Medicinal Plant Research 2024, Vol.14, No.4, 180-195 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/mpr 184 neurodegenerative disorders and cardiovascular diseases (Tang et al., 2021; Gong et al., 2022). Chlorogenic acid could cross the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier to exhibit its neuron protection and promotion of serotonin release through enhancing synapsin I expression, so that it may be developed as the natural drugs for the treatment of depression (Wu et al., 2016). E. ulmoides contains several compounds with potent anti-inflammatory effects. Iridoids such as aucubin and geniposidic acid have been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-1β (Wang et al., 2016; Tang et al., 2021). Additionally, flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol inhibit the NF-κB pathway, further contributing to their anti-inflammatory properties (Bai et al., 2015). These bioactive compounds are effective in treating conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and gastric ulcers (Wang et al., 2016; Gong et al., 2022). 3.3 Methods of phytochemical analysis Chromatography techniques are widely used for the analysis of phytochemicals in E. ulmoides. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is commonly employed to separate and quantify various bioactive compounds, including iridoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids (Kim et al., 2009; Gong et al., 2022). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) has also been used to analyze the sterol profiles in E. ulmoides seed oil, identifying compounds such as β-sitosterol (Tang et al., 2021). Spectroscopy methods, including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESIMS), are essential for the structural elucidation of bioactive compounds in E. ulmoides. These techniques have been used to identify and confirm the structures of various lignans, iridoids, and flavonoids isolated from the plant (Bai et al., 2015). Additionally, ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled with mass spectrometry provides a rapid and accurate method for analyzing the main components in E. ulmoides extracts (Gong et al., 2022). By employing these advanced analytical techniques, researchers can better understand the complex phytochemical composition of E. ulmoides and its potential therapeutic applications. 4 Pharmacological Activities of Eucommia ulmoides 4.1 Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties Eucommia ulmoides exhibits significant anti-inflammatory properties through various mechanisms. The polysaccharides derived from E. ulmoides (EUP) have been shown to reduce inflammation by modulating the TLR-4-NF-κB pathway, which is crucial in the inflammatory response. Specifically, these polysaccharides decrease the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-1β, thereby mitigating inflammation in hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (Figure 1) (Gao et al., 2020). Additionally, the iridoid glycosides present in E. ulmoides seeds, such as aucubin, have demonstrated inhibitory effects on nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS-stimulated microglial cells, further contributing to their anti-inflammatory potential (Tang et al., 2021). The antioxidant properties of E. ulmoides are primarily attributed to its ability to enhance the activity of antioxidant enzymes and reduce oxidative stress markers. Studies have shown that E. ulmoides leaf extracts (ELE) increase the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) while decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in various tissues, indicating a reduction in oxidative stress (Ding et al., 2020; Liao et al., 2021). These antioxidant effects are crucial in preventing diseases associated with oxidative stress, such as cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative disorders (Huang et al., 2021; Huang et al., 2022a). 4.2 Cardiovascular and metabolic health benefits E. ulmoides has been traditionally used to manage hypertension, and modern research supports its efficacy in lowering blood pressure. The bark extract of E. ulmoides has been shown to reduce blood pressure in high-salt diet and L-NAME-induced hypertensive mice by modulating the gut microbiota and reducing inflammatory cytokines (Yan et al., 2022). Additionally, the leaf extract enhances NO production in endothelial cells, which plays a critical role in vasodilation and blood pressure regulation (Lee et al., 2018).
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