Comparative study of purgative pharmacological effects and mechanisms of Moringa oleifera leaves and Rhei Radix et Rhizoma.
10.19540/j.cnki.cjcmm.20230630.401
- Author:
Xing-Nan YUE
1
;
Shuo WANG
2
;
Bin YANG
3
;
Shu-Yi FENG
4
;
Rao FU
5
;
Chun-Hui QU
6
;
Zhi-Yong LI
7
Author Information
1. Basic Medical College,Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine Jinzhong 030619,China Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Beijing 100700, China.
2. School of Ethnic Medicine, Yunnan Minzu University Kunming 650500, China.
3. Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Beijing 100700, China.
4. Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Beijing 100700, China.
5. School of Pharmacy, Minzu University of China Beijing 100081, China.
6. College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Ji'nan 250300, China.
7. Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Beijing 100700, China Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs Beijing 100700, China.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Moringa oleifera leaves;
Rhei Radix et Rhizoma;
comparison;
network pharmacology;
purgative
- MeSH:
Mice;
Animals;
Cathartics;
Moringa oleifera;
Molecular Docking Simulation;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*;
Constipation
- From:
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica
2023;48(19):5259-5270
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Moringa oleifera leaves are known for their "Virechana"(purgative) effect in Ayurvedic medicine in India. This study compared the purgative effects and mechanisms of M. oleifera leaves with the reference Rhei Radix et Rhizoma to establish a foundation for the further application of M. oleifera leaves in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). Using network pharmacology and molecular docking methods, this study identified the material basis, common targets, and signaling pathways through which Rhei Radix et Rhizoma and M. oleifera leaves exerted their purgative pharmacological effects. A low-fiber diet-induced constipation mouse model was established to measure fecal parameters and small intestinal propulsion rate, and histological changes in the colon were observed using HE staining. Relative expression levels of relevant genes and target proteins were assessed using RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The results showed that mapping the targets of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma and M. oleifera leaves onto the biological process network of constipation revealed close proximity, indicating that they may exert their therapeutic effects on constipation through similar biological processes. Molecular docking results indicated that compounds such as sennoside C and isoquercitrin could target serine/threonine protein kinases(AKT1) and mitogen-activated protein kinase 3(MAPK3), thereby affecting MAPK and calcium signaling pathways to promote defecation. Animal experiments demonstrated that both M. oleifera leaves and Rhei Radix et Rhizoma increased the number of fecal pellets and water content in constipated mice, improved small intestine motility, colon mucosal thickness, and muscle layer thickness, upregulated the gene expression levels of AKT1 and MAPK3 in the colon, and downregulated the expression of AQP3 protein. These findings suggest that M. oleifera leaves and Rhei Radix et Rhizoma share similarities in their therapeutic efficacy and mechanisms for treating constipation. Using Rhei Radix et Rhizoma as a reference can provide a better understanding of the characteristics of the "Virechana"(purgative) effect of M. oleifera leaves in TCM.
