Network Pharmacological Analysis on the Herbal Combinations for Mitigating Inflammation in Respiratory Tracts and Experimental Evaluation.

The regulation of inflammatory mediators, such as TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and leukotriene B4, could play a crucial role in suppressing inflammatory diseases such as COVID-19. In this study, we investigated the potential mechanisms of drug combinations comprising Ephedrae Herba, Schisandra Fructus, Platycodonis Radix, and Ginseng Radix; validated the anti-inflammatory effects of these drugs; and determined the optimal dose of the drug combinations. By constructing a herb-compound-target network, associations were identified between the herbs and tissues (such as bronchial epithelial cells and lung) and pathways (such as the TNF, NF-κB, and calcium signaling pathways).

Mitigation of Gastric Damage Using Extract: Network Pharmacological Analysis of Active Compounds and Protection Effects in Rats.

Gastritis is a common disease worldwide that is caused by various causes such as eating habits, smoking, severe stress, and heavy drinking, as well as infections and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. is a tropical aromatic evergreen tree commonly used as a natural medicine in Asia and as a functional food ingredient. Studies have reported this species' anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, and cardiovascular disease suppression effects.

In vitro chondrocyte culture in a heparin-based hydrogel for cartilage regeneration.

In the present study, we applied and optimized a heparin-based hydrogel system, formed by thiolated heparin and diacrylated poly (ethylene glycol), for three-dimensional chondrocyte culture. Encapsulation by the heparin-based hydrogel did not affect the chondrocyte viability (better than calcium-induced alginate gel), and the heparin-based hydrogel promoted chondrocyte proliferation, while maintaining chondrogenic nature. Phenotypic analyses, such as glycosaminoglycan accumulation and histological staining, also supported the proper role of the heparin-based hydrogel for cartilage regeneration; a continuous increase in glycosaminoglycan amount was observed during the culture period.