Schisandra extract ameliorates arthritis pathogenesis by suppressing the NF‐κB and MAPK signalling pathways

Abstract

Schisandra chinensis is a medicinal plant used to treat various diseases. Extracts from the leaves or fruits of S. chinensis and their components are used in osteoarthritis (OA). The OA inhibitory effect of schisandrol A, one of its components, has been previously confirmed. We aimed to confirm the OA inhibitory effect of Schisandra (including components like schisandrol A) to identify why the inhibitory effect of the Schisandra extract is better. First, we investigated the effects of the Schisandra extract on OA as a potential therapeutic. Experimental OA was induced in a mouse model via destabilized medial meniscus surgery. The animals were orally administered the Schisandra extract; the inhibition of cartilage destruction was confirmed using histological analysis. In vitro analysis showed that the Schisandra extract attenuated osteoarthritic cartilage destruction by regulating IL‐1β‐induced MMP3 and COX‐2 levels. The Schisandra extract inhibited IL‐1β‐induced degradation of IκB (NF‐κB pathway) and IL‐1β‐induced phosphorylation of p38 and JNK (mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway). RNA‐sequencing analysis showed that the Schisandra extract decreased the expression of IL‐1β‐induced MAPK and NF‐κB signalling pathway‐related genes more than schisandrol A alone. Therefore, Schisandra extract may be more effective than schisandrol A in preventing OA progression by regulating MAPK and NF‐κB signalling.

The Protective Effects of Bushen Daozhuo Granule on Chronic Non-bacterial Prostatitis

“…Bushen Daozhuo granule (BSDZG), one of the applied medications for CNP in China that has been confirmed to contain hyperoside and schisandrin by our previous study, is composed of eleven kinds of Chinese materia medica, most of which have been demonstrated to possess anti-inflammation and anti-apoptosis activities, especially for neuroinflammation and renal-related inflammation ( Han, Pang et al, 2020 ; Zhong, Qiu et al, 2020 ; Cai, Wang et al, 2021 ; Song, Chen et al, 2021 ; Zhu, Dong et al, 2021 ; Kwak, Park et al, 2022 ; Han, Lee et al, 2023 ; Hou, Yang et al, 2023 ; Hu, Liu et al, 2023 ). Accordingly, in this paper, we aimed to elucidate the mechanism of BSDZG in treating CNP via anti-inflammation and anti-apoptosis from in vivo and in vitro experiments.…”