPx, selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase (Se-GPx), cytochrome P450 (CYP450), anti-lipopolysaccharide factor (ALF) and C-type lysozyme (C-LZM) mRNA of crayfish compared with the control group during the feeding experiment. When subjected to MC-LR stress for 48 h, the mRNA expression levels of SOD, GPx, Se-GPx, glutathione-s-transferase 1 (GST1), ALF, hemocyanin (HEM), and C-LZM in the hepatopancreas could be improved to varying degrees compared with the Diet 1. Supplementation of 1–2 g dw ELE kg (dw)−1 diet could improve the survival rate (SR) of crayfish under MC-LR stress. These results indicated that dietary ELE (1–2 g dw ELE kg (dw)−1 diet) could improve the growth performance, muscle protein, and non-specific immune response and increase the SR of crayfish under MC-LR stress by regulating the mRNA expression levels of the immune- and antioxidant-related genes.

A 7-week rearing trial was designed to investigate the effects of Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract (ELE) on growth performance, body composition, antioxidant capacity, immune response, and disease susceptibility of diet-fed GIFT. The results showed that dietary ELE did not affect growth performance or whole-body composition (p > 0.05). Compared with the control group, plasma ALB contents increased in the 0.06% dietary ELE group (p < 0.05), and plasma ALT and AST activities decreased in the 0.08% dietary ELE group (p < 0.05). In terms of antioxidants, compared with GIFT fed the control diet, 0.06% dietary ELE upregulated the mRNA expression levels of Nrf2 pathway-related antioxidant genes, including CAT and SOD (p < 0.05), and 0.06% and 0.08% dietary ELE upregulated the mRNA levels of Hsp70 (p < 0.05). In terms of immunity, 0.06% dietary ELE suppressed intestinal TLR2, MyD88, and NF-κB mRNA levels (p < 0.05). Moreover, the mRNA levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokines TGF-β and IL-10 were upregulated by supplementation with 0.04% and 0.06% dietary ELE (p < 0.05). In terms of apoptosis, 0.06% and 0.08% ELE significantly downregulated the expression levels of FADD mRNA (p < 0.05). Finally, the challenge experiment with S. agalactiae showed that 0.06% dietary ELE could inhibit bacterial infection, and significantly improve the survival rate of GIFT (p < 0.05). This study demonstrated that the supplementation of 0.04–0.06% ELE in diet could promote intestinal antioxidant capacity, enhance the immune response and ultimately improve the disease resistance of GIFT against Streptococcus agalactiae.

Tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa Andr.) is a popular cut flower among ornamental plants. However, its short vase life severely hinders the production and application of cut tree peony flowers. To extend the postharvest longevity and improve the horticultural value, silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) was applied for reducing bacterial proliferation and xylem blockage in cut tree peony flowers in vitro and in vivo. Ag-NPs was synthesized with the leaf extract of Eucommia ulmoides and characterized. The Ag-NPs aqueous solution showed inhibitory activity against bacterial populations isolated from stem ends of cut tree peony ‘Luoyang Hong’ in vitro. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 10 mg L−1. Compared with the control, pretreatments with Ag-NPs aqueous solution at 5 and 10 mg L−1 for 24 h increased flower diameter, relative fresh weight (RFW), and water balance of tree peony ‘Luoyang Hong’ flowers. Additionally, malondialdehyde (MDA) and H2O2 content in pretreated petals were lower than the control during the vase life. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in pretreated petals were lower than that of the control at the early vase stage and higher at the late vase life. Furthermore, pretreatments with Ag-NPs aqueous solution at 10 mg L−1 for 24 h could reduce bacterial proliferation in the xylem vessels on the stem ends by confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Overall, pretreatments with green synthesized Ag-NPs aqueous solution effectively reduced bacteria-induced xylem blockage of cut tree peony, resulting in improved water uptake, extended vase life, and enhanced postharvest quality. Therefore, this technique can be used as a promising postharvest technology in the cut flower industry.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract (ELE) on meat quality, antioxidant capacity, and lipid metabolism in finishing pigs. A total of 240 "Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire" crossbred pigs with an initial weight of 74.70 ± 0.77 kg were randomly assigned to two groups: control group and 0.2% ELE group, with each group containing 10 replicates of 12 pigs per pen (half barrows and half gilts). The data showed dietary 0.2% ELE supplementation did not affect growth performance but tended to reduce the backfat thickness of the finishing pigs ( p = 0.07). ELE diets increased pH value ( p < 0.05) and meat color score ( p = 0.01) and decreased 45 min L* value ( p < 0.05), 24 h L* value ( p = 0.01), pressurization loss ( p = 0.01), and 24 h drip loss ( p < 0.05) in longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle, accompanied by an increased ( p < 0.05) proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and decreased polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) ( p = 0.06) and n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio ( p = 0.05) compared to controls. In addition, ELE supplementation increased inosine monophosphate (IMP) ( p = 0.01), sweet amino acids (AAs) ( p < 0.05), and total free AA content ( p = 0.05) in LD. Meanwhile, increased activity of glutathione peroxidase ( p < 0.05) and superoxide dismutase ( p < 0.01) in both serum and LD muscle and decreased malondialdehyde content ( p < 0.01) in LD muscle were detected with ELE treatment. Moreover, pigs fed ELE had a higher total protein ( p < 0.01), albumin ( p < 0.05), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( p < 0.05) and a lower total cholesterol ( p < 0.01) and triacylglycerols ( p = 0.06) in serum. Consistently, significant effects of dietary ELE were observed on the relative mRNA expression of lipid metabolism in the backfat and the LD muscle, respectively. ELE attenuated lipogenic processes in backfat, decreasing the relative expression of acetyl-CoA carboxylase and upregulating the relative expression of adipose triacyl glyceride lipase, carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1B, and fatty acid-binding protein 4 ( p < 0.05). ELE also decreased the relative expression of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α ( p < 0.05), fatty acid translocase ( p < 0.05), carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1B ( p < 0.01), and adipose triacyl glyceride lipase ( p < 0.05) in LD muscle ( p < 0.05). More specifically, lipogenesis appeared to be inhibited in both LD muscle and backfat, with the difference being that lipolysis was enhanced in backfat and inhibited in LD muscle. In conclusion, dietary ELE supplementation can potentially enhance carcass traits, sensory quality, and nutritional value of pork without negatively affecting intramuscular fat content. The underlying mechanism for these positive effects may be linked to the alterations in lipid metabolism and increased antioxidant capacity induced by ELE.

Eucommia ulmoides bark has been traditionally used as a Chinese medicine to attenuate stress, but the leaf, which is rich in polyphenols and polysaccharides, has been rarely used. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Eucommia ulmoides leaf extracts (EULEs) on oxidative stress and meat quality of broilers. A total of 252 broilers were randomly divided into 3 treatments and fed with a control basal diet (CON), or a diet containing 250 mg/kg or 1,000 mg/kg of EULE for 51 days. Results showed that dietary supplementation of 250 mg/kg EULE increased significantly the average daily gain of broilers in the early stage (1–21 days), while 250 mg/kg or 1,000 mg/kg of EULE decreased the feed conversion ratio in the whole period (P < 0.05). Supplementation of 250 mg/kg EULE reduced the level of MDA in the liver (P < 0.05), while 1,000 mg/kg EULE decreased the serum level of MDA (P < 0.05), and the HDL level in serum was increased by 250 mg/kg or 1,000 mg/kg EULE (P < 0.05). Additionally, 250 mg/kg EULE decreased abdominal fat ratio and serum triglyceride (TC) level in broilers, while 250 or 1,000 mg/kg of EULE reduced drip loss in breast muscle (P < 0.05), and 1,000 mg/kg EULE reduced the cooking loss in thigh muscle (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of 250 mg/kg of EULE could attenuate oxidative stress and improve the growth performance and meat quality in broilers.

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of different doses of dietary Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract (ELE) on juvenile red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus). A total number of 720 red claw crayfish (initial body weight of 0.24 ± 0.01 g) were randomly assigned to six groups and fed diets containing 0 (Diet 1), 0.5 (Diet 2), 1 (Diet 3), 2 (Diet 4), 4 (Diet 5) and 10 (Diet 6) g dry weight (dw) ELE kg (dw)−1 diets for eight weeks and challenged with microcystin-LR stress. The results indicated that dietary supplementation with 1–2 g dw ELE kg (dw)−1 diet could significantly improve the weight gain rate (WGR) and specific growth rate (SGR) of crayfish. Muscle crude protein contents of crayfish fed Diet 2, Diet 3, and Diet 4 were significantly higher than those of the control group. Compared with the control group, dietary ELE could increase total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), and phenoloxidase (PO) activities and decrease malondialdehyde (MDA) level of crayfish. Dietary ELE significantly increased the relative expression levels of SOD, thioredoxin 1 (TRX1), GPx, selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase (Se-GPx), cytochrome P450 (CYP450), anti-lipopolysaccharide factor (ALF) and C-type lysozyme (C-LZM) mRNA of crayfish compared with the control group during the feeding experiment. When subjected to MC-LR stress for 48 h, the mRNA expression levels of SOD, GPx, Se-GPx, glutathione-s-transferase 1 (GST1), ALF, hemocyanin (HEM), and C-LZM in the hepatopancreas could be improved to varying degrees compared with the Diet 1. Supplementation of 1–2 g dw ELE kg (dw)−1 diet could improve the survival rate (SR) of crayfish under MC-LR stress. These results indicated that dietary ELE (1–2 g dw ELE kg (dw)−1 diet) could improve the growth performance, muscle protein, and non-specific immune response and increase the SR of crayfish under MC-LR stress by regulating the mRNA expression levels of the immune- and antioxidant-related genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eucommia ulmoides leaves (EL) are rich in phenolic acids and flavonoids, showing enhancing intestinal health effects. The intestinal microbiota-bile acid axis plays important roles in the occurrence and recovery of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, whether EL extract (ELE) has regulatory effects on the intestinal microbiota, bile acid metabolism, and IBD is still unclear. To fill this gap, 2% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced mild IBD in a C57BL/6J mouse model that was treated with 200 or 400 mg/kg (intake dose/body weight) ELE was used. Oral ELE supplementation alleviated DSS-induced shortening of colon and colonic epithelial injury. Compared with the DSS group, ELE supplementation significantly decreased Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and interlukin-6 (IL-6) and increased occludin and claudin-1 mRNA expression level in the colon (p < 0.05). Combined 16S rRNA gene sequencing and targeted metabolomic analyses demonstrated that ELE significantly improved the diversity and richness of the intestinal microbiota, decreased the abundance of Bacteroidaceae, and increased Akkermansiaceae and Ruminococcaceae abundance (p < 0.05) compared with DSS-induced IBD mice. Moreover, ELE significantly increased the serum contents of deoxycholic acid (DCA) and tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), which were highly positively correlated with Akkermansia and unidentified_Ruminococccaceae relative to the DSS group. We then found that ELE increased Takeda G-protein coupled receptor 5 (TGR5), claudin-1, and occludin mRNA expression levels in the colon. In the Caco-2 cell model, we confirmed that activation of TGR5 improved the reduction in transepithelial electoral resistance (TEER) and decreased the permeability of FITC-dextran on monolayer cells induced by LPS (p < 0.05). siRNA interference assays showed that the decrease in TGR5 expression led to the decrease in TEER, an increase in FITC-dextran permeability, and a decrease in claudin-1 protein expression in Caco-2 cells. In summary, ELE alleviated IBD by influencing the intestinal microbiota structure and composition of bile acids, which in turn activated the colonic TGR5 gene expression in the colon and promoted the expression of tight junction proteins. These findings provide new insight for using ELE as a functional food with adjuvant therapeutic effects in IBD.

Tree peony ( Paeonia suffruticosa Andr.) is a popular cut flower among ornamental plants. However, its short vase life severely hinders the production and application of cut tree peony flowers. To extend the postharvest longevity and improve the horticultural value, silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) was applied for reducing bacterial proliferation and xylem blockage in cut tree peony flowers in vitro . Ag-NPs was synthesized with the leaf extract of in vivo . Ag-NPs was synthesized with the leaf extract of Eucommia ulmoides and characterized. The Ag-NPs aqueous solution showed inhibitory activity against bacterial populations isolated from stem ends of cut tree peony 'Luoyang Hong' in vitro . The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 10 mg L -1 . Compared with the control, pretreatments with Ag-NPs aqueous solution at 5 and 10 mg L -1 for 24 h increased flower diameter, relative fresh weight (RFW), and water balance of tree peony 'Luoyang Hong' flowers. Additionally, malondialdehyde (MDA) and H 2 O 2 content in pretreated petals were lower than the control during the vase life. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in pretreated petals were lower than that of the control at the early vase stage and higher at the late vase life. Furthermore, pretreatments with Ag-NPs aqueous solution at 10 mg L -1 for 24 h could reduce bacterial proliferation in the xylem vessels on the stem ends by confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Overall, pretreatments with green synthesized Ag-NPs aqueous solution effectively reduced bacteria-induced xylem blockage of cut tree peony, resulting in improved water uptake, extended vase life, and enhanced postharvest quality. Therefore, this technique can be used as a promising postharvest technology in the cut flower industry., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Ma, Zhang, Guo, Yu, Wang and Li.)

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation is a well known photo-immunosuppressant. To determine the effect of Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract (ELE) components (chlorogenic acid, geniposidic acid, and asperuloside) on UVB induced immunosuppression, we examined mice that were contact hypersensitized. Systemic immunosuppression was induced in the C57BL/6j mice that were sensitized with 0.5% oxazolone through the skin by a single exposure to UVB. Consecutive oral administration of ELE, chlorogenic acid, or geniposidic acid significantly reduced UVB-induced suppression of the contact hypersensitivity (CHS) response. The treatment with chlorogenic acid or geniposidic acid decreased the serum interleukin-10 levels in the sensitized mice after UVB irradiation. Additionally, the level of plasma reactive oxygen species and the expression of skin mast cells decreased in the chlorogenic acid-treated mice. Contrarily, the expression of regulatory T cell in the skin decreased in the geniposidic acid-treated mice. These results suggest that chlorogenic and geniposidic acids prevent the photo-immunosuppression of the CHS response.

A 30-d feeding trial was conducted to investigate effects of dietary eucommia ulmoides leaf extract (ELE) on growth performance, activities of digestive enzymes, antioxidant capacity, immunity, expression of inflammatory factors and feeding-related genes of large yellow croaker larvae. Five micro-diets were formulated with supplementation of 0 g kg -1 (the control), 5 g kg -1 (0·5 %), 10 g kg -1 (1·0 %) and 20 g kg -1 (2·0 %) of ELE, respectively. Results showed that the best growth performance was found in larvae fed the diet with 1·0 % ELE. Furthermore, ELE supplementation significantly increased the npy expression at 1·0 % dosage, while increased ghrelin in larvae at 0·5 % dosages. The activity of leucine aminopeptidase in larvae fed the diet with 1·0 % ELE was significantly higher than the control, while alkaline phosphatase was significantly upregulated in larvae fed the diet with 2·0 % ELE. A clear increase in total antioxidant capacity in larvae fed the diet with 1·0 % ELE was observed, whereas catalase activity was significantly higher in 1·0 % and 2·0 % ELE supplementation compared with the control. Larvae fed the diet with 1·0 % ELE had a significantly higher activities of lysozyme, total nitric oxide synthase and nitric oxide content than the control. Moreover, transcriptional levels of cox-2 , il-1β and il-6 were remarkably downregulated by the supplementation of 0·5-1·0 % ELE. This study demonstrated that the supplementation of 1·0 % ELE in diet could increase the growth performance of large yellow croaker larvae probably by promoting expression of feeding-related genes, enhancing antioxidant capacity and immunity and inhibiting expression of inflammatory factors.

A 7-week rearing trial was designed to investigate the effects of Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract (ELE) on growth performance, body composition, antioxidant capacity, immune response, and disease susceptibility of diet-fed GIFT. The results showed that dietary ELE did not affect growth performance or whole-body composition (p > 0.05). Compared with the control group, plasma ALB contents increased in the 0.06% dietary ELE group (p < 0.05), and plasma ALT and AST activities decreased in the 0.08% dietary ELE group (p < 0.05). In terms of antioxidants, compared with GIFT fed the control diet, 0.06% dietary ELE upregulated the mRNA expression levels of Nrf2 pathway-related antioxidant genes, including CAT and SOD (p < 0.05), and 0.06% and 0.08% dietary ELE upregulated the mRNA levels of Hsp70 (p < 0.05). In terms of immunity, 0.06% dietary ELE suppressed intestinal TLR2, MyD88, and NF-κB mRNA levels (p < 0.05). Moreover, the mRNA levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokines TGF-β and IL-10 were upregulated by supplementation with 0.04% and 0.06% dietary ELE (p < 0.05). In terms of apoptosis, 0.06% and 0.08% ELE significantly downregulated the expression levels of FADD mRNA (p < 0.05). Finally, the challenge experiment with S. agalactiae showed that 0.06% dietary ELE could inhibit bacterial infection, and significantly improve the survival rate of GIFT (p < 0.05). This study demonstrated that the supplementation of 0.04−0.06% ELE in diet could promote intestinal antioxidant capacity, enhance the immune response and ultimately improve the disease resistance of GIFT against Streptococcus agalactiae.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract (ELE) on the common occurrence of liver steatosis, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, disturbance of gut microbiota, and disease susceptibility in high-fat diet-fed channel catfish. Channel catfish fed three diets, including a high-fat diet (11% crude fat) and ELE-supplemented diets containing 1‰ or 2‰ ELE for 4 weeks. The results showed the contents of liver triacylglycerol of 1‰ and 2‰ ELE groups were reduced, and ELE treatments decreased the expression of lipogenesis related genes (srebp-1c, pparγ, and acc-1), and increased the expression of lipolysis related genes (pparα). In addition, the supplementation of ELE improved the inflammatory response of the liver and intestine. ELE could improve the destruction of intestinal morphology structure and increase the expression level of hif-1a and tight junction proteins (Occludin, Claudin2, Claudin15). 2‰ ELE significantly enhanced the antioxidant capacity of intestine by increasing the activity of SOD enzyme. Moreover, the supplement of ELE significantly increased the abundance of Cetobacterium and Romboutsia (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the expression of immune factor nf-κb had a significant decrease, and il-1β showed a tendency to decrease in the ELE supplement groups after pathogenic bacteria challenge. In conclusion, the ELE alleviated fatty liver disease and inflammation response, improved the oxidative capacity and physiological structure of intestine, and improved the structure of intestinal microbiota and disease resistance in HFD-fed channel catfish. • Dietary ELE supplementation alleviated liver steatosis induced by high-fat diet. • Dietary ELE supplementation improved liver and gut health of channel catfish. • Dietary ELE supplementation improved the intestinal microbiota structure of channel catfish. • Dietary ELE supplementation enhanced disease resistance of channel catfish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eucommia ulmoides bark has been traditionally used as a Chinese medicine to attenuate stress, but the leaf, which is rich in polyphenols and polysaccharides, has been rarely used. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Eucommia ulmoides leaf extracts (EULEs) on oxidative stress and meat quality of broilers. A total of 252 broilers were randomly divided into 3 treatments and fed with a control basal diet (CON), or a diet containing 250 mg/kg or 1,000 mg/kg of EULE for 51 days. Results showed that dietary supplementation of 250 mg/kg EULE increased significantly the average daily gain of broilers in the early stage (1-21 days), while 250 mg/kg or 1,000 mg/kg of EULE decreased the feed conversion ratio in the whole period ( P < 0.05). Supplementation of 250 mg/kg EULE reduced the level of MDA in the liver ( P < 0.05), while 1,000 mg/kg EULE decreased the serum level of MDA ( P < 0.05), and the HDL level in serum was increased by 250 mg/kg or 1,000 mg/kg EULE ( P < 0.05). Additionally, 250 mg/kg EULE decreased abdominal fat ratio and serum triglyceride (TC) level in broilers, while 250 or 1,000 mg/kg of EULE reduced drip loss in breast muscle ( P < 0.05), and 1,000 mg/kg EULE reduced the cooking loss in thigh muscle ( P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of 250 mg/kg of EULE could attenuate oxidative stress and improve the growth performance and meat quality in broilers., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Yan, Hu, Li, Tan, Wang, Tang, Liu, Fu, He and Wu.)

This study examined the effects of dietary Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract (ELE) supplements on carcass traits and lipid metabolism in growing-finishing pigs. A total of 144 crossbred (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) piglets with an average initial weight of 10.11 ± 0.03 kg were randomly allotted to four treatment groups, each with six replicates and six piglets per replicate. Each group of pigs was fed a basal diet or a diet supplemented with increasing levels of ELE (0.1, 0.2, or 0.3%). The results showed that adding ELE had no negative effect on the growth performance of pigs. Dietary supplements of 0.1% ELE significantly increased carcass weight ( p < 0.01), dressing percentage ( p < 0.01), carcass length ( p < 0.05), and eye muscle area ( p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, a 0.2% ELE supplement significantly increased ( p < 0.01) the levels of adiponectin, insulin-like growth factor 1, and hormone-sensitive lipase and lipoprotein lipase activity in the serum. Histological examination showed that ELE inhibited fat deposition in the backfat tissue. Lipid metabolism-related biochemical indices and mRNA expression levels were improved after supplementing diets with ELE. Moreover, all three levels of ELE dramatically upregulated ( p < 0.05) the protein levels of p-AMPK-α and p-ACC. In summary, adding ELE to pig diets could improve the carcass traits of growing-finishing pigs and exert a lipid-lowering effect by activating the AMPK-ACC pathway and regulating mRNA expression levels related to lipid metabolism. Supplementing the diet with 0.1-0.2% ELE is the optimal range to reduce fat deposition in pig backfat tissue., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Yang, Li, Guo, Wang, Zhang, Yin, Gong, Han and Yin.)

Eucommia ulmoides leaves (EL) are rich in phenolic acids and flavonoids, showing enhancing intestinal health effects. The intestinal microbiota-bile acid axis plays important roles in the occurrence and recovery of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, whether EL extract (ELE) has regulatory effects on the intestinal microbiota, bile acid metabolism, and IBD is still unclear. To fill this gap, 2% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced mild IBD in a C57BL/6J mouse model that was treated with 200 or 400 mg/kg (intake dose/body weight) ELE was used. Oral ELE supplementation alleviated DSS-induced shortening of colon and colonic epithelial injury. Compared with the DSS group, ELE supplementation significantly decreased Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and interlukin-6 (IL-6) and increased occludin and claudin-1 mRNA expression level in the colon ( p < 0.05). Combined 16S rRNA gene sequencing and targeted metabolomic analyses demonstrated that ELE significantly improved the diversity and richness of the intestinal microbiota, decreased the abundance of Bacteroidaceae , and increased Akkermansiaceae and Ruminococcaceae abundance ( p < 0.05) compared with DSS-induced IBD mice. Moreover, ELE significantly increased the serum contents of deoxycholic acid (DCA) and tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), which were highly positively correlated with Akkermansia and unidentified&#95; Ruminococccaceae relative to the DSS group. We then found that ELE increased Takeda G-protein coupled receptor 5 (TGR5), claudin-1, and occludin mRNA expression levels in the colon. In the Caco-2 cell model, we confirmed that activation of TGR5 improved the reduction in transepithelial electoral resistance (TEER) and decreased the permeability of FITC-dextran on monolayer cells induced by LPS ( p < 0.05). siRNA interference assays showed that the decrease in TGR5 expression led to the decrease in TEER, an increase in FITC-dextran permeability, and a decrease in claudin-1 protein expression in Caco-2 cells. In summary, ELE alleviated IBD by influencing the intestinal microbiota structure and composition of bile acids, which in turn activated the colonic TGR5 gene expression in the colon and promoted the expression of tight junction proteins. These findings provide new insight for using ELE as a functional food with adjuvant therapeutic effects in IBD., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Zhai, Niu, Liu, Lin and Wu.)

Asthma is characterized by chronic inflammation of the airway mucosa. As Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. leaf extract (ELE) has been known to have anti-inflammatory properties, herein, we investigated the effect of ELE on interleukin (IL-) 8 production in A549 cells, a human airway epithelial cell line. The addition of ELE 1 h before tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) stimulation inhibited IL-8 production by A549 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The addition of geniposidic acid, the main component of ELE, also inhibited IL-8 production. To further investigate the mechanism by which ELE inhibits IL-8 production, the effect of ELE or geniposidic acid on TNFα-stimulated p38 phosphorylation was examined by Western blotting. After 30 min of TNFα stimulation, p38 phosphorylation was inhibited by the addition of ELE or geniposidic acid, suggesting that ELE inhibited IL-8 production in TNFα-stimulated A549 cells by suppressing one of the signal transducers of p38 phosphorylation. These results indicate that ELE can be used as an effective measure against asthma, particularly neutrophilic asthma.

The bark and the leaf of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. content similar bioactive components, but the leaf of this medically important plant is mostly abandoned. In this study, we revealed that the aqueous extract of E. ulmoides leaf (EUL) can promote the growth of the probiotic Lactobacillus bulgaricus (LB) and inhibit the formation of osteoclast in vitro. This extract was next administrated to senescence-accelerated mice P6 to evaluate examine its influence on the composition of gut microbiota (GM), short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and osteoporosis (OP). The results showed that supplementation of the EUL aqueous extract to the mouse model: (a) increased bacterial diversity and Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio in the gut, (b) increased SCFAs concentration in the feces and serum, and (c) ameliorated OP based on the results of bone mineral density (BMD), Dual-energy X-ray bone scan, and HE staining of distal femur., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest to declare., (© 2020 The Authors. Food Science & Nutrition published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

The recent discovery that the impairment of autophagic flux in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) might be a strong determining factor in steatosis suggests the potential of therapeutic control of autophagic flux with natural agents in restoring NAFLD. We investigated the potential of Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract (EUL) to control dyslipidemia in NAFLD. EUL supplementation (200 mg/kg) promoted recovery from high fat diet (HFD)-induced lipid dysmetabolism. This hepatoprotective efficacy was accompanied by suppression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, enhancing lysosomal functions, and thereby increasing autophagic flux. We found a strong indication that inhibition of the mTOR-ER stress pathway was related to the enhanced autophagic flux. However, the direct antioxidative effect of EUL on cytoprotection cannot be ruled out as a significant contributing factor in NAFLD. Our findings will aid in further elucidating the mechanism of the anti-steatosis activity of EUL and highlight the therapeutic potential of EUL in the treatment of NAFLD.