FOOD CHEMISTRY
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2025
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IF 9.8
Yan Xu,Jialu Shi,Xin Wang,Yue Wang,Yongxin Zhao,Vijaya Raghavan,Jin Wang
Punicalagin (PUN) is the predominant polyphenol in pomegranate peels, and it has antioxidant property. This study aimed to explore the potential of PUN binding in reducing the allergenicity of soybean protein 7S (a major soy allergen). Ultrasound pretreatment (U7S) was used to enhance the availability of PUN binding sites. After PUN binding, the U7S conformation became more disordered, and the surface hydrophobicity was reduced. The molecular docking results indicated that the formation of the U7S-PUN complexes mainly depended on hydrogen bonding interactions. The phenolic hydroxyl group from PUN endowed U7S with high antioxidant properties, which were retained after digestion in the gastrointestinal tract. At a molar ratio of 1:50, U7S-PUN complexes reduced the IgG binding capacity by approximately 58.05 % and increased the rate of degranulation inhibition to about 35.87 %. This research offers a theoretical foundation for the use of PUN in the production of hypoallergenic plant-based protein products.
研究领域:
食品科学
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免疫学
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生物化学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Food Bioscience
·
2025
·
IF 5.9
Ruyi Xu,Meixue Zhang,Shulan Ruan,Bin Li,Jing Tian
Endogenous protease degradation and pH dependence limit the practical application of ε-polylysine (ε-PL) as an antimicrobial agent in raw meat preservation. To expand the usage of ε-PL in raw meat, the study investigated the synergistic inhibitory effects of ε-PL and punicalagin (PU) against Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus) and Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) using micro checkboard method. The synergistic effects were quantified using fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) and fractional bactericidal concentrations index (FBCI). Both ε-PL and PU at the ratio of 1/4 MIC ε-PL + 1/4 MIC PU showed FICI of 0.5 ≤ 0.5 and FBCI of 0.266 ≤ 0.5 for both S. aureus and E. coli , suggesting that the two have a synergistic effect. The actual inhibitory zone diameters of ε-PL/PU for S. aureus and E. coli were significantly higher than the theoretical summed values ( p < 0.05). The colony number of S. aureus and E. coli were reduced by 1000 times by ε-PL/PU after 8 h and 12 h, compared to single treatments. Mechanistic studies revealed that ε-PL/PU synergistically disrupted cell membranes, increased leakage of alkaline phosphatase and proteins, and inhibited ATP production. ε-PL/PU demonstrated synergistic antioxidant effects in DPPH, ABTS, and lipid oxidation assays. Through application to the beef preservation, ε-PL/PU inhibited the rise in pH, microbial growth, maintained texture, and extended shelf life from 4 d to 8 d at 4°C, and 1 d to 3 d at 20°C and 30°C, respectively. Thus, ε-PL/PU is a potential synergistic strategy for food preservation.
研究领域:
食品科学
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微生物学
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抗菌研究
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生物化学
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食品保鲜
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产品关联
DOI
高影响因子
PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH
·
2026
·
IF 8.1
Anhao Guo,Ke Wang,Jinghao Liang,Chuanpeng Xia,Kongmei Luo,Salah Alqadhi,Hanwen Zhang,Shanying Xiao,Tao Lin,Zhe Zhang,Long Wu,Hede Yan
Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) often leads to functional impairment, and current therapeutic options are limited. Punicalagin (PUN), a polyphenolic compound derived from Punica granatum , exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of PUN for PNI and its underlying mechanisms, focusing on mitochondrial autophagy (mitophagy), TLR4/MAPK signaling, and angiogenesis. In vitro, Schwann cells were treated with PUN under oxidative stress induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide to evaluate cell viability, mitochondrial function, mitophagy, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and apoptosis. PUN at non-toxic concentrations (≤ 20 μM) promoted mitophagy, attenuated ROS accumulation, and inhibited apoptosis. These effects were partially reversed by the mitophagy inhibitor Bafilomycin A1. Network pharmacology and molecular docking identified TLR4 as a primary target, and Western blot analyses demonstrated that PUN modulated downstream MAPK signaling. In vivo, intraperitoneal PUN administration in rats after sciatic nerve crush injury improved gastrocnemius muscle preservation, promoted axonal regeneration and remyelination, enhanced neovascularization, and significantly improved functional recovery, as measured by the sciatic functional index. Collectively, these findings indicate that PUN facilitates peripheral nerve repair through coordinated regulation of mitophagy, TLR4/MAPK signaling, and angiogenesis, highlighting its potential as a non-surgical therapeutic agent to promote nerve regeneration and functional recovery after PNI.
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
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2024
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IF 4
Yingcai Xiong,Keyu Tao,Tao Li,Yinghui Zhou,Zhaowei Zhang,Weiying Ou,Zhao Wang,Shouchuan Wang,Yayi Hou,Peng Cao,Jianjian Ji
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections, with no currently available small-molecule drugs that are both safe and effective. A major obstacle in antiviral drug development is the rapid emergence of drug-resistant viral strains. Targeting multiple viral compounds may help mitigate the development of resistance. Herein, we conducted a drug screening using the Antiviral Traditional Chinese Medicine Active Compound Library, aiming to identify compounds that simultaneously target the RSV fusion (F) protein, glycoprotein (G), and the host heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs). From this screening, 10 candidate compounds were identified for their ability to interact with all three targets. Among these 10 candidates, chebulagic acid (CHLA) and punicalagin (PUG) demonstrated the most potent inhibition of RSV replication. In vitro dose–response assays confirmed the antiviral efficacy of CHLA (IC50: 0.07864 µM) and PUG (IC50: 0.08065 µM). Further experiments revealed both CHLA and PUG disrupt RSV attachment and membrane fusion by targeting the RSV-F and G proteins, rather than HSPG. Notably, CHLA and PUG were found to bind to the CX3C motif of the RSV-G protein, with docking assays predicting their binding sites at cysteines 176 and 182. Additionally, CHLA enhanced the conformational stability of the RSV-F protein before fusion. In an in vivo study, both CHLA and PUG were shown to alleviate RSV-induced pulmonary pathology by reducing viral titers, mitigating lung injury, and suppressing the inflammatory responses in the lungs. Our findings suggest that CHLA and PUG hold potential as therapeutic agents for RSV infection.
研究领域:
病毒学
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药理学
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分子生物学
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中医药
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
FOOD CHEMISTRY
·
2026
·
IF 9.8
Yijin Peng,Wenhui Zou,Qisheng Yue,Yunxia Yang,Zhenzhen Xu,Zhongxiang Fang,Linyan Zhou
This study investigated the copigmentation mechanism between punicalagin (PUN) and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) using spectroscopic analysis, thermodynamic evaluation, and quantum chemical modeling. UV-VIS spectra revealed enhanced absorbance and red shifts upon increasing PUN concentration to the C3G solution, indicating intensified color. Copigmentation was most effective at acidic pH (3–6) and declined at higher temperatures. Thermodynamic parameters indicated a spontaneous, exothermic interaction between PUN and C3G, involving hydrogen bonding and π–π stacking. FT-IR, 1 H NMR, and IGMH analyses confirmed these interactions and revealed that α -PUN formed more stable complexes with C3G than β -PUN, due to cooperative aromatic-polar interactions and more favorable stacking geometry. Quantum calculations supported the greater stability of α -C3G/PUN complexes. Furthermore, PUN significantly improved the thermal, light, and storage stability of C3G. These findings provide molecular-level insights into anthocyanin-ellagitannin copigmentation and demonstrate the potential of PUN as a natural copigment for improving color stability in food systems.
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
CHEMICO-BIOLOGICAL INTERACTIONS
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2019
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IF 3.407
Li-Ming Yu,Xue Dong,Xiao-Dong Xue,Jian Zhang,Zhi Li,Hong-Jiang Wu,Zhong-Lu Yang,Yang Yang,Hui-Shan Wang
Punicalagin has been found to exert cardiac protective effects against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury, although the detailed mechanisms remain largely unknown. This experiment was performed to explore the potential involvement of silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1)-NFE2-related factor 2 (NRF-2)-heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway in the cardiac protective actions of punicalagin. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were subjected to MI/R operation with or without punicalagin treatment (40 mg kg −1 d −1 ). We showed that punicalagin-treated group exhibited enhanced cardiac function, reduced myocardial infarction and decreased cleaved caspase-3 level. Furthermore, myocardial oxidative/nitrosative stress was ameliorated by punicalagin as evidenced by suppressed superoxide generation, gp91 phox and iNOS expressions, NO metabolites as well as myocardial nitrotyrosine level. Additionally, punicalagin decreased myocardial IL-6, TNF-α and the levels of ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and IKK-β expressions as well as IκB-α phosphorylation and NF-κB nuclear translocation. However, these effects were abolished by EX527 (5 mg kg −1 d −1 , a selective SIRT1 inhibitor). We further found that punicalagin dose-dependently enhanced SIRT1 nuclear distribution and NRF-2-HO-1 signaling. While EX527 treatment not only reduced SIRT1 activity, but also reversed the activation of NRF-2-HO-1 pathway. Collectively, these results revealed that punicalagin reduced cardiac oxidative/nitrosative stress and inflammatory response induced by MI/R operation through SIRT1-mediated activation of NRF-2-HO-1 signaling.
研究领域:
心脏病学
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药理学
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分子生物学
✓ 已验证
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Food Bioscience
·
2024
·
IF 4.8
Huanhuan Liu,Jiahui Li,Chunhong Yan,Jiaxiu Liu,Dongyun Zhao,Shugang Li,Xiaodong Xia
Inflammatory bowel disease is characterized by compromised epithelium barrier function and hyperactive intestinal inflammation. This study aims to investigate the effects of punicalagin, a bioactive ellagitannin in pomegranate, on dextran-sodium sulfate (DSS) - induced colitis in mice and to examine the underlying mechanisms involved. Oral administration of punicalagin (100 mg/kg/day) effectively mitigated the severity of experimental colitis in mice, evidenced by increased colon length, improved intestinal permeability, and decreased histological scores. Punicalagin up-regulated the mRNA expression level of Muc2 in and the protein expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin in colitic mice. Moreover, punicalagin effectively decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in the colon, and in Caco-2 cells exposed to H 2 O 2 in vitro . Mechanistically, punicalagin attenuated inflammation by inhibiting the secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the phosphorylation of the NF-κB/STAT3 pathway. In addition, punicalagin increased adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation in the colon of DSS-treated mice and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) -induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. Knocking down AMPKα by siRNA diminished punicalagin's anti-inflammatory function in RAW 264.7 macrophages exposed to LPS. Furthermore , molecular docking analysis, cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA), and drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) analysis supported the direct interaction between punicalagin and AMPK. In conclusion, punicalagin could mitigate DSS-induced colitis through enhancing intestinal epithelial barrier, alleviating oxidative stress, and attenuating inflammation partly through modulation of AMPK–NF–κB-STAT3 pathway.
研究领域:
药理学
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免疫学
·
胃肠病学
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DOI
高影响因子
EXPERIMENTAL CELL RESEARCH
·
2023
·
IF 3.7
Lei Huang,Shunyi Lu,Mengxuan Bian,Jiayi Wang,Jieqin Yu,Jun Ge,Jian Zhang,Qintong Xu
Oxidative stress is one of the most important factors in changing bone homeostasis. Redox homeostasis plays a key role in the osteogenic differentiation of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and the angiogenesis ability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) for bone regeneration. Currently, this study assessed the effects of punicalagin (PUN) on BMSCs and HUVECs. Cell viability was determined by CCK-8 assay. A flow cytometry analysis was adopted to detect macrophage polarization. The production of reactive oxygen stress (ROS), glutathione (GSH), malonaldehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were evaluated by using commercially-available kits. Osteogenic capacity of BMSCs was evaluated by ALP activity, ALP staining and ARS staining. The expression of osteogenic-related proteins (OCN, Runx-2, OPN) and Nrf/HO-1 levles were evaluated by Western blotting. Osteogenic-related genes (Osterix, COL-1, BMP-4, ALP) were evaluated by RT-PCR. Migration ability and invasion ability of HUVECs were evaluated by wound healing assay and Transwell assay. Angiogenic ability was detected by tube formation assay and the expression of angiogenic-related genes (VEGF, vWF, CD31) were evaluated by RT-PCR. Results showed that PUN alleviated oxidative stress by TNF-α, enhanced osteogenic differentiation in BMSCs and angiogenesis in HUVECs. Moreover, PUN regulate immune microenvironment by promoting the polarization of M2 macrophages and reduce the oxidative stress related products by activating Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Altogether, these results suggested that PUN can promote osteogenic capacity of BMSCs, angiogenesis of HUVECs, alleviate oxidative stress via Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, offering PUN as a novel antioxidant agent for treating bone loss diseases.
研究领域:
药理学
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细胞生物学
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分子生物学
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干细胞研究
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骨再生
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
危险品化学品经营许可证（带存储）