Xiangjiu He

Shell ginger (Alpinia zerumbet) is a perennial species widely utilized as both an edible spice and a medicinal plant. Phytochemical investigation of its rhizomes yielded 33 terpenoids, of which 12 are previously undescribed compounds, comprising both diterpenes and sesquiterpenes. Notably, compound 1 represents a rare, highly oxygenated isospongiane-type diterpenoid with a novel skeleton. The anti-inflammatory potential of all isolates was assessed using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages and BV2 microglial cells. Subsequent mechanism-oriented assays demonstrated that compounds 2 and 4 attenuated neuroinflammation in BV2 cells through an effect attributable to inhibition of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) nuclear translocation, reduction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) protein expression, and downregulation of the mRNA levels of iNOS, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), COX-2, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α).

Seasonal epidemics and high variability of influenza viruses pose a severe threat to global public health security. Neuraminidase, a key functional enzyme in the life cycle of influenza viruses, represents an important target for anti-influenza drug development. Given the continuous emergence of drug-resistant strains against first-line clinical neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs) such as oseltamivir, there is an urgent need to develop novel, broad-spectrum, and resistance-overcoming NAIs. Natural products, characterized by structural diversity and a wide range of biological activities, provide abundant resources for the discovery of new NAIs. Recent advances in computer-aided drug design, intelligent analytical platforms, and modern screening technologies have accelerated the identification of natural product-derived NAIs. In particular, biosensor-based strategies, including electrochemical, fluorescence, bioluminescence, and surface-enhanced Raman scattering biosensors, have demonstrated significant advantages in sensitivity, selectivity, rapid response, and high-throughput screening. In combination with computational methods and experimental approaches such as affinity ultrafiltration and activity-guided separation, these technologies have promoted the development of intelligent, precise, and multimodal screening platforms. Looking forward, the integration of biosensor-based high-throughput screening platforms with artificial intelligence algorithms is expected to drive the next generation of natural product screening platforms and facilitate the efficient discovery and clinical translation of novel NAIs. This paper systematically reviews the research progress of screening strategies for natural product-derived NAIs; introduces representative natural active NAIs, including phenols, terpenoids, and alkaloids; and prospects future development directions, aiming to provide a scientific reference for the efficient discovery of NAIs from natural products.

Chinese onion (Allium chinense G. Don) is a widely consumed edible vegetable across East Asia, recognized for its dual use as both a food and a medicinal resource. Its bulbs are recognized as dietary resources that are rich in bioactive steroidal saponins. This study conducted a systematic phytochemical investigation of Chinese onion bulbs, leading to the isolation of 20 steroidal saponins, including 13 previously undescribed compounds. Antiproliferative screening against gastric cancer (AGS) cells established that compound 1 possesses potent cytotoxicity. Mechanistic evaluations revealed that 1 suppressed AKT phosphorylation, triggered excessive intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, and induced mitochondrial dysfunction, ultimately activating caspase-dependent apoptosis. Molecular docking and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) suggested a potential interaction between compound 1 and AKT. These findings significantly expand the chemical diversity of Chinese onions and highlight their steroidal saponins as promising dietary leads for gastric cancer intervention through the AKT-mediated oxidative stress and mitochondrial apoptosis pathways.

Tupistra chinensis Baker, traditionally used in southern China as a folk remedy for sore throat and pharyngitis, has long been consumed as a medicinal tea. Steroidal saponins are considered the major bioactive constituents of its rhizome, yet systematic studies on their extraction and biological effects remain scarce. In this study, total steroidal saponins from T. chinensis (TCS) were prepared through optimized extraction and enrichment processes. Response surface methodology identified optimal conditions, and subsequent purification with D-101 resin increased the saponin content to 67.3%. The anti-inflammatory activity of TCS was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. In LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages, TCS significantly inhibited nitric oxide production and downregulated the expression of iNOS, COX-2, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, partly through suppression of NF-κB activation. In a rat model of acute pharyngitis, TCS alleviated pathological symptoms, preserved mucosal integrity, and reduced NF-κB expression. These findings demonstrate that TCS possesses strong anti-inflammatory activity and may serve as a promising candidate for the development of functional foods or natural therapeutics aimed at pharyngitis management.