Echinocystic acid (EA), a natural extract from plants of Gleditsia sinensis Lam, exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and analgesic activities in different diseases. EA (50 mg/kg, i.p. q.d) may provide neuroprotection via activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway[3]. EA has a protective role on vascular endothelial cells in Hhcy through decreasing plasma Hcy (hyperhomocysteinemia), and thus NF-κB and CYP1A1 (cytochrome P450 1A1) expression[4]. EA induces neurite outgrowth in a concentration dependent manner without affecting cell viability. Moreover, EA treatment increased phosphorylation of c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and JNK inhibitor, SP600125, blocked the effect of EA on neurite outgrowth[5]. Administration of EA (5 or 15 mg/kg/day) for 12 weeks prevented lower levels of maximum stress and Young's modulus of femur induced by OVX (ovariectomy). EA also recovered bone metabolic biomarkers levels in OVX rats, including osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatese, deoxypyridinoline, and urinary calcium and phosphorus. EA (5 and 15 mg/kg/day) could prevent the alteration of total bone mineral density in the femur caused by OVX[6].
Echinocystic acid/刺囊酸 细胞实验
Cell Line
Concentration
Treated Time
Description
References
SHSY5Y cells
16 μM
Conditioned medium treatment
EA alleviated microglia-mediated neuron death in SHSY5Y cells
Front Pharmacol. 2022 Jan 19;12:787771
SN4741 cells
16 μM
Conditioned medium treatment
EA alleviated microglia-mediated neuron death in SN4741 cells
Front Pharmacol. 2022 Jan 19;12:787771
BV2 cells
16 μM
1 h pretreatment followed by LPS stimulation for 12 or 24 h
EA inhibited the mRNA and protein expression of pro-inflammatory mediators (iNOS, COX-2, IL-6, and TNF-α) in LPS-exposed BV2 cells
Front Pharmacol. 2022 Jan 19;12:787771
primary cortical neurons
5, 10, 15, 20 μM
24 hours
To evaluate the protective effect of EA on oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R)-induced neuronal injury. Results showed that EA significantly increased neuronal survival rate, reduced cell death and ROS levels.
Front Pharmacol. 2023 Feb 9;14:1103265
Leghorn male hepatoma cells (LMHs)
10 μM
24 hours
To evaluate the anti-steatotic effects of EA in vitro. The results showed that EA significantly reduced intracellular TG and TC levels and decreased lipid deposition.
Poult Sci. 2025 Apr;104(4):104981
Jurkat cells
20 µM
48 hours
Evaluate the effect of Echinocystic acid on Jurkat cell viability, showing no effect.
Molecules. 2021 Feb 5;26(4):848
A549 cells
100 µM
7 hours
Evaluate the effect of Echinocystic acid on the viability of A549 cells, showing significant reduction in cell viability at 100 µM
Int J Mol Sci. 2024 May 30;25(11):6026
Echinocystic acid/刺囊酸 动物实验
Species
Animal Model
Administration
Dosage
Frequency
Description
References
C57BL6 mice
MPTP-induced Parkinson's disease model
Intragastric administration
5 mg/kg
Once daily for 17 days
EA improved MPTP-induced weight loss and behavioral impairment, inhibited dopaminergic neuron damage and inflammation in the midbrain
Front Pharmacol. 2022 Jan 19;12:787771
Neonatal C57BL/6 mice
Hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD) model
Intraperitoneal injection
100 mg/kg
Administered immediately, observed up to 24 hours or 3 weeks
To evaluate the protective effect of EA on HIBD. Results showed that EA significantly reduced cerebral infarction, attenuated neuronal injury, and improved brain atrophy and long-term neurobehavioral deficits.
Front Pharmacol. 2023 Feb 9;14:1103265
Male K90 broiler chickens
High-fat diet-induced metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) model
Dietary supplementation
25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg
21 days
To investigate the effects of EA on abdominal fat deposition and fatty liver disease in broiler chickens. The results showed that EA significantly reduced abdominal fat deposition, decreased liver and serum levels of TG, TC, and LDL-C, and increased HDL-C levels. Additionally, EA altered the composition of the gut microbiota, particularly by decreasing the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes.
Poult Sci. 2025 Apr;104(4):104981
Sprague-Dawley rats
Ovariectomy-induced osteoporotic rat model
Intragastric administration
1, 5, and 15 mg/kg/day
Once daily for 12 weeks
To evaluate the protective effect of EA on ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis. Results showed that administration of EA (5 or 15 mg/kg/day) prevented lower levels of maximum stress and Young’s modulus of femur induced by OVX, recovered bone metabolic biomarkers levels, improved trabecular architecture, and decreased serum levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in OVX rats.
PLoS One. 2015 Aug 28;10(8):e0136572
Sprague Dawley rats
Hyperhomocysteinemia model
Gastric gavage
20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg
Once daily for 8 weeks
To investigate the effects of EA on aortic morphology, plasma Hcy levels, and the expression of NF-κB and CYP1A1 in a rat model of hyperhomocysteinemia. Results showed that EA significantly reduced plasma Hcy levels, decreased NF-κB and CYP1A1 expression, and had a protective effect on vascular endothelial cells.
搜索
